Original subtitles

Hungarofilm presents

The Fifth Seal

with

based on Ferenc Santa's novel

Produced by MAFILM Budapest

Producer

Music by

Director of Photography

Directed by

Mr. Kiraly! Who would believe it?

It cannot be true. Impossible, these days!

So you don't believe it?

So you don't? Here it is!

My God that's some meat!

Really nice.

It's beautiful!

I don't remember when I saw such a thing.

Now you see!

I traded it for a Romanische Baukunst,

and a collector's prize: a wonderful Bosch

I am going to have a big dinner tonight.

So what?

Won't you die then?

What?

I said won't you die then?

If what?

If you have a big dinner tonight.

Philosophical mood again? Did you do a dirty job?

We all do the job we can.

Some will have veal-breast some chicken meat tonight,

depending what you have.

But you can get veal-breast

only in the crookedest way these days!

Here you are it's on the house!

No objections, Bela,

it's bloody cold outside.

You surely know

what kind of meat this was?

Veal-breast. A most beautiful one!

How do you know,

it wasn't human breast?

Don't be disgusting, Mr. Auricular!

Keep your perversity to yourself!

You won't spoil my appetite.

I ran my legs off for it!

I bet you don't even know, who Bosch is...

Don't worry, I will enjoy my meat!

Veal-breast... it's good food!

I'm beginning to forget how to prepare it!

I might just as well tell you how.

My wife makes it so... that...

she takes the meat, I mean not too...

Is that veal breast yours or Mr. Kiraly's?

Then, will you please let Mr. Kiraly speak?

All right, I didn't say a word.

Please don't embarrass me, Mr. Auricular!

But I'd gladly tell you how to make it,

since I happen to have a special recipe...

This doesn't mean that the wife of our friend,

whom I respect as a good housewife,

couldn't prepare it even better than I...

I believe, it's not the way

you do the stuffing,

but larding is what really counts...

Everything depends on this.

While preparing to lard it,

you must be careful

to make the ham really crispy...

Then you can lard the veal-breast

with the tasty, saucy crispy ham.

and you can add if you want to,

some very thin slices of cheese...

I'd like to see what

a veal-breast would be!

- So you'd like to see it! - I do!

Have you seen a roast-meat without garlic?

Of course, there is garlic in it!

Say! Have you or haven't you?

Without garlic?

There's no roast-meat without garlic!

And I bet you there'll never be!

If you want to know how to make it good

I should tell you how my wife makes it...

She takes the meat not too big a piece,

She washes it clean, some people

even wash it twice...

Hurry up a little bit, mister

All we need is an air-raid warden!

I would gladly hurry... but I can't.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you.

What would you like to have?

I don't really know what I can ask...

Have some hot-spiced wine!

It would do you good now!

I could do with some hot spiced wine, now.

Don't listen to what he's saying!

Just let his remarks pass!

I don't have any hot spiced wine

and he knows it very well.

Could I have then half a liter of wine?

Here's your wine!

You can sit here mister if you want to.

Come over here!

Thank you so much.

Good evening, gentlemen!

I would join your table if you don't mind...

Please, do!

There's always some room to swing a cat here...

Thank you again.

Let me take my overcoat off,

it's quite warm here.

Yes, do take it off.

Give it to me, let me help you.

It's quite alright...

A cigarette, Mr. Kovacs?

Please, help yourself...

What? "Darling"? You're really well off!

You're full of complaints with such treasures...

I got it from the captain this afternoon.

This brand is becoming quite popular.

It is said to be flavored with honey.

I don't really see why those classy people like it...

It's almost like sipping on perfume...

Only because they like to show off.

Don't think that they enjoy it.

They always want something different!

When I was young I worked

in Balaz's restaurant.

It must have been long ago...

There was a villa-house near.

A council lived in it, some real aristocrat...

He stepped out to his terrace every day,

and did his gymnastics completely nude...

Nude?

Completely nude.

He must have been some maniac

A maniac! That's good!

If I may interrupt you...

When I once visited an aristocratic family...

What's your profession, mister, if I may ask.

I am a Photographer.

Actually, I am an artistic photographer.

A what?

Artistic photographer, my name is Keszei.

Karoly Keszei.

So you're a master if I am correct.

No! I am an artistic photographer...

Just like in my profession.

It makes quite a difference the way you work...

Your customers would want something nice.

Not just something good, but nice, too.

And I think, that's already art.

Is that right?

Perfectly so...

You can hardly imagine,

what a great pleasure it is when your own

more mature tastes prevails over another person.

Because I believe,

when we have achieved a higher perfection,

then it is our duty to encourage the ones

lagging behind to change their opinions...

Did you say something?

I only said: Ah-huh!

And how do you mean it?

Nevermind me, mister!

Well then, cheers!

Let's drink to the idea

that we should continue

to like what we like

and not what others do!

That's the way I prefer it, too.

Life can have a meaning

only if we've got the right to do what we decide...

Tastes are seldom similar, fortunately...

It would be intolerable

if we all had the same views.

If that councilor found it enjoyable

to dance on his balcony

in the nude, let him do so!

As long as he leaves my business alone.

The trouble begins if this councilor is charged

with the distribution of ration-books.

Imagine this fellow going down to the street,

where he'll see a lot of people.

But he will no longer see

women, men and children...

he'll only see rations.

Like, there go two rations.

there goes another one...

Or, there's an old ration that can soon be canceled.

That poor wretched ration can hardly walk...

Quite a sense of humor!

It's not that very funny, Bela!

If you think about it, it's not very funny.

