Original subtitles

Thierry!

Why?

- Why what? - Why can't we be together?

It's not possible. I told you. I have to go...

I can't talk. I have to go.

It's not possible.

Let go of me.

What is it?

Can't we make love once?

- One more time. - No, we can't.

Even if you don't love me.

Do it with your lover.

You know I came for you, not him!

Lay off me. Come on, don't get so worked up.

I didn't promise you anything...

Enough now.

I came to see you.

And now you don't care!

That's not true, I do care.

I just don't love you any more.

I loved you in Beijing. It was nice, now it's over.

I feel no more love for you.

What do you want? To go fuck in a...

I'm not interested.

I'm busy.

I can't help you.

You wanted this freedom. Paris was your dream.

But you're not part of the freedom.

Don't cry...

You'll go to school,

meet lots of cool people...

Okay?

Call me if you really need to.

I have to go.

Where do you live?

18th arrondissement.

Go in the metro, take line 4.

Or I'll call you a cab. You want me to?

Miss?

Can you pay? I finished my shift.

Shit!

Careful!

You okay?

Yeah.

- You sure? - I'm fine.

Hey...

You look lost.

Can I give you a hand?

I need a bank.

You know one?

Sure I do.

But it's far. I can walk you.

Behind that cafe and you walk up.

Come on, I just finished.

I'll manage.

You sure?

You'll find it?

Sorry about before.

It's nothing.

I didn't see. Too busy working.

We can go to the emergency room.

I'll be fine.

You sure?

Cigarette?

You Chinese?

Yes.

I'm Mathieu.

What's your name?

Hua.

Is it true Chinese names mean something?

What does "Hua" mean?

It means "flower".

I'll call so you have my number.

Hey, Hua. It's Mathieu.

We just said goodbye.

We said we'd keep in touch.

What do you want?

To ask you out.

To eat.

How's it going since before?

You okay?

What?

What's that look?

How old are you?

25.

And you?

28.

You don't look it.

You look younger.

I'm older in here.

I'm 25 but...

My parents worked in a mine.

I quit school to help them.

Know what that is? It's chicken Colombo.

I learned that in the army, in Africa.

That's where I did this.

What happened?

Knife scars.

Operation Sparrowhawk, in Djibouti.

I can't close it any more.

Want to touch?

You like Paris?

Yeah, I do.

Here for long?

I don't know.

You're pretty when you smile.

Are you married?

No, why?

Just asking.

A pretty girl like you can't be all alone.

Got a boyfriend?

No.

You can leave. I'll go home alone.

Really?

Don't like it?

No, I don't.

What the hell? I don't know...

I invite you out, you come...

You let me...

What?

Now we say goodbye.

What happened?

Where were you?

I've been calling nonstop.

My battery ran out.

Where's my suitcase?

I put it in the room.

I'll sleep in the living room.

I'll be less of a bother.

Oh yeah...

Your shoes.

Don't leave them lying around.

Not nice for company.

In a university, it's phrased this way:

Why are we here?

To discuss.

To confront your ideas...

with those proposed by the author.

This may seem abstract,

but that's the question.

And why abstract?

What we're dealing with is theoretical.

It has nothing to do with reality.

They tried...

Who is this?

How are you?

See you later.

I want to see you.

Eric. Mathieu's friend.

- How's everything? - Fine.

Want a drink?

I'm good, thanks.

Or grab a bite to eat?

You okay?

Bad timing, asshole?

What's up, man?

- My jacket? - I got it.

- Introduce me. - Giovanni...

Little kiss?

- Your name? - Hua.

How you doing?

So how do you like it?

She'll love the place.

Same one as the last time?

Somewhere else.

You like music?

What kind?

I like everything.

R&B, techno, everything?

How's the music in China?

Don't laugh.

What kind is it? R&B?

- What's wrong? - Stop!

Just Chinese slow songs.

What is it?

Are you shy?

Got chopsticks?

- Does she need chopsticks? - Enough!

Stop it.

Find me a China girl! Know any in Paris?

Leave her alone.

A girl to take along.

- Not on your life. - Why not?

She's harsh.

You're happy!

I'm not coming.

Why not?

What?

