Original subtitles

Nerina, my dear wife,

I won't be able to keep my promise.

I can't be in Italy for our anniversary

because, here in Budapest, as in all of Hungary,

things have changed.

No one can leave the country.

You may not even get this letter.

With German help, the local militia

has seized power in a coup.

The Russians have surrounded the city

and are bombing it daily, destroying entire areas,

causing the people to starve.

Many like-minded Italians have been arrested.

I can't really trust anyone now.

My love,

I have always thought of when we'd be together again

but now I can't say how much longer we'll have to wait.

- Who are you looking for? - Giorgio Perlasca.

Room 314, on the third floor.

Mr Perlasca!

The militia! They've come to arrest you!

I heard them. Thank you for warning me.

Hurry, for God's sake. They're coming up!

Thank you.

This is it.

Freeze!

This is a goods train.

Get off right now.

My company has chartered this train

to take livestock to Italy.

All livestock is going to Germany.

I paid for it. It's Italian property.

Show me your papers!

Italian. Giorgio Perlasca...

This doesn't allow you to leave Hungary.

Without German authorization, you stay right here.

Major... My wife's in Trieste.

Let me try. Try what?

The SS will stop you.

And send you straight off to a labour camp!

Major, look...

It's yours if you let me go.

You Italians think we're all as crooked as you.

Major Gluckmar isn't crooked, or intelligent.

But he obeys the law! Get down and follow me.

- Do you have a family? - Walk!

You won't shoot a man for trying join his wife.

Run and you'll see.

Get under cover! Under the wagon!

Freeze!

Don't let him get away!

- Your drink, sir. - Thank you.

What a surprise! Our handsome Italian's still here.

Countess...

Just a second... I can never remember your name.

No harm done.

I don't mind people forgetting my name these days.

Maybe you're right.

I remember now. Giorgio...

Perlasca.

That's it, Giorgio Perlasca.

Tell me, Giorgio,

why does a government official like Istvan Dobrics interest you?

You know him?

Of course. Everyone knows him in Budapest.

An inveterate gambler, up to his neck in debt.

In peacetime, it was impossible

to leave the country without Dobrics' permission.

In war time too.

Will you dance with me?

Come along.

Dobrics has a forged document on him, as we speak,

that will let me return to Italy.

I'm a wanted man, countess.

You, wait here. Three men to the other door.

No one leaves without permission.

Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.

Captain Bleiber, for those who don't know me.

We're only here to see who's harmed friendship between our peoples.

I knew you'd be here, Excellency Jaslo.

Please join my soldiers.

Can you tell me why?

We'll explain in due time.

Herr Josephs... Please come along too.

General, would you mind joining them too?

Captain, you can't do this.

I can. And you can do nothing to stop me.

So please, general... step over there.

They can't be watching every exit.

Use the door at the end of the corridor.

I don't want to get shot in the back.

You said you were wanted.

Bleiber is powerful and evil too.

Exactly.

He doesn't bother with small fry like me.

You... and you, go and check.

Is the gentleman with you?

Yes, captain. An old family friend.

You know who I am?

I know... very well.

Good evening, old family friend.

Good evening, captain.

You're not Hungarian.

I'm afraid not Neither are you.

Irony simply fascinates me.

It saves the world.

Along with female beauty, of course.

Sir... Excuse me.

Mr Dobrics has taken his life. We arrived too late to do the job.

These false passports were supposed to get you to Switzerland.

Along with others of your ilk. All right!

Take them away!

Was your passport among them?

I fear so.

Captain. Countess?

If you no longer need me, I'd like to go.

I'm sorry but...

I'll remind you my husband fought in Russia

for the Reich.

Very well. I'll have you escorted home.

I already have an escort, thank you.

Shall we go?

Go ahead. Play.

Dance!

You know where to go?

Not really.

Go to the Pajor Sanatorium and ask for Professor Balazs.

He helps many people.

Whatever happens, thank you.

I should thank you.

I don't know why,

but I'm never bored with you!

I swear, countess.

You're the most beautiful Hungarian woman I know.

Good evening. Can I help you?

I'm a friend of Professor Balazs. I'm...

Don't tell me your name.

I'll get what you need and take you up.

Follow me.

A bomb landed on us.

This way.

Infectious diseases ward? I'm not going in there.

It's Professor Balazs' ward.

- My case is different. - Go on in.

The professor will come soon.

I'm not... and you are.

You, in the wind... and me still living.

I'm not and you are.

You, in the wind.

I'm not... and you are.

You, in the wind.

I'm not.

Daddy... Daddy!

Who are you?

