Original subtitles

Film based on drama of STANISLAW WYSPIANSKI

THE WEDDING

KRAKOW 1990

Screenplay

Characters

Characters of the drama

Music

Photography

Director

Praise the Lord.

What's going on in politics?

Dear host, I have enough of it all day long!

A politician!

Precisely, I'm fed up with politicians!

But these matters are interesting.

Everybody who is curious may read.

You are like a Cossack, sad when he dismounts.

- And you are coquettish. - It's because of your charm.

- The way you lowered your head... - Really?

As if I was surprised with being honoured like this.

You're journalist of big daily paper!

A drama is spinning in my mind, dangerous, sumptuous,

vehement. The hero in armour, rough.

And the story is merry but very sad in fact.

Beautiful and dramatic, as everything in our country.

While vulgarity screams and crushes, pushes into our mouth, ears and eyes.

In each of us something is stirring. Year after year, each generation.

We are as cursed,

attracted by weird and ghosts.

The peasant grows in power of ancient king, the Piast.

There's something of Piast in him.

We have something after Piast kings.

The peasant is power... that's that!

Long years ago... when the matchmakers came to me...

both from the peasant and the squire, and I was in love!

Godspeed, praised He be. Praised.

Dear friend, so many guests from Krakow.

For it's a new thing to them what is an old one to us.

A different reason is guiding them.

They're watching it like magic.

It helps to cure their languor!

All this had such impact on me...

- that I fell in love at once. - Have some rest.

And you are saying that these are the different classes.

Why talking of classes? Simply he got attracted.

All people are equal.

Squires are bored on their own so they are having fun with us.

For a month I'm walking barefoot! I feel healthy ever since.

I'm walking barefoot and bareheaded!

I don't put the underwear, I feel better straight away.

How very kind of you, Monsignor.

There?

There, here... a change in whole Polish nature.

I think... something is wrong.

You know, lady...

Monsignor, don't forget us, please.

There are people who despise me as I'm of peasant origin.

We're all the same, from Polish farce!

I'm of peasant parentage, so are you!

You, Father, will soon

be wearing a tippet.

Perhaps I deserve it but nobody can be sure.

Others want it too.

These are tough, you should stand and smack their gobs!

Honey, we were talking of church majesty.

- I thought it was something else. - Naive and innocent she is.

I am glad!

I think... you will regret it, sister.

- Oh, aunty! - Yes, honey?

We also want to dance!

Maybe one of gentlemen will want to.

- I don't want with any of gentlemen! - Dance with each other, girls.

We want with the best men, whose feathers are sweeping the ceiling.

- There? In the crowd? - It's so nice in the crowd!

They are swarming over there.

And for no reason they are slapping on the faces!

- That's not for you. - We'll be back in a while!

What makes you so merry today? Fix better your hair.

You have so much of absorbing work. Still the wedding... has attracted you.

I am glad I could run away from the rubbish.

Your work is serious. And you dismiss it so easily

with a gesture, thinking of it badly. That's a serious thing.

There are no serious things. Everything is makeshift,

opinions, statements.

- But still the truth... - Not even the shadow of the truth.

- They want a whole bottle. - Let others dance!

Praised be!

- Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. - Praised be, Madam.

Klimina, widow of the village head. I'm a counsellor's wife from Krakow.

Look how the bridesmaids are getting paler and paler!

Are you dancing, bridesman? After me!

If Jasiek wanted to dance I would dance with Jasiek.

If you only wanted I offer my help, Miss.

How are things in the fields? Is the planting over?

Nobody's planting at this season.

Don't be angry, Miss if I hold your waist tighter!

Like years ago when matchmakers came to me!

- The Chinese are holding strong. - Do you know where China is?

Far away!

Somewhere far away.

You gentlemen can't know that peasant with his wisdom will find his way!

We have people who spent two years in Japan during the war.

But it's calm in here!

You are afraid of unrest in here! You are laughing at us in your mind!

You could have had a lot but you refuse to want it!

You're looking at me, squinting like at a picture.

It's a painted picture, flawless.

Colours fresh and natural.

Truly original design.

I can see you're a peculiar expert.

- Thank you, Sir. - You' re welcome.

When I began to whirl like this I wanted to kiss the best man.

