Original subtitles

What are you waiting in line for?

Michael Jackson is coming.

Why are you standing here?

That question makes no sense.

Obviously, to guard the American star.

At 17:53,

the personal jet of the American star landed at Otopeni Airport in Romania.

Michael Jackson stepped out of the airplane at 18:07,

and the 10,000 admirers were in for a great disappointment.

The star received flowers from 9 year-old twin girls,

waved and then left.

All that in 53 seconds.

Michael Jackson shot at a stadium in Bucharest

a few memorable scenes

that will be included in his future video, "Police Walk".

Romanian policemen are ecstatic.

Michael Jackson is about to wear a Romanian police uniform.

General Nitu is ordering, "Do not overtake him".

But who can, in fact, overtake Michael Jackson?

Around 13:15 Michael Jackson was received by president Ion Iliescu.

Living...

Living...

In the Ambassador Room, the Romanian president

gave to Michael Jackson a military uniform

and two crystal pieces.

Good afternoon. Director, the boys are ready. Whenever.

OK.

You'll be careful, OK?

OK.

This vehicle has been our livelihood for years.

It was a great achievement of our times.

We were the pride of this country.

We won the Paris-Dakar Rally with it.

Aro's prestige

is due to all of you,

who worked hard every day

so that the best cars would come out of our production lines.

In this democratic transition process that Romania is undergoing,

we can see that our sales went down.

Actually, this has happened...

Where the hell were you?

-...to the entire Romanian economy. -I had something to do.

The hell you did.

We, the factory management, and the ministry officials

decided to take the most drastic measures in order to revive production.

Wait... hold on!

Our great Emil Cioran said...

For those who don't know, this means,

"To live eternity is to live day by day."

That's what we are going to do, damn it.

-You don't care about us! -Look where you brought us!

Do you have a better idea? You, with your union.

Tell us, here, in front of everyone.

Guys, I have been informed

that a French group have made a very interesting proposal.

They are coming today to inspect our equipment.

Let us welcome them properly.

Hey! Shut up!

And stop by the cashier for your last paychecks.

As of today, the factory is being temporarily shut down.

That's it.

Thieves!

Gica... Are we going to let them make fools of us?

I would set his car on fire, just like that, for eternity.

Cut it out, I'm talking now.

Eternite au jour le jour, what the hell?!

-It doesn't have any words. -No, but it's a well-known piece.

It's Ravel's Bolero. They're sure to recognize it.

I assure you, the guests will be impressed.

Yes, they will see we share their culture.

If the French don't recognize it, we'll make fools of ourselves.

I'm sure they will recognize it. There's no way they won't recognize it.

They know it not only in France, but all over the world. It is a classic.

Whatever you want. It's all the same.

As long as we don't make fools of ourselves.

Oh, well, whatever you want.

Goodbye, Director!

25, 26, 27,500. Here you are.

Boy, I'd really like to know what that one's like in bed.

That one makes squeaky noises. Like a mouse.

-And what about that one? -That one...

She keeps her eyes closed all the time and breathes hard, like she's sighing.

Get out of here. You've been with her too?

That chick? She's bad, man.

She screams loud enough to wake the neighborhood.

What would she scream?

Good afternoon!

Thank you!

-How about this one? -This one, I don't know.

-These stay here. -Did you like it?

French.

Manuela, you know it's important to make a good impression on these French people.

They came all this way.

Please, come on.

Manuela, you've been making me hot for such a long time.

What's the big deal? It could be good for both of us.

Yes.

They left the hotel.

Yes, bring Mrs. Carmen as well. OK.

The Official Day of the Car Makers.

You're right.

Thank you.

Sorry!

My friends!

Welcome!

Mr. Director!

-Good afternoon, sir. -My son, Olivier. He's working with me.

That's his son. His name is Olivier, meaning, "olive tree".

Olive, as in the tree. Pleased to meet you.

We also have names like Violet, Cherry...

-Just girl names. -That's not true.

I have a brother-in-law whose name is Pine.

Crazy people.

Coffee?

We're very happy to be here in this beautiful region.

He's glad to be here in our beautiful country.

We have a beautiful country. It rains a bit much here.

But it is beautiful, and we also have beautiful girls.

We have a beautiful country. It rains a bit much here.

But it is beautiful, and we also have beautiful girls.

Of course!

-I brought you a small present. -He brought you a small present.

This is from our factory in Pontarlier, in Haut-Doubs.

That's also a beautiful region... It rains often, just like here.

It's from their factory, I don't know where.

I've never heard of the place. But it's not Paris.

But he says it rains beautifully there, just like here.

So this is our future.

Yes, we produce, we will adapt.

Here you can find as many of these as you want after every rain.

The manager thanks you, and there are a lot of snails here too.

With the rain, you know, snails...

Even better!

You can see on the back there's a recipe.

And the secret is a lot of butter

and also a lot of parsley and a lot of garlic.

Because the snail itself doesn't have a lot of flavor.

After ten minutes in a very hot oven, it's impeccable.

The secret is to add a lot of butter and garlic, and parsley.