You're not my daddy...

come here...

He's a nasty man. My daddy's kind.

What do you care, David? You're a king.

When's he coming back?

Okay, David, I'm here. Where's your teddy?

I didn't mean to...

Don't worry. He does it to us all.

He has a thousand parents here.

Look after him, Lili.

Draw something.

He'll soon go back to sleep.

Look, David. Like them?

Daddy does these drawings.

Professor Balazs brings them.

Daddy can't come, he's always travelling.

His parents? Killed.

If a man kills, he isn't killing

but God is.

He wants the killing.

I saw it, I saw in the camp

where even the animals pitied us.

He sent His fire to reduce us to ashes.

The wind carried off the others

but not me.

Why only me? Why?

Welcome. Professor Balazs?

I'm Giorgio Perlasca.

We don't use names here.

It lessens chances of betrayal.

Listen, professor...

I'm not Jewish.

I don't want to take someone's place.

Don't worry. I'm not Jewish either.

Good night.

Why only me? Why?

God hasn't taught us to cry out. He stands watching.

Even in the camp,

while they were tearing us apart and devouring us.

He stayed watching.

So we have to learn to cry alone. Alone!

Mommy!

Here I am, Lord!

Oh, God, no! Calm down, it's all right.

Calm down, children.

Poor Jakob. Were you with him?

I tried to stop him but...

he wanted to die.

You're a soldier?

Just an employee...

in a company that may not exist now.

I've had no news from Italy.

I don't even know where my wife is now.

Any children?

I'd go mad

if I knew children were waiting for me.

You took that gun apart like an expert.

Where did you learn?

I've fought two wars.

Two?

Both as a volunteer.

Abyssinia and Spain.

And... did you kill anyone?

Yes.

There's a nest just under the gutter. They're sparrows.

You only hear them at dawn.

The other night, I couldn't sleep, as usual,

and suddenly someone laughed. It was Lili.

She was asleep next to me, laughing.

She was dreaming.

A happy dream, no doubt.

That's for sure.

Where's your husband?

They took him last month.

You've fought two wars.

How can I tell a child her father's gone?

Wars teach you nothing.

What's that?

Military vehicles. Maybe they know Jakob was hiding here.

Let's warn the others.

- We need to check the patients. - They're upstairs.

You can't go up. That's the infectious ward.

You could get contaminated. Come back.

Professor Balazs!

Quick, get up. Nobody move.

For God's sake, stop!

Don't speak. Total silence.

Don't go in. Stop!

Be careful! Don't step through that door.

You risk contamination.

We have cases of smallpox, diphtheria and leprosy.

It's dangerous for you.

We have to check if you're treating Jews here.

We don't treat Jews.

It's illegal. We respect the law.

- Will you use that? - If they open the door.

You can't. God's law says...

Quiet! Daniel, he's right.

You have to break laws at times.

- Did you ask the rabbi? - No, but...

You must respect laws!

I'll come back tomorrow. For the list of names.

You never mentioned you had a baby in this ward.

A baby with smallpox.

I'm sorry to hear it.

At such a tender age?

I'm afraid it's possible.

I'd like to see it.

The heart rate's up! What can I do?

You could infect this officer. Go back in!

You're right. But hurry, we need you!

Help her, nurse.

Forgive her. Dr Korteny is inexperienced.

These days, even we doctors panic.

What's your name? I'm Professor Balazs.

See you tomorrow, Professor Balazs.

You must leave. Well done!

I'm sorry, but you all must leave. You saved us.

The children can stay.

They want men and women to send to Germany.

The children will be safe here.

- I won't leave my son. - Nor Lili.

I want to stay. If we go,

daddy won't be able to find us!

I'm staying to wait for daddy!

Magda, persuade her.

How? Tell her the truth.

No, I can't do that.

You can. Go on, tell her.

We'll have to split up outside.

We don't know Budapest.

We should stick together.

No, split up.

More of us could make it.

Just as I expected.

Wait for them all to leave.

I still see children.

They're not going with the others.

You take care of them.

Have they gone? I can't be sure.

We're going. I want to cross the river before dawn.

No, it's too dangerous.

A friend is waiting for us.

It's not that far!

Our children are there. We have to try.

All right. Let's go.

Magda, stay here with Lili. It's madness.

Are you coming or not?

No, Gyula. I'm too scared.

May God protect you. - Good luck.

- God will watch over us.

Bye, sweetheart.

Quick! Run!

Gyula! Gyula! No!

Let's get out of here. I'll carry her.

Wait here.

Let's turn back.

Over there.

Down there. All right.

