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NIKI AND FLO

April 1st

Wait.

Let me do it.

Do you have any foil?

There. Bring me some foil.

That's better.

Level with the pocket.

Your mother's worried about candles.

Doina, in the back, Niki in front.

No room for this one. You take it.

Doina, take the bags and give Niki the camera.

Niki, fasten your seatbelt.

Bless, O Lord...

May He who has risen from the Dead, Christ, our Lord...

through the intercession of His Holy Immaculate Mother...

the prayers of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Fathers,

of Lazarus the Just, risen from the Dead on the fourth day,

and of all the other saints, receive the soul of His servant Mihai!

Eternal Peace...

Mr Tufaru, could you help us bring down the wreaths?

- I'm coming. - Please.

Eugen!

How many for the cemetery?

A candle on every loaf and a handkerchief.

- Have you got enough candles? - Yes, we're OK.

You should check and count them.

God forgive him.

Where is my husband, the man with the camera?

Mr Florian took the wreaths down.

Come children, come accompany Mihaitza.

Are the prayers over? Why didn't you say?

Godmother!

Where are you godmother?

Come Godmother, they're taking my Mihaitza.

Angela. Where is Angela?

Come...

Come, my child.

You're the only one left now..

Gently...

Careful on the stairs.

Lift it up again.

Put it back.

Raise the lid.

Put it back. Gently.

OK. You can nail it down.

Slip this under the leg.

Let me do it.

I'll put them in the bedroom.

Irinuca...

We need another tablecloth.

- Bring a sedative. - I'll go. I knew where it is.

In the morning, Niki took the music-book

then when Mihaitza came home from school

he found the photocopy Niki had made at the Academy on his desk.

Delia, you know his father wanted him to play the violin.

But I said, “The boy wants to play the clarinet, let him.”

The violin is for girls. The clarinet is for boys.

That night, Mihaitza came home,

he'd borrowed the Kitzer Method out of the library.

So I said to Niki, make the boy a copy tomorrow.

In the morning, Niki took the book

and that night, Mihaitza found on his desk

the copy which Niki himself had made at the Academy.

Irina, child, bring me the Kitzer Method.

How are you, Poucha?

Come and sit with me, Mlihai.

Mihai, like my little boy.

I have just buried my child.

Bucharest-Paris, 3 hours, then 4 hours in transit.

- 2 hours. - 2 hours.

Paris-New York, 11 hours, another 2 to Detroit.

15 hours in all. They'll be there in barely a day.

Don't you see!

Mr Ardelean, it's not certain.

There's an interview to come. We're not there yet.

Doina, Niki means something different.

Niki, tell me if I'm wrong...

Some parents think of their children's future.

Others want to keep them nearby,

not just selfishly. You must understand Niki.

Eugen, I'm not against it. You know that.

But you've got no one to help you there.

It's a long way.

That's what I mean. America's a long way.

You cannot know what you'll find. That's what I mean.

Bucharest to Satu-Mare is 12 hours by train.

There and back takes twice as long as going to America.

I understand Niki.

For 30 fears, he brought up a kid or two kids.

Now he's old, and he has no one to fetch him a glass of water.

Niki, do like me, you think it doesn’t affect me?

Turn your negative energy into positive energy.

Eugen, my child, we've discussed this.

Doina, Florian... Colonel Predescu said to me, Mr Ardelean...

- Predescu, your manager? - No.

- A relative of his? - No.

He said, 'Your son-in-law is in software'

'we'll take him on.'

'He has all the advantages. He doesn’t need to be an officer to work with us.'

'But if he wants that, we'll hire him as an officer.'

With your degree you can be a lieutenant. And do the job you know.

Not sure if you know, but the Army was the first computerized organization in Romania.

Niki...

It's not just about work.

What do you do with your earnings?

You've been to Sovata twice, once to Amara, and in summer...

No, Amara, every year till 83.

Fine, but in the US,

hop on a plane, you're in Miami, the the Grand Canyon, Great Lakes...

Mr. Florian, there's more than just holidays.

Our Mihai toured with the Army’s Philharmonic.

He went to Prague, Budapest, Leningrad.

It was for work, but still he saw the world.

Let’s go to the other room. Dad, I need three more chairs.

He spent a week in Prague. And two in Leningrad.

This is what I am saying. Mr Florian, do you understand?

