Original subtitles

I'd like to go home.

Far away.

Home is 500 km from here.

I have to take the high-speed train. My safety barrier.

I'm someone new when I get to Paris.

Don't leave.

You mustn't be afraid.

You left three little girls.

They're three women now.

Three good women.

Women who aren't bitter,

who aren't vindictive.

You're going to love them.

I'm sure of that.

SISTERS

Sibylle! Gran blew out her candles.

Come and sing!

In my family,

couples get seated together, as if they never saw each other!

These are my aunts.

Angela... Mathilda...

His back to her, her husband, of course.

He's talking to Odile, the wife of my godfather...

Salvatore. That means "saviour".

He's turned into a soft granddad.

Gran's Italian and he's her only son, so he goes next to her.

This is Grandpa.

My mother and, on her lap, my son, Tonin.

It's Gran's 80th birthday.

She wasn't expecting me. She was pleased.

For 30 years now, at family parties,

I get put in my dad's place, next to Mum.

But we never mention him.

Go and sing!

Stop it, I don't want to.

My big sister acts like Mum. She never laughs.

A day for jokes means that's funny!

We can't answer. Or call.

We can't answer in case it's him.

It's expensive! Mum said, "Only if necessary."

It is today!

No, it isn't!

Or for an occasion.

What kind of occasion?

What?

A birthday or a celebration. Today,

is April Fools' Day. So let's play some tricks.

Get down! That's not allowed.

We'll stop calling you "Big Ears".

"Big Ears" hears everything.

Even if grown-ups hide to talk together, she hears.

No more "Big Ears"?

Never again.

Not this phone. Not in Mum's room.

It's a dumb joke. It'll only scare Mum!

That's the idea. It's not a joke otherwise.

That's the fun part.

On TV, they said Versailles was being demolished!

We can't do this to Mum.

Angela then.

You call. If it's me,

she won't fall for it. She's not like Mum.

Crawler.

Yeah, crawler.

Stop repeating her!

- I don't. - You do!

I don't!

Think fast, the general's influencing the private.

Why don't you do it?

Angela won't know it's a trick.

Well?

Ok.

Les Papiers de Lyon...

Hello, Auntie?

Is that you, Geogeo? What's wrong?

Help! He's here!

No, Auntie, April fool!

Well?

She said, "Is that Big Ears calling me?"

What did she say?

Nothing.

When I said, "He's here," she hung up.

I'll call her.

Yes, call her.

Les Papiers de Lyon...

Mrs Di Biaggio, please.

This is her niece.

She's on her way to you.

All right. Thank you.

She's on her way.

Not laughing now?

She'll get herself murdered...

We played a trick on you in today's bulletin.

The report on Versailles was a hoax that we made up.

I'm scared.

I'm not scared.

Maybe it's him.

- Who is it? - It's me, Angela.

Already?

Where is he?

He knocked. We didn't answer. He left.

He left? How do you know?

- We spied on him... - From the kitchen.

We saw him turn at the corner.

Want some coffee, or ice-cream?

Are you kidding?

Can I leave you?

Yes, we'll be fine.

I have to get back.

Can you drop us at the library?

No homework?

We've done it.

I haven't. I still have my sums to do.

What? I have to do them.

Come on then. Hurry.

Bye.

Lock the door. And don't let anyone in.

So this is my father?

It's crazy.

He's just like me.

It's true then, I do look like him.

I saw the man from the photo.

He was there.

He knew all about me.

He could have asked questions incognito.

He was free to come

or not.

He knew I'd be here tonight.

What about me? What do I do?

Do I call him?

What are you doing?

What have you taken?

Nothing.

What are you doing in Mum's room? What have you taken?

What's she done?

Stolen from Mum's wardrobe!

No, I haven't.

So what's that in your hand?

- Nothing. - Show me then!

Any others?

Loads.

She'll see it's gone?

No, I swear.

Hide it. Mum mustn't see it.

What'll we do?

Did you touch anything else?

You want to see too?

Seen these?

Stop it!

Enough. It's not ours.

