Original subtitles

SKOJ (League of Communist Youth of Yugoslavia)

THE SIEGE

Starring

Featuring

Screenplay

Monologues

Music

Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by

Production Manager

Production Designer

Cinematography

Direction

The war has passed.

But beneath the ashes of many ruins remain tangled many stories of small,

ordinary people caught in the whirlwind of a great war.

We still carry them in our memories today.

This house was once a Partisan hospital.

During the retreat, it was not possible to evacuate all the wounded in time.

Three of them were left behind.

Among them, a woman.

They must be saved.

It will be difficult.

They're closing in. They're tightening the noose.

We're done for.

What are you babbling about?

While this is here, none of them will get close.

That's not true.

It's all over now!

No one's coming for us.

He crapped himself.

Like hell they won't.

The first time I was surrounded like this,

I felt like running outside and raising my hands.

If my comrades hadn't stopped me, who knows what would've happened.

It's somehow easier in the woods.

- Both to fight and die. - Indeed.

There, you don't have time to think.

But here, your own thoughts kill you.

Memories surface.

You remember your wife. And girlfriend. And everything else.

You start pitying yourself, and that's no good.

Yes.

We're done for.

Listen, you Limpy!

Why are you whining?

Come over here.

Want a smoke?

I don't smoke.

Then why are you so scared?

None of us will get out alive.

This is a mousetrap.

We're done for, I tell you.

No one's coming for us. They've abandoned us.

Ha, what do you know?

And the 16th Division?

What about the Banija men?

Are they sleeping or what?

They've forgotten us.

You think so?

You think they've forgotten us

like you forget the ones you're supposed to protect?

Listen, kid.

There are two wounded men and one woman.

You know how it is.

Their lives are in your hands, and you're whining like some brat.

Doctor! Hey, Doctor, how are they?

Don't ask him. He doesn't know if he's coming or going.

Must be his first time.

A mousetrap!

Go on, ask the doctor how they are.

And if they need anything, help them. Go!

Wait, wait. Give me that Schmeisser.

Come on, what are you staring at? Give it here.

You wouldn't know what to do with it anyway.

Once you learn, I'll give it back. Go on.

What are you waiting for? Go. Go on, I'll send them your regards.

Go on, did you hear what Brko (Mustache) said?

Go!

Hey, you lanky bastard!

This one's from me and Ćosa's (Baldy's) Schmeisser!

What is it?

Nothing, Comrade Doctor.

I'm not a doctor.

I only studied to be a doctor once.

And I didn't learn very much.

But as you can see, someone has to do it.

Are you scared?

Come on, sit for a bit.

Listen, stay here for a moment while I check on the girl.

It'll pass.

It'll pass.

Just stay calm.

My name is Marko.

But you won't find that name in my documents.

I carry a forged passport with a fake name.

Six years ago, I left to fight in the Spanish War.

After that I drifted through prison camps.

Now my comrades have called me back to my homeland.

After six years, with a fake name.

Is that really you, man?

I was walking down the corridor, and I saw a familiar face.

Hey, lost sheep, have you finally returned to the fold?

Back with the rest of the herd?

So, where have you been?

Germany.

Oh, look at that.

Hey, old man, move over.

You're not alone in the compartment.

- Are we in Zagreb? - Huh?

No, old man, no.

Just keep sleeping. We'll wake you up.

So, you say you're back from Germany.

Oh, that's good.

And me? I've never been farther than Čakovec.

And people think a railway worker must've seen the world.

So, what were you doing there? In Germany?

- I was working. - Oh, working, huh?

Like that.

And they let you come home to have a bit of fun.

Yes.

And you know, so much was said about you over the years.

There was even a rumor once that you were gone for good.

That you'd kicked the bucket.

But you know, it wouldn't have been surprising.

You've always been a bit of a hothead.

Nonsense.

Oh, it's not nonsense, my friend.

Do you remember when you worked with us in the engine shed?

When they wouldn't give us a raise.

"Guys, don't back down!" you said.

But we all gave up. You see how we are.

"We'll get nothing. We'll achieve nothing."

But you? "Guys, don't back down!"

And what happened?

We didn't get the raise. And you?

They fired you.

You rushed in too soon, my friend. Too soon.

But you know, I only say this to you.

To others, I always said, "Yes, he's his own man,

a bit of a hothead.

But he's a good person."

Honestly, that's exactly what I told them.

I haven't been in this city for six years.

Six years.

It feels like much more time has passed.

But in six years, a person can forget what a city looks like.

I must find my contact.

And I need to shake off that guy by the window.

He's following me. They can sense us, those dogs.

The train is at platform 4.

You know, I have to take these things to the side exit, you know.

