Original subtitles

There will be no coalition

if two conditions aren't met.

Our parties have to get the majority of votes,

and 90% of registered voters must vote.

My brother Thorgeir said

you lost all contact with reality.

I had cried for three days

when they took me to the hospital.

Something just broke.

I was there. It was not normal.

It had nothing to do with you.

He's bipolar.

Madame President. Give me the power.

What's this?

I seem to remember it's your boss's birthday.

Is the government paying 70,000 for a bunch of flowers?

They are Icelandic citizens.

You have nothing to do here.

How did you do it?

I made emergency laws

as the Prime Minister

and the holder of the President's power.

And who signed the law? I did.

No one else?

- No. - You violated the constitution.

Of course not. Grimur will sign it.

It's illegal to do it afterwards.

If you want a story that matters,

I would take a look at Benedikt.

Oh?

The law states that

ministers must be of sound mind.

What?

Wait a minute...

- Hello? - Hey, hey.

- Good morning. - Benedikt.

It's 7:00.

You won't be able to go to sleep again

after hearing what I'm composing.

I've started writing the musical.

Aren't you too busy to write a musical?

It's just such an important musical. Melodia. I mean...

We'll do it together, you and me, in Akureyri.

Our schedule is full.

Then you have to reschedule

for the biggest theater event of the year.

Benedikt.

We need great actors,

dancers... We need

a male choir.

And we need...

a great scenographer.

I visualize a mountain range on stage...

Are you up, my love?

Good morning.

- Yes, and... - Benedikt.

We've allocated all our budget for the year.

Salome...

Don't worry about the financing.

I've got grants, discretionary money.

No... Benni...

- Me and... Me and... And... - We can discuss this later.

Me and Steinunn! We've got lots of money.

- We're 100% behind this. - Yes.

God only knows how much her family has stolen.

They can give something back.

The entire season has been scheduled.

Yes. Right.

This is the 7:00 news.

Can't we discuss this later?

It goes like this...

Benedikt Rikardsson

is the most popular politician in the country

according to a new poll.

67% of voters trust him.

Do you hear that, Salome?

We're the most popular!

Steinunn, do you believe this?

It's amazing.

Salome.

It will start like this...

And then, it's a paean to God and ends with...

"Amen!"

How do you like it?

Since we issued our own currency,

the krona has lost

99.9% of its value.

In this report, the Central Bank compares

all the currencies that we could use.

And the conclusion is clear.

The public benefits from using a more solid currency.

We should start while the economy is in good shape.

Finance Minister,

this is not the first report with this proposal.

I don't know why we should do it now.

That's because everybody is happy

when the krona is strong,

but then it collapses, and then it's no fun being Icelandic.

It's a simplification.

Changes are always difficult, Benni.

Listen to your convictions and everything will be fine.

Nobody is asking for this right now.

Minister, shouldn't we think ahead?

This is the deepest analysis we can get.

The euro is the currency that's best for us.

Our trade is mostly with countries using the euro.

And that's not even the main point.

We owe the nation a discussion.

We can't use an economic system

that swings like a leaf in a storm.

What does the Prime Minister say?

Mmm.

What?

The Independence Party will never support the euro.

No... Yes.

We agreed to review the currency situation.

Prime Minister, we're talking about the European Union.

Yes.

Europe is beautiful.

Trains...

St. Pancras in London.

The cathedral of train journeys.

Symphonies.

Engineering and music at the same time.

And the Black Madonna in Rocamadour.

It's a place that changes you.

I was...

- We have to look at the budget. - Oh?

Yes, we have to give more money to cultural affairs.

Mmm-hmm. Hmm.

Shouldn't we just discuss one thing at a time?

Finance Minister, we will never accept this.

Why don't you want another currency?

- Because... - Do you have something to lose?

- Sorry. Excuse me? - No. Excuse me.

We, the other people here,

we protect the interests of the people.

If you're not taking part in that, you're not taking part.

I'm going to make it a condition that the party says yes to it.

Great.

Write it down. What's next?

What was the meeting about?

Uh, money, money...

We looked at what currency was best for Iceland.

It's probably the euro.

