Original subtitles

Elza, I'm so happy for you!

The beer is almost ready.

They're going to announce it today!

Hello, Elza!

We'll have to celebrate!

We'll try out the beer tonight!

Don't even think about it!

Just a mug or two...

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit...

Elza, where's Martin?

My Martin is great, noble, and strong.

He never thinks about himself.

He thinks about our people's future.

I'm used to it by now. He says,

We Latvians can't live under the

Russians or the Germans or anyone else!

"Orders have been given to form Latvian battalions...

Martin thinks of grand and noble things.

He says, We must become rulers in our own land, and establish our own state!

Who cares what the Russians think -

if we can get our hands on some weapons...

and around the throats of the Krauts!

Now's our chance!

We'll defend Riga and win back Latvia!

Victory will be ours!

That's the Martin I love.

And will love forever.

My friends, we all know

Elza and Martin very well.

Both were born and raised right here, on the Left Bank of the Daugava River.

This was where their love flourished,

and no one here doubts that

they should spend the rest of their lives together.

And now the moment has arrived!

Next Sunday, Elza and Martin...

...will be joined in holy matrimony.

Therefore, all who wish to witness this event shall gather...

...gather in our hallowed church.

Gather under the Latvian flag!

After 700 years of servitude, we've been

given the chance to reclaim our destiny!

It's now or never!

On the battlefield, you, sons of Latvia,

must forge our future and our renown!

Brothers, the hour has arrived!

He who believes, will be victorious!

Onward with the Latvian flag!

To Latvia's future!

We've been given permission to form Latvian Riflemen battalions!

Does he mean, our own army?

Whom are we going to fight?

Let's beat the Krauts!

"Defenders of Riga"

It'll be quite a fight!

But what about our wedding?

Elza, I have to go.

Next!

All right, settle down, settle down!

- Name? - Jacob Ronis.

- Occupation? - Laborer.

Why do you want to be a Rifleman?

I'm sick of slaving at the factory.

You idiot!

That's why we're going to war -

so that we can have our own factories!

This one'll spend all his time in the stockade!

Arnold Juksis. Laborer

I bet you want to get to the front as fast as you can?

Yes, sir! I want to fight the Germans!

Fine. You'll be a sergeant. Sign here.

The army needs men like you.

Yes,sir!

Paul Meirans. Fisherman.

I want to protect my family and my home.

- Want to be an artilleryman? - Sure!

Our own factories, indeed! Next!

- Ernest Savickis. - Wait a minute!

August Savickis.

And my son, Ernest Savickis. Firemen.

Order 1 34: Bridge guards, mechanics,

firemen serve in the back lines. Next!

- What?! - Settle down, settle down!

Be careful, and be home soon.

Won't you be together?

I was the only one assigned to the artillery unit!

Why did you say we're firemen?

What was I supposed to say?

Anything! Laborers!

Back-of-the-line rats!

Screw firefighting...

That's enough! This is a church...

Everyone's leaving, even the schoolboys!

Martin!

He's gone completely nuts!

Martin!

Martin promised to return in a few weeks.

That turned into months, then years.

He writes from Petersburg,

from Moscow, from Vladivostok.

If he knew that his dream has come true,

that we have our own country now,

then he'd come home.

Times are tough.

Though I'm strong, I miss Martin's strength -

I miss him so much!

But I know that, whatever he's doing, he's thinking of me.

And he knows that I'm waiting for him.

Sometimes I can't recall his face.

And a terrible thought comes to mind:

Maybe I don't love him anymore?

Maybe I've stopped waiting?

No, I haven't stopped waiting for him.

I'm prepared to wait.

I'll wait my whole life.

The Allies are slow to recognize Latvian national independence.

The specter of Russian communism haunts Europe.

The Allies doubt the Latvians' ability

to defend the Eastern border of Europe.

Though the war is over, General Goltz's

German forces refuse to leave Latvia.

Allied Headquarters in Riga

On behalf of France, England,

and the United States,

I remind you of the treaty's conditions:

The Iron Division and the German Landeswehr shall relocate to

the places of temporary deployment

at Mitau and the vicinity thereof.

The forces have two months to leave Latvia,

and deploy to East Prussia.

There are no more conflicts between the sides.

I congratulate you on establishing peace!

The Latvian state? Nonsense!

Show me one person in Europe who knows where Latvia is!

Words alone don't make a country.

Real power is needed to form a state!

But General, we have no choice.

We have to go home, to Germany.

Germany is run by the Allies now.

No, Bischoff.

There's nothing there for us anymore.

The Office of Karlis Ulmanis, President of the Republic of Latvia

Now everything will be fine.

Your unfounded optimism amazes me!

