Original subtitles

Subtitles by explosiveskull www.OpenSubtitles.org M_I_SForEver

WILD BUNCH GERMANY PRESENTS

A NETWORK MOVIE FILM PRODUCTION

A SENATOR FILM KÖLN PRODUCTION

IN CO-PRODUCTION WITH ZDF

SUPPORTED BY FILM-UND MEDIASTIFTUNG NRW

FILMFÖRDERUNG HAMBURG SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN

FILMFÖRDERUNGSANSTALT

DEUTSCHER FILMFÖDERFONDS AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

COMMISSIONER FOR CULTURE AND MEDIA

BASED ON THE BESTSELLING NOVEL BY SIEGFRIED LENZ

THE JOYS OF DUTY

Siggi Jepsen.

Siggi Jepsen?

Questions?

Siggi?

Close the door.

THE GERMAN LESSON

Get undressed.

Turn around.

GERMAN ESSAYS BY SIGGI JEPSEN

GERMAN ESSAYS BY SIGGI JEPSEN

"THE JOYS OF DUTY"

- Is Max there? - He's down by the moat.

Come on, Siggi.

Jens?

Is it something from the capital?

I'm going to the moat.

- Jens. - Max.

It's missing a bit of anger, wouldn't you say?

You're required to read this.

It's all quite clear, Jens.

Except for the signature,

which is illegible.

They've got a lot to sign.

Ban on painting, ban on working.

Ban on eating, ban on drinking.

Such things cannot be signed legibly.

The ban goes into effect upon delivery.

Yes, that's what it says.

This wasn't my idea.

I just deliver it.

The ban is issued and in force.

Yes, but... only in the capital, Jens.

I've been charged with enforcing the new ban.

I'm nearest to the scene.

POLICE STATION RUGBÜLL

- Not that. - They say the paintings are sick.

No, not my picture!

Don't you dare!

Here, take it to my office.

Go on!

Father said something about sick paintings.

Hmm?

I'm going out to the mudflats.

You just got here, and now you're off.

Bye.

Hilke!

Siggi, go home.

Siggi!

Hey!

- What's it called? - "Laughing Seagulls on Duty."

But you're not allowed to paint.

Open up!

Open the door!

Siggi!

Down with your pants.

Bend over.

Turn around.

What do you have to say for yourself?

I have to be home when there's a thunderstorm.

Your mother demands it of you, and so do I.

You are at home when there's a storm at night!

A useful person must do what he's told, my boy.

We'll make something useful out of you.

Has the painter been doing any work?

I asked you a question.

Was he painting?

Seagulls.

He painted seagulls.

Seagulls?

And every seagull looked like you.

We're going to work together, Siggi.

Nobody's a match for the two of us.

Not even him.

You'll work with me,

and I'll make something useful out of you.

Oh, Siggi.

Does your father know that you're here?

Mm-mm.

They think painting is dangerous.

They think...

That I am dangerous, Siggi.

Me!

Shall we paint together?

Hmm?

- Mm-hmm. - But you can't tell anyone.

Will you promise that to me?

Here it is.

All right, then.

This is for the contours.

And then we'll do the colors.

Where have the people gone?

Are they dead?

Certainly not.

Your father can't harm me, Siggi.

I'm not painting.

You were at the painter's place for quite a while.

Did he paint?

- No. - What did you do the whole time?

- I painted. - And what did the painter do?

He taught me.

What did he teach you?

How to paint pain.

You're supposed to watch him.

But you are not allowed to paint, Siggi.

Hilke?

Siggi.

Where have the people from the empty house gone?

Why do you ask?

Where have they gone?

Somewhere nicer than here.

Where's that supposed to be?

Where it's nicer?

Push harder, Siggi.

Max, Ditte said the people you've spent

all these years with

are the ones you should celebrate your birthday with.

And...

We residents of Glüserup have to stick together.

The foolishness we used to get up to, right, Jens?

The two of us got into all sorts of shenanigans.

And we both had an eye on your Gudrun back then, remember?

You chose him even though I painted you

in the most beautiful colors.