- I'll come with you. - Let's go.

Hey, watch out you don't step on the switch.

Look who's welcoming me.

Oh, here's my little rascal. Come here.

Wait, wait, you little troublemaker. Be patient until we get home.

Now, greet your uncle nicely. Won't you greet my son?

- Hello! - Hello!

A real little man.

Go on, help your dad. Go on, help him.

You know, come visit me sometime.

I've got real Banija schnapps, you know.

Three years old. Strong as thunder.

And for an old friend, I'll find some good pork chops.

And those aren't easy to find today.

You're as chatty as ever. You haven't changed one bit.

How haven't I changed? And the war?

Do you think it's easy to live these days?

And you?

Me?

If I didn't bring something home now and then, we'd be in bad shape.

I'm off. Goodbye.

Alright, take care of yourself.

But come as soon as you can, you hear?

- Don't wait too long. - Goodbye.

Come on, let's hurry. Mom's waiting, let's go.

Master!

Good day, Master!

Oh, you've arrived.

The boy is safe.

So, how was the trip?

Mostly fine until we got near Zagreb.

That's where some blockhead grew suspicious of me.

I barely shook him off.

It's good you made it.

The comrades are already waiting for you.

This way, we can talk more freely.

And the documents? Were they good?

Flawless.

Those dogs have good noses.

They've probably blocked off the surrounding streets too.

I'll try to break through.

Take care of yourself.

Don't worry.

And the contact?

At nine o'clock. The courier will wait for you near Rudeš.

Stop!

Uncle, are you playing war?

War.

I know how to play war.

All the kids are playing war now.

What do you know, my little one?

War is a serious matter for grown-ups.

I know you. What are you doing here?

My house is close by.

Will you take me to your dad? We're old friends.

Come on.

Take my hand, uncle, so you're not scared.

Children can be good guides.

I must believe that it's the best I can do.

Good day.

Good day.

Dad said I shouldn't let anyone into the house.

See, you've made the baby cry.

Wait, wait, I'll call Aunt Magda.

Who is that?

This is Florijan.

Let's entertain the baby so she doesn't cry.

What's his name again?

What's your name? Tell me. Who?

- Florijan! - Oh!

Every child in this house knows it.

And every sparrow on the roof. Florijan.

So, what shall we play, Florijan?

We're playing war because I know how to play war.

War is not for children.

All the kids are playing war now.

Florijan, do you like war?

No.

See, even Florijan doesn't like war.

No, no, I don't want Darko to shoot Florijan like that!

I shot at Florijan!

You didn't come here to sleep, did you?

You came even sooner than I hoped, brother.

And I thought I hadn't told you where I lived.

Dad! Dad!

- Good thing you came. Good! - Did you bring firewood?

Come on, come on, help me stack the wood. Come on.

- Let's help Dad stack the firewood. - So, what's wrong with you?

Nothing, just a little tired.

I know how that is. Come on.

You gentle travelers need a soft bed,

pajamas, peace.

And when that's missing, you can't sleep.

Come on. Look at me.

I sleep whenever I can.

Five minutes, five minutes.

Lying down, lying down.

Sitting, sitting.

Walking, walking.

Hey, look at how you are.

They haven't even put your underpants on.

Danica! Danica, put some clothes on this naked guy.

So, what's new in the world, huh?

Come on, tell me something, don't let me do all the talking.

Dad's washing his hands.

Ah, see, there's something else at my place besides cornmeal.

Leave that machine alone right now! Look at him.

I'm playing trains.

I've struggled for five years to get it, and he thinks it can't go without him.

Do you hear what I'm saying?

- It's a struggle with these kids. - Dad, let's eat, I'm hungry.

- They're like this all day. - Me too! Me too!

- And they eat everything they can get. - Dad, give us something, we're hungry.

Oh, look at you. Here you go. Here you go too.

Danica! What's with you?

Why don't you eat some food?

I got two pieces of bread.

Two pieces.

Dad, do you want some of mine?

Dad's not eating. Not eating.

You know, she's actually not mine.

Her parents were killed in Glina.

She happened to be visiting me at the time.

We were really good friends.

I kept her.

And here she is. Now she's mine.

And what about you?

What do you want?

Sausages, huh?

Well, yes, why not let you munch on something greasy?

Come on, come on.

Then you'll see how big you'll grow.

Look at him, my son.

What do you say, huh?

Oh ho ho, Danica!

And it's not only this bed-wetter. All my children take after me.

I take after my father, and he took after my grandfather.

And so it goes down the line.

You know, when I was as small as this one here,

and when holidays came, everyone went somewhere, and I went to the kitchen.

