Original subtitles

The Orator

Kavika.

Kavika.

What is it?

Have you planted the yams over there yet?

Finished.

We planted new seedlings up to the graves.

Keep planting.

And if that shit head pops up...

then tell him to move his parents

down to his house.

No worries.

If he pops up

we'll plant a yam on his head.

Go to the village...

and tell them that Tagaloa says...

that each family must provide one cat.

Then take all the cats

to the Pastor's house.

That will solve his rat problem.

Thank you sir.

Hurry up.

You want me to carry you on my back?

Hurry up. It's nearly curfew.

'WOMEN'S POOL - NO MEN ALLOWED'

Come bathe in here.

It saves you walking

all that way to the men's pool.

If someone comes...

just pretend you are a turtle.

What did Tagaloa say?

You have to make a plan for that land.

It's shameful to leave

your parents back there.

You don't have to do any oratory

if you are ashamed.

The important thing...

is to get a title and save that land.

Who am I?

Tagaloa would never consider

making me a chief.

Why?

God gave you a mouth and a heart.

That's all you need to be a chief.

Is this the right house?

Yes.

At least there's some rocks

in case your words fail us.

Litia.

Who is it?

Stay behind for a while.

I'll miss the bus and be late.

I don't want a detention.

Stay behind. We have guests.

Are you sick?

No.

Who owns this house you are living in?

This is my husband's house.

Your husband?

Who is your husband?

A man from the village.

A man from this village?

Good.

I am ill.

But this is not a worldly illness.

I believe that this illness...

is an illness from the grave.

I was repainting and tidying...

and cleaning up our parents' graves...

a few months ago

when I ended up

with this scratch on my leg.

It felt like a fingernail

scratch on my skin

but I knew it was deeper.

My illness has led me here to you.

Our parents are restless.

They are turning in their graves.

Have you forgotten that I'm banished?

No.

I haven't forgotten

but don't worry about our village

or their banishment.

Seventeen years is a long time.

Perhaps they have forgotten about you.

But if they haven't...

don't worry. Just leave it to me.

The most important thing now...

is to appease our parents

who are not at peace with us.

Why come to me?

You are the one being

cursed by our parents.

It is your burden

but you come and hide

in this bushy back village,

while the family continues to carry

your shame and disgrace.

This burden is yours alone

and the shame still belongs to you.

I don't want to return.

My home and family is here now.

If I return it will only

stir up more trouble.

It's best that I stay here.

What?

Should I ask our parents

to release you from their curse?

Where is your husband?

He's at work.

What time does he finish work?

Late in the evening.

She does not want to come back.

Poto.

Come back to my house.

I've got a chainsaw.

We can cut your leg off.

That will save you.

He was hiding in the taro patch.

Go to school.

I'm not going. It's late.

You told me to stay...

so I'm staying.

Well do the washing if you're staying home.

It's nice cocoa rice.

When I die...

bury me in the front.

Finish your cocoa rice first.

I'm asking...

because I'm worried.

Where will you bury me when I die?

When are you bringing down.

The old man and the old woman?

Thank you for the pig.

Thank you also for the candidate,

that you have selected

to succeed me in my title.

As I look at this pig here.

I find that I am feeling...

somewhat envious.

When you get to my age

you no longer worry about death.

When I wake up...

Do your legs hurt?

Does this boy understand Samoan?

He understands.

Good.

So he should understand.

When I say to him...

Cross your legs properly.

Before I come over there

and break them off.

Greed

and stupidity

brings a person down to

the level of animals.

I haven't lost my mind

or become a fool,

but I am humiliated.

Who is this person...

that you put forward?

I am still alive.

I am still breathing.

You are gutting me,

while I'm still alive.

Thank you Tagaloa.

What's this mat for?

Why don't you want to

go back to your family?

Why should I return?

The village banished me.

I disgraced my family.

I can't go back.

They've got a nice car.

What if I go and stay with them?

Why?

Everything you need is right here.

Baby

I want to go talk to your father.

Why?

I want to explain my intentions

with you to him.

Are you stupid?

If I see you coming.

I'll set my dogs on you.

Baby.

Don't you like me anymore?

No.

