All language subtitles for Awdat al ibn al dal AKA The Return of the Prodigal Son (1976)

THE RETURN OF THE
PRODIGAL SON

Director
Youssef Chahine

Subtitled by ANIS EBEID
CAIRO - EGYPT

Hard-subs transcription by Dementia
KG - October, 2015

Get the rest of the money.

Give me a pilaster to buy bread.
I swear, I'm hungry.

How could a man working for
Mr. Tolba, say such a thing!

If you say another word,
I'll make him kill you.

Mr. Samir, you're a bastard!

"Coffee and Theatre"

- What is it?
- The flywheel.

Call Hasoona, tell him to come
and fix it right away.

- Distract him.
- How?

Do something, the machine
must be repaired at once.

It can be repaired, but it'll
have to wait till tomorrow.

We're talking about now.

The nut inside the bolt is
worn out.

It won't function properly,
not even for two hours.

What's the use of you, then?

Or are you too old?

Get him right away.
I want things to run properly.

Hasoona! You promised me
you'd come again.

We played volley ball with them.

- In the club.
- Really?

It's nothing like a club,
just a patch of ground.

By the way, he's the one who
led me to you.

When I heard your name,
I asked him:

"Is he the same Madboly who
went to the Military Academy?"

He told me: "Yes, and he's
running a family business"

I knew you were my colleague,
so I took your phone number.

Old friends must meet again
sometime.

So, when are we going to play
a match with you, captain?

We're simple villagers.

Why don't you establish a real
club in this village?

A great idea, and we'll hold
a tournament between the...

...labourers and the
farm-hands, what not?

Shame on you!

What is it, girls?

Listen, shouldn't you give me
what you owe me?

Why, do I owe you anything?

The kiss you promised at the
end of the school year.

Ibrahim, happy school year.

We'll study, Miss, we swear.

I hope this will be the last
day for you here.

- Are you fed up with us?
- Yes, I've had enough of you.

Are we going to say farewell?

# We're leaving school #

# Look how the days have passed #

# It's as if we'd just started
this school #

# We were just getting acquainted
How did the years pass? #

# And now we're bidding it
farewell for good #

# Goodbye to the best days of
our lives and memories #

# May you always do well,
O dear school, goodbye #

# Farewell, windows, our minds
used to wander outside, #

# trying to listen to tunes
of the unknown future #

# Farewell, windows, our minds
used to wander outside, #

# trying to listen to tunes
of the unknown future #

# As for you, playground,
and you, mulberry tree, #

# we had such good times,
but it's all over #

# Now we're bidding you farewell
for good. O dear school #

# Goodbye to the best days of
our lives and memories #

Goodbye, your holiness.

# May you always do well,
O dear school, goodbye #

# We travelled to and fro
together for three years #

# In this good school, boys and
girls studied together #

# We learnt how to calculate the
velocity of the sun rays, #

# but we didn't learn to
anticipate our parting #

# We've finished too soon,
only to be told #

# that we must now enter college #

# Now we're bidding you farewell
for good, O dear school #

# Many others were brought
together before us #

# but days separated them, and
they forgot their friends #

# but we must remain good
friends #

# We enjoyed a friendship that
shouldn't be frittered away #

# It passed all too quickly #

# Now we're bidding you
farewell for good #

Here is the Madboli estate,
get off, Ibrahim.

Keep driving, I'll go with you
to the village.

Wait.

Gett off.

I want to get something from
the village. Get going, Labib.

Aren't you going to help me
with the accounts?

- Don't be upset, grandfather.
- Your grandmother will kill me.

They must see us every day,

so that they fell that we're
taking care of them.

We do look in on them,
ten times each day.

Why are you so distressed,
Fatma?

There's nothing here... I just
hate this place altogether.

It's your land and your house,
as well as our.

Give me what I put in your
safe-keeping.

- You mean your money?
- Yes, let me go away.

That's difficult, I do have
your money, but it's with Tolba.

He's using it in the business,
matters are complicated.

I'll still leave, when you sort
things out, send me my money.

You might come to love Tolba
one day.

- I'd rather commit suicide.
- Be reasonable.

I'll only marry Ali, even if I
stay a spinster for life.

They're both my sons, but Ali's
been gone for 12 years.

Then I'll leave, it will be better.

Where to?
You have nowhere to go.

No, Ali!
It's none of your business.

Don't, you might be treated
unfairly once more.

Chairman of the Board?

- And this one?
- He's head of a city council.

That's me.

That's you.

- Who's he?
- Talat Bilkasy.

He's Minister Plenipotentiary,
what about him?

He was killed in the '67 war.

- And him?
- Killed in the '56 war.

Oh!
And this one?

He's been promoted to a
Colonel this year.

He was wounded in the Yemen
war, he lost his legs.

- And this one?
- Alive.

And him?

He died in the '56 war.
That's enough Tolba, please.

The military outfit looks
very elegant.

Medals on the chest
and shoulders.

It would look becoming on
Tolba, he's tall and smart.

I wish you had let him stay
in the military academy.

- May this visit go smoothly.
- What are you afraid of?

I fear he might regret that he
changed his career.

What's the news?
Air raids will continue.

Then the army will remain
posted around the villages,

...and you'll stay a while in the
sites you've occupied.

Give us the contract of
supplying the rations.

One has first claim in one's
own possessions.

Captain Hossam could tell
you all about that.

Read the specifications in
the administrative office...

...then submit the papers,
May God help you.

Rest assured,
God always helps me, always.

The spokesman of the
White House announced...

What's this nonsense?
There's no need for this drive!

I'll hang out the laundry,
you go to the supermarket.

If they don't give us the
rations this time...

I'll ruffle their feathers.
You'd better change your dress.

What do you mean by ruffle
their feathers?

"Give them hell"
in Alexandrian dialect.

Study hard and enroll in
Alexandria university...

...and I'll teach you all these words.

I'm in the science section,
and I'll go to Europe.

- Where to, Ibrahim?
- I'll help Tafida.

- To hang out the laundry.
- Why not?

If your sees you,
he'll have a stroke.

Take your book and sit in a
hidden spot and read to her.

Hasoona, the water flow
is very weak.

That's the best I can do.

Mother wanted to go to
Alexandria university.

My mother, God rest her soul,
wished so too.

What males you think of going
to Europe, then?

Ever since my mother died,
I've wanted to leave.

