Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

THE LOUIS DELLUC PRIZE

COOPRODUCED BY

STARRING

FILM BY

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

SET DESIGN

COSTUMES

MUSIC

EDITING

WRITTEN BY

Documents!

What are you doing? It's nothing but wood.

Alright...

It's only firewood for Paris, citizen.

Let me see.

Unload the books! Take nothing for granted.

- Spare no-one! - We just need to wait.

- Allow me, citizen... - Leave me alone, will you?!

SPRING 1794, YEAR 2 OF THE REPUBLIC

You need to toughen up to become a good revolutionist.

Article I?

People are born and remain free and equal before the law.

Social distinctions...

Can be founded only...

Only on the common good. The principle...

The goal...

The goal of every political association is the nation itself.

Liberty...?

Liberty consists of doing anything which does not harm...

Harm others.

Maxime?

What's with the bread?

It's all because of the war.

War doesn't explain everything. It's them speculating!

Who's speculating?

Those who want to discredit the government.

They starve people to force them to revolt.

- Or it's the government. - Why?

Power degenerates, it's always been like this.

You're talking about Robespierre?

It's starting early this morning.

- Who's that? - An emigrant, caught in Vincennes.

My God, he's so handsome!

A walk, for a change? Is that a new trend?

- It'll get easier on your way back! - Head under your arm and march!

Give me your card.

- Why? What have I done? - Your card.

But I've done nothing wrong. Will I have my head cut off?

Look! It's him!

It's Danton!

- Long live the Republic! - Long live the Revolution!

According to the rule of despotism, it's better to kill many innocents

than to let one culprit escape.

The Public Safety Committee understood it only too well.

To form a republic, despotism is necessary.

They agree with Machiavelli that the greater good excuses minor wrongs...

That liberty, like a child, needs tears and pain to reach maturity.

The mere desire for liberty is enough to enjoy freedom.

The nation is free the moment it claims freedom.

The last bulwark in our fight against despotism is free press.

Give Moscow a free press and it'll become a republic tomorrow!

- Liquidate it in France... - Be quiet.

- Has it been distributed? - No, it's still at the printer's.

What are you waiting for?

Citizen barbers, you may come in.

Greetings and fraternity!

What a beautiful day! Spring, at last.

You don't look so well, sir.

Well, you've struggled with that illness for five weeks.

We'll do something about it.

Hairpins...

Tomorrow I'll trim your hair.

Leave me!

What are you doing?

Héron, you have no right!

What's going on? What are they doing?

You should arrest Camille Desmoulins.

He's right, he's just a printer.

Sorry, but we got no orders to arrest citizen Desmoulins.

No, I'd rather not look.

Come back tomorrow, as usual.

You're up!

You're better! How fortunate.

Danton is back.

He's planning a coup.

- Have you read it? - Not yet.

Desmoulins urges the people to rise against the Committees.

The whole Paris's been talking about a coup and dictatorship for 3 days.

Who's the man this time?

The name was not mentioned yet but I think it's...

Danton?!

Has he gone mad?

Maxime...

The Republic will be spared much, if we send him to the guillotine now.

Danton is an idol.

He's not really dangerous.

If it isn't him... It's Desmoulins.

Is that real bread, citizen?

- Yes, but there's no sugar. - Never mind.

- There's no sugar. - Thank you, I had no sleep.

I'm exhausted.

Danton is behind those attacks, Desmoulins is influenced by him.

- What do we care the most about? - The triumph of the Revolution.

Exactly.

But not at any cost. Why the carnage,

if there's an easier way?

Such as?

Desmoulins and Danton will be beheaded whether you agree or not.

Is it really so cold? Can I have my coat, please?

Fever again?

It'll go away.

I forbid you to look at Robespierre like that.

COMMITTEES EQUAL DICTATORSHIP

Leave the room, citizens!

The attacks against the government are growing too frequent.

Desmoulins' newspaper calls for war against the Security Committee.

- I blame Danton and his faction! - Forgive my being late.

Like in school...

I accuse them of counter-revolutionary activity.

You want the Revolution to lose its most important activists?

- That's madness! - Speak your mind.

You surprise me, Robespierre.

- Danton, servant of the Revolution? - You're raving.

No, Billaud. I remember what you seem to forget.

You all forget the merits of the man you so easily condemn.

Citizens...

It's all started thanks to him.

He created the revolutionary centre out of the Cordeliers club in '90, '91.

Can't you remember?

We also remember the slaughter in the Champs de Mars he provoked...

- And then fled to the country. - I wasn't finished.

What about the letter found in iron safe, in which Mirabeau complained

about the sums spent on the agent-provocateur Danton?

Can we rely on the words of the traitor?

Are you defending Robespierre?

Such a serious charge cannot be based on rumours alone.

I insist we call citizen Amar.

Amar of the Security Committee.

Look...

Under no circumstances can I allow Danton to go to trial.

You're afraid, Robespierre!

I admit it'd be easier to execute him,

but his intentions are always good.

I have no doubt about that.

Killing this defenceless man would be barbaric and senseless.

- Defenceless? - That's right.

His only weapon was that newspaper.

Was?

I had the printing house closed down.

Desmoulins will soon replace his newspaper with another.

- Then we shall... - Eliminate Camille!

No, we'll win him over.