That music... reminds me of Barcelona.

How do you volunteer for war?

It seemed a good cause.

After, they gave me a card that said, "Spain...

"Spain will be eternally grateful," and some other stuff.

Wait... Here, take Lili.

Stay here. I'll be a couple of hours.

Don't move, I have something to do that could save us.

The militia came back for you.

Thank you. Lina...

You're the most beautiful Hungarian woman I know.

Good luck.

"Dear comrade, wherever you may be,

you may turn to Spain when needed."

Is the ambassador in residence?

Yes, but you need an appointment.

- He'll see me, it's an emergency!

- Please, don't insist.

We need to see the ambassador!

- This is Spanish territory.

- I know, that's why I'm here.

Don't make use force. The ambassador can't see you.

He has to see me, okay?

Stop right there. Hands off. Who are you?

The son of Mrs Tourne, the secretary.

Get out of the way, son. Are you Mrs Tourne?

I need to see the ambassador.

Why do you wish to see him? It's important.

You can't tell me why?

He's not seeing anyone.

I really need to see him. It's a matter of life or death.

I'll give you an appointment.

I'll need your name first.

He doesn't know me. I have to see him in private.

I explained...

If I can't see the ambassador, let me see anyone here who counts!

What's going on? Good morning.

Are you the ambassador?

Would you please tell me who you are?

Here. My name's on this.

Look at the signature.

Generalissimo Francisco Franco.

You fought in the civil war?

Yes. My regiment opened up the road to Malaga.

Perhaps you remember that.

Sorry for the confusion.

I'll show the ambassador this.

No, I'll show him myself when he receives me.

Mr Perlasca, I'm a lawyer.

My name's Farkas. I work closely with the ambassador.

Don't you trust me?

I don't trust anyone.

We won't move until the ambassador sees us.

Mr Farkas is saying that... Listen to me!

I'm innocent but I'm a wanted man!

I just need a passport

to allow me to return to Italy.

For a passport, you need to be a Spanish citizen.

Make me one!

I fought in Spain for you!

We can give you a passport but you'll need a visa.

We can't get through to Madrid by phone.

They shot at people last night, innocent people!

Totally innocent.

And you're worried about your phone?

What's all this? Mr Farkas, can you explain?

Excellency, this man... is Italian.

And?

He has a document signed by General Franco.

Please, come in. Join me in my office.

May I see the document? Please, have a seat.

We're ready to give you what you ask:

Spanish nationality and a passport.

Mr Farkas, ask Mrs Tourne

to draw up a certificate

for Mr Perlasca as our employee.

It will allow you to move freely around Budapest.

That's what you wanted?

You also have to help Magda Levi and Lili.

That's no so easy. They're Jews.

Actually, I'm a Jew myself.

Like Mrs Tourne and her son.

Is there room in one of our houses?

What houses?

We have seven safe houses with diplomatic rights.

We shelter a number of Jews there.

Neutral countries like

Sweden Portugal or Switzerland do it too.

The Vatican supports our work.

I have to go round there soon. I can take them with me.

I'll come too. I need less striking clothes.

- Your authorization. - I'd love to kiss you!

Don't even think about it.

You see? This is our new home.

No, it isn't our home. We don't have a home.

Come on, Lili. We'll be fine here.

We wanted to thank you. What for?

Of all the Hungarian women I know, you're...

what were you going to say? Nothing.

There are lots of children here.

Are these houses safe?

In theory, this is Spanish territory.

And in practice? That's another matter.

War and occupation don't really respect the law.

Hundreds of people are under our protection.

We can barely feed them.

You can stay here.

Come with me. Meet the other children.

Off you go. Be brave.

Mummy!

Don't be afraid. Say hello to the others.

This is Lili, your new friend.

- Hello, Lili. - Come and play with us.

- We're playing a guessing game. - It's my turn.

Miklos! You're here...

The others? I've no idea.

We're the only ones here.

Last night was terrible. Truly terrible.

He had such a fright that I can't make him smile.

Gyorgy... Let me have him. Come on!

Kids! Want to come with me?

All of you, come on! Hurry! Come on!

Stick to the same spot, otherwise you lose!

Ready? We're ready!

Let's see the shoes! Off you go!

Salome, it's past three

I'm still here, you see

on the couch, by you all day

As the minutes tick away

Faster!

You're out! Come here! You're out! Stand up!

Excuse me. Come on.

You're out too, Lili.

Gyorgy's the winner!

Well done, son!

Long live Gyorgy!

What's in there?

I'm not talking to you.

Remember how you spoke to me?

I was sad and angry.