Aren't you tired?

Almost a year has passed since we founded this country.

But no one has recognized us.

Europe will have to recognize us now.

Nobody cares about us.

Everybody's busy with his own problems.

Latvia isn't visible from Europe.

You're wrong if you think

the war has ended.

The Allies don't agree.

The Allies will forget about Latvia

as soon as we play our Russian card.

You really want to make friends with the Russians?

Make friends? We'll use them!

That's why you tolerate the duchess's arrogance!

I'd gladly strangle her myself,

but, for now, I still need her.

Good day, your Highness! I apologize

for any troubles caused by my army.

Nothing happens without God's will.

He starts wars, and He ends wars.

The flag of the German monarchy

is entirely out of place here.

It looks as pitiful as a general

from a fallen country,

commanding a band of starving soldiers.

Yes, how will we pay our soldiers?

Give them land: the best land

for the best soldiers.

We're home! Home!

Dirty pigs!

Hey! Got some good boots here!

Take anything you might need later!

Halt!

I guess we're here.

General von der Goltz's Military Camp, at Duke Shuvalov's Castle

Colonel, I'm glad to see you again.

This is Major Bischoff.

You can rely on him completely.

Pavel Bermondt, Commander of the Western Russian Army.

Herr Colonel.

After you.

Where's his army?

One thing at a time...

Goltz's Iron Division has joined

forces with Bermondt's army...?

...and they're off to Russia

to fight the Bolsheviks?!

Yes! But why do they have to pass through Riga?

I don't believe in Goltz's "battle against the Bolsheviks."

And I don't like this Russian Volunteer Army!

Legally, everything is fine.

And these days, the battle against communism is a strong card.

Ok, fine.

Send a note to what's-his-name, Bermondt,

that we won't let him pass through Riga!

And if the Iron Division refuses to leave Latvia,

if it ignores the treaty, we'll...

Wait! Calm down! I'm afraid that will be a political mistake.

Goltz never does anything without good reason.

Why are you always so afraid?

We'll summon the Allies,

and put all the Bermondts and Goltzes where they belong!

You really think so? Then why haven't

they recognized our statehood yet?

Riga! We're finally here!

I'll be home in an hour! I can't believe it!

I'm already home. So long!

Martin!

You're crazy!

You've returned, son.

How's it going, August?

All the boys are home now.

Ha! Boy!

Hey, Ernest, are you as strong as before?

How's the firemen's front doing?

You're a giant! A giant!

Some giant! He never goes anywhere without his daddy.

Oh, Arnold!

Back-of-the-line rat!

Arnold, a real war hero never changes.

Did you get dressed up just for me?

Captain Arnold Juksis,

of the new Latvian Army.

So we didn't fight in vain.

Now we have our own country!

And our own army.

Will you join us?

Doesn't the Latvian Army have enough soldiers without me?

- Martin. - Karlis.

- Karlis. - Meirans.

You obviously haven't wasted any time!

Mara - my wife.

I see that some things have changed in Riga.

Sprats! Know what that is?

Smoked sardines, a little oil on top,

and straight into the can!

Please, Paul, enough about the fish!

Martin needs to go see Elza.

That's right! Oh, Martin,

how she's waited for you!

It'll be ready in a couple of hours.

Elza, would you like to go on a short drive with me?

- A drive? - I have a new car.

- Did you hurt yourself? - No, it was nothing.

How awful!

I'll pay for the chair!

Absolutely not!

That's his third suit!

Soon, he'll be asking you for something more...

What will you do then?

Elza...

So, you like my car?

I got some shrapnel under my knee.

My leg's busted, but I got to come home first.

We bought an old factory -

the one the Communists burned down.

Now we're up to our ears in debt.

Good the thing river's right here;

at least I don't have to worry about fish.

So, when's the wedding?

Wedding? I haven't even seen Elza yet.

Man, you're in Riga?!

And I'm the last to find out?!

Jake!

Just don't start crying!

You're alive!

You know what? It doesn't matter whether it's a wedding or a funeral -

musicians will always be in demand!

Here's to your return!

It's paradise, Martin! The girls!

You won't believe it.

And if your instrument's in order...

Jake, that instrument is going to get you in big trouble someday.

That's already happened.

You go straight to Elza's!

Drunk again, first thing in the morning!

What do you mean, again?

Settle down, boys. Don't start!

We have to celebrate Martin's homecoming. Tonight, at the hotel.

Martin!

Elza?

Martin!

See? That's how you do it!

Everything will be fine!

I guess I need some more time.

I understand.

I'm glad you're back... and that you're alive.

You look wonderful.

- Hi, Martin. - Hi, Anna.

So...this is where you work?