As soon as they're settled, they'll ask us over.

1, 2, 3 months. What's the maximum?

See, Niki! 6 months in America.

Will Predescu spend his retiring years at the Great Lakes?

Father, in less than a day you're there.

Talk to Dad and decide, you come first

or Dad and Doina first, and then you.

Angela, is the priest here?

Why are you up? Go back to bed.

How can I go to bed? Niki, let's all go to the other room to eat.

I'll have the same as the priest.

Me too, except the gherkins.

That's what Lent is about, you mustn't eat meat,

no matter how tragic the reason that brings us together.

- We eat none all year. - That's excessive.

What, Florian? All year?

There are fasting days when no meat is eaten

and a few days, in Lent, when it is.

You are only partly right.

On such days, the Church allows meat, cheese and wine.

- I am a vegetarian. - We both are.

I advise you to forget stuffed cabbage, grills and sausages

and to think about your health.

- Do vegetarians fast? - We don't.

Logically, to force a comparison, it would mean that in Lent

we eat meat. As we don't, we don't fast.

- I'm fine, thanks, Mr... - Tufaru. Call me Florian.

Mr Tufaru, there's more to fasting than that.

It implies foregoing carnal pleasures

amongst which food is included.

God bless his soul.

There’s no bread left?

- Godmother! The bread! - What is your profession, Mr Tufaru!

More wine.

And two bottles of mineral water.

- Self-employed. - He makes traditional tokens.

I also make greeting cards and cards with astrological signs.

Speaking of which...

- You're Cancer. - Maybe. I was born on June 20th.

Cancer. I also make grass figurines.

Do you do horoscopes?

Horoscopes, chiromancy, Tarot...

Do Taurus get on with Scorpios?

- Are you Scorpio? - No, my husband is.

How odd. They don't go together.

When we copied the Soviet uniform,

the stripes changed to stars.

And now again the stars changed to stripes.

What about when you're retired?

What about it?

Do retired soldiers wear the uniform?

Of course, it belongs to them.

There is no retirement. We're in the reserve. Take Niki...

he's in the reserve. He can wear his uniform on certain occasions.

Angela, are you going to America with your husband?

- For good! - Hopefully.

Doina, we're in the reserve. We're not on active service.

You're letting them go so far away?

In case of general mobilization, they call us up.

Forgive me, Father, I didn't hear your question.

Will you let the children go so far away?

If one cannot flourish here...

one must go where there is a future.

Right, children?

We're not certain of leaving, Father.

We've done the formalities, but there's an Embassy interview.

Father,

have you been abroad?

Before 1989, we were not permitted

and now, we are too old.

Two years ago, I went to Germany. It's another world.

Even in the airport,

the cleanliness, the vending machines, the automatic doors...

We have automatic doors too.

Yes, but they have them everywhere.

Prices. Things that are expensive here are not there.

With one month's wage, you can buy a Fiat.

I told you, Niki.

I've been to Germany. It's not that clean.

They are not as hospitable as we are.

- Where in Germany? - Dresden.

That is in the East.

It's hard for a man who's lost his son to lose his daughter too.

We believe that the joy of parenthood

is seeing one's children flourish. Don't we?

Parents are glad to see their children settled.

I believe that...

I believe that a father's place is with his children, for better and...

Another drop!

Far better or for worse.

To be glad when all is well

and help in case of need.

If you are not there when your child needs you

misfortune soon occurs and you find yourself childless.

There was nothing you could do, Niki.

That's not the point.

He's torn between a child that's died and the two that are about to leave.

Why? How did it happen? A handsome, talented boy...

because Mihaitza was a true artist, a talented clarinettist.

Colonel, I don't understand.

How did it happen?

In the corridor, at the fuse-box, changing the fuses, with wet hands.

Electrocuted.

It's not the volts, 220V can kill you, but so can 60V.

But you can recover from 380V. It's the amps that matter.

- Why were his hands wet? - You don't understand, Father.

Did I say something to annoy Mr Tufaru!

There's nothing to be annoyed about.

On Saturday, they bought a washing-machine.

I helped them bring it home and fix it up.

We plumbed it in.

I went home.

At 8:20., my daughter-in-law called and said, 'Mihai is dead'.

Such is fate.

The washing-machine was powerful, the fuses blew.

Mihai tried to change them.

The ceramic fuse was cracked, he touched metal

and was electrocuted.