I don't care if your dogs eat me.

I'm still coming over.

I'm sorry but no-one

is allowed here at night.

We're just sitting here.

It's forbidden.

Get away from here.

Don't worry. We'll leave soon.

My dad's got a gun.

He'll shoot your ankles off,

if you come over.

Even if he shoots my ankles off...

I'll still crawl to you.

What kind of gun does your dad have?

A shot-gun.

Don't lie.

He's only got a sling-shot.

Come to my house then.

See what kind of gun he shoots you with.

Can't this devil see,

that people are sitting here.

Telesia...

I hope your radio is on?

Do you remember this next song?

We were under the breadfruit tree.

Telesia...

All those clothes you're showing off now.

I bought them for you.

And those shoes that you are wearing.

You've become infatuated

with that home wrecker.

Telesia...

shame on you.

You're listening to 2AP -

the voice of Samoa.

The time now is exactly 3am.

Hey!

I'm going to kill you shit-eater.

Hey.

You wait!

Just you wait!

He's cutting down the yams again.

Shit-eater.

I'm gonna get this guy.

I'm gonna catch him

and pull his eyes out of his sockets.

Quiet down boys.

Do you love me?

If you love me...

I want my photo in the newspaper.

I'm the only coach

without his photo in the paper.

The season is nearly over...

and we haven't won a game yet.

If this season ends

and we still haven't won

a single game...

then next season...

put on some panties,

cause we're playing with the women.

When I was living in New Zealand...

I played for the Auckland team.

That was a very nice team.

Why?

Me.

But there was another reason

called the Three 'D's.

The Three 'D's strategy.

The first 'D'...

Discipline.

Your conduct and determination

to play by the rules.

You're never going to win

if you play angry...

but you will with courage.

'D' number two...

Defence.

Your determination to protect your home.

You got that?

There you go.

Eli.

You only got to the second 'D'.

Huh?

You said there were three 'D's.

What's the last 'D'?

Dackle.

Dackle them so hard you can smell

a 'hmmm' in their pants.

Right...

Five laps, twenty push-ups, twenty sit-ups

and take another twenty home with you.

Wait till he goes then

we start playing again.

Litia.

You should get a donkey

for your dad to ride.

Your dad is the only donkey

in this village.

Shit.

He's not my father.

I'm looking for Litia.

Did she come past here?

Have you checked the rugby field?

I'll break her mouth when I find her.

She's been acting so cheeky lately.

Vaaiga.

You shouldn't be out wandering around.

Why not? It's my choice.

Out of all the men here,

how come Tagaloa

picked you for this job?

Is there no-one else?

Don't underestimate me.

How would you chase people away from here?

I use the broom.

There.

Just in case you come across trouble.

Where were you last night?

Litia... I'm late for school.

You are only seventeen years old.

Use your head wisely.

Are you listening?

Don't rush into things

you can't understand.

You're the one I'm looking for.

Wanna fight? - Come on.

I'm gonna break you apart.

Litia.

What happened to you?

Litia...

What's going on? Look at your uniform.

Litia.

Come outside. I want to talk to you

One on one! You first Maleka!

Litia... tell me what happened.

I don't know.

What have you done to my daughter?

Ask your daughter.

There's a rumour she's been flirting.

With my husband.

I want to know if it's true.

You're a liar! You shouldn't show.

Your face round here.

You didn't even finish primmer three.

Come out here and say that.

Maleka. It's best you leave.

Look how old you are..

Picking on a little girl...

What? - Get away from here.

Go look after your husband

and stop being so suspicious.

Don't bring that nonsense here.

Get out or I'll break

your mouth with this rock.

Go for it.

You're not the only one with a rock.

Say what you said again.

I'll beat up both of you

right here in your house.

Don't ever think you can come here

and behave like that.

This is not your village.

Go back to where you came from.

I'm warning you.

If I ever find out those

rumours are true...

I'll be coming back.

Get out of my house.

You're too easy on her.

You should've dragged her out

and shaved her head.

I'm going to kill her.

Give me the rock.

You shouldn't believe a word she says.

Hi Saili.

Faiaso.

This yard is looking like a cemetery.

If you die tomorrow...

the question is...

where will you be buried?