Don't you ever feel that way, son?

Don't call me that. I'm 20.

I'm not a child.

- Okay, what's in here? - Bread.

- The bread's here! - The bread, children!

Just a second! There's enough for everyone!

May I? Here you are.

One at a time. There's plenty.

- This is for us. - No, give it back.

Hands off, unless you want trouble!

You're not allowed in here.

You come from another house, right?

Wait until Gaston comes to your house.

Sarosi, you have a family. Come on, stay out of trouble.

We give this bread to people who don't have any protection.

They're not safe and warm!

No way. You're a liar!

I'm sorry to hear that.

I won't be able to sleep.

Ferenc, you can't do this.

Why not?

Give me the knife. - Who the hell are you?

- A man who wants that knife.

Well, you're not having it.

I need it to slice my bread and spill the guts

of idiots who push me too far.

That may be witty but I'm too slow to understand.

I tend to focus on just one idea.

Give me the knife.

They steal bread from the safe houses to sell it.

Watch what you're saying.

I don't sell it or steal it.

What if I do? Want to call the police?

Shame on you. No, shame on you,

holed up here like a sewer rat!

Just watch your mouth!

Who brought you up?

Gaston, the knife!

Let's see what else he has. See this?

I knew you had a good side.

A harmonica player can't be all bad.

Give this act a rest and play us something.

I'm not your clown. I play for myself.

Play for whomever you like. But get out of here.

Go! Off with you!

The bread. In the basket.

Don't try anything clever or I'll get really mad.

Good. Great.

That's it.

Sir... Thank you.

I thought your guest would like a "Marta" too.

Perfect, Anton. Thank you.

He named it for my wife.

You were telling me about yourself.

You were saying...

It was madness to ally ourselves

with a maniac like Hitler.

Besides, I hate the Nazis.

How did you end up in Spain?

I wanted to fight communism.

I read they were burning churches

and I went there.

People should pray where they like,

be it in a church or a synagogue.

Your attitude is fair. The way you act is fair too.

I saw how you acted with those young people.

I wish I could have done that. But I can't.

The looks of these people,

my people... break my heart.

It's as if I had rheumatics of the soul.

But you're different. It's like your suit.

Meaning?

You have an everyday suit and a Sunday suit.

I'm the everyday suit type. You're not.

You're wrong. If I was a suit,

I'd just like to be hanging in a wardrobe.

Nice and peaceful, without any problems.

No, you're not like that.

I know men. Cheers!

Delicious cocktail.

I live nearby.

Gaston will take you to the embassy.

Just a second! These are Magda's gloves.

Take me to the safe house.

- This late? - Yes, this late.

By the way, Gaston, I got this for your mother.

Could you give it to her

and apologize for my behaviour?

You were just sad and angry, right? It happens.

Magda!

Madam... Lili!

What happened?

Giorgio! Lili!

Come here! What happened?

Where are the others?

Where's your mother?

I don't know. They took her away.

Away with the others.

- The soldiers took them all.

- We'll find her.

You have to find her. Let's go now. Promise!

We must leave, it's dangerous here.

Leave her be. It's no use, she's lost her mind.

Leave him now. We have to go.

They could come back any minute. Come on, let's go.

It's a waste of time. We have to find my mother!

Lili, shut up! Shut up!

Farkas! Wallenberg tells me

they've been to other embassies' safe houses.

Wallenberg, the Swedish envoy?

Yes, he's saving many Jews.

How? He has a lot of money.

You mean he bribes the SS and the militia?

Exactly. Why don't you?

I couldn't bribe anyone.

They smashed her husband's head in with a rifle butt!

You told me this house had diplomatic status!

Yes, I told you that!

I'll be lodging a protest.

That will scare them!

- The ambassador demands that...

- That's all hot air. No, it's principle!

Meaningless principle!

Where have they taken them?

Probably to the freight yard. Let's go!

Where are we going? I want my daddy.

See all these people? They're taking the train too.

Don't mind the dogs.

Hurry up! Move it! Speed it up!

Children with the women. Leave him with his mother!

She's dead! Too bad!

Don't take him, I'm all he has!

Take the child!

Get back in line! All right.

Stop him! I want to be with my son!

She isn't his mother! Victor!

I'm here, Victor! Victor, I'm here!

Criminals.

It's Sarosi.

Where are you going? Stop!

These people were under Spanish protection.

You can't let this happen!

You're Hungarian police officers.

You must respect international law!

Calm down! Who's in command here?

Let me speak to him!

I'm in command. What do you want?

Unless I'm wrong, we've met before.