Camille can't be overrated as a propagator.

Citizen Amar!

Have you got evidence against Danton?

Well?

Go on, read it.

What?

Are you praying?

What I'm about to say must remain confidential.

Citizens, as you all do, I also think Danton's not reliable.

At last!

And yet...

Yet I categorically object to his execution.

Justice is a virtue of almighty God, hence it's unattainable for us.

The Revolutionary Tribunal cannot constitute justice.

It's not judgement, it's a tool to punish the enemies of the country.

Not criminals.

Fabre, Danton and Chabot committed a crime.

The axe will fall on Fabre who undermines the Revolution.

Danton, who's blame is the worst, should remain untouched.

Executing Danton would only encourage bourgeoisie to join counterrevolution.

The Convention would rise against us.

We'd shake the foundations of people's faith in the Revolution.

Therefore,

we'd doom ourselves to rule by terror alone.

Do you know what that means?

Terror is nothing but despair.

Yes, I'm afraid, Billaud.

I'm so afraid of terror, that to avoid it,

I'm ready for compromise, humiliation, even a lie.

The traitor, Danton, must be granted a privilege of amnesty.

For the benefit of the country, we need to be wicked.

We can't afford to be just.

You're here! We've been waiting for months.

- So you're back. - Yes, I was bored.

- I've come for my orders. - What orders?

Here's my proposition: first, free all the prisoners.

I'll summon our army section.

We'll raid the Convention and kill the leaders.

Splendid! I wish you luck.

Can't you see what's happening? Robespierre is up and about.

In an hour, at the Committee meeting, they're going to pounce on us.

With the things you have on your conscience...

What do you mean? What have I done?

Nothing wrong, but once they learn you were to become the Supreme Judge...

One word is enough!

"Danton wants dictatorship!".

Once it gets to them, you're finished.

Who'd dare to condemn me? Well?

The Committee, of course.

- Robespierre is up and about. - Them and that ridiculous Committee!

You sound very sure of yourself.

Think about it, Westermann.

I'm the man of August 10, the whole Paris is behind me!

It's now or never, believe me.

It's a wonder you're still free.

A suspicious miracle. It's because you're my friend.

They cannot arrest my friends.

I have one thing Robespierre lacks: my newspaper.

I'm far more influential than that powdered charlatan!

Do you feel reassured?

Georges!

The paper's been seized, the printer arrested!

I'm reassured, indeed. Everything's gone!

A simple "good morning" would do, Camille.

How are you, Lucille?

Perhaps we've gone too far?

If you're scared, run to Robespierre, tell him I forced you to write it.

Stop it, I did what I had to do! I urged the people to end the terror.

Now it's your turn to make a move, otherwise my action was pointless.

- We must act at once. - Why?

- The printer was arrested. - I know.

- Don't you want to save your skin? - I do. You think I shouldn't?

What about you, you butcher?

- We must strike! - It's politics, not a slaughterhouse!

Come on, use your heads.

So Camille's humiliated Robespierre, who doesn't want to lose his honour.

Robespierre arrests the printer and seizes the papers.

It's a provocation.

Now he's waiting for our move, that's why we need to remain calm.

Understand? Calm.

- Philippeaux wants you. - Who's he? Liberal? Moderate?

He doesn't raise a slightest suspicion, he's perfect for us.

It was not a provocation. I don't know how to make him act.

- You're for attacking the Committee? - Not yet.

I'm also thinking it over.

- I'd like to know your goals. - So would I.

- Would you end the terror? - Would you overthrow the government?

I'd join you, if I trusted your intentions.

Don't you believe me?

Why?

You formed the Revolutionary Tribunal and voted for executing the king.

- So did you. - We won't reach an agreement.

Did I ask for it?

Georges, Philippeaux and his men want to support you.

He wants to make sure you won't abuse your power.

- I don't want power. - You say that now.

No, I don't want power. I'm 35 and I look 60, I'm tired.

I'd like to retire.

I must end the terror, because I was among the ones who initiated it.

Fine words, but we know you too well.

You're rich enough to give up politics.

Take care, Philippeaux!

You wanted to talk to me!

Calm down, Georges.

Alright, I'm listening, what do you want?

Disarm the Public Safety Committee, it has transgressed its eligibility.

We need to make it less powerful and you're the only one to do it.

I'll be frank, I despise you.

However I decided to support you.

Thank you, I'm flattered. How will you do it?

With armed units, if need be.

- Are you uneasy? - Yes, like everyone else.

- You really want to make a move? - Strike now, I told you.

Insurrection is a terrible, uncontrollable force... No!

Robespierre has one weak point, his secret police.

Everyone hates it.

Bourdon, in the Convention today, attack one of the secret agents.

- Héron? - For example.

Accuse him, mention informers, searches...

The nation will support you.

People will consider us to be the last hope for freedom.

- Will that enough? - Yes, they'll calm down.

It should make Robespierre get off his high horse.

Georges is right.

One should always listen to his wife. It'll be the start of a new era.

We'll return to our calm and modest lives.

Yours will be calm and our - modest.

If you think poverty is a revolutionary virtue,

you should join Robespierre.

And you, Camille, look for another printer.

What can be more destructive, more anti-Republican...

...than this invisible police, with its numerous informers!

Always infiltrating, spreading lies and threads!

