Original subtitles

[pop music playing]

- You can do it.

- I just hope they won't send us to Siberia.

- And hey...

Don't smile too much.

[pop music playing]

RISTO TUOMI HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

[door opens]

- Jaamala. - Brotherus.

- See you.

- Come in.

[door closes]

- You are a thorough man, Brotherus.

SWEDISH DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

- We will send you to establish an embassy in Santiago, Chile.

- The best decision of the year.

Thank you. I won't disappoint you.

- Do you know how many employees in the Foreign Office speaks Spanish?

Seven. Three of them are already working abroad.

Two of them will retire this year.

That leaves you and Jaamala.

So get off your high horse.

- The embassy is small. - Yes. Chargé d'affaires and vice consul.

- Argentina is the host country. You'll prepare a trade agreement.

You'll report everything to Ambassador Thesleff.

- Wood and copper, same as Sweden. - Development cooperation?

- Trade. You can call it whatever you like.

Jaamala knows the right people, and you'll learn to golf.

- Well, I don't know about that.

- Are you a socialist, Brotherus?

- I serve Finland. - Being clever is not enough.

What is Finland's best interest?

It's what always comes first.

You do exactly as you are told. Understood?

- Yes. I won't disappoint you.

- You said that already.

You have six months to prepare the trade agreement.

Then we'll come and check the situation.

- Thank you.

[dramatic music playing]

[upbeat music playing]

- To President Kekkonen, Foreign Minister Karjalainen,

and the head of department, Mr. Tuomi.

During my first six months here, it has become obvious

that Chile's political atmosphere is tense.

The country is divided into two: Allende's supporters

and those who oppose his Marxist politics.

The head of development cooperation, Mr.. Sand,

has arrived to check the terms of the trade agreement.

The local trade commission leader, Franco Pavez,

says that all prerequisites for trade still exist.

13 August 1973. Tapani Brotherus.

[plane engine whirring]

[indistinct radio chatter]

- What's that? - Smoke.

- Is there a problem with the smoke?

- We need to change the flight route. We do it all the time.

- We fly in order to avoid the traffic chaos on the roads.

There is no way to avoid these bastards.

- The CIA pays for the truck drivers to keep them on strike.

Because of them, the country is on its knees.

[dramatic music playing]

- How much longer? - Sorry?

- How long until we get there? - Only an hour.

- And what shall we see? - A forestry school and a plywood factory.

- And the possible location for a new paper mill.

- What the hell is going on?

- I'll check it out.

- Just a second. - Let's wait here.

- Good morning, sir. What's wrong? - Good morning, gentlemen.

You can't go any further.

- So you'll need to go back. - Go back?

- Sorry, sir. You don't know me. My name is Franco Pavez.

I work for the government as a director of international trade.

We are here to negotiate with the developed countries.

Something that can benefit Chile. Multimillion-dollar deals.

- That guy has a gun. - Yeah, I know.

- Was it Mr. Pavez? - That's right.

- I work here to support my wife and children.

I didn't ask the name of the person who hired me. You understand.

- With all due respect, sir, stop that.

This is not Guatemala run by guerrillas. It's Chile.

- There will be lots of work around here.

But we'll have to show the place to the chief.

- Bloody hell, I have to do everything.

- I guess you didn't understand me, sir.

I was told to inform you that access is denied.

- By whom?

- What's your name, sir? - How much does he want?

- How much do you want? - I told you that access is denied.

Hear me?

- Ilkka... Relax, sir.

He's serious. Please, Ilkka.

- And now back to Santiago?

- Goddammit. A bunch of amateurs.

[dramatic music playing]

- It doesn't look good.

- The Chilean politics might seem complicated,

but this isn't a conflict. It's dialogue.

We are able to discuss and to collaborate.

If Thesleff is the one who signs, why do you care about Sand's opinion?

- Thesleff is the ambassador, and he listens to Sand very carefully.

- Isn't there a welcoming reception for the ambassador tomorrow?

- Yes. - Let's invite politicians from both sides

to have fun and to discuss.

- We need more.