Listen.

I've already told you, Niki.

We had a bit of a fight about America and Romania.

In America, this would never happen.

All right, this one is fine...

But the other one was broken in the factory.

That's why he was electrocuted. Not because his hands were wet.

There's creme brulee.

Mother made it because Mihaitza liked it.

I'll have some.

April 14th

I’ll have twenty eggs, please.

I have a bag.

Egg-dye, 2 packs of red,

one of green, two of blue.

Two of blue.

- Do you sell vanilla sugar? - Yes.

- Ten packs. How much is that! - 500 per bag.

- Hello. - Good morning, Eugen.

Here.

There are no more croissants.

I wanted to ask,

that are the rates far two people?

Let's see. 842,300... 850,000.

If I pay 580,000 for four people

why would it be more for two?

Wait. What did you ask me?

How much would I pay if there are only two of us?

I thought you meant for two more people.

Let's see, the Opreas pay 315,000.

Paslaritza.

Angela's favorite song.

I won’t sell the computer, I will give to dad.

Why! We'll buy him another in America. And he's got one anyway.

- We need the money now. - Ha.

Is there enough, without the computer?

Is your father giving you the piano?

He said the bedroom furniture, but not the piano.

How much is a piano worth in the small ads?

Depends. Around $600.

That's 400 for the bedroom furniture. And with Dad's 500...

the 300 we've saved and 350 from Grafitti in two weeks,

it makes 2,350, including the piano.

Not the piano, he won't give it. How much is that?

1,700.

And with the computer?

2,400.

The flight's 1,400. That makes a fund of 1,000. That's OK.

What's wrong?

2,400 is enough. And stop shaving it.

Look at that.

- Why! It's more hygienic. - Then shave it every day.

Look what you've done to me.

- That's not me. - Not you?!

Feel there, it prickles. Look at that stubble.

Shave it every day or let the hair grow.

Then you shave every day too.

Cut it out.

- Have you sweetened it? - Yes.

You know you're not supposed to, from behind?

How, not supposed to? Here.

It's bad for the uterus.

It causes miscarriages. The embryo comes unstuck.

- How much was the scan? - It was free.

At Biomedica, they charge 250,000.

At Marie Stopes, 200,000.

You have to reckon on $500 just for the birth. At least.

- Bring me some cake. - Get it yourself. I'm going to wash myself.

Yes.

- Angela, we're going to the cemetery. - OK.

We'll be back at 5.

- Take the cakes out of the oven. - Yes.

There's some egg-dye on the fridge.

Can you dye the eggs! I didn't have time.

The meat is in the fridge.

You can put it in the oven when you take the cakes out.

Yes, Dad. OK.

The pâté is on the sideboard, I set it out to cool.

Wait.

Put it in the fridge when it's cold.

OK.

Mind the pigeon.

We'll put it in the fridge.

Yes, Dad. They went to the cemetery.

Yes, I told Eugen. He didn't say yes or no.

I'll put him on.

An hour ago.

Yes, when he woke up.

I'll put him on.

Yes, I am doing some calculations.

She told me. We haven't decided.

To Limanu. Why Negru Voda? It's too far.

OK, if you pay far the gas. How long do we stay at Vama?

OK, I'll tell her.

Yes. Bye.

He's better.

Well!

Do we want to go to Vama Veche with Dad and Doina?

You said we would.

- So, we're going? - Yes. Come and do the eggs.

First names? Exactly as on passport.

Stefana, Angela.

Date of birth?

December 27th, 1972.

Passport number,

date issued...

- Place of birth? - Craiova.

- Gender? - Male.

Name and address of employer?

Theodor Pallady Boulevard. What name?

Polycolor. Polycolor SA.

Home phone number. Yes. Work telephone number.

3208320, 3208418, 3208419.

I'll give one. It says 'telephone' not 'telephones'.

Color of hair, eyes, complexion, height, distinguishing marks?

Hair: brown. Eyes: black.

Put brown.

- Complexion: greasy. - Pink.

- Green. What do I say? - Same as you.

- Height? - 1.55.

Distinguishing marks: none.

Married, single, divorced, separated, widowed!

Widowed.

Do you plan to work in the US, Stefana?

- Of course I do. - Yes or no!

Yes.

Do you plan to study in the US!

No.

Current employment. Economist, secretary... What do I say!