Yes, otherwise the snail doesn't have much flavor.

And he's saying it's good.

I heard that too, there they pay good money for that.

It's a delicacy.

Delicacies... international.

I'll give them to my wife, see what she can do with them.

My wife... my wife cooks.

The director's wife is a very good cook.

She will cook the snails very, very well.

-She does sarmale very, very well. -Sarmale. Yes.

I am very glad you came to our small town.

We hope to make good business with our French friends,

with our Latin brothers.

Good business for us, good business for you.

-The director said... -No, I understand.

He understands, of course. My French is back.

Thank you, Mr. Director.

We also hope to do good business with our Romanian friends,

our Latin brothers.

So, I won't keep you any longer, I know you are busy at school.

Sir, it is my pleasure.

You know I took half a day off to translate.

I know, but I can manage in the language of Voltaire, can't I?

I can still remember it from school.

I may not have a great accent, but the words...

Don't worry, you speak very well.

"To live eternity is to live day by day."

What did he say?

This must be a quote from a national writer...

Ionesco, Popesco... I don't remember.

The poet.

-Yes. -Yes. I'll leave you now.

Goodbye, gentlemen.

I hope you will visit our school soon.

We have prepared for you a little surprise.

Thank you, madam, thank you.

Make sure I am not disturbed.

Guys, I think we have to buy this factory.

If not, they'll be firing all of us.

What the hell, can't we just raise 150,000 dollars?

-Come on, Gica, are you nuts? -Why?

-How the hell would we get all that money? -We'll do something.

We don't even have a hundred dollars now. Are you nuts?

We'll find a solution.

Guys, I found something in the paper.

Look... the richest man in the world is the sultan of Brunei.

-Say what? -The Sultan of Brunei.

Let's do something. Let's write to him, maybe he'll help.

Yeah, right. We wrote to the people at the Ministry

and they didn't even write back, and this guy will write to you...

What did you say his name was?

-The Sultan of Brunei. -You can grab my ass.

Hey, wait.

Why shouldn't we write to him? What's the problem?

What the hell is your problem?

This guy's right. We're in serious trouble and you're making fun.

Write it down, there.

What's 150,000 to him? Dinner in a restaurant, right?

The tip.

He might want to help us, to do a good deed.

Half?

Yes, the rest afterwards.

As discussed.

150,000 dollars.

Yes, as discussed,

but with one condition.

We are in agreement. The factory will be closed.

That's not a problem, I'll take care of everything.

Next week, bankrupture.

-Bank... rupture? -Yes, the factory... done.

-It will go bankrupt. -Bankrupt.

What will happen to the workers?

Yes, what will happen to the workers?

It's not a problem. I'll take care of everything. Don't worry.

Robert, I'm a fox old.

Fox old.

Old fox.

I've been here since Ceausescu's regime.

When I say produce, everyone produces.

When I say bankrupture, it's bankrupture.

Robert, do you think that I'm a... papagal (parrot)?

Yes, those birds.

-Parrot. -Parrot.

Petrescu!

Yes?

Come here!

Good evening, sir.

What did you guys talk about, there at the union meeting?

What do you think? We met and we tried to think of some solutions.

Very good, boys. Come up with solutions.

I've had enough of claims. And no more trouble, OK?

The French want to buy the plant and reorganize things here...

-Good evening, Director! -Good evening!

They will make a snail cannery here and only keeping about 300 workers.

-It would be good to be one of them. -What would I do with snails, Director?

-What? -Do you think I'd go that low?

You have a wife and a kid and there are hard times coming.

Listen to me. I went to school longer.

-Good evening, director. -Hi, boys!

What the hell is wrong with it?

Easy, be gentle or else it'll choke. We'll give you a push.

Release the gear. Hey, guys, come here!

Come here a minute! Let's help, push here for the Director.

Come on!

Get it out of gear.

Come on, harder!

-Go! -Come on!

THANK YOU FOR TODAY'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

WE'RE WAITING FOR YOU TOMORROW WITH STRENGTH AND INITIATIVE!

-How are you, baby? -Daddy!

-How are you? -Look what I learned today.

-What is that? -Bolero by Ravel.

Good work!

-You smell like perfume. -It's from the French guys.

Was it a salary bonus, or what?

Those people came because they want to buy us.

We'll see how many of us they get rid of and how many will remain.

In the end, me and the boys thought

the only solution is to write to the Sultan of Brunei.

-To help us buy the plant. -Who?

The Sultan of Brunei. He's the richest man in the world.

Can I write to the Sultan of Brunei?

What for?

To send me a bicycle.

Let him first answer us about the plant.

Come on, dinner's ready. And you go wash. You smell like a whore.

-French perfume. What do you want? -Really...

I told you the French came to the plant.

Shut up.

You can smell them all the way home.

You're such a lousy liar.

A letter came for you.

To hell with them, with their visas and everything.

Come on, forget it.

You can be happy here too.

They're just idiots.

Damn stupid!

Come on, Mama!

Come on, Mama! And please, don't tell me about happiness again.

You know, it's not just a dog. It's a noble breed.

I don't want a dog in my house.