- I imagine I'll meet her there.
- Can't you meet her here?

If God wills it, come on now.

- Give me a kiss, I want a kiss.
- Let's talk first.

- No, come, close your eyes.
- Why?

That's part of kissing,
don't you watch films?

What about you?

Hey! What were you doing?

You're laughing, you approve
of what she's doing?

Doesn't it remind you of the past?

Don't you remember,
long ago on the roof,

- ...when I raised my dress?
- You were young then.

You do anything that comes
into your head.

What about you?
Don't you do the same?

You mad woman, I'm talking
about them, how will it end?

Am I a clairvoyant?

- Try to understand, woman.
- Our daughter is his equal.

She's bright, she might even
get a better degree than him.

That's true, but I work for
his father, I know Tolba.

I love the boy, I raised him,
but there will be trouble.

What could his father do?
I know him quite well.

- He's a terrible man.
- Why should we stay here?

There's a lot of work in Alexandria.

They've been asking you to go
for six months now, just decide.

- It's not that simple.
- Don't philosophize now.

"The voyage of the Soviet
astronaut marks...

...man's first step towards
invading outer space.

The Egyptian space scientist,
Dr Farouk Al Baz

from Cape Canaveral

attests that in a short
period of time,

man will leave his footprint
on the moon itself..."

I will be like Farouk Al Baz,
a space scientist.

Just get your high school
degree, first.

Build us two of those rockets,

...then they wouldn't dare drop
bombs on schools and factories.

"Al Baz,
the international Arab scientist.

...graduate of
Ein Shams University,

...has promised to meet soon
his friends and professors..."

- Where has your mother gone?
- Sayed called her.

Why hasn't your grandfather
come till now?

What happened?

Aunt Fatma tried to commit suicide.

- Why?
- I don't know.

She drank all the soup, thank God.

Thank you, you're always by
our side in times of hardship.

Don't say that, we're family.
Goodbye.

Come on, Ibrahim, it's late.
Go to bed.

Listen, Tolba. Your're tired,
Fatma is tired,

...and Ibrahim will be,
when he finishes his exams.

So?

Why don't you rent us a
bungalow in Ras Albar?

I'm expecting that contract
from the army.

Fatma is more important, rent
a nice roomy bungalow.

Fatma will see you for what you
really are, cheerful and loving.

If God is willing, you will
get married.

- Why go to Ras Albar?
- What's wrong with it?

We rented a bungalow there
once before.

- May God rest her soul.
- Amen.

I don't care about anyone.

I want to protect my daughter
from that weird family.

I'll leave my job, take her
and go to Alexandria.

What does the boy have to do
with his father's deeds?

He feels his mother died of grief.

Maybe he's like his father.

It's the girl's manners that
count, our daughter is smart.

Had Ali been here none of
this would've happened.

Poor Fatma...

No one in this world would wait
12 years for a man.

- Where to?
- I'm going crazy.

I can't understand what's going
on in this house.

I'll go out to think.

And you must be drunk for the
ideas to flow easily.

I'm the fool of the family...
You go ahead, think and rationalize.

- I want a word with you.
- Talk.

I'm worried about Fatma.

She's been waiting for
12 years, I wish he'd return.

If you hadn't been so hard on him...

...he would've visited us at least.

He was the one who wanted to
change the world.

Do you like the world
as it is now?

Maybe he got married.

Go to Cairo, and don't return
without Ali.

Do you want me to go
Ras Albar for Tolba's sake...

...or go to Cairo to search for Ali?

Besides, Tolba is managing
your business quite well.

Ibrahim should play chess with you,

...instead of his crazy father.
You're so artful.

Come here.

If you're so clever, why did
you waste our money...

...on your silly project?

You made us poor, so we had to
take Fatma's money.

Now the girl committed suicide
and Ali is away.

Tolba is at a loss, and you're
drunk, leaving me all alone.

Remember that film we saw.

The inventor who'd built
a robot to serve him.

Then the robot controlled him.

That film, the Ghost of
Frankenstein.

- What about it?
- That's you and Tolba.

I am Frankenstein?!

How could you do such
a thing, Fatma?

Suppose you'd...

What would I've done then?

Killed myself?

All what I did, I did out of love,

...at least on my part.

It was a night, like this night...

We must treasure our lives,
not throw them away.

The soul is entrusted to us by God,

...just as you, and everything
else are in my trust.

- Pray... Ask God's forgiveness.
- Please, leave me alone.

Never mind, I'll take what
you dish out...

...just as long as you recover soon.

I have some good news for you.

- We'll go to Ras Albar.
- Stop it, Tolba.

Ali Mohamed Al Madboly, come,
the warden wants you.

Stop worrying and go.

# The watch, you're the one
who broke the watch. #

# - Who? Me?
- Yes, you broke the watch. #

# The man's valuable watch
you broke it #

# I didn't do anything, I was
leading a simple life #

# I came to weep, for you, me,
and a bird I lost #

# That watch is worth your
whole life, #

#...kneel before the man and
beg forgiveness #

# Ask him to take you
to the police #

# I'm a criminal and
I'll apologize #

# I was counting the birds on
the tree they were ten #

# A bird pinched my hand so I
threw it like a stone #

# No, it bit its way through my
palm and flew away #

# Crazy man! Crazy man! #

# I was looking at the flowers,
I counted them, there were many #

# My youth was a flower among
them, wilting in flames #

# You want to steal the youth
of others #

# And waste it like you wasted
your own youth #

- Yes, sir.
- Come in, Ali. You can go now.

Congratulations, you'll soon
be released from prison.

Didn't you send a letter
to the president?

Your request was accepted.

But you must say the treatment
here in jail was good.

"Passport to Paradise"

Easy, mother, calm down.

You said that the Arabic exam
was long.

Don't worry, mother, I'll pass.

We'll get to the school and
see the results ourselves.

Hurry, get out.

Congratulations, Tafida.

- How much?
- 91.2%

- And you?
- Thank God, 89%

- Didn't I tell you?
- I must see it for myself.

Aisha Mahmoud Hassan
1934- 1970

Mother, I passed.
I got 89%.

I wasn't able to get over 90%
as we'd agreed,

...because after you were gone,
I was very depressed.

Tafida is a great girl,
she forced me to study.

89% isn't really bad, you know.

I don't want to study medicine,
I won't even study in Egypt.