Put 'Assistant Manager'.

Purpose of travel to US? How stupid.

What did you say!

Nothing. We'll ask at the counter.

Where are your photos? I'll stick them on.

In my agenda, in my backpack.

- How many eggs shall we take? - Two per person.

10 will do. Doina's made some.

What else?

There's pâté, a roast, radishes, green onions.

There's cheese and meatballs.

We've Dad's roast too.

We'll take some pâté... and three cakes.

Take some horseradish for the pâté.

How much did Dad say for the Doctor?

- 200. - Including the certificate?

No, 200 for the Doctor, 100 for the certificate.

Then we didn’t count right.

1,400 less that 300, we're short.

Let's hope he gives us the certificate.

- When do we get it? - Tuesday.

yesterday without incident, ended today in violence...

Sunny and warm weather,

particularly warm in the west of the country.

A cloudless sky, except in Moldavia...

...of ail anti-social elements and in order to discourage delinquents...

...on their last day at the beach,

a part of the tourists want to celebrate the Resurrection at the seaside.

I woke up early in the morning. I went shopping.

There's cake, lamb, eggs, I got some wine.

Do you think both of us can eat all this food?

I wanted to go to the Resurrection Ceremony at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Then we'd come home and knock eggs.

And you're going off, leaving us alone.

Why can’t you understand I haven't had a holiday for two years.

I've got a few days off, I wanted to have a bit of fun.

So you don't have fun with us. Thanks a lot.

There he goes, Mom, grumbling.

Why didn't you say you minded so badly? I would have told them no.

If you really want us to, we'll stay. I'll tell Eugen to unpack and we stay.

We'll go to the Cathedral if there’s no other way.

Angela, I'll stay with your father.

Go on, have some fun.

Niki dear, let them go. The young with the young, the old with the old.

Why Vama Veche? Why the seaside?

You could have gone to Snagov. Or Căldărusani.

There's the lake, the monasteries.

I said we're going to Resurrection Mass at Negru Voda.

Do as you please.

We don't mind staying here alone,

but what about your health? Think of the baby.

How can you think about swimming in April?

Swimming? Look outside. It’s 15 degrees. Do you think I’m going swimming?

Did I say I was going to swim? I'm not crazy, I said the seaside,

not the beach.

Go ahead, Angela. Don't worry.

Poucha, the journey's exhausting, she's pregnant. Think about it.

Think about how much tiredness accumulates.

Niki, when I was pregnant with Mihaitza,

I went with my big belly wherever the Army sent you.

We're ready, Doina's waiting downstairs.

I went wherever the Army sent you.

Good evening, Florian.

Good evening, Poucha. I've brought you a bunny.

Ready, kids!

For you, the wedding video.

It's all there, dress, church, the meal...

Eugen, please stay, we'll watch the video.

Florian, call Doina.

There's pate, roast lamb. We'll watch the tape together.

We know the tape by heart.

Let them go, Niki. It's dark already.

Will you be in time for Resurrection Mass!

Yes, we'll get there halfway between yesterday and tomorrow.

- Goodbye. Happy Easter. - Happy Easter!

A kiss for you, Poucha. A handshake for you, Niki.

We'll be far from the madding crowd

so I'll say 'Christ is risen' now.

What about us?

- Are we going to Resurrection Mass? - Yes.

But not at the Cathedral.

We'll go to the local church.

The local church is so crowded.

So is the Cathedral.

PAS DE DEUX

Shall we have a bite?

Yes.

Did you give them pâté, roast and eggs!

Angela and Eugen are a family now. They take care of each other.

Shall we eat in the dining room?

June 11th

- Do you know what mescaline is? - No.

Mescaline is a cactus.

The mescaline is extracted because it reveals the truth.

You and people like you

are slaves of habit.

For someone who sees the truth, you are merely what I see in you.

Every man has his convictions to help him.

Your way of seeing things is all very well.

I was taught there was a present, a future and a past.

You will laugh at this, Niki.

The past does not exist either. Let us say there is a present:

I am drinking coffee.

I hold the cup, I can feel it. It exists. But the past? Where is it?

What can I touch in the past?

Even more, what can I touch in the future?

If the present does not exist, then past and future

cannot exist either.

You're wrong there. I don't agree.

I remember very specific things. For instance...

One moment...

Mr Engineer, have you finished packing up?