- Child! - A kiss is no loss.

- The best men are too dumb for this. - This is what you're telling me now?

You shouldn't, little flower.

If one of the city girls...

who has a heart, say to me: I want you just like a girl from the village.

Am I supposed to be that girl? The one who should propose.

- Do you love me? - Maybe...

you keep talking about this.

My heart's pounding, my head roaring, my Jagus!

- Are you mine? - Yours, as I should be!

I wanted to say something tenderly.

You with your golden heart,

you won't even guess how my heart is hammering!

As I see you in that crown, in that bodice!

- It's all mine, my own. - My shoes are a bit tight.

- Take them off, my darling! - That's what cobblers do!

- Dance barefoot then! - A barefoot bride?!

So what! It's impossible!

Why be tortured? For what reason?

You should wear shoes at the wedding!

I wanted to knock at your heart.

I wanted... to knock at your heart.

- How it burns inside! - There's no fire made in my heart.

I must complain. Though it's cold, you may get burnt.

Cupid could manage it.

- Cupid is blind. He may betray. - Cupid?

- It's a quick, winged ghost. - Many claims about the wings.

And that's all there is.

Getting married is forever! It's like floating in the air!

- Like jumping into the well. - I won't drown for sure.

Will drown the one who gets married.

Let everything melt, let it burn, as long as the musicians play!

Play for the wedding!

That music... is milling around.

Nice to sleep... nice to play...

Life used to be too complicated.

Let's escape from it to dreams.

We would have to have... huge power.

A Titan's power at least, to mean something on that scale,

Everything's nursing on deceptions.

The night, the music! The playing and the tale.

I would buy myself a musician! I could use him for my soul!

You keep talking, talking, talking.

- How do you feel at the wedding? - I feel like I was the groom.

And I can feel that what is mine is not mine.

This is just anxiety.

What's the difference happiness mine or not mine.

- Damn. - Keep quiet.

Hush, just hush.

- It won't change my opinion. - Each one has a right to its own.

About a dowry like against a reef couple are wrecked.

Engaged for five years suddenly a wardrobe changed it all.

Still it doesn't change my opinion.

I have nothing against it, everyone suits his own taste.

I'm a simple and straightforward guy, I'm not wasting years for courting.

As these who spend years quarantining before they finally grab the girl.

My charming bride.

How will you live?

Some way or other.

I don't know.

We haven't talked yet.

- Eyes sparking with electricity. - I warmed up when dancing.

You dream of loving. You don't care of others' heart.

Should I care of yours then?

What are you going to talk about when long evening comes?

When you're reluctant to talk you just have to sit and let time go.

Why should he talk if there's nothing he wants to tell me?

Why would he waste his mouth?

We shouldn't step off our way. There were gods and gods will be.

There's still some faith in people.

But why are you angry?

For that you sing of me as Lohengrin at the swan.

And we're not meant for each other. So what's singing for?

It's all out of social thrill.

We're reading newspaper here and we know everything.

What for?

And you, brother, from the city again. How do you like our humble abode?

- I feel comfortable here. - City folk ain't doing well nowadays.

Left only in the country

souls full of fantasy!

I danced with the Moravian girl that nobody else wanted to dance with.

I can afford being merciful, She's a peasant, I'm a lord.

Let me take a nap... she can wait.

- Moses is here at the wedding. - I came rather shy.

- We're friends. - Friends who don't like each other.

You're all in colours today... you'll cast it off tomorrow.

- The national, peasant attire. - You're dallying nationally.

- You're free to do this. Nice cut. - Where is Miss Rachela?

She will come. Instead of sleep she prefers gentlemen and a wedding.

- She's educated. - Even a lot.

She's spellbound with music. My daughter is a modern young lady.

She likes poets. She even likes peasants.

Why are you marrying a peasant? There are intelligent young ladies.

They seem plain to me.

Bon soir.

Bon soir!

- My daughter. - A cloud brought me here.

A fog, a mist of a night.

This house full of light from far looks like an arc in the flood.

Music playing in the night seemed just delightful to me.

So I came...

May I, Dad?

Rachela, you can amuse yourself.

I, a Jew, must disgust you, but you must respect her.

She's not ashamed of her father.

If you're looking for a partner, we will shelter you tonight.