Everyone there ran about, shouting,

and me, my brother, I loved it.

And the food in the pots was sizzling, sizzling,

a joy to look at, and even better to smell.

And my dad and I would sing.

I'm a man of Varaždin, a son of my homeland...

Mom's coming.

Ah, here comes Mom. Quick, go say hi to Mom.

Come on, quick, go say hi to Mom.

Here comes Her Ladyship.

Look how I ran.

- I've run all the way! - Did you bring any candies?

Here are the candies.

I want more!

Sweet Jesus, what has this world come to?

What is it? What happened?

Ah, this is my old friend.

He arrived from Germany today.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

You should see how terrible it looks.

There are bloodstains on the streets.

And people came down like flies.

Okay. Wait, wait, wait a second.

Who killed who?

What do I know? People say all sorts of things.

They say the police were killed while hunting someone today.

He lured them into narrower streets, and then went after them.

Okay, but did they catch him?

- Who? - Well, him...

I won't say murderer, right?

The one who killed them, right?

What do I know? People say all sorts of things.

They're searching everywhere.

Look! They're searching in our street too.

Yeah, I'll lock the door right away.

Someone might burst into the house,

then try explaining that you're not guilty.

What do four or five children mean to them?

Nothing. If a person doesn't protect himself today,

even God won't protect him.

Wait! Don't lock it.

I'll leave right away.

Ah, you won't, will you?

You'll stay here for dinner. Come on, take off your coat.

Hey, wife, let the pork chops sizzle.

We don't have a radio in the house, so that's the finest thing...

Everyone move, a boy from Zagorje is coming!

Move, uncle, a boy from Zagorje is coming!

Uncle is sick. Calm down.

I'll wrap your wound.

Thank you.

Sorry. Don't keep me here.

I have to go.

Wait.

I'll take you.

I'll be back.

In the city of old acquaintances,

another man looked beyond his petty concerns.

I never expected that he would help me.

Maybe that's why the war is here. So that everyone shows their true face.

Limpy! Limpy!

Hey, Limpy!

Brko is wounded! Call the doctor!

Doctor! Brko is wounded!

Stay here and keep the comrade company.

Does it hurt?

No.

Are they okay down there?

Yes.

I'm only afraid they'll...

Bring up the grenade launchers.

Take it.

Take it, it's yours. Yours.

Go on.

That's nothing, Comrade.

But let me tell you this story.

Then you'll see.

Look, we were here.

And here...

were the bandits.

We fought all day.

Our unit was small, and the Germans kept coming.

There must have been three divisions.

We hit them,

but by God,

they hit us too.

And then we got the order to retreat.

It was already getting dark.

We just needed to notify the patrol that went deeper into the enemy lines.

Then we could leave.

But it took real guts to get through.

So, my namesake, Mio Čagalj, went to get them out.

But right away, he was back again.

Shrapnel had grazed him, so he went to the commander.

Comrade Commander, we can't get through.

- Why not? - I'm wounded.

That was the last straw for me and I snapped at him:

What do you mean, can't?

A nettle stings him a bit, and now he can't.

And our comrades? Let them fall, huh?

Look at him, what a guy.

Comrade Commander, I'll go.

And then my Perica Jakić, you know, he's a comrade like no other:

Comrade Commander,

he says,

I'll go with Mićo, Comrade Commander. Can I, huh? Come on!

Can I, Comrade Commander?

Hey, Comrade Commander!

Hey!

Comrade Commander!

If we don't bring back Mato and Đuka,

we'll bring you an enemy general!

I tell you, a general!

I'll be happy with a major.

They're not here, damn them.

- Where are you? - I'm here.

Let's go!

Mićo, haven't we gone a bit too far?

- So what? - What if we run into the Germans?

So what then?

Where could they be, damn them?

Watch out, there are mosquitoes.

What are you afraid of? You're safe with me.

I'm not afraid. I'm just a little scared.

- Where did they go? - I don't know.

Are you crazy?

Hey Mato! Đuka!

For God's sake, you're crazy. What's wrong with you?

Here they come.

Mato!

The bandits!

Halt! Halt!

Run, run, Mićo! I'm here, don't be afraid.

Just keep running.

- Where now? - Under the bridge. Faster. Crawl under.

- Here. - Crawl under.

What do we do now?

Wait while I scout the tactical situation.

- Is it possible? - Come on.

Should we keep going?

Let's stay a bit longer, until they turn the bend.

Mićo, should I shoot now?

Of course not. There'll be time for that.

Do you have any tobacco?

- Not a shred. - Ah, I'd love a smoke.

Let's go back.

Go back? Where to?

To our people, to the brigade.

You can go back if you want. I won't.