He's our father though.

If something big happens, we have a meeting

and we agree on a plan.

Then, when Mum gets home, we sulk.

Or we're happy.

We always have to give Mum our opinion as a group.

There's a coat!

He took it off for the photo.

Maybe he's cold.

No, it's in the hallway.

His coat's on the hallway stand.

But there's a painting there...

Yes, he painted. After, Mum took all his paintings down.

He came here?

He lived here.

Not for long. But for a while.

- You remember him? - Not really.

He gave us our allergy to pollen.

What a loser. Plus he's blond too.

Give me a break.

You can see part of his hand.

A big hand?

I don't know.

- Hairy? - Why? Do you have hairy hands?

- He looks strong? - A little. Not really.

What else was there?

A photo of them when they were young.

Laughing on a motorbike, with a tent on the back.

An aunt? Which one, Angela?

No, a tent. To sleep in.

I never knew Mum had been camping.

Anything else?

A wedding photo.

What?

Mum, him,

the whole family behind them.

You were in her arms.

Me? Are you sure it's me?

How old was I?

You were a baby.

I didn't know I was born before they got married...

Hurry up, Geogeo!

Ok?

Yes!

Angela told me what happened.

He usually comes when I'm here.

I didn't think he'd turn up like that.

Were you scared?

A little.

Not really.

My big sister is the very picture of moderation.

So as not to be like our Italian family.

It's ok, he won't hurt you.

He wouldn't dare.

Mum will find it here.

I'll put it in my satchel.

She might look.

She only does that to show Grandpa my report card.

What if I want to see it?

Yes, or me?

You know where it is.

We always sit in the same places.

Georgette to the right,

Corinne to the left,

me in the middle.

No idea why.

I'm the middle one. Maybe that's why.

When I was born, Mum had everything in blue.

If I'd been a boy, the family would have liked my dad better.

After Corinne, a boy.

They chose Georges. I had a close call.

My little sister copped it instead.

Georgette, how are your thighs?

Her thighs rub together when she walks.

Use the cream after your shower.

As if her name wasn't enough.

Sybille, your elbows! Sit up straight!

Corinne always takes her shower first.

She'll make us late.

Sibylle, how do you get those knots in your hair?

Brush it well and don't complain later.

It happens every day!

Yes, I wake up every day.

Hurry up!

Get out of the way!

Let me get out first!

Shut your damn mouth. You take too long.

What was that? What did I just hear? What did you say?

This hand's itching to do it. You're looking for trouble!

Make your sister's bed tomorrow.

Honestly. "Shut your damn mouth." The language you hear.

Not looking for trouble, asking.

Corinne, heat the steaks for ten minutes.

I can't come back. The auditors are coming in.

Mum has us eat at home. The school canteen is "cheap".

She races back up the Croix Rousse hill

every day at lunchtime.

Got your key?

Yes.

That's good.

Sybille, try to keep your plaits all day.

They come loose when I play...

Sure...

Good morning, Mr Aunette.

'Morning.

Do your daughters have mules?

What?

Slippers!

The Boutins complain about the noise too.

If they're bothered, they'll know where to find me,

won't they?

Go on down, girls.

There, something new to do.

Wear our slippers all the time.

Just because Mum is single and Italian.

Off you go.

See you later.

Steaks with mustard again....

Don't worry, I'll do you pasta.

- Making a present for Father's Day? - Yes, a mosaic star.

- Giving it to Mum? - Why? Do you want it?

Why not? If it's good enough.

I'll try hard.

The school wanted to cut my lice-ridden hair.

I refused. That surprised Mum who thinks I'm a tomboy.

I have long hair. Even if I'm a tomboy, I like it.

Trouble is, she wants me to have two plaits every morning.

Madam...

Good evening.

Room 419, third floor.

Thank you.

Wow, Corinne...

Who? Sybille's sister?

Yeah, her sister.

She's got big tits!

She's as flat as a pancake!

Think she wears a bra?

Maybe.

Look out...

Why the hell are you here?

I've been punished to watch you.

