Original subtitles

[waves crashing]

[soft melodic music]

[electricity whirring]

[speaking indigenous language]

[machine working]

[adventurous music]

[photographer] Smile, smile. A couple more and we're done.

[camera clicks]

[birds chirping]

[tearing paper]

[laughing]

[in English] Go ahead, make my day.

- Dirty Harry! - Come on, in English!

[in English] Dirty Harry!

- [whistle blows] - [people cheering]

[in English] You better take it easy, son.

[airplane roaring]

[bus horn honks]

[grunting]

[people yelling out loud]

- [people singing in the street] - [car horn honks]

- No way! - What's wrong?

The carnival, streets are blocked.

People do as they please here, darn it!

Get off!

Hey, I paid you in advance!

Get off, asshole!

Say what!

[carnival band music]

[people singing] Once again!

[people singing] Once again!

[people singing] Once again!

[funky music]

One peso, one peso!

Have a drink for one peso!

Excuse me, Hotel California?

Thanks.

[traffic noise]

Local or foreigner?

Local.

Hmm, your turn.

To deal.

Huh, sure.

[door closes]

[sighs]

There. Stay.

Mmm.

Looking good, Mr. Alvarez.

Thank you.

Oh, Saint Judas!

[kissing]

[kissing]

I... I... I have my life here.

Hm, I... I have my life here.

I have my life here.

I have... I have a business.

Hmm, no. I have a business here.

I'm just going as a tourist.

I just want to go as a tourist.

Let's see, Americans.

[Barber] Catavi is only a ghost town now, Don Ambrosio.

My godfather, this boy's grandfather, had a mine.

From which I got nothing.

[laughs]

Revolution has ruined this country!

I agree.

Revolution gave us hope.

Politics is the darn problem!

In the old days our people had self-respect.

Now, all that matters is money, people don't care if they...

get it by stealing or by dealing drugs.

Anyways, what are you doing around here?

I'm going to the United States.

The United States! Really? That's great!

Over there in the US, if those gringos speak bad Spanish,

their English must be worse!

[everyone laughs]

They can go to hell with their visa at the embassy,

I don't give a fuck, I've got MasterCard!

[laughs]

[rock music]

What time is your appointment?

Eleven, why?

Why are you here so early?

Do you want an appointment at 9:30?

No, thanks.

[rock music continues]

[alarm turns on]

[staff member] Required picture, application form and payment voucher.

- Any felonies committed? - Felonies?

No, never.

Been involved in any terrorism acts?

[laughs] No.

Ever sold or dealt drugs or worked as a prostitute or have been a pimp?

No.

[staff member] Are you planning on murdering the US president?

[nervous laugh]

Miss, I already told you no. Come back in 6 months.

[staff member] A man your age wants to visit Minnesota?

- Yes. - Why not New York?

- Oh, Miami? - I have a brother there.

- Oh, you have a brother there. - Yes.

You didn't mention it in your application.

[Girl] Dad, I think we're missing the title deed on the house.

[staff member] Is he paying for your trip?

[applicant] No, l am.

I think you want to go live in the U.S.

[staff member] Sandra Mier?

Just show him the documents.

- I have a job here. - I'm sorry.

[woman] Why do you want to go there?

To visit my son.

Don't even mention it.

- Can I ask you a question? - Sure.

[man] I have a problem with the vice-consul.

I don't get a thing.

Sorry, you can't have a visa.

And here we are, making line, without being able to smoke.

Sir, law forces us to assume that every one who applies for a visa

intends to stay in the US and you didn't prove otherwise.

This is unbelievable! I own a textile company! How is this possible?

[in English] I'm a businessman!

[in English] Come back in 6 months, we'll be glad to help you then.

[in Spanish] Show this gentleman out.

- Sir, this way, please. - Okay, okay.

- Motherfuckers! - Sir!

What did he say?

He wants me to speak with the consul.

Did you show my company stocks?

- Your I-20 is missing. - It's right there.

Excuse me, ma'am, I didn't hear very well...

do they check out ones documents?

They even hire detectives.

It's a late admission.

That's no excuse, you still have to do things on time.

Things have changed since 9/11.

I can ask my dad to send the originals by mail.

Do you have all the documents required for your visa?

No, I'm here to renew it.

[staff member] Excuse me.