What do you mean by that?

Benedikt. Can we get clearer answers?

- What are the next steps? - We need clear answers.

Let me see.

See. Here's the heartbeat.

A fine heartbeat.

What about hereditary diseases?

What diseases are in the family?

Just the usual ones. Like most families.

Okay.

For example...

Atrial flutter,

Parkinson's, bipolar disorder.

Atrial flutter is not inherited, but bipolar disorder can be.

Is it a close relative?

No.

Then we won't have to worry about that.

You can come and sit with me.

You have an appointment in six weeks.

You can call me if you need anything.

Yes, that's true and we in the Central Bank

have published reports

showing that the euro would be good for Iceland.

It would make our economy more stable in the long run.

But then we would have to join the EU,

and it's not the role of the Central Bank

to have an opinion on that.

"Grant Application Form."

MELODIA A musical by the Prime Minister

Are you asking

the European Union for a grant?

- Benedikt? - Huh? Yes.

What's this?

The application?

It's a cultural festival.

- What are you wearing? - Hmm.

I was painting.

Anyway, it's a musical based on Icelandic musical tradition.

You have to change. You can't have paint on your shirt.

Can we hold off on these...

pet projects?

Pet projects?

Hrefna.

Everybody thinks Iceland doesn't have a musical history.

That's a misunderstanding. We were a very musical nation.

Yes, the rhymes.

No, real music. It's almost all lost. It's terrible.

More terrible than the rhymes?

Hrefna.

The manuscript collectors weren't interested in music.

They only wanted literature.

They didn't keep the musical manuscripts.

Yes, but you're deep in discussions about the currency.

Hrefna.

It's all connected.

The currency, music, nature, Iceland.

Our music is lost.

Everything but a small manuscript, Melodia.

The jewel of Icelandic music.

Listen, we have...

It's in some cellar in Copenhagen.

When we went there

and took the manuscripts in the last century,

we weren't interested in that one.

What's that?

- This? The fish. - What?

The Society of Theology students.

My students gave it to me. Teacher of the year.

You can't wear a hoodie in the ministry.

Hrefna.

It's not a hoodie.

It's a prize.

Okay, since it's such an issue, I'll give it to the EU.

No, I'll do it.

I'll take care of it.

Finance Minister Valgerdur Oddsdottir

says the government went through the currency options

in its meeting this morning.

- Dad. - Yes.

Mom never allows me to sit in the passenger seat.

No, that's why it's our secret. Don't tell Mom.

Dad. Why aren't you moving with us?

Because...

Mom and Dad are taking a break.

Dad. You can stay in my room.

Isn't it better that I stay at my place?

Then you'll have two rooms.

No.

- Hi. - Sorry, we're so early.

No problem.

Hi, cutie.

- So this is the palace? - Yes, it's a penthouse.

Do you want to see my room, Dad?

I think your dad has to go.

No, I'm fine.

Show me your room.

Right.

Isn't this a cool color? I picked it.

It is, Sindri.

It is.

Happy birthday the other day.

What's all this?

I heard an heir was on the way.

Okay. I have to ask you to leave.

I'm going to ask you to sit down.

This has been a good run, but now it's over.

I've talked to Mass General hospital.

They can take him.

You just say yes and...

I'll buy a plane ticket, rent a house,

Benedikt resigns, and nobody has to know a thing.

Your dream is becoming a reality.

- Our dream? - Mmm.

He's crossed every line.

Offended the party, the nation, my daughter.

I've not said anything until now,

but when he's threatening

the economic security of the nation...

Threatening the family business, you mean.

That's not important.

- Is it? - Steinunn.

He's not stopping.

We are offering you a way out.

Do you need help?

No, I'm fine.

Did someone order a pizza?

Here's a pepperoni, a marge...

Hello.

- Did you order a pizza? - Yes.

- Two? - Yes.

Should we have a pizza inside?

The two of us?

Okay...

Sorry, I thought you would come later.

No problem.

Nice seeing you.

Goodbye, Sindri.

Wow!

What's all this?

It's from Dad.

Oh.

- Can we talk? - Yes.

Please.