Thank you Mr. Kovacs, surely it's not funny.

Like, here's our friend...

What did you say your name was?

Karoly Kaszei.

Did this happen to your leg

at the front line?

Yes, but my case wasn't the only one.

That's exactly what I mean.

Could anyone of us live with a clean conscience

if he had sent this man to the front line,

saying go ahead man, it's your duty...

Or saying: I'll take care of everything...

And then here is what happened...

Could you live with a clean conscience, Bela?

No, I couldn't.

But I wouldn't say such things!

Some people do!

They're never bothered by bad conscience.

Thousands of people are crippled and killed

and they just keep sending new ones.

Won't they die then?

If what?

If they just keep sending new ones.

Do you think they wouldn't die?

Mr. Auricular, you are just

like the grocer's parrot,

which keeps saying good morning, good morning.

Very good. It's a clever parrot.

Much cleverer than some book peddler intellectual

I mean: intellectuwal...

Why are you picking on me?

Why do you think so?

I did hear you say "intellectuwal"

Very educated people often pronounce it this way!

If it's correct for them

it should be good for you!

You can say "allo" on the telephone, too

You, book-peddler intellectewal...

I protest, Mr. Auricular,

And let me ask you a favor...

Help me! Help!

Stop! I told you to stop!

Didn't you hear what I said?

Can you see something?

Not a thing!

Dear Mr. Kiraly

I'd rather you didn't insist on this now...

I am sorry.

Let me give your money back...

What Mr. Kiraly said is probably right,

still how could a country

exist without leadership?

Especially in war-time like now?

It depends on the leaders

that the country's interest

should be above everything else...

You must be kidding!

I hope you don't really mean that any interest

would make a war worth-while.

I don't claim to be an educated man,

but I know, and I can tell you,

that there's no interest of any kind

for which it would be worth making war!

May I ask you something?

If anybody said for example,

let me stress it's only a theory

that you are wrong, what would you do then?

I wouldn't bother arguing with him.

But if somebody told you

that you must be a fool saying such things?

Please don't get me wrong.

I'm not saying this, just let us suppose!

So what would you do then?

Hell, I don't know what I would do!

It would depend on the person, too.

Still, what would you do?

I'd tell him that he is wrong

because I wasn't saying anything stupid...

You are an honest, decent fool, Bela!

Now I see what our friend is driving at...

Go ahead and answer him Bela!

Tell him what you'd do if

somebody called you a fool.

And if that person would stick to his claim!

Why would anyone say this without any reason?

The reason is that he doesn't

agree with you!

It means he's convinced that you're a fool,

and he'd go around shouting that

you are a fool!

Then I'd be forced to beat him up

for insulting me without reason

That's the way wars get started.

You'd also start a fight for a trifle,

in which you can kill or be killed.

Excuse me, Mr. Kiraly

But I wouldn't call it a trifle...

There's a minor factor you've failed to consider.

The fact is that

this other man also had some definite ideas.

He thought that his ideas were better than yours.

And what did he do?

He was only trying to convince you

that you represented a wrong idea. That's all.

By calling me a fool?

He probably said that much later...

and was probably carried away by his emotions.

But if he's convinced that his idea is right,

then doesn't he deserve respect

for trying to show you the right way?

Such a man would only want to share the good things

with all other people...

He'd even scarify himself

to help realize a world

that he imagined.

Let's stop here for a moment, mister!

The real trouble is

there are abnormal people

who want everybody

to believe what they want.

If you say no, they'll break your neck.

You only need a few

crazy fellows to have trouble.

They would never believe

that other may be right.

What do you think, Bela?

Quite so!

What are you laughing at?

You could at least let us have a discussion in peace!

Just let him laugh!

He must be thinking of his nude angels again...

Nevermind him.

And what about Jesus?

Do you think he was also an abnormal fellow?

If Jesus hadn't believed strongly in his ideas...

It couldn't have happened without strongly believing

that he had indeed found the truth.

So what? Has the world changed at all?

How can you say the world hasn't changed?

What can I say?

Has there ever been soap made of human flesh?

Mr. Kiraly! Are you crazy?

Honestly, has it never happened before?

Though Jesus's teachings are well known today...

I know it's not nice to hear it

but we all know well what I'm speaking about.

I hope you won't get me wrong

but we should stick to the facts...

So, has it ever happened before now? Never!

Only because there's

a self-conceited character

who claims to be the cleverest of all,

and who wants to tell all mankind

how to live from now on.

Did you say something, Mr. Auricular?

Nevermind him, he's only trying to be funny!

How can such a man sleep in peace

when he causes the death

of many people everyday?

Don't worry, he sleeps very well.

Oh, no!

Did you see that film in which that king

strangled his nephews in fear of losing his power?

Such a man cannot live very securely.

But they are on top,

it must be worth anything.

And what do the others get?

Just like in the army,

if a private is told to lick the floor

then shut up private and lick the floor!

We are a big nil,

we must obey the big shots.

But tell me then,

Isn't it more decent the way we live?

At least we don't hurt anybody.

Aren't you listening, Mr. Kovacs?

I do.

I am not a rich man,

I'm not a big shot either,

I am working alone...

I live the way I manage,

but I'm not complaining.

Please don't laugh at me.

for what I am saying,

but I've always wanted

to have a phonograph.

Do you know what it's like?

Not as big as this, but a small one.

If you speak into it

you can listen to your voice.

It's quite childish,

but it's still something I wanted so badly.

for so many years.

though it really wasn't a big thing.

It was just a trifle, really.

Just a few kilos of wine.