An ensemble out of a fairy tale.

And these costumes rainbow-bathed...

You are right.

Moths swarm around the candle.

Where's a light... they get together.

They get together in good faith.

Blindly, cordially, honestly.

Without guessing that the wick is waiting to burn their wings.

Did you come on your wings?

That dancing crowd...

You'll see it'll be good for poetry.

If you change a little, add a little.

I can feel it...

I can hear it...

I'll describe it all... one day.

The Bride wants a word with you.

I leave the lady... I go to serve mine.

- And you're leaving yourself to me? - I'm interested in you.

- I'm watching and I know. - At first sight.

- You think, just unwillingly. - Thunderbolt!

- One might miss. - Well, young lady...

Love, Cupid, golden arrow.

Do you think the end is near?

The little Cupid will kidnap me?

Galatea!

Who, I? The nymph?

Well, then?

What is your wish?

Happiness.

What about free love?

That's what I always wanted.

What if some kinder happiness ever complained to you?

Then I would stop dreaming.

He's from the city, she's a peasant.

They've come from the city to greet the peasants.

It's a mere farce.

Because it costs nothing.

- I'll give back by tomorrow. - I don't doubt.

Moses is accurate. That's why I'm on his side.

I give, I take. Yours, mine. I can't manage on such destitution.

Why brawling and quarrelling?

I'm very dogged.

Mr. Czepiec, you owe me.

You should pay!

You dog carcass, you lie!

- Mr. Czepiec, you're in debt! - I give nothing!

I'll give you nothing until he pays his debts.

- Give the money! - What the devil!

Then who's the thief of my money? The damned Jew, or...

the Monsignor?!

- Vodka! - Get it... from wherever!

- How they argue, how they quarrel... - Temperaments playing.

If you touch them with arms they'll burn like dry straw.

Just to show the spark of a knife... the year 1846...

I only know it from relations but I avoid such studies,

they poison image of Polish village.

What if I clad in roses and climb a huge pyre

to show how a man adorned with roses is dying.

Homer's lute would be needed for it.

And fire? The mountain of flames? Dark cloud of smoke,

that would gush from the fire?

Death.

This would be the power.

They are having fun now, long ago there was real anger.

There even was bloodshed.

I don't know anything. I'm clean.

Don't lead us into temptation, sweetest Jesus.

- Did you know? - You were younger.

And I was near! Close!

I saw the snow melting and washing the blood away!

You are... almost offended?

- What are you still looking for? - Teaching was not wasted.

- Who is learning? - We both. I from you and you from me.

- What do I need it for? - For nothing. It's just pure art.

Keep your art and do your tricks I just want to be left alone.

I'm entertaining you with gallantry half-joking, half-serious.

That creates a different style. Nobody offends anybody.

Excuse me? What kind of talk is this?

Words, words...

words, words.

Bird and bird are not alike.

Not every man is up to another.

Nor the soul will face another, Nor will eagle fly into the turd.

You're one thing, I'm another.

If people want we are ready.

We are kinfolk, we are healthy.

Bow to anybody, look for the king Piast.

One day you'll fall for a peasant.

Maybe you're telling my fortune, I'm attracted by peasants.

But he must be a good-looking boy. Return, return to nature.

It's not difficult to guess, there's no other who would be after...

Your father's complained about that literary tone.

He lets me do whatever I want. And he is even proud of me.

Interesting, isn't it?

Exploitation, peddling, he and I.

All is blended in your poetry: Your father and peasants.

- I've read a lot of poems. - Have you ever written one?

I didn't want to.

It was my will...

not to write.

Poor form disgusts me... instead when I look around...

I can see...

poetry live...

spellbound...

and...

holy!

I'm fed up with everything now.

My heart is getting cold, my Guardian Angel left me.

If anything ever starts, you know we are eager and ready.

If whoever would like to use us our scythes are hanging over there.

- You always have a strong mouth. - Then have a look at my fists.

Let me simply take a swing!

You can hear ribs clattering.

Like you did to this Jew.

That Jew... when I smacked his gob,

I thought it was his end. But blood just dimmed his wits.

He didn't fall thanks to the crowd.

Why did the beast yelled like that?

- Look at the peasants today! - What has been, may come again.

We've forgotten everything. They butchered my grandfather with a saw.