I'm seeing my girl.

Seeing Granny, that old bag!

Don't talk nasty.

- Don't bust his balls. - He never stops!

But she's old!

It's nonstop.

Give him a break, Giovanni!

Don't be a baby.

Fuck off!

Stop!

You let him!

Mathieu!

Get your ass here!

- I'm coming. - Come on!

- Hurry! - I'm coming!

Enough with your whore!

Come on!

Move your ass!

I have the bags. I've been waiting.

Calm down!

You're like rabbits. I'm here waiting.

- Motherfucker. - Watch your mouth!

You keep me waiting here.

Fuck you and your whore!

- Your jackets. - You can barely walk.

Stop that!

I was looking for you!

Quiet.

You want that crap?

This is worth a fortune.

Hurry... Fast, before we get caught.

Hurry UP!

I said to hurry.

It's Gio.

I have some stuff. Nice antiques.

We're on our way. See you.

That's crap?

And the sword?

- It doesn't come out. - Does too.

- See? - He can do it.

How can I sell this?

How much you want?

You tell me... But no less that 5000.

That's worth 5000.

Keep the sword and horse. I'm not buying.

What do I do with it?

Take the sword.

You can sell it.

Here's 300.

- You're a pain. - I am not.

- I'm a little late. - No problem...

I liked it. Why didn't you?

I don't know.

Not Chinese enough.

Not Chinese enough?

What's "Chinese" to you?

I couldn't say.

See you soon.

Having fun?

- How are you? - Who was he?

Just a friend. We went to a workshop.

We had dinner after.

I didn't do anything.

I'm sorry I'm late. I thought you'd gone home.

I forgot my cell.

Spare me. I've heard that one before.

I really forgot my cell.

You think I'm stupid.

You forgot it on purpose. So I wouldn't interrupt.

Nonsense.

What do you mean? I saw that dick staring at you.

He wanted to fuck. Use your head a little.

That's nonsense.

- Where are you going? - Home.

- I'll come. - No, stay.

I hate being treated like shit.

Flirting in front of me!

He's just a friend.

I saw how he kissed you!

This is nonsense.

It's not. You intellectuals are bitches.

Forget about me.

Hua?

- Why are you here? - These are for you.

That's nice.

From Mathieu, not me.

Why? It's not my birthday.

You better ask him.

You came for this?

And I have to get back to work. Take care.

Have a good day.

Tracts against the reforms. And a petition to sign.

How are you?

Get the roses?

Yes, I got them.

Like them?

Women made it into the workforce.

They gained freedom.

They've regained control of their bodies.

But male politicians didn't help.

It's because the women fought.

The fight continues.

What's up, Hua?

What's up, bro?

You okay? Pretty.

Can I have a word?

I need you for a couple hours.

- I can't. - Two hours. Good money!

Good money to make.

I can't now. I had her come. We have plans.

I need him for 2 hours.

Cut it out...

Forget it. Tomorrow. It can wait.

You're in love. It's over.

Good for you. Enjoy.

I'm in deep shit now.

I'm already involved.

You didn't tell me!

I need him for 2 hours. What's 2 hours in your life?

Come on!

Go on... I'll start out.

Meet you there.

You're a pain since you're with her.

I swear, next time I...

- Drop me off after. - It's money!

I can't count on you.

You're walking around naked?

I was in the shower.

I don't turn you on any more?

What? With an ass like that?

Don't be a pain. No time.

I'm picking you up.

A friend of Giovanni's is having a party.

In the suburbs. We'll spend the evening.

Get all pretty.

Problem is, my boss wants me to give a quick hand at the market.

You go with Giovanni.

I'll meet you there after.

What's cooking?

I sold the horse.

I sold it to Fabrice, bro.

The guy with the house?

- Does he want my sword? - Doubt it.

Keep it. It's a nice piece.

Sit up front.

Cheers.

That's a really nice dress.

Very pretty.

Is it Chinese?

This is nice.

What do you want?

Me? Nothing.

Nothing. I'm cool.

When do the others get here?

Are you scared of me?

Relax, I won't rape you. I'm a good guy.

Does Mathieu know?

Know what?

That you turn me on?