Right, work.

Work. We work very hard. Lots of work.

We'll see each other tonight, then!

I'm staying with Jacob, at the hotel.

We're all getting together there.

You'll come, won't you?

We'll be there.

So...I guess I'll see you tonight.

Well?

It's a deal:

you'll receive 1 0,000 Reichsmarks for your services.

First, you must win the trust of the duchess.

She's related to the tsar's family.

For the Allies, that will add

plausibility to our plan.

Second, you must deal with the

so-called Latvian government.

Show great dismay that Ulmanis isn't

letting your army get to Petersburg,

to wage your holy war against communism.

What? To Russia?

That's not what we discussed!

Of course not!

That's just the deceit of war.

The Allies want us to fight against the Bolsheviks.

Our task is to convince them that we will.

I've sent a telegram to Ulmanis,

in your name, requesting

that your forces be allowed to pass through Riga.

All went according to plan:

naturally, he rejected the note.

Now we have our casus belli.

Our what?

Our bone of contention -

a formal reason to declare war.

So, forward march, Colonel!

Martin? Oh, Mr. Jansons.

Hello, Elza.

Just a minute.

Here's your suit.

You already paid me, remember?

Really? Sorry.

I heard that Martin has returned.

Congratulations. You waited for him for a long time.

I hope it fits you well.

So do I.

You're off to Petersburg, Colonel?

I admire your dedication.

That's my duty.

The Germans torpedoed your husband's cruiser.

Yes, off the coast of France.

Such is the irony of fate:

the Allies have turned his palace

into a barracks for Goltz's army.

Candy, Colonel?

Your indignity will now end.

As the new commander of

the unified army, I take you under my wing -

under the two-headed eagle's wing.

Colonel, I await your command.

Your patriotism arouses me!

You've ignited my passion!

But don't burn down my castle!

Don't be afraid of fire.

Well, Bischoff, it's time to take

our part of the new Europe.

Prepare the army!

I'm afraid that won't be possible.

The officers refuse to march under the Russian flag.

Who cares!

Our soldiers need more than land,

they want money, General.

So print some!

We already did.

Nobody will take it.

Do I have to teach you, Major?

If anyone refuses, shoot him!

I can't believe it - an honest

German Lutheran has to march

under the Orthodox cross!

It won't be long before

the new ataman makes us pray

standing up, like the Russians!

You see, Bischoff?

Our army is gone.

A German wolf in a Russian bearskin.

What now?

I'm off to Berlin.

Officially, I'm not here at all.

Bermondt will take Riga. If something

goes wrong, he will be punished.

And we will be the Allies' last hope in Latvia.

Gentlemen!

To the tsar!

To Orthodoxy!

To a unified Russia!

Death to the Communists

and their henchmen!

Officers, raise your glasses!

You have to be a real man to save

Latvia from the hands of the Krauts.

Let's have some vodka!

To Latvia!

Sibirskaya.

It's been a long road home for you.

Who could've imagined that the war

would bring us Riflemen to Siberia?

I learned of Latvia's independence in Vladivostok.

I stared into the Pacific, and

understood that my battles were over.

I'd love to keep chatting, but

I still have a fight ahead of me.

Ok, hang in there, buddy!

Of course he's getting married!

- Are you sure? - Yup.

I guess I'm the only one who'll die a bachelor.

Does that depress you?

You...

... depress me!

Really? You should be thankful I'm here for you at all!

What have I caught here?

A saber-toothed tiger?

Justine, I'm funny, aren't I?

Well, I guess you are!

- Cut it out! - Good evening.

Martin!

There he is - my childhood friend!

This guy here dragged me to safety,

when I was injured, and saved

me from the hands of death!

I've heard.

He dug me out of the swamp!

We'll chat a bit.

- Here you go. - Thanks.

- So you're going to have a chat? - Well, yes...

Listen, if you're really his friend,

tell him to stop drinking so much.

I guess Justine doesn't like that I've moved in like this?

What are you talking about?

Stay as long as you want!

You're with me, buddy. Don't forget it!

You've sure got a nice setup here.

Yup, everything's great!

I saw, downstairs.

Enough about me!

- Here you go! - Cheers!

- How are things with you? - With me?

I mean with Elza.

Well...fine.

- Really? - Really.

She was busy.

She has work, and...well...Anna...

You know how serious she is.

She just needs some time to...

Stop, stop, stop! Time?!

I know what she needs.

All we need to do is pay the priest.

We'll all have to pitch in.

Ah... My God, how nice.

You! What have you done?

Really, stop fooling around!

Fine. If you think Martin should go on suffering

indefinitely with an untuned guitar,

then I'll take care of things myself -

without your help!

