Original subtitles

HAPPY HE WHO LIKE ULYSSES...

It's not that far. Tomorrow, you'll spend the night at Marcellin's.

Sunday you'll be in Arles and you'll come back by bus.

Maurice, another one.

That'll be the last one.

Why the last one? What's that supposed to mean?

I'll decide if I have another pastis or not.

Do you know what my boss said? "Do your job and shut up."

I'm the boss here. Serve me and shut up.

Alright, but you already had eleven.

Then you can pour me number twelve.

What's wrong? You never drink alone. -Drink with me then.

You know I don't drink anymore.

When you still did, you were always gone after 5 drinks.

You'd rather watch other people drink, so you started a bar. Thirteen.

You clearly want to give me a hard time. Go ahead.

But at least explain why. -Antonin, Maurice's right this time.

He just wants to know what's wrong with you.

His business is the throat, not the heart.

How do they do it, those who come here to forget?

What did Victor do when his wife ran off with the melon merchant...

and he stayed drunk for two weeks?

He drank and didn't forget anything.

Some drink because they're being cheated, others because they're married.

And I because I'm a big loser and I've lost big time today.

Thirteen. -No.

What no? -No.

Goodbye.

Have a drink with me? -Here? Never again.

When they treat me rudely, that's it. Come with me to L�on.

I haven't been there in 12 years. -Then we can't drink together.

A pastis. -Hello, Antonin.

I've never seen Antonin like that. -He's in a terrible state.

We're playing a game of p�tanque on Patron Saint's Day, aren't we?

I don't know. Sunday, I'll be in Arles.

For fun? -No, work.

Are you going to the bullfight? -I haven't been there for years.

I remember how you were making fun of it in the bar here.

I was young then. -I'll take you there on Sunday.

Bullfighting's barbaric.

What kind of Scandinavian idea is that?

Bullfighting's art. Look, feet next to each other.

Like a dancer, but one who risks his life at every step.

Maybe Antonin feels sorry for the bull. Poor thing.

Have you ever thought about the horse?

The horses are well protected these days.

Is that so? I'll protect you on Sunday and send you after the bull.

Blindfolded.

Are you in a bad mood or what happened to you?

I just don't like mean behaviour.

You've seen so many horses that were put down.

That's in the past, in the slaughterhouse. Damn!

You should be red with shame, Marianne. You made my life miserable.

My father died on your battlefield, during WW I.

And I was a prisoner during WO II. And can you tell me why?

He's being disrespectful to the Republic!

You should be red with shame. You and your representatives.

They should make a law against injustice.

Hello, Yvon. You're doing well, aren't you?

My first customers in three days. Do you believe in miracles?

Lord... never mind.

Lord, for the good of the horse. Please, Lord.

Lord? I mean, boss...

I can't get used to the idea that you're sending that old horse into the ring.

That's the first time I hear it. Are you sorry for him? You've been drinking.

Yes, to stop feeling sorry for him. But I can't.

I could bring him to the butcher as well.

That's the same thing.

He can enter the ring five times, but then his belly will be ripped open.

It would prolong his life a bit, so you have time to forget about him.

Don't be silly, Antonin. -Yes, Ulysses and I are two fools.

Why don't you let me die as well?

Unbelievable, how dare you? He acts as if we're a bunch of savages.

Did we ever treat you badly in all those 40 years of service?

But even if you live until a hundred, I won't look after you.

We know the difference between man and animal.

Why don't you treat an animal the way you treat a person?

Ulysses is more or less his companion.

For 25 years. Do you know what people in the village say?

We don 't care what people say. -Absolutely not. What do they say?

Nothing bad. When I talk about Ulysses, I sometimes call him 'my son'.

Then I say: Come, my son... As a manner of speech.

As a result, people think he's really my son.

They even say we've started to look alike.

Life is hard, not us. -Listen to her.

Life is what it is, but I don't have to accept it.

It's unbelievable. All over an old horse.

I can't afford city sensitivities.

What were you hoping when you came here?

If I had savings, I'd buy Ulysses back, but I don't.

I have a proposition.

I'll work overtime and buy Ulysses back bit by bit.

And I'll take your money while you work yourself into the ground for an animal.

I'm ashamed already. Go on.

If you don't want to bring him, I will.