I'll travel, it'll be better.

I can't stay in the house,
or anywhere else in Egypt.

I want to became a scientist,
I'll major in space,

...in the geology of the moon.

Now you're able to walk on
the planets,

...and see everything, right#

Maybe, if I go to the moon,
I'll meet you there.

I miss you very much, mother.

Where is Tolba?

He's in a committee meeting.

He should've gone to the seaside,

...instead of staring at the
screen all summer.

Tell him where the two
missing pennies are.

Never mind, we'll go over it
once more.

Where are the papers for the
army tender?

Al you need is your
free-of-crime record.

You'll dawdle till the war ends
and we will lose the deal.

I heard them say that the
Roger's Bill will come,

...into effect as of tomorrow.

- The U.N. observers started...
- We've nothing to do with them.

Go, don't return till you've
completed the papers.

Let me down.

Get a jug of water.

You should've gone.
That girl is a flirt.

She knows the master well.

Then she owns the coffee shop
and as for the cinema...

Shut up or Mr. Tolba will kill you.

I thought you were at the press.

The problems at the cinema
are taking up all my time.

I have good news, I passed my
secondary school exams.

Great, give me a kiss.

What'd you like my grades to be?

- 60% is fine.
- Would 89% do?

Why all this extravagance?

The veterinary institute
accepts 60%.

I'll study abroad. I'll master
in lunar geology.

We'll enlarge the shed
four times its size.

We'll get new fertile
strains from America.

You also have the cinema,
and the press,

It's my wish,
it must be yours too.

I don't want to work
with you, father.

I said the veterinary institute.

Besides, we're in the state of war,
it's not safe to travel.

Tomorrow is August 4th,
the armistice will start.

I'll travel on my responsibility.

I just want you to get me
a passport.

What's wrong with our village?
We have everything.

You also have that girl who
loves you, Hasoona's daughter.

She's a good pastime till we
find you a suitable bride.

You shouldn't say that,
we're friends.

There's no friendship between
a man and a woman.

Why does the government have
co-education then?

- That's nonsense.
- What isn't nonsense?

- I'll enable you to travel.
- How, grandfather?

You forget I'm your paternal
grandfather, I'm your guardian.

Just get me four photos.

This will save us time,
I'll try to convince him later.

Do you think he can be
persuaded?

No one can know what may
happen in this family.

You're all the offspring
of a crazy man.

Did you send four photos like
this to the government?

They'll post it at the police station.

They'll write under it "Wanted"
for Tolba's shed.

I like a person who can
laugh at himself.

Then I'll make you die of laughter.

Mohamed Madbouli, the greatest!

- Coming with the food.
- Enough, let me continue.

People get watery eyes from onions.

Your mother's eyes get watery
from fish.

Whenever I see it,
I remember Alexandria.

I told you to stick to salad
and rice, you didn't listen.

A German torpedo blasted
my father's boat.

So I worked in the fish
market sorting the fish.

Big, small, goldfish, herrings...

- What about Ibrahim?
- A golden red mullet.

- And his father?
- He's a big one, a whale.

- Is it good or bad?
- He's a whale, that's all.

Where is Hasoona?

It's my luck to fix worn out
gadgets of the Madbouki's.

- It will do for the party.
- Will we listen to old songs?

No, silly, my grandfather used
to live in France.

The latest music from the
queen of dance.

I saw her myself in Paris
in 1927.

The curtain rose and Miss Tangi
appeared.

She came down a long
golden staircase.

- Wearing...
- A long dress.

I had a girl called Yvette
with me.

Her father was a plumber,
honestly.

Friends of my father saw me
and warned him,

...saying that I'll get a degree
in dance, not law.

He asked me to return,
I refused.

He told me he wouldn't send me
any money, so I returned.

You must go to that theatre
when you're in Paris.

- Why should he travel?
- Where is the passport?

Get me two photos and you'll
receive it tomorrow.

I'll make a speech.

I congratulate my friend
Ibrahim Tolba Mohamed Madboli,

...and myself on our success, but,
from this respectable table,

...around which are gathered the
greatest minds of our village,

...I wish to ask a mere
philosophical question.

Why travel when you can study
any subject here?

Philosophically, logically and
psychologically,

...the boy must travel and get
a better degree than the girl,

...so he can slap her every
now and then.

Oh, my God,
what disastrous advice!

I only care for the happiness
of people, whether they get,

their degrees from here or
from abroad.

I want to eat couscos
before I die.

That's unfair. We eat fish
every other day.

When you can pronounce it
in my dialect,

instead of that crazy Algerian
dialect of yours.

I speak better Arabic
than you do.

- What Arabic is this!
- What do you think, Fatma?

If Ibrahim wants to leave,

...nothing in the world
should stop him.

I sensed you weren't yourself
tonight, what is it?

I was rather upset for Fatma.

- Upset or afraid?
- Afraid of what?

That you'd be abandoned like her.

- Ibrahim isn't like Ali.
- I'm not like her.

- No one can upset me.
- God bless you, darling.

Listen, I have four gold
bracelets set aside for you.

Plus your father's indemnity
and half a house.

My cousin promised to lend me
money if I was in need.

- And what's all this for?
- Don't be stupid.

Follow him wherever he goes.

Why? We have the famous
Alexandria University.

He can go wherever
he wants to go.

Or would you rather I follow
an illusion?

Mr. Tolba is outside, sir,
he wants to meet you.

What brings him here now?

He said he has all the papers
for the tender ready, sir.

Give him the slip,
tell him anything.

After a whole month, they won't
give me the contract.

You think that's important, now?

The house gets emptier by the
day. Think about that.

Where does Fatma disappear
to every night?

She's come to like Hasoona
and his wife now,

...thanks to your son.

Where do you go to every night?

Where do you think? Maybe I
smoke hashish with him!

What is it you want to forget?
Your deed?

Or are you disturbed because
the house is empty like a tomb?

Don't ever leave me, Tolba,
I have no one but you, son.

Whom do you love more,
Ali or Ibrahim?

You're the only one I love,
you're the eldest, Tolba.

It's because I remained here
longer than either one.

The others are selfish,
you're the only tender one.

I wish you'd bring them
all together.

You, Fatma and Ibrahim.

I wish I could hear the cry
of a baby of my offspring.

Is this too much to ask, God?

Give them their pay and
send them home.

