Original subtitles

A mall is a world of appearances.

To customers, we're just salespeople,

who disappear when the stores close.

''The Arcade''

But we're much more than that.

Behind our counters, we have our stories,

maybe not shattering ones, but worth telling

The Saliganis are ltalians who fix radios

A big family, with the biggest store.

This is no place for a baby!

l'll take him to the other store! He'll swallow a transistor!

They may seem angry

but yelling's their way of communicating.

They just rented another store,

where Saligani's wife opened a beauty parlor.

l kept you waiting. l have to heat water.

But l forgot the mate.

The Kims ended up here because the Korean mall was full.

No one can figure out how they're related, but no one cares.

He only speaks Korean, and she translates.

They sell Feng Shui items.

The Levin brothers sell fabrics.

ln fact, they're cousins.

But for business purposes,

they feel ''Levin Bros'' sounds better.

Rita runs...

...runs an lnternet store.

When Mom's out, she tries on underwear in our store.

That's Gerardo, who backed her store.

l don't know what their relationship is.

l always mean to ask her. One day l will.

l don't know,until now, we are doing well.

Joseph has no store, but is part of the mall.

His office overlooks the synagogue.

You're wrong, Manukian! listen to me you're , you're taking all street

He's my brother. For the last 10 years

he's sold all kinds of imported gadgets.

But now the peso's so low, that business is dead,

and he's recycling himself.

He wants to go ''back to Nature'' l don't know what he's up to.

Ramon can't get through! Ramon!!!

There also is Ramon,

Ramon looks as if he's just a porter,

but he's his advisor, his right-hand man.

He's almost part of the family.

The springs are cute.

You'll sell tons. l'll send the truck over.

With 1500, tomorrow... Bye.

Joseph really wanted to be a rabbi.

He's a nice brother.

This is my friend Mitelman's store.

Beside the Acapulco palm-trees, that's Fanny, his secretary.

He'd like a younger one, but keeps her out of guilt.

lt looks like a travel agency,

but he's really a money-man.

His clients come from other malls.

lf you have cash to send abroad,

or to invest...

Mitelman's a kind of financial matchmaker.

You'll have it by the weekend.

Mind if it's small bills

Next is Osvaldo's stationery store.

He's what he looks like: nothing

He's invisible.

He's been there over 20 years,

but we hardly notice him.

For me this bar is part of a story.

My father, Elias, once ordered a sandwich here.

The mayo was rancid, and he complained to the owner

They say Elias smashed the jar on the counter.

lt's not much of a story,

but as l hardly knew my dad l tell it.

Last, take a good look at the Makaroffs' lingerie store.

A sign says ''Elias Creations'',

so you may think it's his place,

and he's out at the bank or somewhere.

But no.

lt only looks that way.

Elias left his name on the sign

and ran off, leaving Sonja alone, eating lekach.

lt also looks as if she has a clerk,

but it's only her son,

and he's not much of a help.

That's me, Ariel Makaroff. How are you? Fine...

''Being Pol ish''

Mom, did you ask Grandma?

Of course, l did. l mean, l sort of did.

Did you?

Yes, but you know the way he is...

Damm, it's torn...

Look it's torn here, look at this hole...

When you mention Poland,

her whole brain seems to freeze up.

She hates the place, her mind wanders...

The other day she went

to play cards at Aunt Fanny's.

Aunt Fanny's a mess...

Did you talk about this?

Yes

Please call her and say l need those documents.

OK

lt's no joke.

l really need them, OK?

Why don't you go yourself?

l don't want to. Say ''l need those papers, Grandma.''

l don't want to waste time. Just once. Go and ask her.

l can't, Mom. Take her for a walk.

l have no patience left.

All my patience get used up on you.

She suffered a lot, she won't discuss Poland.

lt hurts her. Don't you understand?

so...

She's an old lady, she refuses to hear about Poland!

SHE CAN'T

Ready? Yes, in a minute.

Are you coming? Yes.

Good morning levin

Hi sonja, good morning �how are you?

Hi, Mitelman.

May l? Yes, please.

lt's great.

l have to tell you...

l don't like him hanging around that girl.

Why not? l don't like her.

The lnternet's the future.

Yes, but she's the past.

She's 40 and he's 20.

He's not 20 anymore.

Anyway, l don't like her.

What do they talk about?

You should tell him..

He's going to be a European.

i dont know....

Don't worry. The lnternet's not doing well.

l know.

Here we survive selling lingerie,

TV sets, stationery...

ln the mall,

those are the only profitable stores.

She's getting by...

That business is doomed.

lt's the cancer of every mall.

Osvaldo is the one who's doomed.

Rita will survive.

He won't have to close.

No, no, no, no, he's not closing

l think he'll have to sell out.

No, he won't.

Let's talk later. Get going.

Let's go. We'll miss Poland.

Have some lekach.

l'll take one.

lt tastes better at night.

Hi, Haydee?

how are you?

l've got something that's perfect for you.

That blonde's great.

Nice ass. That's important.

You need your grandfather's birth and death certificates.

Just for one day.

She won't give them to me.

She's convinced that

Europeans want to kill all Jews.

You can't even talk to her.

Found any interesting ancestors?

A Lithuanian grandfather.

Really? Can a Lithuanian be of help?

