Original subtitles

Just Beyond This Forest

Starring

Editing

Sound

Music

Cinematography

Directed By

Warsaw Ghetto, 1942

Thank God, come in.

Boil some water.

Tea?

I won't say no.

We still have water.

Won't you say hello?

She's forgotten you, She's on the edge.

So I see...

Rutka, please.

Was the pass alright?

It got me in.

They promised an authentic job.

So, we have a deal.

I don't know.

But dear Mrs. Kulgawcowa...

Mrs. Stern! I can return the money.

But you agreed.

Mrs. Stern! It's her appearance.

But you agreed.

Sure, and pigs can fly. Sounds easy, doesn't it?

You people aren't caring, but I do. Everybody wants to live, don't they?

Money... What makes you think I need money?

Typically Jewish thinking.

Please sit down. Tea...

Kulgawcowa, how long have we known each other?

It has nothing to do...

It has. Long enough to know you're good, decent person.

So is everybody.

Do you know what you get for hiding Jews?

I'll pray for you as long as I live.

As long as you live?

As long as I live.

Please, don't be angry at me, she's my only child.

Mrs. Stern. I' am mother too. Am I not?

Just a minute! What is it?

That's her father... and that's her grandfather.

I can see it's not the bishop, pardon my French.

For god's sake... it shows to much. All Jews...

Hey, little, if you want to die it won't be with me.

Rutka, my love. You can take it later, after the war.

It's even better. It won't be damaged.

All this will blow over. The war will soon be over.

The Germans will clear out.

Mrs. Kulgawcowa, please tell me s something about these people.

What's the point when you don't know them?

Are they... will they be kind to her?

Of course, of course.

Mrs. Kulgawcowa, we're not talking about a tub of laundry.

She's my only child. All I have.

Mrs. Stern, this wasn't my idea.

I meant no offense.

Lay off me! I'm not made of stone either! Questions, suspicions...

A thief gets less of a going over!

You got me wrong! I didn't mean to offend you.

I remember you liked this raincoat?

What's to like? Coats are for wearing.

It'll be just right for you.

I'm not picky.

Then, take it and good luck.

I can take it if you insist.

What else? What else?

This should fit too.

Maybe this, and that...

Mrs. Stern, I'm not a down and out.

This is all good stuff, pity to waste it.

Rutka, got all your belongings?

She's all packed.

Good, I'd hate to come back. Papers?

Here...

Very phony?

Of course not! Genuine. Solid. The real thing.

Jamroz - Janina, Zofia. That's good, my girl's Janina too.

So I won't get it too wrong. From now on you're Jancia - good?

Remember. And for God's sake, forget Rutka.

You'd sign death warrant for Rutka.

No, no, it's not necessary.

It'll come in handy.

Well, Jaska took mine. Hers is being fixed.

Anyway, you can always return it.

Who to, I wonder.

We can worry about that later.

Will you visit me, mommy?

Sure she will, sure.

Why don't you want to come now?

It's best.

You have very good loving mother, you know Rutka?

You are the most important thing to live. Mrs. Stern.

You'll see, she won't want to come back home after the war.

I will.

Then, you will come back.

Say goodbye to your Mother nicely.

My God, it's very late!

Well, Mrs. Stern, see you in happier times.

What's evil - not me!

Come on now, what are you doing?

You can thank me later.

Please calm down, Mrs. Stern.

Hey, you! Papers are sacred. I'll keep them. Come along.

Mrs. Stern, You'll see. Everything will be fine.

Things are never that bad, to not be good - right?

Come back safe and sound.

Come along, Rutka.

Get a move on! Faster!

No!

Come on, you clunk!

I don't want to!

Listen, Rutka. If they get on to us, they may let you go alive,

But they will take Mrs. Stern.

They will take away your Mommy, and you will be left stuck with me forever.

What are you doing? You stick with me all the time, you hear me?

I stay, you stay - I go, you go.

Go on.

Good evening, Mrs. Kulgawcowa.

Good evening

Worse than a smokehouse!

Gotten delicate all of a sudden?

Who's complaining?

I forgot to tell you, we have a guest.

So I see.

Don't you recognize Dr. Stern's girl? You know her, don't you?

Why did you bring Jewish girl here?

Jaska, don't you ever use that word around here!

How did you get her here anyway?

Through the law courts. Piece of cake.

But first you need to eat something.

There are some Pierogis left over...

What a hustle, never a day's peace.

Al right, all right...

Did you take a good look at her?

Can't you see what she looks like?

Oh, shut up.

Come.

No, thank you.

What, not used to simple cooking?

Shut your mouth!

OK, there'll be more for us.