- They're half the labourers.
- I don't need them.

- And the Labour Office?
- I don't care about it.

- But they have rights.
- Rights!

Where are their papers,
do they have contracts?

You, yourself, don't have
a contract. Get going.

Okay, calm down.

What do you expect me to do?
Reach for the moon?

If you think that anything
can be done behind my back,

...you're mistaken, this is
my own son.

This man... what he is in this
house, Ibrahim.

He takes his allowance from
me, like you.

You want to travel, running
after stones and the moon,

...so that you'll turn out to
be idle like them.

This man, your grandfather,
bankrupted us,

...he wanted to conquer the desert.

His other son left to build
cities on the clouds.

Where is he now and where are
the cities he built?

There'll be no travelling,
no university anywhere,

...you'll join the veterinary
institute right here.

You won't move out of
this village.

Don't upset yourself.

Scientifically speaking the
idea is basically wrong.

From a financial point
of view...

Why squander money for no
reason, why spend money abroad,

...for something you can get here
for free.

There's another way of
looking at it.

My mother didn't mind my
travelling with you.

It would've bankrupted them,
they'd have had to borrow.

- Why should they do this?
- Because you and I are one.

When two people decide they
want to be together-

...they don't postpone it till
they're old.

We're for each other now,
at once, immediately.

We're for each other now,
at once, but...

There is no "but", that's
the second thing.

One needs an intimate
relationship,

...a kiss or a hug every now and
then, otherwise he'll suffer.

What does that mean?

SimpIy, that if you leave,
I won't wait for you.

I don't want to become dry like
a pressed flower, like Fatma.

- Don't be rude.
- I'm not.

The whole village is talking
about her.

Consider your problems before
seeing those of others.

Why don't you say I'm trying
to trap the rich man's son?

- I didn't say so.
- But you thought it.

I didn't, but I won't stop
thinking of trying to leave.

You're choosing the impossible
you're seeking it,

...so that you can sit back
and do nothing.

By the way, your uncle Ali
was better than you.

Why are you quarrelling
with him?

He must get the idea of leaving
out of his head.

I'm not prepared to wait for
him in a corner, like a cat,

...licking its old wound, while
the wound gets deeper.

What's this description?

Look at the wound
in your house.

A wound in our house?

Who's wounded?

- Is Fatma wounded?
- It was bound to happen.

If not from within, then from outside.

You do understand, Mr. Mohamed.

Goodbye.

If you would be so kind as to
order my case to be reopened

...and re-investigated, you will
find the real criminal

...you'll be assured of my
innocence.

My heart tell me, that after
my release, I will meet you.

You'll read this letter and
send for me, wherever I am

...and invite me to sit with you
for an hour.

Here, boy... to the west if
the wind changes.

- Let's get a truck of DDT.
- And cost Ratiba two pennies?

What's wrong with eucalyptus?

Put it till screams!

It made the mosquitoes gather
instead of driving them away.

Light it, boy.

I tried to move it, it wouldn't
budge

Then I became very angry,
so I rushed them.

And everything was ready
in no time.

You don't believe me, boy?
I don't blame you.

The incident of the passport
made you lose faith in me.

You're quite capable, my father
who is very reluctant.

How can I face... grandfather?

Are you listening?

Ali?

You're bad, a scoundrel!

I missed so you much, Ali.

Ratiba, your son is back,
he has returned.

Thank God for the safe arrival
of your son.

Ali?

You've grown up, how could
anyone see you before me?

What's the matter?

Ali is back.

Bring each and every singer,
dancer and musician.

Invite them all, far or near,
friend or foe, rich or poor,

...all must come to Ali's
party tonight.

I'll give you nothing when
you leave work.

- I'll take my indemnity.
- By threatening me?

By mutual agreement.

With whom would the mutual
agreement be, you or your wife?

- With the Labour Office.
- Don't say that word again.

They're communists, I'll send
them to their doom.

I don't want the indemnity,
good bye.

- You'll end up begging.
- There still are good people.

- Whom do you mean? Ali?
- Ali and others.

Hasoona...
You're a decent fellow.

Hasanein and his brother can
come back to work from tomorrow.

And Tawil too, what the heck!

What brings you here now?

My grandfather is giving
a very big party tonight.

He told me to invite the guests
so I came to tell Uncle Hasoona.

- What's the occasion?
- Uncle Ali returned, imagine!

- Ali? Ali who?
- Your brother.

He has returned, and of course
everyone will want a favour.

I only want him to run
the press fairly.

Do you think he'll be able
to get me a passport?

Ali has never gone back on a
promise or a debt.

- But I'm neither.
- You know what you are?

An inheritance.

Hello, welcome, come in,
make yourselves at home.

How did they have the time
to invite all these people?

It's as if they had a premonition.

Ibrahim invited every living soul.

Come on, men.

Say hello to Ali.

- I missed you Tafida.
- I don't know these people.

Silence, everyone.

This ring belonged to my
ancestors,

...my father gave it to me
on my wedding day.

I pass it down to you, Ali.

I've never seen someone so
popular! 300 guests are here!

- Did he ask about me, Auntie?
- In his first question.

Thank God for his return.

- What do you think?
- Beautiful.

What's the matter?

I haven't been able to talk
to him since he arrived.

He's forgotten me completely.

You were young but soon you'll
be good friends.

Here is our dear lady.

Say hello to your cousin.

Hello, Aisha.

Aisha is dead.
This is Fatma.

Hello, Fatma.

Good night, dear.

- Where to?
- I'll go with him.

If you weren't tired, I would've
taken you to a great party.

Never mind, good night.

Wait. I think we all had
a lovely time.

As of tomorrow, I want order,

Ali must either follow suit or
return from where he came.

It's obvious there is no love
lost between the two of you.

It's a matter of order,
understood?

You look younger than him,
he's grown old, poor thing.

You must have a couple of
words with him.

Don't obey your mother,
don't obey your father,

...but you must obey your brother.

Those are three words,
not two.

Why, you're good at arithmetic?

What's the brand this time?

Tolba! Go to hell!

Why are you crying, Ali?
What happened?

What can I tell you, mother?
I'm finished.

Heaven forbid, dear.

I don't know anything anymore.

Sit down, dear.

I thought you'd be happy
when you went away.

I wasn't searching for
happiness.

- What were you searching for?
- For myself.