The police which threatens individual freedom,

which makes fathers don't trust their sons,

and considers itself unpunished.

That police is managed by an ex-criminal, Héron.

Who, under the guise...

Who, under the guise of public service,

settles private scores!

The police openly favours the rogues it recruits!

He seems in a rush, where's he going?

The Committee, of course.

He's left as soon as Héron's name was mentioned.

The Convention voted to arrest Héron.

Our best agent? Lose him and we lose control over Paris.

And this is your defenceless Danton, Robespierre!

I want to see him today.

You want to speak with a traitor?

Set up the meeting.

This session is concluded.

Maxime...

You'd lower yourself to ask Danton to see you?

What's humiliation, when it comes to taking care of my country?

I'd fall at his feet, if I had to.

I've just spoken to the Committee Secretary.

Some members are accusing you of treason.

- Just me? - No, the others too.

Does Robespierre accept it?

- I don't know yet. I'm leaving. - Are you afraid?

I'd rather not be seen with you.

No, that's no good.

Only blue flowers, he only likes them blue.

Turbot a la "Trusted Man", formerly known as "maître d'hôtel".

We'll start with the cucumber with blue stuffing.

Then vol-au-vents. Vol-au-vents in "Convention sauce".

Formerly known as caper sauce.

Larks and quails in "Emigrant sauce" with onions.

And to finish, fruit in Varennes sauce.

- Are you satisfied? - Very, thank you.

You should make him wait, dress casually, not like that.

It's good to show good will. Now or never.

Just leave me alone! Go home, Camille.

I want to be the witness of his humiliation.

Go home! You too, Bourdon.

No!

I need to know what to do in Convention.

I said go home!

Everybody out!

They're blue, great!

Get rid of all these people, I want to be alone.

Right away.

Get out, all of you.

Sorry, it's the safety.

Get out!

Good evening. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting.

Don't worry, we're together at last.

Just you and me.

- Is everything all right, citizens? - Fine, thank you.

- Look... Would you like some? - No, thank you.

Alright...

What about this?

- Magnificent, isn't it? - No, thank you.

- A quail, perhaps? - No, thank you.

It's not poisoned, look.

It's good! No?

Delicious!

Have a seat.

- You're really not hungry? - No, thank you.

What do you want then?

To talk frankly with you.

Haven't you always?

Why have you told them to attack Héron?

Why did you arrest Dessenne and closed the paper?

I must protect the government, but I don't understand you.

I hear you're conspiring.

It's not true, you know.

I'm pure as snow.

There are some who want you dead.

You too?

Stop attacking me and I give you my word you'll have nothing to fear.

Because I do now?

I thought you didn't drink.

To our understanding.

What do you want?

I appreciate your straightforwardness.

State publicly that you're joining us.

- I can't. - Why?

I don't approve of government, that's my right.

But not to proclaim it. Especially not you.

You want me to abase?

You think you're better than them?

Every exceptional individual is superior to the masses.

We both despise the Committees, but only I admit it.

We shouldn't let them come between us.

Not the Committee, not the government - nobody!

Divided, we both lose.

As long as you continue your reign of terror, I won't support you.

No one will.

The people, who elevated us, will destroy the Revolution.

And whose fault is that?

Not mine and certainly not yours.

That's natural order of things.

I've never believed in nature of things.

Nor have I!

In fact, our beliefs are the same.

Not anymore.

We started the revolution so that everyone has equal rights.

You make them equal by cutting every head that stands out.

Is that what we've been fighting for?

I'm the first one to defend the people.

Against whom?

Men who grow rich from the Revolution.

Yes or no, Georges?

You want your men to resemble protagonists from novels.

You forget we're made of flesh and blood.

You want to raise us to heights where we can't breathe anymore!

Result? You isolate the Revolution, you freeze it.

Even the most devoted men back out.

What's your advice?

Come back to our level and do it now.

As soon as you stop the process of revolution, you kill it.

People want to eat and sleep in peace.

Without bread there's no law, freedom, justice - no Republic.

I don't give a damn about the Committees.

But I admire you.

I'd love to follow you, but not just anywhere.

I just want to provide normal living conditions for 80% of the people.

That's all.

Stop it, I know you too well.

We're not at the Tribunal.

Sorry?

That's not all you want.

Men shouldn't have the power for too long.

You dream of power?

I don't have to, I've got it.

The only real one: power over people in the streets.

I understand them and they understand me, never forget that.

And you shouldn't forget

that I'm ready for anything for the benefit of the street.

For the benefit of the people?

And what do you know about them? Nothing!

Look at yourself!

You don't drink wine, you've a powdered wig.

Rapiers make you faint and they say you've never fucked a woman!

For whom do you speak?!

You want to make men happy but you're no man!

I'll show you the people.

Let's take a walk through the streets.

Forgive me.

I've always been brutal and tactless.

Last night I woke up thinking: they want us apart.

How could we be taken for enemies? It makes no sense!

We must stop it at once.

- Then do what I ask. - What's that?

I'm asking you to join us.

I went to the country to think things over.

I'll be frank with you. Very frank.

I'd rather be executed than executioner.

- You're drunk. - If you insist...

See this head? Can you?

Feel it.

It's you who'll have to cut it off.

Excuse me, we both made a mistake.

Good night.

Wait, Maxime!