Have a look. Will it fit in a station-rayon!

I'm coming.

One more thing to tell you. Have you read Eminescu?

'Wave passes into wave. But you, thinking man, you think.'

I advise you to consider that idea. It relates to our discussion.

- What about that? - The shelves.

Right, attach them tight. The sofa!

Doesn't come apart.

OK.

- Tape deck! - Coming with.

- The table, the glassware? - At the end.

Is the bedroom furniture ready?

I'll be back in 2 hours with the movers, so hurry up.

What are you doing, Mr. Engineer?

Angela, what have you done to Eugen? He's gone soft.

Put the monitor to the wall.

Hi, Poucha. Hi, Irina. Kids, are you taking anything from here?

No. There's nothing to take from here, Dad.

Do you use this machine, Poucha?

Otherwise, I'll take it. Make some room here.

Think about it.

- Niki, are you in there? - Yes.

Hurry up. Will you be through in two hours?

There's almost nothing left. We'll be done.

Right. I'll be here in two hours with the station-wagon.

Mr. Ardelean, help me to take the wardrobe apart, we'll put it on the corridor.

All right, Eugen.

- The wardrobe. - I'm dealing with it.

Don't strain yourself.

Fetch a screwdriver.

Are you still keeping this?

Winter clothes, sweaters and underwear, no.

Show me. Winter stuff stays.

So do those.

And those.

A Phillips screwdriver. And find a bigger one.

- This one! - Yes.

Mom, I'll put it all there. Do what you like with them. I don’t care anymore.

Irina, see if there's anything you want.

Now take the big panels.

Be very careful.

Everything...

You, mind the lintel.

And the handle!

What about the dining table?

Eugen, you and the Colonel, take it apart.

Niki, can I count on you?

Mind the glass!

Careful, boys.

Here, put these away.

Angela, take a cloth, wet it, and clean the dust off this table.

Do I need to teach you everything?

Gently... OK.

Straight ahead, boys.

Eugen, come here.

Who took this apart?

The desk! The Colonel did.

Niki, come here, please.

I want to shut you something.

Look.

First, you don't use a hammer to take a desk apart.

I didn't...

If you use a hammer, cover the head with a cloth,

or a sock. Look at that Formica.

- It was like that before. - Niki, look carefully.

That's the mark of a hammer.

Were those marks there when it was purchased?

Yes.

Niki, Florian, look what Irina’s brought me.

Don't say you've taken up the clarinet!

No, no. It's Mihaitza's clarinet.

By the way Niki, do you play the clarinet?

The felt's gone from the keys.

Eugen! Come on, we're taking the computer.

The reed's useless too.

Take the monitor, I'll take the rest.

Tip the boys when they're done, OK? I'm not coming back.

So listen, come to dinner when you're finished.

Take the table apart. Mind the glass.

Can I plug in my monitor and have two?

If you have a video card with two sockets.

Turn the sound down.

So, are we selling ours!

No. We need it.

Kiss your son, they have got the fare.

Did you sell the piano? Well done!

I'll help the Colonel, so we're done by dinner-time.

What a day!

I managed to find removal men, a car...

I dealt with the furniture. Without me, it would have been chaos.

I stink. What are we having?

Champagne, veggie salad,

soy meatballs, zucchini schnitzel, yogurt, leeks with olives.

A bit of everything. And some cream cakes.

I'm sick of that Mapé song.

I'm gonna take a shower.

The table should be set when I'm out.

Damn you and your Mapé...

What have you done!

Call an ambulance, I'm dying.

How did it happen?

Shall I call the ambulance?

Hello. This is Doina Tufaru.

My husband banged his head in the bath.

July 4th

- We're not calling at 4 a.m. - We won't be asleep.

Call and say you've arrived safely.

- What time do you get there? - At 9 p.m.

Call us at 9.

9 p.m. there is 4 a.m. here.

Right, Angela. Ham, cheese.

God knows what you'll get on the plane.

Want some, Angela? I can't eat a thing.

- We can't take off on a full stomach! - Eat.

You mustn't miss the Louvre.

We're not allowed off the plane. Give me some coffee.

But you're going to Paris.

It's a stopover. We don't leave the airport.

- Eugen, some coffee! - No, thanks.

I'll wrap them up. You'll eat on the plane.

Isn't that Florian's car!

Yes it is.