- Did you find it?
- I found it and lost it.

- Did you get married?
- And divorced, with no kids.

- I have a bride for you.
- Do what you see fit.

No, she's someone you've had
on your mind.

What's important is that you
approve of her.

I would've preferred that your
heart would choose.

It chose, and failed.
You guide me.

Fatma has been waiting for you.

Your cousin, many proposed
but she refused.

I remember, Aisha's sister.

She used to run, embarrassed,
whenever she saw me.

- How did she know I'd return?
- Like me, she prayed to God.

Quickly, before the road
becomes crowded.

Do you have enough room
this time?

Hasoona, carry this
suitcase for me.

You're moving the house bit by bit
to Alexandria, wait!

- You wait with Tolba.
- Will I sleep on the floor?

All peasants have a soft
spot for the country.

How about you?

All you want is to return
to your home town.

My town is wherever you are.

If it hadn't been for Tafida
and her education...

You crazy woman, when will our
troubles end?

You think I can foretell
the future?

Is Uncle Ali awake?

Now, I'll be able to travel.

He'll arrange everything
with father.

You'll tell him, won't you?

Why not?

Will Tafida forget me when
I'm gone?

More important, will you
remember her, Ibrahim?

- Out of sight, out of mind?
- I'm talking about her.

She'll remember you, she'll
even wait twelve years for you...

...but maybe you'll change, and
no longer care for her.

Then I wouldn't be worthy of her.

Good morning to he who's
sleeping like a prince.

Oh, mother I haven't heard this
for thirty years.

You used to wake up and tell me
about your dreams.

- I've stopped dreaming.
- But you eat breakfast.

I'll send it with Fatma,
so you can see her.

Good morning, I'm sorry I got
mixed up last night,

...the news of Aisha's death
shocked me, my condolences.

- Excuse me, I was extremely--
- Tired...

Exhausted, wrecked, do you
forgive me?

- Only that of last nights?
- Were there any other nights?

See how many lost nights
are there in twelve years.

Come, you ought to be
kind-hearted.

Leave my heart aside,

I want you for a more
important matter.

There's a member of the family
you haven't been introduced to.

Although he's very keen
to speak with you.

- Who?
- Ibrahim.

He's just like you, he wants
to leave, but Tolba refuses.

Can you help him?

We'll find a way.

But it needs patience, wisdom
and diplomacy.

- Who's the boy?
- Ibrahim, Tolba's son.

I'm very late for my
appointment with Tolba.

- Did you tell him?
- Sort of.

What did he say?

The matter needs patience,
wisdom and diplomacy.

Sorry, I have to run.

Your hands are just like
those of my son Ali,

...but hope your brain isn't like his.

Don't you want me
to be happy?

I'd give you my most precious
belongings.

I only ask you to speak to father.

I want you to help
me get what I want.

But this isn't a game,
it's a serious matter.

My mind says you should go
my heart say no.

- What will happen if I leave?
- We'll lose you.

Your mind will be filled
with strange ideas.

- And if you don't...
- What will happen?

- You'll sink in even deeper.
- Into what?

That relationship. She isn't
even of your social status.

He sat, quiet, gazing,
he didn't recognize me.

No one can remember an ugly
face like yours.

They must have tortured him.

But he must've said quite
a few things,

...he couldn't have remained silent.

"I refuse to accept that men
be driven like slaves"

Queue up, even before the
angel of death.

Ali!

Hasoona!

I was going mad last night.

You didn't recognize me.
We were talking about you.

This is Ahmed Tawil.

I hope you haven't gotten
used to the luxuries of Cairo.

You know who this is? He was
very young when you left.

How could he not know his
nephew? Are you crazy?

- Here you go, Ibrahim.
- So, you're Ibrahim.

Don't worry, Ibrahim,
everything will be fine.

That's Tafida, my daughter,
welcome your uncle.

Welcome to our village.

- So, you're still working here.
- Where else would I go?

How did Tolba get this press?

He kept telling the owner that
they'll nationalize the press,

...till he sold it to him
very cheaply.

Imagine, he hasn't renovated
a thing since he bought it.

- Is it working well?
- Well enough.

You must check how many
sacks there are.

You know why the desert doesn't
bring forth any water#

It must be irrigated only
with our sons' blood.

How many have gone?

But it's still dry, useless,
just like me.

I, too, am useless.

My generation and me let
the desert devour us,

...you too are useless,
ignorant.

How could you have the high dam
project and go to Cairo?

Why didn't you finish your
education#

I went to get a degree, but
I found it wasn't necessary.

You took one step forward and
two steps backward.

Every project I started
was successful.

I travelled to all Arab countries.

It was as if ahead a magical
touch,

...then suddenly, it was gone.

The world came crashing down
on my head,

...everyone gloated, some luck!

Luck, magic, are you a
fortune teller?

You're a dog, an ignorant dog,

...who wasn't able to finish
his education.

I'm a dog.

Instead of trying to cultivate
the desert, cultivate my mind.

I don't know how to do any
thing, I'm made for love.

Why wasn't all this said
before I left?

800 million Chinese did
everything on their own.

Why aren't you Chinese?

If we ask a mad man
which one is mad,

...he who wants to swim
downstream,

...or he who wants to leave
his footprint on the moon.

What do you think he'd say?

Neither of us manages to leave
even a footprint on the desert.

But Ibrahim isn't holding a stick.

There's only a passport
between him and the moon.

- The first step.
- Second step to the moon.

- First step.
- Second step to the moon.

The press is really lovely,
just like the shed.

It's producing five times
as much as it used to.

What more could we want?

They told me about the hut
your brother is living in,

...after his long absence,
he's your partner.

- Never ming, Tolba will later...
- Do you see?

It's always been this way,
that's only a sample.

They wouldn't mind if I broke
the machines to pieces,

...gave a piece to lady Ratiba,

...a couple of bolts to Fatma,
a wrench to the old man.

