Original subtitles

Presented by BLOCK 2 PICTURES

Co-presented by PRENOM H. CO., LTD

Produced by JET TONE PRODUCTION

Written and directed by WONG KAR-WAI

HAPPY TOGETHER

Lai Yiu-Fai...

let's start over.

Ho Po-Wing always says, "Let's start over,"

and it gets to me every time.

We've been together for a while and we break up often...

but whenever he says, "Let's start over," I find myself back with him.

In order to start over, we left Hong Kong.

We hit the road and ended up in Argentina.

Which way to Iguazú?

The waterfall? Iguazú is that way. It's the other way.

Didn't you say you could read a map? We're miles off!

So what's the big deal? Just turn around and find the right road.

Fuck!

Why did we get a car? We should've taken the bus.

This wreck is useless!

You do it!

This is better than nothing.

We're not rich.

And who wants to be stuck in a bus for 30 hours?

But that's what traveling is about!

Not for me it isn't!

Get out and push, will you?

When we first got here, we had no idea where to go.

Then Po-Wing bought a lamp and I really liked it.

We wanted to find the waterfall on the lamp.

We found out it was at Iguazú.

We planned to see it and then go home, but we lost our way.

Hey!

Where are you going?

I never did find out where we were that day.

He said being with me is a bore,

that we should take a break...

and perhaps start over again some day.

"Starting over" means different things to him.

It's hard to find work in Argentina. There aren't a lot of Chinese around.

After we broke up, I came to Buenos Aires.

I've been working as a doorman at a tango bar.

Move it!

Welcome!

This way!

Welcome!

Go right on in!

Take a seat inside.

Seeing him again,

I realize I don't want to "start over". I just want to go back to Hong Kong.

You coming to the game?

How about it? You should come. I'll be here with the guys.

Fai, telephone.

- Me? - They can't keep calling like this.

Hello?

What is it?

I said stand still!

Smile!

Fuck it!

Hello? Who?

Fai!

Telephone!

Hello?

Hello?

Can you hear me?

How did you get my number?

Ho Po-Wing, open the door!

Open the door!

What's up, Lai Yiu-Fai?

What's up, Ho Po-Wing?

Come in.

Why should I?

I want to talk to you.

We can talk here.

It's important. Come in!

Talk!

What the hell?

That's it.

You can go now.

Go on.

Don't push me.

I'll hit you.

Really?

Kill me if you got the balls!

- You little shit! - You think you're any better?

"Welcome! Come in!"

Isn't that prostitution?

That's none of your business!

I'm not like you. I don't have white trash taking care of me!

Fuck you.

I'm broke! You blew all my money!

I want to go back to Hong Kong. How can I with no money?

You think I like that job?

- Do you regret being with me? - You damn well bet I do!

I had no regrets till I met you.

Now my regrets could kill me!

Well?

Well?

You trying to put me down?

Showing me you're well off?

I don't give a shit!

Why did you ask me to come?

I just want to be with you.

I really do.

Fuck!

For you.

Sell it if you don't like it.

Shit!

What is it now?

Can I have the watch back?

Let's sit in the back. It's darker.

You don't want to be seen with me?

Not with your face looking like that.

So you can see! I didn't think you'd noticed.

You didn't say anything. I thought you couldn't see.

So you noticed I got beaten up.

What do you want me to say? What happened happened.

We're friends, aren't we? Couldn't you say something nice?

It happened because of you.

Don't blame it on me.

I didn't ask for that watch.

But you took it. You could've given it back.

Then I wouldn't have gotten beat up.

You want some more?

Want me to take you home?

Don't bother!

You're always bullying me.

You live here?

Wait here.

Here you go.

Hey!

What now?

Got a cigarette?

A light?

Don't come looking for me again.

Hello? Yes, Fai?

He left a while ago.

It was a while ago.

Sure. Don't mention it. Bye. See you later.

Lai Yiu-Fai!

Lai Yiu-Fai...

let's start over.

This is a nice place.

How long have you lived here?

A few months.

It's not exactly centrally located.

It's cheap.

Of course.

Nice high ceiling. Good view outside.

You still have that lamp?

I thought you'd have thrown it away.

Did you ever get to see the falls?

No, did you?

No.

I was waiting for you.

We'll go when I'm better.

We'll see.

Sleep here tonight.

- What about you? - I'll take the sofa.

Welcome.

Good. Let's do one more.

One, two, three, smile!

Closer together now.

One, two, three. Great!

- You do nothing but eat! Scram! - Okay, okay!

Hey, Ho Po-Wing. Let's eat.

Get up and eat.

Give me some chicken.

Am I very dirty?

The doctor said no showers.

What are all these bites?

Your bed has fleas!

That's what happens when it rains.

When the weather's better, you should disinfect the bed.