Come on then, let's go.

Coming!

Here I made some with ham and some with cheese.

Come on, Dad's waiting downstairs.

- Take sandwiches. - Forget the sandwiches.

Are you coming, Mom!

- Is there some cheese? - And ham.

You go with Eugen. I'll bring the rest.

Come on, Mom.

There's plenty of room. It's a big trunk.

Hi, Poucha. Take it easy, Niki, there's loads of time.

So how does it feel, Mr. Engineer going to Greyhound America?

- We'll sit in the back. - Yes, Poucha. Yes.

Wait.

Father, help Eugen load the bags.

- Your bag! - I'm keeping it on my lap.

My little angel.

Take care, my daughter.

Look after the baby.

Look after yourself. Take care of Mom.

To say farewell tears a father's heart apart.

Come on, Angela.

Be good.

The plane won't wait.

Eugen, get in the back next to Poucha.

In two hours, we'll be back.

August 23rd

Hello, Mr. Florian. It's me again.

Yes.

Just to say, the August 23rd coup was arranged by the Army.

Not proven.

I shall expect you, Mr. Florian... Very well.

I shall expect you, Mr. Florian. When it suits for you.

Are these from moths, or did I burn it on the stove!

Cotton or mixed fibers?

Mixed fibers.

To prove I'm not speaking nonsense.

Where shall we go?

- In the living-room. - Wherever you say.

Good afternoon, Poucha.

Cheers, Dad!

A drop of white Murfatlar, sausages with mustard"

I'm glad you're watching the tape.

It means you enjoy it.

It's good.

And very nicely shot. Here.

Nicolae Baciu, 'Romania in Agony',

Antonescu, 'Government Secrets',

Borovicka, 'Political Attacks Designed to Change the World',

Carlos Castaneda, 'Voyage to lxtlan',

Nicolae lorga, 'The Life of A Man, As It Was',

Prigngine-Stangers, 'The New Alliance',

E. M. Remarque, 'All Quiet On The Western Front',

Bruno 'Wurtz, 'New Age'.

Wild statements are easy enough

if one's not reading the relevant material.

But if you do read the texts, everything becomes clear.

I've put markers, so you find the right bits.

Mr...

Florian.

These are facts.

When the Soviets consolidated

the bridgehead at Tiguina,

Von Killinger and Mihai Antonescu went to see the King,

to discuss our leaving the war.

I know, Niki, I read that.

Not Marshal Antonescu.

Mihai Antonescu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Marshal did not go to the Palace.

He went on Wednesday and was arrested.

I know, Niki, I know the facts.

But we are discussing interpretations, nuances.

And here, I am positive.

The Army was not involved in August 23rd 1944

when our guns turned against the Fascist hordes.

The armed insurrection was arranged by two civilians, Niki.

Like me.

Prince Barbu Stirbei and Visoianu.

These two great Romanian citizens were Sublime Scotsman

which is Chinese to you.

They were Masons, Niki.

That is why I've brought you these books.

A single lord provides the key to History.

Freemasonry, Niki.

The Masons.

I don't see what the Masons had to do with August 1944.

I'm sorry, Niki. Look, Poucha, quickly because I’m leaving.

Fantastic dancers, both of you!

What were you whispering to Niki?

One last word.

It's a question of logic.

The Army could not arrange the insurrection

because it was governing the country.

Marshal Antonescu was one of you.

You were running the country, running it into the ground.

'Romanians, I command you to cross the Prout.'

That's the root of all evil.

Antonescu was running the country, yes.

But it was soldiers who arrested him on August 23rd.

Sanatescu was a general.

General Aldea, General Anton, Colonel Damaceanu

and Brigadier Dumitrescu, who arrested and disarmed him.

Don't get excited, Niki.

No need to shout.

Can we talk normally? Or I'll go.

I wasn't shouting.

Let's talk, only in a civilized lay.

Read these books first, find out about it,

think.

Then call me, I'll come and have a chat.

My mind is open.

Poucha, I didn’t ask, did you enjoy the wedding wine?

Do you know what it was?

Murfatlar Cabernet. And guess where I got it?

At Bassarabi`s. Do you know why?

Peach kernel and plum flesh.

- Nine letters, starting with 'N'. - Greengage.

It begins with 'N'.

Then the 'N' is wrong. What's the 'N' from!

The 'N' in plane-tree.