I have noticed that there

is no space left here.

Perhaps they will bury you out the back.

I'm not saying this

to cause any trouble.

My words are cloaked in love.

Give us Toetu.

He shouldn't be buried here

amongst these strangers.

It's better to leave that space

there for you old man.

With all due respect.

Galu.

Why do you worry about me?

If Toetu wants to sleep here...

then let him.

I don't know what all the fuss is about.

The number of graves in front of our house

shows how much love we have...

for our departed.

I'm worried...

that the widow...

is still young and beautiful.

What if, in a few months time...

she finds another man?

Then what?

If she finds another man...

and if he then dies too...

then maybe...

we'll have to squeeze

that man in beside Toetu.

They can gossip down there

about her together.

Toetu...

will go to his grave with his wife's heart.

She will never give it away again.

Man, these are big taros.

Stop it.

She married a taro farmer.

I want to talk to your husband.

Perhaps we should have come

to visit in the evening?

As you can see...

your family is here now.

You shouldn't have any more doubts.

You've wasted your petrol coming here.

That's enough disobedience.

You must return to your family now.

This is not your family.

Who knows these people?

You look sick.

You are unbelievable.

You are responsible for

my husband's illness.

Your own brother.

Do you want us to drag you to the car?

I have already told you...

I'm not coming back.

This is my family now.

Who is this man you're so obsessed with...

that you neglect your own flesh and blood?

Don't force Vaaiga

if she doesn't want to come.

Mata! Shut your mouth.

The only reason you came

is to ride in a new car...

cause you can't afford one.

That's enough.

If my husband wasn't so worried.

I'd leave you here...

in this dog house.

That's enough.

Don't cry. You're wasting your tears

on this pain in the neck.

I didn't bring you here

to fight amongst yourselves.

If I knew this I'd have come alone.

Vaaiga.

This family is in crisis

because of your stone heartedness.

I'm not the cause of your problem.

I've told you many times.

I don't want to return

but you don't listen.

Is Litia back?

I looked for her around the whole village.

I don't know where that pain.

In the neck is hiding.

I just want to beat her up.

I thought you had left with your family.

Over my dead body.

Can you please get me some leaves?

My heart is hurting.

Do you know why a woman.

Avoids being an Orator?

She's ashamed to show

her breasts in public.

It's no different for you.

A chief must reveal

his soul and weaknesses

without fear or shame,

so that he can speak and ask for anything.

The question is...

do you have any balls?

Tell me now.

Do you have the balls to be a chief?

Yes I do.

Show me then.

A chiefly title...

is not for decoration.

I'm not wasting a title on any stinky pig,

who just wanders in asking for one.

Thank you for the basket of taro.

Why didn't you drop your lavalava?

If I was you...

I would have stood up...

and dropped it.

Kome.

Can you tell Sio I want to talk to him?

What about?

He knows.

No. Tell me first.

Tell him I'm waiting over here.

The rugby field is this big.

Not this.

There's no reason to bunch up here

and leave the rest empty.

That's why I say 'Pass the ball'.

Put your hands up.

Side-step.

That's what you do in rugby when you...

Wait wait wait.

What's going on? - Let me go.

What's happening here?

Why did you hit this guy?

Why did you hit this guy?

Do that again and I'll roll you up.

In your mat...

and smoke you like a cigarette.

What did you do to make him so angry?

Gracious me.

Vaaiga.

You have humiliated me

in front of everyone.

If I had known...

I would have left you to those women

to teach you a lesson.

No-one will know.

A rock may rot...

but words do not.

People talk a lot.

You have wasted your life

because of your cheekiness.

Are you still seeing that man?

No.

I dare you to see that man ever again.

You listening to me?

You keep my words embedded in your head.

I want to get rid of it.

I don't want anything to do with him.

I was humiliated.

I was disgraced,

banished by my family

and banished from the village.

But I fought for you to live.

For someone so small, you are pretty cocky.

What will happen to my daughter?

She's not even your daughter.

She's ashamed of you being with her mother.

Get out of here.

Find us some rocks.

I'm gonna get him.

Leave him to me.

Gimme a rock.

Find us a rock.

Got him.