A photo won't protect me from this jerk.

You're not the strongest. No way.

I'll tell my dad.

What is it?

Sybille did a pretty painting for you.

What's she done now?

You won't panic?

Sibylle!

It had to be today?

You get beaten up for Angela's birthday?

I'm sorry.

I slave to buy new dresses and this is what you do!

Kader insulted Corinne, even though she's left our school.

He was always pulling her hair.

Don't stand up for your sister!

And you?

When he knocks, you call your brother!

That's another matter!

Your godfather is protecting you. I can manage fine on my own!

Does that hurt, madam?

Gran and Angela already called.

Maybe it's him.

Hold on a second.

I'll take you in my room.

Everyone's fine.

Yes, they're well.

Well, no, Sybille got bashed up again.

Sybille got bashed up. She has a black eye.

I can't talk any louder. I'm worried they might hear.

Don't talk crap. As if you gave a damn.

I don't need you.

I have my brother, you know.

I manage fine on my own.

You want to talk to her? Now? Don't you think it's kind of late?

Fine, but if she asks to see you, don't chicken out.

You're so predictable.

You can't tell them what they want to hear.

I can't hear anymore.

I don't understand either.

It's not me you should say that to.

You and me?

But where do you want to meet?

No, I don't think that's a good idea.

I don't have the time, believe me.

I have too much work to do.

What do you think we want to hear?

I don't know.

Something short.

That he loves us or wants to see us.

Is that too long?

Why won't she let us talk to him? I'd like to.

- I'll ask her. - Are you nuts?

Why not?

Why?

Shut up! Even Georgette understood!

Understood what?

She's just trying to be clever.

He's mad.

Who told you that?

I heard it.

Don't you think your eye's enough?

He won't see my eye on the phone.

I don't care, I'm asking Mum.

You want to hurt her?

You stand there when your room's a mess?

Just stick close to the walls.

How'll I do that? I can't stay in profile all evening.

My God! What happened to you?

Look at the state she's in!

I'm going through hell with her.

You wanted to raise them alone. It wasn't our idea!

- What? - I don't understand.

Come on!

What on earth happened to her?

Kader pushed her, that 14-year-old still in primary school.

Latifa's son? I'm not surprised.

She's a mean one. Never a kind word for anybody.

She doesn't use much elbow grease, believe me...

Done a picture for me?

Beautiful. Bravo.

Let's put it with the others.

Play outside.

Mum, stop it, the girls will hear.

You're such a racist!

I'm not. I'm talking about Latifa.

The Arabs aren't like her.

I know what Ramadan is. You don't eat all day.

So Gran works with Kader's mum.

Why do Arab mothers work as cleaners?

Their grandmothers are in the old country.

Unless they marry grocers,

Arab mothers clean with Spanish and Italian grandmothers.

Spanish and Italian mothers

do other jobs instead.

It depends on the country. Spaniards work as janitors.

Italians are bit like Angela.

They're shop assistants, secretaries and stuff.

With mothers and grandmothers working together,

you know everything about everyone.

Except my mother.

My mother's different.

My mother's Italian...

but she has three little French girls.

"Their father's the French one."

"She deserves a lot of credit."

"She's raising them alone."

My mother has studied. No one talks about her.

She doesn't talk about others.

That's a good report, Sybille.

You work hard at school.

- You fought back? - I aimed for his balls.

Good. Be careful though

or I'll put you all with the rooster to teach you to fight.

Who's the blond girl?

My older sister's daughter.

- She's really blond. - Like her dad. His spitting image.

"His spitting image".

Because they're dark and I'm not.

I'd be as Italian as they are in Italy.

One thing annoys me even more:

"She's one of them all right!"

They tan in summer, I stay as white as a sheet.

They make me swim in my T-shirt or I peel like a potato.

What's up? Want a fight?

Michel! How are you?

Anna, meet Michel.

Michel, Anna, my sister.

My godfather's here.

What's that dress?

That means Angela's birthday is a big event.

He isn't like his sisters.

He doesn't need an excuse to miss Sunday lunch.