Oh no, there won't.

Come here Jancia. Tuck in.

Go on.

You'll share the bed.

If she doesn't mind.

Jancia, bedtime.

Lay down.

And you? No prayers?

Come on, show how you pray.

Don't be shy.

Go on, sway.

Rutka, If you need to go to privy, just wake me. It's hard to find.

I won't need to.

That's what they all say. Good night girls.

Good night.

Good night.

Mom?

What?

How much did she pay you?

You're not taking it all with you?

What do you need money for?

I need them.

- A wedding maybe?

I'm in no hurry.

Which one of them insist?

Take her back tomorrow and that'll be all.

What about the money? Do you want me to give it back just like that?

A lot of good it'll do her.

Too bad, my child.

There are other ways...

Such as?

Don't play dumb.

Jaska...

Jaska.

What?

Shut up or I'll strangle you!

Jesus Mary! You're so thoughtless.

What makes you so compassionate all of the sudden?

It's Mrs. Stern's child!

You've cursed her often enough.

That's my business!

Why are you so worried? Eating your heart out.

Who'd have thought it? Sticking your neck out for a Jews.

Too bad. They're also human.

So you're a Jews lover.

Come on.

You've slaved enough for them.

Stop running of at that mouth.

I might lose my temper and thump you. You don't need that.

I have two hands, too.

How dare you say like this to your mother?

Stop yelling or you'll wake her.

So what? That Jewish girl's keeping me awake too.

Mom?

What?

Where have you hidden the money?

Mom?

Let me sleep!

But suppose something happens to you? Tell me.

O!

I'll find it. All the more for me.

Find it, find it! You'll turn gray first.

You'll regret this!

If I don't regret having you - I won't regret anything at all.

Is it morning? Time to get up?

Not yet.

Why aren't you asleep?

She's watching us.

My God! I'll never get a wink of sleep.

Get up, Jancia.

Wash your face - it'll fresh you up.

Go back to sleep. It's been rough night.

See if she knows "Our Father"

Can't you?

Sure. Hey you?

What's your name?

Full name?

Janina Zofia Jamroz.

Surname First! Jamroz - Janina Zofia.

Where are you going?

To Liszki.

Why?

To visit Pawel Filka.

What?

Filka Pawel.

Your godfather.

Who else he lives there?

His wife Kazimiera, son Stanislaw and...

That'll do.

Now, who am I?

- My grandmother Matilda.

- You're smart.

They all are.

Shut your mouth.

So help me, this is all we needed.

Not dressing? What's the matter with you?

You picked a fine time.

I told you.

Don't play with me, snap out of it, kid.

She will give you time of your life.

We'll go to the country and then we'll fetch your mommy.

Really?

You can bet on it!

When?

Whenever.

Let's go Jancia.

We'll eat on the way. It's late.

Are you crazy? You're drinking on empty stomach?

Just a little.

But you shouldn't before a journey.

Where is it written? And in what ink?

The watch!

What for?

Don't worry, let's have it.

There is a clock at the station.

And on the train you could ask.

Jaska, no thieving now.

You slut, you!

We'll talk when you get back.

Are you threatening me?

You don't like it? Then find another place to live.

My nerves are all shot.

Nerves, nerves.

Forget about the money. You'll never find it.

Even if you shit yourself!

- How much?

- Dirt cheap.

Look at the color, the quality.

Beautiful stuff!

How much?!

One pair or two? There's a discount.

No thanks.

Then stop wasting my time!

A little more civility, if you please.

The customer changed her mind. That's her right.

Going far?

To my family. For some fresh air.

Good idea. That's what summer's for.

Here is the place! Quick!

A stork! See it Jancia?

A stork! See it Jancia?

How stuck up he is?

There's another.

Ever seen a stork before?

Where would she? Downtown?

But she knows a stork brought her, doesn't she?

Don't talk dirty in front of the children.

Storks are very smart. They'll follow a frog into a swamp.

Put him out then.

My point is how greedy they are, Running over the grass, slurping, wading.

Can't live on air, can you?

We're all rational.

Stands to reason.

We have to be.

Stork are said to be vindictive.

Normally, no. They're not mean, but try messing with their nests...

They retaliate?

And how! With fire!

That's right.

Seeing is believing.

Please, have some.

Strong.

But good for you.

To our children having healthy parents!

- A snack would come in handy.

Wouldn't it?

Well, let have another.

No, no. I'd better not.

One doesn't count. Believe me.

Damn right.

OK.

I'm the one talking to the lady. Get me?

- Nothing to eat.

- Can't be helped.

Traveling without food?

How do you know we're going far?

A cagey female.