I'll keep my word. Remember:

without Mato and Đuka, or at least some enemy general,

Mićo Crnković won't return.

Don't be foolish, Mićo. What's got into you now?

Self-initiative, Comrade.

And if you don't trust me,

and if you don't have the guts to go with me, go back.

Wait, Mićo, I'll go too. Just so you know, I'm no coward either.

Well then,

if you need to smoke so badly, here, take it and light it.

I can do without tobacco.

We'll smoke it together, okay?

Let's go.

Ah, Perica, Perica.

You know, Perica, you're a real comrade.

I am, my Mićo. I just need a little rest.

Don't worry, comrade. I've got that covered.

You'll sleep like a falcon in its nest. Come on.

He must have found a squirrel.

Garo, come here.

Perica!

Perica! Perica!

- Wake up! - Leave me alone.

Wake up! Wake up!

Perica, are you crazy?

100% crazy. Quiet!

Those are children down there.

Control that beast!

As you can see, comrades, we are from the People's Army.

- That's right! - That's right!

Four fighters, who stayed behind the lines last night,

have not returned yet.

From this, we conclude that they are either lost

or have fallen into the enemy's hands.

What the hell is this?

- Hey, Mato, Đuka, are you alive? - Alive, brother, I am!

- They're back, there they are! - Mato, Đuka, are you alive?

- Who else would it be? - As you can see!

- Where were you? - On patrol, you know.

We thought you were dead.

Where are Mićo and Perica? Could they be hurt?

I don't believe it. Thunder won't strike the nettles.

So you see, comrades,

let's put it this way.

This fire here,

it's like us, the Partisans.

- Like us, Partisans. - Yes!

And the forest around us, it's like the world.

- Is that clear? - Is it clear?

Now, listen up.

No matter how small this fire is,

when it flares up, it could burn down the whole forest.

Isn't that so?

You see? Just like us, Partisans.

When we flare up one day,

there won't be any more Germans or Ustasha.

Everything will be ours.

- Right, Comrade Perica? - That's right.

Are there any Partisans like me?

Oh yes. And they're important people.

They're right behind the commander.

Couriers, messengers, jacks-of-all-trades.

- Jacks-of-all-trades, yes. - Do they carry guns?

Sometimes they carry small Italian ones.

But usually, each one has a grenade on his belt.

A small one, like a pear.

A pear.

Right, and now we're off. On new tasks.

And you, remember what I told you.

- I will. - Well, Comrade,

say hello to your mom and tell her that Perica the Partisan sends his greetings.

Perica the Partisan.

Well then, goodbye, comrades!

- Goodbye. - Goodbye!

- Goodbye, little one! - Goodbye!

Goodbye.

- Goodbye! - Goodbye!

Which way should we go?

This way.

Goodbye!

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

- Where are we going? - To the city.

- To the city? Are you crazy? - Just leave it to me.

- We're going to my uncle's. - A general?

- What general? A chimney sweep. - What for, a chimney sweep?

Just come along with me and don't worry.

I've already got something planned.

Well, that would be the direction for further advancement.

Now, comrades, you're free to go.

- I think everything is clear. - Clear, Comrade Commander!

- Mladen! - Yes?

Wait a minute. I have something for you.

Come with me.

This arrived from the brigade today. It's about Karlo.

It's become too dangerous for him over there.

You need to meet him with your squad on the Karlovac road.

Here are the instructions.

And this here, it needs to reach him as soon as possible.

As soon as he gets it, he'll know exactly what to do.

Is the code agreed upon?

Don't worry about that. He knows his job well.

It's up to you to make sure it gets to him by tomorrow at the latest.

And that you meet him on the road in the evening.

That's difficult. It's far to Karlovac.

Figure it out, pal.

When the war is over, you'll become the head of the post office.

Look at this, some kind of nest.

Not a single general.

There he is.

That's some shaky old mothball.

Useless and pathetic, as my late grandmother would say.

Not even worth one captured Partisan mule,

let alone one of our men.

Look at this, for heaven's sake.

- What's this now? - An ordinary Home Guard captain.

I'm not interested in him.

Comrade Mićo, now's not the time to look at girls.

I know her, understand?

- Pretty girl. - A SKOJ (Communist Youth) member.

Why shouldn't a SKOJ member be a pretty girl?

How can that be?

Yes. I wonder too, Perica. How can that be?

Let's follow them and see.

Look! For heaven's sake, there he is. A general.

Not exactly a general, but a colonel, though he'd do just fine.

You're crazy. I don't know how we'd get to him.

Neither do I, but we'll think of something.

Let's go inside.

Are you mad? Can't you see that's an important office?

That's precisely why we should go in.