Who is it? lt's Ariel, Grandma.

Ariel who? Your daughter's son, your grandson.

ls anything wrong? No.

Didn't Mom tell you?

nothing, nothing, i come to visit you. Come up, read lightly.

it's locked

Who is it? Ariel again. lt's locked. - why?

l'll come down. l don't know is your apartment

Who is it? Ariel. l was let in.

By who? The janitor. l'm coming up.

Will you wait here?

l'll come up. Better wait here. We'll have a cold soda. l'll say hi to her.

i don't know even if she has soda, really.

lf she has a soda,it'll be lukewarm. l doubt she washes the glasses.

l'll wait over there.

A glass of tea?

Makes me sweat. Got a cold drink?

Tea's good, if it's not too strong.

But l'll get you some tonic water.

thanks

lt's warm.

lf l keep it in the fridge, l get a sore throat.

Shall l open a window?

What for?

To air the place.

You should go out more often, Grandma.

Take me out some day.

About those documents, l wanted to say...

eh...

They're important to me.

l don't want to disturb you,

but l really need them.

l mean, if you give them to me... And if you don't...

Here are all those you wanted.

Do you need my Polish passport?

No, though it might be useful.

But it's not essential?

l had three friends in Poland.

Esther,with whom l played hide and seek.

And Runja, and Tzipe.

Runja and l used to play ''Love Letters''.

We wrote love letters to imaginary men.

Tzipe was not allowed to play with us. Her parents were orthodox.

Those games were such fun!

What are you doing?

grandma!

l'll burn it for you.

But do it in front of me.

WlVES lN ACTlON

lsn't it odd,

husbands taking photos of wives

so we can see them naked...

l doubt it's their husbands.

They must be agents or photographers who live off that.

l like touching you, as l watch it.

Me, too. Don't stop.

Let's try this...

Photos of Rita naked

There you are...

Can't be me. Doesn't look like me.

no? -no

lf we keep looking, we'll find you...

''Honey in Canada''

You should try henna.

Dyes without chemicals.

l know, henna.

lt won't harm your hair.

Wait. The phone! l'll be right back.

Elias callsonce a month from lsrael to see if she got his money for ''child support''.

He owes us nothing.

Or rather, what he owes us

can't be sent via a bank, neither in cash.

nor in monthly payments

l gather they discuss the same things over and over.

She worries about bombs in lsrael,

he says Buenos Aires at night is more dangerous.

They don't really believe it,

but they hang up reassured, knowing they miss each other.

Then she remains silent for a while,

hoping no one will come in

and interrupt her reverie

about all those years if Elias had stayed here.

Ariel!

Mom!

A new blouse?

l joined a Hebrew folk dancing class.

Nice. And your hair?

My blow-dry's almost done...

Why are you running?

Dad called.

l see. So?

l told him about you...

that you want to become Polish

and go to Poland.

l'm going to Europe, not Poland.

Even better. You'll be closer to lsrael.

He said he wants you to go

to a kibbutz with him for a month. With Dad.

To a kibbutz?

Yes.

What do people do there?

Do they milk cows, sow corn...?

Yes... lt's a nice idea.

lt's a nice idea.

You can go and stay with your dad.

You know what makes me really angry?

lt's not your fault,

But it makes me angry.

You pretend everything's normal.

He leaves you with an 8-year old and a newborn baby

and never comes back.

15 years later he wanted me to go and visit him.

he want me to go, and he's not coming

Why can't he come here? Now it's still the same thing!

He calls 25 yeras later... He went to war!

but mom, please...

He left us here with a crummy lingerie store, now l've got to go visit him

lt's not crummy! Don't badmouth it!

l'll be with you in a minute.

l've worked with Alfadi for 10 years!

We made a mint with toy trolls,

then with these big birds...

We disagreed over

certain figures

that we carried forward with each deal.

Now that business stinks, it's a problem,

and it's unresolved:

he says they're in dollars, l say in pesos...

Don't you have a contract?

You can't with Alfadi! You know him.

Nothing's on paper.

Ask the rabbi.

Sure, the Talmud covers exchange rates!

Don't make fun.

You placed them?

Well... Manukian will take the lot,

But no advance, and at a point lower.

No advance, no advance...

Does he also want a blow job?

We can all pack up! You, too.

l take the risks and he makes the money!

How about that?

Moshe, Ah Moshe... Moshe

Listen, he'll take the whole lot.

No advance.

l think it's OK.

Better than leaving them in your warehouse.

l'll send you the invoice.

l'll bring it to the synagogue.

Send them to Manukian, even the showroom bike.

We're full up here.

Alright.

You got it?

Yes, it's in my pocket.

Ramon...

So pretty! Feel her, she won't bite.

What is it? A bee?

A queen bee! Not in the sun, leave her there.

You heard how business is...

Should you buy or sell?

lmporting stuff is over.

People are really hurting.

There's no more ethics.

They'll kill you over nothing.

l need a change.

And the bee? What's with that? You joined a sect?

l got an email from cousin Danny in Toronto:

''Honey in Canada.''

Famous Poles

Cup of coffee?

Not now, l'm reading the paper.

l'm with the Poles, Rita...

''Rain over Bs. As.''

Do you always think of them naked?

No, it's my work.

Do they try them on?

Yes...

Panties? Not the panties.

