Original subtitles

IN THE NAME OF GOD

" LEYLA " a film by Daryoush Mehrjoui

Leyla Hatami

Ali Mosaffa

Jamileh Sheikhi , Mohammad Reza Sharifi Nia

Touran Mehrzad , Amir Payour

Shaqayeq Farahani Parisa Zare'e , Vahideh Mohammadi

Music composer : Keyvan Jahanshahi

Editing : Mostafa Kherqeh Poush

Script : Daryoush Mehrjou'e

Producer Et director : Daryoush Mehrjou'i

Peace be upon the prophet Mohammad and his household

Don't burn it

- Turn down the fire - We already did that

Easy

Wait

Bring the rose water Nazgol

That's enough

Don't pour anymore it's enough

People will say there's no color to the " Sholeh Zard " mother

Give it to me

Let Leyla stir some

- The saffron is enough now - Go Golnaz

Pour the rose water

- Anyone who has a wish can stir it - Should I pour it Aziz?

Go on dear

Say prayers while you do it

Peace be upon the prophet Mohammad and his household

Keep doing it

More rose water Aziz?

- Make wishes - Oh Imam Hasan

Make any wishes you want to

Let me taste it a bit dear

You keep eating uncle

But it has to be tasted, doesn't it?

Don't move it too much

Go on Hossein, go on dear

- Hi Hossein - Hi Amir

How are you?

They're cooking " Sholeh Zard " over at my friend's house and he's brought you some

The guys are here uncle

- Uncle! - Yes?

- Hi - May it be accepted by God

- My friend Reza - Hi Reza, how are you?

He brought us some " Sholeh Zard "

Leyla, Reza is Amir's friend he's brought us some Sholeh Zard

Would you fill this for Narges auntie?

Reza is one of my good friends

Welcome, thanks a lot We were busy too...

The first time I saw Reza...

It was during the cooking of Sholeh Zard

Reza had brought a bowl of Sholeh Zard for my brother Hossein

Let's judge them all

I want to know where I'm standing Who is better? Me or your friend Reza?

A little of this and some of that

Have some of this one first

|'ll test the one Reza brought first

Amir is mutual Which one is better honestly?

This one is tasteless

Here, look at this one

We're one up as far as the sweetness is concerend

And as far as the decoration is concerned too and the color

The nuts are better too

This is grade one Pistachio uncle

I married Reza in the same year

A couple of months later on my birthday...

I realized I couldn't get pregnant

[ the sound of the bell ]

[ singing ]

What is this?

How pretty!

Let me see, where did you get it?

- They call him the big jackass - Oh Reza!

It's so cute!

- It's even as tall as I am - It looks like you too

Where did you get it?

Look at the hair

Is this mine as well? How pretty

- Let me see, give it to me - Hold on, you're tearing it

What are you laughing at?

What are you laughing at?

|'m choking

I know what you're laughing at

- Do you want me to tell you? - Go on

I'll tell you if you don't

- Go on - Should I?

- Should I? - Go on

- I will you know! - Go ahead

The night we were invited at your mother's house

My husband's family knew it was my birthday too

So we arranged to go there first and then to go to my mother's house

- Hi - Hi, how are you?

- Come in - Are you alright?

Happy birthday

Why did you open the door dad? Isn't Mohammad in?

He wanted to get the door himself

Why are you so late? I was waiting for you

Reza takes for hours...

To get ready dad

Come in

- Look at the flowers they brought you - Thanks, thanks Leyla

- Hi - Happy birthday

- Hi my dear Reza - Hi brother

- Hi - How are you?

- Happy birthday - Thanks

- Sit next to me Leyla - Okay

- Welcome guys - The traffic is horrible out there...

- Reza driving and... - Leyla took her sweet time too

How old are you now?

What a question lady

About your age

I got you something small Leyla

I hope you like it

Without wrapping for your petite fingers

Wow dad! Thanks a lot, it's pretty

This is what's written on it, " The kingdom belongs to God "

I also have a small gift for you Leyla

I hope you like it

I don't know what to say mother

It's nothing for you dear

Hopefully next year at the same time with your pretty little boy...