You're thinking of someone else. Read this!

Giorgio Perlasca. Spanish

Aren't you Italian?

No, Spanish, from Andalucia.

For four generations.

But...

I'm a Spanish citizen! I can move around freely.

And say what I think!

And I happen to think this is an act of violence!

Spanish Embassy legal office...

what do you want? Don't we have enough problems?

I'm simply a policeman in command of loading this train.

Major! These aren't goods, they're human beings.

Check the legality of your orders first!

Hungary has an agreement

to send 50,000 Jews to work in Germany.

It's legal.

Deportation is illegal!

The agreement's criminal!

I don't decide. Neither do you.

I do what I can.

Now, I'm saving your life. I hope you realize.

I realize, thank you.

But you must save theirs too.

They're Spanish, with all the papers.

Sure. Spanish like you.

I've seen such papers.

Budapest's full of fake passes.

The fools pay a fortune for them!

Those aren't Spanish.

Major, we want the people on this list.

I can't help you. Don't you realize that?

Major, after the war,

if you don't set yourself apart from these criminals,

you'll answer with them for what's happening here!

I know...

This is what we'll do.

If you can't do anything, tell me who can.

Tell me who takes the money.

But tell me now!

Of course. I understand.

You may well be right.

But why come to me?

You need to talk to HQ.

I want to talk to you, Lt Steiner.

I don't know why but...

I can tell...

that we can understand each other.

Maybe it's a matter of language.

I don't know.

What do you think?

Is it the language?

Levi, Magda! Sharosi, Peter!

- Korin, Istvan! - Here!

- Karsai, Laslo! - Here!

Sharosi, Peter! Mautner, Thomas!

Climb on!

Hafner, Thomas! Goldkorn, Agnes!

Get on the truck! Climb on!

Rasvosky, Laslo! Quick! Climb on!

If I called you, get on!

Lang, Ferenc!

Mr Perlasca!

Sarosi, come down! Get on!

I have to find my son!

They took him.

They gave him to a woman in one of the vans!

- I'll find him! - His name's Victor!

Victor! Magda!

Did they give you a boy called Victor?

Victor!

Is there a boy called Victor? I'm Victor.

Come with me! I'll take you to your father.

You come too...

Hurry!

Leave the pram, just take the child.

Magda! Magda Levi!

Adam! Come on.

You too, Professor Balazs!

Kadar, Anna! Grossman, Daniel!

They're on the list too! Climb on!

Come on, Daniel.

No, I must stay here.

I have to help these people. They need me.

Victor! Thank you, God!

Grossman, Daniel! Kadar, Anna!

Where are you?

Hurry it up! What are you, snails?

I'm not going without you!

Save yourself. I have to stay.

Go to your father. No, I'll go with you!

This is no time for romance! Get off this train!

Thank you! Quick, get on the truck!

Anna...

Keep moving!

I've reached the end of the list. Give me more names.

Maria and Ilona Braun.

Luisa Bruch. Irene Borosh.

Okay, climb on!

Maria and Ilona Braun!

We're here!

Get on board! Hurry up, climb on!

- Luisa Bruch! - Here!

Get down and climb on the truck. On the truck!

Borosh, Irene!

- That's me! - Get down!

I'll help you. Come on. Give me a name.

Kohn, Ilonka! Climb on the truck!

- Kohn, Ilonka! - I'm here!

Over here! I'm not coming without my sister, Anja!

- Stay here! - She's on my list!

Other names. Give me other names!

Make room. Help them up!

Get up! Move it!

Get on the truck. Hurry.

Close the doors! No, wait!

Laslo! Zora!

I'm glad to see you! Climb on the truck.

Wlodeck! Wlodeck!

You're not wlodeck Goldkorn?

Your father's on the truck! Why aren't you with him?

You're wlodeck, the pain in the neck who's always hungry?

- Isn't that you? - Yes, that's me.

What are you waiting for? We're going. Hurry!

Good boy...

Farkas, we're leaving. Let's go.

Adam!

Take the child! Where's Magda?

They took the others to the Ghetto.

Captain Bleiber.

Funny, I don't remember your name.

There was no time for introductions.

That's true.

If you want... No need.

The officer who gave you permission did as he thought best.

You trust your men blindly?

Of course. If I had doubts, I'd be incapable. See this station?

I've been here 4 weeks.

Before colonel Eichmann arrived.

Departures take place with clockwork precision,

thanks to my men's work.

One of today's departures will be missing a few passengers.

Never mind.

Back in Bucharest, I had statistics drawn up.

On convoys like this,

there's an average death rate of 5 or 6%.