What about the captain, Mićo?

By rank, my dear Perica. First the colonel.

He'll get us at least thirty of our men in exchange.

Come on, why did you stop?

Wait a minute, brother, let me catch my breath.

This isn't a small thing we're about to do.

[in German] What do you want? Get out!

What are you shoving for? If I hit you!

We're going inside. Understand? We're chimney sweeps.

- Look, this is a brush. - A brush.

- We chimney sweeps. - Leave!

Chimney. Chimney sweeps. We're here to clean. Look, like this.

Civilians are strictly forbidden. Is that clear?

- Nicht civilians, chimney sweeps. - Chimney sweeps.

See, you ox?

- Kommandantur. Befehl! - Befehl!

It's a Befehl! Kommandantur, Befehl!

Befehl! Cleaning. We'll clean you too.

Just wait a bit.

FIELD COMMAND

Did you see, my Perica?

I don't know much German, but we still understood each other.

Since we're here, we should do some sabotage.

Shh, quieter! Quieter!

- Watch that no one comes. - Don't worry.

What do you need that for?

Who the hell knows what's written here.

Whatever it is, it's surely not good for us.

- Hurry! - Better stash it somewhere safe.

Come on!

- Do you have pliers? - Why would I?

Damn it, Perica, you're useless.

Anytime someone needs your help...

Silence! The commander is on a long-distance call.

Alright, alright.

Yes. Yes. I understand.

Hello? What did you say?

A spy among us?

Here, go on.

Alright. Tell me his name.

His name. Karlo?

Karlo. There is no Karlo here. Hello?

What is going on here? What's wrong with the phone? Hello?

Damn it all! For God's sake, Erich!

Erich! Erich!

What are you doing here?

- What are you doing? - Working, uh...

Cleaning. Cleaning.

Idiots! Quiet! Erich! Where are you?

- Call Vuković. - He...

- He'd better be here in one minute! - Yes, sir!

There have been all kinds of reports, but I trust this one.

- But who could it be? - Who? I'd like to know that myself!

And now I have to wait for the stupid phone to be fixed!

For God's sake, damn it all!

That Karlo is reporting everything we're doing here. Everything!

But I'll find out sooner or later, and it won't be easy for him.

I guarantee you that!

I consider you one of my best men, even though you're not in the Wehrmacht.

Thank you, Colonel.

I called you so we can try to find out who among us it could be.

I'm curious too.

I'm telling you, Perica, there's no one like me in the brigade.

It's that fascist scumbag.

You know, Perica, I'd rather catch him than the general.

You're crazy. What use is that Home Guard captain?

He's in intelligence. That's why he caught the ex-SKOJ girl.

I know it, I have a nose for these things.

But how do you actually plan to capture him?

I haven't figured that out yet, but...

Hurry up with that ladder, Perica.

You think it's easy? I'd rather carry a machine gun.

- Then you'd see... - Stop talking.

I'm coming. Where are you taking me?

Wait while I figure it out myself.

Mićo, Mićo.

- What do we do now, Mićo? - Hold on. Get up.

What are we going to do here?

Wait while I scout the tactical situation.

What's there to scout? Don't you see we're in the attic?

First, let's get rid of this.

Throw...

Throw it in the corner.

Yeah, so I can find it again later.

Erich! Erich!

- At your command! - What's going on with the damn phone?

I'll check immediately!

Wait, wait a moment.

Here. If we're making a bonfire, let's make one.

Look at that! Look how it burns.

Let it burn, let it burn.

- Colonel. - Yes?

- Someone cut the wire. - What do you mean?

What is this now? Sabotage!

Guards! Alarm! Alarm!

Mićo! Look at this!

And look at this.

- What is it? - A gramophone.

Oh!

Look, for God's sake.

What would the brigade say if we brought them this?

Mićo, I've always wanted something like this.

And look, this is the lever. See?

See that? Those capitalist bastards, look how they live.

No wonder they won't give up.

Brother, this is technology!

After the war, my first slogan will be:

- "Technology for the people." - Well done.

Scandal! Yes?

Colonel, you'll have a connection in a few minutes.

Thank you. Dismissed!

Quiet!

Move! Search everything.

- Oh, dear mother! - What are you waiting for?

I'm afraid.

I'd face ten of them in battle, but I'm afraid of this, and that's that.

Lower yourself slowly, like me.

- Get down, or a German will get you. - Wait.

Keep moving!

Where do we go now?

Not another step across the roof. Anywhere but here.

Maybe we could go there. Over there.

Come on, quickly.

Quickly.

Try it from this side.

What's wrong with it?

- What do you see? - Unbelievable.

I need a car, by the Commander's order.