We'll have a huge party right here

We'll invite your mother and your brothers as well

We'll see each other here

I can't tell you how much I want to see Reza's boy

- Hi brother, hi Leyla - Hi Homeyra, how are you?

- Hi Reza - Hi Javaher

- Thanks a lot - This was brought from Mashad

- It's nothing for you - Thank you

- Here you go - Thanks Gol Mohammad

And this is my gift to you

And it's bigger than all others

And more expensive

It's more recreational Specially for Reza

- I don't know what to say - It's nothing dear

Reza loves to drink tea

He drinks tea all day

And this is for you

But only if you promise not to make delicious food or my brother will get fat

Don't worry, he has a long way to go

We'll beat him up if he's a bad husband

Oh no, don't say that

Leyla, it's Farideh on the phone

- It's for you - Thanks

Yes?

- Hi Leyla - Hi Farideh

- Happy birthday - Thanks

Hopefully your birthday

- I've gotten you something small and I'll give it to you later - Why did you bother?

It's nothing for you

Thanks

Say, what did the father give you?

A chrysoprase ring

So he must really love you then

The ring used to belong to my mother

- Let me see it later - Okay, fine

- Bye - Thanks dear, bye

I'm feeling great God!

| feel like I'm flying

Over the clouds

Thank you God

Thanks

- Reza! - Yes?

How many children would you like to have?

Two a year

I'm serious

I don't know, what kind of a question is that?

A hundred, or two

The more the better

- What if I can't get pregnant? - That's even better

So you won't divorce me if I can't have babies?

Hear this once and for all I want you for yourself

And not for babies and anything else

This creature is called Leyla

This creature wants to have babies

And not just one or two

But a couple of hundred ones

[the sound of the door]

-Hi -Hi

Happy birthday

- Hi Aziz, how are you? - Hi

Why can't we carry on with this somewhere warm instead of freezing?

How dare you say I've grown old?

See how it takes me an hour to move this heavy fire-pan?

Go on Hossein, play on

[singing music ]

[ singing a chanson ]

Just a moment please

Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to give Leyla's present before dinner

Hold on

One of this is from me to you Leyla

And the other one is from my dear spouse

- And it's nothing for you - Thanks a lot

It's not my fault, it was her choice

[ singing a chanson ]

- Wow Aziz, I love you - Leyla dear

Now to the next present

Your name and Reza's name both are carved on it

Thank you very much

I can't believe it

You should have done more

Nazgol's present

|t's directly from Paris

Any more presents?

Yes from your dear uncle

A pair of canaries all in one piece

Thanks a lot

Well, Hossein's present

And this is from all the pigeons and canaries

The next day me and Reza went to the doctor

I told her that it was a while since we got married and?

That I still wasn't pregnant

She said...

It happens all the time, There's nothing to worry about

Sometimes it can be genetic

And nothing can be done about that

But if men have the problem...

Then there's definitely nothing can be done

But if it's the woman...

It's possible to do things...

With treatments or even surgeries to become pregnant

Nevertheless I'll have you tested

Bring me the result and I'll know then

Next Sunday the same time

If you have a problem...

It's not important to me at all

I'm quite happy with what we've got right now

But what if I have a problem?

I'm happy with what we have as it is as well

What he said calmed me down a lot

I felt I was not alone

But promise not to tell anyone till Sunday

No one

I promise

[ the phone is ringing ]

Yes?

- Hi leyla - Hi, how are you?

- Are you alright? - Thanks, nice of you to ask

Where were you? To see the doctor?

- Yes - How did it go?

What did she say dear?

He's going to take a test

- Is that so? - Who is it?

- Which laboratory? - Is that mother?

You'd have to be sure He can't go to just any place Leyla

It's not a joke, they might give him a wrong result

But you should know Leyla

That Reza doesn't have any problems

We've never had anything like this in the family before

Thank God Reza's ancestors...