Sure. I told him.

I'm not interested.

You don't know. That's easy to say.

Hang up. He's a loser.

When are you coming?

If you don't come, I'll leave.

Come have a look.

Come on, Hua.

Know this game? We play it a lot here.

Almost... Your turn.

Your wrists should be like this.

Nice and supple.

Too far. You're tense.

My turn.

Like this.

Move over a little.

Turn towards it.

Hold yourself up.

There's no dinner, is there?

Hungry?

- You hungry? I'm going.

Where are you going? It's nice here.

Look how nice it is.

It's pretty out.

- Food to eat. - Let go.

Okay, I'll let go.

Where are you going?

I won't let you go!

The countryside is dangerous!

What would I tell Mathieu?

Now you think of him?

He cares about you. How can I say you left?

You'll get lost. You don't know the area.

Why are you so cold with me?

What did I do?

Did I hurt you?

Stop!

I'm a good guy, not like him.

If you were with me, you'd never be in trouble.

Can't you even see?

What are you saying?

You think he's coming?

You're dumb. You're a little dumb.

I get into that.

- Stop! - I love dumb girls.

It's nice here.

It's fun being together. Why spoil it all?

He won't come.

Stop that!

Come here.

Stop!

Stop, stop, stop being so...

Everything's fine. We're having fun.

Aren't you? Take off your bag.

Take it off.

Take off the bag!

Take it off.

The bag goes here.

Stop it, please!

What's wrong? Relax!

You okay?

Did Giovanni fuck you good?

- Better than you! - Is he now?

Goddamn bitch.

Fuck it.

I made a bet. You're a bitch like the others.

You betrayed me!

You wanted this?

If I'm a bitch, what are you?

What the fuck?

All this because of that whore?

- You see what you did? - What about you?

I did what you asked.

She refused. She fell. Tell him!

The bitch fell!

So go fuck yourself. This is bullshit!

I'm sick of this cunt.

- Motherfucker! - Fuck off.

Get lost, dumb Chink!

Dirty whore!

What the fuck?

I'm fed up with you.

- What did I do? - Quiet!

You're kidding.

You can't just do that.

We have to break up.

You can't go.

You can't leave me.

I'm talking to you.

Answer me!

I swear, if you go...

if you go, I'll jump

Stop talking nonsense.

What are you doing?

Stop it!

It's all that's left.

Stop...

You're crazy.

No need to act like that.

What are you doing?

Don't panic.

We'll mix our blood.

Come here.

I'll start.

- Stop 't! - Let gs!

I'm done. Now you.

Yeah, like that.

I don't want to.

I don't want to have a scar.

At least scars stay.

Come on. I won't hurt you.

Now you're my wife.

Come on.

It wasn't hard to find?

Where's that?

Where I grew up.

Cite 3. In Auchel.

My street. My parents live there.

Is that you?

I like this.

The slag heap. At sunset...

What's a slag heap?

Where they put the coal.

Back during the mines.

It's high up.

You don't clean up much.

I'm never here.

It's his fault.

You like bread and jam?

Coffee?

She keeps me warm, night and day

I love her so much, my little bitch

Orange juice?

Mind if I bring stuff to your place?

Not at all.

Come here.

Come, Bart.

Ready?

You okay?

Mathieu, lkuko.

This is a surprise.

I forgot my cell.

- We need to talk. - Afterward s.

See you tomorrow.

What's wrong?

I went to City Hall.

Why?

To get marriage forms.

I want to get married.

Are you kidding?

I want you to...

I want you to spend your life with me.

We'll have kids.

I'll work so you have a nice life.

I'll work and make my own living.

You're not going to work.

Your science stuff is crap.

It's not crap. It's my life.

And I'm not into all those... asshole students who want to screw you.

Asshole students? They're kids.

We barely talk, let alone have sex.

No need to talk to have sex.

We're not having sex!

You want to get married so...

Not true.

It's because I love you.

We'll have lots of kids.

Limou left me.

She says she feels fine living alone with our son

and that she can manage.

This is Liangbin.

Jeanne, Benoit.

We started. Want to order?

I'm tired, not that hungry.

- Where do you work? - Markets.

I put them together. The metal...