I have witnesses who heard everything.

That's why I said nothing.

Good night.

- Where did he go? - What happened?

Now he's mine!

I've got him.

Well? I don't get it, eh?

Now you see, what's going on. We must put an end to the Committees.

You were wrong about Robespierre.

Come now! Quickly!

- Army section is waiting. - There's no point.

Your plan is childish.

It's now or never. Come with me!

No! No more bloodshed. That's what I'm fighting for.

- What? - That's what I'm fighting for.

- You're telling me that? - Yes.

You'd rather see your friends' blood flow?

It's Suzanne!

- It's good to see you. - How's your mother?

Worse than ever.

This is Sophie... from Nantes.

Your section is waiting for you!

I can't come tonight, I just wanted to get rid of him.

Are you coming?!

All swindlers, careerists and despots fear him...

What happened?

Why aren't you saying anything?

- Tell me. - It's war.

- Danton forced him into a corner. - What?!

Robespierre will get a lesson.

Tell me what happened, everything they said.

I don't know, I couldn't hear very well.

That's what I was afraid of!

I've dreaded that for 3 months.

Is your husband in?

- I'm glad you came. - Why?

You... sir... You've changed a lot, sir.

I don't know, I wouldn't dare call you by the name.

I've grown older.

That's not what I mean.

Maxime, is he really in danger?

Yes, he is.

You're my only hope, sir.

Why did you leave him, abandon him?

It was the other way round.

Really? Then I must be wrong.

How could you? Camille was your friend.

That's why I'm here.

I told you to say I was out.

Camille...

We must talk, it's important.

Don't even bother.

You're in grave danger. I came to warn you.

You have no idea you're risking your life.

Danton offers his friendship to use you.

He's exploiting your talent. No scruples.

All he cares about is his ambitions.

It's a suspicious alliance, not a friendship.

Enough!

You can't scare me.

I fight for freedom, I don't fear death.

Calling for being merciful and tolerant,

you thought you were saving our country, didn't you?

In fact you helped counter-revolution,

which was Danton's goal.

Camille...

- You must understand. - What should I do now?

Address the Convention tomorrow.

Take back all your attacks.

Then, in the next issue of your paper

you're going to revoke what you wrote earlier.

You're demeaning yourself like a whore!

Danton's rejected you, so you come to me, begging!

You're shaking with fear!

Remember, Maxime...

Burning a newspaper is not a solution.

Camille!

This is your last chance.

Listen to me or you're finished.

You must believe me. I'm telling the truth, Camille.

Get out.

Get out!

Camille!

Maxime!

What happened? You must tell me!

What was the point of the meeting of them two?

If they haven't reached an agreement so far, they won't do it now.

He's not here yet? Good.

No, but you're ten minutes late, Saint-Just.

What joy, you remind me of my youth at school.

Good evening. Forgive me for being so late.

You speak like a king to his ministers.

Then how should I speak?

In one hour, at 3.30 a. m. you'll send the police to arrest Danton.

Tonight? So soon?

That's madness!

Out of the question, citizen!

Danton and his accomplices too!

Men are not prepared.

It's political suicide.

We'd expose ourselves to certain defeat.

The Committee should prepare public opinion first.

- Billaud... - Let me speak.

Danton has the support of body of financiers, you said it yourself.

It'll break the Committee and glorify Danton.

You're right, Danton has support everywhere.

No one will agree, Maxime.

- I wish to speak. - This discussion is over!

We must strike as a bolt.

Give him three days and he'll get gold from the financial elite.

He'll get an army and swamp Paris with leaflets.

He won't hesitate to address the Convention.

You all know he's a great orator.

It must be done tonight or never.

You're right.

Shall it provoke panic in Convention, I'll speak myself.

We need an indictment. Who's going to write it?

It's ready.

Read it.

Let me read it over again first.

Citizens, we need the approval of the Public Security Committee.

No doubt about that!

Call them in.

- Are they still here? - Yes, the session's just ending.

Ask them in.

Why did you change your mind?

Who else besides Danton?

Here's my list: Lacroix, Philippeaux...

Totally innocent.

Their intentions may be, but we're judging the facts.

Legendre, Bourdon...

Innocent puppets, let's avoid carnage, should we?

The first humane words of the night.

All right, let's spare them. Desmoulins?

Desmoulins is my friend.

I'll depend on your decision.

Perhaps we could give him one more day to think things over.

No.

Impossible.

Very well, those three will be jailed with Danton.

We've just signed for Westermann's arrest.

- He was recruiting fighting men. - Perfect timing.

The Committee's just decided to arrest Danton and three accomplices.

Who?

Georges Danton.

- You want him arrested? When? - Tonight!

You've all gone mad!

We need your approval.

What if we refuse?

As the political police, you have the right to make preventative arrests.

And that's our privilege, not yours!

You can give it to us.

- That's illegal. - Not, if you all agree.

Damn...

Have you got any idea, what you're doing?

- That's a great responsibility. - We're ready to accept it!

Entirely!

Write: "We, the Public Safety Committee,

and the Security Committee, have unanimously agreed tonight

that Danton..."

Who else?

Lacroix...

Philippeaux...

Desmoulins...

Desmoulins?

"These four members of the National Convention

are to be arrested

and imprisoned in Luxembourg Prison."