What of it?

Nothing, nothing. That's the way to be.

Boleslaw's the name.

How do you do? And you?

Stanislawa.

Stanislawa what?

Did you tell me yours? You did not.

You don't miss a trick. But have not fear. Daughter?

Get away. Granddaughter.

That's why she's so unlike you. Kind of dark.

Why isn't your wife with you?

Come off it. Honestly, I am a single man.

I bet.

I'd happily marry.

The life a single man makes no sense and cuts no ice.

What's stopping you?

No woman wants me.

Maybe they suspect?

Suspect what?

Unfaithfulness, say?

You know what they say? If there's soup for two, there's soup for four.

Right! Is a cat satisfied with one mouse hold?

You get good husband.

I'm not saying I'd be a bad one.

Sure.

Sure I wouldn't be, or sure I would be?

Anyone can brag.

You seem to have been around.

I've had my ups and downs alright.

Never say die. There's another older woman still raising hell. I know women.

Are you always so cheerful?

Hell no. If I blow my top windows get smashed.

But I repair them too. I'm a jack of all trades.

Even tailoring.

You're joking.

I swear. I can do carpentry. I've built stoves.

At a pinch I can sole shoes.

Your wife's lucky.

She will, sweetheart, she will. On the other side,

I'm the jealous type. Categorically.

Why? They're not soap, lathering won't harm them.

Or taxies with meters ticking.

You have a disagreeable manner.

What's wrong with it?

No respect for women.

For goodness sake, calm down I'm sure he meant no harm.

He didn't? That's all right then.

Jancia? Watching over me?

Seeing I don't get drunk?

She's careful.

Knows her grandma obviously.

Don't get above yourself.

Don't you queen over me.

Don't even try!

You know, she does look untypical.

Her father was very dark.

Black hair isn't healthy these days.

What nonsense! What about Hitler?

Exactly.

But no likeness.

Must there be?

Suppose I didn't believe you.

Rinse those dangerous ideas out.

What does your wife do for a living?

I told you I don't have a wife.

She left me.

I'll bet. Just for today more like.

I means it. She must have found someone better.

That's too bad.

Yes, dear lady. Could I compete with him and his company?

What did I have? Only my manhood.

Any one can brag.

No law against it, is there?

Behind the squire comes a Jew, hop, hop. And behind the Jew his little Jewish daughter.

What gives? Take your hands off the child?

They're tougher than us.

What do I care about Jews?

They crucified Jesus. And that's why the German's are punishing them.

As though they cared about Jesus.

Yes. But why did they do that to Jesus?

Why don't you tell us?

It was so many centuries ago there must be books about that.

You're smart, young lady. In better times I'd say you had a Jewish head.

Hey, stop kidding, OK?

I know this is not healthy...

Right, right.

But all friends here!

We could use tasty meal, huh?

Know what I cook best? Stew, Haslet...

Mince...

No, that's no dish for a man.

Han hocks are more like it, right?

Careful or I'll come and try your cooking.

Promises, promises...

How about it?

You need someone younger.

There I disagree, categorically.

Give me your address.

Come on!

You're not that young.

Look who's talking.

No offence. Am I being dishonest with you?

There's nothing worse than dishonesty between people.

There you're right.

I usually am.

Where'd we be if we can't be honest with one another?

Give me your address.

Come on now.

I require a woman of experience. As I've said before, what I need for a woman is understanding.

Must be a station.

Something's up.

Germans.

You were going to give me your address.

Another time!

No goodbyes? You're snubbing me.

Are you crazy? Now?

Slow down, momma.

Who are you calling your momma?

My Jewish momma.

- What did you say?

- Money!

What money? What money? Get lost, you scum or I'll...

Call the police?

Don't you believe in God?

Leave him out of it.

You filth.

I'll smash your teeth in!

She's not Jewish! She's not!

In that case the police will let her go.

For God's sake, you bastard!

I swear on our Lady's tears!

Pay up!

How much?

All you have.

Let's go sweetheart.

I won't let you.

Then you'll go too.

All because of those Jews, God rot them!

You should have thought of that before.

I don't have any money. See?

That's the ticket. I'm dirt poor.

I have a child to support.

For the last time, pay up!

How much?

How much? The lot!

You Gestapo man!

I hope the Jews flay you alive!

You spawn of Satan! Sitting in judgment!

Just you wait! The people will try vermin like you.

And I'll put the noose around your neck myself!

What's all this fuss about?

She won't pay?

You bastard! You too?

Want a piece of the action?

Maybe all of it?

Beat it or you get this!

Off you go.

Get going!

I won't let you take her.

Quiet!

How much?