Stabbed my father to death somewhere. Beat him, pushed him...

bleeding, drove him across the ice. We've forgotten everything.

Strange, how people change.

How things are strange.

- We're dressed in peacock feathers. - Because the nature is changing us.

The faith in people helps to hope that something will be done.

I wish I could love but very, very strong.

It's the music playing lively that makes your heart jump.

Don't worry, my dear, many more tears and tombs,

are still between you and that love.

Why does fate scorn the happiness.

Why doesn't it strew it into eyes.

Why was he trying to contradict me?!

Jasiek, I'll tell you something, Guess what.

- These girls they want us. - That's what I think too.

Kacper, I'll tell you something, Guess what.

- They're laughing at us. - Not important...

There are the bridesmaids.

We aren't unworthy.

Spending time with the roses in the garden, friendly with clouds.

And for your comfort you have to be friendly with poets.

- You keep reprimanding me. - It's your heart burning with lust.

- You'd rather be in a room. Not alone. - I came for a while.

But I'll humbly return home. And I'll think of you from far away.

And if I fall for you, I'll send you a letter and a key.

Roam, poetry, roam. From a room to a room.

- From the rose garden... - Oh yes, oh yes!

I'll cross the garden, the orchard.

- And you stay here at the window. - I'll be glad to see you,

wandering around the dark orchard, while... I'll stand here in the warmth.

You... shouldn't worry about me.

If you have a smell of roses, you'll be wrapped in straw.

Next spring you'll be unwrapped... and you'll bloom again.

That is nice.

In front of the straw I'll complain to my poetry.

I'll order a Strawman... to come.

To come here, for the wedding.

Maybe you'll believe him that Rachela is telling the truth.

- Your name is so lyrical. - Beautiful, isn't it?

I want poetry for you.

And I want to glow it up.

Invite here for the wedding all the wonders, flowers, shrubs,

lightenings, buzzings, singings!

- And the Strawman. - Do you believe me now?

It might be a grand scale wedding feast.

I'll praise you know.

Adieu. That one moment you attracted me.

- You're a poet now. - Adieu, so soon?

I haven't grown up to high scales. I have fun pour passer le temps.

The Bride.

- The debt is the holy thing. - I remember.

Go and talk to Czepiec.

I think, whatever you want will happen.

- You mean, at my request? - At your request and your order.

What is it about that you're expecting so much of me?

You're happy today, young Bride.

Invite the poor, oppressed by hell.

- Why ghosts from hell? - Let them come to the wedding,

- where the music plays. - I'm lost.

- Will we find a room for all of them? - The music will embrace them,

such ghost will stop for a moment

and then will vanish like smoke.

It makes no sense to me, maybe others will understand what is it about.

My husband.

The Groom! You, listen.

You're a poet after all.

It's your wedding today.

I'm... so happy. I would invite...

the whole world to join the party!

I'm so glad!

I'm so glad!

Then invite the Strawman.

Come to the wedding, Strawman!

I invite you, I the Groom!

There's so much food... and drinks...

you may have fun with us!

For us there's enough and more, join us at the wedding, Strawman!

Do you think he will listen to us? He is a stupid thing!

Bring whoever you want! Enjoy our company!

- Enjoy the wedding! - Enjoy yourself, enjoy!

Will he listen to us?

You coot! You're dragging around like a raven!

Hey, old friend! Your grandson will be a squire!

I'm glad. But I think you'll have some regrets, sister.

Regrets of what?

Do you remember driving the cows to the fields.

When we were little girls. You and Hanusia and I.

We were home together.

You will miss the daddy and us.

And though you'll enjoy your man, you'll come running, weeping.

Because this is where your soul is, where you heart has its roots.

You'll be lonely there and be sad therefore.

- And you will regret! - Regret what?

Let's drink and start the ceremony! Come here!

Let's put the cap on bride's head!

Open up, open!

Let the Bride out, let her out!

We will let the Bride come to you,

when we get a bottle of wine for her!

We have to put the kids to bed. It is midnight now.

I don't want to sleep as long as they are playing.

Let the children stay where they are,

- as they want. - Come here right away!

Your eyelids are heavy, your eyes are closing.