But you were a different caliber.

Young, handsome, strong.

Your marriage produced three children

who are very dear to me.

Klaas,

your oldest, who is out there,

serving the Fatherland.

Our pretty Hilke.

And of course Siggi, my godson.

But don't misconstrue my remark about Gudrun.

That was before Ditte,

my wonderful singer from Flensburg,

who gave up everything for me.

Her occupation, the concerts.

Ditte is the woman whom I love.

And not only for her baking.

You've been at my side for 20 years now.

And I thank you for putting up with me.

Still.

And especially now.

Oh...

Thank you for coming

and celebrating with this old geezer. Cheers!

- Cheers! - To your health.

Cheers!

I prefer to let Max speak. He's better at it.

But today I think I should say a few words.

Max, when I first saw your paintings, I was so...

Moved.

I thought, I want him and nobody else.

And for you, I gladly gave up my singing.

No need to be so modest.

You are a great painter.

One of the greatest of our time. And you come from Glüserup.

And you are a kind-hearted person,

but all of you know that.

Max is not someone who would watch a person drown.

No, he wouldn't do that.

And that's why my wish for you is that

none of us will ever let you drown

if you ever fall into the cold water.

So you may continue to speak to us through your paintings.

Max, I've also thought of something special

for your birthday.

Do you remember, Jens,

when we were young?

I think that today we should sing together again.

You know,

our song.

- Would you, please? - Jens.

Father, sing along, please.

♪ Five wild swans once did fly

♪ Swans so radiant White and fair

♪ Sing, sing what happened then?

♪ None was ever seen again

♪ Sing, sing what happened then?

♪ None was ever seen again

♪ Five young birch trees once did grow

♪ Slim and lean at the forest's edge

♪ Sing, sing what happened then?

♪ None did ever blossom again... ♪

For you, Max. From the capital.

♪ None did ever blossom again

♪ Five young boys once did go... ♪

- Keep singing, Father.

- ♪ Proudly heading off to battle... - Keep singing.

♪ Sing, sing what happened then?

♪ None did ever see their home again

♪ Sing, sing what happened then?

♪ None did ever see their home... ♪

"According to the Law on the Seizure

of Degenerate Art, we hereby notify you

that all paintings from the past five years are confiscated."

As of tomorrow.

Were you aware of this?

You sing with us, and you knew?

Perhaps they will be returned.

The authorities will examine them,

and then send them back.

- Do you think so? - I'm just doing my duty!

And if they order you to kill me, you'll do that, too.

You can't talk to me like that.

I'll tell you something.

Sometimes you have to go against your duty!

You want me to violate my duty!

Did you all hear that?

- Do you understand what he just said? - Jens.

You were ten when you were playing

on the floodgates.

What happened when you fell in the water?

Who put his life on the line to save you?

At some point we have to be even!

I didn't give up back then,

and I won't give up now.

I won't ask about the seagull picture.

Even with that, we're even.

But from today on, Max, from today on...

Watch yourself!

Stop it!

Ditte...

The paintings have to be wrapped!

They have to be delivered today.

These are fragile paintings!

They are sick paintings, Ditte.

Don't you dare.

They have to be wrapped!

Max!

Siggi, I have to go.

Siggi!

Siggi!

Stop!

I don't want you to leave!

I want you to stay here!

I don't want to be alone with father!

This is Mr. Jepsen, whom we spoke of.

Siggi, tell the gentlemen what the topic

of the composition was.

- The Joys of Duty. - The Joys of Duty.

When I asked him why he had not written a single line,

he told me it was because he had too much to tell.

There were too many overlapping images,

and he could not find a beginning.

I assigned a composition as punishment.

I would refer to it as a final act of compliance,

with which inmate Jepsen conducted his work.

But see for yourself.

- Confabulation. - Mnemonic verification.

This is very clear.

Siggi...

You have now realized

that German compositions must be written.

That realization was our aim, not punishment.

You may return to regular detention.

That...

That is very generous...

But I must continue to write.

I am satisfied with your efforts so far.

We can waive the rest.

Gentlemen, we have to move on.