[woman] My daughter is married with an American.

Luis Clisper?

[woman] Life insurance, look at my lovely daughter.

She's beautiful. And this is her husband, a marine.

He just got back from war.

He has lots of medals. He's a really bright man.

[woman] Don't you think my daughter is beautiful?

Carlos Esteves?

I brought the title deed on my house, I have everything.

Did you get it stamped at Real Rights?

I didn't know I had to do that.

[woman] Are you okay?

[staff member] Mario Alvarez?

[suspenseful music]

[staff member] Mario Alvarez?

Would you like to go first?

No, thanks, you go ahead.

[staff member] Mario Alvarez?

Good morning.

How are you doing?

Ah, 32.

Excuse me?

I mean, pretty good.

What's the purpose of your trip?

Just tourism.

How long are you planning to stay in the US?

One week.

Are you taking any cash?

Yes, uh...

1,500 dollars.

I see you're a teacher, how do you manage to do so well?

I'm an English teacher, apart from my job at the school

I give private lessons, I've saved for a long time now.

[Mario] Being an English teacher,

my dream has always been going to the US.

Do you have any relatives there?

No.

We'll send our response by mail.

What does that mean?

Nothing, everything seems in order.

You'll get our response in a couple of days.

Huh...

I'd rather come myself.

[cheerful rock music]

How did it go?

Okay.

Listen, if you need any paperwork done, give us a call.

[laughs]

[rock music continues]

[in English] Nope. Thank you but no thank you.

[humming rock song]

[humming]

- Thank you. - [vendor] Have a nice trip.

That's good whiskey.

Hey, Alfonso, come here son.

I'm going to introduce you to Don Mario...

Damn, you crazy boy!

He lives here, he's an architecture student, during the day,

because at night...

- I'm insatiable. - Oh, don't start!

- What are we celebrating? - I just got my American visa.

- [student] Show it. - I'll get it in a couple of days.

You're laughing before seeing the clown?

- [laughs] - Don't mind him.

It's okay, the vice-consul said everything was in order.

I'll pick it up in 2 days.

I saw how they rejected people right there.

What are your plans in the US?

To reunite with my son, he already got me a job in Miami

at the International House of Pancakes.

He's paying his studies with his tips.

I'll show you a picture of him on his graduation.

He's got the gringo look already.

Oh, Don Antonio, only soccer had made feel this way.

- Like a winner. - Let's start drinking then!

You bet!

Cheers!

[sighs]

[cheerful soft music]

[electrical fire]

[grunts]

- Good morning, Alfonso! - Good morning.

Nice to see you, professor.

Good morning, Don Antonio.

- Breakfast? - 10 Bolivianos.

Thanks.

[Blanca] Can I sit here?

Sure. Please do.

I'm Blanca.

Mario, nice to meet you.

[chuckles]

[clears throat]

[laughs]

Those are cute Germans.

I think they're Hebrews.

Oh, yeah.

I come here every day and... Oh, the hats!

Well, the hats, the posters, the food, everything.

It's a Hebrew restaurant.

Yeah, well... who cares, they're travelers,

healthy people with a different mentality.

[laughs]

They're here to visit the most elevated city in the world.

That's our national console, to have the most elevated city,

the most elevated lake, the most elevated airport.

Same as always, Lalito.

Sure, Blanca.

Here.

Thanks.

What are you thinking about?

Your wife?

My wife left.

Where did she go?

To find herself.

Shit! Did she?

[Mario] She found an Argentinian.

She claims he's her soul mate.

Now they sell patties in Tucuman.

[Blanca] Is that why you're leaving?

That's my son. He's in Miami.

Hey, who'd have thought?

You know how to make children.

So, you're leaving for good.

That's the idea.

What will you do there?

I'll be a waiter.

Thanks, Lalo.

What about you?

Me, abroad? [laughs]

I'd rather work my ass off here.

You're fatalistic.

I find gringos quite plain.

They all look the same to me.

[laughs]

Over there everything's fake. Even chicken isn't chicken.

- Really? - I'm serious.

They're altered, they're born with no feathers nor feet.

And they're fed antibiotics.

I see you're well informed.

People there eat like pigs.

Their fat asses make them walk like this.

When you're holding your visa

I'll buy you some beers.

Meeting a goal calls for celebrating.