- I would like to be a big girl. - Bring over the lamp,

rock the baby, if you do it right, you may join the dance.

I'm watching as you kiss, keep kissing while I'm watching,

your face is softer and softer.

Let me caress you, your lips, your forehead, your face.

- You seem never to have enough! - Never enough, never satisfied.

- I could kiss you endlessly! - What is it? No wonder,

that you're pale and shivering.

- These lips didn't leave me alone. - Because they wanted.

- They did? - What ugly creatures are they?

We're self-educated.

I've known all kinds of love, and you, I want you my way!

Our way!

If it makes you feel good, all right!

Nothing will take you away from me! I desired so much the fields, the sun!

It's our wedding. Let's go and dance.

But I can't dance anymore.

Kiss me or you'll be sorry.

- That music makes me sentimental. - Wait.

- We will be happy. - My God.

In what manor? We'll build a manor of larch.

I'll plant birches under the windows.

Birch tree grows very fast.

- In 3 years walls will be in shadow. - We'll sit in greenery.

In a blooming orchard.

In a beauty.

And if we have

the sun and good weather...

We will go to the garden together...

Who has called me?

What he wanted?

I took what I had.

And I came to the wedding.

There will be lots of guests coming.

Let's hope the wind will blow.

What every of you has in his soul,

What every of you see in his dreams...

Rest here, Wojtek, I'm tired with the dance too.

Oh, my wife... my soul.

I'm sad for you. Go to the music, enjoy yourself.

It wouldn't be nice if I couldn't stand at your side.

I got dizzy suddenly.

As if it was your wedding.

And it is not our wedding, Marysia,

not our wedding.

Sleep, you'll sleep over your sores.

Where do you live, where do you roam?

You drove to strange cities, I waited for you long.

But you never came.

You promised.

Where's your tomb? Where's your tomb?

People say very far...

I won't reach it... I won't find it

You were the golden sun to me.

How pale you are!

It's the lights.

Now you blush suddenly!

Hug me strong.

I like you better. You!

Somebody's following me all the time, stepping in front of me nonstop.

But who is it?

- The Jester! - A great man!

Great as he's wearing a jester's robe.

Great as he vanished from your sight.

You have more and more of jesters, almost jesters' rallies.

Salve, brother.

Salve, father!

You would rather sleep.

A number of good jesters are gone.

We're putting on grey colour.

The national concept is fading away.

My poor soul is falling asleep!

It's putting my brother to sleep too!

You seem to be confessing the sins of the others.

You watch events develop, so distant,

so distant from dreams, so far away from everything,

that was great in the country!

You are in tears, your soul is bleeding,

but from what you're saying it's clear you are rather healthy.

- Tomorrow you'll be in better mood. - I'm calling disasters!

Begone! Ugh!

Belie your heart, no one understands.

Enjoy yourself in the crowd!

Go, blur that national tub!

Maybe a man comes out from the dregs.

What made you so bitter... so fervent?

It irks me, exhausts me and hurts me.

Do we have any right? Any right to live?

We, butterflies and crickets in bonds.

We'll start swelling and getting fat with the poison we are treated with.

You really got bitter.

- It's the music. - It's getting to my throat.

Big national gaiety.

- Give me your hand. - Leave me alone!

Give me your hand.

Begone!

Do you know what you should be? What you should dream about?

Tomorrow's a day, before it the dawn.

Do you know who you could have been?

A dream, a wish, a ghost, a phantom!

A word, a spectre! A herald.

A voice like that of my daydreams. A knight.

Will you write a sonnet or octave?

No! I plan a different game.

I felt a tether around my neck.

Poland... is a great thing.

You stick to...

a boorish girl!

Poland is all rabble!

Gold, gold is all they want!

You were leading us, Hetman, although you're a thug!

And the king was your good friend! You were leading!

You were leading! We're today like dogs in bondage!

Fire is consuming you!

But nothing can save us anymore! Neither a king, nor a pain!

Neither sorrows, nor tears! Hey, Hetman!

- Today is my day of love! - Mr. Branecki, don't spare your penny.

Let's kiss one another!

You took money from Moscow!

You should have pampered

the Empress' brats...

What's wrong with you?

Has the Bride bewitched you?

Devils right from hell are present!

Don't run away! I wanted to say something.

God bless the wedding night!