The Joys of Duty...

I'd like to understand them, in full.

I must finish writing the story, please!

To whom are you telling it all?

To myself.

Bring him some water, he reeks.

Klaas!

Klaas.

I'm going to hide in the dunes.

You have to bring me something to eat.

Do you hear?

I have a hiding place.

Come on, get up.

Come on.

This is where I'm supposed to stay?

Nobody comes around here.

It's heading this way.

If you tell anyone, I'll kill you.

- Where were you? - Just outside.

So early?

Your dear brother,

whom we were all so proud of...

He shot himself in the arm.

The coward.

He would've gotten jail,

but he fled.

Anyone who helps him is culpable.

Listen, Siggi, if Klaas shows up here,

you have to report it.

Right away.

- It's very important. - He won't come here.

Where else will he go?

Understood?

- Have you understood? - Yes, father.

Yes.

Where are you going?

What is it?

Siggi.

Put something proper on.

If I stay here, I'll die.

Come on.

Siggi.

He shot himself in the arm.

You can't come to me.

He has a fever.

Go home, Siggi.

And don't let anything on.

Were you at the painter's place?

Is he painting again?

Do you have anything to tell me?

You're sure?

Siggi.

POLICE STATION RUGBÜLL

Get dressed, Siggi.

So, now knock!

Please no!

Go on.

It's me, Siggi.

Siggi, what's wrong?

I'm sorry.

It's an old piece.

An old piece.

Siggi, come on.

Jens?

What are you doing here?

He's looking for some... thing.

Is anyone here?

Is there a thief in our house?

- No, we don't have a thief! - Quiet!

Sit down, both of you.

- You're making a fool of yourself. - Sit down!

Come, Siggi. There are no paintings here.

This is confiscated.

Jens.

Jens, listen to me.

We have to be able to talk to each other.

We've known each other so long. Let's stop.

You think you can defy the law.

Defy me...

On the ground!

Ditte!

Let's stop this.

Who knows what may come in one or two years.

Maybe even sooner.

You won't get away with this.

Klaas.

You have to get up!

Klaas.

Father!

Klaas!

You have to help him!

Father.

My boy, don't be afraid, you'll be fine.

- Are they on their way? - No one's on their way yet.

- Then... it's in your hands now, Jens. - Precisely.

If...

- If there's anything I can do... - You just let it be my worry.

- He's like a son to me. - I'm aware of that.

They're going to kill him. You realize that, right?

You'd better leave now.

It's in your hands now.

Now we have a witness.

He has a score to settle with me, and he won't hesitate...

What do you mean, father?

Rugbüll police station.

Ditte, stop it.

Then sit back down, please.

- Siggi. - They picked him up.

Shall we paint together again?

In a moment, red and yellow will engage

in glorious conversation.

Before the sun disappears.

- Will you give me the picture? - I will.

Thank you, my boy.

How is your eldest doing, Jens?

He's at military hospital.

- Then they'll put him back together. - Could I get a tea?

With a dash of something in it?

You can even have a grog.

The water's still hot.

May I ask what's in that folder?

Pictures.

I have a right to ask you to open that folder.

AT THE NORTH AND THE BALTIC SEA

It's a drama.

Virtually no refraction.

I don't see a thing.

Slap me silly, I see nothing.

The modulations aren't quite right yet.

What do you think?

But it's a decorative allegory.

You have a discerning eye.

Do not speak to me in that tone,

even if you are Max Ludwig Nansen.

How should I speak to you,

Jens Ole Jepsen?

- Calm down, you two. You're friends. - Friends?

Are we friends, Jens?

Ah-ha!

Did he draw?

What do you think?

- Hinnerk, what do you say? - I'm not saying a thing.

This is hereby confiscated.

You know my duty.

Such a sunset is a highly dangerous thing.

Siggi.

Ten minutes.

You're not to blame, my boy.

Will you look after Ditte?

Will you come back?

Farewell, Siggi.

A nice picture.

A bit too much drama.

Will you bring me something to drink?

Will you please bring me the fish broth?

A little wine now, please.

That will only make you more thirsty.