They try them on at home...

...and change them later.

They can do it in my office.

Remember my cousin, Lucho?

He played chess a lot.

He plays for the French team now.

Gets paid for moving rooks.

For doing nothing.

But he freezes his ass.

How come?

Europe's fantastic.

You can wonder all over,

peolple eating, reading...

But you need 5 sweaters. lt's freezing!

Only in winter. They got a summer, too.

lf l can get unemployment there,

and finish my studies... What for?

l'm leaving ''Elias Creations'' behind!

Selling panties isn't so bad.

l'm through with the lingerie business.

Hello...how are you doing?

Try drawing. lt's a universal language.

What about architecture?

Art is the only way out

for people like you.

What do you mean, people like me?

Ready. Thanks.

l left Architecture over a scale problem.

l studied to make buildings and cities

and wound up decorating a store-window in the arcade...

That's a scale problem.

The only thing you ever left was Estela.

l saw her. She looks great.

Don't tell me. Anyway, l didn't leave her, l lost her.

That's different.

Only ajerk would leave a babe like her.

Nice soft skin, easy to get along with...

Studying got me nothing,

but a girl like her was everything.

This is a second! No way!

Sit down, look at me and smile.

lt's just for a document.

Sit straight.

Stay there. You get 4.

l only need 3.

Costs the same as 4.

Ok...

Smile. Come on, smile.

l'd love to.

You think it funny to be Polish?

Not at all. Why?

This is strange photo.

Strange photo...

You get 4.

l must have smiled on the fourth...

Why your folks leave Poland?

Why you want be Polish?

l don't know why my family left Poland.

l can tell you why l ''want be'' Polish.

l love art,

especially Polish art.

Excuse me.

Lech Walesa Lech Walesa

l like Roman Polansky, too. Roman Polansky

The one who had a problem with a girl.

l don't judge him.

Copernicus wasn't an artist, but anyway...

Nor is His Holiness John Paul ll, for whom l feel a deep respect.

ls Makaroff, your father's last name, an lsraelite name?

Not all Jews are lsraelis.

''lsraelite'' has to do with lsrael.

My father is Argentinian.

He lives in lsrael,

so he may think like an lsraeli...

Why do you ask about him?

You already Polish... Technically, you Polish.

Yes, l know, but...

l'd like a Polish passport to travel.

l'm interested in the climate, the winter...

Typically Polish.

Sorry? Polish climate.

''Elias Fragments''

This is my circumcision.

lt was shot on film, but Joseph transferred it to video.

lt's the only shot of me with my dad.

That's me, not knowing what was about to happen.

That's... well, you know, my privates.

That's a kind of spray to kill pain.

That's the precise moment when they cut.

Looks like l'm laughing, but l'm crying.

My mother, going through with the ritual.

That's Grandpa.

That's Joseph.

That's him!My dad, Elias.

l don't know why he rushed by.

Guess he was in a hurry to leave.

Why are you all dolled up, Mom?

Weren't you going out with Mitelman?

Yes, but l thought you were going out,

so l stayed.

l'd better go.

Come in. lt's your house, Mom.

l won't disturb you.

Hi, there!

Ariel. Yes, my son.

This is Marcos. That's me.

Anyway, l...

l'll leave my things.

Let me have that...

Come on in.

Thanks. So you're Ariel.

Yes, and you're Marcos.

Nice apartment.

Very nice. You study architecture, right?

l used to. Yes...

But l didn't do this.

Very well decorated, fine furniture.

What do you do?

l have a business...

A small one... l make screens.

Screens for bathrooms, kitchens, balconies, in steel and aluminum...

Excuse me. l'm leaving, Mom!

Bye, Marcos. Keep well.

l have to become Polish. Urgently.

So this is the deal...

''The Agreement with Alfadi''

A 100-yard race in the street.

The Peruvian will run for him, and l'll pick my runner.

The winner decides if the debt

is in dollars or pesos.

this problem

Who'll run for us?

Ramon, who else?

Why not Kim? They are lighter.

''They''? lf l said ltalians are loudmouths,

that's racist.

But orientals are lighter.

Ramon needs a haircut,

for better aerodynamics.

Fine. Get a haircut, Ramon!

You spoke to Rabbi Benderson?

He says it's no problem, if the race is on Sunday...

He'll referee it.

No problem.

Sounds almost biblical:

''Ramon vs. the Peruvian.'' l have a suggestion...

Excuse me...

What's this?

Manukian doesn't want the showroom bike,

it's scratched.

He says don't try to gyp him.

You running for them?

What are you doing here? lt's a mall meeting.

ls he running? Yes, he is running.

lt's an internal meeting l'm in the union.

l have to stay. Which union?

You can stay, but shut up. The porters union...

Ok... you stay, but shut up, shut up!!!

We'll have to pay Ramon

lt's only fair.

Yes, yes. He'll be paid.

He'll get 10% if he wins.

What if he loses? You shut up.

He lives far away. Shut up!

Listen to me!

l've tried to say something!

l know it's Makaroff's problem,

ls his debt...

but we're a community backing him up.

l want to suggest something fair.

Part of the money

should go to the mall, to air-condition it.

For the comfort of the customers and ours.

We should paint the front, too.

ln what order?

For the race? Both start together.

Not the race!

l mean the money.