Sign it.

Your signatures, please.

Lindet, you haven't signed it.

I was elected to keep the revolutionaries alive.

Not to die.

The session is over.

I said you were a great man. That I was ready to die for you.

Now I take it all back!

I used to be blind but now I can see clearly!

What are you talking about?

What are you trying to tell me?

Robespierre came to see you.

How do you know? Don't you dare talk about him!

- You accepted his advice. - No, I rejected it.

Poor Camille, we're doomed and yet you reject your salvation.

What do you mean, doomed?

It means the decree's been signed.

- What decree? - For our arrest.

You're the only man in the world this monster's had any feelings for.

He tried to save you but you rejected him. It's over.

What are they afraid of?

It doesn't matter you insulted him.

But you criticised their politics and that was unforgivable.

What about you?

I refused to shake his hand and signed my own death warrant.

- You don't mean that. - I do.

Why did you refuse then?

Too much blood on his hands.

Defend yourself! The people support you!

Can we complete the jury list?

Renaudin... Royer Collard...

- Sigur? - Cross him out.

- Sourboul? - Do you trust him?

- Yes. - Cross him out.

Vinot?

He's out. Is that all?

- No one else you can rely on? - No.

That's enough.

Seven members of the jury is too few.

Why?

We need 12, by law.

- Haven't you got twelve? - Only seven.

If you haven't got twelve, seven will do.

Add a few criminals to the list of accused.

Include Chabot, Fabre and Basire.

- The charge? - Anti-patriotic activity.

Do you know them?

Fabre, Chabot, Basire, Guzman, Delaunay, the Frey brothers.

Find them.

Fabre?

Get up.

He's ill, don't take him!

Georges?

The Public Safety Committee has just finished the session.

Lindet sent me to warn you.

Save yourself...

Run!

What's going on?! What do you want?

There's money in the safe.

You know?

Take it.

Don't brag, if you don't want the Republic to confiscate it.

I'm coming!

Citizen Danton, you are under arrest. Here's the warrant.

"By order of the Security Council you are arrested and taken..."

I know...

You, citizen Danton...

- Is it still raining? - No.

Then I won't need a coat.

Let's go then.

Citizens!

Danton has been arrested!

Danton was arrested last night.

The rule of terror again.

- We have to do something! - We could be arrested any minute.

Move!

- Bourdon, you take the stand. - I wouldn't know what to say.

Now or never.

You're scared? Look, he's shaking.

You go.

I'm a poor speaker.

- Legendre, you go. - Go on.

I will! I'll do it.

I wish to speak.

The session is open.

Speak.

We've just found out, to our amazement,

that four deputies of the Convention were arrested last night.

Danton is among them!

Long live Danton!

I demand...

I demand that they be heard in this house!

Then you may judge yourself,

whether personal conflicts or even jealousy

are not the source of this outrageous decree!

I wish to speak.

Put down Citizen Robespierre's name.

Get out of here!

- Whose turn is it? - Yours.

You have no right to speak!

Dictator!

Come with me!

It's been long a while, since our debates started

with such explosions of passion.

We have an important issue to discuss.

What's dearer to us - the Republic or certain individuals?

Stop the terror!

Get down!

Legendre demands that the defendant are allowed to speak for themselves.

- We all do! - Let's hear Danton!

So you are willing to grant this man

what you refused all others?!

On what grounds?!

Does Legendre consider Danton to be above the law?

The man of August 10 deserves privilege, doesn't he?

Exactly! We want Danton to speak!

The Republic

was built with the effort of the people.

Who'd dare to say:

"August 10 - it's me!"?

No merit gives the right to claim reward!

For us, the privileged do not exist!

A defendant's right to be heard is not a privilege, it's justice!

Justice?

Don't you trust in the Revolutionary Tribunal?

Tribunal is without blame. We trust it entirely.

We shall see...

...whether the Convention is strong enough to bring Danton to justice.

Or on the contrary - it contests St Just's indictment.

We're questioning it!

No, you've made a good decision!

Do those who shout "Long live Danton!"

Believe that he deserves special approach?

If so,

abolish the Public Safety Committee and put us on trial!

- The Committee is flawless! - Long live the Committee!

Every day the world is watching us!

We must show no weakness, nor prove moral cowardice.

What would become of France, if we lost the trust of the French!?

I wish to have beside me...

men who are righteous and just.

For innocence, that fundamental virtue,

should not and cannot fear public scrutiny.

Robespierre is right!

I propose to reject Legendre's motion.

St Just will read the indictment.

Who is for Robespierre's motion?

Who's opposed?

I am!

You're mad! After Danton's fall, we're all doomed.

Fools! You'll be slaughtered!

As far as I'm concerned, ones who say so are guilty.

The Convention has reaffirmed its faith in the Committee.

Only the guilty tremble!

This crime will crash you, Robespierre!

Of course...

There we have the most common of arguments.

Well, what of it?!

Even if, by some mystic law,

the destruction of the criminal was to become my ruin, what of it?!

In no case

private danger is more important for a revolutionary than his duty.

I've never considered Danton to be more important than public welfare!

I've never doubted that.

I wish to speak. Silence!

I wish to speak!

For a long time I was misled by Danton.

But today I can see my mistake at last.

We should prove we trust in the Committee.