Darling, it's a labrador.

Just like Dr. Teianu's dog.

Pufi, come on. Pufi, be nice with daddy.

Which Teianu? Who's Teianu?

The lady anesthetist at the hospital, whose son is in Paris.

-Come on, Pufi... -No!

-Come on, say hello to Daddy. -I don't want a dog! Get it out of here!

Come on, Puf, get out! Come on!

Pufi, stay here.

Take him away! How much did it cost?

How much did it cost?

Drop it. It's not a problem.

It's a noble breed. His parents were carefully selected.

-They're not stray dogs. -How much did it cost?

-Almost nothing. -How much?

15,000.

That's not even 50 dollars.

-So tell me, isn't it worth it? -50 dollars? Have you gone crazy?

What? Didn't you say that we can afford it now?

I did, but we can't afford it yet. Wait at least a week, damn it!

Do you think I care about the dog right now?

Come on, dear, don't argue with him. You're waking up all the neighbors.

Mama, why are you not asleep at this hour? Go on, go to sleep.

Do you want something to eat?

Snails.

What's that?

Snails.

You add butter, garlic and a little parsley.

Then put them in the oven for ten minutes.

It says here that the oven must be very hot.

You're not going to eat that, are you?

What are you saying? You have no idea. This is refined food.

I don't want dog in my house.

Out! Go on!

-Come on, Pufi! -Shoo! Get him away from me.

Let's go, Pufi! Don't be upset.

Come with mommy!

The interview of the day.

In the last three years,

since the wind of freedom started to blow in our beloved country,

our entire lives have changed.

But now we have new problems, new difficulties.

Problems we didn't face before.

As for the factory,

our French partners have an interesting program.

They will employ around 300 workers for their future business...

Of course, after all the papers will be signed.

You know, sitting here watching TV,

that's sure gonna take care of all our problems.

Perfect...

-Is Viorel asleep? -Yes.

How are we going to raise our kid if you're unemployed?

We can't live only on my salary from the shop.

I'll find a solution.

You will find... Have you been looking?

No... I don't know...

We'll manage.

The hell we will. Don't you see how bad it...?

Leave it for now. We won't find a solution at night.

Leave it... That's all you ever say.

Are you a man full of energy?

Are you healthy and under 40?

Give a family the gift of hope and get 50 dollars for yourself.

Call 230 5644

or write to us at the Pro Family Foundation,

PO Box 31, Bucharest.

Listen...

How much is 50 times 1000...

times... six?

Do you think I'm in the mood for math lessons now?

Come on, I'm serious now.

If you're serious,

how come you smelled like perfume when you came home from the plant today?

Did you hear me? I'm talking to you.

Keep it down, you're waking up the kid.

How stupid do you think I am?

Were you with that bitch?

Tell me!

Cut it out! Cut it...

Aren't you ashamed of yourself? You're lying to me!

Easy!

I want you to tell me the truth.

I want you to tell me the truth. We can't live like this.

We have a child to raise.

I want you to tell me the truth.

I'm telling you the truth...

Are you telling me the truth?

I'm telling you the truth.

Did you cheat on me?

No.

I understand. No physical flaws, diseases. What did you say?

Chronic diseases... Or obesity.

I wrote that down.

So, you pay 50 dollars for every donation.

Yes. Good. Thank you! Bye.

Hey, guys!

All of us, together, we can save the plant.

I'm telling you...

The plant, all the debts

and a license for the engine are worth 300,000 dollars.

If a thousand of us sell our sperm for a week...

we collect 300,000 dollars in no time.

-What's that we're selling, again? -Sperm.

An American clinic is buying sperm for 50 dollars each.

I talked to them

and they told me that in one donation they collect five grams of sperm.

This means that one gram costs about ten dollars.

The same as a gram of gold.

Don't tell me that you aren't able to donate a gram of sperm.

If I put my mind to it, I can donate 100 grams a night.

Get out of here, you're lying.

If my wife knew that I carry such golden bars...

If you don't know, shut your mouth!

No way, Gica. Who's gonna buy that from us?

There's an American clinic in Bucharest. I saw it last night on television.

I even called them.

50 dollars, times 1000 men

times six days is 300,000... dollars.

We can even donate a few times a day.

We can even offer them a discount and we finish sooner.

That's not possible. It's not true.

It's true. It says so in the paper. Look!

So why should we do it for the plant? We might as well each do it for ourselves.

And what are you going to do with 50 dollars?

You eat for a week in a restaurant,

or drink it in one night and it's gone, right?

Look, if we all pitch in,

we can all buy the plant and they can't kick us out of there.

Gica, you're crazy. Is this what we do in the union?

Stop with the crap, Gica.

Stop right there. I suggest we vote. Who's in favor?

Come on, guys. We don't have another solution!

What do you mean we don't have another solution?

I don't do such things, I want to stay here in the factory.

The French promised us 300 places.

-300? -Yes.

Yes? And what about the others?

Come on, guys, let's vote!

What are we voting for?

We're voting to jerk ourselves off? Cut the crap.

OK, who is opposed?

OK. Who's abstaining?