The people you took represent that amount for me.

My figures still balance.

Take them to the Embassy.

To the Ghetto.

This place is like an anthill now.

Before the war, there were 800,000 Jews.

More than 500,000 have vanished.

The others are packed in here.

Magda Levi! Giorgio! Sandor!

- How are you? - Good. And you?

Good.

A Spanish Embassy car? How come?

I'm Spanish now for everyone.

This is Mr Farkas, the embassy's lawyer.

Sandor... How's your father?

He was taken away with all the others.

Luckily, Eva and I got away.

You'll have to buy calves somewhere else now.

Your wife isn't Jewish...

No, but she married a Jew. That's enough for them.

Eva... Remember Giorgio?

The Italian who bought our calves.

What have you been up to while I've been away?

It feels like it's a girl. I think so too.

You're crazy. It's a boy.

The first of eleven.

The future Hungarian football team that'll beat Italy.

Don't count on it. Even the Germans can't beat us.

Farkas, Eva and Sandor are dear friends...

we'll make room in the houses. Thank you.

Get your things and wait in the car.

We won't be long. Thank you

on Friday evenings, this was a noisy, happy place.

We organized life here.

While adults read the scriptures,

the children would run and play like on a village square.

We'd tell them to calm down and behave.

But we never told them off or bothered them.

Do you know why?

Because, for a Jew, prayers are part of life.

You can't pray alone.

To address God, you have to do it with others.

The Rabbi's waiting.

Welcome. This is Mr Giorgio Perlasca.

We're looking for Magda Levi.

Go and find out.

I want to thank you for what you're doing for my people.

The Ghetto has become a lake of suffering.

It seems calm, as if the waters were always still.

But it isn't. A river of desperation flows in daily.

Another river of innocents

flows out in silence.

It vanishes it into the void.

You hear that?

I'll translate. It says,

"when the Rabbi sings, they all sing with him.

"When the Rabbi dances, they all dance with him."

But then it says,

"But when the Rabbi weeps, he weeps alone."

I'm afraid the person you're looking for isn't here.

The soldiers took her to Istvan Korut's house.

What's that?

A place no one leaves alive.

Who's in charge here?

Who's in charge?

What do you want?

The bag.

I need to talk to you. Spanish Embassy.

Let him come up.

What do you want?

I'm here to recover people arrested illegally

before it causes a diplomatic incident between friendly countries

united in the Fascist ideal.

I know you feel a Jew's life is worth nothing.

However, in Spain,

even the life of a Jew is worth something.

In fact, it's worth a lot.

At times, a great deal.

Now close your eyes and pray.

I'm going to slit your throat.

There's the same sum in the car.

If you kill me, you'll only get that bag.

But if you let me and the people missing from the list go,

you'll get twice as much.

You gave all the money?

He took the bag too.

Was it your own money or...

No, my company gave it to me to buy cattle.

For the same amount, I can buy humans. How about that?

Get on the truck. - Is Magda Levi here?

- I don't know her.

Do you know Magda Levi?

Get on the truck!

Miguel! Have you seen Magda Levi?

I don't know her.

Farkas, Magda isn't here.

Leave her alone!

Lean on me. I'll help you.

Where's Lili?

She's fine. She's safe. She's at the embassy.

Come on.

We're going now. We're going. Don't worry.

Miguel... Sandor... Take her.

I haven't finished. I'm going in.

No, it's too dangerous!

Gaston, come with me. Stay here!

I want the dead too.

Well done, Gyorgy!

Gaston...

These three should be buried together.

They're a family.

She just dozed off.

Mommy... Is that you, mommy?

Yes... It's me.

A touching scene, isn't it? Indeed it is.

Thank you for the rose.

Sorry, but these days I cry over nothing.

My rose meant nothing to you? Oh, no!

My son told me what you did today.

- It's time we got some sleep. - True.

But I fear you won't be able to yet.

The ambassador wants to see you.

Thank you. Good night. Good night, Mr Perlasca.

Come in! Excellency.

I need a word with you.

The Hungarian government is moving, for safety reasons,

to the Austrian border.

We've been asked to transfer our embassy there as well.

I have no other choice.

Tonight I leave for Switzerland.

And the embassy? It's closing down.

And the refugees in the safe houses?

Once I get to Switzerland, I'll arrange your exit visa.

But what about the others?

Why ask me?

Spain has done all it can for these people.

More, in fact.

If I stayed here, at the embassy,

it would mean Spain recognizes this criminal regime.

I simply cannot stay. I'm sorry.

Mrs Tourne, goodbye.