- I need to see the order, Captain. - Yes, here you go.

Alright, Captain. Max!

Peter.

- Erich! Erich! - Yes, sir?

- Who just drove off in my car? - I'll check immediately.

Captain Vuković took the car, Commander. The captain...

Hello? Yes? What?

A car, quickly!

Esteemed Captain, if you so much as move,

you'll get thirty-two bullets in your skull. Clear?

What is the meaning of this?

It means shut up and drive. Clear?

- Wait, let me explain. - Not another word, I said!

- But... - This is your last warning!

- Watch out! - Drive!

Look, Perica. Just this morning, we were walking along here, and now?

Well done.

Good heavens, what's this now?

- Are they chasing us? - Can't you go faster?

Bitte schön! Faster!

Faster, can't you go faster?

I want them alive, alive!

What are you waiting for? Shoot!

There's a revolver in the bag.

Shoot!

Shoot, damn it!

Fire!

Enough, Herr Oberst. Hands up!

I'm innocent, Captain.

Hands up! Hände hoch!

At your command!

And so, here we are, back with the brigade.

Forward.

- Mićo! - Hello!

Mićo, for heaven's sake, are you alive?

Oh, good heavens, and when did you get back?

We searched for you, shouting until we were hoarse.

Where the hell have you been?

Look how sooty they are. You can barely recognize them.

Well, we captured this fascist.

Comrades, he's actually an Ustasha.

An Ustasha intelligence agent in a Home Guard uniform.

A dangerous bird.

You both deserve medals.

I think so too.

Here comes the Commander.

Let's see what this big surprise is.

Comrade Commander, I completed the mission.

- Well done, Mićo! - I told Comrade Commander,

"If I don't find Mato and Đuka, I'll bring back a general."

Well done, Mićo!

It's not exactly a general, but a colonel, a major, and a few small fry.

That's quite a catch, my Mićo.

We also have one more, Comrade Commander.

He's not a general either, just an ordinary Home Guard captain.

But he must be an intelligence agent.

Did you interrogate him?

No, I haven't had time.

Besides, I don't consider myself authorized.

Come on, let's see him.

This is him, Commander.

Turn around, pal.

Karlo, it's you! They captured you!

You see, these two chimney sweeps captured me.

But they weren't bad.

If we hadn't accidentally gone the same way,

I don't know how it would've ended.

- But he's our intelligence agent. - Our intelligence agent.

Mićo, admit it, you overdid it.

You see, Comrade, that's just how I am.

Full of self-initiative, like a pomegranate full of seeds.

But if I weren't like that, I would have gone far.

What is it?

Are you in pain?

I'll be right back.

Where is the doctor?

The doctor?

Doctor! Doctor, wait a moment.

Doctor, come here!

Let them have it, pal!

Krešo.

I'm so afraid, my dear.

I'm alone.

I'm always alone when I'm without you.

I'd like to think of the comrades upstairs in the attic.

They're in danger because of the three of us.

But we can't help them.

And I'd like to think of the sun

that feels so trapped in this basement

that it immediately flees outside, among the leaves, under the sky.

I'd like to say so, but I must think of you.

It seems like only yesterday I was just one of countless spoiled children,

raised to become a gray average.

My only worries were rehearsals with our little orchestra,

our solfeggio lessons,

and whether I'd make it home on time.

That evening, you walked me home for the first time.

Don't walk me any farther.

My parents are very strict.

- Surely, you're not a child. - No, but...

Listen, when will I see you again?

That depends on Johann Sebastian, whenever he schedules another rehearsal.

Alright, then after the rehearsal.

Will you?

Good night!

I'll wait for you!

That's it. Good.

Tutti.

It seemed like our city lived as before.

Ordinarily.

At least, I was sure of that.

War was just an unpleasant topic for worried passersby.

But I didn't want to think about it.

And you?

Tell me, how long did you practice that solo?

I already told you, ten days.

All day long.

It wasn't worth it.

Judging by today, it was worth it.

No, it wasn't that good. I messed up one passage.

Nonsense, you played like Huberman.

- Stop teasing me. - Don't bite my head off.

We barely know each other.

- You know what? - What?

Let's celebrate.

My treat. You can't say no.

Are you always this confident?

Always.

Alright, I accept.

- But I don't have much time. - Fine.

Just watch out, we're going to drink like beasts.

- Two more raspberry drinks. - No, thank you.

- It's late. I need to run home. - Why?

- My family is very afraid. - Of what?

Lately, every morning, we find a leaflet under the door.

- What do the leaflets say? - Imagine, each one has a poem.

- So what? - It's childish.

Why childish?

It just seems frivolous to me.