I've got it.

'Nectarine'.

Look. How young we were!

Mr. Florian.

If you'll permit, I'll finish my argument.

This is what I think about August 23rd.

Go ahead, Niki. I'm listening.

The entire Romanian Army obeyed...

and executed orders issued by General Sanatescu,

who was Antonescu's successor.

But at the time, the Army was devoted to the Marshal.

Only a soldier of General Sanatescu's moral probity...

'Layering', 11 Darn.

Aren't you tired?

You can relax for a bit.

ls the sound OK?

Niki, don't be offended but you are ignorant.

That is why I've brought you these books.

Start with 'Political Attacks Designed to Change the World'.

Don't move, Niki. No need for manners.

We're not fighting, we're having a friendly chat.

Call me.

It is because we are only chatting

that I maintain your statements

offend the uniform and military dignity.

It is you who is causing offense.

I greatly respect the Army.

To me, the Army is Captain Maracineanu,

Colonel Tcherkez, Marshal Averescu and General Berthelot.

Those are the Army to me, not your vile Marshal.

Read the books, then call me.

- Poucha! - She's in the bedroom.

Sleep well, Poucha.

We're in the Norse room,

there's a Norse ship on the ceiling

in which Vikings descended the Danube.

And here's Danube Delta, with Trajan and Decebal, our ancestors.

And now their descendants...

the suckers with their chief sucker, the Colonel!

This is the best man, slightly the worse for wear.

And here are the Vikings.

Now our traditional sirba dance, quite up to scratch.

Look at those eighty year-aids hop!

Jump, Grandpa!

Here's to our guests! Have fun! Your good health!

Health! As long as there's health...

Off with the cap Grandad! Up with your glass!

- Long live the - As long as there's health!

Here? a mast gone cold...

Attention, please!

An important announcement:

the bride has been kidnapped.

The groom is invited to negotiate.

Quick, Florian, Mihai has kidnapped the bride!

where?

- Where have you hidden her? - In the cloakroom!

In the rest-moms!

Get her!

Band-Aids, quick!

Long life! A long and happy life!

Quiet, please.

Godmother, stop laughing.

The father of the bride wishes to give the young couple some advice...

And now the father of the bride is going to...

give a few wise words.

Dear witnesses,

my dear guests,

my dear godmother, my dear godfather!

A father's duty is to raise his children

to be adults and to be by their side for better, for worse.

His greatest joy is to see them happy

and accomplished and settled.

Today,

you, Angela,

and you, Eugen, you...

you give me... give us great pleasure.

- I wish you happiness. - What about me?

You? You're settled. We don't worry about you.

What I expect from you and Irinuca is a christening ceremony.

A christening!

I beg the bride and groom not to mind their old man

asking them to think

before setting off for America.

Colonel!

Leave them done, Colonel! It's for their own good!

Let them go!

Let them have a sniff at America.

They'll come back soon enough, to be with Mom and Dad.

I would also like to wish them too

it in front of everyone,

God bless them in their life in America

and the three of us...

- With Irinuca... Where are you, Irinuca? - In America!

We shall await them here every year to be all together...

Veronica, Veronica,

Good little girl,

My gift for you, Veronica,

This little bag,

A gift for a feast-day,

this magical bag,

Veronica, is yours

Dad. Help me with the zipper!

It is for you, for him, for everyone,

if you can say one day,

I'm brave and good, valiant and bold,

gentle and wise, so I am told.

Hey, Dad, can you see it?

There's nothing to see.

Maybe in three months.

What about like this?

No. Nothing.

And even it you could see it, I'd get certificates...

All you need is to have the money ready.

September 11th

Rispolepte Risperidon, once a day.

Anafranil, one half every eight hours, before meals.

1 extra in case of nervousness.

Stresigal 10 mg, I don't have that. I have 20 mg, so 2 a day,

5 a week, after lunch and after supper.

Désorelle: one a day. Soluble Supradyne, 1 a day.

Herb tea, vitamin C, Regulax, morning and night.

Is that clear? It's written on each packet.

Rispolepte Risperidon, one a day, early in the morning,

Anafranil, one half every eight hours before meal.

20 mg Stresigal, twice a day,

5 days a week, after lunch and after supper...

Désorelle, one a day.

And soluble Supradyne, one a day.

The building work needs to be paid,

the mail-box needs replacing,

the suspension too...