What do you want to discuss, my love?

- Can we just... - Mmm-hmmm.

Can we discuss...

The children's rooms you're preparing?

Aren't they great?

I'm only carrying one child.

We have to have a plan. It could be a boy or a girl.

Do you think that's normal?

Why was your dad here?

He came for a visit.

With stuff that would be enough for a kindergarten?

He's expecting a grandchild, he has too much money and...

Do you think that's normal?

He's just...

Can we discuss you?

Are you listening to me?

Are you listening to me?

What?

Fuck!

Steinunn.

We're being spied on.

- Those are listening devices. - My love...

- It's a baby monitor. - No, it's your dad.

My love, we have to see a doctor.

A doctor?

- Because of the baby? - You have to see a doctor.

There is something wrong.

You've started drinking again,

you don't sleep.

You're making very important decisions without thinking...

Thorgeir knows doctors in Massachusetts,

and I think we should go there for a couple of weeks...

Can't you see through them? Really?

Does your father find nothing sacred?

What?

He visits, a real coincidence,

the same day I offer the nation a new currency.

Benedikt, it's not about Dad.

- It is. - No.

You're defending him.

- What? - You're defending him.

- Just stop! - You're defending your family.

- You are my family. - Obviously not.

You are part of the most privileged family

in the country,

and when push comes to shove, you're one of them.

- And you're ready to... - Don't say things like that!

Hospitalize those who work against the family's interests.

No. You're sick. You don't know what you're saying!

I'm not going to allow it.

I don't know whether I'm talking to you or your dad.

You and me, Steinunn...

We don't work anymore.

Are you kidding me?

He's asleep.

What's this?

Is Benedikt writing a musical?

He found a very important music manuscript in Copenhagen.

- This is a manuscript. - Mmm-hmm.

"It is dark.

"David Halldorsson and Ragnheidur Brynjolfsdottir

"talk softly together.

"Tell me the truth...

"did you lie?

"Ragnheidur holds the Psalms tightly."

Your turn. Here.

"I'm yet a virgin, untouched by male hands

"and temptations of the flesh."

"Nonsense.

"Then why is this Hallgrimur sending you his psalms?

"Ragnheidur becomes horny and comes closer."

Okay.

Huh.

The Association of Fisheries

is against the decision

to change the currency.

They say it could be fatal for all the export industries

if we stop using the krona.

They also say that

Iceland's monetary independence is valuable

and that it's important

that our monetary policy is independent.

You probably have an opinion on the euro issue.

I don't have one.

Not like you do.

I can see the euro's merits...

and the krona's.

Then we have to see what's best.

Stop this nonsense.

What do you want?

I want to become Chairman of the party.

And I want you to support me.

You think...

you can make a fool out of me,

and then come here and ask for support?

You need a new candidate.

You're protecting an insane man.

And if it's up to me,

you'll go as well.

- When we switch... - Eggert...

Why should I put my money on you?

Because otherwise I would be against you,

and you're plotting treason.

We're not plotting treason.

The man is insane.

It's simple for me.

Either I support Benedikt,

protect him until his mania is over.

And you know I can do that.

Or...

I'll push him off the edge...

and become chairman.

It's up to you.

The European Union

seems to look positively at

Iceland's possible application for membership in the union.

Sources there say that they are very interested

in discussing the matter with the Icelandic government...

Salome.

Hello. My name is Ottar Blondal. I'm a journalist.

Hello. What can I do for you?

I wanted to ask you about

the musical by Benedikt Rikardsson

that you're going to direct.

- No, that's not been decided. - Oh?

But I've got an application

to the Creative Europe Culture Fund,

and you're the designated director.

Um... No...

It's not been finished. I can't tell you anything.

It sounded a bit strange.

- But he's done this before? - How so?

Just... Being impulsive...

I don't know him that well.

No...

But what about his mother?

- Did you know her? - Listen.

I don't know anything about this.

Okay.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Hello.

Ragnar, I'm the ministry's lawyer.

- Hrefna. - Tryggvi.

Hi.

What's going on?

We're here because of the manuscript.

The manuscript?

Benedikt said you would lead it.