[rock music]

I'm Mario Alvarez Ordoñez.

Thank you.

Listen, I think there's been a mistake.

Sir, we must assume that everyone who applies for a visa

intends to stay in the US and you didn't prove otherwise.

[in English] I'm a professional.

I'm an English teacher.

[in English] Sir, more than 2 million people

wish to immigrate to the United States every year.

Yeah, I know, I know. But not me.

I don't want to immigrate.

Come back in 6 months, we'll be glad to help you then.

[in Spanish] And pay another 100 bucks?

My documents are in order.

[in English] I speak English.

So?

What do you mean, so?

[Mario] I want my money back!

[in Spanish] Who do you think you are!

- Sir, come with me. - No! You fucking thieves!

[in English] Lower your voice, sir.

You know what? Fuck you!

Is that the English you teach your students?

No, that's the English I learn in your fucking movies.

So fuck you!

[in Spanish] Motherfuckers!

[in English] Fuck you and your movies!

[in Spanish] Fuck them!

[car horn honks]

Trips to the US are our specialty.

[instrumental jazz music]

[car horn honks]

Watch it, damn it! You almost run over me!

I'll kick your ass, asshole!

I sold everything,

I even went to the cemetery to say goodbye to my dead loved ones.

I'm so sorry.

- Do as everybody else. - What?

- Through the Mexican border. - I've heard it's dangerous.

I don't think so, you could at least get to Tijuana.

[Mario] The problem is getting there.

[student] You're talking nonsense.

The Mexican visa is as hard to get as the American one.

- I don't think so. - There's no better man

than a good Mexican and no worse than a bad Mexican.

That line is from a movie!

A soccer player crossed the border as a wetback 3 years ago.

Maybe through Guatemala.

[student] No American visa means no Mexican visa.

That's all bullshit!

We could require a visa too, huh?

Who wants to come here?

Stop it, don't make me mad!

[Don Antonio] Cocaine is to blame.

No, fucking politicians have screwed us up!

- Them too. - Not me.

No, thanks to them you have a job.

What do you know? You don't know who you are.

- I'd like to be like you. - Shush!

I love my country so stop criticizing it!

Here you need to suck some big shot's balls to go anywhere.

Contacts work wonders anywhere.

Do something or just go. No gringo is stopping you.

Just take a bus and do as Don Antonio says.

Don't blame your country for your failures!

I'm sorry but I do love my country.

Yeah, I love my country too

but I am realistic.

Where did you get the idea that Gringoland is paradise?

- I want to hear it. - You can love...

it's only I can't stop being critical.

- You mean being a faultfinder! - I just stopped believing.

I don't believe in politicians, trade unionists, teachers.

So many strikes, unemployment, demonstrations, blockades,

burnt mayors, what's this about?

[Mario] There's no law here, no order.

There's no hope and nobody cares.

I shouldn't be thinking about leaving, none of us should.

There are no opportunities!

[sighs]

[ethnic music]

[man] Let me see your passport, my friend.

Get a new passport and five grand in cash.

I only need a tourist visa for 2 weeks.

[sighs] Whatever you do with your visa is your story.

We're only here to speed up the paperwork.

Take it as an investment for the future.

Five grand!

And no problems at all? It's legal, right?

Would I lie to you?

[opens drawer]

Take a look.

We have our contacts.

Gringos are just like us.

They'll do anything for money.

How much is it via Mexico?

Hey, this is no supermarket.

We have no contacts at the Mexican embassy.

We're here for you whenever your circumstances improve.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have documents to hand in.

How could I get that kind of money!

[speaking Portuguese]

If there's no solution, there's no problem, Brazilians say.

They at least say something, we're just like stones.

[laughs]

I'll buy you lunch, let's see if you soften.

Okay?

[people chattering at restaurant]

It's the same the whole world over, even at that embassy.

Come on, eat! Those gringos took away even your appetite.

[laughs]

You eat like there's no tomorrow.

I have to or I'd die, where I work there's a lot of drinking going on.

Darn customers, party all night long!

Care to come?

Where?

La Americana bar.

To watch you work?

I'm the best!

Drinks will be on me, come on.

[laughs]

Those Chinese are blushing!

I think they're Japanese.

- You're always correcting me! - Well, they are Japanese.

Japanese, Chinese, they all go to your bar.