All had all kinds of children

- And you know Reza has four sisters - Give me the phone

| wish them all the best

- Hi mother, how are you? - Hi Reza

This is not a good time for this mother

But I now you're not the one with the problem

- It doesn't matter - What do you mean?

It matters a lot

But we still don't even know what's what yet

Why don't you come here for dinner

- Thanks but I don't think so, bye - Bye

[ the phone is ringing ]

- Hello? - Hello?

- Hi - How is it going?

- You're alright? - I want to talk to Leyla

Parvin wants to talk to you

Tell her I have a headache

Can't talk

Leyla isn't feeling well

And neither am |

What did the doctor say?

We have to take different tests

Ask mother, she'll tell you all about it

- Can't you tell me yourself, spoiled brat? - Okay

- What okay? - Bye

[ the phone is ringing ]

Hello?

- Hi Reza - Hi Firouzeh, is it you?

How did it go? Tell me

What's going on? Why are you so worried?

I'm not worried but I do want to know...

You'd have to wait for the results

I hope it's all good and well

But you need not worry Reza

It's not a problem from our side

|t make no difference to us

- |t's six of one or half a dozen of the other, bye - Bye

[ the phone is ringing ] Listen Leyla...

Don't answer it, it's either mother or my other sister

- Don't get hurt - I'm not

Believe me what I told you

Don't get carried away by what everyone's saying

I understand

You are the only son of the family after all

It's only natural you have to have a son

It'll be alright hopefully

Let's not talk about it for now, okay?

What should we do tonight Leyla?

I don't know

Whatever you say

I think...

Let's stay home, we'll cook something up

We'll eat, and we'll enjoy each other

And we'll watch a movie afterwards

How is that?

Leyla!

Leyla!

Okay then, it's great

[ the phone is ringing ]

This must be my dear auntie

[the train doesn't close down, important people are in it ]

[ You go on and I'll catch up to you later ]

[ Let's go guys? ]

[ Hurry up ]

[ Come on }

[ Hurry up }

You don't have any problems

It's from the lady

According to the tests...

Your hormone count is very low

And in order for you to be able to hold the sperms...

You'd have to produce strogens or progestrones

Is there a cure for it?

I really don't know, I'll write you some medicine

You might get suggested of various ways to get pregnant but...

It's very unlikely with such a low count of hormones

One way to cure is Pulsatale Administration of Gonadotropin

It helps you to produce more than just one egg

Si>< or seven until one of them comes through for you

Another solution is artificial insemination

Of course it's very expensive and it takes a long time

And you'd have to go on the waiting list a year before doing it

But if someone can't hold the baby at all...

She'd have to lay down for nine whole months

With no movements and take Hormone injections

[ the phone is ringing ]

Yes? Hello

Sure, yOU can come over

Next week, yes

Don't worry about that

I've checked your test results You don't have any problems

But do come here I need to change your medication

No, no problems at all

Sure thing, bye

Leyla!

Don't cry outside please

For God's sake Leyla!

Let's go

Where to?

Home

But if mother should call, that I'm sure she will...

- You talk to her - Okay

And you promise me to forget this totally

I do not want a baby, and that's that

Please Leyla

Don't make this into a hell

I swear to God it's not important to me You know it

[ the phone is ringing ]

Leyla!

Don't cry please

Nothing's for certain yet

Didn't you hear the doctor say

That there are all kinds of cures and tests

Besides we've only checked with one doctor

I was busy carrying out the lady doctor's orders for a long time

| used to take hormone pills like crazy at first

But they were no use

Next I went to do the Pulsatale Administration of Gonadotropin

But after going through a lot of trouble

The daily examinations didn't work

Reza no longer agreed with the artificial insemination

And I wasn't too thrilled about Endoscope

Specially since I had to go on the waiting the waiting list for a year

Not knowing whether it would help or not

And during this period I was tossed from one doctor to another

And between new medications and traditional ones, everywhere

Even one day me and Reza went to an orphanage to adopt a child

A couple who come to us to adopt a child...