# And now friends, we'll act the
scene of Ali in front of Tolba. #

# Never, there's no escape from
this village ever. #

# Stay here and attend
to the farm. #

# I'm not the follower on any
creature, sir. #

# I'm free to do what my
conscience dictates. #

# If you must, rule within
your domain, #

#...the wide road is welcoming me
with open arms. #

# This wide road belongs to me
as well. #

# Tell him, men, who does
the road belong to. #

# Tell him, maybe
he's been misled. #

# Who does the road belong to? #

# The road is ours,
and ours alone. #

# Those others are not from
our kind. #

# They're selfish people,
standing still in their places. #

# You who've paced this road
in all directions. #

# You followed the road and fled
the oppressors. #

# Tell us what you've gained? #

# Tell us at great length,
quench our thirst, #

#...we're so eager to learn. #

# The road was all full of
thorns, and maybe my feet bleed. #

# Behind and in front of me was
a mirage and quicksand. #

Complete, speak up.

Don't remind me,
I'm suffering.

This isn't your style, O best
of men, wisest of all.

But who does the road
belong to?

# The road is ours and
ours alone, #

#...those others are not from
our kind. #

Were all the distances you
walked on thorns?

- Thorns, dust and insanity.
- Were our dreams illusions?

- A big mirage.
- You must've lost your way.

No, I didn't but when they
told me, no, you're insane.

I didn't find insanity,
I found tears and groans.

# - But, whose is the road?
- The road is ours. #

# Those people aren't from
among us. #

# I started the journey with my
heart full of hope, #

#...the beauty of the road lured
me, but gained nothing. #

# The sweetest taste in my mouth
is the bitterness of memories. #

# Imagine, when bitterness
is sweet! #

# Your promise was our dream. #

# You spoke it and we
fantasized it. #

# The rainbow of seven colors
was a delusion! #

# Help, something has just
happened on the road. #

Let's not watch, let's help.

Let's help the man lift
his cart,

...all his watermelons fell off.

# Ali, you're back
to chivalry and fun. #

# Red marble erupts and the
lava flows out. #

# Let's get something
unattainable. #

# It was a promise of yours,
and a dream of ours. #

# You spoke it and we
fantasized it. #

# The winter's rainbow with its
seven colours was a liar. #

# Ali, you're back to chivalry
and fun. #

# You promised to bring luck and
fortune upon your friends. #

# You promised to relieve all
your friends from despair. #

# All the poor are hoping you'll
fulfill your promise. #

# It was a promise of yours,
a dream of yours. #

# You spoke of it and we
fantasized it. #

# The winter's rainbow with
seven colours was a delusion! #

# You're back to chivalry
and fun. #

# You're driving me crazy, you
fair girl. #

# Red marble erupts and out
comes lava. #

# The road is ours, ours alone. #

# Those other people are not
from among us. #

# They're barbarians, standing
still in their places. #

Stick 'em up!
Enough, all of you!

# An unsafe road. I'm the
symbol of strength. #

Everyone, return to his place,
there'll be no discussion here,

...no mumbling and no singing,
everyone return to his place.

I don't understand why is
everyone in such a hurry?

Each one of them was waiting
for you, full of hope.

I'll bring them the
unattainable.

Alright, it just needs
some time.

You had twelve years.

Yes, but I must start getting
together, things need...

Believe me, Fatma. Matters will
not continue as they are.

I even told Tolba all the
machines must be thrown away.

A tram-car couldn't last
25 years, let alone a press

And Ibrahim, why shouldn't
he travel?

Did you tell Tolba all this?

And you, we all know you have
the biggest share in everything.

You must take part in any decision.

- Did you tell Tolba all this?
- We've discussed it.

I need you to be patient
with me.

That's the way one can prove
that one loves others.

I've returned but can I fix
everything in a second?

As if I haven't suffered and
my dreams haven't fallen apart.

They betrayed me, their voices
ring in my ears.

Twenty-one floors, and more
yet to come,

...if only they'd let us, we'd
reach the sky.

He was lying and I believed him.

One more step and I would've
touched the stars.

Then it all collapsed.

What is worse than watching
twelve years collapse?

Had it not happened, you
would've been proud of me now.

Had you looked behind you once,
you'd have found me.

We were all there, Ali,
I was there.

You're by my side now,
that is what counts.

Yes, I am,
as I have been always.

Fatma, don't leave me.

So, is that it?
You'll go to Alexandria.

College will start in
a few days.

Your papers till now are in
the science college.

Uncle Ali is arranging for
me to go abroad.

I didn't think he was like that.

You thought he'd only give
you your right?

- No.
- What, then?

Just different, and whoever
says you're alike is mistaken.

- It's bitter.
- I'm glad.

- Look into my eyes.
- Is this a new game?

You're scared, Ibrahim.

Don't be evasive, read deeply
into my eyes.

You too are scared.

What is it?

Move back.

What is it?

Tie it tightly around your leg, Ibrahim.

Tie it tightly around your leg.

If you don't travel, and we
remain together-

I'm afraid my heart would
accept my being your follower,

...not your beloved, but my mind
won't accept it, ever!

You saved him, Tafida.
There's only a scratch left.

I was afraid my trip abroad
might be postponed.

He must get a degree better
than that of his future wife,

...so that he can slap her
twice everyday.

Ibrahim, when the plane
flies over Alexandria,

...say hello to those who
love you.

I'll be leaving soon, we're
going to Alexandria University.

I know you're busy, I didn't
have the time to chat with you.

Now, after twenty-five years,
I think it's my right,

...to ask for my indemnity.

Come to me tomorrow.

I'm leaving tomorrow, and I
mean tomorrow, understand?

You know Tolba well, and
he's told me,

...but the books are mixed up.

Books are mixed up?

Give me my money, see to
that later.

You know I'd never deny you
your rights,

...but work isn't that simple.

I've heard this all before.

I won't consider you the
boss's brother.

I'm asking about my rights
and my daughter's.

And my daughter is worth
the world to me.

You must find a way.

You'll stand in front of
my car?

I will, come what may.

Look, I love you all, I can't
solve all problems at once,

I too am... tired.

You're tired, and for ten days
you've been trying to find-

...a way to avenge yourself
from those who framed you,

...you'll keep on thinking
another year.

You're humiliating me now,
but I don't care.

I only want my rights, my
claims, as you used to say.

Give me my money, no matter
how you do it.

- Come Wednesday.
- I said we're leaving.

If we leave without the money
then you and Tolba will have,

...to patch up the machines
yourselves.

- You're on strike.
- This word becomes you,

...as does your suit.

Send my indemnity to my house
tonight, and believe me,

...if it weren't for the old days
I wouldn't have waited till now.

Congratulations on the
new machine.

No one improves the village
but you.

Everything is working okay.