My friend, my friend...

Begone, infernal!

- Who are you, you bleeding? - I am Jakub Szela!

I came here for the wedding, I was their father executioner!

Today I'm a matchmaker! Do you see my medals?

Bloodstained clothes. Bloodstained hair.

Shut your mouth!

Don't do it again!

Bring me a bucket of water.

Wash my hands, wash my face...

- In your hands! - Thank you!

- Let me kiss Kasia! - Go away, look at him!

Hardly came in and is asking already!

Adieu bridesmaid! If you don't want, I won't force you.

The beast, he's drunk the full bottle.

- Kasia? - What's up... Jasio?

You see, Kasia...

Come to me, Kasia, I want to tell you something.

- Tell me, what about us? - There's dew out in the garden.

If we only could be alone.

Kasper!

Kasper.

- Go to the barn. - What for? You go.

You go first, brother, bring the straw.

We will come.

Why do you stick together? You're after him?

- Then get married. - The lazy are first to get married.

- He'll grab Kasia and turn around. - At least there's something to grab by.

- Bring some vodka! - Take the coins!

Clear!

Just a moment.

You're right.

I bought myself peacock feathers!

Got the peacock feathers.

Beautiful they are.

I have stolen them!

I'll built myself a manor!

We have a visitor!

What a squire it is!

Take the horse to the barn... give it some feed.

He must be a grand squire!

A bag with visitors has broken on this wedding day.

- Who could it be? - Step out on the porch.

There's a visitor!

A great guest apparently.

What a strange face you're making!

Don't start arguing with me, mother.

You seem strangely insecure.

Don't start arguing with me, mother.

I'm kind of mournful on this day.

- Must be quite a visitor. - So I'll close the door...

you may talk there.

I have enough if this dancing.

Who is it?

Who is it?

Welcome, Mister Wlodzimierz. I came here as a guest.

- I have a lot of news for you. - Yes, sir.

May I ask what your name is?

Are you... the old man with the lyre?

I brought orders.

Order means duty!

What is covert shall be overt. What was far shall be near.

Send messengers before dawn, To all four corners.

- I must take my wife's advice... - Stay here, Mr. Wlodzimierz.

- Be ready before the sun rises. - What's this? Is it starting?

- Obey blindly. - I'll be ready!

- Your word. - I said so!

I'm giving you a golden horn.

Golden horn?

Poland has not perished yet...

I'll be damned...

Come on, Hanus!

Hanus!

What's up?

We must get ready!

My belts! My bags!

My flint! The pistols! And I'll take two swords as well!

Where do you want to go at night?

- You won't stand it. - I'm supposed to be ready.

You must be sick!

Struggles in the middle of the night? What is it?

- I have to get on horseback! - You'll fall in the ditch somewhere!

I took an oath on my soul. I have to ride!

Witch work, ghouls, a strange power!

We will experience something great now!

God save us!

Ordered. Duty. I have to go! His power has spellbound me!

- The spirit of the nation! - Rather a ghost from hell!

What, where, how? You've drunk a lot?

The ghost carries me away! Jasiek!

- I'm supposed to be ready! - You are sick!

- And you, what? - Jasiek, come to me!

Now!

Saddle the horse!

- Get on horseback and call all men! - Now? On horseback?

Duty!

I'll get lost. It's muddy and wet.

Run to the four corners! Knock at windows!

Tell them to come before the dawn!

At the chapel! Men with all their weapons!

Men with scythes? God with us!

- We will fight! - Off I go!

Here, this is the bounty.

- Pure gold? What's this? - Magic.

Poland has not perished yet,

as long as we are alive...

Put the cord round your neck, hold the horn strong.

Be wary at the road crossings so that no devil defeats you.

Dash off!

- Right to the borders! - But don't lose the golden horn!

I'd rather burn up in hell!

My cap!

My cap with a peacock feather!

Be back before the rooster crows for the third time!

- Call all the men! - There is no reason!

Haven't you understood? Stop the misery, start the work!

What work are you talking of? What haven't I understood?

Eagles, swords, scythes, emblems! Squires, peasants, peasants, squires!

The whole world is bewitched.

Everything was a fake and false!

- What's wrong? - Go to bed, you're drunk!

I must ride! I have to! I took an oath on my soul!