I don't know. Maybe, before judging,

you should get to know the people behind them.

Yes, but they're bad poems.

Then that's a different matter.

Why are you sulking now?

You didn't write... those poems, did you?

No, I didn't.

- But... - But what?

I'm sorry you have to leave.

How could I have upset you?

But girls like I was then

only love tender verses about love and flowers.

I must have seemed terribly stupid to you,

because even then, you carried within you

the great secret of your world.

A very dangerous and very unappealing one.

The secret of a young man trapped in an occupied city.

For you, war wasn't just an unpleasant topic for worried passersby.

I didn't know you.

...into a determined...

- battle... - battle...

- against... - against...

the fascist occupiers.

fas-cist...

- oc-cu-pi-ers. - occupiers.

Comma.

I still regret we didn't stick to poetry.

People say they're frivolous.

Keep writing, but please don't pound.

You're not playing timpani.

What time is it?

Four. We have time. He won't come for another hour.

What if he does?

Write, so we finish faster. Where were we?

- Fascist occupiers. - Fascist occupiers...

- who have... - who have...

- brought... - brought...

only misery,

- death... - only mis-er-y, death...

- and decay... - and de-cay...

- to the young generation. - ...de-cay...

- to the young... generation. - the young generation.

Death to fascism.

Death...

- to fascism. - to fas-cism.

- Freedom to the people. - Free-dom...

Interesting. Very interesting.

I gave you the key so you could practice solfeggio undisturbed.

What's all this secrecy in broad daylight?

Leave now.

- Director... - Wait downstairs for the rehearsal.

- We just wanted... - These papers stay with me.

Go.

Do you think Johann Sebastian will report us?

Say something, man. What should we do?

What can I say?

That what we're doing is foolish, stupid, laughable, and amateurish?

And that I'm ashamed?

You're to blame.

From the start, I wanted to take a different path.

I had some comrades I wanted us to connect with.

But you were against organizing.

You wanted to do it all your way.

All you.

And Johann Sebastian?

What will Johann Sebastian do?

Who could have guessed what kind of man he really was?

Stop! Stop!

That's not right!

What's the matter with you, young friend?

You mustn't forget, even for a moment, that you're in an orchestra,

and that the sound of the whole depends on all of us together.

Great things in life cannot be accomplished by one person alone.

It takes many hands to undertake a great endeavor.

Just don't be afraid.

Stage fright is a dangerous thing.

Now, let's continue.

From letter B, please.

That day, you didn't meet me.

It was the first sad day of my love.

I had no idea that day would be a turning point in your life.

And mine.

See how it's done? Technology, my friend.

Not like us, churning out four copies with a machine.

- Here they are. - Oh, shut up.

I'd say that's a C-sharp.

Or if it's not C-sharp, it's definitely a D-flat.

On the piano it's clearly one note, but we with perfect pitch

can clearly distinguish those untempered notes.

Such a beautiful C-sharp. Purest of the pure!

The timpani too. That's F-sharp.

- Listen... - Bye!

To the shelter, young man!

They're above us.

Who is that? Do you know him?

Yes, a colleague of mine.

Why did you come?

I wanted to see you.

There are many days ahead of us.

We could have met another time.

Perhaps another time you wouldn't want to hear what I have to say.

And perhaps I wouldn't be able to say it then.

What?

I, Nevenka...

I had to come to see you.

After that, we started meeting regularly again.

And then, after one concert,

you were careless for just one moment.

YOUTH!

It's strange with you, Krešo.

You're a peculiar man.

You think so?

You play in bars, you have frivolous manners.

And yet, you risk your life.

Everything stemmed from our love.

I couldn't just love you.

I had to accept all of you.

Your love and your fight.

Adam was a wonderful comrade.

There were many such comrades.

We went through a lot together.

But one evening will always stay in my memory.

TO ARMS!

YOUTH!

Krešo!

It's amazing how children can always dream.

- Why are you crossing it out now? - The figures are wrong.

Alright, let's start over.

But write down only what we really need.

Alright.

So, a hot plate.

We need that, don't we?

A hot plate.

Then a radio.

So you won't be bored when I'm not home.

A radio.

- Then... - Now for the kitchen.

How many dishes do we need?

Well, to start, I think... five pots,

a pan, plates,

four cups, spoons, forks, knives,

a pastry board, a rolling pin, a salad bowl,

and more. I can't think of everything right now.

Listen...

Couldn't you just bring some of that from home?

I wouldn't take anything. But...

Cross out... the radio.

- The radio? - Yes, the radio.

Your father.

- What is it? - They were looking for you.

Who?

The police.

And then came the final night.

What now?

Nothing until morning. Then I have to leave.