First, Ramon's share.

His share is sacred.

Then the money for air-conditioning.

l agree with that.

Me, too. We all agree.

Joseph, Joseph...

We need his girl. l don't get a word.

That's fine.

We have to get cracking as of today.

Get the outfit, Moses. Something colorful.

Watch out, he sweats.

Ariel, you get his number bib.

Like in ''Chariots of Fire''?

look for a good number, for luck...

The rabbi wants to speak.

And repainting the mall? Let the rabbi speak!

Sadly, l won't be here,

for the race.

Unexpectedly and miraculously,

an important synagogue in the USA wants me

to be the rabbi

of a large temple

in Miami Beach.

l'm moving with my wife and son,

and l'll be very well paid.

l'm to attract the Hispanic population,

that is growing,

and be their spokesman.

l'm very sorry about this,

and wish you the best in your endeavor.

l'm sorry, too...

but we'll have to find someone.

Alright, alright...

We have to look for someone else.

So what?

Someone from outside the mall.

Want me to handle it?

OK, Ariel.

You have to keep going... Hello...

People, friends, you know...

What's wrong?

Osvaldo had to sell out.

l'm very sorry.

lt's not so terrible.

Things were so bad,

that this is almost a relief.

l was selling nothing.

Sure.

What's the matter with you?

l thought things would get better,

but no way. 20 years!

A life-long neighbor!

You meet every day

for years and years, and one day everything collapses

l thought he'd get by. l was sure of it!

Calm down.

lt's painful!

Mom is taking this very badly. l don't know why.

lt's hard to see things collapsing all around.

Very hard.

l'm not going with you.

l'll wait for Mom.

When she's recovered,

come over to Daian's.

That was a mess at Joseph's!

Everyone shouting!

Ramon's getting a haircut.

That's good.

Let's go play dominoes.

What are you doing?

Putting the camera there, is that OK?

Get out of here.

l told you about it. Get out.

Hi.

Do you have a D cup bra?

We've got lots.

Can l try one on?

Sure. ln our changing room.

Got any red, lacy thongs?

Well, not red, but blackberry.

Blackberry's OK.

Can l try them on?

No...

�No!

You can't try on panties.

What a pity.Because the shape of my butt...

is very special and... l know.

l need to try them on.

l beg you to let me.

lt's nothing personal...

lt's just that, for sanitary reasons, we have house rules.

You wouldn't try on someone else's panties.

But l told you, l have a special rear end

and l need to try them on. Leave that alone.

Not the bra,

because my bust isn't special.

lt isn't? No, it's not.

May l check?

No...

Can l try on the thong?

Just this once.

Does it fit?

l'm not sure.

Can you give me a hand? Coming.

No need for that.

Straight to this? Yes.

Listen, Rita.

l'm going to become a Polish citizen.

How nice...

l'm leaving.

Where to?

Europe.

When?

As soon as possible.

Before that l'll try on

all the panties you like.

l like the contents, not the panties.

How cute!

Before l leave,

l want to ask you something.

l want to know who the old man is.

Which one? The one who backed your store.

Gerardo?

What's he got to do with us?

l'm a moralist, l'm conventional.

l like couples to stay together.

ls he your husband?

No, he's... my dad.

What if he's my husband?

Then we must quit this.

Why?

l'm not a homebreaker.

And if there's no love?

l don't want to make people split up.

So he's your dad?

You want him to be?

Then he's my dad.

What do you care? You're leaving!

But you're staying.

Time can change some things, others not.

lf he's your dad or your husband...

He could be my grandpa, a boyfriend...

l gave you two options:

father or husband.

You said father.

That can't change with time.

You've been peeking.

You're cornered. So show me!

What's your favorite measure of time?

What do you mean? Measure...

Years, months, minutes, seconds?

Lustrums.

What?

Lustrums, five years.

Five years...

And you?

Sometimes.

Lustrums, too?

No, ''sometimes'' is my favorite measure.

Sonja!

Hello.

Hy... how are you?

Where's your mom?

She's not in.

l brought her...

Where is she?

l don't ask her everything.

Sure, l'm sorry...

She's my mother.

Yes, sure. She's not with my dad.

Your dad? Doesn't he live in lsrael?

Right. lt was ajoke.

l see.

Well...

l'd like to...

Leave it here.

l'll give it to her. l'm with a customer.

don't say...

Got one without underwiring?

One minute.

Don't worry.

l'll give it to my mom.

ln person, please.

What was your name again?

She'll know.

The old man's arrived.

l'll tell you when.

Now!

That dirty son of a bitch!

''A Sabbath tale''

The Makaroff brothers! Yes, the little Polak.

You came to sell me or to rob me?

Out with your brother? Left your mom alone?

Did you get my email?

Yes, Don't write in capitals.

lt's hostile.

About the race... lt's a deal.

But Ramon worries me.

You saw the Peruvian? He'll murder him.

Show him, Peruvian!

No, it's OK.

Easy, easy.

You got a frame that's not scratched?

ln the warehouse.

Can l have it tomorrow?

On the Sabbath? lt's for my girlfriend.

You heathens think

we've all converted. l'm still a Jew!

lt's a gift.

But respect the Sabbath.

Know about the rabbi who forgot the Sabbath?

we're in Poland

We're in a little town in Poland...