-Come on, it's not like the old times. -George, are you nuts?

Don't you understand that we want to stay on at the plant!

It's you who are nuts, guys.

They won't be able to keep all of you on. Most will have to go.

Yeah, smartass, but maybe we'll be among those who stay!

Yeah, lots of luck and good bye! You have ten percent chances, go...

Guys, let's try again.

Who's in favor?

Mirel, come on!

I can't. If my wife finds out she'll break my legs.

And I don't even think what you're saying is possible.

It is possible. I'll show you that it works. I'll go first.

How about Gheorghiu?

He's bad off, with five kids at home, his wife works part-time...

I say keep him.

You thought right, he'll be licking our boots.

Orghidan.

-Gheorghidan? -No. Orghidan.

Who's that? Do you know him?

-I have no idea. -The other column, then.

What?

They're going to what?

What? Are they nuts?

They made some calculations and the math is right.

It's about 300,000 dollars. How much is the plant worth?

The French are paying 150,000...

but how are they going to get all that money?

You know, I myself saw the advertisement in the paper.

-Show it to me! -Yes.

Wait! You'll show me when I get back.

I have to go to school. The French are waiting for me.

And what do you want to do about the list?

You handle it and show it to me when I get back.

Class, good afternoon!

-Good afternoon! -Welcome. Here is the third grade.

They have prepared for you a little surprise.

Children, are you ready? Viorel, please!

This evening, Club Paradise.

Please! Come on, come on, Viorel!

One, two, three, and...

Come on, Viorel!

Viorel!

Oh, it's not so bad. It's a song that I like very much.

And now, what will I do?

What will my life be like?

What about these days I don't care about?

Now that you're gone.

You see, it does have words.

What the hell...

What is my heart beating for?

Bingo.

Hello.

-Hello! -You here?

May I?

Go ahead.

Thanks.

Hello. How many?

Three for me, please.

Here you go. 1500.

-Same for me. -Three?

40 cards for 500 lei.

The prize for a line is 800 lei. The prize for bingo is 8000 lei.

The game is open.

The first number, one...

Eight...

72...

53...

31.

31!

I got it.

Thanks. I don't know how to play, but...

75,

42,

90,

13,

43,

28,

12,

11.

Thanks!

-Line! -Line!

We have a line on card number 1695...

Did I win?

Line.

Thanks!

The line prize was awarded, we now go on to the bingo prize.

Man, do they wanna know a lot...

-They also want a photo. -No way!

I've got some photos at home, but they're with my wife, on vacation.

And with my kid on his birthday.

Don't worry, Gica. We'll take some. Some good ones.

-When? -Right now. Mirel has his camera.

-Really? -Come on, hand it over!

Tuck your belly in, man!

Put more cheese in that smile.

Way to go.

I don't know. Think about people in movies.

James Bond, correct?

Take that bloody photo already!

Enough! Let's see what it says further on.

It is forbidden to undertake any sexual activity

in the days preceding the collection.

What does that mean?

Well, yeah. Or else you're going to get there without ammunition.

Why, you mean nothing? Nothing? Not even, you know...

Yeah, you make a lot of sex.

It doesn't say.

You saw, though, these people are serious, professionals.

Professionals, my ass.

Look! This one is easier.

What is your favorite kind of music?

I'll write down Dan Spătaru.

-Which one from Dan Spătaru? -The one with the paths.

Our paths maybe will cross some day...

-Gica! -What?

Write down something else! Show off!

What would that be? Beethoven or what?

Beethoven is OK.

How do you spell it? With 2 e's?

Good afternoon!

Good afternoon.

You grew so tall. And so handsome.

He looks just like his dad.

Do you like cotton candy?

Yes!

There you go, go buy yourself one at the kiosk. Go on!

What do you say?

-Thank you! -You're welcome.

Tell that husband of yours to get his act together.

I'm not telling him anything. You just mind your own business.

He's embarrassing you.

The whole town is talking. It's a shame for this kid.

I'm not ashamed.

He's doing his best to keep us off the streets.

I'm not saying he's a bad guy, but he went a little overboard.

Maybe if you tell him, he'll turn around.

We have to get along, damn it! Like people do.

Come on, Viorel! I have to go.

Take care. You never know how these things end up.

-How are you? -Fine. I'm going home.

What are you doing here?

I thought you were taking classes in French.

Were you being funny?

That was hilarious. You knocked me over with that joke.

I don't think it's funny. What's in that head of yours?

You think you've got it made?

Planning to go away with that guy, or what?

What is your problem, really? I thought we had a deal.

Now you're playing the detective with me?

I was just saying, it's a small town. You can't keep a secret.

Was I wrong?

Since when are you lecturing me?

Let's get this straight. You don't get to do that with me, OK?

You slept with him.

George, I do what I want, when I want to. And you don't get to dictate a thing.

Yes? Understood?

Go home, your wife and kid are waiting for you.

Hello!

Hello.

For you.

Thanks!

Please, come in.

-Is this you? In the picture? -Yes.

That's funny.

Please!

No. Go in like that.