But I'm still saying,

that my life with troubles and disappointment

is still worth more than

the life of those big shots

Don't you think so, Mr. Auricular?

You should know...

I've got no wealth

not even a bloody phonograph

but I've got clear conscience!

Bela, my good ol' buddy am I right!

That's right, buddy, that's right.

Our names won't be printed in history books,

but we never did anything evil, either.

Though, some day some people might say...

Oh no! Not this again!

Air-raid warning!

Bela, dear!

What is it honey?

I'll be with you in a minute, dear!

Shall we go to the air-raid shelter?

No. We've only got an old cellar.

It doesn't matter. I've been on the front,

I've learnt a thing or two.

Well-then...this way!

The switch is right next to the door.

It seems they're not coming this way.

Yes seems so...

Maybe to Komarom?

Or to Miskolc. They bombed it yesterday.

You're going to have a good dinner tonight?

I hope so.

You haven't finished

how you do the veal breast.

Our friends always interrupted me...

I didn't want to argue,

but my stuffing is really something...

That I know, too

Bread, some spices, things like that...

if you want to do it well

listen to me and try it this way.

Put some salami in it

but cut it first into tiny little pieces

You must be joking!

Just do it this way

and you won't be disappointed.

Only a few people know about this trick,

but believe me, it will make it wonderful.

How about the garlic, my friend?

There is garlic in it,

more than you'd believe.

It's just about over.

It must have been a false alarm.

Air-raid warning only for Miskoic.

Did you say more garlic than usual?

That's a bad mistake. Right, Mr Kovacs?

Tell me, Bela. Do you put

salami into the stuffing?

Don't be kidding!

Well, I do! And how about it?

That's great! Why not put some horse meat in it?

Or some brawn, or maggoty cheese?

Not those! But I do put some salami in it!

Have you tasted it?

Air-raid warning over!

Sorry, I can't invite you for tonight,

but next time I'll insist...

Mr. Auricular!

For God's sake,

what's the matter with you?

I am thinking whether

I should be Tomoceuszkatatiki or Gyugyu.

I see. That's clear as daylight.

I would stay a bit if you don't mind...

Just in time, mister.

Can you tell me what you'd like better

a veal breast or a globe artichoke?

Do you know what an artichoke is?

It is some kind of a berry, is it?

But how can you ask such a question?

Who would be so foolish

as to choose an artichoke?

Am I right?

Mr. Kovacs!

If somebody told you that you're going to die,

but before that you've got

the right to choose

who you want to be born again as.

Would you choose Gyugyu or Tomoceuszkatatiki?

I'll explain it to you.

This Tomoceuszkatatiki is a monarch, you see.

He rules the island of Lucs-Lucs.

Mr. Kovacs, let me warn you

before he takes you in

that such an island doesn't exist at all!

You'll be surprised my intectuallewal friend

that this island does really exist.

You can take my word, Mr Kovacs

it has existed from time immemoriably

and from now on you'll also know about it.

But what have I got to do with it?

You've got a lot to do

with Gyugyu and not Tomoceuszkatatiki...

who is Gyugyu?

He's a slave, Mr Kovcas.

He's a simple slave just like in the books.

Let me tell you a few stories about him.

so that you could see

what a real slave he is...

He broke into a smile once

in his master's presence

who asked him what he was smiling at.

The slave candidly answered:

"Something came to my mind."

"Is that so," said the master.

"I'll see to that

it shouldn't happen again."

And he had the slave's tongue cut out.

cause he thought he could cut

the slaves thoughts, by cutting out his tongue.

When his daughter was taken away, Gyugyu wept.

She was a pretty teenager and

was given to the master as "a present."

How can people...

She was killed by his master's lechery

and finding this out Gyugyu, became embittered...

Two years later his son was also taken away

and was given to an old voluptuous lord.

Gyugyu was thrown into even more agony.

It's disgusting even to listen to this!

Aren't your virgins enough?

You need young kids, too?

These are really terrible things Mr. Auricular!

I'm only telling you the facts.

But to make his bitterness even more justified

the nose of his wife was

cut off for clumsiness

and then one if his eyes was put out because

he stepped on the tail

of his master's pet monkey.

The bastards! The son's of bitches!

Wretched, poor man!

How could he bear so much misery?

He had a theory, Mr. Kovacs.

He consoled himself

by repeating every evening

"I am a wretched slave they can torment me,

they can humiliate me, they can put out my eyes,

they can take my kids away, they can kill my wife...

my life is still the best,

because I'm not committing

any such terrible crimes..."

He also said:

"I am one of those who are deprived of everything,

but my conscience is clear,

and that's what counts most."

The slave consoled himself with these thoughts,

and surprisingly

he really became consoled.

I guess I understand it, Mr. Auricular

And what happened to that brute?

Nothing.

He was perfectly sure

that he was the best monarch in the world.

What? How could he have a clean conscience,

after committing such terrible crimes?

He did worse things too.

Thousands of worse things...

He never had a guilty conscience,

since he followed the morals of his age...

He was convinced of the

justice of his deeds.

You don't really mean it!

People must know about crimes they commit!

Why are you so shocked, Mr. Kovacs?

How about the millions of hungry people today?

Or those who cannot buy a bloody phonograph?

Let's not waste time, Mr Kovacs!

You've got five minutes to decide if you want

to be Gyugyu or Tomoceuszkatatiki.

How come I've got only five minutes?

In five minutes you are going to die,

but immediately you'll be reborn again

either as Gyugyu or as Tomoceuszkatatiki...

I'm checking the time.

It's a tasteless game, Mr. Auricular!