Must have certain criteria

They have to be Muslims and educated

They most certainly need to have...

Economical, social...

Cultural and religious conditions

Most importantly they need to show proof that they can't have a baby

In order to start a file...

They need to go to the city court

And present certain documents there

And then they'll be referred to The Ameneh Orphanage

Once their residence is checked out...

And once the family gets approved in every way...

They'd still need to go on the waiting list...

That's because we are short on children

And there are many families on the waiting list

Who request a baby girl

Small girls who won't have any religious problems

But there's no way to tell and it might take up to two years

Just a moment, don't raise your arm

...tells the rabbit that

He'd pull out its teeth if it went there one more time

But the rabbit goes again and asks for carrots and the guy pulls its teeth out

So the next day the rabbit goes and asks for carrot juice!

Well, what do you think?

I don't know, it's hard

They all feel to be strangers

Although some of them are truly angels

Why don't you tell him what's on your mind?

Why won't you tell him that why do you want to raise...

Someone else's child when you can have your own?

You know what Reza?

I think this is very selfish of me in a way

You can have babies

Why do you have to raise someone elses' kid?

Who wants some Kebab?

Give me some tomato

Tomato is an excuse for you to eat the Kebab, right?

Reza!

Careful not to drop the child

Okay, I'm careful

Poor thing hasn't had any experiences

It's not is fault

Poor baby, he loves children

I know what's going on in his heart

He's a mess inside

But he won't say anything since his wife can't get pregnant

His wife has cut his tongue completely

Whatever she says it goes

Are you here Leyla?

Why don't you go and play?

Are you alright?

I have a headache

Why don't you go and lay down on that blanket dear?

- With the others - Yeah

Do you really think Reza is tolerating me?

I heard what you said I'm bewildered

Reza has told me many times he doesn't want babies

Listen Leyla I raised Reza and I know him well

If he doesn't say anything it's just for your sake

But deep down inside he loves children

So do | Everyoe loves to have children

What can I do though?

There's lots you can do

I've done everything

But none of them worked

Well, that's fate

It's not your fault but you can do a good deed

Like what?

You need to do something

What?

Be a good girl...

And let Reza have another wife

What if Reza had the problem? Would you have said the same thing?

No, I don't know...

I guess this is God's wll

But do something if you love Reza

It's getting late

She's a mother, maybe she's right

I don't have any children to know how she is feeling

I don't know what to do

Just say yes, that's all

- Say yes? - Yeah

Okay? Okay

God bless you my dear

| wish the best for you

- I hope you become the happiest person - What's going on?

It's a good thing

Congratulations!

I hope your second wife won't have the problem I'm having

There's no way to tell

I'd never have married you had I known I couldn't have babies

What are you saying? Are you trying to test me?

Test you?

To find out how much I love you

It's not a test

I want you, your mother...

You'd have to have children

And a second marriage is the only way

Didn't you see how happy your mother was?

She shouldn't be

|t's none of her business anyway

She got happy

What are you talking about?

What's this all about?

Are you really going to go through

Tolerating another woman in this house?

Have you lost your mind?

I hope you can understand how I feel

I understand you very well

I even understand how my mother feels

I understand how everyone feels

But why is it that nobody wants to understand how I'm feeling?

How dare you and mother decide about what I should do?

Shouldn't my opinion count as well?

Why do you let others interfere with our marriage?

What's it to them whether I want children or not?

They keep telling you that you can't have babies

But why are you getting upset?

I'm not

I'll throw a party

But you can have children and shouldn't waste your life on me

Don't worry, I know what's good for me

I've told you many times before and I'll tell you again

I'm glad we don't have any children

- It's better this way - No it's not

Fine, let's both commit suicide and get it over with

This is not the way to do it

Do you know how much you've been annoying me for?

Medications, doctors, tests

I do not want any children

And I don't want you this way neither

What happened to the old you?

- Where are you going? - I'm going to see Hossein

- He can relate to me - No

No one in my family knows about this

It will be horrible if they find out

Reza!

Don't go

I'll change to how I used to be

Are you happy?