No, I'll do it myself. -He's missing a shoe, by the way.

I'll remember. I'll go see Firmin first.

If only I had savings.

Those two balls were given to me by the chairman...

when I won the championship.

Someone from the village really wanted to buy them from me.

But I said no. Stupid fool.

Are you going to let me sleep now?

Silence.

What did I just dream?

I have to hurry.

Good morning, Antonin. -I don't know you.

Where are you taking him? -I'm taking him to the stable.

Don't you say hello? -No.

Can your horse go into a one-way street?

And your sister? What can she do?

Are you sober again? -I wasn't drunk.

Flat tyre? -Yes, rear left.

Is your father there? -Yes, at the back.

Is your horse thirsty? -Idiot.

Dad, work.

Everything alright? -Ulysses needs a shoe.

Tie him down. I'm coming.

Go chase the flies. Yvon's selling his last horses.

It wasn't profitable. There's also less work for farriers.

Ulysses could be my last customer.

How old is he? -28.

Some horses live until 40 without a problem.

40 years? -Is it Antonin? Does he want breakfast?

My wife asks if you want breakfast. -No, thanks, I'm not hungry.

Tell him I'm bringing coffee. -She's bringing you coffee.

Your mother, I'm off. -She won't hurt you.

No, but she can get angry.

What race is he? -He's a Camargue horse.

I dreamt about the Camargue last night.

Drink it while it's hot. -Thank you, Mathilde.

Yes, the Vaccar�s, the lake of the Camargue.

Strange. I could have sworn.

Why does Ulysses have a bandage?

He's got water on the knee. He once broke his leg. Now he has rheumatism.

Same as me. -And the same leg.

Your son's very funny. -People don't have any sympathy anymore.

Be glad you don't have children.

How did it happen? -During a race.

Was he a racehorse? -Sometimes.

In big races? -Not that big.

It was in the village. It was between two horses.

Gillotti's has the longest legs. -But Pascal's has more power.

It's all fine with me, but drinks are on the loser.

Drinks for the whole village? -Yes, that was the deal.

Once around Jouval's property, in front of the rocks...

turn around at the Pernod advertisement and back via the factory and the creek.

Three kilometres, drinks are on the loser.

Wait for the starting shot.

Pascal's horse has fallen. He's not standing up.

Did he break anything?

Did you cure his leg? -No, the vet set it.

But after that it was up to me. My boss didn't want to pay for anything.

He wanted to have him slaughtered. Back then even.

I slept with him for three months, in the hay.

I had a special treatment.

When it all became too much for him, I tried to cheer him up.

He saved him. Ever since, he's a horse with a handicap. That's life.

When you talk to my dad, you'll spend a morning talking about a horse.

Is my horse bothering you? Don't worry, you won't see him again.

Do you know where I'm taking him, idiot?

To Arles. To Petitjean, the bullfighter.

Do you get it now? -How was I supposed to know?

I know what you're thinking. A horse gets old and then what?

I didn't know you'd get angry. -Now you suddenly pity me.

Now you pretend to care. But do you also care about Ulysses?

He, me, you, everybody, we're all made of flesh and blood.

We eat the same, drink the same water and have the same diseases.

The same sun warms us and the same wind cools us.

We're all part of the world's soul.

He and I know that, but you don't. You and many others.

Are you yelling, Antonin? Is it the coffee?

No, the coffee was great.

When I saw you this morning, I thought: He's had a bad dream.

He dreamt about the Camargue. Your son wasn't nice.

Telltale.

Don't listen to that punk.

He's not a bad boy. He just doesn't understand everything, like so many.

Why would you try to explain to people who don't understand anyway?

That's what I was just thinking.

Where are you going? -I won't be gone for long.

Is he angry? -If you come down, I'll explain.

My razor blade.

Money.

And the balls.

Excuse me.

You won't tell, will you? -Don't worry.

Are you still angry?

Angry with you? I don't want an ulcer.

Did he annoy you? I'm not surprised.

Thanks to you I'm not making a mistake. Thank you.

Wait for me. -Don't follow me.

I arrived at the wrong moment. -God's punishing me.

He wants you to learn to solve your own problems.

Do you want her? Do you want the girl? -I sure do, but my parents...

If you really want her, leave together.

Are you coming?

Leave? Just like that?