If he doesn't come, fine. If he does, no one else counts.

He's more Italian than the others and clearly the strongest.

When he cracks a joke, we split our sides.

Everyone fears him.

Who did that to you?

- It wasn't him. - An Arab.

Why did he do it?

He's in love with Corinne.

But who needs a lover like that?

She's smarter than you.

If your Arab tries it again,

tell him your godfather will box his ears.

No need, he's been suspended for three days.

Besides, he didn't mean to do it.

You're a sly one...

Time to dance with your mum.

I hate slow dances.

If Mum grabs me, I have to dance with her.

I hate going round in circles with my mum.

Hey, the artist! Want a sausage?

I'm "the artist".

Even though he never looks at my drawings.

He thinks I'm crazy like an artist.

The others are Guaglio, "kid" in Italian.

Even grown-ups.

But I'm "the artist".

- Your hands are clean. - Clean?

His hands are white.

Isn't that black there?

Try sticking your hands in grease!

Mum won't let me.

She's your goddaughter all right!

How about a kiss?

I'm glad they say I'm like him, even if it isn't true.

My godfather is my favourite.

Go and dance with Mum.

- You go. - I already did. Geogeo too.

Can't her Michel dance?

"Her" Michel?

Look, she's all alone.

Ok, don't get so teary!

Thank you, dear.

Jean-Pierre, a slow one!

Want to dance?

Sorry.

We wouldn't have to dance with her.

You'd like a guy to move in?

Yes, we wouldn't need to check if she's happy or sad.

It wouldn't be our fault anymore. It would be his. We could accuse him.

We'd just be children. We wouldn't give a damn.

Our neighbour would back off. Kader would leave me be.

I could "fart around".

And you?

I don't want her to get married again.

Who's this pantywaist?

Leave him.

I work with Angela.

Can't you find better?

Stop it!

He's limper than his tie!

Stop it, please.

Salvatore, enough.

He'll spoil the party.

Right...

I'll get a drink.

- Do you want one? - You've had enough.

See what's happening outside unless you want your face redesigned!

Goodbye.

- Thanks for everything. - Sure!

I'll kick your ass!

It's always the same.

Are you ok?

Dance, I'll take care of her.

He wasn't that keen, he's gone.

It's all right.

It's over.

Poor thing.

Come on, let's dance.

Why did you do that?

I'm so ashamed! You shame me.

I shame you? You want another guy like that?

Then you'll call me when he comes knocking too?

Think I enjoy playing your guard dog?

Why do you call me? To prove you can resist him?

I don't protect you, you have a door!

I won't call you again.

Never forget, Anna,

everyone told you a bad father was better than none at all.

Only one person backed you up!

In front of your girls...

Stop overreacting!

He did nothing wrong.

I don't need your advice.

My girls are better brought up than yours.

True, you can be proud of them.

Come on, come and dance.

Hello, Corinne! How was your first year?

A bit hard but I'm moving up a year.

Good job I don't come every day!

Sorry I'm late, it's their treat for the last day.

It's the holidays.

We're off to Cap d'Agde like every year.

The kids love learning to swim with their father.

- We're going to Italy. - Italy?

Italy's full of thieves.

Watch your belongings.

I have family there.

That's what I heard. I've never been.

- We're going to Italy? - Yes.

For ice-cream?

And pizza. Not too much, remember what the doctor said.

- All four of us? - Would I leave you behind?

- Will we go to Rome? - It's on the way.

Italy is like a boot.

We're going here. Rome is here.

I want to see the Coliseum!

Maybe we can stop there.

- We're going to Italy! - It's full of thieves.

- Happy holidays. - You too.

How long are we going for?

Two weeks in August.

In July, you'll have to go away to camp.

That explains Italy.

No, it doesn't.

If I could spend a month and a half in Italy, I would.

I don't want to go to camp!

Let's go to Aunt Matilda's.

No, they're staying with her husband's family.

If I had the choice, I wouldn't send you to camp, you know that.

I'm happy to be going.

Tristan and Estelle always go.

