What did the note to the officer read in the movie Babel?

Question

There was a note givin to the officer from the asian girl at the end of the movie Babel. Did I miss it or did they not say what the note said?

Answer 1

We never see what the note says. Not only is it in Japanese, but it's never shown long enough to see. There is only a glimpse.

But it is a long note, and appears to contain more words than Chieko has communicated thus far in the entire film. I think the note was a confessional of some kind - maybe apologizing for her sexual advance, explaining her mother's suicide or just desperately reaching out, explaining how alone she feels. There is also a possibility it's a suicide note - or at least, intended to be one - since she said her mother jumped (when she didn't) but Chieko herself looks ready to jump. But I don't think it was a direct threat or else the police officer would have done something, and not just eaten his noodles.

Answer 2

The note said, "My mother shot herself in the head. She didn't jump off the balcony."


Her father confirms the tragedy before the officer has a chance to read the note, which shares her pain and inability to make a connection with humanity.