- What's going on? - He's getting mad.

And you, what are you?!

What is left of us?

Puppets.

Puppets. Miserable masks! Dyed fabrication!

Pictures!

Mood!

You have moods here!

I'm telling you, I'm sorry for you!

Go to bed, you are drunk.

Hey, brothers!

On your horses! Take your weapon!

On your horses!

I'm not rich.

You got married, so you did. Whoever he was.

As if you went away to the other word.

Maybe you would be happier... if I married a squire.

As he wanted me years ago.

The one who died?

More and more beautiful.

You're alone.

I'm beautifying in my loneliness.

I can see you've fastened your wings.

You made poetry of the moment, the whole house, the wedding, guests.

Yes. I imagined live...

all the scares, whole paradise of fantasy.

And it made you happy.

And what about us? We aren't poets.

Don't you think that a cascade of tenderness is falling upon us?

That our eyes shine as if we were seeing something.

Maybe you've become angels on this sleepless night,

night danced away, full of music.

And what next?

Exactly, what to do next with this tenderness?

Horses harnessed to the cart, we're seating, the butler whip.

Everything will vanish at the crack of the whip.

But who will be able to carry the high tones?

RUSSIA

AUSTRO - HUNGARIAN EMPIRE

I'll beat them up!

You should play for me!

Leave it! What for such stupid playing?

- I'll beat them up! - You're drunk!

I, drunk?!

Play, I'm telling for your own good!

Chief, I know something, I'll tell but don't rant and rave.

- What? - You are to go somewhere with him.

- With this one? - The one who's asleep.

Where to?

- An old man? - They say he's over a hundred.

A white horse?

Like snow! Like milk.

Trappings are golden.

- Who else saw him? - Nobody.

Stasiek is a story-teller, you're a sleeper.

Your man is sleeping?

He raved so much, offended everybody.

- Did he say anything interesting? - Who would understand him?

He was going somewhere. He wanted to beat somebody.

Maybe that wouldn't be bad.

Maybe you would like with him?

Where?

How would I know.

No time to lose!

Kuba, come along!

Pictures... are over... now.

I wanted to get lost in the crowd.

I wanted to vanish,

to sink with the top of my head.

Sink in this healthy world!

To suppress my personality...

to force myself to simplicity.

But what can I do if...

the nature... made my soul sing.

Even though I've wanted to sink,

I must get in the foreground!

Eviva l'arte! Our life

is worth nothing! The cult of Bacchus and Astarte!

Bonaparte! He had a nose!

What did you do to yourself? It's only the second day of the wedding.

It's strange.

A tone of your own. The music of the soul...

I can feel it, damn!

- My heart can feel it! - A heart disease is no kidding.

Why are you drinking then?

It's dangerous.

It's almost madness.

Still it's martyrdom to live with this eternal void...

in your soul.

I drink because I must. Because when I drink it hurts me.

Then I feel my heart in my chest, I can guess many things,

I think the... Polish way!

How drunk you are.

If Chopin... was still alive...

- he would drink. - Lie down on the sofa.

Infinity, hey, you, young lady, pour the wine.

- The others will come to get us. - Will they ever leave?

- I want to be alone. - Go way! Begone!

Après nous... le deluge!

Leave them alone. Go now.

The state of these souls is curious.

Remember, next time, first kiss, then drink.

First waste away, then live.

The Bride out of a dream, the night...

I had a dream... though I didn't sleep.

I was just lying there so weak.

Love made the Bride so weak.

In a gold, huge coach...

I met the devil in my dream.

Right away both a devil and the golden coach.

I dreamed I was sitting in the coach.

And I was asking as they were driving me across the woods...

through some towns made of bricks.

"Where are you taking me, devils?"

And they said: "To Poland".

And where is this Poland?

Where? Do you know?

You can look for it all over the world and will find it nowhere.

Then maybe it's useless to look for?

There's a little cage.

Jagusia, put your hand to your breast.

It's the bodice, sewn a bit tight.

- And what's beating there? - What's so big about it? The heart!

This, precisely, is Poland.

We only know half about ourselves.

Who knows the rest?

Where does man go in his sleep? It's scary there and here it's bad.

Almost every day I'm thinking how long could it last.