We need someone to hold the pen in Thesleff's hand.

- Well...

How about the president himself?

- Really? - Yes, let's go.

[dramatic music playing]

[phone ringing]

- Madam, a call for you. - Who is it?

- Your husband. He says it's important.

- I'm coming.

[dramatic music playing]

- Soviet atomic bomb! - US submarine!

- Careful, Antonio.

- Dinner tomorrow. For how many?

- For fifteen people. - I'll try to find some food.

- And for the President as well.

Can you handle it?

- Of course I can. - I'll be home as soon as I can.

- Come out and dry yourself.

- Pati.

- Could you look after the kids? - Sure, blondie.

- I need to go shopping. - Won't take long. Shops are empty.

- Thanks. Bye. - Bye.

[dramatic music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

- Excuse me. What are they queuing for?

- This queue is for cigarettes.

- Aren't you too young to smoke?

- My granny sent me to buy cigarettes.

- To exchange it for fish at the fish market.

- Okay.

- What time shall they open? - They should open soon.

- Attention, please. We didn't get any goods today.

- It isn't my fault. It isn't my fault, sir.

There's nothing here for you. It's not my fault.

- For you. - Thanks a lot.

- Good luck with the fish. - Thank you so much.

- Why do you blame me? How is that my fault?

It isn't my fault. Try to understand me, please.

- Hello. Do you have matches?

- I only have steel wool.

- How about chicken? - This is the only thing I have.

- In that case... I'll take some.

How about one package?

- I can get my cousin to bring you onions.

- Apples as well. - How about chicken?

- Wait a moment. I'll make a call.

[dramatic music playing]

- Does this go on the table? - Yes.

- When was the last time you played, Mr. Ambassador?

- Well, it's like riding a bicycle.

- All right. - Let's see how the boy does.

- Thank you.

- Excuse me.

Ambassador Thesleff, let me introduce you

to the director of international trade, Franco Pavez.

- It's a pleasure. - Nice to meet you.

- Senator Salinas and his wife.

-Madame. - My pleasure.

- Ambassador Thesleff. - My pleasure.

- How are you? - I'm glad you are here.

- We know that you are busy in the parliament.

- I'd be happy to be busy.

The president can't get any proposals through.

Our hands are tied. They sabotage all our efforts

to create a better future for our workers.

- Be patient, Senator. Your work is important.

- Yes, I'm aware of it. I serve the people.

- Excuse us. Come over here.

- Relax. We're doing business.

- You are.

- Leena! - Hi, Lysa.

- Hi! - Everything looks great.

- How did you manage to pull it off?

- Oh, thanks.

- Good afternoon.

- Who is that? - I have no idea.

- Welcome. - Thank you.

- Ismael Huerta. We came instead of the president.

- Welcome.

- I'm Lysa Brotherus. Please come in. - Thank you.

- Excuse us.

- This way.

- Who is he?

- Ismael Huerta.

The new minister of transport.

One of the three officers Allende named to calm down the situation.

- Excuse me. - Sure.

- Allende is appointing them in all positions.

The message is very clear.

- Welcome, Minister. I'm Tapani Brotherus.

He's Ambassador Thesleff.

He's in Chile to sign the cooperation agreement between our countries.

- Nice to meet you. - Likewise.

The Chilean Navy is famous all over the world.

I'd like to hear some stories about it.

- If only you tell me the story of the Swedish Navy.

- Finnish.

- Has he been well informed? - Yes. It was a joke.

- A joke... - Cheers.

- [sighs]

[clears throat]

[glass clanging]

- I'd like to propose a toast to the Chilean-Finnish collaboration.

I heard that the most important task for a diplomat

is to improve his handicap in golf.

Luckily our dear Finnish friends

are an exception. You want to be part of this change.

And to play better golf.

- Chile is the best place for that.

- Here you can hear the sound of progress.

- Especially now that the trucks are on the roads again.

- Yes. - Isn't it marvelous?

- And so fast. Too fast. Don't you agree, Captain?

- Minister.

- The government needs to be ready to negotiate with all sectors.