Don't you understand what this is about?

I do. I very much do!

But what five minutes? Why five minutes?

Will you please put that watch away?

It's not a simple question. And five minutes?

It's a matter much more important, isn't it?

Say something, you, too!

The situation is that...

...that our friend is looking for fun!

You think so?

I am sorry but I don't think so.

Mr. Kovacs is quite right

this is a serious matter.

We are talking about

all kinds of things here

in one way or another...

and now Mr. Auricular is asking us the question...

What do you mean he's asking us?

Just how do you mean it?

Did he ask you anything, Bela?

Not a thing! - Well, not of me either.

And let me stress this once for all!

May I ask you something?

Can you just sit at a table

with a clear conscience

without answering such a question?

Certainly, you can!

Do you know what a cool head is?

Let me explain it to you.

A cool head is watching

the flies on the ceiling...

Tell me the truth, Mr. Kovacs,

has anything like this ever occurred to you?

Why didn't we think of such things?

We have our own views,

and we don't need Gyugyu or Tomoctiki

to see what is going on in the world.

Then you already know which one you'd choose.

What do you mean I know?

You've just said you've got your own views and

you don't need to mediate about such things.

So you must already know which one you'd choose.

Come on! Leave me alone!

Am I right, Mr. Kovacs?

Yes, certainly...

But Mr. Kiraly's protest

is also justified,

because Mr. Auricular asked it from me.

So it is my duty to give an answer.

Tell me Mr. Auricular,

is this Tomoceuszkatatiki

really not at all in doubts about...

Heil! Heil Szaiasi!

Good evening.

"...Happiness is to be

in friendly company..."

Yes, please, what can I get you?

Have you got any hard liquor?

Not...really...

Don't worry, our friend

we won't look just drink.

Give him a good shot.

It is enough?

I'll try it.

Thank you.

Cheers.

How about you?

No thanks I don't want anything...

Nice place. Are you the owner? - Yes.

Very nice.

Quite fine.

Gee! What a liquor!

You must be a sharp fellow to get such liquor.

I beg your pardon?

Excuse me,

How much? How much is it?

Please..let me...

Oh no! I'll take care of it!

Thank you.

Is 17/B the next house to the left?

Yes. This is 17/A.

Thank you for the fine liquor.

Good night.

Heil! Heil Szalasi!

Sons of bitches!

Do you want another drink?

No, thank you.

It'll be one forty.

Did I hear him well?

Did he say 17/B?

Yes.

Dirty murderers!

Well, we might just as well go.

Yes, we'd better call it a day.

Cheers!

Please, Mr Auricular!

We haven't finished what we were talking about...

Oh, not again! Don't start it again!

I think that I could answer your question.

Could you?

about the world's affairs,

and so my answer is:

Yes.

How do you mean that?

I would choose Gyugyu the slave.

Your overcoat, Mr. Kiraly.

Could you have really chosen it?

Yes. Only him.

You're lying.

I beg your pardon.

You're lying.

So, off we go, Bela.

I'm sorry, why did you say this to me?

Because you're not telling the truth.

It's not a big thing, it can happen to anyone.

Shall we go, gentlemen?

Never mind him, it's his usual style.

Please take it back what you just said.

Are you coming, Mr. Kovacs?

Are you also doubting my word?

You know it's difficult...

You can't make up your mind so soon...

Maybe you only rushed the answer.

I didn't say that!

And you, you don't believe either what I chose?

What does it matter if I believe it or not?

Isn't your own choice more important for you?

Do you believe it or not?

Answer me straight, answer me decently!

Listen, mister! I didn't offend you,

so you'd better not offend me either.

If a man is right, he doesn't shout!

Aggressive, nervous people like you, now,

won't make a good Gyugyu.

It's no use arguing about silly games,

you can take my word, mister.

Forgive me!

Oh no! You should forgive me!

And thank you for the good wine, boss,

and I really hope

at least one of you would have the courage

to make up his mind and choose

what he indeed could become.

Good night.

Shut the door!

All I need now is an air-raid warden!

You're a damn fool, Mr. Auricular! No insult!

I agree! I perfectly agree!

Do you know, what the truth is?

The truth is in this bag!

Just don't forget to put garlic in it!

You know how much you understand about

making a veal-breast?

You know what you can do

with your being so right?

All right! All right!

Good night, everybody.

I'll bring your watch tomorrow.

That will be fine.

See you tomorrow.

Stop for a minute.

Mr. Auricular

Is this Timoteusz

really not aware of the crimes

he is committing?

No. He's not.

He doesn't even know what a guilty conscience is...

Then maybe...he is not guilty at all?

This is something you must decide.

And when I'm reborn,

when I'm born to be one or the other,

shall I remember that this was my own choice?

No. -Are you sure?

Sure.

You won't remember a thing Mr. Kovacs.

Well, then...good night.

Greetings to your wife.

Thank you.

You played this silly game too tough,

the poor man won't sleep all night.

I'd believe him if he chose Gyugyu.

You would? -Yes, I would.

But you wouldn't believe us?

Who?

Me or Bela, for example.

You must answer this question yourself, alone.

If you deceive yourself Mr. Kiraly,

it means grave trouble...

Well, good bye.

Sleep well.

Young girls are not enough!

He needs young boys as well!

He's a perverted pig.

A blood bath of virgins...

That's what he'd liken the dragon of virtue.

And he's still got the guts

to ask questions!

She mustn't find the tenderloin in my suitcase!

She'd snatch it and eat it

with her beloved husband.