Life's all about making choices.

I have a sausage and some bread for you. -Thank you, Mathilde.

Your wife makes good coffee. Why don't I have a wife like that?

A woman can do a lot more.

You have quite a journey ahead of you. -And you never know where you'll end up.

'The Great Escape.' Do you hear that, Ulysses? That could be about us.

Hello, Maurice.

Are you not angry anymore? -I've made up with everybody.

Hello, Hector.

Aristide, I wanted to tell you something.

I don't hate your sister. -Thanks.

You don't even have a sister. -You just wanted to get to me.

Keep your eyes focused for one minute on that symbol of the law.

I don't want to get you angry again. Hold his head.

He can't go into that street. -My regards to your sister.

Do you like your new horseshoe?

In the beginning it's uncomfortable and then you get used to it.

It's like having a tooth pulled.

Firmin's a good guy, isn't he? He remembered.

I remember the start well. I gave you my last instructions.

I said: Ulysses...

if you don't beat this old nag, you're not worth your salt.

And then that accident...

The old boar trap broke your leg in half.

We were young. Even something like that can be a good memory.

Happy he who like Ulysses Journeyed far and wide

Happy he who like Ulysses Has seen hundreds of lands

And has regained again The country of his youthful years

On an early summer morning When the sun sings within your heart

Then how fine it is to be free Fine to be free!

When you�re better here than elsewhere When one friend can make you happy

Then how fine it is to be free Fine to be free!

You didn't really think I'd send you into the ring, did you?

Are you asleep? Won't you go any further?

I don't have to carry that bag, do I? Although it's not heavy.

The boss can't say I left richer than I arrived.

See that city? That's Cavaillon.

The market square, remember? Let's have an aperitif there.

A pastis for me and a bucket of water for him.

Mineral water? -No, flat.

With a drop of grenadine. He's got a sweet tooth.

Champion, did you come on horseback? I haven't seen you for a while.

The last time I beat you at p�tanque.

So I'll get my revenge now. A pastis.

Are you still as good? -Yes, but I suffer from rheumatism.

Don't we all? -But I've got it in my right arm.

Pointing is alright, but shooting... -Does it hurt right now?

Sometimes in my elbow, sometimes in my upper arm. Or it extends to my back.

That should work in my favour. -I can't today. Cheers.

I'm walking him. Why wouldn't the poor animal deserve a distraction?

Why does he have to stay in the stable?

We had a festival in the village today.

I don't like all the noise, so I'm showing him the area.

Where are you going? -Les Baux.

I would have liked to go further up, but it's too high.

Will you show him Arles? -He's not interested in big cities.

I'll turn left before Arles. -But that's very far.

At a trot or a gallop? -A gallop. With a few speed changes.

Is that supposed to be your saddle? -I'm not afraid of...

You pay. -But you didn't win.

You would have lost anyway.

This is exactly where the boss and I bought you 25 years ago.

Are you visiting? -You can play for me.

No, I don't have time. -He can't play anymore. Rheumatism...

Hold this. We'll see about that.

You've still got it. -Can I borrow your rheumatism?

There.

Don't walk like a peasant. Walk straight.

Everybody's looking at you. Keep your ears up.

Are you from here? -Sort of.

I was already walking here when there were hardly any cars.

Is it far to Arles? -Are you going to the bullfight?

Not me. It doesn't start until tomorrow, by the way.

How far is it? -Just under four hours on horseback.

And by car?

At your speed, we'll beat you to it. Let's overtake them, Ulysses.

Can you imagine us in a car?

Imagine that I'd be talking to a car the way I talk to you.

He's beautiful. -The gentleman likes you.

What's your horse called? -Ulysses. A Roman name.

No, a Greek name. -No, it's not.

There used to be Romans living in Arles and Nimes.

You there. -Me?

Go ahead. Just you.

Faster.

Very friendly. -It's not about friendliness.

You have right of way, since you're slow traffic.

Excuse me? For a moment, I thought you were treating me like a vehicle.

You are a vehicle, because you're moving.

How would you like it if I compared you to a post?

Do what you want, but don't stay here. People choose their direction here.

That's the thing. I can't choose.

But in the meantime, there are more and more cars waiting.

I won't be able to remember which cars' turn it is.