Look

Like this...

So many children in the world

Why can't I have one of them?

Are you taking revenge?

Have I committed a sin?

Tell me

Tell me

I'm stupid God, forgive meO

[ music being broadcasted ]

Right, he stood up to his family big time

He told them that it's nobody's business and that they shouldn't interfere in our life

Good for Reza, so he did stand up to them

Yeah, you should have seen his mother

She must have gotten really upset

You don't know how much better I am Golnaz

- Good! - | feel like a load is off me

| feel like flying I'm so happy

- So life's sweet - Yeah

|'m cooking Chinese food for his dinner now

- How I envy Reza - He'll have a ball

But don't make him too fat

[ the door bell ]

Who is it?

- Hi mother - Hi

I'm so glad to see you

Too bad Reza isn't home

I know, I called his work

Come in, what a surprise

You never did this before

I hadn't heard of you for a week

I was starting to miss you a lot

I thought it'd be nice to stop by to see you

I'm glad you're here

- Here you are mother - i'm tired

I know, let me take your Hijab

- Thanks - Here you are

I'll be right with you

What are you up to dear?

Cooking Chinese food

Reza likes it a lot

You've forgotten all about yourself since you love Reza so much

You don't think about yourself

Don't bother yourself Leyla

I've already eaten everything

| just came by to see you on my way home

We have guests tonight

How is father? The kids?

Everyone's fine

Would you and Reza like to come over too?

- It's the auntie - Thanks a lot

We're going to my mother's house

We haven't seen them for a while

Are you making pickles?

Yes

I've made a lot of pickles this year

I'll bring some for you Don't you bother yourself with anything

Thanks a lot mother

Thanks dear

I've been meaning to give you this for a long time now

But I didn't find the chance

I was taking out my watch out of the drawer today...

And I remembered this

My mother-in-law gave it to me at my wedding

So I figured it should be given to you

Everything goes to boys

Boys mean everything to parents

Boys are the cream of the crop

Specially to me since I only have one boy

God gave me four girls and a boy

| wish them all the best

Everyone has a different fate

Yes

Thanks

How pretty mother!

You really shouldn't have!

I never expected it

You don't expect anything from anybody

You are not a materialistic person Leyla

Why don't you put it on then?

It looks good on you

Reza had told me how much you love pearls

In the old days they used to say pearls didn't suit everybody

They look good on some and not so well on others

It's always looked good on me though

That's why you brought them for me

You must think I don't like you, right?

Only if you knew how much I've prayed for you

In order for you to get pregnant

All those nights I didn't sleep

I cried

I prayed for you

What difference does it make?

You're just like my own daughter

I have nothing against you Leyla

But you're mistaking

You're young now

What about when you grow as old as I am?

Reza will marry someone else eventually

Reza loves children

He's told me many times...

He's asked me to pray for him when I go to Mashad...

To pray so...

And God might feel sorry for us and give us a child

But he doesn't tell you any of that

He knows it makes you sad

Last year when Auntie Shamsi went to Syria...

Last year when Auntie Shamsi went to Syria...

Reza told her to pray for him too

Just so he could have a child...

He also wanted to go to Zeinab's holy shrine

What can he do though?

He can't announce it in the media that he wants to have a baby

Just so you believe him?

Leyla, listen to me

I want what's best for you

Be a good girl...

And let us find a wife for Reza

Later on when you grow old...

You'll suddenly realize...

That Reza has gotten married behind your back

But then you'll be old and embarrassed

You'd have to hide yourself...

From the neighbors then

You don't know how men are

They can go through with everything

To get what they desire

Specially when it comes to having a child

This is not a joke

Specially in our family with just one son

Leyla, if I had another son...

I wouldn't be begging you so much

Don't cry mother please

You get Reza to accept it

I have no objections

But it's no use if I get him to accept it...

But you complain to him from the other end

I haven't said anything

Well when men love someone...

Even if that someone can't have a baby...

They love her no matter what

It's obvious

It's obvious Reza is in love with you

Is there anyone who doesn't know it?