Once I should really

drop in without any bags

and just say: "Listen, honey,

No more eggs, no more bacon, no more meat,

no nothing at all!

And your beloved husband can drop dead...

Your lucky break is over!"

But the bitch has fantastic lips...

if only she didn't notice the tenderloin!

She can take the veal, I don't care,

but not the tenderloin!

My wife's favorite is tenderloin...

Where have you been, for God's sake?

If I had told them that I chose the tyrant

they would have believed me.

But I chose the good side,

so they called me a liar.

What will become of us, my God?

Poor, miserable mankind!

Whatever deprived them of goodness, beauty

and grandeur?

One thousand three hundred and sixty-seven steps...

Pretty good average.

Good evening.

Have you had your dinner yet?

Yes, we have.

How are you feeling?

I feel fine.

Nothing the matter?

I'm just a bit dizzy... sometimes.

Did anyone see you?

This is the moment when I must be tough...

I must tell her immediately

the tenderloin is not hers.

An entry of 50 pengo to that hoodlum

called Kalmar, so he would bring us

some of that fine liquor again

that our elegant customers

liked so much today.

Take one of these pills twice a day.

It will soothe the little pain and fatigue that

you'll regularly feel for three to four days.

But put it away so others won't find it.

Were you frightened?

You though you wouldn't make it another day?

It's not the end. Rather the beginning.

It means you're healthy and growing up

Life has send you the word

why you were born.

Don't let this prey on your mind.

You know, Mr Auricular is a strange man.

He's a good man!

Since his wife died four years ago,

he's been rearing those three kids alone,

but I never hear him complain about it.

He's a very decent man.

Of course, he is,

but he's also a little peculiar.

He likes to tease you.

He invented this story only to tease you.

My God! This is really not it!

Unfortunately, this is just not it.

This can't be true! My dear, is it mine?

Oh, my sweet darling, a real veal breast!

What's in that other bag?

I've seen another bag, too.

Lucy dear! Please don't! Not that one!

Tenderloin!

You've got tenderloin?

I am lost.

A hundred pengo to the local fascist commander?

Hell, no! What is he doing for it?

That's it! I don't want him to do anything!

That's what the money is for.

People of our kind can get along nowadays

only if we drawback quietly.

We must kiss the hands of our local commander,

let him believe he is a big shot.

Is that clear, honey?

If the Russians come in you'll be hanged.

And what if the Russians don't come?

What if these guys stay on top?

What if the wonder weapon happens to work out?

Those who have suffered

a lot and have faced death

they know that nothing can save you

from evil and sin

except suffering itself.

You shall not refrain from suffering.

for that is the way to achieve goodness...

This is the only way to be

among the chosen ones

on Last Judgment's Day.

To be present when

the angel of the Book of Revelation

breaks the fifth seal...

Everything that is today will pass.

Evil is alien to man.

Alien like a sickness that can be cured.

Whatever is happening today

you'll forget it one day.

Life shall be victorious

it can't happen the other way.

Do not be afraid.

It's getting late,

time for you to go to bed.

How restless he is...

Is he like this all day?

Yes, always.

He's waiting for a meeting.

Always waiting for someone,

but he never tells anybody for whom...

His cover is down again.

What about them?

I sleep them together

so I could free one bed.

You're a clever girl.

I'll try to get one more bed,

though I don't know where I could put it.

You're a clever little mother. Sleep well.

Good night.

I've put the books in your workroom.

Thank you.

Put the Teddy bear on the cover, here.

Aren't you sleeping?

No, I'm not.

Still brooding on the same situation?

Yes. -Why?

On the question: why there has to be

Tomoceuszkatatikis and Gyugyus in this world...

Otherwise, who would ever

think of them after all?

Who makes life so evil?

Isn't everything created by man himself?

I think, I could make a choice...

Are you serious? -Yes, I am.

I think I could make a choice.

because I've gone through so much misery that

it would have been more than enough for three...

I know your family also lived in hardship,

but the way we lived...

I still can't understand

how we could bear it all.

Still, we carried on.

I am used to this lot in life,

and I don't think I could

ever choose another one.

Isn't this the way you see it, too?

We'll open a new account

of 50 pengo for Mrs. Szabo.

No way, buddy, no way!

Who is Mrs. Szabo?

Is she a policewoman, or some local commander?

She's a widow, my dear.

A widow?

Her husband was taken away.

He was carried away legally and politely, tonight.

How do you know it?

I saw the hangman with the rope.

This 50 pengo may be useful

for use one day only.

If the Russians come in

Mrs. Szabo will be alright.

And I will have helped

the family of the communists.

We must be prepared for any situation.

I am not a fool to become Gyugyu

I won't let Tikitakis do anything with me!

In old times,

when you died for a belief ...for truth

you could face death in front of the people,

bound to a stake,

surrounded by a crowd.

They kept their eyes on you

until the glorious extinction of yourself

They could see the flames reaching your body,

they could hear you cry out:

I am dying for you!

And today?

I still believe,

the duty of the devoted is

to accept all suffering.

Good evening.

Don't be afraid nobody saw us.

I am uncle Miklos what is your name?

Anni.

There's a beautiful Teddy- bear waiting for you...

He's got a huge piece of chocolate for you!

You'll be staying here

until your mummy and daddy come back.

My mom and dad are never going to come back.

Where did you get this idea?

I saw them shot dead.

When I grow up. I'll be shot too.

So, I'm ever glad I'm not grown up, yet.

Here's your little handbag.

Good night.

Let's see the Teddy bear, and your chocolate.

We must survive, honey!

We must stay alive, the way we can...