Last year, they swam too far. The supervisors were furious.

It's going to be fun.

Cut it out now.

Leave us be! We have headaches too.

You've been crying for two days.

Hey, girls!

You're off to camp, not to war.

I hope we're not in this jerk's group.

The others aren't crying!

Their parents don't love them.

He can't understand.

Their parents have fun without their kids.

The others here are happy to be going.

Right, kids?

These parents are glad to be rid of their kids.

Mum isn't like them.

Mum doesn't look like a parent.

She looks like our mum, that's all.

Today, her hair looks huge around her face.

She didn't have time to tie it back.

Because of me.

I hadn't packed my toilet bag properly.

I never thought Mum would do this to us.

Listen up, kids!

This is Mumu.

Murielle. For the younger kids.

I'm Jérôme,

Jeje. For the older kids.

And this is Alain, Lainlain.

For the middle group.

Lainlain's your middleman.

We'll get split up.

Mum promised me the three of us would stay together.

I'll take care of it.

I'd like to speak to Mrs Di Biaggio.

Speaking.

This is Mr Garcin, head of the Seagull summer camp.

I have Corinne, Sybille and Georgette Mercier here with me.

They are your daughters?

They're my daughters, yes.

- I have a problem. - Why?

Sybille is refusing to eat.

She says she's on hunger strike

to get them in the same group despite their age difference.

They've never been away alone before.

I know you have groups

but we said all three could be in the middle group.

Sybille won't back down.

Antoine... The ashtray.

Don't take it that way.

We have rules. The other parents won't be happy.

I don't care, this is what I want.

If you like, I can come and fetch them.

All right, don't worry. I'll work something out.

- Goodbye, madam. - Thank you.

Goodbye.

Where are you going?

To the beach. Come if you want.

You know what Mum said.

There! I never escaped once at night.

Corinne kept too close an eye on me.

Wasn't it fun in the end?

She didn't want to leave her friend Stéphanie.

You've lost weight, Geogeo. Were you on hunger strike too?

I hardly had any nosh.

She watched everything I put in my plate.

You learned some new words at camp.

You say "food", not "nosh".

Get in the car.

Stop snivelling, I hate tears.

The sand's as fair as my hair. The sea's as blue as my eyes.

The sand's as fair as his hair. The sea's as blue as his eyes.

The sand's as fair as my hair. The sea's as blue as my eyes.

The sand's as fair as his hair. The sea's as blue as his eyes.

What's that photo?

You can see him if you want.

Want me to call him?

What's going on?

It's between Georgette and me.

Want me to keep your secret? It's your decision.

What is it?

Is something wrong?

Aren't you happy here?

Tell me.

Well?

You're like princesses! Never satisfied!

What more do you want?

You said just the four of us.

It is the four of us.

No, there are fourteen of us!

We won't get there till next year.

Shit, can't she go any faster?

Come on!

How does she manage to wreck her bumper like that?

At least she drives.

A red 2 CV!

- Mum, she slapped me! - That's enough.

I saw a red 2 CV!

I'll teach you!

A red CV means you get a slap.

He's crazy. He's driving...

like a maniac.

How much further is it?

Take a look and work it out.

You're in front of it!

We've done nearly 600 km.

400 to go. We're more than half way.

Leaning forward makes me queasy.

I want a wee.

You can wait.

Wee-wee.

Hello!

Hello, everyone. Welcome!

Are these Anna's daughters?

No Di Biaggio...

What now?

Where's Mum?

Shall we get out?

Everything's changed here!

Come on, girls, get out.

Come on, Geogeo.

These are my girls.

Corinna....

Giorgia...

And this is my little francese.

Françoise?

No, francese means French.

We're French too.

Her name's Sibilla.

Why change our names?

Just adding an "A".

Look how blond she is!

They're such graceful little girls!

Yes.

It's true then, blonds are weeds...

Do you understand?

Not a thing.

I thought Mum couldn't speak Italian.

This hand's mine!

Wait, I have the ace.

You know, Anna, we never once saw your husband.

You hid him pretty well.