That's true. Bargaining turns them on.

Koreans pay well, but they like touching! They're awful!

[Japanese people yelling excited]

[laughs]

What time do you start work?

We can go together.

No I can't.

I'll see you there.

I have a business to take care of.

[Blanca] Okay.

[traffic noise]

Over there, at the Korean quarter, you'll find lots of gold buyers and...

I'll see you later.

Ask for Nefertiti.

She'll let me in?

[laughs] That's my artistic alias.

GOLD BUYER

[man] Sorry, we're almost closed.

Don't mind him.

That asshole just likes messing with people.

So, do you come from Guanai?

No, not at all.

From Catavi. Darn place!

It's not going good, huh?

This is a family inheritance.

Hey, you want something to fuck good?

- I thought garlic did the trick. - Bullshit.

Two pills and your penis will work wonders.

[hand shake]

Good luck.

Same to you.

[gold clinking on scale]

24 carat gold.

- 15 grams. - How much for that?

$190 or its equivalent in Bolivianos.

How much in Bolivianos?

1,520 Bolivianos.

[sighs]

That won't get me anywhere.

Depends where you want to go.

[clears throat]

Okay.

I'll bring more, I just wanted to check the quality.

We'll cut a better deal then.

[Mario] Should I call before coming?

No, what for?

So you have the money ready.

Bring more gold first.

If it's as good as this one, we're in business.

[gold buyer] Severo? See this gentleman to the door.

We're here to serve you.

Get the hell out of here!

[cumbia music]

Hi there.

Can I get a beer?

Sorry, no beer. Only our specialty or whiskey.

Okay, double whiskey it is.

Payment in advance, please.

[waiter] Here you go.

Your change.

Thanks.

GOLD BUYER

[cumbia music]

[woman on bar] Mario!

Mario!

Here's Nefertiti.

- Mario! - [Mario] Hi, Blanca.

- Hey, nice to see you here! - Nice place.

Like it?

That's Gladiola, that's Deyanira.

Come, I'll introduce you to Doña Esther.

They're all cool here.

Darn foreigners! Always here doing nothing but drool over.

Have a drink while I go change.

Doña Esther! Aaron!

This is my guest I told you about.

- Nice to meet you. - Same here.

- That's Valentina and Marilyn. - Hello.

[indistinct chatter]

Treat him well. Thanks.

I'll be right back.

Care for a drink?

Whiskey, please. Thanks.

[lights a match]

- Hello again. - Hey, Nefertiti!

Come, I'll show you around. [laughs]

See this bracelet? 10 Bolivianos per drink.

Most men come here for fun but mainly they want to feel manly.

You know, sometimes they get so drunk,

we must walk them all the way to the cab.

What if they want more?

[people screaming in excitement]

[laughs]

And if they want to go out with me the house charges 50 bucks.

Do you want to go to the private room?

Oh, no, Nefertiti, thanks.

[laughs] You won't mind if I start working, right?

Not at all, go ahead.

I'll stick around for a while and I'll leave.

Okay.

[people cheering] [disco music]

[kissing and moaning]

[Mario] Good morning, son.

[panting] With more...

strength.

[yells]

[hums "Play That Funky Music"]

[gasps]

[gasps]

Hey, how is it going for you?

Well, really well. How about you?

Just relaxing and sunbathing.

May I? Kavafis.

Interested?

"As you set out for Ithaka, hope your road is a long one."

Keep it.

Read it. Once you finish it I'll lend you another one.

- Thank you, Don Antonio. - No problem.

- I'm bushed! - Sleepy, huh?

A bit, Don Antonio.

- Just don't over do it. - Yeah.

You were right. You're the best.

You're a great dancer. You transform completely.

Besides, you know the business. Seven customers in two hours!

That's nothing, baby. You should see me on Fridays.

My back ends up killing me.

[phone rings]

- [phone rings] - Excuse me.

Hello?

A friend wants me to entertain a cousin of his who studies at the Catholic School.

Well, he has class at least.

- Say what? - A guy with class.

[sighs] Those are the worst kind!

Believe me, I know.

Those are the most perverted.

Guys at the bar just want some company.

Just a little fondling.

I hope you're saving...

or you'll find yourself in my shoes.

Do your parents know?

[laughs]

You probably went to a Catholic school. [laughs]

How are you getting the money?