It's a rotten, miserable world.

We're forced to maneuverer as if we committed some crime...

I must do this or I'm going to die...

What else can I do? Break my own neck?

No way!

I prefer to live.

I want to live!

I want to live with you!

Come over here!

Come, you naughty little thing!

Come to your Tomotiki! To hell, with Gyugyu!

We've got the brain we need!

Why am I so Goddamn stupid?

Why do I magnify everything?

Ever since I can remember

made centuries ago

without anybody bothering

to ask my opinion.

Is that right?

Lucy, where are you?

Oh, my God! What is happiness?

To have the courage to do what we want!

Anything we want.

This is what makes you free...

Why must I endure

the torments of hell

because I love to be with a woman?

And because I can't take home

one kilo of meat?

My wife doesn't even know

that there's ever been any meat...

Where have you been for God's sake?

I haven't slept all night.

Look at yourself. See how you look?

Oh, Timoteusztikis

undisturbed happiness!

Lucy, where are you?

Where are you, bitch?

You bitch?

How long do you want me to wait?

Why did you keep me waiting so long?

My nice little whore!

My dear whore, you!

My god! What's the matter with you today?

Shall I cut your throat?

Or rip your belly open?

Do you want me to drink your blood?

Yes, I do.

My dear little Gyugyu!

You were born to be killed.

My dear bloody bitch!

My disgusting, dear wonderful bitch!

Ilonka!

I cannot bring myself to do it.

To choose Gyugyu.

Is this why you woke me up?

I am not the man I thought I was.

I've been preaching about

righteousness and honor...

and now I've come to realize

that if I have a choice

I don't want to be a slave.

Would you rather be a blood thirsty brute?

But he's not guilty! He doesn't feel guilty.

And he's living a good life, not like a slave

Can you imagine

what a pleasant life

you would have with me?

The answer is obviously: Timonkinkoish

My honorable watchmaker friend,

you were perfectly aware

that we all know very well

what the honest answer is

to your sinister question.

Only we were wondering

how this miserable

cockeyed world would react...

My honorable friend,

the credible answer is

the one you had in mind

when you invented your stupid little tale.

The truth is what you had in mind.

Everything else is hypocrisy

cheating or just a lie...

Just like this whore who is nothing more...

They all want to be Tomoketiscki's

including myself, too...

To hell with Gyugyu

Who would be so stupid...

Damn it!

For God's sake, where have you been again?

Hello dear, are you still awake?

God bless you, people!

What is this, Bela? Saving your firewood?

Do you grudge us with your firewood?

I'll take it back! It's getting warmer...

Can your machine play anything else?

Why do you ask?

I've never heard it play anything else...

What the heck?

So the master has already

brought back the watch?

It's a nice watch!

He's a bunglar, but now he did a good job.

Don't take it for granted!

Only because it's working doesn't mean a thing.

He may have stolen the bits that are worth something...

Have you ever met an honest watchmaker?

Mr. Auricular! Why do you tolerate this?

Why not? Won't he die then?

At last! Here we go again!

He's starting it all again!

Let's make it clear: Who will die and when?

You! The moment I've had enough of you!

Say, mister!

Do you need to make a nuisance of yourself?

I do.

Has there ever been anything you didn't scorn?

Not really. But what can I do about it?

He's in bad spirits again.

He must have had bad luck last night.

He seems to have quarreled

with his bread and butter...

Could you sleep last night Mr Kiraly?

Why couldn't I have slept well?

Couldn't you sleep?

I was meditating about Mr. Auricular question...

My God!

This good soul will ascent straight to heaven!

He'll be carried by angels to heaven!

And what was your conclusion?

I didn't come much to an conclusion.

But the question Mr. Auricular asked

may not have been a proper question.

To live the life of a slave

is not the only righteous way of life to live.

You can lead a dishonest life not only the way

that the only man did...

Wasn't this your conclusion too?

Don't play jokes on me!

I asked it seriously.

It was a silly game! What do you take me for?

Do you really think that I have nothing better to do

than think about such stupidity at night?

After a dinner of veal?

That's right - How much was it?

I traded it for a Bosch and a Romanische Baukunst

I mean how much did it get in weight?

About a kilo and a half

That's a nice piece already

But say...did you really put salami into it?

Listen, Bela,

Why don't you pick on somebody else?

I did put salami in it!

I went right home,

and my wife was pleased with the way I did it.

I didn't meditate about such stupid things!

I didn't start to contemplate my naval...

Some appetizing smell

from the kitchen, is what I like.

You're right. That's the best thing.

I don't understand you.

Weren't you bothered by this question at all?

You should be exhibited in a museum!

You know what I did?

I checked my account-book

and then went to bed.

I don't have time for such games...

Well, I am surprised...

Why don't we drop this subject?

How is Mrs. Sari and her husband?

My God! What a good bitch she was!

This story always makes me sick!

And why does it make you sick?

A decent marriage makes you sick?

With church, a wedding and a best man?

It's disgusting!

You're overshooting the mark again!

The old man got himself a pretty chick

and the lady will get a fortune when he dies.

It's good business, both parties get a good deal.

What else should the old man do with his money?

Should he go to Monte Carlo?

Or carry his money with him into his grave?

These fellows are back again!

Stay where you are!

I told you not to move!

I am sorry.

That's what I like,

quiet, solemn place soft music...

Nice atmosphere.

Good evening!

May I... -Shut up!

Father Christmas has arrived!

We've got a deal for you,

which means that you're going to leave this place

and come with us for a little ride.

Understand?

What is this...?

You could at least tell us...