So you can't choose either. Why is that ok for you, but not for me?

Make up your mind before the intersection, not at the intersection.

You can't honk. You're within city limits.

Yes and we're stuck.

Give me a break. Can't you see how bad it's getting?

You're causing a traffic jam. -Me? Where?

Should I call the gendarmerie and have them remove you forcibly?

Would you like me to replace you here in the meantime?

Would you? That's fine with me. Here's my cap. You can keep it.

What would I do with it? I have my own cap.

It's very funny.

Silence. Silence.

You must be in a pretty bad mood after a day like this.

I'm glad I'm not your wife.

What's going on here?

Apparently, you enjoy annoying the police.

Let the man do his work in peace.

Do you want to wear his cap? I'd like to see you do his job.

There's a hundred people waiting. -And he's all on his own.

To your cars. Hurry. -You're causing a traffic jam.

To your cars. -To your cars.

And drive when I tell you to. -Drive when he tells you to.

And hurry. -And hurry.

It is crazy.

This crossing represents the future for Ulysses and me.

If you want to tell me about your life, my shift ends at 6.

Wait for me in the 'Bar des Ar�nes'. -Never. I prefer 'Le Flamant Rose'.

It represents the entire Camargue and we're going to the Camargue.

Finally, he said it. The Camargue, that way. Go on.

Work comes first. Come on, Ulysses, let's go.

Better get out of the way because when I say so, they'll go for it.

Don't look back or they'll blame me.

Let's pretend nothing's wrong.

That's old, isn't it?

Older than us.

Beautiful, isn't it?

Remember when I talked about Les Baux-de-Provence? That's here.

I'm showing you everything.

I would have liked to take you there, but that's really too far.

Let's spend the night here.

Angels of paradise, cover her with your wings

Up in heaven, spread your cloak above her

And you, fiery summer sun, have mercy on her youth,

Spare her beauty, have mercy on her youth

Spare her beauty

Antonin, we've been waiting for you. Pascal called.

He'll never change. He wanted to rent a stock car for the horse.

He's not stingy, is he?

I heard you're taking him to the bullfighter.

That's a big honour for a Camargue horse. Are you proud?

Who was invited here? Me or him?

You haven't changed. -Yes, I have, I've started to.

You haven't changed for the worse. -Do you think?

If a woman had to choose between us like back in the day...

I might have the bigger chance.

Both now and then, a woman will choose a man who owns a quarry...

over someone who works for a boss. -You're probably right.

And Ginette? -Up there.

Is she still asleep? -No, she got up at five.

On a Sunday? -She says it's the day of luxury.

That's when she washes the white curtains, the delicate work.

So she's a good housewife. -Just like her mother.

To think that poor Francine lived here. That's quite something.

Your daughter must be growing up. -You won't recognise her.

Who does she look like? -Her mother.

I really won't recognise her?

Do you often think of what happened? -Occasionally, yes.

Sometimes I say to myself that I took her away from you.

And then I'm very sorry.

Oh well. The older I get, the more I'm starting to think...

that if you want something...

you'd better just grab it.

That kind of thinking may have big consequences.

Yes, it may lead to happiness.

Hello, Ginette. -Hello, godfather.

You're beautiful. I'm coming up.

Don't worry, I'm coming down.

She looks just like Francine. -She's the spitting image of her mother.

You're lucky, Marcellin.

Dad, can you connect a new gas bottle? This one's empty.

I will. -But not right now.

And don't let everything explode.

She's a sensible girl.

Why is she in every room? -She's airing them out.

A housewife. -Just like her mother.

Will she get married soon? -I don't know.

Is there no boy after her?

Several. Hippies.

Youngsters who camp in the mountains. She goes there in the evenings.

She's modern. -Just like her mother.

I can't wait to give you a hug. -You should have come earlier then.

She says that because Pascal said you'd be here last night.

Is she angry because I didn't come earlier? That's nice.

She's a bit worked up. She's always tense in the mornings.

Ulysses and I felt like sleeping under the stars.

She's sensitive, isn't she? -Just like...

Goddaughter...

So you're a bit angry with me? -No, but I had made cassoulet.

It sat on the hub for 11 hours. I couldn't even give it to the dog.

Come on, I'll only be here for 2 hours.

And what about lunch? I bought enough for two days.