Are you out of your mind?

Go before the Germans get here.

With her features you really do need luck to escape extortionists.

Get going woman,

Or you're in trouble.

Got business with the lady, too?

No, no.

So scram!

The Lord be praised.

All I have.

Put it away, you know where!

Crazy.

We were getting out at the next station anyway.

It's closer, though not very.

You saw how that louse came on to me? I'm not dumb.

I had his number. Dig in. It'll give you strength.

And wash it down. It's bad for bowels otherwise.

Has that vodka gone to my head!

It's my nerves. How much did I have? Barely a drop.

I've gotten kind of cold.

Why don't we take a nap? But one of us has to keep watch.

You first?

You see? Someone's thinking of me.

Snail, snail, don't be shy, I'll give you a piece of pie.

What do those huns want from you?

So you're Jews, okay. But couldn't they just give you passport and that would be that?

Though, for all I care you can stay.

Jancia, what'll you do after the war?

Go back to school, I expect.

You're smart at that, too.

Guess what? You'll be a doctor and treat me for my varicose veins.

What will it be like there?

Good, what else?

Will I have my own room?

Your own room? Know who has that in the country? Cows.

And only when there's one of them.

You'll share a room with the rest of them.

Unless they decide to hide you, which I doubt.

Hide me where?

I don't know. The storeroom, or the cellar.

I'll be locked up?

No, they'll let you out at night.

Or into the garden.

Every now and them.

Cheer up, Jancia. All will be well. They're good people.

Not like city folks. Only the city's a jungle.

In the country they're good people.

Are you from a country?

Long ago. The scrapbook will be waiting for you.

I'll write in it too. Every time there's thick fat stew.

Think of who you owe it to.

Not bad, huh?

Yours, Mrs. Kulgawcowa?

Call me grandma! How often must I tell you?

Till I learn.

Clever boots! They grew smart on our bread.

Call me MRS. Kulgawcowa again and I'll...

Yes, Mrs. Kulgawcowa.

Jancia, don't tempt fate.

Mommy says children are fondest of teddy bears.

Mine said she loved me most of all her children.

She'd give the others only a little sugar on their bread.

But I'd get a thick layer.

Were there many of people?

Four sisters and a brother.

Once, I've got big piece of bread with sugar on it. I went to the corner and ate it alone.

Bread and sugar?

Yes, bread and sugar. We weren't give salmon

And omelets. Well, Jancia, poverty's awful.

I often went hungry.

Poverty hurts!

I had admirers. One was so crazy he kept inviting me to

A cafe. And there was this stonemason.

God, he was loaded.

Imagine, they fought over me.

One of them got such a black eye.

Those were the days. It was great to be young.

Can you do this tango?

That's what the organ grinders used to play

They still do

Where? In the ghetto? I'll bet.

This would be a nice place for a house.

Buy one.

With what?

Mommy's jewelry.

Not enough.

If we planted carrots, lettuce, beetroots... no, better still.

Flowers, like real ladies. Flox, carnations, nasturtiums.

Not, not nasturtiums. I'm allergic to caterpillars.

Pansies, snapdragons, forget-me-nots.

And creepers on the porch.

Convolvulus.

What's that?

Honeysuckle, you mean. No, it flickers at night.

Mallow's better. You like mallow?

Know what, Jancia? Twice a week we'll have a feast.

Pork chops and cabbage. That butcher who courted me.

His sweetbreads, his brawn!

A butcher? Why did you say a mason?

There was a butcher and a mason. Clever boots!

Tell me, can you pray?

I can say the Our Father and Hail Mary.

I bet.

Our Father, who art in heaven...

All right. Just make sure you don't get tongue-tied.

But when they start beating me?

Beating you?

Could you say it when they beat you?

Don't meet trouble halfway, everything will be fine.

You wait, I'll dance at your wedding yet.

Steal your husband even.

What will be like after the war?

The same as before. No question about it.

Why?

It can't be otherwise. Though maybe rents will be lower.

Why?

All those apartments left by Jews.

I don't like planning too far ahead. Why worry in advance.

Will you move?

Why should? Where would I move to?

Those Jewish homes.

Don't be envious. They'll kill you, then start on us. Jancia?

You don't want to talk, okay. So young and so implacable.

Did I say anything wrong? You mean well and... Jancia!

Is it true that you Jews can lie?

Because what matters isn't what you say but what

You think.

Take it easy.

A Catholic can also lie with the best of them.

It's beginning to look familiar. We must be going the right way.

Just that forest and we'll be there. We did well.

For people not used to walking we did all right.

You're so pale you give me the creeps.