It's not that. He was only happy in the city,

at home...

How can I put it? He had...

his things, his habits there.

But here....

Why did you leave him then?

Because...

No, he wasn't a drunk.

He was an artist.

He'd take me to see exhibitions.

Paintings and beautiful things.

Exhibitions, sure!

Other people's.

While you were out, my mum had to look after the girls.

She'd come back to get them alone,

as he was too drunk to stand.

On champagne or whisky, but sloshed all the same.

Here, see to this.

She couldn't control him.

He painted. The hell he did.

He never sold one of his daubings!

He should have painted the apartment instead.

He was like a spoiled brat.

A guy with kids who doesn't work or even take care of them...

He's just another kid!

Basically, it's all your fault, Anna.

You wanted to study. You can't have your cake and eat it.

- What do you mean? - It's simple.

If you'd stuck to your place,

he would have taken his.

You have to train a husband.

I should know! Especially if he drinks.

Cut it out!

In any case,

I'm glad I studied

because I don't need anyone now.

The guy had no balls. She was right to leave him.

The oldest girl could see that after midday he was never

in his normal state.

He must have had balls

to get her pregnant before marrying her.

But the youngest one, the last one...

Didn't she come after the divorce?

They gave it another go!

She hadn't had enough!

Anna...

Don't get upset, we're all the same in the end.

He didn't have balls

but he had charm.

Enough! Leave me alone.

Come on, let's play hide and seek.

Hey, Guaglio! Your grandparents are asleep!

Hey, the artist!

Hold on!

Do we go with them?

His scooter's a wreck.

Why didn't Mum say anything?

This is Italy.

Hey, Cinderella, want your mum's permission

or Prince Charming's coach?

Ok, kids, climb on.

This is so good!

How far can they go?

I'd come just for this salami.

- It's the best ever! - How far can they go?

Go with them if you want to know! For God's sake...

Don't worry, Anna. I'll give you some to take back.

Massimo?

I saw you!

No, I don't believe it. It's the same every time.

Sibylle!

She's doing it on purpose! She thinks she's Sleeping Beauty!

You're like a lost dog without me.

What were you up to, going the wrong way?

- Stuff. - Sure.

Climb on.

Antonella doesn't like you much.

She's jealous. She'd like to be blond too.

She says my father left because we're dumb.

You understand Italian now?

- Was that your music yesterday? - We just got back from holiday.

Watch what you eat now, Geogeo.

Can I sleep with you tonight?

You have your own bed here.

Don't move, stay here. I'll be right back.

Anna, open up!

I'll go. I'll show him!

I have to speak to you!

Think he'll kidnap us?

Shut up, you two!

He's here.

At the door.

Yes, come over here.

How can he still come back after 10 years?

He doesn't get it?

Won't this bullshit ever end?

I'm late.

It's ok. I'll see to him.

I brought a nappy and a bottle just in case.

An hour for this, then Gran's party.

Seen the poster?

It's beautiful.

Is Mum here?

And my sisters?

They're inside.

What is it?

Nothing.

I'll find the press agent.

Gran isn't expecting you. She thinks it's just a small do.

Found a photo for me?

I cut one out of "Lyon Mag".

She'll show off to her pharmacist.

And with this cherub, you couldn't make her happier.

See you.

Bye, sweetheart.

Break a leg!

A magazine cutting among 37 photos.

That's what Gran gets for her birthday.

Thank you.

Good evening.

This evening, we are delighted to welcome

Sybille Mercier back to her home town.

She's here to answer your questions

about this beautiful film, "The Maids"...

There.

This is it.

He's here.

He isn't dead then.

30 years without a father, just a photo.

I always tell people,

"I don't have a father, but I don't care.

"We just share a name."

Actually, I tried

to show how far we can go out of love for someone.

To exist in their eyes.

If Solange hadn't felt so different from the family,

she wouldn't have gone so far.

Thank you, Sibylle.

Another question?

Good evening.

The question that I'd like to ask

is why did you leave Lyon?

Did you have no prospects here?

No, that's not really why I left.