Mama, this is Mr. Olivier.

Good afternoon, madam. Olivier, nice to meet you.

Hello.

What's wrong, dear? Don't stand like that.

Please, come in!

It's nice.

Please, take a seat.

-Here. -Thank you.

-Music? -Yes.

Come! Sit!

Line.

That's my father.

He used to work at the plant, too.

-The plant. -At the plant?

My father.

-Your father! -Yes.

That's you next to him.

- My father... - My father and my mother... this song...

Thank you!

Enjoy.

I have one in my home.

It's good.

Do you like Julio Iglesias?

Yes.

Really?

Yes, I like him a lot.

-Do you speak Spanish? -Yes. Of course.

Yes. I learned it because I wanted to understand Julio's lyrics.

That's nice.

The same with you?

No.

I studied at the Salvador Allende college in Pontarlier.

The best kids in school were learning German.

But I learned Spanish.

Until now, it didn't help me.

-So... you were not a good student? -No.

Would you like some more jam?

No, Mama, no.

Good marmalade, madam. Thank you.

What is he saying about marmalade?

Tell him, dear, that this is jam.

You use the whole fruit and it's harder to make.

He says it's very good, Mama.

Leave us alone, OK?

Manuela?

I would like to go out with you.

Do you want to?

-I can't. -Why?

Because this is a small town. People talk.

It doesn't matter if they talk.

What would you like to do?

I don't know. You can't do much around here.

What do you like most?

We can do whatever you want...

We can go for a walk or eat something.

-I like to sing. -Sing?

Yes, to sing.

There is a karaoke night this week at Club Paradise.

-Karaoke? -Yes. Karaoke.

I don't know.

If I get a proposition, of course.

But things are complicated.

There are others.

I came to get the list

with the guys that will be kept for the snail can factory.

I want the list with the 300 that will stay on. Did you hear me?

Do you want me to get the boys and have a rally?

Do you really want a scandal?

What rally?

With whom? For whom?

Gica, there's no one working here anymore.

You'd better stick to your business.

Make decent money, have a decent family business.

Listen, give me that list or I'm calling the newspapers, the TV stations and all.

Call them.

You still don't get it?

This plant will be bought by the French.

And you have nothing to do with that?

They decide who are hiring.

Whoever behaves nicely.

Don't do anything stupid. You have a wife and a child to raise.

Get some sense into that head of yours and I'll put you on that list.

I see hard times ahead, I told you. It's going to get worse.

You're screwing us up.

Remember what you did during the Revolution?

What?

You gathered here in front of the plant. "Freedom!"

Well, you got it.

You have freedom now.

Handle it!

Never call me out here again. I know what you want and I'm busy.

Wait a second, I have something important to tell you.

I've heard that one before. George, I had enough.

No, it's not that. I need you. I want you to help me with something.

Come on, sit down here for a minute.

-What? You know I like you. -Come on, cut the crap.

Stop it! What do you want?

Listen, were you there when they signed the deal?

Yes.

Can you get me a copy of the contract they signed?

Why would I get involved in this?

Well, it's important. I bet they're hiding something.

And if we find any proof, or something, we can call the press and have a scandal.

Why would I do something like that?

You realize that if they catch me, they will fire me.

They're going to fire you anyway if they privatize the plant, aren't they?

Maybe they won't.

-Oh, yeah? -Yeah!

So you did what you had to do to stay here.

-Aren't you ashamed of yourself? -Wait, what's wrong?

What do you think? If I slept with you because I liked it,

now you think I'd do it with anyone, or what?

Manuela, no. No, wait.

You know what? Go home and mind your own business. I'm finished with you.

Manuela, I didn't want to offend you. What the hell?

Sure, you didn't want to offend me.

Listen, tell me, have you ever loved me just a little bit?

Or was I just someone to screw around with?

-Come on... -Say it!

Come on, Manuela, what's wrong with you?

To hell with all of you! Stupid bastards!

Easy, so it stops swelling.

And stop fighting with them.

Let them say whatever they want. It doesn't matter. It's not your fault.

It matters. Good for you, Viorel!

I'll go to school and talk to the principal.

What's with these punks? They're fighting in school now?

Leave the kid alone. Go!

Good night, baby.

Good night.

Good night. Go to sleep!

All this is only your fault.

You just had to play hero to save the plant.

I'm ashamed to even walk down the street.

And now look. The child is suffering because of you!

-How is it because of me? -Because of who, then?

You had to go convincing everybody to act stupid. My God!

-Ana! -I think you're losing it!

Do you realize if we manage to buy the plant, no one will fire us?

You'll be proud of me. We'll have money to go on holiday.

Come on, calm down. Really.

I'm just trying to do my best to make it better for us.

How could it be better for us?

How could it be better when you're off doing this kind of stuff?

Tomorrow you're selling your sperm to the Americans.

Did you think how that might be like cheating on me?

Did you think about that?

If you don't get yourself together,

I'm taking Viorel and I'm going to my mother's.

-Come now, leave it! -Leave it? I'm not leaving it anymore!

I kept leaving it for years, and where are we?