I have until 10 o'clock. -Then we'll eat at 9:30.

Make it a light lunch. -I'm not going to change the menu.

I won't be hungry yet. -Then make yourself hungry.

You were right.

She's a bit tense. -In the mornings.

Does she improve during the day? -Absolutely...

In India, they have prayer wheels. I have a complaint wheel here.

She keeps nagging all day long.

Just like... -Her mother?

Exactly.

The cassoulet had been cooking so long that the beans had become a pulp.

Not to mention the goose meat.

And there was nothing left of the sausages either.

The tripe was black as charcoal.

Even the dog refused to eat it. A waste.

But otherwise he'd have gotten ill and I would have had to look after him.

You were going to defrost the freezer. -What about a maid?

They never last more than a week. -I wonder why.

Eat the stuffed tomatoes. -And you?

I can't eat this early.

The cassoulet's not the worst. Because of you I couldn't see my friends.

The hippies? -Yes.

Do you have anything against hippies? -I think long hair's fine.

If it's clean. -When does the revolution start?

With the guitar. -He doesn't understand a thing.

It's a peaceful, slow revolution. -I wouldn't rely on that.

If you want a revolution, you have to work at it.

Will you start a revolution? -I'm working on it, believe it or not.

I'll get the veal stew.

Wipe your feet on the doormat. You're leaving a trail.

I can't win with her. -But the tomatoes were delicious.

And her veal stew is something special. -I believe it.

Listen, Marcellin. Was Francine as good a cook as she?

Maybe even better. It was terrible.

What did I do? I was stuck with her mother for 12 years.

And now the daughter's taking over. Just like her mother.

What did I do?

You'd connect the gas bottle.

I just said the tomatoes were delicious.

Did he really say that? -They were really very good.

Hurry up a bit or the veal stew will get cold.

You're going out of your way for me.

I don't want you to be telling people you didn't eat well here.

I'll tell everybody you're a great lady of the house.

Just like mummy.

for Francine in loving memory

I had a lucky escape.

'To Francine. In loving memory. Marcellin.'

The liar.

In loving memory...

Look, Alphonse Daudet's mill.

He was a writer, not a miller. 'Mr Seguin's goat'...

'The cur� of Cucugnan', 'the elixir of the Reverend Father'...

What was his name? He was clumsy. Oh yes, Father Gaucher.

Look, the French Republic.

She heard me. She's blushing with shame.

See that ruin over there? It's an old abbey.

Look, Ulysses. That's Montmajour.

Are you stopping? Lazybones.

You only have 3.5 legs. I only have two...

and look how I walk. As if I was young.

Antonin!

What about your bar? -She's now against alcohol.

Did you convert her? -Since yesterday, he acts like a man.

One has to make choices in life. -So you're leaving?

We're just practicing. -It's a trial run.

Arles, 7 kilometres. We're turning off. We're leaving the civilised world.

Up to now, we were alright, but from now on, we're outlaws.

How does it feel? No worse than before, does it?

On a hot summer morning when the road never ends

Then how hard is it to be free

When one follows a destiny looked down upon by respectable folk

Then how hard is it to be free

Beaten by hot sun and by wind Lost in its complex of salt lakes

We will live quite content, my horse, my Camargue and I

My horse, my Camargue and I.

The promised land. The Camargue.

We'll take the boat. You're not scared, are you?

I'll show you all kinds of new things.

Aren't you Antonin? You let me kiss Fanny in Saint-R�my 5 years ago.

Don't you recognise me? Alphonse, the son of Petitjean... the bullfighter.

You've gotten so big. -Did you return from seeing my father?

Pascal said you were delivering a horse. Ah, there he is.

Pascal told us honestly that he limps.

Why did you come from that direction? -I picked him up in the Crau.

We had rented him out. -You look very tired.

We came from there too. We could have taken your horse.

I have to do something first. At a farm, for Pascal.

Is it far? -In Salins-de-Giraud.

Is that why you're crossing? -Yes. And you?

There's a car ready to transport the horses.

Those old nags can't walk to Arles with us on their backs.

We can't take you to Salins unfortunately...

but at least you get rid of your horse.

I promised to deliver him myself.

You're giving him to me. That's fine too.

Then I'll come along. -Didn't you have to do something?