There's a rabbi.

he wake up some day

One day he finds that demons have stolen

all the calendars.No one knows when it's the Sabbath.

The wise men meet.

One says: ''Let's vote to choose the Sabbath.''

''No, let's leave it to chance.''

Another says: ''Change it every week,

so we'll be right sometimes.''

Keep it short. OK!

But the rabbi says:

''No, we have to wait for a sign from God.''

But the townspeople are confused:

ls it the Sabbath every day?

Or is it never the Sabbath?

What a mess!

Some want to work every day, others never again.

Now, in the midst of this chaos,

a little boy appears.

You saw him?

This is a tale,

an imaginary story.

The boy comes forward

amidst all this social chaos and says:

''l know when it's the Sabbath.

lt's when the air smells sweet.''

certainly, two days later the air smelt sweet

From then on, everyone believed the kid.

The Sabbath was back.

The Sabbath's always back.

Then Nazis came and killed them all.

l knew the ending, but the tale is good.

Well, see you Sunday

at 9 AM.

Ok. bye

Alfadi always screws me!

He gave you that frame.

OK, no big deal. Remember the watches!

And it's not for sale! What is it for?

My girlfriend's picture.

You got one?

Several.

But l want this one to see her picture here.

What's her name? Adelaide.

She's not Jewish, she's Paraguayan.

We go to dance halls, eat local dishes...

How'd you meet her? She's Marisa's maid.

Your old girlfriend? Yes.

Who married Eugenio? Yes.

You're in love with their maid?

l went to visit them, and fell madly in love.

Better than falling in love

with Marisa, or Eugenio.

Who's normal?

You could say he went off to war.

lt's not really true, but it's OK.

What's true?

Nothing.

lf a mystery has no answer, leave it at that,

don't look for phony answers.

For instance,

where did we come from? The Bible says...

No, Joseph! Leave God out of it,

we're talking about Dad!

We'll discuss the Creation later.

OK, Dad's alive and wants you to go visit him.

you can visit him when you want

Why did you never go?

l couldn't take the humiliation.

But you're strong enough.

Come on!

You're strong.

l'm resigned to my life,

but you're still undecided.

You're the only one

still strong enough to dream.

You're the only normal guy in the family.

That's true.

But you're still looking for the truth.

You sound like an evangelist.

Rabbi!

l'm out buying things for my trip.

Why did Cain murder Abel?

So Abel would get to Heaven sooner.

Sooner or higher?

You'd be a good Torah student.

Even now.

Too late.

l have a question Benderson, Did you know my father?

l gave him the ketubah and the get.

A cousin of mine in Miami...

What's the ketubah?

The marriage certificate.

And the get?

The religious bill of divorce.

lnteresting... Can l see them?

What for?

To know more, so l get the whole picture.

Your mom said it was ''Sunflower''.

''russian Sunflowers''

War was a noble excuse for abandoning his family.

He dumped ''Elias Creations''

to go be creative elsewhere!

Stop it!

War changes people.

l've already told you.

Have you seen the film ''Sunflower''?

l'll tell you the plot.

War breaks out. Mastroianni, an ltalian, goes off to war in Russia.

Everyone thinks he's dead.

Sophia Loren goes to Russia to find him.

She searches all of Russia

and finally finds him. �and?,

Why didn't he come back? He doesn't know.

War changes people. That's how it is.

Some old movie will explain my life?

lt's a nice movie.

Anyway, that actress...

Sophia Loren.

She was great.

l haven't seen it.

A very good actress. Great performance...

ln Spanish, please.

in the second day of the week

''On the 6th day of the month of Elul

in the year 5733

''after the Creation of the Universe...'' When did you say?

Elul 6th, 5733.

''Here in Buenos Aires...''

What date is it in Buenos Aires?

This is Buenos Aires.

The date on the calendars in the mall.

The business date?

August, 1973.

ls that a cut? Yes.

ls it intentional? Yes.

lt symbolizes the end of a marriage.

No one can use it again.

Like circumcision?

Let me explain...

Parents and children always had problems.

lt's such a major source of conflict

that it's one of the Ten Commandments:

''Honor thy father and thy mother.''

grandchildren are a gift from God

for not having killed our children.

Are you listening?

Yes

When did you say my parents divorced?

August, 1973.

When was the Yom Kippur War?

October, 1973.

same year...

Which means that my parents divorced

before the war.

Yes

Before l was born.

Let me go on reading.

''l, Elias Makaroff, son of Joseph and Rachel Liberman

set free henceforth,

of my own free will,

Sonja Malajovich, daughter of Jaime and Bertha Katz.

lrrespective of what you were,

from this day on l set you free

to marry any man you may choose.

No one can deny your free will.

As certified by this bill of divorce,

according to the law of Moses and lsrael.''

Please hurry up, Gerardo!

You're always in a rush.

Mitelman, still here?

Good to see you.

Just working late.

Vilna. We met at the Lithuanian consulate.

She's visiting. Her passport was stolen.

Welcome to Argentina.

She doesn't speak Spanish. But we communicate.

What's wrong?

l wanted to talk to you, but...

Some other time?

Fine.

bye

''Estela''

You OK? Why didn't you call me?

l did.

l left many messages. You never answered.