Max said so.

You like Max, don't you?

The thing with the sunset...

You have to tell your father.

Or else they'll do something to him.

I have to go.

Siggi...

Or else they'll do something to him.

I have to go, Ditte.

But I have to go.

Hilke!

POLICE STATION RUGBÜLL

Take off your schoolbag.

The painter was released.

Sit down.

You remain standing.

You visited the painter often.

But you said...

He wanted to teach you to paint?

- Yes. - He showed you...

How to draw pain.

You liked that.

Did you?

But then I forbade you to draw at the painter's place.

Did you obey me?

I don't hear anything.

Yes.

From the moment I forbade you from doing so,

you did not draw at the painter's?

No.

What do you think the painter stated on the mainland?

Why they let him go?

Why they are laughing at your father?

- Do you have an explanation? - Jens...

I asked you if you have an explanation

for why they let the painter go?

Why they are laughing at your father?!

- Jens. - Because the picture...

Was made by the hand of a child!

- The hand of a child! - Father!

Stop it! Stop it!

My own children!

They forgot their duty! My own children!

Siggi!

Siggi!

Siggi!

Siggi.

My little boy.

Ah!

Ugh...

Ditte is sick.

It's probably pneumonia.

She'd probably be happy about a visit, don't you think?

Now we're even, wouldn't you say?

Huh?

What did he do with you?

Ditte?

Look, I've brought you a visitor.

Max?

Would you get the cookies for Siggi?

When I'm gone, Siggi, then...

You have to keep Max company.

Will you?

Where are you going?

So he's not so alone.

She sewed her own burial gown.

She always had it close by.

Shall we put a drink for Ditte into her coffin, Uncle Max?

That's a good idea.

Father.

Do it for Ditte.

There could be an air raid warning.

- You will be missed. - Better one too few than one too many.

FOR DITTE

Here now... is where your journey ends,

Ditte Nansen,

which began in Flensburg.

Don't stay out in the garden too long!

Don't go down to the beach!

You must take care of your voice, my child!

Soon, Professor Ziegel,

the singing teacher, will arrive,

and he must be satisfied with you.

Yes.

Our Ditte, daughter from a good family,

brought joy to people already as a child,

when she performed her songs.

As she brought joy to all of us in Glüserup.

With her warmth,

and her feminine humility.

One for Ditte...

And another one for Ditte?

Well, look who's coming.

The English are just outside Glüserup.

The order is to secure the road.

GERMAN VOLKSSTURM WEHRMACHT

The weapons are ready at Rugbüll,

the ammunition is counted.

All abled-bodied men

are to come with me!

- We will secure the road. - We are mourning for Ditte!

This is an order from the capital.

- We will secure the road! - They can no longer issue orders.

You do know what happens to deserters?

The war is over, Jens.

The war is over...

when we have won.

Then shoot.

- Shoot! - Don't provoke him, Max.

Shoot!

Do your duty, now!

Go on, shoot.

We are to secure the road!

Leave my house and don't ever show your face here.

It's late.

Your father always did his duty, never forget that!

Farewell!

He's not coming back.

I'll make us breakfast, okay?

Best wishes for your birthday.

Welcome to adulthood.

The ones my mother gave me used to itch as well.

That's from your sister.

What would you do if they said,

"Siggi, hand in the composition tomorrow

and we'll release you."

You're a free man.

I'd have to hand it in.

Already tomorrow.

Tomorrow is still too soon.

If your comrades out there would take the joys of duty

as seriously as you and I,

the world would be in perfect order, Siggi.

I have something up my ass. Search me!

Do it. Come on!

[sheep bleating]

Hilke! On your way to town?

You've gotten so big,

Siggi.

Hello.

Well...

Here I am again.

I've waited so long for this day.

Siggi.

Will you wash my back?

Please.

Wash my back.

Hilke? Bring us his picture.

Get the picture.

The photo of Klaas.

Do as I tell you.

What do you want with it?

- Pardon me? - What do you want with the photo?

You shall see.

Have a seat.

It's time to make a clean sweep.

We all know what you did.