But you need to hide somewhere until then.

How about going to Adam's?

They're probably after him, too. It seems we've been exposed.

Come to my place?

There's no other way.

No... There was no other way.

Nena, is that you?

It's me.

I left dinner for you in the kitchen.

- Thank you. Good night. - Good night.

Don't forget to lock the door.

And shut the kitchen window.

I swear, this is harder than distributing leaflets.

Does your mom come at night to see if you've come uncovered?

- Sometimes. - Thank you very much.

Where are you going?

To get dinner.

I'll be right back.

We'll share.

Hopefully it should be enough for us both.

Come on, Krešo. Eat.

The last supper, huh?

Take this to my old man.

Tell him something.

Explain to him why I had to leave.

Will he understand?

He'll understand the main thing: that I left.

I'll tell him you'll be back soon.

Be sure to find Adam.

Tell him I left to make a connection.

I'll look for him in the morning.

When you see Johann Sebastian...

tell him...

tell him I said hello.

Just tell him that.

What kind of rehearsals will they be without you?

It might take you three days to reach the Partisans.

You won't go hungry.

It looks like you plundered the whole family stockpile.

So what?

When do you have to get up?

Before dawn, anyway.

I think... what about Adam?

Could they have...

Good night.

Good night, Krešo.

Will you wait for me?

Don't, my little one.

It will pass. It won't last long.

You'll see.

Smile.

Come on, smile.

Before dawn, you left.

And I don't know if this letter will ever reach you.

If they let you, come.

And why wouldn't they let you?

You know how much I want to see you.

It seems everything would be better if you were just near me for a moment.

To see you, just to see you,

would make it easier for me.

A mother and child shouldn't live alone.

Never. Or at least not on the first day.

Hey, Comrade, where are you headed?

I'm looking for a hospital, is it nearby?

A hospital? Oh, Comrade, a hospital.

If you think about it, it wasn't much of a hospital.

Ten wounded men, one woman, and a few others, you know.

- Where are they now? - They scattered.

Some went up toward Vrtinovac,

and those who couldn't move remained in the hamlet.

- Goodbye. - Hey, Comrade, wait!

Do you have a light?

I do, but I don't know if it'll work.

What does that comrade want? Where's he going?

He's looking for a hospital.

Comrade.

Krešo!

Is that you?

- Adam! - Krešo!

Adam!

- Krešo, my Krešo! - What's this?

Why are you surprised? Never seen old comrades meet on the battlefield?

- Aha. - My old friend!

- You rascal, you've aged! - You haven't grown younger yourself.

- What are you doing here? - Waiting for the unit. And you?

I'm looking for Nevenka.

Nevenka?

Since when is she with the Partisans?

Ten days after I left, it became too dangerous for her to stay.

And she didn't want to stay either.

I only found out about it now.

Will you come with me?

Let's go.

I'll try to make my way inside.

Better not.

They'll shoot you in such an open area.

C-sharp!

I'm going.

Cover me.

I'll head back to our people.

Step on it! Fire!

My little one.

My little one.

Krešo, you came.

You actually came.

Who would've thought things would turn out this way for us?

And we wanted...

Everything will be fine.

You'll see, everything will be fine.

Now I'm here.

And our people will come. This will pass.

And we'll... again...

Go.

Wait outside.

She's held on well so far,

but now it's time.

They've retreated again.

And you're a father, huh?

Yes.

Well,

it happens that children have children too.

She picked the perfect time, when the Germans are attacking.

Don't be angry, buddy. We're just joking around.

Comrade, are you expecting a daughter or a son?

A son, of course. Why ask?

And what will you name him?

I'd name him Ratko,

considering what kind of day this is.

Watch out!

I wonder what she's thinking now.

It seems these guys plan to spend the summer here.

A tank.

Don't go.

It's better she doesn't know.

Bloom, O mountain, bloom with flowers

Bloom, O mountain, bloom with flowers

Montenegro marches into battle

Montenegro marches into battle...

Watch your head!

Where are you going?

Don't go down there.

The doctor is with her. Stay here, what can you do down there?

I can't leave her like this. Who knows what will happen to us?

Damn you all!

As long as I'm here, you won't advance an inch closer!

Give it to me!

Our men! Our men! Our men!

It's a son! It's a son! It's a son!

Krešo, it's a son! You have a son!

It's a son! Brko!

Do you hear me?

Brko...

These memories were not recorded in history.

They were randomly chosen

from the Partisan recollections of the liberation war.

Time passes, and memories age.

Today, we encounter random passersby on the street.

In the colorful crowd, we do not recognize the heroes of the war.

Today, they are once again ordinary, small people.

THE END