No idea.

I would never lend it to you.

I'd like you to stay with me.

We hardly know each other.

- Help me. - I could be a jerk.

Listen...

my ex-husband was a jerk.

He was a womanizer, a junkie, hell, an asshole!

You're a good man.

You know what I really want?

To run a grocery store in Rivera Alta.

I don't care about marriage.

I'm fine on my own but it gets boring.

I'd like to have kids too.

[laughs]

What's so funny?

Life works in a funny way.

You like deep thinking, don't you?

I don't want to keep doing this for long.

Stick with me and we'll save for a small business.

You'd have your share.

You want me to be your pimp?

Stop saying that!

A job doesn't show people's inside.

I have other plans, Blanca.

It's not good being alone.

I'm not alone, I have my son.

He's grown up now.

He doesn't need you.

Maybe, but I do need him.

Besides, he already got me a job in the US.

You need someone to take care of you.

Someone who loves you like you deserve it.

Think about it.

If I get back too late, I'll see you tomorrow.

[suspenseful music]

[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct chatter]

[street noises]

[chase music]

There's room for one more, sir.

[chase music intensifies]

[sighs]

[bells ring]

[breathing heavily]

[intriguing music]

[car speeds up]

[intriguing music]

[ethnic music]

[knocks at door]

[knocks at door]

[inhales deeply]

[dogs barking]

[exhales sharply]

[water flowing]

What are you thinking about?

What you said the other day.

I meant it. I don't change my mind that easily.

Sit down. Listen to me.

If I don't get too busy tonight, I'll be back early.

I'm busy tonight.

What if I tell you I don't feel like working?

I mean it.

I don't feel like working.

Let's go to the movies.

- We can meet at 9:30 p.m. - You weren't here yesterday.

Yeah, well, that guy wouldn't let me go.

But it was worth it.

I came home very late. I didn't want to wake you up.

[polishes shoe]

[traffic noise]

[kids playing]

[kids playing]

Kids, it's already 7:30 p.m., come up for supper.

[chase music]

[intriguing music]

[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct chatter]

Ciao, Felipe.

Ciao, Severo.

How much for a rubber half sole?

35 Bolivianos a pair.

How long will it take?

30 minutes. Can you wait?

- Sure. - Put your feet here. The floor is cold.

[sighs] Thanks.

Mario?

It's me, Blanca.

[knocks at door]

- Good evening, sir. - Good evening.

[door squeaks]

[door closes]

[dog barking]

This is quite an old building, isn't it?

Thank God they can't demolish it. Houses...

being so expensive and all.

Is that guy the owner?

No. This is only his hideout, you know, to see his girl.

He's here every night at eight sharp.

Thanks.

Oh, sorry, sir, I have no change.

Don't worry. I'll come back tomorrow.

[vendor] Choripan, choripan!

[traffic noise]

[ominous music]

It's guaranteed. Made in prison.

- How much is it? - 50, man.

Hey, Mario!

Are you like a stone again?

Here, sweetie. Just got them out of the oven.

- Thanks. How much do I owe you? - For you? Just 20.

- Thanks, Catita. - Okay. Come back soon.

Thanks. Here, taste it.

She makes a fortune by selling these. She's from my town.

Well, selling these and lots of things.

- It's good. Shall we? - Yup.

You know, Blanca,

you could run a business like this one in your town, huh?

Sure... with you behind the counter, right?

[chuckles]

Bye, Blanca, come back soon.

See you, Catita. Thanks.

They've called her Catita all her life.

And they hire her?

I don't get why people dream of going to Gringoland.

American dream, my ass!

Why not the Bolivian dream?

That's another way of looking at it, but, give me a break!

A friend of mine just got back from Atlanta.

Weeks went by without her phone ringing.

I didn't even have a phone.

Anybody can have a phone.

The problem is the fucking language.

English is not that hard.

[in English] I could teach you some English if you want.

- What? - [in Spanish] I'll teach you.

- Are you asking me to come with you? - [chuckles]

[sighs]

You know when I'll learn English?

Never.

I don't know, it's a matter of language.

People in my town are cool.

Life is nice and peaceful. Everyone is happy.

[sighs] Come on.

I couldn't stay here and grow old to die lying in a hammock.

You could stay and grow old

to die with someone who loved you by your side.

Hammock included.