Mr Farkas, thank you.

What have you decided?

Are you leaving too?

Giorgio...

Now the ambassador's gone, they'll come for us.

Dying is bad but it's worse knowing you have to die.

It's hell experiencing this again.

Our escape from the sanatorium lasted only a few hours.

They caught most of us.

They took us to Eichmann's HQ.

There were more than a thousand of us in a single room.

It was so cramped, we couldn't sit.

They brought the children there.

We had to carry them so that they wouldn't stifle.

Was little David there too? Yes.

Daniel held him for hours.

I don't know how he did it.

Then, in the night, they moved us to a yard.

Many, knowing they were about to die, started weeping.

Others prayed.

But not the mothers.

The mothers prepared for the journey.

They washed the children, did the laundry, packed...

At dawn, the wire was covered with laundry and nappies.

And they didn't forget the toys

and other things children need.

We did the same for David.

The old women sat in a circle

and grieved for our people without land or hope.

A sort of song like this.

Know what it says?

"Oh, it's certain

"the Messiah will come this year.

"And if he comes on a cart,

"the years will be good.

"If he comes on horseback,

"the years will be good.

"And if he comes on foot,

the Jews will go "to Israel

"and stay there."

What about David?

They tore him from Daniel's arms.

He left on the first train, hugging his teddy bear.

Quick!

Everyone get down! Guns ready!

Break down the door!

Get them all out! I want them all!

Don't let any get away! Check all rooms!

If they resist, kill them!

Start loading the truck!!

You can't do this! Stop!

You can't come in here!

This is Spanish territory Get out!

Enough! One more word and you're dead!

The ambassador's left!

There's no Spanish representation.

I have orders to take all the Jews hidden here.

You're taking no one.

The Spanish embassy still exists.

Forbid you to enter! Really?

Who the hell are you, to tell me what not to do?

I'm Jorge Perlasca!

The Spanish consul. And this is Spanish territory.

Didn't you see the flag outside?

The Spanish consul? Let me see your papers, please.

Lieutenant, you cannot make such a request on Spanish territory.

Right, Farkas? Get out!

Commander Vajna ordered me to...

I don't like the way you address a diplomat.

Give me your name. I'll speak to Vajna.

I'm seeing him tomorrow. Tomorrow?

Yes, on a very delicate matter.

What matter?

Are you asking me about a private matter?

Who do you think you are? Give me your name.

All right. We'll leave.

But we'll be back. At the first air-raid, consul,

we'll be back to see you.

You can't do that. Yes, I can.

On the orders of commander Vajna, from today on,

every Jew in Budapest, in any place in Budapest,

will be required for rubble clearance!

So we'll be back soon.

Let's get out of this dump.

Get back inside.

Have you gone mad?

Why on earth did you say you're the Spanish consul?

And that you know Vajna?

I need to see him.

Who? Vajna.

He can keep the militia away.

But he's the worst of all.

He can kill for no reason!

I just want to talk to him.

He won't hurt the Spanish consul.

I'll need forged credentials.

He's not a politician. He's not a statesman.

He's a paranoid, a maniac, an animal!

Good. It's my job to know about animals.

We'll take these people to the safe houses tomorrow

and then we'll see.

Why are you doing this?

What would you do in my shoes?

The air raids will start soon.

You'll be forced to clear rubble and corpses.

We must stop that.

We'll fly our flag outside all our houses.

Our enemies will see that this is Spanish territory,

with inviolable rights. Another thing...

Many of you have asylum permits like this one.

They're false!

You've been tricked by unscrupulous people.

We shall replace your permits with real ones.

Valid ones.

We'll keep a register of names.

Just to show that everything is above board.

Who can keep the register? Me.

I can do it. I was a teacher.

I know about registers.

A teacher?

You can set up a school for the children too.

A school here? Yes. Here.

I know what you're thinking.

There's a war on... there are air raids...

there's fear. Everything seems meaningless.

But children need schooling.

If not, they'll be pig ignorant.

And we don't want pigs, do we?

I'm Katalin, I'm an opera singer. I could teach music.

There's a piano here.

Very good! A music school is ideal.

Thank you. That's not all.

We'll need people

who can warn the embassy if a safe house is invaded.

Ferenc, could you and your friends handle that?

Who does he think he is?

He arranges everything as if he was one of us,

as if we were in the same boat!

Ferenc! You talk too much. Answer yes or no.

No. Never mind.

I was an infantry colonel.

I'm used to organizing duty rosters.

I was born in this building. I could organize sentry duties.

We need to think first about provisions,

starting with coal and wood for the stoves.