I've told you to shut up!

Is it clear now?

Do you want another explanation?

Get out! Go!

No overcoat!

Who did they say they were?

It's a trifling story petty people.

Yes, a bar-keeper, a watchmaker...

The other two. - A joiner and a peddler.

What peddler? - A book peddler.

Have you started it? -We're just about...

Go ahead with it!

Thank you.

Macak!

Bring here one of them!

Good evening.

Come here, boy!

I told you to come here!

Come on man.

Can't you speak, boy?

Please... - What?

My name is Janos Kovacs I am a joiner...

I've got a family.

I am quite certain...

it must be some misunderstanding...

Would you please check

who should have been

brought here instead of us?

Where?

Well...here.

What here?

I mean here. Please...

I asked you what here?

You see what a mistake your ignorance can be?

We'll take care of it!

Let's take such a misunderstanding first.

What did you say you are, boy?

I am a joiner...

I am a joiner with a proper trade license.

What an obsession!

If you are an honorable master joiner,

than your wife should be an honorable housewife

and not a dirty whore, which is what she is.

You son of a bitch!

No reason to get jumpy!

You see you must pay for knowledge.

You should know that if a criminal like you

whose wife is a dirty whore

who has worked all the streets of the city...

so if such a bastard like you

call people honorable names such as murderers,

then these people will obviously protest

and will let you know it in a very direct way,

like we did now.

Not bad, not bad, but not the best either.

Let me make a few comments, may I?

This is not the last time

you'll hear me say this:

there's a mistake in your approach.

You just said it was a trifling matter.

Can you explain why you believe it's a trifle?

Well, isn't it? - You tell me why!

Two of our people were shot dead yesterday.

Our party headquarters was bombed two weeks ago.

Two youngsters were captured with leaflets...

These are not trifles.

But when four people call us murderers

while drinking in a bar

and then go home in peace to sleep with their wife

they are people with a big mouth

who never do a thing.

Such case is a trifle.

These fellows have never seen a gun.

We won't need to tie them up before execution.

You want to execute them? - Certainly!

Then why beat them up?

What do you mean why?

What should I do with them?

How old are you?

Twenty-eight

An arts student?

Have you read Huizinga?

And Ortega?

The "Revolt of the Masses"?

Yes, of course.

Then why do you order the beatings?

Why? - Yes, why?

Have you thought about it?

By right of the power we seized.

Through the passion of my beliefs.

Is that all?

Isn't it enough?

Let me correct one of your mistakes, first.

Leave us alone!

The attack against the party headquarters

and the slogans of the walls are trifles.

Our people are shot it's a trifle, why?

Because we capture them!

We'll hang them or shoot them in the head.

How many are they?

A small fraction of the population.

A few thousand? They'll all,

become nice corpses.

So they're trifles.

But the rest of them are not!

Those who don't throw bomb, who never shoot,

must be taken very seriously.

Those who are living here, breathing here

must be our main target.

This is the age of the disgusting masses.

The mobs never cherished more illusions about

themselves and their roles than today.

It is sickening and nauseating,

what the masses thing of themselves today!

Strikes and demonstrations! What world is this?

That's why we are not going

to execute these ones.

Then why were they brought here?

Do you know, my young professor

what these people think of themselves and the world?

I don't know - Let me tell you, then.

They say: "We are pretty little nobodies

we have no say in the matters of the world.

We can only watch the storm

of history blow over,

we are at the mercy of these people,

they can do whatever they want with us.

That is why they were brought here.

So that you could bring it home to them.

So that this Macak should break their noses,

twist their arms, beat them up and

kick them in the groin!

So that he should call their wives whores.

They must learn that you have right

to break their nose, beat them up

or kick their kidney into pieces.

That is why you order the beatings.

They should learn: you have all the rights.

That is why you will

send them home and not kill them.

Let them spread the news of what happened here.

And they need not know what their crime was.

No need to tell them what the photographer said.

Don't even mention it at all.

Let them live in uncertainty.

Let both the guilty and the innocent live in fear!

Making dead bodies is an easy job, professor!

But the dead which goes on eating and drinking,

which keeps his mouth shut like a clam,

is a lot more difficult job, professor!

But that's our real job!

So you should beat them up not out of some temper,

but directed by educational motives.

It's clear what I've said?

Yes, it is.

I'm glad we agree.

So you're going to send

these four people home

in the morning when others can also see them.

Until then, you can teach them a lesson or two.

But call me before you let them go home.

Why?

Are you sure you did understand everything I said?

Yes!

Think about it again.

Follow the logic that I explained to you.

Isn't there something missing in it?

What are you hinting at?

Those fellows will go home

they'll be scared of us,

they'll hate us, which is all very well.

But what will they think of themselves?

Can you answer it?

I think they'll be glad

to go home from here.

Your imagination is quite slow, my boy.

Don't you think they'll have some self-respect

for raising a fist

when you called their wives whores?

Aren't you concerned about this?

Only people with some self-respect

can start a protest or a revolt.

Would you let people go home knowing

that they'll hate us,

but keep their self-respect too?

Would you really make such a grave mistake?

As long as they have any pride,

there's no use making them

scared by any beatings.

So what shall be your duty, my professor?

You must make them hate themselves!

Otherwise you haven't accomplished a thing!

Nothing at all!

Here's what the principles of your approach should be

First:

people desperately hold onto their lives,

Two:

people are extremely weak,

absolutely worthless,

cowardly creatures.

Isn't that coat too uncomfortable for you?

Try to remember Mr. Kovacs,

whether they told you anything

that would give us a hint

why we were brought here.