I don't want to get bitten to death.

Lift your arm.

Hey, that hurts.

Be gentle.

You said you were dirty.

You're scrubbing too hard!

Spray over there too.

Spray where you sleep.

- What? - Cigarettes.

- Over there. - They're all gone.

- I'll go buy some. - Don't bother. Go to sleep.

- Give me two packs. - Okay.

- Thank you. - Bye.

Hey.

What are you doing? You got your own bed.

I like it like this.

The sofa's too small for two.

No. I think it's quite comfy.

Why did you bite me?

I'm hungry.

You want this sofa?

Come on.

Fine, I'll take the bed.

Just go back to sleep.

If you want the bed, I'll stay here.

Quit whining, will you?

- Hey! - Okay, I'll sleep on the bed.

Why can't you be nice?

The bed's too small.

It's not.

I can sleep on top of you.

We can sleep like this.

So you're gonna sleep on the bed?

Don't be like that.

What now?

Let's sleep like this, okay?

Okay, let's go to sleep.

Stop tossing around. We'll sleep like this.

- You better not touch me. - Me touch you? You better not touch me.

Good night. Let's sleep.

Watch my hand. It hurts.

Hey!

Gimme a mozzarella pizza.

Neapolitan?

- Mozzarella. - Neapolitan?

No, mozzarella.

- Mozzarella? - Yes.

Move it, fatty!

Find me a Chinese girl

- and I'll deliver for free. - Give it here!

Here. Bye!

I want one with big tits!

Notice anything different?

I'm warning you, no more of your games.

I can't take it anymore!

Come on!

Keep moving! Morning exercise is good for you.

It's cold. Let's do this tomorrow!

It's not that cold. Keep moving!

You're right, it's freezing.

Now what?

Okay, let's go back.

Fuck!

Lai Yiu-Fai?

How do you feel?

Terrible.

You're burning up.

Of course I am.

What were you thinking?

Why did you drag me out in the cold?

It was freezing.

I never thought a little jog would make you sick.

Can you get up?

What for?

To cook something.

I'm starving. I haven't eaten for two days!

I'm starving to death!

Are you not human or what?

You ask a sick man to cook for you?

Faster, you son of a bitch!

We're rich!

Where's the ticket? I'll claim the money!

Thanks.

Coffee.

You keep forgetting that step.

Try it by yourself.

You keep forgetting that last step.

Cross your feet and go the other way.

I got it.

You sure?

Okay, try it here.

One...

Two...

Three...

Four...

Come on, let's go!

Stop it, let's go home.

Come on, come on.

We'll have a good time.

Hello?

What a coincidence.

You out for a walk?

I was waiting for you, silly.

Hey, why didn't you tell me?

Tell you what?

I called you at work. They said you'd quit.

You didn't say a thing.

What's there to say?

Did you hurt him bad?

I'm not telling you.

Come on! I won't be able to sleep if you don't tell me.

Then go for a stroll. You like going out.

If I don't sleep, you don't sleep.

- I'll sleep fine if you're out walking. - Why won't you tell me? Tell me!

- No. - Tell me!

No! You're so annoying!

- Fai! - What?

- We're out of coffee cups, quick! - Okay.

- Noodles! - All right. Two more cups of coffee.

You can tell it's a kitchen by the noise.

Listen carefully and you can hear who's cooking and who's just cursing.

Some are talking on the phone. Some are washing dishes.

What are you doing?

Have you eaten?

I said have you eaten yet?

I'll bring something back for you.

What do you want to eat?

Don't play games.

Just tell me. Whatever you bring is fine.

Okay. Ciao.

This guy loves talking on the phone...

and his voice always sounds pleasant.

He must be talking to someone he likes.

Everyone's gone. Finish that tomorrow.

I said leave it for tomorrow.

It's okay. I have nothing else to do.

Aren't you here on vacation?

Yeah, but I ran out of money.

You want some?

I'm okay.

It's on me.

Okay.

How is it?

Great.

Enjoy it. I'm going.

See you.

Fai, wanna play mahjong?

No, count me out. You guys have fun.

Pay's not right?

No, just figuring out how long I have to work.

Things are pricey here.

You reading a map? Where are you going?

I want to see the falls.

That's a fun place.

Have you been there?

- No. - Then how do you know it's fun?

Anywhere new is fun. You going alone?

With a friend.

I envy you. Looks like I'm stuck here.

Where do you want to go?

I don't know. As far as I can.

Doesn't your family worry?

I'm here on my own. They don't know where I am.

Planning to go back?

I left 'cause I wasn't happy.

I need to figure things out before I go back.

Enough about that. Have a good time.

I can't. We're really busy. How about tomorrow?

Movies are half price on Wednesday.

I can't take a day off!

Fai, bring me three eggs!

Hang on.

Hello?

It's for you.