Are you alright? -I wanted to go to Arles.

To Arles? Get in then.

You're a good person. -It doesn't cost me to help you.

You don't see that very often anymore.

What were you doing there?

I had been running because they took my horse.

Was it stolen? -No, the horse is theirs.

But I hardly had time to say goodbye. That horse is sort of my son.

He's my only family.

Did you have to sell him? It's not nice to have to say goodbye to an animal.

Your son, you said. Was he young? -No, 28.

28? For a horse?

I've had several dogs. One after another.

When you say a dog's 3 or 8 years old...

it doesn't mean anything.

You have to convert it to human years.

For dogs, you multiply by 7. A vet told me that.

3 becomes 21, and 7 becomes 49.

That way it makes more sense.

But horses get much older than dogs.

The farrier in my village has seen horses that were close to 40.

Not all of them, of course. -Indeed.

The question is always by how much to multiply for an animal.

Take a raven. My neighbour had one. Tame, of course.

The animal sat on his shoulder and ate from his hand.

Apparently they can live until a 150. Twice as long as a human.

In that case you have to divide by 2.

Hey, you.

I'm here for Petitjean. I don't care about the bullfight.

No, keep the money. Go to Petitjean, but you have 10 minutes.

Keep it as a security. Ten minutes...

I wanted to bring him myself. -My son told me.

Did the trip go well?

He's not going into the ring today, is he?

I don't know how much you made him walk, but he was completely exhausted.

Why do you ask? Out of pity?

I'll give you one good advice. Never get attached to a horse.

I've always made sure of that. Or I would have been in big trouble.

That's what life taught me.

We're beginning.

I'm going. Stand with Antonin near the fence.

It's going to be interesting.

Good luck.

Leave your things here.

Are you coming?

Mind your head.

I don't care about the bullfighting, but you get to look at the girls' legs.

Look, there's Antonin. Near the gate.

Can you believe Antonin? He said he didn't like it.

He's a beautiful animal, isn't he?

Why are they yelling at the bullfighter?

If they're that sorry for the horses, they shouldn't come.

I'm telling you: the customer's as guilty as the butcher.

Antonin. He's gone.

Tiring, isn't it? I can't help it. It's for your own good.

I need to find a spot where we can spend the night.

What will they think in the village when they find out?

Do you understand what I did for you, old horse?

I'd better not think about it.

I can take you back to where you came from.

They won't find you there.

But if I have to spend the rest of my life in prison, it had better be here.

Thank you, Petitjean.

Bye.

It can't be true.

You're not going to leave me now, are you, Ulysses?

Now that we're almost there.

What's wrong with him, sir. -I don't know.

Maybe he has pneumonia or a bowel infection.

Are you looking after him? -I'm only trying to keep him warm.

You're blocking the sun from him. -I don't want him to get sunstroke.

We have to make a fire for the night.

You're right.

We have to make a fire for him.

Do you love your horse a lot? -Definitely.

The other day, my boss said to me...

"Antonin, that horse is getting very old. It's useless.

If you want, you can have him."

I want him to be free, among the wild horses.

I'll build a cabin near him.

Do you play p�tanque? -My dad taught me. He's very good.

They gave me these when I won the championship.

They're beautiful. -Yes, but the thing is...

I can't play anymore. I miss almost everything.

I have rheumatism and pains in my arm.

Come, you've got to go home, son.

Wait. I want this to be a secret between you and me.

Do you promise? -Yes.

Can I come back? -Yes, you can.

See you tomorrow.

Beautiful fireworks. -I keep thinking of Antonin.

Have you heard? Antonin has disappeared.

You didn't tell anybody, did you? -Absolutely not.

Nobody knows where Antonin is. -Except us.

You gave me a fright.

But when you'll have recovered completely, I'll have my revenge.

Old boy...

Happy he who like Ulysses Journeyed far and wide

Happy he who like Ulysses Has seen hundreds of lands

And has regained again The country of his youthful years

On an early summer morning When the sun sings within your heart

Then how fine it is to be free Fine to be free!

When you�re better here than elsewhere When one friend can make you happy

Then how fine it is to be free Fine to be free!

Beaten by hot sun and by wind Lost in its complex of salt lakes

We will live quite content, my horse, my Camargue and I

My horse, my Camargue and I.