Many messages? Yes.

l didn't know it was a tragedy.

lt's not. lt's wonderful.

l know. That's just an expression.

l'm glad it happened this way.

You're glad about what?

Us splitting up, you having a baby right away?

No, running into you accidentally.

And we didn't split up, you left.

Or did l dream it?

Yes, you did.

Are you married?

No, l'm not.

We just live together.

How modern, Estela!

ls he a neighbor, an acquaintance,

a disco pal, someone l know?

Ariel, it doesn't matter who he is.

Tell me about you. How are you?

lt's strange.

What? You look...

What?

Nothing.

Say it.

Fatter? No...

A lot fatter.

You look fabulous.

Hi

Hi, Osvaldo! Any news?

Yes, they're paying me tomorrow for the store.

Cash? Yes.

Who's the buyer?

A foreigner. l don't know him.

How do you know he'll pay?

He workswith the Babors' finance company.

They already gave me $3,000. So the rest will come.

They're Americans,

for sure... No one wants to lose $3,000.

Right... Congratulations.

Thanks

Today may be my last meal here.

Shall we order something?

Not for me.

Ariel, l invite you to the bar.

l never eat there.

Why not? The mayo is rancid.

Your father's story!

That's a very old story. Who told you?

My dear mother. Please.

The bar's under new ownership.

l remember it very well.

He ordered a sandwich,

bit into it, and said the mayo was...

So he asked for the jar.

When he saw the expiration date,

he smashed it on the table.

A real mess.

Right...

You remember anything else?

No, nothing else.

Ariel, please...

That's all l remember.

lt's alright.

Order something and eat it here.

No, l'll go eat out.

Anyway, no one's come in for hours.

See you.

Go on, Ramon!

Go on, Ramon!

How was it? Not bad.

Have your hair cut at my wife's shop.

You're all sweaty... Martha, cut Ramon's hair!

Martha, cut Ramon's hair!

What for?

Aerodynamics, the wind...

And he'll be lighter.

Ok.

What are they wearing? You believe in that?

The Koreans?

lt's a way of integrating them into the mall.

We never invite them

for a barbecue or anything.

They're taping the race for us

You never been to their shop?

Yes

lt's full of energy!

Good energy?

Bye, kid.

Hi.

How are the bees? Fine. And your fabrics?

Ramon! What're you doing there?

Getting a haircut.

l'll bring him back later.

Are you eating well?

You been training? For quite a while.

Ready for the race?

Yes, fine.

He's ready for the race?

ln your case...

Did you come here with your folks?

No, we came on our own.

Why did you come?

We couldn't get married there.

Why not?

Because... lt's a long story,

but here we could.

l see...

What do you like about this country?

You don't know.

You learnt Feng Shui there?

No, here. Here?

That's good.

Why?

Dunno...

ls there anything you want to tell me?

We couldn't...

Now we can marry there...

So we came...

For nothing.

So you're married.

Yes...

Would you like a cup of tea?

No. Nothing?

No thanks.

At least we've talked. Yes.

Good morning. How are you?

Are these made of paper?

Yes

They cost 2.20?

Now that l'm leaving, everything looks different.

As if l didn't belong here any more.

As if it was all a memory now.

l feel like a tourist...

wandering around a city, just window-shopping...

knowing they won't buy anything

''Ramon vs. The Peruvian. Sunday, 9AM.''

Here's Ramon!

The Peruvian!

Have you met Adelaide?

She's lovely. lt's OK.

Marcos, Joseph

How much? 12 lbs.

Mitelman, Mitelman

Be fast, very fast.

My girlfriend Your girlfriend?

What does it say?

That way? No, that way!

Look where l took you, Grandma?

�Go Ram�n!�Ramon!,

�Ram�n!, �Ram�n!, �Ram�n!

�Go Ram�n!

Ariel! How are you?

Vilna's leaving.

Vilna, Ariel...

We've met.

Bye, Vilna, take care.

What did she say?

You look terrible,and want to talk to me.

She'll call me later.

She's a fabulous chick.

You want to talk?

Yes

No one goes to war to fight for ''ideals'',

even to ''change the world''.

Hunger, cold, mud...

your only fun is drinking dirty water,

sleepless nights, afraid of death...

Who goes to war for ideals?

Leaving your family for that, you gotta be nuts,

the ideals must be really big

you have to be crazy or a son of a bitch

i see their faces, but if they

are happy with their lifes, ok

but if they left,

it means they were fed up with family life.

Aged 15, l saw Dad with a woman.

lt was a terrible experience!

Something l couldn't tell Mom.

Another time he was with a tall brunette,

a knock-out!

Some he even introduced to me.

Laura, the sociologist.

Maria, the veterinarian.

That's the kind of character he was.

l think that when you have a steady job,

a home with a wife and kids,

life becomes predictable:

the only surprise is your own death.

Why did l leave Estela?

l met her when we were 10 or 12.

We were like one person. lt was great.

We spent 10 years together,

half our lives.

�Do you know which is the problem?

l felt it was a rut, that ended inevitably in death.

The next 50 years

would be like the first 10.

l'm ajerk: now l know l'll die anyway,

but she won't be stroking my hair.

Tell me about Elias.

The hero came home with only one arm!

He could've warned us!

Almost ruined the party,

l mean the race.

Who won?