Thank you, sir, thank you
and thank you again.

The new machines have arrived,

I hope you'll install them quickly.

The boat carrying the new
machines is here.

How could a big machine be
in such a small box?

Just like you were in your
mother's womb.

You mean it's small now and
when they bring it out,

...it'll be a huge factory?

For twelve years you've awaited.

Is this the man you've been
expecting for twelve years?

Honestly, no.
But...

But you've become used to
dreaming of him.

I know you well.

I wish others understood
you as I do.

If you come any closer I'll
beat you with this.

I swear I'd love that, a savage
tigress, a wild girl.

If you were the only man left
in the world,

I'd prefer suicide.

How dare you? Leave her, Tolba,
that's enough, go out.

- What did he want from you?
- He asked my opinion in Ali.

He only needs to be fed and
he'll be an excellent groom.

I think I loved him more when
he was crazy and keen to leave,

...than now, that he's gentle
and kind.

In our days, girls would long
for anything hairy.

But in our days, we can choose.

If there is no one left but
your Cain and Abel,

I'd rather die.

We have already agreed that you
will get married next Thursday.

You want to marry your son off.

Do you think I'm suitable?

Never mind, don't be upset.

I'll still make you proud
in front of your friends.

- Are you asleep, Ibrahim?
- You still remember my name?

- What were you dreaming of?
- Dreams come and go.

Your answer is harsher than
mine was when I was your age,

- ...and crazy like you are.
- Crazy because you left?

I was to spare you all the
suffering I'd seen.

- Who sent you, my father?
- No, your grandmother.

You didn't come on your
own accord.

Does that mean that I don't
love you?

You haven't said a word to
me since your return

I'm busy with so many
things here.

What did you return with?

- A bitter experience.
- But it was worth it.

Hasoona told me you can
work miracles.

- Have you stopped dreaming?
- 3 years in jail did that.

I was a fool. I let them
make a fool of me.

- Who are they?
- An important contractor.

So, there are always others
to lay the blame on.

Of course my father was the one
responsible for your leaving.

When I leave, it'll be
no one's fault.

It'll be because I want
to see the outer world.

- I'll go to the moon.
- I wanted to reach the stars.

And get a star for Fatma,
and one for Hasoona, for me?

- That's what we thought, but...
- I got lost on the way.

I can never forgive this,
nor Fatma nor Hasoona.

I'll try to get you
a passport.

# Sometimes I wake up in the
morning with a sad heart. #

# I look out of the door
and yearn. #

# I've lost everything I had. #

# The one I met
left me in tears. #

# And then I'd say again, #

# the birds are still flying,
the bees are still humming, #

# and a child's laugh is still
echoing, #

# although not all human beings
are happy. #

# The taste of love is
bitter-sweet, my dear. #

# The night has separated us,
we're no longer together. #

# It's unkind to be so
estranged. #

# Separation is an incurable
wound. #

# Then I'd say once more, #

# the birds are still flying,
the bees are still humming, #

# and a child's laugh is still
echoing, #

# although not all human beings
are happy. #

# That's what happened,
it's fate and destiny. #

# We must bid farewell to the
past and its great dreams. #

# Farewell to joys and sorrows. #

# The past is gone and nothing
much remains. #

# What could be done at such
a time, my friend? #

# When we get to the crossroads, #

# we'll look ahead to the sun
of our dreams, #

# we'll see it thrusting away
the dark clouds and shadows. #

# Then I'd say once more, #

# the birds are still flying,
the bees are still humming, #

# and a child's laugh is still
echoing, #

# although not all human beings
are happy. #

How much time do you have left
before you leave?

Father went to say goodbye,
to the workers in the press.

And Aunt Lawahez?

She went to buy food for the
trip, she'll be right back.

Now, at once, or else
she'll go mad.

What do you mean?

Food for the trip is a waste
of money.

They don't mention it when they
intend to postpone it,

and from the emotional point
of view...

You're coming with us, Ibrahim.

I knew it.

Someone was bound to get hurt
and it was Hasoona's fate.

Sabotage! Did anyone imagine
he would leave?

I'll bring the roof crashing
down on everyone's head!

You know why that whistle
was blowing?

Hasoona was wounded
in the factory.

What a bother, now they won't
come to the wedding.

What wedding?
They were going to leave.

Ali had convinced them, he'd
told me they'd come,

...but now that Hasoona's hurt,
I don't know what'll happen.

- Have you seen Ibrahim?
- No.

Why don't we postpone the
wedding for a couple of days?

Why all this rush?

I wasn't able to invite my friends.

What's this nonsense?
Everything has been arranged.

Fatma will be beautiful tonight.
Here, what do you think?

- I wore it on my wedding.
- Aisha wore it, too.

It's a custom we cherish in
our village.

- I made it to fit your size.
- I'll go to see Hasoona.

Why not hold the wedding?
next week?

With all these problems,
maybe, by next Thursday,

...we won't find a place in which
to hold the wedding festivities.

What do you mean? We'll have
it here, on the Madboli estate.

Do you think if this wedding
doesn't take place fast-

...there will be a Madboli
estate left?

Sabotage! He ruined the
machine!

What's this? What's it
doing here?

The engineer will assure you.
Speak up, Ali.

Oh my God, Hasoona!

- Why don't you speak up?
- I'll study the matter.

And you'll form a committee
from all the wise guys,

...who've elected the master.
over and over again.

Someone go up to the pharmacy
to get cotton and gauze.

Keep your advice and your
cotton to yourself.

I know what to do,

...but bear in mind, I swear I'll
go to the Labour Office.

Carry him, men.

He'll be fine and make you pay,
for the blood he shed,

or should I say what happened
because of you, Ali?

Leave us alone, Ali, you can't
turn your back on all this.

Here, take.

Take it, do it and
relieve us.

Do you see?
You can't.

Never mind, he still isn't himself.

- But one day we'll find someone.
- Find who?

Isn't it enough that you've
challenged me?

Yes, because only a woman can
lead you by the nose.

Are you a woman?

My generosity made you wear
that dress.

You can keep it, it will suit
you better.

What's this, Ibrahim, can't you
please this girl?

I'll still leave!

For the sake of your mother?

I'd bury you alive, by her
side, so you won't budge.

- We'll meet behind the stars.
- Are you making fun of me?

Go and ask if she has forgiven
you or not.