- It's incredible that the negotiations took one hour. Absurd.

- It was the best for Chile. That's what matters.

- Let us agree

that for some people, it's almost impossible

to understand that you are a part of the government.

- Isn't the Chilean Navy well known for keeping away from politics?

- You are absolutely right, Mr. Brotherus.

We get the orders from the president.

That's how the navy is ruled.

[glass clanging]

- I'd like to express

a warm gratitude to our hosts

for this marvelous dinner.

Good food and drinks allow us

to forget the world's problems.

This wine is very tasty.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

- Shall we smile or...

[camera shutter clicks]

[dramatic music playing]

[camera shutter clicks]

- To Mr. Tuomi. Trade relations between Finland and Chile are improving

even though internal tensions in Chile are growing.

- However, Allende has new tools at his disposal.

He has appointed three generals to the government

as an amicable gesture to the right wing. Full stop.

So there is no reason to believe that a civil war will break out.

- Did you get it?

- Cheers. - Cheers.

Cheers. - Cheers.

- Good boy.

- Have a nice day at work. - Thanks.

[helicopter blades whirring]

- Dad, come quickly!

- Tomi, come here. - Not yet!

- Let's go inside. - Where are they going?

- To city centre.

[dramatic music playing]

[jet plane zooming]

[explosions]

- I need to talk to Ilkka.

- You are listening to the radio broadcast of the armed forces.

All free radio stations will connect to this station.

- There's no answer.

- Next on air, the proclamation of the military government.

Santiago, 11 September 1973.

We'll first consider

the devastating economic, social, and moral crisis...

[explosions]

[indistinct chatter]

[gunshots]

- Are you okay? - Yeah.

[indistinct chatter]

[jet plane zooming]

- Stop! Passports!

- We're diplomats. - It's forbidden to be on the street.

The curfew starts at six o'clock. Get the hell out of here.

Move it. Quickly, quickly!

- Shit!

- Go, go!

- Goddammit.

[gunshots]

[dramatic music playing]

- Jakarta?

- All communists were killed there. Killed? But...

- But everyone here is a communist. - Not everyone.

[dramatic music playing]

- Take me home.

[indistinct chatter]

- I'm telling you clearly.

The final attack to the embassy has been prepared.

We've made it clear that our military force is superior.

I'm here to offer you the last chance

to surrender the embassy peacefully.

- We need assurance that all Cubans can leave Chile safely.

And the Chileans who are going to seek asylum. Like Allende's family.

- The Cubans can leave. We don't need them here.

The Allende family was generously offered a chance to leave.

But the hiding militants, like Mr. Marambio,

need to stay in Chile for a proper investigation.

- We won't abandon our comrades here. This is Cuban territory.

It's our duty to defend it with our lives. If that's what it takes.

- What do you want me to do then?

Shall I say that we didn't agree, and the bombing can begin?

- Colonel, Mexico could interfere and help.

We'd like to defend

the Cuban Embassy in Chile.

I'd need to talk to the minister first.

And to the president. I can't make the decision by myself.

- So what the hell are we doing here?

- What a bunch of cowards.

- What's all this about? - What do you want, Edelstam?

- Don't you worry.

I'm your friend.

Sweden will become Cuba's protector state.

- Excuse us.

[dramatic music playing]

- Phones don't work. Streets are full of soldiers.

Arrests. People get stuffed into vans. Shootings.

- Calm down. Are you okay? - Yeah.

- What about the President? - I don't know.

- Leena is home alone. - We need to send a message.

- Sweden has a new telex that uses radio waves.

- Good. I'll go and see Edelstam. - You should all stay indoors.

- People are so trigger-happy right now. It's really unsafe.

It's not working.

[gunshot]

- Lysa!

- Go to Tina's room.

- ...going to a better place.

Dear Lysa. Tapani.

Let's celebrate this happy occasion.

My husband, may he rest in peace,

saved this bottle of champagne for a special occasion.

I'm sure he'd be happy to share it with you.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

- You have to celebrate when you can.

We were worried we'd become another Cuba. No way!