Jake! Ronis! Come back!

Don't be so sensitive!

Settle down!

What time?

Noon, of course.

- Tomorrow? - Of course!

I'll take care of the fish!

- Anna? - Yes?

- We'll go inside. - Ok.

- And I'll tell him that it's all over. - Ok.

- And then we'll go home. - Ok.

But you waited so long for him. Are you really sure about this?

If he had really loved me, then he...

- Well? - He...

would have come home sooner!

Let's go!

Good evening, Elza, Anna.

Hello, Martin.

I'm glad you came.

I...I wanted to...

We can only stay for a minute...

Elza...

Elza...and Martin!

Everyone here knows how much you love one another...

You should have been together long ago! That's why I...

We, Jake...

Fine, fine - we, your friends, decided to

take care of everything.

- Your wedding will be tomorrow! - At noon.

What?!

Finally...

Good luck, my dears!

Tomorrow they'll walk down the aisle!

And one, two, three, four...!

Go on!

- Anna, don't just stand there! - Come, sit down.

- No, thank you. - Why not?

We're going in a minute.

Justine, we'll need more vodka.

Enough. You'll have to pay for it now.

What do you mean, pay?

Just that - pay. The cellar's half empty.

Tiger!

Starting today, this church will be at the disposal of the Iron Division.

That's not possible.

There's a wedding here today.

I guess he didn't understand.

Whew, you scared me!

Motherfucker!

- All set? - We're closing the bridges!

Wait for my orders! Follow me!

We can't do it. The Allies will surely take Bermondt's side.

The protest note was a political error.

We need to start negotiations.

If necessary, we'll surrender.

Only then can we save the city!

We have no hope.

Our army has been defeated; the Left Bank is occupied.

- Come on, Elza! - Please, Elza, we have to go!

- Mara, let's go! - Where are we going?

We have to go!

- Martin, we have to go! - The Germans!

Back, everyone back!

Damn it, they're everywhere!

We're in shit!

- Hey! It's a war! - What?!

Boys, get in the car!

- Elza, let's go! - Oh my God!

We have to cross the river to Riga.

If the Krauts haven't taken the bridges yet, we'll make it...

Hey! Open the bridge! Move it!

Let's go! It's about to blow!

Elza, trust me.

We'll be safe in minute.

Then I'll think of something. Everything will be fine.

Nothing's fine, Martin.

Don't be afraid. I'll think of something.

Stop trying to calm me down!

I don't need your help anymore!

All you care about is yourself!

I've waited for you all these years.

Now you're going to just think something up again?

Brake!

Now we're in shit!

Boys, what now?

The Krauts! We're fucked! What now?

Better say your prayers!

Where're you going?

Martin, what are you doing?

Martin!

- Arnold, what's he doing? - He's...

- Everybody back! - August, come on!

Back to the car! Back!

Jump!

- Let's go, let's go, let's go! - Drive!

Hang on, Karlis!

- Drive! - Faster!

Halt! Halt!

"BERMONDT WAS HERE"

Hello?

Yes! He's here!

Tell him Riga has fallen.

Each of us will stay where he is.

And while I'm still President,

you'll m ake the announcements, but the decisions will be mine.

Our flag is still in its place, Mr. President.

Ok, let's bring them inside.

Don't even think about bringing them in here!

This is my hotel, it's not a field hospital, understand?

I don't want any trouble.

The Germans will show up, and you know what'll happen then.

But where should they go?

I don't know, I...

We can't leave them in the street!

I don't want to lose everything!

Jacob, you hear what she's saying?

- Jacob doesn't have any say here! - Put it down!

- Jacob doesn't own anything here. - Jacob!

- Get them out of here, right now! - Jacob, say something!

Jake has no say here.

Jake doesn't own anything here!

Jake just lives here on my tab!

You're completely out of your mind!

We won't be able to stop them.

The Germans will come either way.

Wait. What do you mean, we won't be able to stop them?

We already have stopped them!

The army will protect the city, right?

Where's your unit, Arnold?

There is no unit.

What do you mean?

The army doesn't have any men.

If some sign up, we'll be fine.

But nobody's signing up!

- Shut up! - Am I right?!

Shut up, ok!

- What about you? - What about me?

Leave him alone! He doesn't have to sign up!

- He's a musician! - Some musician...

Everyone respects musicians.

Fingerpicking pansy!

- Fuck you! - What did you say?

What did you say?

- Fuck you. - Stop it! Both of you!

- Fuck off! - No, you fuck off!

Arnold, you act like a damn idiot!

And you drink too much.

Jesus, the Germans are at the door, and

these two are settling affairs!

Wait, we're settling affairs?

No?