Hey...

I think you killed him.

Why did they beat you up?

I heard the shop was damaged.

Poor dwarf.

Get off there.

I'm the night watchman for this shop.

No you're not.

I'm looking after this place now.

So get off there.

Go be a watchman

for your wife, chickens and pigs.

If I see you here again,

I'll smash my flashlight on your head.

Why did you cut down my yams?

Why are you planting on my land?

Do you have title to this land?

That's the chief right there.

Your father's been gone

for a long time.

His bones are dust.

Anyone can work this land now.

He can still be a chief from down there.

You being cheeky?

Do you want me to use my machete on you?

How sharp is your machete?

Sharp enough...

to cut your head off

if you say another word.

Go take your parents down.

Take them down to your house.

Cut my yams again...

you're gonna get it.

Settle down.

Hurry before the family wakes up.

Vaaiga.

There's an ifoga outside.

Who is it?

I think it's the boys who beat up Saili.

Go forgive the ifoga.

Why?

They're not here for me.

They're here for Saili.

Tell Saili to go do it.

I'm late for school.

These men...

know that they have done wrong.

They are stupid but they are remorseful.

You should just leave them out

here to suffer.

They have shamed

our families and the village.

Sio.

Don't fall asleep.

Be patient..

It'll be over soon.

Don't worry about what's going on outside.

You're making yourself sick for nothing.

What you are doing is making me sick.

It's ugly

and the whole village is watching.

I don't care.

I'm not something worthless

to be kicked around.

Don't touch me.

Looks like we're gonna be

here all day again.

Vaaiga.

Let's go to the hospital.

I don't want anyone in this room.

Vaaiga...

has forgiveness found

it's way into your house yet?

It is a waste if Christ was crucified...

and you still can't find forgiveness.

I'm going to get the Pastor.

Saili please.

Forgive me.

I don't want to die.

No.

Where will my mother be buried?

Go pardon the men outside.

Litia.

Litia.

Don't.

Let go your hand.

Don't.

Leave my mother! Let go your hand.

Leave her alone.

Poto.

Poto.

Give my mother back.

Litia.

The Village Council is coming.

Who is their Orator?

It's the old man Fousaga.

The harmony of this village...

depends on people obeying the laws.

That girl there...

was banished by the village.

Do you not understand.

What banishment means?

Once someone is banished

from this village...

that is the end of the matter.

That person is forbidden

to set foot in this village

in life and death.

I advise you to honour

the Council's decision.

Tell him it's not her.

Say it's your cousin from New Zealand.

I understand the meaning of banishment.

It means...

forsaken.

It means...

ruin and death.

It means...

returning to your family for the last time...

in a coffin.

Do you understand what forgiveness means?

The soil of our village...

is the cleanser of our sins.

Bury my sister here

and leave it to the earth

to forgive her sins.

I grew up admiring you Fousaga.

I wish you could borrow some of my years

to bring back your youth.

This village is a boat without a sail

if not for your wisdom and guidance.

They all listen to and obey

this village

your every word.

If you forgive Vaaiga...

then the village will forgive Vaaiga.

Don't let that shithead con you.

He's decorating you

with feathers and flowers.

Stand firm with The Council's decision.

Remove this woman

from the earth of this village.

Double Fousaga's money.

Make that envelope thick.

Take her body and bury her

at the far edge of the village.

You have damned my sister...

if you bury her in the plantations.

Would you...

neglect one of your own

relatives back there?

There are mischievous people

wandering about back there.

They might do something

to my sister's grave.

Once Vaaiga is put in the earth...

she will be forgotten.

You have to get my mother back

They came and stole your wife?

Are you planning on stealing her back?

I have come.

To talk about a title

I want to bring my wife back.

Did I ever tell you the story...

about this woman.

Who was afraid to be an Orator?

Oh yes, I have already.

I know of this really handsome Orator...

who could speak on your behalf.

His words are sweet but stinging.

He could bring your wife back.

Good.

At my age...

I don't think my old legs could last

a minute standing on that yard.

Bring out the Ava bowl and cup

and find a maiden to mix the Ava.

Poto.

The wisdom of nobles is enveloped

in the wisdom of God

and these are our nobles.