- To the future! - To our homeland!

- It's prohibited to walk on public streets.

The curfew starts at six. Those who disobey will be arrested.

- Where is your guard? - We don't have one.

- You should. - We're absolutely fine.

- We can send someone. - Thank you, but it's not necessary.

- Drink. Your work is very important to us.

- Thank you, madam. We do our best.

- See you. - Bye bye. See you.

- Thank you.

- I can send a message to our Foreign Office via Sweden.

- The curfew starts soon. - I've got to talk to Edelstam.

[siren blaring]

- Brotherus, how are you? Your embassy?

- What happened in the attack? - Only material damage. I was out.

- Why do you need armed guards? - Democracy is under attack.

- I should send information to Finland. I heard you have a radiotelex.

- I should talk to Palme, too. - The power is out.

- We have an emergency generator. - Of course you do.

- I need a flag. A bloody big flag. Come on!

There are over 200 Swedes in Chile. Aid workers, students, sociologists.

I have to locate them and make sure they are all right.

- How are the Finns? - I haven't contacted them yet.

- How many are there? - Five.

- Then you should have had time to take Cuba.

- What do you mean? - We are a protector state. For now.

Now we shall wait and let them calm down. Pinochet is a simple man.

A typical officer.

Ah, here it is.

Now, damn it!

[power generator whirring]

- So, is this your first coup?

Everything will be all right. Come.

- Sven! - Yes?

- See that everyone has food and blankets. Toys for the kids.

Here you are. Prepare the telex.

[dramatic music playing]

- To the cabinet in Stockholm.

Both the government buildings

and the presidential palace have been bombed.

The fire department is putting out the fires.

The president is dead.

It's...

I will continue later.

I'll tell the prime minister myself. You can use the telex now.

- Thanks.

[dramatic music playing]

- Send this to...

the Finnish Foreign Office.

Today, the commander-in-chief, Augusto Pinochet, has announced

that the army has taken control.

The embassy is closed

while we wait for instructions.

We are all alive.

Tapani Brotherus.

Santiago, Chile.

[dramatic music playing]

- So, shall we give him some instructions or...

- No. He will follow the procedure.

- Which means?

- All Finnish people will be located and taken to safety.

- We should tell them something, or they'll screw everything up.

- Write: "Follow the protocol, stay neutral,

and observe the relations with the new government."

- All right.

Even though these crisis situations are terrible,

they always open up new possibilities for trade.

- Trade or no trade, we need to maintain relations to the west.

You do realize who financed this revolution?

[dramatic music playing]

- If they won't surrender, they'll be shot.

- What? The members of parliament? - Yes. And listen.

If you turn them in, you get a reward worth a worker's three years' salary.

- Can I see it? Luis Salinas...

Luis Salinas. Remember? He was at our party.

- Yeah.

[dramatic music playing]

- Pum, pum, pum, soldier Trifaldón.

Soldier Trifaldón lives inside of a melon.

The yellow seeds form a firm battalion.

Let's go, Rodrigo.

I'm leaving, honey.

- You've only been here for a short while.

- Can't you stay a bit longer? - No, honey.

Those are the party's rules.

What if they catch me?

I can't expose you and my mother.

Or the most beautiful baby in the world.

- I know.

Come here. Let's go to eat, beanie.

- I'll be back in two days.

I'll bring a cake to celebrate little Ricardo.

- Just bring yourself. In one piece.

- You'll be fine with my mom. - Let's go before the soldiers come.

[knocks on door]

[gun clicks]

- Seija Sandoval?

Is anybody at home?

- How can I help you? - I'm Tapani Brotherus.

I'm from the Embassy of Finland. I'm looking for Seija Sandoval.

- Why?

- We have to make sure that all the Finns are doing well.

- Mr. Ambassador.

- Please come in, sir.

- The ambassador is in Argentina.

Is everything all right?

- A glass of water? - No thank you. I'm fine.

I'll prepare some tea anyway. - Have you found the other Finns?

- I'm on it right now. - How can we help you?

- If you are all fine here, I guess I'll be leaving too.