All right. Thank you.

The colonel is in charge here.

Daniel, could you do

the same in another house?

Frankly, I don't know.

Well, I do. You'll be perfect.

Excuse me but...

there's one thing that may make him unsuitable for the job.

He can't go out with his hair like that.

The militia will simply take pot-shots at him. You're right, colonel.

I'm sorry. I was sure that...

All right. Who feels up to it?

Wait. I'll do it.

You're sure? Yes.

I'll cut my hair.

Now, who has a gun? And who knows how to use one?

No! Not that!

I'm not saying we'll need to use guns.

But we must be ready to do so if necessary.

Mr Perlasca...

what is it, Gaston?

Vajna sent a messenger round. He's ready to see you today.

There's no time to explain all the diplomatic ropes to you.

Just remember that Vajna knows little about diplomacy.

I found this on the ambassador's desk.

Keller, the Hungarian envoy to Madrid

hasn't been accredited.

If Vajna asks about it, what do I say?

I don't know.

Can you do my cufflinks?

If Spain has told Hungary

that this embassy is closed, what happens then?

You'll be arrested as a spy and tried.

Or, more likely, shot on the spot.

Along with me, if that helps...

It doesn't.

You want to forget it? No.

Look how elegant I am.

I may never get this chance again.

You look like a real ambassador.

I hope so.

So, repeat after me, the speech we drew up together.

Aside from the political value of the Jewish races,

we wish to advise you of the legal reasons

behind our protection of the Sephardim in Hungary.

We wish to consider them as Spanish citizens

in return for their forced exile

from Spain 400 years ago.

Now mention the law.

This is based on the Rivera Bill

that grants Spanish citizenship to all Sephardic Jews.

- What year? - 1924.

Who first raised the issue?

Alfonso xll and Alfonso xlll.

Remind him of that. Kings always impress louts.

- Remember the end of the speech?

- "Sephardim and Spain."

Very good. May God help us!

- Which God? Yours or mine?

- We have the same God, Perlasca.

Really? Then may God help us!

An air-raid. Right now.

The lieutenant will be back. We have to go.

Ready, Farkas?

May God's will be done.

Do you think Vajna's here?

Vajna is a man who hates running away.

He was in his office just now.

He was poring over his maps and ranting against the bombs.

Our Vajna is a brave man.

Or, according to some, a very stupid man,

like you, in fact, consul Perlasca...

I don't understand.

You lied to us. You're not a diplomat.

Really?

- What am I then? - A dilettante.

I don't follow.

I'll try to be clearer.

Lt Nagy tells me you risked your life

to prevent a normal shipment of Jews.

I saw you do it at the station too.

Believe me, a true diplomat doesn't act like you do.

You follow your instincts, your passions.

In my eyes, that makes you dangerous and hateful.

Being hated by you is a compliment.

You're exceptional.

No one talks to captain Bleiber like that.

Do you know why?

- Perhaps you're exceptional too.

- Listen, consul, I'm your very opposite.

No emotions, no warmth, no human understanding

and also no hatred.

I don't even hate the Jews.

I simply obey orders.

When I was in Russia,

I handled provisioning for the army corps.

In warsaw, I was in charge of billeting.

In Bucharest, however, my task

was to send workers to labour camps in Germany.

All because, before the war, after graduation,

I published a study on the rational disposal of waste.

I don't know why you're telling me this.

Perhaps as a warning.

I'd be sorry to have to hang you one of these days.

All clear. The planes leave and we're still alive.

Even if it's only a matter of time now.

Will you excuse me? Mr Perlasca...

Move it! Move! Let's hurry!

The bombs have destroyed buildings.

- Got the guns? - No, they're hidden.

You mean we can't defend ourselves?

Stay by me. I have a pistol.

- What is it? - We're ready.

Lieutenant! I'm in charge of this house.

You can't take these people.

They have asylum permits from the Spanish embassy!

I'm glad you told me.

Those with letters, show them!

Hold them up!

Higher! Above your heads!

Give them to my men!

Hurry it up!

And now, watch closely.

Your precious asylum permits are worth nothing!

No! What are you doing? You can't do that!

Did you speak?

Yes.

No! Please.

She's my daughter! She's so young.

She doesn't know what she's saying.

Keep on talking. Thank you.

What for?

For treating us like this.

The Talmud says that Jews... are like olives.

We give our best when we're crushed.

All right. I'll crush you here and now.

You make me sick, Jew!

Enough time wasted! Hands on your heads!

Start walking! Move! Walk!

The rubble's waiting!

Come on, move! Hurry it up!