Who's the one who only takes German marks for his stinking fish, huh?

And you act so high and mighty! Hah!

Because Latvian money is only good for

wiping your ass. You said so yourself.

Don't worry, Pauley. When the Krauts get here,

your shop will hit the jackpot!

- Shut your mouth! - Stop it, both of you!

Please, Paul.

German money, an officer without an

army...What's happened to all of you?

- What of it? - What?

August...

You just got back and...five years of war.

We've suffered so much, lost so much

during these long years of fighting.

Yes, of course.

But we know what it was all for.

We have our own country now!

Isn't that what we've always dreamed of?

Sure, we dreamed of it.

But now we've finally awoken.

Soon, a year will have passed,

but there's no stability at all:

discord in the government, feuding between the parties -

each looks after its own best interests.

That's your country!

What good is Ulmanis's optimism?

We're all tired, Martin.

We all just want to live.

The only ones who don't understand are you, Martin,

and that fool with his flag in the tower.

Martin? You heard them.

Nobody here believes in your dream.

And you?

I don't, either. Nothing will work.

And I'm leaving Riga.

Elza, you can't!

At least we won't give up! We'll fight!

I'm not as strong as you are.

- Elza, you're leaving, too? - Yes.

I can take you with me.

- Mara thinks we should leave. - And you?

I have a family!

I have to make sure they're safe.

All right, guys, so long!

The new Latvian state is in danger.

The German Iron Division has attacked Riga and cannot be stopped.

The city is in flames.

Streams of refugees flee the city.

The future isn't safe. Allied ships arrive.

Allied support is the last hope for

Riga - and for Latvia.

Celebrating again?

Today is my wedding day.

I almost got married.

Then you've come far!

I don't know. And you?

Me? The Allies have arrived.

The Germans will have to split.

I'd sure like to see that!

They say that, legally, everything's fine.

What do you mean, fine?

We'll have to let Bermondt's troops pass through Riga.

Let 'em go to hell!

We'll defend the city ourselves.

You think we can still defend the city?

They can't cross the river without our knowing it.

Fantastic! So who are your defenders of Riga?

Gentlemen, Bermondt's troops have attacked Riga.

Actually, it's an attack on Latvia,

perpetrated by the German Iron Division.

Tell the world: German General Goltz

is behind Colonel Bermondt's offensive.

It is a cynically planned conspiracy!

The world must know the truth!

Move over, Shorty!

Is he serious?!

"Offices of the Party for the Restoration of the German Empire, in Berlin"

You said that everything would go smoothly.

And so it has: I've captured Riga -

for the spare change you gave me.

But neither your name nor Germany's

was to figure in this affair.

That's why I hired the Russian

to capture Riga for us.

So why is your name in the papers?

Look for yourself, General:

"Von der Goltz Attacks Riga."

If you wish to rule the Baltics,

you must capture Riga before

the Allies disclose your tactics.

And don't forget: you'll have/to repay that spare change...

This is unbelievable!

This is criminal! What're they thinking?

A front line right through the center of the city!

Who needs all this? Who needs it?

- We were living so peacefully... - Indeed!

We weren't bothering anybody.

My husband's in the trenches, too!

He brought his old shotgun with him.

Stop whining! I can't stand it!

Either stand by your man...or go home!

Just pour her a drink, will you?

Hush! Calm down, calm down...

Name, surname, signature.

You'll be in my unit. Claim your weapon.

Next!

Ernest! Take those and come back right away

Then we'll go for more water.

Name, surname, signature.

Claim your weapon. Name, surname...

Hey! I'm talking to you!

Hey! The hors d'oeuvres are here!

And little Ernest has joined us, too!

I'm not going anywhere!

And stop spying on me!

Yeah, like I really need you...

Give me back the key!

- What key? - What key?! The key to the bar!

Name, surname, signature.

What?!

Claim your weapon!

Name, surname, signature...

Don't smile now! I need real latvian heroface.

- Hey, big guy, yeah, you! - Who, me?

Yeah, come here! Stand next him.

Okay! Yes, of course!

Give me that! Allright!

That's nice!

You never cease to amaze me!

Did you really fix that chair yourself?

Yeah...almost.

You finally smiled.

Elza, you're an unusual woman.

What I wanted to say is,

Don't burden yourself with doubts.

You're doing the right thing.

Martin's not a bad person.

He just doesn't understand the situation.

It was naive to believe that Latvia

had any chance. Riga will surrender.

Martin won't surrender.

Mr. Jansons?

Please stop the car.

Martin! Your wife's here!

The wedding party is sure heating up!

Yeah! Let's celebrate right here!

Kiss her! Kiss the bride! Kiss her!

What's going on here?