Do you understand?

[birds chirping]

[bells ringing]

[traffic noise]

[intriguing music]

[car passes by]

[intriguing music]

Cigarettes, please.

Thanks.

[car speeds up]

[traffic noise]

[intriguing music]

[speaker] You cannot write verses without seagulls.

In 1879, Bolivia lost 120,000 square kilometers...

which include its whole coastline.

What history and law had granted to its people

was taken away by a war.

Since then, the moral evolution of international relations in the world

may be an anecdote as well, at least for the Bolivians

who have followed it with legitimate uncertainty

and the Mediterranean feel has rendered extraordinary

services building a national spirit.

Antonio Laureola, huh?

Gramsci's peer, but I haven't found any of his works.

Gramsci, huh?

Yes. I'm writing a thesis on European socialism.

They're serving wine, aren't they?

What do you think about this issue?

Congress should be burnt down along with its members.

I thought that was your dad.

He got into my mom's bed and there's no way to get him out.

Hi, Ficho.

Hey, I'm heading south, to La Rinconada.

Need a ride somewhere?

Thanks but I'm going north to Hotel California. Santa Cruz St.

Well...

- Thanks for walking me out. - Hold it a second.

Listen, I can get that Gramsci book you're looking for.

- Really? - Yes.

Write your phone number here.

[laughs]

[water pouring]

[clears throat]

[mellow guitar music]

[sighs]

- [kissing] Shh, shh. - [grunts]

What time is it?

You drank a bit, huh?

[grunts] Get in here with me, it's cold.

[pants]

[birds chirping]

[grunts]

[pensive music]

[intriguing music]

Okay, here it is. Here it is.

Here. Antonio Gramsci.

It includes a text on bourgeoisie's decline.

Are you interested?

Of course it does. How much?

Oh, no, it'd be better if we go to the Murillo theater...

where they show some "uplifting" porno movies.

Okay, it's a deal.

- Okay, let's go. - Oh, some other time.

I have some business to take care, okay?

- [sighs] You're always busy! - Thanks.

Well, what else can I do?

[whistling]

[pants]

I have a book for Miss Isabel.

She's expecting you. This way.

[pants]

Hey, thanks a lot.

- How much do I owe you? - Oh, forget it.

Allow me, just for your trouble.

It's not for sale.

I borrowed it. Photocopy it and I'll come back for it.

[man] There you are!

[pants] I didn't hear you.

Your mom is looking for you.

This is Marcos.

He brought a book I need for my thesis.

Another one? What is she studying now?

Someone has to do the studying here.

Sorry, I'm Mario, not Marcos.

- Mario. - Hello, Mario.

Hey, offer him a drink, don't be ungrateful.

Go to your boyfriend or you'll lose him to that TV lady.

[upbeat dance music]

[glasses clinking]

[indistinct chatter]

[laughter]

[romantic dance music]

[car shuts off]

["La Donna È Mobile" starts playing]

[moaning]

Wait, press the tip to get the air out.

[moaning]

[music turns to heavy metal]

[woman moans]

[indistinct chatter]

[music goes back to "La Donna È Mobile"]

[moaning]

[woman moans]

[moaning slows down]

[glass breaking]

[rocks hit the car]

Fuck! My husband will kill me when he sees the windshield.

Hey, hurry up! Get your pants on, I want to go back.

I want to finish.

My brother-in-law's place is two blocks away!

Should we go there?

Stop it! Put your pants back on!

Hey, don't give me that look. Don't be silly.

- Here. - What the...!

Go to hell, you fucking whore!

Sorry, darling, you messed it up!

[tires screeching]

Fucking slut!

[knocking at door]

I'm coming.

Mario!

What a nice surprise. How are you?

[whispering] Oh, Blanquita, Blanquita.

[kissing]

Mario!

[gasps]

[grunts] [pants]

[Mario moans]

[Mario moans]

[Mario grunts]

[gasps]

[breathing heavily]

[gasps]

[sighs]

[romantic piano music]

I have more money than you have. Believe me, I'm a good catch.

Let's see!

[laughs]

See? I always win!

Cheers! Let's hope you get your visa.

Let's dance.

[romantic dance music]

Mario.

Listen, I don't want to keep doing what I do.

Listen to me.

[weeping]

I want to start over, you know?