You've all gone astray.
The old woman is matchmaking.

The young man doesn't like
the shed,

...and the great fool gives away
the ring he's inherited,

...from his damned ancestors.

Thank God you're alright, father.

Do you see the result of
silence and negligence?

You should never have kept silent.

The arm is fine, it won't be
amputated,

...but you must go to a good
doctor in Alexandria.

The problems we ignore always
backfire on us.

Weren't you complaining about
the state of the machines?

You should've stuck together
and gone on strike.

Thank God, the doctor said
that all is well.

You'll be responsible for what
happens. It's sabotage.

We're in a state of war,
production will be delayed.

Temporarily until the matter
has been investigated.

I will not accept this,
I have my connections.

Ibrahim still hasn't come, mother.

He'll soon be back, once he's
reassured about his father.

The Labour Office has closed
the factory.

- I'll be back soon.
- Don't be late.

Come in...

You won't attend the wedding?

It's not our fault,
you know what happened.

Ali and I were very worried
about Hasoona.

Let him rest assured, may he
decide which side he's on,

...instead of being torn between
us and his boss's machines.

Maybe it's a sabotage, we'll form
a committee, I'm sorry, Fatma.

If the likes of us are
inattentive, they'll be lost.

You're right.

I wanted to get you a
wedding present.

Your presence would be enough.

Instead of both, I'll tell you
a couple of words.

Don't keep things pent up
in your heart,

...what you're hiding could make
your weak heart burst.

Now go to the charade they're
holding for you.

Take a dip in that sea of
fantasies with Ali.

May tonight pass peacefully.

Fatma, we're always here for
you in case of trouble.

We've never been so distant
from one another as we are now.

No, we've never been closer.

- Where are the others?
- What others?

Anyone, your friends,
relatives, the labourers.

Congratulations, Mr. Ali is now
an important person.

Yes, welcome, come in,
you brought only three men?

- That's all I could find.
- Go in quickly.

Come in, the food is inside.

A delightful party, elegant
guests and a blessed marriage.

- Is it a marriage or a divorce?
- A marriage, man.

Damn marriages and
everything else.

Where are the bride,
bridegroom and the guests?

They'll be here by the time
you finish your juice.

Where is Ibrahim?

The day on which Ali returned,
he gathered them all in an hour.

- What's this?
- Believe what you see.

Are you crazy?

Were you crazy when you
abandoned us all?

- You didn't understand my...
- Your suffering?

Others suffered and failed but
didn't deceive themselves.

We must face our wounds.

Mistakes can be forgotten but
hiding them is a crime,

...that breeds nothing but
humiliation and hatred.

I love you, Ali.

Don't force me to pay
a bigger price.

You know, our love will
invigorate the whole estate.

Why don't you leave this
unlucky place to them?

There is no such thing as
happiness here!

Let's go from here, let's leave
and live our lives,

...like Ibrahim and Tafida, like
Hasoona and Lawahez.

When I return, I'll be ready
for them.

You think I was been humiliated
in vain?

I'll take my revenge, you must
give me some time.

If God wills.

I must convince Hasoona and
Lawahez to come with us.

And we'll turn this into
a real wedding.

Are you sure it's Fatma that
you care about-

or she is a step on the
ladder to success?

There's no reason for me to
believe you.

Once yes, but now...

You want to beat Fatma,
Tolba and the old lady,

...but remember that they beat
you twenty years ago,

...and all this acting of yours
won't change a thing.

Why all this hostility,
Hasoona?

You haven't left a thing
without spoiling it.

Ibrahim, is locked up in the
press, he can't get out.

Maybe you have a key.

Who locked him up?

That isn't important, he must
get out, he's coming with us.

- Get the tools from inside.
- Hasoona, you're injured.

As long as a person is still
breathing, he must try.

Once upon a time, a young man
found everything wrong,

...he and his friends were
suffocating, so he said,

"I'll get you the key to freedom"

- His many friends said:
- "Take all we've got"

"Take our hearts".
His name was Ali.

- Now his name is Ibrahim.
- Come on, Tafida.

Won't you say a word of
thanks to Ali?

If you're waiting for any
thanks, don't hold your breath.

You've only given me back
what's mine.

Enough, take a chance and
leave with them.

That's my decision, I'll do it
without any hesitation.

If one wants a passport, he'd
best get it himself.

Very nice words.

Stop playing the poor
down-trodden man.

I hope Fatma's love for you
can compensate for our hatred,

...but she'll eventually
wake up, too.

You go.

Your duty is to forget me
and mine is to be proud of you.

Walk with us.

What's all this beauty?

The lady makes herself youthful
for the sake of Ali.

Behave yourself, Tolba.

You've always preferred him
to me, you've never loved me.

You made me leave the military
academy, buried me here,

...made me marry a woman
I didn't love,

...so that you can bury her
money, too.

Now that Fatma has the fortune
and she refuses me,

...you don't mind transferring all
the power to Ali.

It's my luck to live with
crazy men!

Not realizing that
our fortune will be lost.

Be sensible, no need for this.

I've lost Fatma, and you're
on Ali's side.

Ali left us for twelve years,
he should be grateful-

...that we took him back when
he returned a loser!

What's more important than
the land?

For all your planning, haven't
you thought what will happen-

...when he finds out what happened
during his absence?

You don't mind hiding one crime
with a more hideous crime.

- What happened is old news.
- Father was right.

You are a Frankenstein!
I hate you mother!

Stop, you're the only one
allowed to go in to her.

Ibrahim is leaving, he'll be
at the bridge in ten minutes.

Why are you sitting in
darkness?

For twelve years I've been
doing this,

...and now you're in front of me.

I want you now, wake up from
your dreams.

Enough!

You're a scoundrel, from a
stinking rotten family.

Leave me!

I want to be free!

Let me go!

Tolba!

# That's what happened...
it's fate, destiny. #

# We must bid farewell to the
past and its great dreams. #

# Farewell to joys and sorrows. #

# The past is gone, and nothing
much remains. #

# What else could have been done
at such a time, my friend# #

# When we get to the crossroads, #

# we'll look ahead, at the sun
where our dreams are. #

Don't look back.

Get away... Go.

# The birds are still flying,
the bees are still humming, #

# and a child's laugh is still
echoing, #

# though not all the human
beings are happy. #

Subtitled by: ANIS EBEID
CAIRO - EGYPT