Yes, right.

And...

What are the first steps?

We're ready with a formal demand to the Danish government.

- To get the manuscript home? - Yes.

- Isn't that a bit too fast? - Believe me,

we're experienced in international conflicts.

This is one.

This is not a conflict.

You're opening up the manuscript case again.

This manuscript is part of

Rasmus Rask's private collection.

Denmark owns it. And we confirmed that

- in our agreement in 1986. - Hmm.

But on the other hand,

we were supposed to get all the manuscripts

related to Iceland and Icelandic history.

This manuscript

is the biggest piece in our musical history

from the Middle Ages.

Another thing, you're writing a musical?

Yes.

Why?

Well, I...

I'm correcting a misunderstanding.

Many people think

Icelandic musical culture started in the 20th century.

That's because the manuscript collectors were narrow-minded.

Arni Magnusson sometimes ripped up musical manuscripts

and used them to create dust jackets

for the Saga manuscripts.

Thankfully, he wasn't able to rip Melodia apart

where we have 223 Icelandic songs

that my musical is based on.

And what is it about?

I don't want to say too much.

I'm sewing it together from our history.

It will be a cultural carnival.

- Is the manuscript in Denmark? - Yes.

It's being kept in Denmark, and I've put together...

a great legal team

to get the manuscript...

Hrefna, hi.

Ottar... You know each other.

He called me and wanted to discuss Melodia.

Yes.

Can I talk to Ottar?

Of course.

No problem.

Let's take a break. Excuse me.

What are you doing?

I just called him and asked for an interview.

Are you kidding?

What do you mean?

- I'm just doing my job. - You saw it at my place.

It wasn't supposed to go anywhere.

Benedikt wanted to discuss it.

It was just supposed to be between us.

I trusted you, Ottar.

It's just a cute news story, not...

You can't use me like this.

Am I supposed to hide everything from you?

I have to do my job

- even though we're dating. - Me, too.

Should we then be...

dating?

Ottar, the premiere will be broadcast live

to the whole nation.

The honorable Finance Minister

Valgerdur Oddsdottir will now speak.

Honorable Speaker.

The flexibility of our currency

doesn't seem to defend our economy.

Instead it seems to be the independent source

of increased fluctuations.

In other words,

the honorable Minister of the Interior is not accurate.

Honorable Speaker...

The Icelandic krona is not just a currency.

It's part of the nation's self-image

and self-confidence.

When we have our own currency, we're a nation among nations,

it has protected the pillars of society when we've needed it to.

It's a statement saying that

we can be an independent sovereign nation.

The honorable Finance Minister

Valgerdur Oddsdottir will now answer.

Honorable Speaker.

Germany uses the euro.

France uses the euro.

Spain uses the euro.

Is the honorable member telling us

that they are not independent nations?

SVANHVIT : "Susanna, true godliness you experienced

"when he stood with you in your trials.

"And sent his faithful servant, Daniel,

"your innocence to prove.

"Deceitful men you surrounded.

"Both fought but only reaped death."

If it wasn't for the krona,

we would never have survived the crash of 2008.

Yes.

Who is responsible for the crash?

Iceland has the highest food prices in Europe.

This is an attack on the economy.

An independent monetary policy is vital!

The European Central Bank has no business here!

Foreign trade will increase

by 23% if we adopt the euro.

We must protect the local industries.

I have said it before, and I'll say it again.

We are too good for the EU!

♪ The government's policy is not only an attack

♪ On the economy

♪ It is an attack on our independence

♪ I must say...

I'm very surprised if the Independence Party

is going to do this.

The honorable...

Prime Minister

Benedikt Rikardsson will now speak!

Honorable Speaker.

I pity the Icelandic krona. It's sick.

It's got a fever, it goes up and down,

back and forth and never finds a balance.

What kind of existence is that for the krona?

What kind of existence is that for us,

who don't own billions in the banks? Huh?

We, the common citizens.

We have to build our houses on those shifting sands.

We have to base our existence

on this crazy thing that jumps to the sun

and then into the darkness.

It's great for those who have enough...

and get richer and richer.

While the common citizen is just trying to pay his loans,

buy food, take care of his family.