- I want to do it with you. - [Mario sighs]

I don't want to keep stripping just for anybody anymore.

I'll quit just for you.

- Don't. - Please.

Listen, I have to go.

To Gringoland? What for?

I have a son there.

He's already grown up. Your son is a man now.

I want children too.

You could start a family with me, you know?

[weeping] Please?

- Don't go. Please, don't go. - [shushes]

Please don't go.

[sobs]

I love you.

I want a man. I don't want to strip anymore.

Careful, it's hot.

[mellow guitar music]

You're getting your visa now?

If everything works out my way...

I'll be leaving next week.

Stop the bullshit. What are you up to?

What are you getting into?

I don't think you're in a position to teach me morals.

Listen, I make a living... with my ass, but it's still work.

I don't rob. That's what politicians are for.

You played cop or thief as a little boy?

[sighs] In this country, cops are thieves, Blanca.

Being a good Christian hasn't helped me.

People like you are not good at doing wrong.

You look nervous, anxious, I don't like it.

The devil has gotten into you.

What do you care? It's none of your business!

- You're confused, Mario. - And you'll help me!

Be realistic.

It's the same thing the whole world over.

Being happy is not so hard, damn it.

Stay away from trouble.

It's not worth it.

If you really want to go...

- I'll lend you the money. - No. That's out of the question.

- Why? - Just because.

It wouldn't feel right, me in Miami and you working here.

You're way too naive, darling.

Way too naive.

[cat meowing]

[ominous music]

[glass breaks]

[padlock clicks]

[ominous music]

[unzips]

What the fuck!

Easy! I don't want any trouble!

Let me go and I won't hurt you.

[woman] Darling?

[panting]

Let go of me!

Let go!

Let go, damn it!

Son of a bitch! How did you find me?

I only need 5 grand for my visa!

- Visa, my ass! - My American visa!

You think I'm stupid?

Give that money back!

[grunts]

I'm not looking for trouble!

Stay where you are!

Fuck!

You fucking redskin!

You won't take a dime from here, you hear me?

[grunting]

[pants]

Gus? I'm almost done.

Gus!

[panting]

Gus?

Holy fuck!

Gus, don't make me angry!

Fuck!

[breathing heavily]

Would you rub some lotion on me, Gus?

Gus?

Gus?

Gus?

[woman] Thief!

- Mr. Mario! - Get that thief!

[whistles]

[up-tempo chase music]

Excuse me!

[up-tempo chase music]

[indistinct chatter]

[chase music intensifies]

[pants]

[breathing heavily]

[door closes]

Fuck!

[water running]

[breathing heavily]

[whispering] I'm so stupid!

So stupid!

Goddammit!

[sad Latin music]

Fucking moron! What did I do?

[sobs]

[sobs]

[sobs]

[sad Latin music]

[sobs]

Forgive me, Blanca.

I have nothing to forgive...

you screwed up on your own.

Where are you going?

Gotta move my ass to get ahead.

Don't go.

Stay. Let's say good-bye in a civilized way.

Stop telling me if I should go work or not.

Wasn't that what you wanted?

Not exactly.

I must entertain a client from Trinidad.

Don't go. Stay with me.

- I'll pay you. - Listen.

If you're leaving, get going.

I can't stand good-byes.

I didn't...

mean to offend you, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry too.

[dogs barking]

[carnival band music]

I haven't got your visa yet, but I will in a couple of days.

Darn it! In a couple days?

I told that to the girl too, my friend.

What girl?

If I were you, I wouldn't leave such a beautiful girl alone.

I also told her I could help her with her visa paperwork.

You did? What did she say?

She won't learn English.

But, in Miami...

who speaks English anyways? Am I right?

[slow romantic music]

Dear son,

things haven't worked out as we planned 5 years ago.

But don't you worry, I finally have my visa.

My dream of reuniting with you and sharing your happiness is coming true.

Well, he hasn't even asked me to go with him.

- You love him, huh? - Well, yeah.

[slow romantic music]

You gave him the money for his visa, right?

He's a jerk!

You don't know her. She won't come back until you're gone.

She left that envelope for you.

It's the rest of the money for your visa.

She said not to hand it in until you're holding your visa.

You have to help me find her, Alfonso.

Relax.

[sexy rock music]

Good evening.

Where's Nefertiti?