The Peruvian. But Joseph's appealing.

lf he'd come home with both arms,

he could've

helped us raise the winner's arms, or something.

He can play this with one hand. l'll play like him.

One hand! lt's this one.

lt's this one.

Give it to me. Close the drawer.

Close it, this is the one.

You want to see it?

OK.

Ariel! , Are you trying to kill me?

Why didn't you say you weren't coming home?

Kill me.

Kill me so l won't suffer any more.

Come on, Mom.

what are you doing, mom?

Put it back. l won't kill you with your lekach knife.

Why didn't you call?

l can't sleep if you don't call.

all night awake

l forgot.

l fell asleep watching ''Sunflower''.

You saw it?

Great film. Put me to sleep.

And

lt's not the first time l got home late.

You've gone nuts. What's up?

Nothing at all.

You'll see when you have kids.

Who says l'll have kids?

No.

l see...ln that case...

Kill me now, please.

Please, Mom.

Kill me.

Won't you ever learn? You get married,

have kids, get divorced, then you expect your kids to have kids?

We love life.

Really?

Why didn't you say Elias was coming?

l don't know

You knew perfectly well Dad was coming, right?

lt was no accident that, in central B.A.,

lt was no accident that, in central B.A.,

a one-armed guy comes from lsrael,

and shows up at the race!

You told him about it. But you didn't tell me.

You spent the week crying...

running around buying blouses,

digging up a suitor. That's not like you.

What happened?

Why didn't you tell me? When did you know?

Last Monday, when he called.

Why didn't you tell me?

l didn't want to disappoint you.

l thought he might not come.

You've been through enough.

No.

With you it never ends.

You knew, but didn't tell me.

l hope you'll understand.

No, l can't.

You can't...

Have you seen him?

No, we talked on the phone.

He always calls.

Where is he staying? With Uncle Eduardo.

ls he there now?

Yes. He and Joseph are going to the cemetery

tomorrow to see your grandparents.

My grandparents?

Your father's parents.

Grandpa loved coming to the beach with us.

thought that was terrific,

because he could be with you.

''An ancestral scream''

We were all there.

Suddenly, Joseph ran up in tears.

''He's lost! Ariel's lost!''

Where can he be? We looked for you evehere.

We started clapping. We were at La Perla,

but you didn't know the name of the beach.

You were very little. So cute, with curly hair...

So what happened?

l heard the clapping.

You did? l didn't know where you were.

l walked all along the beach,

but l couldn't find you.

Then l really started to panic, because time was passing,

and l couldn't find you anywhere!

So l walked onand l met a girl, a lifeguard.

She told me she'd found you, put you on her shoulders,

and started clapping...

But l got there too late. A photographer

had suggested taking you to the hotel. You remembered the name of the hotel.

No, l didn't. Yes.

l remembered

it had a painting of the sea on it, lt had palm trees on the front.

But you knew it was Playa grnade. No l didn't know, someone told me, these was Playa grande

They sent me there... They had some palms, at the font...

Yes, what hapened there... so they sent you there...

They thought it was the best place Because someone

was bound to find you there. lt's a safe place.

Then you arrived? Look...

You were sitting there drinking milk, with the bread and butter you loved,

and your curly hair... And l screamed so loud...

lt was Biblical, an ancestral scream.

Please, Mom. l couldn't believe it.

l hugged you, l kissed you, your curly hair...

l remember your scream. You do?

And then...

l can't relive that moment, because it...

Then don't. Don't relive it.

lt hurts me, it makes me...

No! Now l remember.

What happened was that l thought

you'd started walking along the sand thinking it was the desert where your dad had gone.

No, Mom.

l was 4, l knew l was at the beach

and l didn't know lsrael had a desert. Maybe

you were looking for him. l was looking for plastic glasses.

How did l get on with Grandpa?

He loved you, but you hated him.

Why didn't he talk about Elias?

He did, but you changed the subject.

You weren't interested.

Not at all!l asked him, but he wouldn't answer.

No, you didn't want to know.

l asked him! l wanted to know about Elias.

Then go meet him.Want to know about him? Get to know him.

We just have to organize it. Come over for an hour...

Can l help you? Coffee, a sandwich?

Saligani wants to see you. The old guy?

Yes, he wants to talk to you.

l'm leaving. l'm going to open up.

ls he your dad? Yes, sometimes.

Listen...l've spent hours trying to fix this thing.

l've spent hours trying to fix this thing.

l've fixed them for over 20 years.But l can't fix this one. Who brought you this junk?

lt's not junk, it's an antique. Well worth fixing.

lt's not the machine's fault, it's mine.

Which reminds me of something that happened

about 25 years ago. One day a strange guy came in.

He had 30 radios to fix. Those little Swiss radios with a leather cover.

He started bringing 30 a week, the same model,

but with different problems. l managed to fix each one in a few minutes.

l don't get it... l didn't, either.

He always paid in advance, 30 radios a week.

My kids were just babies. But one day the last radio,

l couldn't fix it. l spent the whole day trying,

but l couldn't fix the damn thing. l wanted to smash it.

l went to the bathroom to wash my face. When l came back, who do l see?

Your father was listening to the radio. l said: ''What are you doing?''

''l passed by, the door was open, who knows, you might get robbed?''

He was listening to that radio! The one that didn't work!