They said

that my wife was a whore...

a no-good dirty whore...

My wife!

Mr. Auricular

It's impossible to live in this world!

Murderers, sons of bitches!

Open the door!

Let me out of here!

How are you, Bela? How is your head?

I'm stiff all over...

And you, you clumsy watchmaker?

Do you fear for your shitty life?

I've got only one...

Why don't you sit up, it might help.

Forget it!

You better send the peddler

away from the door.

Are you waiting for the Saviour or the next tram?

Get away from there.

They might not let us out at all.

We're all going to kick up on our toes here, Laci!

Are you sure?

Just as sure as

there's no need for salami in a roast-veal.

There may be one thing you can try.

What?

Tell them you don't know why you are here,

but you repent everything.

Promise to be a good guy!

They might let you out then...

Are you kidding?

I am not good at jokes.

Take a chance!

It may work out... though I'm not sure...

What do you think about it?

It's worth a try, maybe...

Maybe...I've got noting to lose!

Nothing to lose! Are you serious?

This is not the way you imagined it, was it?

What?

The way you finish your life...

This is not over yet.

Like hell, not.

A few days before your wife died...

forgive me for telling you this now

she came to our house and

asked my wife for some recipe.

She stepped in with her round figure

and I told her,

Piroska, I bet you'll have a boy

She said I hope it will be a boy,

What will it's name be I asked her...

"Named after the father," I asked.

"Yes," she said.

But you already have a son named Miklos.

She said:

"I'd like to name all my children after him..."

and she blushed like a child.

Let me ask you something, you don't have to answer.

Are you listening?

Do you know why we were brought here?

No, I don't

Are you sure?

Why should I know?

Forgive me for saying this

I always thought you had something to hide.

I mean, something descent to hide.

You're wrong.

I was thinking about these bastards, and I figured

if they had any brain they would let us out.

They have flattened us out already.

I would hurry to the counter to serve them!

I would crawl to them and kiss his ass,

for anything in the bar.

If they butcher us,

they'll lose a lot of investment.

Why beat the hell out of us

if they want to kill us?

What kind of business would that be?

Do you remember? If you're told

to lick the floor, shut up and do it...

Do you think if I try it

they might let me go?

You can take a chance...

Anything can happen...

It seems,

this fellow failed to repent...

It is justified to do

anything for your life.

It would be a sin not to do so.

To do anything for it!

How are you, boys?

Did you call each other bastards?

Would it be possible for me to...

Shut up!

What's up? Don't mosey along!

How are you champion? You seem much quieter.

You'll get a Christmas present

from Jesus himself!

Here's your Father Christmas!

Are you still breathing, my boy?

Look, what daddy has brought you!

You can go ahead and admire him!

Stand in a row facing him,

like nice kids are suppose to...

Stand there, in front of him!

Look up!

Why are you shouting?

They are reasonable people

who will need your words.

Good morning.

Good morning.

You've been staying out a little later

than decent people do

so it's time to go home.

I can't establish beyond a doubt

if you were brought here with or without reason.

If it was unjustified,

consider it a mistake and forget it!

I am aware that your dignity

may have been hurt...

but what else could we do in such a situation?

I must express my apologies to you

provided that you are indeed

citizens of perfect morals

and good intentions who

only wish to live in peace. Is that right?

Yes, it is.

I admit that we didn't quite agree about your fate.

My comrade thought

you should be executed here.

I managed to make him change his mind arguing

that you all claim to be

the victims of some misunderstanding.

I suggested that we should give you a chance

to prove your loyalty

and alliance with the state.

So we've brought this half-dead creature here,

who has a maximum few hours left, as you see.

This miserable creature was an iron-founder

who blew up one of our ammunition depots.

He called us dirty bastards and

the suppressors of liberty

the descendants of Nero...

He also called us traitors

and many other names.

We couldn't convince him that he was wrong.

So, I suggested that

we shouldn't rush your execution here but

we'd rather give you a chance

to express your scorn at this social misfit,

and then you can go home in peace.

What I mean exactly is that

you should step to this disgusting creature

and slap him twice in the face.

Unfortunately, your hands

will be stained with blood,

but you can wash it at home

with some warm water, so

there'll be no trace of blood on your skin.

Whichever of you wants to go first, go ahead!

Take your turn.

The devil, you!

The first tram is soon due to start...

Oh, my God, help me!

What should happen

if they don't want to prove their loyalty?

They will. It's obvious.

You won't be able to execute them so easily!

Start it, one of you!

Jesus, my Jesus!

Go ahead! Get over it!

Jesus, have mercy upon me!

God, help me! Jesus, help me

Get him up and take him away.

Oh, my God! I don't want to...

Do you want to go home?

Go ahead, whose turn?

Leave me alone! Let me go!

I can't, I don't want to...

Well then, we must go back

to the basement!

No!

You stay here, Mr. Kiraly.

Let me go.

You stay here! Damn butchers!

Watch out, Macak!

Damn, rotten murderers!

OK that's it. Kill them.

No need for education!

Wait!

I see, at least one of you is a decent man.

Go ahead.

Don't be afraid, it'll be over and the door is open!

Mr. Auricular!

Don't do it! Don't!

You mustn't do it!

Away with that idiot.

Congratulations. That was one.

One more and the show will be over.

Don't waste your time!

You're a fine man.

You deserve to be free.

Macak, open the door.

This way, my friend.

Always the shortest way!

Are you crazy?

Put your hands down. Walk straight!

What?

Put your hands down.

Do you want to go back?

Then get out of here.

Yes.