-I'm the butt of everyone's jokes. -There you go again.

Actually, you don't care about a thing.

How will we raise this child?

Will we raise him with what you're giving to the sperm clinic?

-Is that what you want? -I just want to...

To what? To save the world?

Don't you care about your family at all?

Don't you want to save us?

Never mind. I'll just save myself.

Don't you touch me, or I'll scream and wake the whole building.

-You don't smoke, you don't drink. -No, I never liked it.

-So you have a child. -Yes, a nine year-old son, Viorel.

Healthy?

Yes, except for measles and such, and the flu now and then.

What studies do you have?

I'm a high school graduate.

With a nine, you know.

What music do you like?

Excuse me?

A singer, a composer you prefer.

Bolero, by Ravel.

I like it very much.

Very good.

I'll put it down in your record. It will make a great impression.

Otherwise your file is...

Stand on your feet, please.

-What is your height? -1.80 meters.

-Good afternoon. -Dr. Filip.

Good afternoon.

Please, take a seat!

I'm a little bit late, but I let Otilia help you to complete the forms.

How are we? All OK?

We went through everything. I think it's alright.

I gave you all the information that you requested.

Well done.

Let's see!

It's alright.

There's one more thing.

From a single donation there are many children, usually ten.

Sometimes, when they become adults,

some of them want to know who their biological parents are.

You understand what I mean.

If they wanted, would it be OK for them to contact you?

How's that?

I mean, later on, when they're of age,

they might want to know who their biological father is.

Will you allow them to contact you?

Well...

What do you mean by contact me?

Sometimes they want to know where they come from.

But it's very rare, I must say.

OK, then.

So you give them the address and they can knock on my door anytime?

No, we'll call you first.

Your gesture does you proud, sir.

You will be giving back hope to a family that is suffering.

On their behalf, I thank you!

The nurse will give you everything you need.

And... the money?

In two-three days, once we've done our tests.

Don't worry, the nurse will guide you.

-Thank you. -You're welcome!

-Bye. -Bye.

Petrescu!

-Yes! -Come with me.

Is everything alright?

Excuse me, do you have a magazine or something?

My name is Manuela.

My name is Manuela.

I'm 30 years old.

I'm 30 years old.

I like you a lot.

You like me... a lot?

I like you a lot.

I like you a lot.

No. French lessons.

OK.

Do you want to come to France with me?

Come to France with me.

No,

I work at the factory.

What are you going to do when they close down the factory?

I work at the factory.

No. You can't.

Yes. I work at the factory.

300 workers.

-You can't. -Why?

Because there will be no factory.

It will close for good.

We will sell all the equipment and that's it.

No one needs your factory.

They don't care.

This place is dead.

But you said that 300 workers...

It's a lie.

No one cares about you people.

We won't make snail cans there.

We'll sell everything and that's it.

But I care about what happens to you.

Manuela...

Come to France with me.

Here you have no future.

You came all this way,

you lied to us and now you're telling me to go with you to France?

Yes,

because I tell you the truth.

Yes, the truth.

-Mama... -Yes.

Do you think daddy is OK?

Yes, I think so.

Do you think he wrote to the Sultan of Brunei?

I don't know. Why are you asking?

For the bicycle.

I don't know...

Mama, are you also afraid at night?

Come on, enough, go to sleep. Good night!

Good night.

They want more.

The Prime Minister's signature,

the Economic Advisor's signature,

the Minister of Finance's signature.

It's not that easy.

You sell the equipment for a high price...

I'm selling it for a high price, but we're partners, we split the profit.

Fifty-fifty.

Yes, I understand.

I have many risks... The workers.

Press everywhere.

200.

The visit to the foster home was divided in two parts.

One private, in which Michael found out that our kids know how to sing,

he received a gift from them and generously offered autographs.

Then the star went to the kids' playground,

built by the Heal the World Foundation.

Michael's love for the children found here...

Hello!

Ana, is that you?

Hello...

Hello...

Ana...

I'm sorry!

I tried to do something to make things better for us.

But...

I don't know...

I didn't think you would leave over this.

Now I don't know what to do.

Is Viorel OK?

Ana... come back home!

I love you!

George,

it's me.

These guys are out to trick you.

-What? -They won't take anybody back.

This story with 300 people is a lie.

They're closing the factory and that's it.

But how do you know?

Somebody told me.

Who?

Listen, tell everyone. Everybody should know.

-Did you sleep well? -Great.

I opened the window... Fresh Romanian air.

I'm really hungry. Shall we have breakfast?

I already ate.

Enjoy your meal!

Stop pushing. We're registering all of you.

Not you, Vasile. Under 45 years, I told you.

-Gica, I'm healthy as a horse. -Leave, Vasile.

Come on, Vasile, leave.

Ion, put out that cigarette. I told you. You know you're not allowed.

Fill in this form here.

Starting today, no more drinking, no more smoking,

and no touching your wife, understand?

-And what if she wants to...? -Say you have a headache.

Come on, play the Bond.

Better drop the gun.

-Hey, Gica, how do we do it? -How do we do what?

Tomorrow we meet at the station and leave for Bucharest.