Fancy keeping a child inside so long. We'll make you so rosy, your Jews won't recognize you.

Make for the woods. Dodge, so they can't hit you.

Did we scare her!

Why you little...

What a wheeze! What train did you take, auntie?

It must have been late.

You yokel! What

Have you done? Go fetch that girl!

Who is she?

My orphaned grandniece.

She looks Jewish.

So do you.

Why did she run?

Don't you know how scared city folks are these days?

Go get her!

Go along, auntie. We'll bring her.

Stop horsing around. Wait!

Jancia! Come back!

God! My heart feels like a squeezed lemon.

You little shit heads! I'll skin you alive.

Where is her mother?

How would I know? I'm going to my sister's.

My granddaughter.

Granddaughter?

I don't know this lady.

Jancia! Denying your own grandmother?

Jewish?

Come on! I'm an old woman.

What nonsense! Jewish!

Jancia! Go on, tell him! Who you are. Go on.

Use your tongue.

Go. I don't want you. I don't.

Damn you! Cut it out or I'll whip your ass.

Ass? Ass.

There you are, officer, that's kids for you.

What do I care about Jews? We're going to my sister's to get some fresh air. The air here's good for kids, isn't it?

I have her papers right here. Where the hell have they gone to? More haste, less speed.

Maybe you have them Rutka?

Hurry up! Can't you see the officer's waiting?

Let's talk!

- But.

- But what?

Oh God, an I in a tizzy! Here we are!

There's a trolley car pass. Not much here, is it?

But we had to get to the station. And we'll need it when we return.

Happy? Happy? Happy?

Mother of God! What a person can come to!

Know something? I knew from the start we'd get away with it

From the very start. Our luck was in.

Let's rest a while.

After the war, when your mommy a lady again, we'll have a good old time.

What will you buy with mommy's money?

We'll go shopping together.

We'll buy shoes, dresses...

- We'll be elegant.

- I'll say.

Maybe that house will be better?

A house? Oh yes. Sure, sure. Know something?

We won't take Jancia with us, She ought to get married, She needs the man,

Sunday dinner, holidays, she's welcome but not living together!

I expect you thing I wanted to hustle a fast buck.

That's not so.

I'm not money mad.

Come on, time to get the lead out.

She found it on the train.

She never seen them.

Shut up!

You like a good man.

She found it at home, where Jews once lived.

I have gold at home, dollars.

Come with me and you can have it all.

Here, jewelry.

Very fancy.

Take it all.

This watch, Collector's item. For your wife.

Say something! Maybe he'll listen to you?

I don't care anymore.

Jancia was right, telling me not to get into this.

Calm down now.

We're done for! Curtains!

Stop shaking!

You know I won't leave you.

Did I need the money?

I could have lived. And how!

Some to you! You don't frighten me!

Who trusts the Lord...

- Sing.

- No.

Because you don't know how.

All you know how to torture your grandmother.

I told Mrs. Stern to teach you how to pray.

What were you waiting for?

Grandma? Does it hurt?

What?

You know... death?

Are you kidding?

Does it?

You won't feel a thing.

Good.

Lovely air, isn't it, Rutka?

You'd have loved it here.

Is it a pretty house?

What's pretty in the country?

We won't go there now, Grandma?

Stop calling me grandma!

Am I your grandma?

Of course we won't.

Can't you see the bastard's taking us in?

Don't get mad.

Are you very scared?

Not particularly.

Life, Here today, gone tomorrow.

Oh Jancia, a lot we had of life.

A lot we got out of it, didn't we?

Ever danced?

You did.

You think so?

You were only trying to console me, I know it hurts.

I saw the janitor kill a rat.

You're so clueless! Rats are different.

Cheer up Rutka, we'll go straight to heaven.

You also have a heaven?

Who else would? Jews?

Come on, let's make a deal.

Fry in hell then, your funeral.

Where's the fire?

Don't you chivvy me at my age, you turd!

They were all right yesterday.

Here, Mrs. Kulgawcowa.

Out of your mind?

Take it, Mrs. Kulgawcowa.

Grandma, dammit!

It's yours.

It isn't! Nothing is!

Please Grandma.

Don't be ashamed, there's no need.

What gives?

A good Hitler's what you need. Goddamned Jews!

Stop sniveling! You'll have plenty of time later.

You're so stupid, Jancia.

What to worry about?

Take all this and smash it on your ass.

But it will be quick? You promised.

Why worry in advance?

There'll be time for that later.

Let's go Rutka.

I don't want to.

Don't be afraid, child.

Things are never as bad as they seem.

You won't leave me, Grandma?

Fat chance!

But without me, he'd kill you!

What to do?