Okay mother

Whatever you think is the best

I have no objections

God bless you dear

I hope you get whatever you want in life

I hope all your wishes come true

| wish you happiness Leyla

What's that on your neck?

Mother gave it to me

Was she here?

Did she brain wash you again?

She says you want a child badly but you're too shy to say so

I guess you've told Auntie Shamsi a couple of times as well

You've told her to pray for you to have a baby

But this goes back to the time you were going through all sorts of medication...

I can't believe how mother takes advantage of the things I say

You can't fight the destiny Reza

I want to hear you say it too Say it, say you want a baby too

Is that you Reza?

Were you sleeping? Did I wake you up?

No turn on the light

I didn't want to ruin your sleep How are you?

Were you at mother's house?

No, it's impossible to talk to her

I was over at your brother's house

- How was Mehri? - Not bad

But the kids didn't let us have a few words together

They were either crying or fighting or having stomach aches

And they kept calling their mother

What they meant was that no one should talk...

Or do anything else Just sit and watch us

Don't talk of children anymore please Reza

I swear to God it's not like mother told you

During the heat of the moment of medical examinations

And all that medications and tests

And all other things...

I was stupid to say one word

I told her to pray for us

And only for your sake

Just so you'd be comfortable

Why can't you understand it?

Why do you insist on me marrying again?

What do I need another wife for?

The first time was by force too!

My mother kept persisting about our generation not becoming extinct

But so what?

What have we done for our people anyway?

So many people One less won't hurt

What difference would it make?

| feel you're growing cold Leyla

You're becoming distant

You no longer love me

What have I done to you?

Nothing

But I can't go through it anymore

Our life's been revolving around the baby issue for the past couple of months

So many medications, so much worry

I'm tired anymore Reza I have no energy left

Well this is a kind of a medication

What do you mean?

I keep telling myself...

|f Reza loves me...

He shouldn't care about another woman

She'll only give him a child

Nothing would change

And that our love will keep on existing

Why are you putting all the responsibility on my shoulders?

What about you?

Me? I'm here

I'll be careful

I'll stay with you

I'm giving my consent

And I'll go through it

[ the phone is ringing ]

- Hello? - Leyla!

- Hello mother - Hi

How are you?

- How are you dear? - Thanks for asking

- How is father? - Not too bad

Did you talk to Reza dear?

Hello?

- Leyla! - Yes?

- Did you talk to him Leyla? - Yes

Will he do it?

I'll make him

So should I start looking for a girl?

Yes

I have one in mind as a matter of fact

I'll make the arrangements for this week

My sister knows a lot of girls

There is a colonel in her neighborhood

He has a nice daughter who has a high school diploma

They are a nice family

She's not very pretty...

But, she's not a bad girl

I'll talk to my sister and set a date

- Okay dear? - Sure

Is there anything else?

Bye mother

Bye

Mother called today

She said your Auntie Shamsi has found a nice girl for you

For marriage

She's the daughter of a colonel

What? She is a colonel?

No, her father is a colonel

I guess she's not too bad looking neither

She's not pretty but...

What if she's too old?

I'm certain she's got dentures

And she's got rubber eyes too

And she's probably bald

With gold teeth Only four on each side

She's probably got iron arms and legs and she tightens the screws every night

Mother called two days later

And she set up a date for Thursday afternoon

Close to Auntie Shamsi's house

|n Mirdamad St., near Mohseni Sq.

Asef St., number 15

Thursday afternoon I helped Reza get ready myself

As if I was sending my kid to school

I chose his outfit

His shoes, his shirt

He looked nice and shiny

He asked me how he looked

I told him he looked quite handsome

And that the girl would certainly fall in love with him

What? Why are you laughing?

How pure and innocent my husband's gotten

Just like a sweet and shy little kid...

He's going to propose to a girl

Wicked!

It's very stupid, isn't it?

I can't believe you've gotten me to do this

Is this it?

Next street

|'ll hang around here for an hour

I'll do some shopping till you come