Approve the indictment without hearing St Just reading it!

Arise, children of the Fatherland, The day of glory has arrived!

Against us tyranny's Bloody banner is raised,

Do you hear, in the countryside, The roar of those ferocious soldiers?

They're coming right into your arms

To cut the throats of your sons, your women!

To arms, citizens, Form your battalions,

Let's march, let's march!

Stop snivelling or I'll ask for another cell.

Don't leave me alone, I'll go mad.

Shame on you.

- I don't know what's happening. - You're going to die in five days.

Better to know it and give up all hope.

When death is certain, suffering suddenly comes to an end.

We may win.

No, it's a political trial.

Politics has nothing to do with justice.

I don't want to die, I have a right to live.

A man has rights as long as he can preserve them.

It's Georges!

Camille...

I was afraid I was not going to meet you here!

You there! Let's have wine for the representatives of the people!

You're crying? Then you understood nothing.

- Understood what? - We had to let them arrest us!

- Why? - To open the people's eyes!

To show what the Committees are capable of!

There was no other way.

That's why I let it happen.

You want us to drink straight from the bottle?!

They haven't even got glasses.

Not bad.

The Convention approved the charges.

Cowards!

Tomorrow we'll be transferred to Conciergerie.

- We're doomed! - Why doomed?

We still have our heads, fists, teeth and claws to fight with!

Georges..

A political trial is a duel.

They'll accuse us, we'll accuse them, and let the people be the judge.

We need to make the people doubt.

- They'll execute us without trial. - No, I have a voice.

- People listen to me. - But they often change their minds.

We demand witnesses. If they refuse, we don't talk.

If they agree, we can win.

Desmoulins!

You have a visitor.

Who? My wife?

- What's going on? - Follow me.

Robespierre's waiting for you.

Go, he'll save you.

No one's stopping you, Camille.

Go!

We'll all die, but you needn't die with us.

What should I do?

Go to him, he's come for you.

Go on.

Tell the gentleman I don't want to see him.

I can't tell him that.

Then tell him...

Camille is not at home.

People of France!

What do I have in common with this scum?

Who dared to put these thieves next to me?

We, the vanguard of Revolution, together with criminals?!

What's that supposed to mean?

You have no right to speak yet, sir Danton.

Let us in!

Wait here.

Keep the journalists out, taking notes has been prohibited.

Silence!

I can't take notes?

Has the Committee gone mad?

I'm a journalist of Reims!

Down with the Committees!

Chabot, Delaunay, Basire, Fabre.

You are accused of establishing a party

conspiring to bribe elected delegates of the people

and to start aristocratic revolt!

By means of gold stolen from the East India Company,

speculations and schemes.

Desmoulins, Philippeaux, Danton

are as much guilty as the ones I've just mentioned.

You call this bunch of calumny an indictment?!

Shall I sully my mouth replying?

Talk, Danton!

They don't want to reply? That doesn't matter.

- Let him talk! - Answer, Danton!

Have you anything to add?

Add what? I haven't said a word!

Has the jury heard enough?

You're in a hurry, Fouquier?

I hardly even started!

If you hope to address the people,

bear in mind the law forbids it.

I founded the Tribunal, so I ought to know the rules.

Very well.

You may speak. For the last time.

For the last time - of course!

France!

You may not address the people!

For five years, I've been your leader and comrade.

- Is that true or not? - It is!

You're accused of corruption, you sold yourself.

I sold myself?

There is no price for a man like me.

I'd be forced to adjourn.

You can't expect revolutionist to defend himself half-heartedly.

I'm going to speak and shout all day! They'll hear my voice!

The law forbids addressing the public. Back to your seat.

They want you to believe the trial is over before it's started.

The braver the man, the harder they try to destroy him.

It always works!

Listen, listen...

When they want to ruin a man, they accuse him of everything.

It's an old method, yet improved by them.

Under the guise of serving the law, it ignores it!

Men in power have the false impression that the fear's vanished.

The fear that's always accompanied power.

The just have always been an obstacle for politicians.

Today more than ever!

Why must I be killed? Only I can tell you that.

Because I'm genuine. And I'm true. And because they're afraid of me.

Three reasons to sentence an honest man!

Guards! There's a reporter in court!

I'm from Reims!

Down with the Tribunal!

I am one of the creators of the people's justice.

Do you think you can pervert it without my noticing?

This is another of your tricks!

Mixing us with criminals,

so that people would think we're just like them.

Congratulations! An excellent idea!

What a pity I saw through it!

It's a parody of a trial!

Where are our witnesses? We are entitled to witnesses!

People of France, you are the Tribunal!

Bring in our accusers, the two Committees!

No, you have no right!

It should be public, you should be the judges!

Do not note that.

Pâris, run to the Convention!

Say we want the Committee! Say we're being shut up. Run!

You can count on me!

I'm going!

Down with the Committees!

What kind of justice is that? It's a carnage!

- What are you doing here? - You let him go on and on.

Shut him up, for God's sake!

And you think it's so simple.

The Committee expects you to be more energetic.

- More what? Energy? - That's right!

Come on into the court and see for yourself.

We know what's been going on in there!

- We know what you said. - Or rather didn't say.

So you're spying on me? Well done!

Your lack of confidence is what's been worrying us.

What are you talking about?

What are you talking about?