That girl is hours late!

She'll get her ass fired!

She knows it's our busiest night!

[sexy rock music]

What time did Blanca leave?

Don't know.

[dog howling]

[dog barking]

[sighs]

[knocking at door]

[liquid pouring]

[in English] You have to take it easy, son.

[sad pop music]

[sad pop music]

[bells ring] [birds chirping]

[knocking at door]

I know everything.

Excuse me?

Didn't know she was your aunt.

Besides, you were with someone else.

So, was it any good?

[giggles]

Anyways...

I'm here to return your book.

Thanks a lot.

Hey, don't go. Stay for a while. Take a seat.

- There's a drama at home! - What happened?

My stupid stepfather fell headfirst.

[chuckles] So, is he doing okay?

Unfortunately, yes.

He only has quite a headache. Not due to the fall, though...

but because they took everything away...

but his lover.

Were the thieves caught?

Mm-hm.

[up-tempo jazz music]

What's wrong, man? Two guys are looking for you.

I know, I know!

Do me a favor.

This money is for... Blanca. Please give it to her.

And this...

for Don Antonio, okay?

I need you to help me out of here.

[up-tempo jazz music]

[grunts]

What the...!

[chuckles]

Here it is.

- Who's that? - What do you care?

I'll hand in the money personally.

I suggest you go check in your luggage, flight is full.

Just a minute. Let me hand him the money.

[in English] Hi there.

[laughing] Come on!

[in English] The visa is good, teacher.

[in English] Of course it's good.

Of course it is, it was never denied to me.

[in English] You didn't have a chance, loser.

Go on, get moving!

Mother fucker!

[in English] Fuck you, gringo!

Nice trip!

Fuck you, you fucking gringo!

[English] And you call this country corrupt!

[in Spanish] You're worse than us!

And yet you come here and screw us up!

From Mario.

So, Mario is gone, huh?

He should be at the airport now.

[sighs] If it is destined to happen this way...

what can I do?

Fight, honey.

That's what we're here for.

[indistinct chatter]

Everything's in order, sir. Proceed to gate 2.

- Thank you. - Have a good flight. Goodbye.

[voice on PA]

[phone rings]

Where are you going, pal?

Miami.

[chuckles]

800 fucking bucks?

Who do you take us for?

You think we're stupid?

- Where's the rest? - I only paid for my visa.

We don't care about that fucking politician!

Give us the 50 grand...

or I'll beat you to death!

- I don't have them! - Asshole!

They just vanished?

I don't know who's got the money. I gave you all I had!

Okay, let's see.

Put one shell there.

Okay, who am I telling the fortune for?

Me. My name is Mario.

Does he have any money?

[speaking indigenous language]

Let's see what these leaves tell us.

- [speaking indigenous language] - There's no money?

[speaking indigenous language]

He told you I had no money.

Ask him to do it again.

[speaking indigenous language]

[speaking indigenous language]

- I see a peaceful life and... - Peaceful life?

- A long trip. - A long trip?

Shut up, dumb ass.

Do it once again.

Money, money.

Does this guy have any money? Let's see.

- No money. - I told you.

[ominous music]

[grunts]

[gasps]

[grunts]

[grunts] [hits the floor]

[gasps]

[grunts]

Fucking asshole!

- [violent hit] - [grunts]

[ominous music]

[child laughing]

[ominous music]

[loud hit]

[ominous music]

Mario?

What happened to you?

They just cleaned me up.

[sighs]

[melancholic guitar music]

How did you know I was here?

I shouldn't have started smoking, huh?

If you like smoking, do so.

Stop torturing yourself!

Listen, doctor said you could leave right away.

I stopped by the fair on my way here.

Look, baby.

At least you've got American clothes.

I bought you these pants. They're in fashion.

And this green shirt...

to go with your eyes.

[sobs] And...

these shoes. Nice, aren't they?

Don Antonio sent you this.

[chuckles]

[pants]

And...

they also found this.

[music turns hopeful]

[sobs]

Son!

I'm doing great!

Yes, I have my visa.

Listen, son... no, no, it's okay. Listen.

I met somebody.

We're on our way to her town now.

Don't you worry, we'll reunite...

sooner or later.

I love you, son!

[romantic vocal music]

In memory of ALBERTO ETCHEVERRY, Don Antonio.