-No, man, how do we do that? -What's that?

That... thing... how do they collect it?

They don't collect it themselves, we give it to them.

Just like that? No helping hand?

Come on. I'll explain later. See how many people are waiting in line?

No shoving! Have some patience, OK?

How are you?

Hi!

My brother-in-law saw a clinic like that in China, on TV.

And they had some nurses helping the men.

What, did they show the nurses helping them?

No, but I thought that's why they were there.

-Do they have nurses at this clinic? -They do.

Then let's...

You should come, too!

But when you were there, did they help you a bit?

Come on, I don't need that.

OK, whatever.

-What do you think about this situation? -The situation is like this.

We realized that this way we can get enough money to buy the plant.

Pay off the debts, buy a license for the new engine...

and start production again.

Until now we have a list with 250, but we hope to have more volunteers.

What are your arguments for this initiative

and what are your strong points?

Well, here in our factory, we have vigorous, strong, smart people.

What woman wouldn't want a father like that for her child?

We are determined to do this, and please let everybody know.

Maybe a convenient solution can be found.

Or we'll go to Bucharest...

or maybe the clinic will open a department here, in Campulung.

Don't you think this might cause trouble back home?

Each of us should decide it within their family.

Or maybe individually.

But I believe we shouldn't get to this point.

To go to such desperate measures.

There is no problem. Everything is under control.

The French part...

is settled.

But these guys have gone mad.

Petrescu from the union,

he's getting them to think they can buy the plant.

I'll take care of it. Yes.

It's OK.

Like...

Like we said.

Bye.

Miss, I have my husband and my son working here in this factory.

-I don't agree with that. -Go home.

This is not normal. Catalin, why do you...?

Go home, you're embarrassing us.

You think, just because we're poor, we should sell just anything?

The French are here!

I think it's enough for me. I'm out of here.

Wait a second, what's going on? What's wrong with you?

We're almost done. It's good. Everything was solved.

We're a team, aren't we?

I don't like this game, Dad. It's not fun.

I came to help you... That's it. I don't want to live like that.

Olivier, this is not the moment.

You know you can't save the world.

We, the management of the factory and the officials from Ministry...

are very concerned.

We know that we're in a difficult situation.

We will make all efforts to find...

It's a business that has to go well.

If not, I'm finished. It might be the last one.

They will find a way, you'll see. They're used to it.

They've always been knee-deep in shit. I haven't.

OK. I understand.

What?

If you want to keep her, you have to keep doing business like that.

That's easy to see.

OK, I'll let you do your business with the parrot. I'm going.

Nelu, let go of that cigarette. You'll get sick.

Good night!

Good night.

Are you tired?

Are you tired?

No, but you know tomorrow I'm going to Bucharest with the guys.

I know...

OK, good night.

No... stop it! Wait!

You know I can't. Wait!

Come on, you know that.

It was spelled out on the goddamn form!

Yes, I know, but just a little. They won't notice it.

I can't, don't you understand?

Woman, we have to save the plant. What the hell?

You don't love me anymore!

I do love you. But I can't do it tonight.

I'm working for export.

Good night.

I will forget everything I've had

The burden I've carried so long

The moment we said goodbye

I won't ask for the impossible I won't ask for your love

I will not knock at closed doors

No need to look away

Our paths

Might cross someday

Our paths and love

Our thoughts and happiness

Our paths

Might cross someday

Our paths and love

Our thoughts and happiness

Stop eating, man. You'll get fat.

Stop smoking. I told you.

Who's sneaking in the front of the line?

What's the hurry?

-We have to wait longer? -No.

-What's for sale here? -Concert tickets.

For Michael Jackson, free.

-Who? -Michael Jackson.

Do you think you've got enough cups for everybody?

It's not possible to...

We can come tomorrow as well. In smaller groups.

Still, we need to hurry

the factory will be sold at the end of the month.

-Sir, that's not possible. -Why not?

I understand, you know.

We're talking large quantities here. Can I make a proposition?

Sir...

We can give you a discount. Let's say 20 percent.

That's enough, sir!

This way you only pay 40 dollars per collection.

Enough, sir!

We deal with serious things here.

What we do here determines the lives of children

and the happiness of families that are now suffering.

I don't find your mockery amusing in the least.

Our plant is bankrupt, madam.

They're privatizing it at the end of the month.

And they want to lay us all off.

Most of the guys you see out there have children.

Children who want to eat, get dressed, go to school, play...

How can they do that, madam? if their fathers are unemployed? How?

-Stop yelling at me. I can't help you. -Why, doctor, why?

The sperm that we buy here, we sell abroad.

We sell it to families that can't have children the natural way.

We sell it to gay women

who want to have a child without a man in their lives.

These people have a lot of money.

Enough money to buy the sperm and also the treatment that's needed.

They want to give their children as many chances as possible.

Yes, of course.

That's why they want to donor to be a tall, handsome, young man

with a high IQ, well-educated and cultured.

Let me give you an example.

The best seller on the market now is the sperm of Danish students.

They're tall, handsome, blond.