You understand nothing - nothing!

They want witnesses? They'll have witnesses.

- We can't refuse them. - Out of the question.

Then I can't answer for the consequences.

Do we really can't refuse?

No, not right away.

The result of the trial depends on you!

On me?

Very well, get out then.

Quick, get out!

Since it depends on me.

Is the trial going so badly?

- Why do you ask? - I've never seen you like this.

Please, leave me alone.

Not until you tell me everything.

The Danton trial is a dilemma.

If we lose the trial, the Revolution is lost.

But if we win, it's lost, too.

I shouldn't say so.

Do they want to destroy you?

No, at least not openly.

Please, eat before you go.

- No, that's pointless. - Just sheaves, then.

There'll be lots of fruit and carts of olives from Avignon.

We'll depict peace, happiness...

Serenity. Celebration of the Supreme Being.

Let's try this. Simple and rustic.

No, it's like a martyr's palm.

We're in trouble, the trial is not going well, Robespierre.

Danton is inflaming the public, he dares to attack the government.

We want Danton dead. It's your task to justify the verdict.

Prohibit him from speaking!

Right. But the people will rip our guts out.

One more thing. The defendants demand witnesses.

- Yesterday we wrote a letter... - I know.

Where is it? Was it passed on?

The Convention will answer it after I tell them what I think of it.

We can't wait any longer.

One way or the other, the answer will be negative.

Barhre, do you approve of this, too?

Maximillian...

You can't do this.

Fouquier, if we retreat, we're all doomed.

I am a judge...

Not an executioner at your service.

You are an executioner!

Not at my service, but people's. You serve justice.

We gave you the enemies of the Republic!

Your duty is not to judge them but to eliminate them!

Yes... But law does no longer support you.

As long as the wellbeing of the Republic is at stake, it does.

One more word and you'll be arrested.

We'll see about that.

Shall we?

David! When are you going to finish that? What's Fabre doing there?

Come now, Maxime.

- I swear he was on the list. - I say he wasn't.

He's a traitor, remove him.

Are you a close friend of Danton?

I demand that I'm identified, according to the law.

Needless formality.

Like this entire trial!

Danton, you've already testified.

I've just started!

This trial will not be over until I've had my say!

People of France!

I, Danton, appeal to you! Only you have the right to judge me.

Why doesn't the Convention send in our witnesses? I want them here.

I demand that the two Committees take stand as well.

After hearing the both parties, you, the people, shall decide

whether the guilty party is me or the almighty Committee.

Stop addressing the public or you'll have no right to speak!

I am accused of conspiracy.

I admit to it. I am guilty of having conspired.

Deep in my heart I have conspired, but only with myself.

I conspired for peace, for amnesty, respect for law and public order.

I conspired for happiness and justice.

For these are considered to be errors, I admit to them.

In fact, I proclaim them.

I admit to them, but only them.

Another of my faults is being popular and strong.

What guarantees long life is anonymity and pettiness.

If you wish to survive, do not be loved.

That's one of our newly invented laws.

Unwritten, yet even more powerful.

Woe betide the strong loved by the people!

Long live the mediocre, the taciturn,

the bitter hiding in their offices!

The Revolution is like Saturn, it devours its own children.

It must be blind fate

that compels us to sentence rather than forgive.

To kill instead of save life.

What's so fascinating about bloodshed?

When, if ever, will it come to an end?

I thought I could stop the chaos of the Revolution.

I believed it was needed, I still do.

But in your eyes I can already read of my inevitable death.

I was found guilty before I entered this room.

I wonder: was I wrong?

There are men who disagree with me.

Their chase after ideals is unstoppable.

They no longer see people around them.

They can see only speculators, villains, traitors!

Proclaiming the slogans of Revolution,

they have forgotten what Revolution is!

The dictatorship they've formed is more ferocious than the old one!

Fearing the return of tyrants, they have become tyrants!

Fouquier, you said the people wanted blood.

Liar! It's a lie!

It's not the people who want blood, it's you.

The people want only to live in peace.

Don't impute your own desires to them!

Danton, you've given yourself out!

Only a conspirator, an enemy of the government,

could insult the People's Tribunal!

The people have only one real enemy!

The government!

Stop the trial!

Free Danton!

Call the guards.

Soldiers, look! Seven scars on my chest!

Make the next ones on my back!

People of France! Do not abandon your defenders!

Shoot, what are you waiting for?

They're killing freedom in front of your eyes and you let it happen.

Long live Danton!

Danton, come here!

So you've been arrested, too?

So there is justice!

The creator of the Tribunal has been sentenced to death!

I'll die, but so will you!

What a dump! These people are buried alive.

Danton, Desmoulins!

Philippeaux, Lacroix...

- Where is he? - Here.

You have his confession?

I never said this. I only wanted to avoid a disaster.

What disaster?

Sign the statement.

Sign it!

- But it wasn't a conspiracy! - Then what was it?

Well...

Lucille Desmoulins thought it would help

to appeal to Danton's friends.

If there's a list, there's been a conspiracy.

It was no conspiracy!

You will sign this statement, unless you wish to die.

We've unveiled a conspiracy!

The whole Paris is involved, thousands of people!

What are you talking about?

It was organised by Desmoulins' wife and friends of Danton.

They have many supporters.