The wisdom of Faleupolu

determines the government.

The village must be at peace.

You must always be vigilant

and make sure...

you offer good advice to your family.

Blessed are the humble.

Blessed are those

who display their humility.

They are one with God.

The banishment is lifted.

Thank you all for

your support and patience.

Gather up the things

This is your Ava cup...

'Leopao'. 'Leopao'.

Blessings.

Good health.

Where are you going?

Vaaiga is watching from above...

and this is her day.

I'm certain that...

she would want everyone here

to be pleased and happy.

I am questioning.

The value of our relationship.

Poto.

Is this how much I am worth to you?

One box of herring...

a single mat...

and a few dollars,

not even enough for our bus fare home.

No-one betters you on a day like this.

You are a master

in conducting these ceremonies.

However...

we have to catch our bus.

We don't want to miss our boat.

I end my speech.

If you will, then we'll be on our way.

Lototasi...

'Value'

is a very delicate word

often thrown about at funerals.

You have made an effort

to come and farewell Vaaiga today.

That is of 'value'

If you miss the bus...

and have to walk all the way

to your families, that is 'value'.

If we have come up short...

with those gifts and money

then let me add on to them 'thank you'.

Your presence here today

has shown us your love.

That is the essence of 'value'.

Let's go.

Look. It's a dwarf!

What's your name?

Saili. - Saili?

Is that your chiefly title?

No. Leopao.

Leopao from where?

Leone.

Where's that?

It's far away from here.

What's your relationship to Vaaiga?

I'm Vaaiga's husband.

I don't know...

how this family will treat me.

Go home and wait.

I'm not leaving without my mother.

Do you need a ladder?

Poto.

That's Vaaiga's husband.

It's Moses and his staff!

With great respect

to the family in mourning.

The bond between Vaaiga

and my family has been broken...

by mistrust and disrespect.

But I have come...

to weave our bond back together again.

I am asking.

Return Vaaiga back to me.

Don't answer him.

Just leave him there.

He'll get tired and go.

Chase him off.

Get some boys to throw him in the sea.

Someone come

and drag that fool off the yard.

The village is laughing at us.

Where's the trouble maker?

That one standing there?

The tiny fellow?

Get the children to throw him in the sea.

Wait.

I want to correct you.

Firstly

that bond does not belong to you.

It belongs to this family.

Over seventeen years ago...

the bond was severed

but it has been restored today

with the return of Vaaiga's body.

Secondly...

I wish to acknowledge Vaaiga's daughter.

Your mother's offence

has now been pardoned.

This here is now your real family.

This is where you belong.

I want to thank you Leapao

for giving shelter to Vaaiga.

I applaud you for coming here today.

You show great courage.

However...

on this day...

your ties to Vaaiga will end.

Bring a box and a mat.

I am ashamed...

of myself

I'm ashamed too...

of you.

You come to my house

and you steal Vaaiga away

even though you know...

she had refused to return.

If you love Vaaiga

then stop this now.

Your family has suffered.

My family has suffered.

That's why I say lower your staff

and go home.

You say to me...

that the fate of my family...

has been determined on this yard...

You're not listening to me.

This day is Vaaiga's day.

Today Vaaiga is re-united with her family.

Death...

is unpredictable.

I saw death

coming for Vaaiga.

I saw it...

inside our house

as we sat and ate together...

and talked about our lives and our family.

Death was there when we were at the pools.

It was there

when we said our evening prayers.

I became so familiar with seeing death...

that I became careless.

It says in the Holy Book...

that death is like a thief at night.

Vaaiga was alone...

When death finally took her.

I wasn't with her.

That is the burden...

I will carry for the rest of my life.

So go ahead...

but I say to you...

if you bury her in this earth...

the worms will find her.

Even if you lift her high.

Into the trees...

the birds will find her.

Give me Vaaiga.

I will bury her here in the space...

between my heart and my lungs.

The worms will never find her there

nor the birds.

She will be safe

and at peace in here with my soul.

Go and take the mat.

That mat...

was woven by Vaaiga

and completed by her daughter Litia.

That is Vaaiga's gift to the family

with the hope that...

she can be forgiven.