Good morning, Colonel.

Just a moment!

We're not ready!

fine sobbing wind brings you

The sad refrain of my love

Take no notice of my pain.

Close the door on my suffering,

Take no notice of my pain.

Close the door on my suffering.

From the bottom of my head, I forgive you.

Life must go on,

The host's cold death-giving kiss

Slays Autumn’s rose.

Niki, you can come in.

Come here, Niki.

What do you think! Isn't she cute?

Who's a beautiful beauty then! Poucha is a beauty.

Look at the face on him.

Niki, what day is this?

Doina...

I'm sorry, I have thought about it. We cannot come.

Do you know how old Florian is today?

I knew you'd be displeased.

You must understand.

I'll explain, I'll tell Mr. Florian.

Better say you don’t like Poucha's costume!

Niki, you have to come.

Florian has gone to such trouble. You must.

I'm sorry, we really are unable.

It's less than six months since...

since the tragedy with Mihai...

and Poucha is not well either.

You agreed, Poucha.

We haven't got a present. We can't.

Not without a present, we can't.

We'll give him the china fisherman.

We've discussed it, Florian will love it.

Florian isn't expecting a present. He's a generous man.

He doesn't like presents, only giving them.

You must come, Niki. It will be an unforgettable evening.

Mickey Mouse.

Poucha is a fairy. Florian is dressing as a badger

and me as a cookie.

Does it suit him? The rest of your costume is on a hanger.

No, no! This strap buckles under here, under the chin.

Doina, the ears are a bit small, no!

Poucha, you're thinking of Tom & Jerry. This is Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney.

Don't you watch cartoons anymore?

There. Perfect.

Niki, what's this?

- The children sent a postcard. - Poucha, do you mind!

- Doina will read it you. - Sssh!

Niki, I'll begin.

Did you want a present? This is one.

'Dear Dad, I hope this arrives on the day.'

Which it did.

Telepathy works where there is love.

The more you love, the better it works.

'I wanted to buy you the Scott McKenzie record'

'but you'll buy it when you come at Xmas.'

'That's good. Valentine (which is his name)...'

'will be a month and a half.'

'The scan is fine. They said to be ready for November 7th.'

'Happy birthday. A kiss on your cheeks and nose. Angela.'

That's a coincidence.

Niki, Doina's mother was born the same month as Mihaitza.

It's true. Ask her.

You're going to be a grandfather.

Can I see it too?

Do we show it to him?

Is this Eugen inviting you?

No, it's Angela.

Eugen would never think of that.

I’m glad.

We'd go if Poucha was well.

Niki, you have plenty of time. They are not leaving.

She writes so little!

I'd like to know if the pregnancy is OK, if she feels sick...

She says she's fine.

And why 'Valentine'?

Don't you like it!

But Doina,

why doesn't she write to us!

You know...

Angela is closer to Florian. Maybe that’s too much of a word.

She prefers Florian.

Doina, she loves us too.

Will you call us before you leave, or will you just come!

Well, Niki!

We'll come.

October 25th

Bucharest calling. Radio Romania.

The time is precisely...

7 o'clock.

The Voice of the Army.

Do you know what we celebrate on October 25th?

I'm 19. I'm a student.

I think it? Army Day.

What is the meaning of Army Day?

I don't remember.

I'm studying Pharmacy-.

I won’t answer, rather than getting it wrong.

I'm 44. I'm an artist.

Army Day? The freedom of.. Satu-Mare and... whatever.

The FNI took to the streets to get its money.

I am retired, Sir.

I'm 58 years old, I live on a pension of 700,000 Lei. What day is this?

- October 25th - October 25th?...

- Army Day? - Precisely.

Haven’t been celebrated in a while.

It was celebrated every year, more discreetly since ‘89.

Yes, it was like that but these days.

October 25th? ls...

National Liberation from under the so-called Fascist yoke?

A yoke? How should I know what that is?

A Communist brainwave: 'The Fascist yoke.'

I swear,

to preserve, as the apple of my eye,

the fighting, tricolor flag

which symbolizes national unity,

our sovereignty and national independence,

our honor,

the bravery and military glory

of the Romanian people,

our ancient and heroic traditions,

and my Fatherland,

Romania.

Yes?

Good morning. Niki Ardelean.

Florian, it's Niki, in a Colonel's uniform.