They were planning to surround the building of the Tribunal tomorrow!

We're finished.

What do we do? The trial was your idea, Robespierre!

Maximillian Robespierre, what's your advice?

What do you want?

- What do you want? - You're asking us?

We've won Danton's case.

Open your eyes, citizens!

Your necks are safe, you'll keep your heads.

How?

Listen, any conspiracy poses a thread

to the safety of the Convention.

It must do, what's dictated by the Committee.

We must force the decree at once!

What decree?

That the Tribunal is allowed to exclude Danton from the trial.

Go and inform the Convention about the conspiracy.

I can't, I'm exhausted.

Stay here, I'll go.

Danton insists on calling witnesses, but that is out of the question.

You know we're innocent but it doesn't matter to you!

You're just following orders!

But you, Fouquier, know these orders very well, admit it!

So I too am going to have the honour of tasting steel.

But mark my words, Fouquier!

You may behead me, but the man who issued the order

will soon be rotting next to me.

He knows that if he kills me, he will die too!

You want to murder me without leaving any trace?

You won't let reporters take notes,

the clerks are sitting with their arms folded.

They've been told not to write as well!

Everything must vanish, including me.

No! I will not!

I shall talk and continue talking 'til the end, because I am immortal!

I am immortal because I am the people, the people are with me!

And you, murderers, will be judged by the people!

I'm talking now and I'll continue talking...

Perhaps the walls of this room will preserve the echo of my voice,

the voice you're trying to muffle!

Delegates of the Nation!

Here is the Convention's latest decree.

The Convention has passed the following decree!

The Tribunal shall conclude the trial without interruption.

Any defendant disrupting the proceedings,

will be barred from participating.

We've discovered a conspiracy

aimed at setting free the defendants and bringing down the Republic.

Desmoulins' wife is inciting the people in the streets!

Beware!

This room is full of the agents of counter-revolution!

It's a lie! They want to murder Lucille!

If you oppose justice, you'll be barred.

I'm asking you: have we ever opposed the Tribunal?

- Have we ever resisted it? - Never!

Yes, you did!

- Well said, Georges! - Thank God it's over.

The great Tribunal!

The nest of thieves, blackmailers and pimps.

I have one thing to say to you: you're not fit to spit at.

According to the decree,

I exclude from the trial the defendant, Danton.

Take him away.

Murderers!

You won't silence us, Fouquier.

The defendant Lacroix - excluded.

Allow me to exclude myself.

Me too. We should've started with this.

Now you can all kiss my arse!

For they were proved to be a part of conspiracy,

together with Fabre, Chabot, Delaunay,

Basire and their accomplices,

are they found guilty of conspiring against the delegates of the nation,

in order to discredit and destroy the government?

They are.

Let's proceed to announce the sentence.

Lacroix, Danton, Herault, Philippeaux, Westermann,

Desmoulins, Fabre, Chabot, Delauney,

Basire and their accomplices are sentenced to death.

Their goods are to be confiscated for the benefit of the Republic.

Execution is to take place in Paris within 24 hours

and the information shall be spread in the entire Republic.

Without me it will all collapse, there'll be nothing but terror.

What a shame on the Revolution!

- Trying to shout the fear down? - Nothing of the sort!

I'm scared too.

I thought I could look death in the eye, but I can't.

It will all collapse in three months at the most!

Three months, that's all!

No, wait.

I don't feel well.

You're about to enter the history books and you feel unwell?

Leave him alone.

Steady, I don't want to cut you.

I remembered what old Guillotin said:

"You feel nothing, when the blade drops.

Just a pleasant coolness".

Now I'm a fraud.

For years I shouted: "long live virtue!", like all others.

And yet I got caught red-handed.

No way of defending is bad.

I got tricked by civilians.

Get on with it!

My life has been short but beautiful.

I have no regrets.

You'll follow me soon.

No one will remember you, your house will be razed to the ground.

Show the people my head, it's worth it.

Maxime?

That's a total triumph. The crowd doesn't care.

Your dictatorship starts now.

It seems like...

all I've believed in, all I've lived for

was destroyed for ever.

I don't understand.

The Revolution...

- ...will never reach its goal. - How can you say that?

I don't know what I'm saying.

You said for yourself, dictatorship is inevitable, right?

The Nation is unable to govern itself.

Democracy is only an illusion.

- I'm going mad. - No, just distraught.

- So blow your brains out. - Good idea.

It would put an end to my problems.

I just want to sleep.

Sleep...

Don't wake me up, when you leave.

My little brother has learned something for you.

Article I?

Article I: People are born and remain free and equal...

before the law.

Social distinctions can be founded only on the common good.

Article II:

The goal of any political association is the conservation

of the natural and imprescriptible rights of man.

Article III:

The principle of any sovereignty must emerge from the people.

No individual can exert authority not emanating expressly from it.

Article IV:

Liberty consists of doing anything which does not harm others:

thus, the exercise of the natural rights of each man

has only those borders which assure other members of the society

the enjoyment of these same rights.

These borders can be determined only by the law.

Article V:

The law has the right to forbid only actions harmful to society.

Anything which is not forbidden by the law cannot be impeded,

and no one can be constrained to do what it does not order.

Article VI:

The law is the expression of the general will.

All the citizens have the right of contributing personally

or through their representatives to its formation.