I was simply offered a film in Luxembourg...

I liked "The Maids" as soon as I read it.

I loved the sisters' story

and their powerful relationship.

A blue sweater.

Let's move on to autographs now.

Let's give Sibylle Mercier a big hand

for coming here tonight.

What a success!

See you later.

Why didn't you say he was here?

You recognized him?

Why was he here?

I don't know.

Your son's really cute anyhow.

Why didn't he wait?

He was wearing a sweater.

A petrol blue sweater.

Good evening.

Happy birthday, Gran!

Sibylle!

And the baby!

Ok, Grandpa?

- Where's your husband? - On a shoot.

Where?

In Italy.

Really? Near Potenza?

No, in Turin.

That's a pity.

Ok?

You managed to make it?

You're not shooting?

No.

Love your blouse. Very designer!

Where's your kid? Aren't we good enough?

Let your mum hold him. You'll get him later.

I need to see my sisters.

Glad to see you too.

Stop it!

He was there.

You saw him?

Sure it was him?

How do you know? You never saw him.

It was him all right.

You spoke to him?

No, he didn't wait for me.

He wouldn't have stayed anyway.

Why not?

He came to admire you.

That's his right. It's ok.

He won't bother you.

I'm not afraid of that!

We'll talk about it later.

How will you do your interviews with the baby?

Georgette and Lucie are minding him.

Come and sing.

What do I do?

Do I call him?

I don't know what to do.

Call him. You have no choice. It's keeping you awake.

What about Mum?

She's not your problem.

And my sisters?

He came to see you. It's between him and you.

Is Tonin up?

He's at Georgette's.

It's between him and me...

Antoine Mercier, please.

Speaking.

My name's Sybille.

I'm glad you've called.

Was it you at the preview yesterday?

Yes.

Why didn't you wait?

I didn't want to cause any trouble.

Do you want to meet?

For coffee, say.

Yes, why not.

At Croix Rousse?

If you want.

The Brasserie des Ecoles on the boulevard?

All right.

How long are you here?

Three days.

Wednesday? At two?

See you Wednesday then.

Goodbye.

He chose my last day here.

To avoid a second meeting.

What's his voice like?

Normal.

- You're not scared? - We're meeting in a bar.

- At what time? - Two.

And Mum?

- I haven't told her. - Will you?

I don't know.

Tell her. It's like betraying her.

No, that's just what she believes.

I don't know if I want to go.

I'd like to come, if he doesn't see me.

Pick a table nearby. He's never seen you.

You can join us if you want.

Just make sure I can't see you.

I don't want to start laughing!

Just imagine. You say, "Hello, Antoine,"

then split your sides...

Make sure I won't end up next to him if I decide to join you.

If he insults Mum, I'll slap him.

I'll belt him one!

I have to come too.

The three little pigs and the big, bad wolf.

The three little sows!

Excuse me, the first radio station is here.

Mum keeps calling me.

I won't answer in case I change my mind.

I need to get out and buy.

Buy what? Anything.

I need to need something. I can't stay here till I meet him.

That's fine.

Listen to him. And record him.

You won't remember after.

Shit!

Go for a pee to calm down.

The Dictaphone!

But record him.

Don't dump 30 years on a café table. Don't make him feel guilty.

Be cool.

Make him comfortable.

He'll have loads of questions for me.

Sorry...

Let's change tables!

Been shopping?

You look good.

What do you think of me?

How do you mean?

Physically.

I can't really say. I've never seen you before.

I've lost weight.

I was glad to see you on TV. You seemed happy.

At one point, I wondered.

What?

Is she well-balanced?

From a distance, your character has a screw loose.

Now I see you, you seem fine. In shape.

You have a good life.

Others are a lot worse off at 30.

Look...

I have all your photos.

All the press clippings.

How are your sisters?

Fine.

I told them. Maybe they'll come.

That would be nice. I'd be glad to meet them.

You got married again?

No.

- Did you have... - No other children.

I only had you three.

He only had us.

He didn't have much then.

What do you do?

Nothing.