Not bad.

Speak in French, for him.

I kept thinking about you.

You've been at odds for so long.

You're in a rut.

His wife left him.

Time to take action.

Women get bored after 7 years of marriage.

Don't you think?

- It's true. - Not always.

Don't you think I should do something romantic?

Something romantic that works well is sending flowers to her office.

Everyone will know you love her.

It's true. It works well.

I can get you the ?owers cheap.

Then you make love to her... like a man.

Are you making fun of me?

What do you mean?

Drop it...

He doesn't know.

What are you saying?

You don't know...

Don'! tell him. It's personal.

I don'! know him.

Stop speaking Chinese!

He should shut up.

Stop, I don't understand.

Is it a problem I said to fuck her like a man?

You're bad in bed?

Who is this asshole?

Let's change the subject.

I'm out of here. I'm going.

I said I shouldn't come.

Look at me the next time.

What got into you?

He was treating me like shit!

Why behave like this?

You were there! It wasn't me, come on!

- Go apologize. - You out of your mind?

He slammed right into me!

- You pushed me. - What's your problem?

Leave him alone.

He's not well. He's going through a lot.

Lay off. Where's my jacket?

Here, Hua.

Better watch out.

Beat it!

What got into you?

What got into me? Hua, tell me...

How can you be with a guy like him?

I thought girls like you

just flirted with their French teachers.

Where did you find him?

Where's your dignity? Where is it?

Hello, ma'am. Ticket, please?

Take your time.

I had it.

Sure. Can you pay a fine?

- I have it. - What fine?

I asked to see her ticket.

No problem. Get your ticket.

- If she has a ticket... - She has one!

What's this?

What did she do?

Fucking goddamn cunt!

I'll kill her!

She went too far.

Asshole!

Fucking asshole!

- I'm fed up! - Break everything.

Who's your new bitch?

I don't love you!

Calm down or I'll destroy you.

Shut your fucking mouth!

- Asshole! - Shut up!

Let go or I'll kill you!

Asshole!

Fuck off!

What time do we get to Paris?

In about 20 minutes.

Going to Paris?

What's your name?

Nina.

And you?

Got a cell?

Got a cell?

Seeing anyone?

Are you seeing anyone?

And you?

I wanted to tell you from the start.

I was afraid you'd dump me.

I don't love her. I'm married but she's not my wife.

Meaning what?

Just papers. I got married, I'll get a divorce.

If I divorce now, they'll deport her and her kid.

That's why...

I'm going crazy... I don't know...

You mean she has a kid?

She's pregnant.

I know it's not mine.

- She's not French? - From Rwanda.

I don't love her!

Since when?

Since when are you married?

Two years or so...

You should have told me!

If I had, you'd have left.

You really would have.

Don't touch me!

What is it, baby?

My love...

Relax.

I want to go home.

Look how you're sweating!

There you go.

That's it, baby...

I feel better when you stroke me.

You feel better?

But when I stroke you I get excited.

Go on, then...

But you're sick.

Go on, if you want to.

Maybe it'll make me feel better.

Feel better now?

And now?

What do I do?

I love you.

Want to eat something?

I can make you something.

No, I'm not hungry.

We'll never get along.

We're too different.

Yeah, I know.

I understand.

So long.

I'm going back to Beijing.

I found a job as a translator there.

For how long?

I don't know.

A while.

You can't do this to me.

If you leave me, I'll never love again, never again.

- Don't say that. - It's true.

All you girls do is hurt me.

It's true.

You take me, you throw me away,

cheat on me...

Like I'm a piece of shit.

You'll regret it.

You'll never find anyone who loves you like me.

Come on...

I swear I can change.

Say something, damn it.

Say something for once.

Look at me.

Look at me.

Food's ready.

Look how thin you got in Paris.

I don't understand it.

So healthy in China.

And you go overseas to become like this!

We'll get you back the vitamins you lost in France!

You need this too.

Did you bring that vitamin C to Paris?

Come on, eat.

Some protein...

I forgot about this.

You left it before going to France.

I almost had Liangbin bring it.

In the end, you came back.

Look.

I'm going to bed... Sweet dreams.