The next day all 30 radios were fixed! Unbelievable.

l want to ask you a favor. l'm going out.

Can you wait here a minute and press the Play button? Could you?

You want me to press Play. Just like your father. Can you?

Thanks, kid.

Shall l close the store? Just push. Damn door closes it self...

lf you're listening to thisit's because of another Makaroff miracle.

You probably pressed Play with your right hand. l don't have mine any more,but you do.

l did great things with that hand. l smashed a mayo jar in the bar,

l fixed an old radio, and other things l can't tell you ln the war.

But l didn't do the most important thing with that hand.

Extending it to you. l'm waiting for you, son. You're the only thing that matters to me.

lf this tape is running...

''Not being Polish''

This is for the passport. l don't need it now.

When l need it, l'll stop by.

l'll keep it for you. l've been thinking, Grandma.

About what? About Elias.

My father,your daughter's husband. Yes, l know. What do you think?

l'm not like him, am l? There's a similarity...

l don't mean that...

Am l being a coward by leaving? You haven't left yet.

lt's just...What's happening is that l'm curious,

l want to ask him things, but l don't want to see him.

Let him see you.

How did you manage to live so long?

l still don't know.

When we escaped from the ghetto and came to Argentina, we had nothing.

ln Warsaw, l sang in a club... You sang?

Yes, but when we settled here, Grandpa didn't want me to sing any more.

Why not? lt reminded him of the horrors.

His family, friends who were no longer alive...

So he wouldn't suffer, l sang silently, for myself.

l loved singing, but l just sang in my mind.

When he died, l bought this tiny piano.

lt's a toy, but l can sing with it.

Want to hear? l'd love to.

l'm going.To the store across the way.

The store across the way?

l bought it from Osvaldo. l'm staying in Argentina.

You are? lnteresting.

You bastard. You come and go, screw everyone...

l had to leave.

And l couldn't come back.

You couldn't... You went to save all the Jews in the world, except one.

except one.

You cut a baby's dick,

knowing you wouldn't stay...

Did l overdo it, Mom?

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Just something...

now that your father's back. Something l remember,

l was... l was very young then.

What are you talking about?

Something that made me feel good, flattered, attractive...

lt only happened once.l told your father a year later, and he...

What's all this?

He asked me for a divorce. l agreed.

And he left. You cheated on him?

l told him.

hat happened with Osvaldo.

To me, it wasn't important.

You cheated on Dad with Osvaldo?

A fling...

Wait, wait...

Osvaldo, the stationery man?

Yes, him.

You mean Osvaldo?

Just a fling.

You're all nuts.

Maybe you're right.

How could you...With him? Osvaldo, the stationery man.

Why did you do it?

lt didn't last.

Are you in love with him?

Of course not, he's non-existant!

he other day... You cried because he's leaving.

What's happened?

He's a life-long neighbor. We talk, we eat lekach,

have tea. He's just a neighbor!

Whose son am l?

Hold it. You're Elias' son.

The son of Elias. You're his flesh and blood.

lt's OK, Mom.

You live your life as you please...

Ariel, come here!

Don't leave me like this.

Elias' arrival didn't change much

''Babel Shoes''

His wife still cuts hair.

The Kims got an offer from the Korean mall,

but stayed with us.

The Levins have gone, but not due to Elias.One died,

l'm not sure which. The other closed up shop.

Rita is still with the old man.

Know what l don't like? What?

People always whisper about us.

Don't worry about it. lt bothers me.

Mitelman couldn't proveh is Lithuanian ancestry. He'll have to marry to become European.

Now Vilna is his secretary, in his travel agency.

He fears she'll end up looking like Fanny.

l don't think so.

Osvaldo couldn't stand selling his store. He has identity problems now.

l'm Osvaldo, from ''Osvaldo Stationery''.

He tells his story over and over. ln the end he had a story, too.

As for Mom... She's still dancing.

Joseph had no luck with the bees.Elias got him a European queen bee, but it didn't mingle.

He says the bee was anti-Semitic.

Ramon keeps training. He wants a return match.

Grandma sings. She hasn't stopped since she told me her story.

She wants to be a professional singer.

My life has changed, too.

Today l had a sandwich at the bar.

l think she did it out of fear.

Fear of being with one man all her life,

which must have made her feel she'd missed out on something important,

that was only a step away. But who knows...

No, with Osvaldo, it's unthinkable.

They can cheat on you with anyone.

That's not the problem. The point is how to go on living.

l didn't manage. l owe you an apology for that.

Don't worry about Osvaldo. l offered him ajob at the store.

As a clerk. How could you?

He turned me down.

l need a light. May l?

Sure.

We're revamping the ''Elias Creations'' sign.

it hapens that we didn't think of nothing yet

lt's not just to honor you...

Your brother.

Right.

Look. From the best shoe store here: ''Babel''.

Your uncle sends them to me in lsrael. They last 10 years.

These didn't, they wore out much sooner.

Look at them. Does that store still exist?

l think so, unless they just closed.

Shall we go? l need a new pair.

l only have 15 minutes, but let's go.

Shall we go?

l had a dream last night. l dreamt l was a father.

Not that l had lots of kids. lt was closer to a feeling.

Like when you dream you're falling, or flying.

A feeling of wanting to hug someone, but not knowing why.