We have to close the chapter.

And...

Come to a judgment.

In the future, the name Klaas

shall never be uttered.

We shall strike him from our memory.

Well, then. Time to go to work.

Father?

That is sick, Siggi.

Well? What's wrong?

The ban on painting is lifted.

You can't confiscate anything anymore.

You can't seize anything.

And burning pictures...

That's over.

Understand, father?

Well, well, well. You are informed.

Perhaps you are aware that a person

has to stay true to himself.

That he must do his duty even when times change.

I mean, a recognized duty.

You can report this.

You can work against me.

I dealt with your brother, I can certainly deal with you.

Where is the picture?

Hmm.

- Where is the picture? - Which picture?

Didn't you destroy it?

Yes.

It was sick.

Siggi.

Siggi! Wake up, there's a fire!

- Where? - I don't know.

Siggi!

- Siggi - Siggi!

- Siggi! - No!

Siggi!

- Calm down. - Easy now.

Stay calm, stay calm.

Hilke, Siggi!

EXHIBITION BY MAX LUDWIG NANSEN

He needed a model, that's all.

You know what happened between us!

Yes, father, but those times are over.

He painted it for everyone to see!

He's making a fool of me!

Why are you so upset? It's like going to the doctor.

You exposed yourself to him.

Offered yourself to him.

I am not responsible for your misery.

Come with me, Siggi.

I still have something to take care of.

Don't get into any trouble, okay?

Bye.

- Where is the picture? Go get it. - Which picture?

Get the picture and it's settled.

- You know what I mean. The Dancer. - It's gone?

Do you remember how they drove off with my pictures?

I never thought I'd have to go through it again.

I can't help you.

POLICE STATION RUGBÜLL

You've grown up.

Hats off.

We could've hardly dreamed that we'd meet again in this house.

Let's come to the point, Siggi.

Pictures have disappeared from Max Ludwig Nansen's studio.

Ten of them in total.

Do you have anything to do with this?

No.

I don't.

We're talking about a crime here.

This is something you go to jail for.

Yes?

We're going to catch you.

I did everything I could

to make a useful person out of you.

I've heard of people who burn paintings.

Are they useful?

Would you care to you tell us when you painted all of this?

You must've dug yourself in somewhere, am I right?

Hats!

Ladies and gentlemen,

today I am overjoyed because we can finally

admire the works of this fantastic painter again.

And not only here, in remote Glüserup,

he is once again in great demand.

And I hope, dear Nansen,

that you know where there is a wide-open door for you,

namely in my humble gallery.

Bravo!

Stop!

Hey!

You need to get help, my boy.

Subtitles by explosiveskull www.OpenSubtitles.org

A FILM BY CHRISTIAN SCHWOCHOW

WRITTEN BY HEIDE SCHWOCHOW

BASED ON THE BESTSELLING NOVEL "GERMAN LESSON"

BY SIEGFRIED LENZ PUBLISHED BY HOFFMANN UND CAMPE

PRODUCERS JUTTA LIECK-KLENKE

DIETRICH KLUGE ULF ISRAEL

CINEMATOGRAPHY BY FRANK LAMM

EDITOR JENS KLÜBER

PRODUCTION DESIGN BY TIM PANNEN

COSTUM FRAUKE FIRL

MAKE-UP ASTRID WEBER, HANNAH FISCHLEDER

CASTING ANJA DIHRBERG, PATRICK DREIKAUSS

MUSIC LORENZ DANGEL

ORIGINAL SOUND JÖRG KIDROWSKI

SOUND DESIGN RAINER HEESCH, TOBIAS FLEIG

SOUND MIX BRUNO TARRIÈRE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER MARC GABIZON

COMMISSIOMING EDITOR DANIEL BLUM

LINE PRODUCERS ROGER DAUTE, REIK MÖLLER

PRODUCTION MANAGER FLORIAN HOLZAPFEL

POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR ARNE MöLLER

ARTWORK DARIUS GHANAI

COLORIST FELIX HüSKEN

VISUAL EDDECTS SUPERVISOR THOMAS LOEDER