We're celebrating Riga's capture.

You're late. I reprimand you.

Colonel, Riga has not fallen yet.

"Never do today what you can leave for tomorrow."

That's an old Russian saying.

Should I go greet Goltz?

He'll ask why we're not in Riga.

What will I say?

It's not my fault.

Bischoff screwed everything up.

If I had personally led the attack,

the flag of the Russian Empire would be flying over Riga by now.

If Goltz needs anything,

let him come to you.

Relax! Take it easy!

You're so tired.

Power is in your hands, Colonel.

General, Bermondt is tired.

He's resting.

General! You can't go in there!

General!

Have you forgotten who I am?

You're nothing any more!

Colonel, help me!

Colonel, I'll see you in my car in exactly one minute!

- You'll do as I say! - I can decide for myself!

- You should have consulted with me! - I can think for myself!

Get in the car! Ernest! Ernest!

Martin!

Elza!

Get down from there!

Get down!

August!

Dad, are you hurt? Dad!

Get up! You hear me? Get up!

Hang in there, son!

No!

All right, that's enough.

Send an ultimatum:

At dawn, the white flag must be raised above the tower of Riga Castle.

Duke! Outstanding work!

Forgive me.

Nothing hurts?

No.

I waited so long for you!

I'm right here, darling.

It's so painful and sad, but one day

we'll understand what it was all for -

that not a single victim was sacrificed in vain.

Without these victims and this sadness,

we wouldn't have our beloved Latvia.

But at this awful moment -

when good old August had died, and ruin was all around,

and it seemed as if all had been lost

and everything had been in vain -

I understood that Martin had returned

at the moment he was needed the most.

I felt that he had finally returned -

returned to me.

It feels so good to hold his strong hand

and know that he's here, next to me.

Without Martin, everything in my life would have been in vain.

That's Niedra's plan. You start,

then follow with the no-confidence motion.

Will we have enough votes?

We will. I'll deal with the people.

Gentlemen, let's begin.

There are 24 hours left until the ultimatum expires.

Maybe we should accept it?

Surrender and start negotiating terms.

Are there really no more possibilities?

Maybe we can still hold out?

Let's send Niedra to negotiate for us.

He's a professional politician, with lots of experience,

and will know how to stall until the Allies arrive.

And Niedra's the best at dealing with the people.

That's just my proposal.

I, too, have a proposal:

Ulmanis must resign!

His inept and ill-conceived policies

have put us in this impasse.

Right. Let's put forth the no-confidence motion

and vote to remove Ulmanis from the office of prime minister.

I'm sorry, Karlis,

but maybe this will make Goltz

more lenient, and the terms of

the truce will be more in our favor.

If we continue fighting,

all that'll be left of Riga is ruins and casualties!

We've done everything in our power.

But if we don't change our tactics,

we might lose too much.

Do we really need more casualties?

Men, it's painful for me to say this,

but if you wish to save your families

from death and destruction,

you must leave the city!

We will stay and keep the peace,

so the Germans see that we're not afraid.

What could be worse than what they've done already?

You say that you want us to leave, and abandon our homes to the enemy,

while you keep the peace

and let Bermondt's army into Riga?

Then it's all over:

the dream of our own country has vanished.

Goodbye, Latvia!

What good can the Allies do, if we forsake our freedom -

if we forsake our love?

No! That's not going to happen.

We're going to fight!

Sheer madness!

A week from now, the river will freeze.

the Iron Division will cross on the ice.

We won't have a chance!

That's why we need to attack tonight.

An attack across the river?

It's a bold plan, but if it works...

- That's impossible! - That's exactly what Goltz thinks.

And we should take advantage of that.

Absurd! Storm the riverbanks held by the German Iron Division?!

Exactly! We'll divert their attention.

Goltz's army, like ours,

is positioned along the riverbank.

A direct attack would be suicide.

We'll start with a fake offensive over the bridge.

Goltz will redeploy his troops to here.

But our boats will be ready,

so when the Krauts clear away from the river,

we'll make a surprise attack from behind.

The President just has to order an attack at the right moment.

Why should Goltz believe your fake attack?

We'll make a lot of noise.

Noise? With what? Our asses?

With cannons.

And where will we get the artillery?

We'll borrow it from Goltz.

We'll fire on them, they'll fire back at us.

This is nothing new. We did it back during the war.

When the Krauts turn toward us,

we'll give a sign to the boats.

How?

We'll send up a flare.

You call this nonsense a plan?

Borrow from Goltz? Fire on them?

Even if we do make it to that church

and draw fire on ourselves...

Guys, you know what that means!

What if we get stuck,

like we did in the swamp during the war?

That time the Russians betrayed us.