Professor Cui, thank you for having us

and answering a few questions.

So here's my first question.

Do you believe there exists an opposition in China?

This is a typically Western question.

I don't consider myself a dissident.

I'm just someone with a different opinion.

I live according to my convictions...

and I get in trouble for it.

Democracy is a learning process...

I think this psychological balancing-act is necessary.

And furthermore, in Beijing...

the uniqueness of the dominant ideology

is that it needs to control people's dreams.

It requires everyone to share one dream.

Like the slogan for the Olympics,

"One World, One Dream".

An authorized pleasure is not a true pleasure.

Your question reminds me of this situation.

Because in China...

99.99 percent...

of intellectuals...

The number you have called is no longer in service.

I bought some DVDs. Want to watch them?

Tomorrow. I'm tired.

Huizi?

Open up. I'm downstairs.

Why are you here?

I told you how busy I was. See you later, okay?

I'm downstairs!

Go home now. Take a taxi. It's late.

I'm busy. I have company.

I told you to open up!

It's late. I'm going to sleep.

I've been talking to a friend all night. Go home.

Where do you want me to go?

Come on, open up.

I can't talk now...

Goodbye.

Where do I go? Shame on you!

Is that your girlfriend?

No.

It's a friend who wants to talk about something.

I said it's late. Tomorrow.

Go back to sleep. It's over.

Let her in.

I hear Hua is at your place. Why is she back?

She's a real bitch.

You said so yourself.

Go home.

She slept with every guy in France.

Listen to me, we'll talk tomorrow.

You're wrong.

So long.

Don't be upset.

I left some stuff. I'll come back for it.

- Don't be angry. - Fuck off!

It's too late for a taxi.

Come back upstairs.

Don't go away.

The last time you left, I was angry...

I didn't go down to get you.

And you left for Paris.

This time, don't go.

I'm a simple guy...

I don't like much.

Just buying groceries with you, after work.

Tagging along while you buy clothes.

Cooking for you every day.

Remember this?

The bracelet the monk gave us

when we went to the temple.

He said to pray 108 times

and my wish would come true.

I prayed over 1000 times.

Every day, I prayed...

"I hope Hua is well!"

"I hope Hua is happy."

I have only one wish.

Stay. Don't go away.

I'm fed up.

I'm sick of us fighting.

Let's stop, okay?

Okay.

I remember you were late for your class picture.

You remember!

Soon you'll be assistant professor, then associate.

Stop it...

So what's your decision?

We need people like you who have gone to school abroad.

You should come back.

Sir, we need you for the picture.

I'll leave you two to talk.

We'll take a picture too.

Have you thought over what the dean said?

Yes.

When I'm done my job, I'll get a round-trip ticket.

And then?

I'll get my stuff in Paris, then teach in Beijing.

And we'll stop fighting.

Comrade Hua,

in the name of the university,

I bid that you come back

to contribute to building our country.

Spare me.

She'll come back to China.

She'll buy an apartment and we'll marry.

Is that the truth? Are you sure?

It's for soon.

- Really? - Yes.

Ding Yi is marrying Hua!

Your phone!

Go outside.

I'm going out. It's too noisy here.

Who is it?

Who is it?

Eric, what is it?

Mathieu?

Anything wrong?

No...

I can't reach a friend.

Don't worry.

Your Chinese girl!

- Cut the crap. - There's a Chinese girl there.

You okay?

Yeah.

And you?

I'm fine.

Who's the China girl?

Come here.

Come.

What are you up to?

I can't really say.

I make a living.

How's your work there, in China?

It's okay.

Got a boyfriend?

You could have waited.

Look who it is.

How are you?

The Chink you were seeing before?

Where did she come from?

- Beijing. - Where?

I'll show her the house.

My parents' room.

Show her the house...

I show you some houses!

The kitchen.

Grandpa's little girl. My honey pie...

You're the nice one.

My room.

You're reading this?

I read tons since you dumped me.

Let's go.

Do you sleep with him?

He loves you?

He wants to marry me.

What did you say?

I accepted.

You're getting married and you're here.

You're a real bitch.

I can't!

Subtitles: Andrew Litvack

Subtitling: L.V.T. - Paris