Shoot at eagles with the sling!

I prefer a peaceful wood.

A silent orchard, smelling nicely.

- Here you are, gentlemen! - Why so suddenly?

You're blind! I didn't come for you!

Do you need to wake up my brother? Is it important?

- A scythe! - For a picture? Put it back.

Here I've got you! Pictures are all over!

Czepiec is rioting today.

You're smart! I don't want to talk!

Sure, you go one way, we another.

What are you, asleep?

Get up. We need to start something.

You are here? What's the noise for?

Where is Hanusia? Hanus?

- We don't need her here! - What are you squawking to my ear?

What's this scythe for?

They are getting ready in the village.

What do you need the scythe for?

Men! Stand here, near the door!

Apparently an order has been given! And some papers or something!

I? The papers? Order? Whose?

You must go with the peasants!

- I wonder... - Everything is ready in Krakow.

Hey, what have you dreamt up during the long night?

I with you?

However you hold the weapon...

the blade is always ready!

Any sign?

A sign.

Do you remember whispering at night what the Holy Virgin had said?

What great power do we have!

What's he talking about? Strange, I plotted such a drama tonight.

- It was a vision. - What was the subject?

Peasant blood and the squire's anger.

Gentlemen, you are here.

If you don't go with us, we'll go on you with scythes.

But nothing is going on.

No!

You're drunk, I'm drunk. This scythe even suits you.

Who came to see you?!

Who?!

Wait.

Something's coming to my mind.

- Somebody came to see me, you say? - Don't bar the door!

It's buzzing in my head. I don't remember.

By thinking and summing up you're harming Poland.

Be damned with it!

What do you want?

Why did you take your scythes? Go better and sleep!

- Go and sleep with him! - You all need some sleep!

Stench in rooms, smoke in heads!

You're wittering on about poetry, verses, books.

You like the ribbons. You're dressing up.

When there's time to act, you're retreating.

Who was here to see you? Who?!

People will confirm. They heard the lyre.

I heard it.

I heard it.

I heard it coming from the yard. From the orchard.

From under the apple tree. But I thought I was daydreaming.

Maybe someone rang the bells.

Just look... narrow your eyes.

The first daybreak colour play!

Squires! You're only daydreaming!

Have a look outside!

We have to go!

Everybody is seeing miracles.

Somebody has appeared...

I saw a ghost at night. It screamed strange words.

I pricked up my ears.

You're saying, you were listening?

I've heard these words before.

To listen... attentively.

It made the nightmare get off... A ghost was here!

He was giving me... orders.

Passwords. He was to be back by now.

He ordered... weapons be taken!

- And move on? - No! Stand here.

Wait till the rooster crows.

Listen attentively. We'll hear.

The hoof are beating.

Who is coming?

A wind blow... was coming.

But it got lost in the orchard.

It's rushing.

Look over there, at the manor.

- More and more the new ones. - Far away.

- I can hear... - Where?

Quiet!

Zosia, pray to God.

- He's coming. - The hoof beats.

Rushing.

- Hundred horses. - Thumping.

Closer and closer.

Closer and closer.

For Christ's sake, I can hear.

Where?

On your knees.

Listen... my dear children.

If it only... were the truth.

Mother of God in her crown would write a manifest

and awake thousands.

Listen, my heart is throbbing,

if it were the truth.

What is it?

Hanka? Jaga?

What's wrong with you?

Bewitched, they all stand like they were asleep.

Listen.

Listen.

Hanus, Blazek.

Mum, the Groom.

Czepiec. Daddy.

Mister.

Mister.

That's right, Lord...

I was to blow the horn! Where is it?

Have I lost it?

Or did someone untie it? The golden horn is gone.

Only the string is left.

Jesus, the rooster crowed!

Hey, brothers. Hey, brothers.

On your horses!

To your weapons!

To your weapons!

The Wawel court is waiting for you!

They hear nothing.

Only the music.

The music playing.

They all fell asleep.

You, lout...

you had a golden horn!

You, lout...

you had a cap with feathers!

The wind carries your cap...

The horn hoots in the woods!

Only the string is left!

Only the string is left!

Only the string is left!

Only the string...

Only the string...

... the string!

Text: Magdalena Olech-Barrau Napisy: Piotr Zielinski