But it can't go on.

It's a sick situation,

and the krona is the patient.

And we have to help her.

I suggest we euthanize it.

That we free the krona...

...and ourselves at the same time.

And that we do it right away.

I want to tell you

that the nation deserves more.

You're not the nation!

Hrefna, what's going on?

What do you mean by freeing the krona?

Are we changing currency?

I don't think it's appropriate

that aides comment on issues to the media.

Thank you.

But off the record.

- Is that the plan? - No comment.

Prime Minister Benedikt Rikardsson

held a fiery speech at Althing today.

He talked about freeing the krona and using the euro.

Many members were critical of his speech,

and the discussion, which is ongoing,

is lively as the opposition accuses him

of being irresponsible.

The issue would have a negative impact

on Iceland's relationship with the EU.

Valgerdur Oddsdottir will be interviewed on TV tonight.

Aren't you coming home?

Home?

I no longer live with you.

Should we discuss things?

I'm working.

Have you slept at all?

Let me help you.

Help me?

Do you think I don't know what you're plotting?

- Plotting what? - No, of course, sorry.

You're of course just helping people.

You need help.

No, you need help.

You and your family need help.

You won't be able to crush every reform anymore.

Crush reforms? What...

Steinunn...

I can't listen to this anymore.

I can't do this.

I have to ask you to leave.

Hmm.

Do you know how your mother died?

What?

How did she die?

She committed suicide.

Is nothing sacred?

She was sick.

- Nonsense. - She was sick...

my love.

She was bipolar.

She didn't get help.

I talked to your father.

Bipolar disease is inherited.

My love...

Getting sick doesn't mean life is over,

but it's very important to get the right treatment.

Hey...

Didn't we promise each other to take care of each other?

Remember when we met?

You had a flat tire, and I had to change it

because you didn't know how.

Remember when I felt so terrible

because I couldn't get pregnant?

And you sat with me

and said it would be okay again and again.

My love.

- Did you call? - Yes.

Steinunn, I...

I've had enough of you and your family.

Please take her out of here, Orn.

Isn't she your...

Yes.

She is a threat...

to the security of the state.

Come with me.

Do you want me to call you a taxi?

No. Thank you.

You'll just come in

when the Governor of the Central Bank finishes.

There's a lot going on.

- Are we adopting the euro? - What?

No, I think it won't be soon.

But it's on the agenda.

Good evening.

Good evening. Good evening?

Listen...

I'll do the interview.

- I'm the Finance Minister. - Yes.

This is not about finance.

I've got a feeling you don't know enough about this.

I know everything about it.

I think I see it in a larger perspective than you.

I'll do it.

No worries.

We have to put a mic on the Prime Minister.

Next, I'll interview

the Prime Minister, not Valgerdur.

Hello. Nice to see you.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

- Welcome. - You're on the air.

Let's start.

You said today that you wanted to free the krona.

What do you mean?

Just adapt a new currency.

Right.

- Yes. - Right.

- Okay. - See...

Mickey Mouse issued a currency...

Yes. It was called the Disney dollar.

It was larger and more stable than the Icelandic krona.

Mmm-hmm. The currency is...

Mickey Mouse stopped using that currency years ago

just because it was too small.

Is the krona too weak for Mickey Mouse?

Don't twist things.

I've got tons of reasons for adopting a new currency.

The biggest reason, however, will always be...

that the Icelandic krona creates discrimination.

Are you still trying to call her?

I sympathize with her.

We should have stopped this much earlier.

It's not that simple.

Not?

He's destroying the EEA agreement,

and you're still allowing your sister to control this.

No.

I just think it's all right to show her support.

We have to have

his self-determination right removed.

Shouldn't we start by getting him to a doctor?

People need to hear it.

But taking his self-determination away?

Isn't it enough to put him in a hospital?

If he loses his right to self-determination,

he can't be a minister.

We would have to become

part of the European Union

and that will take years.

My source says that you don't have the majority to do that.

What?

Who says that?

I can tell you it's true.

I would like to hear what you think about the krona.

Me? I'm interviewing you.

Then do that.