Our clients do not want to buy the sperm of a Romanian worker.

Especially not in those quantities.

How's that our fault, doctor?

We're people, too.

I don't know, but I can't help you.

We won't go, until we save Aro.

We won't go, until we save Aro.

They say that it...

That it's good for the skin.

To keep it fresh.

Can't you use the collections for cosmetic products?

I don't know if it's good for the skin,

but they don't make skincare products from such things.

Go home and mind your business.

You didn't give me the money for last time.

What money?

50 dollars for last time.

-I already donated. -Yes. What's your name?

Petrescu.

-Petrescu? -George Petrescu.

George... hold on.

Petrescu George.

Yes.

You donated on the 17th,

but we don't owe you anything.

But I donated.

Yes, that's true, you donated, but we can't use it.

You're sterile.

You can't have children.

It's a genetic disease, from birth.

It's called the Kleinfelter syndrome.

Come on, madam. How is that possible?

No, it's nothing serious.

You won't die from this, you don't need any treatment.

Only... that you can't have children, ever.

That's it.

Doctor, maybe there was a mix-up with the cups.

We're a very serious clinic.

Goodbye!

What will I do now?

I don't know. It's not my problem, but...

Please get your colleagues and go home.

Gica!

Look!

So, Gica, how was it? Are you finished, huh?

Come on, don't keep us waiting. Did you donate?

How was it? It didn't hurt, did it?

Guys, they don't want to collect.

What do you mean, they don't want to collect?

Why did we come all this way?

What, they don't have enough jars?

They don't wanna collect because we're workers.

Come on, you scared us. Now tell us!

Come on, we're in a hurry. We can go in two or three at a time.

Hey! Didn't you hear? They're not collecting, damn it!

-Wait! -Shut up!

-Why is that, Gica? Why? -Because we're workers.

They're saying their clients...

Wait, let's hear what the man has to say.

They say... their clients don't want to buy from workers.

Who do they want to buy from?

From educated people, students, doctors. Shut up, man! Quiet!

-What the hell's wrong with ours? -They say it's not the same.

Why don't you wanna collect from us? What's wrong with us?

Cut it out!

Have we got the plague or something?

Go away, move it!

I made a fool of myself, got the wife all pissed at me...

Police! Call the police!

The police! Run!

The sperm of Danish students, you say?

Yes, that's what the doctor said.

Well if I'd known, I should have dyed my hair blond.

We should have gone to Michael's concert.

What will I tell my wife now?

Sunburned, beaten by the police... And no fucking money to show for it.

We'll be their laughing stock back home.

He'll laugh in our face.

"You made fools of yourselves in Bucharest."

"I'm going to fire all of you."

-What's wrong with you? -Nothing.

Yeah, nothing. Tell me what's wrong?

What am I going to tell Viorel now?

He really wants a bicycle.

I wanted to get him one with the money from my last donation.

And they didn't give you anything?

Take it!

-No. -Take it!

Ion...

Come on, or we'll miss our train.

Our paths

Might cross someday

Our paths and love

Our thoughts and happiness

-Cheers! -Cheers!

Manuela...

I have a surprise for you.

Like night, like dreams

Are the black eyes of my love

Manuela

Like ear of wheat in spring

Like full moon is my love

Manuela

Her loving words

The restless look of my love

Manuela

You have my senses imprisoned

And all my dreams are for Manuela

Since it came into my life

Since that afternoon when I met

Manuela

I'm happy like no one is

Because every day is witting for me

The sweetness of her kisses

And that immense love that Manuela gives to me

We'll manage somehow.

Are you working for export tonight,

or do you have some for the internal market?

What's up, George? Did you get a package?

Still saving the plant?

Daddy! It's daddy!

How are you?

Come on, run! Run, it's raining!

-What's that? The bicycle? -Yes.

-Is it from the Sultan of Brunei? -No, it's from me.

Tonight, I'm the Sultan of Brunei.

I told you that daddy would bring me a bicycle.

-Yes. -Look!

-Look, it has a horn too. -Go!

There you go. Well done!

I found this bicycle in Bucharest.

-How was it? -It was OK.

Listen...

You know what they told me at the clinic?

They told me I can't have children.

They told me I have a syndrome...

I can't remember...

Something with a German name.

You know what I did? I broke their windows.

How could they say that?

Viorel's got my eyes,

doesn't he?

Yes, he has your eyes.

Get him out of the rain, so he won't catch a cold.

Look, Cucu, there's one To your right.

Look over there. Get him, he's running away!

-Careful. That one's going for export. -Look how fat this one is!

Ion, do you think Manuela's French guy is really taking the snails to France?

Yes, he says so. He's paying one dollar per kilogram.

So you're going to Paris?

Lucky bastard...

"To live on a footing with eternity is to live from day to day."

Emil Cioran - Romanian philosopher

At 16:02, the inevitable did happen.

Michael Jackson's personal jet took off for Istanbul,

his next stop on the Dangerous tour.

To his list on conquests,

Michael Jackson can now add his Romanian fans.

He left... and I'm sure he's never coming back!

Subtitle translation by Iulia Marin