I took early retirement. I painted when I was young.

An artist, like you.

Then life stepped in.

Life?

That's funny.

As a girl, I painted too.

I had an exhibition at the library.

I see him at last.

This man breaks my heart. How old was he?

19. She was 18.

She came from Italy. She had fled poverty.

He was blond, French, distinguished.

She left her parents for him.

She got pregnant. Once.

Twice.

Three times.

He didn't provide. He was lost, despite appearances.

Between him and us, she chose us.

She made it.

She helped us make it.

Corinne...

Corinne has never let her face lie on a waiting room table

in a magazine.

I'm the eldest one. I'm a librarian. I'm 34, with two children.

I live in Lyon.

I'm glad you've come.

Do you live in Lyon?

Yes.

You live alone?

Yes.

You never got remarried?

No. The thing is...

after that failure with...

Anna?

I couldn't again.

- No other children? - No others.

Georgette.

I'm proud.

What do you do for living? Bookseller?

Librarian.

Right, you said.

You're ok then.

You're not hard up?

No.

I'm a nurse at the hospital.

That's good.

- Do you get by? - Yes.

Public service is good.

It's a sort of guarantee.

Job security.

And Sybille lives the high life.

No other children?

No. I didn't remarry.

I saw Anna has someone...

Yes.

Our separation was tough.

Divorce, back then...

Everyone gets divorced now.

When we got married, it was for life.

With Anna...

After, I wasn't interested.

I was...

How can I put it?

I came to Lyon when I was 18.

I found a small apartment.

Above your grandparents'.

The mentality was so different.

The Italians back then...

They lived in a group.

Where I came from...

we were more independent.

It didn't work out.

Right... I have to go!

Me too.

Me too.

Keep in touch. I'd like that.

Don't count on me. I'm never home.

Before I can find a card and a pen, I'm gone.

I'd write to you but I don't have your address.

I'm going to be late.

Why did you say that?

I was wrong to meet him. He won't replace the photo.

You see him again! Go to the funfair with your kids.

You can feed the pigeons after!

Think he'd break down the door to see us?

Without us, she'd have opened it.

Don't you get it? He still follows Mum.

That idea suits you. Make it her problem.

Exactly.

We came between them. Can't you see that?

He wasn't good enough for us!

She didn't care if he was drunk.

- She sacrificed herself. - What?

Sacrificed herself!

Neither an immigrant's nor a loser's daughters.

Even if he was French. She did what she could.

I have to go.

Did I screw up?

I have to be going.

Won't you be late?

I have time for once.

I bought candlesticks. Have them.

You have to call Mum.

My train is in four hours.

I'd like to go home.

Far from here.

I need to hold Tonin in my arms.

Mum?

It's Sybille. I'm leaving later.

Meet me for coffee after work.

Well?

Well...

Nothing.

He's kind of...

He's pretty dull.

Kind of pathetic.

He's as boring as hell!

And your sisters?

They feel the same.

We made small talk,

then went our separate ways.

He asked us to write to him.

What a nerve!

We refused.

Did he ask any questions?

Yes.

You told him I have someone?

Yes.

How did he take that?

He was pleased.

The hell he was pleased!

The times he's come knocking, I doubt it.

Even after you left.

I didn't want to bother you girls with it.

But now...

Yes, now...

It took me a long time to get over him.

But...

What about him?

Has he started a new life?

What are you after?

You can't turn back now.

Is he with someone?

Probably.

We didn't ask, but if he's alone after 30 years...

What did you think of him?

Physically.

Devastated...

Irresistible...

At 20, he was probably irresistible.

Ordinary.

I don't look much like him.

He was handsome when he was young.

No. He's not handsome at all.

He looks like a toilet brush! One that's been used a lot!

What else did you say?

It was a waste of time.

- Want one? - Yes.

I was so scared...

No need to be.

Even on a desert island, I'd rather talk to a tree!

I was right to leave him then?

Any resemblance to real characters may not be accidental...

Subtitles: Ian Burley

Subtitling: L.V.T. - Paris