Yes. Okay...

Althing won't agree to applying to the European Union.

How can we then start using the euro?

If the European Union is a problem,

then we do it without asking.

- We can't do that. - Who's going to stop us?

The European Union.

It's not their business...

whether we pay with kronas, euros or flowers.

Let's say you wanted to sell me this camera.

- Mmm. - I paid you in Lego.

Do you think Legoland would interfere?

I've got documents saying it's against the European charter.

Yes... Well, let's ask the specialist.

He's there. The Governor of the Central Bank.

Gunni, come here.

Benedikt, listen...

- I'm interviewing you. - I know.

Your fellow ministers imply that you're being undemocratic...

No, I don't believe that. Gunnar, come here.

- That is what... - Come, Gunnar...

Come here, talk to us.

Gunnar, let's say I was going to buy this camera

and paid him in Lego, would Legoland interfere?

Uh...

Is there a law that stops us

from using the euro unilaterally?

Well...

The European Union considers it an intervention

into the sovereignty of the Union,

and that means this is almost a declaration of war.

No... Montenegro did it, Kosovo did it.

Benedikt. That was before

the EU changed its position on this.

This is unbelievable. Do you worship the krona?

Why do you talk to that man?

That man? He's the Governor of the Central Bank.

He's saying your proposal is very doubtful.

You're the head of the krona.

If we stop using the krona, he's out of a job.

No, no.

If you ask the head of Legoland if they should stop using Lego,

- he won't allow that. - No.

We have very different opinions here...

We can't get any further tonight.

Incredibly unprofessional.

Thank you for coming.

You two should apologize to the nation.

Thank you, Gunnar.

- We got an answer from Denmark. - Oh?

They won't release the manuscript.

Okay.

I think we should sue them.

Who?

Denmark.

No, we're not going to sue Denmark.

This is a legal demand.

We're protecting the interests of Iceland.

I was supposed to do the interview.

He just went on live TV

and damaged our position.

You can expect a proposal to dissolve Althing.

- From whom? - Us.

And probably members from all parties.

Vala.

I have to tell you a secret.

I realize this is very serious.

But in confidence...

We're going to find a new leader.

Benedikt has lost the party.

Okay.

You and me, we've always worked well together.

- When will it happen? - In a week or two.

Two weeks.

And what should I tell my people?

If you keep them calm, we can do it.

They're always together. Can I see?

- Great. - Have a nice evening, Hrefna.

See you tomorrow.

Can I see?

Hrefna.

Come in. I'm going to play an Icelandic jewel for you.

Turn your phone off.

What?

They're listening.

Who's...

There were listening devices in my home.

I asked Orn to check the office. He didn't find anything,

but we have to be careful. Turn your phone off.

Okay.

Steinunn and I are getting a divorce.

- No? - Yes.

Her family

is ready to do anything.

When we try to give the nation a new currency,

they turn against us.

Everybody has turned against us. It's just you and me.

Benedikt.

Don't you have to rest?

Now?

No.

The nation has been trying to get a new currency for decades.

But those people are always able to stop it.

But now we won't give up.

It's just you and me and Melodia, of course.

Let's forget Melodia for a second.

Denmark said no, but...

- You and Steinunn... - We can't forget Melodia.

- It's important, Hrefna. - Yes, but...

Melodia matters! It's our cultural inheritance.

Listen... Just listen...

Can you hear how red it is? How Icelandic?

Yes.

Sing with me.

- No. - Yes.

I can't sing.

Everybody can sing. Just listen to the key.

♪ Crying...

♪ Crying...

♪ Crying...

Yes.

Come. Let's sing. Breathe deeply.

Breathe...

♪ Crying...

Breath in...

♪ Crying...

The diaphragm.

- ♪ Crying... - ♪ Crying...

Benedikt! What are you...

What's wrong with you?

Yes, of course.

I see. You're one of them.

You're not with me.

If you're not with me, you're against me. Okay...

You don't have any place in my ministry!

Go out. You're fired.

Go away. Orn!

Take your stuff. Go. We'll send it to you later.

Go away. Out!

I don't want to see you here again.

Do you know...