Hello? That was a coworker.

We'll talk when I get back.

I've got to go. Bye.

We're busy and you're on the phone!

What's the matter with you?

- You were going through my stuff! - Why would I? Are you nuts?

My drawer's a mess!

Look at my hands!

You think I did it with my mouth?

Do it again and I'll break your legs!

Fine! Go ahead!

Then they'll match my hands!

Think I went through your closet too?

If you do it again, you can just get out!

You mean it?

Help me get dressed. I'll leave now!

You will?

- You'll be sleeping on the street! - I'd rather sleep on the street!

Don't you regret it!

Lunatic!

Did he pick you up or did you pick him up?

- Did you do it? - What?

- You know what. - What?

You know!

I know what?

What's it to you? Haven't you slept with other guys?

Fine. You don't ask me, and I won't ask you.

Stay away! I'll beat you up!

- Okay, okay. - Sleep over there!

You get so touchy sometimes.

I was just gonna ask if there was something on your mind.

Why are you in such a bad mood?

This is too much.

- Get up! - What now? What is it?

- Didn't you want to sleep? - Since you're so fond of questions...

tell me who you've slept with!

I believe I asked first. Why are you asking me?

Now it's my turn.

Who have you slept with?

- You want to know? - Yes.

It's already half past three.

I've had so many boyfriends,

I'd still be counting when you leave for work.

I don't mind. I'm not sleepy. Take your time.

I don't want to.

- You little slut! - Hey! Hey!

Stop it! Stop it!

Get out!

You mean it?

- Yes, I mean it. - Okay! Don't touch me!

- I'll go! - Go!

You know I'm injured and you're giving me bruises.

Get out!

Can't get any sleep around here!

Go on and freeze to death!

So, how many times?

Tell me.

How many times what?

How many times did you two do it?

If you did it, admit it.

A lot. All right?

Were there others?

Did you do the janitor downstairs?

I'm not like you.

Hey.

Will it take much longer?

This is Fai.

Is Mr. Ho Po-Wing there?

Thank you. Bye.

It's so dark. Why don't you turn the light on?

Where have you been?

Buying cigarettes.

All dressed up?

I don't get out often, so I dress up when I do.

Why did you buy so many?

To save you from having to go out for them at night.

Where have you been?

For a walk. I was bored.

Want some food?

Are you really bored here?

Do we have to go through this again?

If I want to go out, I'll go out!

Fine.

You always do what you like anyway.

You taking the bed tonight? I'll take the sofa.

I'll take the sofa.

I just wasn't sure you were coming back.

Eat!

Watch out!

Get the ball.

Pass it.

Damn it!

Cool it!

Stop it!

That's enough for today.

One thing I never told Ho Po-Wing...

was that I didn't want him to recover too quickly.

Those were our happiest days.

Look, just pay me the rent.

What do you want? Can't you see I'm cooking?

You still gotta pay the rent!

I can't pay you anything right now!

Not now and that's that.

Did you take my passport?

No.

- No? Then why can't I find it? - No idea.

Give me back my passport.

- What do you want it for? - That's none of your business!

I'm not giving it back.

- What are you looking for? - You know very well.

Give it back!

How many times do I have to tell you?

I'm not giving it back.

Yeah, hit me!

Hit me! Hit me!

- Hit me! - Fucker!

Not playing mahjong today?

I don't feel like it.

Wanna go for a drink?

You drank too much. Come on, let me help you.

Where's your place?

Damn it. Let me go.

No fighting!

No hands!

Over here!

Want to see a movie with me?

I don't like movies. They give me a headache.

Weirdo.

Right, I'm a weirdo.

She's pretty hot.

Then why not go out with her?

I don't like her voice.

I like women's voices...

deep and low.

Well, actually it depends.

What I mean is, I like voices that make my heart beat faster.

What about you? What kind of woman's voice do you like?

I don't really care.

Go home if you're tired.

No, I'm listening to those guys talking.

From this far away?

I'm not sure what they're saying, but they're gonna fight.

You have really good hearing.

It's a habit of mine.

I had bad eyes as a kid. I couldn't see well, so I listened.

My family spent a lot to fix my sight,

but old habits die hard.

Sometimes I think ears are more important than eyes.

You "see" better with your ears.

You can act happy...

but your voice reveals the truth.

Listen closely and you can tell.

Really?

Just like your voice now tells me you're not happy.

So what are they saying over there?

Let me try.

Goal!

Three bucks!

Chang!

- How much did we win? - Five bucks.

Two for you.

Why do you get three?

Okay, three for you.

Chang had the liveliest voice amongst us.

It got pretty hot playing soccer in the alley.

That summer went by very fast.

A toast to friendship. Thanks for everything.

You saved up enough?

- Yeah. - Congratulations.

- Where are you going next? - South to Ushuaia.