You can call us at the residence.

Don't go to the embassy. The city's full of soldiers.

- They're here too. Everywhere.

-It was a pleasure to meet you, mister... - Tapani Brotherus.

- Tapani Brotherus. I'm Rodrigo Sandoval.

- Nice to meet you. - Perhaps we'll meet again.

Thank you so much.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye. Thank you.

- Stay indoors.

- The Popular Unity must suspend all forms of communication,

starting immediately.

Otherwise they'll be attacked both from the air and on land.

Fifth: people in Santiago...

- It's working again. - Not in the city center.

I tried calling all the numbers in the embassy.

- I'll set the table outside. Take a break.

- Huerta will be the new Foreign Minister.

- Tapi!

Tapi, come and see this!

- What?

- Franco!

- Are you all right? - Yes, I am.

- Thank you. They burned my house. - What?

- They burned my house. Who the hell does that?

- Did someone bring you here? - I don't know.

- Were you with someone else? - Don't know. I came by foot. I ran.

The soldiers were shooting outside the Mexican embassy.

People were running. Some jumped over the fence.

All I have is in that suitcase.

Please don't leave me on the street.

- Of course not.

- They killed my neighbor.

They were looking for me. He wasn't even a communist.

They had the wrong address and killed him.

- He had two little girls. - Calm down.

Calm down. No one will shoot you here.

- Thank you. - Come.

- You'll be safe here. - Thank you.

[dramatic music playing]

- What did he say?

- Franco wants to get out of the country.

He's not safe here. All state officials are now state enemies.

That's what happens in a coup.

[sirens blaring]

- Sir. - I'm sorry. We come in peace.

- Madame, I need a place to hide. They are chasing me.

- I'm Paulina Edo. - I'm Oscar, Mr. Ambassador...

- I know you. You were at our party.

- That's true. Aren't you a GAP guard? - Yes. I need to listen to the radio.

- Wait. Are you bleeding? - I can't wait. Allende is dead.

- We know, but let's have a look at your leg before the news.

- I need to listen to the instructions given to us on the radio.

- We have to take you to the hospital. - No.

No one can know that I'm here. Don't tell anyone.

[doorbell ringing]

- Please don't let the soldiers in. - No. This is a diplomatic residence.

No one can come in without our permission.

- Relax. I'll open it.

[knocks on door]

- Good evening. - Good evening, Mr. Brotherus.

- The Finnish ambassador? - I'm the Finnish chargé d'affaires.

Who's asking? I told them that we don't need guards.

- Good night. - Just a moment.

My commanding officer is in the car, and he needs to talk to you.

- To me?

Sure.

- Good evening. - Don't you recognize me?

I'm Luis Salinas. May I come in?

- Luis! - Thank you for everything.

I couldn't have done this without your help.

Go before they suspend you.

[dramatic music playing]

- The Finnish embassy. Number 1841, please.

[phone ringing]

- Yeah?

- Sorry to bother you so late, but this is important.

People have come here over the fence.

- What did you say? - People run for their lives

and climb over the fence to the residence.

- That sort of thing never happens in Chile.

- The situation is so bad that we have to take them in.

- Over my dead body!

We do not interfere with the country's internal matters.

And we'll accept no refugees. We didn't do that in Budapest

or in Prague, and we won't do that in Santiago either.

- Sweden took Cuba under its wing. - I know nothing about that.

- I met with Edelstam myself... - We are not Sweden.

We take care of our own business, and Sweden does the same.

- What shall I do with the refugees? - How should I know?

You're over there, not me. Act like a man.

You'll empty the house and tell those people

to go to South American embassies.

The rules are simple...

- What did he say? What shall we do next?

[dramatic music playing]

- I don’t sing for the love of singing,

my voice doesn’t sound beautiful.

I listen to the language of the guitar,

I follow its heart, its mind.

It has a heart of earth,

and the wings of a dove.

Its chords are like holy water,

blessing my sorrow and grief.

My song has found a purpose

as Violeta would say.

Guitar hard at work,

shining and smelling of spring.

[dramatic music playing]