Now everything's in our hands.

Martin, how long should I hold the bridge?

Until we've taken the artillery station by the church.

What about the cannons?

We don't have any artillerymen.

Now you do!

I knew that you couldn't get by here without me!

But if you fail, we'll raise the white flag.

I knew that you'd come back.

What'd you think?

I'm not about to let those German asses gorge on my sprats!

Why do you have to go?

You're a musician!

I'm no musician.

I'm just a parasite.

If I don't go now, my life is over.

But if I come back,

I'll marry you.

If you come back, I'll be waiting for you.

Well? Will the Allied ships support us?

They need their governments' approval.

That'll take more time than we have.

Our men are ready for battle.

Soldiers! Tonight our army will cross the river in boats.

Our mission is to divert the enemy.

Our unit will attack over the bridge,

allowing a group of soldiers to capture

an artillery station behind enemy lines.

We must hold out as long as we can.

As soon as we mount the bridge, there will be no turning back.

Only volunteers will attack.

Those not prepared to carry out this task,

may break ranks.

Thank you, men!

The French journalist let slip that the Allies will wait.

Merci.

It's in their best interests to be neutral,

and I can tell you why.

No, thanks.

They'll watch us fight,

and then make friends with the stronger side.

Then we have to be the stronger side.

What's new?

Bermondt feels that he has fulfilled his obligation.

It's true. Pay me what you promised,

and tomorrow I'll disappear.

Disappear? You'll disappear only when I allow it!

This thing has gone too far!

The Allies' dogs are sniffing around.

Now...it's all or nothing!

Pray God that tomorrow

the Iron Division marches into Riga!

Only then will you get out of the

shit you're in up your ears!

Otherwise I'll hand you over to the

Allies, who'll rip you to shreds!

And you'll rot in jail!

Tomorrow the planes will take off.

Either Riga becomes the capital of the Baltenlande,

or I wipe it off the map!

Colonel Bermondt,

you will go to Riga tomorrow.

So that everyone sees who the real hero is.

Jake, is that a pigskin coat?

I don't know.

Shorty, don't get nervous.

Company! Forward!

Fire! Fire!

Go, go! Don't stop!

Follow me!

Take your positions!

Machine gunners - next to me!

Front line - screen!

Everyone else - behind me!

- I can't go on! - Go back, then!

I'd rather be shot!

Jump! Jump!

Jake! What are you doing?!

- Idiot. - You're an idiot!

Latvians attacking over the bridge!

All troops to the end of the bridge!

On the double!

We've got to hurry!

Arnold won't hold the bridge for long.

Hey! Will this work?

I don't know.

All right, fine. We'll do it!

Hey, guys! Know what's funny?

I never thought I'd die sober!

- Let's go! - Amen.

Nail 'em, Shorty!

Shorty!

Where's...where's the axe?

Well, artilleryman, it's your command!

You stay here.

Shorty, you come with me.

What about me?

Head up the tower, to guide our fire.

All right...ready!

Fire on my command!

We have to hold on!

- Yes! - Fire!

Fire!

To the left! The left!

Ready! Fire!

Fire!

They did it!

We did it!

Now we wait for the Germans to move their troops to the church.

Right. If they do it...

Connect me with the church!

Is this the church?

Yes?

Church, we're under attack!

Check out what's going on, dammit!

I know what's going on:

we're fucking you, my dear.

Who's speaking?!

This is Jacob Ronis speaking.

And what's your name?

Oh, I know what you are!

You're an asshole.

Your grandfather was an asshole.

And your father was an asshole.

Come to the church, and you will die tonight!

You'll all die tonight!

Attack!

Target: the church!

They're coming! Hey, they're coming!

Martin!

- The Krauts are coming! - What?

The Krauts are coming! They're coming!

Boys!

Yes!

What's wrong?

It's broken! Shorty, give me your knife!

Hurry!

Got it?

Guys, we gotta get out of here!

- The flare gun is broken. - What?

- The flare gun's broken! - Give it to me.

- Hold on, I almost got it... - Give it to me!

- I almost got it! Let go! - Give it to me!

Let go! Let go, I said!

- What'd you do?! - What did I do?

That's what I'm asking you!!

What did I do?

No, what did you do?!

You screwed everything up! Some artilleryman!

Screwed up our only flare!

You'd better tell us what to do now!

I've already called out the Krauts!

You what? You fucking idiot!

You drink too goddamn much!

Wouldn't you be safer at home?

Under your wife's skirts?

Yeah? Who's the one getting drunk on Justine's tab?!

Enough!

Dawn is approaching.

Surely you don't believe they'll succeed.

The flare will appear any minute now.