It's cold there. Why do you want to go?

They say it's the end of the world. I'd like to see it.

You ever been there?

I heard there's a lighthouse down there.

People who are heartbroken go there...

to leave their sadness behind.

Do people still do that?

Maybe, I don't know.

Say something.

What?

You're my only friend here.

It'll be a memento. I don't like pictures.

I don't know what to say.

Whatever.

Anything from the heart.

Even something sad. I'll take it to the end of the world.

I am not sad.

Something cheerful then.

All right, you go ahead. I'm gonna dance.

Are you okay?

Want me to help you upstairs?

I'm all right.

You sure?

You go on now.

Goodbye then.

Take care of yourself.

I hope we'll meet again someday.

Close your eyes.

Why?

Close your eyes.

You know who you look like?

Who?

The blind swordsman.

Very funny.

Have fun.

I never used to pick up men in filthy public toilets.

These days I do.

It's convenient.

I didn't think I'd see Po-Wing there.

I've never gone back since.

I always thought I was different from Po-Wing.

Turns out lonely people

are all the same.

Before I left Hong Kong, I stole some money from work.

My father got me that job.

The boss was an old friend of his.

I've been working nonstop since I got here.

Someday I want to return the money

and apologize to my father.

Hello? Dad?

This is Fai.

December in Argentina is very hot.

It's my day off.

I started writing my father a Christmas card,

but it turned into a long letter.

Apart from saying sorry,

I told him things he'd been afraid to ask about.

I hoped he'd treat me as a friend and give me a chance to start over.

Those damn pigs are breaking my back.

I'm sick and tired of this.

To boost my income, I've started working in a slaughterhouse.

The pay's much better and the hours suit me fine.

Work all night, sleep all day.

I'm back on Hong Kong time.

Hello? It's me.

Po-Wing called soon after.

His excuse was he wanted his passport back.

I didn't mind returning it.

I just didn't want to see him.

I dreaded hearing what he always says.

I'm having trouble sleeping again.

Watching TV that morning, I realized

that Hong Kong and Argentina are on opposite sides of the world.

I wonder how Hong Kong looks upside down.

...you can express your feelings or opinions.

Have you been busy lately?

Northeast wind, grade 2. Shantou, south-southeast wind, grade 2.

Commercial 1...

...arrested two men to facilitate the investigation.

The police believe that...

Since I don't want to stay at home, I work overtime at the slaughterhouse.

Po-Wing's words still get to me,

but this time I won't let them hurt me.

Hello.

Yes.

No, Fai doesn't live here anymore. He moved. Bye.

I soon saved enough to go home.

Before I left Argentina, I decided to try to see the falls again.

I lost my way and wandered around for a while...

but I finally reached Iguazú.

I felt very sad.

I always thought there should be two of us standing here.

It's January 1997. I finally arrive at the end of the world.

This is the southernmost lighthouse in South America.

Beyond this is the South Pole.

Suddenly I feel like going home.

I promised Fai I'd leave his sadness here.

I don't know what he said that night.

Maybe the recorder broke.

I can't hear anything on the tape.

Just some strange noises...

like someone sobbing.

I return to Buenos Aires the night before leaving for Taiwan.

I want to say goodbye to Fai,

but nobody knows where he is.

Dawn is breaking as I leave.

It must be night in Taipei.

I wonder if the Liao Ning night market has started.

Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping

died last night in a Beijing hospital. He was 93.

The announcement was made by PRC Central TV early this morning.

It's afternoon when I wake up in Taipei.

It's February 20, 1997.

I'm back on this side of the world.

Good food here.

- What'll it be? - What's good?

Our special meatballs, sticky rice and fried tofu are all tasty.

- What'll you have? - I've ordered already.

One sticky rice.

You have to pay for that!

I bought this somewhere else, okay?

Hush! Leave the customer alone!

Eat it and shut up!

Is this how you treat customers?

What's your problem? Leave him alone. Sorry, sir!

You're crazy! Get back to work!

More soup? Right away.

Please sit down. Special dumplings and sticky rice.

- Do you have a phone? - Over there. Come around.

I stayed in Taipei before returning to Hong Kong.

I visited the Liao Ning night market. It was very lively.

I didn't see Chang, but I saw his family.

I took Chang's picture because I didn't know when I'd see him again.

What I do know is...

if I want to see him, I know where to find him.

Directed by WONG KAR-WAI

LESLIE CHEUNG KWOK-WING

TONY LEUNG CHIU-WAI

CHANG CHEN

Producer: CHAN YE-CHENG

Executive Producer: WONG KAR-WAI

Director of Photography: CHRISTOPHER DOYLE

Art Director: WILLIAM CHANG SUK-PING

Editors: WILLIAM CHANG SUK-PING, WONG MING-LAM