I'm sure Martin will give us a sign.

That Martin is your biggest mistake.

You're just afraid to admit it.

A front line right through the center of town!?

I warned you that it was crazy.

Now Riga is in ruins.

I succeeded in convincing the residents

that the army has to leave. But no!

"We'll fight!" What now?

Admit it, this plan has failed, too!

The Allies don't give a damn what will happen to us.

You said the Allies would be with the stronger side.

You tried, and you failed.

As President, you still haven't made a single good decision.

At least make this one:

Raise the white flag!

If the Latvian state isn't destined to exist,

we should at least think about ourselves.

Ourselves?

Yes, Karlis, ourselves.

You think those who spilt blood on the bridge tonight

thought of themselves?

They believe in what you don't believe in.

You think Latvia's existence depends on

my decisions or yours? You're wrong.

It exists only because

the Latvian people want it to.

Ok. Fine. Give me the flag.

Give me the flag!!

Take it.

They're here! Martin, let's go!

I know. I just remembered...

- Martin, where're you going? - Shorty! Get me a shell!

- Ready? - Yeah!

You think they'll understand?

You guys get going!

You can still make it!

I'm in no rush. I'll head upstairs

and mow down a few more from up there.

Jake? Jake?!

Jacob!

Martin.

Martin!

- Get me another one! - That's it. None left.

What?!

Let's get out of here!

It's all over for us, Shorty!

We're not going to make it!

Forward!

What was this magical power? Why had

the doubt and disbelief of the evening

turned radiant and hopeful

with the first light of day?

They were heroes, whose drive,

determination, courage, and blood,

shed for the Fatherland, filled our hearts

with strength and conviction.

Everyone, even the cowards and cynics,

was infused with a belief in victory.

I know this, because I, too,

felt both these doubts and this magical power.

And for this, I'm thankful to

my big, strong Martin.

What are you doing?

Me?

We need money for battle.

Anything for victory!

Colonel Bermondt, you're despicable -

nothing but the Germans' lackey.

Get out!

Bitch!

Burn it to the ground!

You want to burn the castle?

They'll have something to remember me by!

Mount your horses!

The Latvians have attacked.

They've captured the Left Bank.

How could this have happened?

What about our army?

They're fleeing. The army is gone.

And there's more:

the Allies have sided with Latvia.

We must surrender to the Latvians

and to the Allied representatives.

Why us?

Summon Bermondt!

Bermondt torched the castle and...

and...

And?

He's disappeared!

Paul, help me out!

Breathe! Breathe!

Shorty, hold it tight.

What is this? Vodka!

That sonofabitch punctured my flask!

Just don't fall asleep! Stay awake!

Don't close your eyes, you hear me?!

- Am I going to die? - Of course not.

Breathe! Breathe!

Guys! We did it!

Arnold! Look, it's Arnold!

Jake, if you kick the bucket,

the coat's mine!

- He'll live. - Give me a cigarette.

You'll be fine.

This guy almost when up to St. Peter,

and he wants a smoke! Nothing's changed!

Nothing has changed.

Guys, something has changed:

now we'll have one more day to celebrate!

What date is it, the tenth?

No, it's the eleventh.

The Allies recognize Latvian independence.

Faith in Latvia is strengthened

at home and in other countries.

The German wolf in a Russian bearskin

was chased out of the country.

If you want to dress up as a bear,

don't touch the Latvian Bearslayer!

In memory of the victory of November 1 1 , 1 91 9,

the Order of the Bearslayer was established,

with the slogan "To Latvia!"

November 1 1 was proclaimed Bearslayer's Day.

"On this site, on November 1 1 , 1 91 9,

the defenders of Riga won

the decisive battle for the liberation of the city."

Now everything will be fine - buddy!

At the next government meeting,

we need to propose a council for the Order.

We can't go around handing it out to anyone!

Well, Martin, we have accomplished something after all!

At least little August won't have to fight like we did.

You're wrong, Jake: he'll have to

fight for everything himself.

Of course! But not for Latvia...

For everything! For Latvia, too.

Right, Arnold?

Yes, sir, yes!

Jake, have you put on weight! You have!

What's the deal? Are they nursing you

with pure fat over at that sanatorium?

Certainly not with your awful sprats!

You - Mr. Canned-Fish King of Riga!

Martin says that neither Riga

nor Latvia will ever be ready.

Each of us must do his part,

so we can be proud of our own country,

so that nobody will ever take it away from us.

He says, We Latvians can't live under the

Russians, the Germans, or anyone else.

And he says that if our children see

that we are strong, nobody will be able

to take Latvia away from them, either.

Martin thinks of grand and noble things.

That's the Martin I love.

And I will love him forever.