Original subtitles

A Cinema-79 Production

Under The Skin Of The City

A film by Rakhshan Bani-Etemad

Let's roll. Roll...

Your scarf... Fix your hair!

How do you assess the role of female workers...

in the upcoming parliamentary elections?

The importance of women...

The kinds of jobs women...

can hold...

In hospitals, factories...

They should pay attention to them...

especially to hard-working women...

Excuse me, ma'am.

What are your expectations from your elected officials?

- Our expectations from our elected... - Please let her finish.

They should have strong faith in God...

pay attention to housing and welfare benefits...

Thank you very much, ma'am.

Damn it, I had enough! I can't. You just turn dumb in front of this camera.

- Ms. Rahmani, tell them yourself. - You can talk, too. It's no problem.

Cut!

Golab Adineh

Mohammadreza Foroutan

Baran Kosari

We're all sick. We have asthma, arthroses disease... other diseases...

Please! Wait a minute! I understand your concerns.

We want to take a few shots inside the factory.

Please go back to your work. We'll see you there.

- What shots? Will they pay us for this? - No, just a few minutes of film.

Screenplay by: R. Bani-Etemad, Farid Mostafavi

...and we shall broaden democracy and progress toward a civil society.

We will try to continually strengthen the dignity and stability of this nation.

Our developments were the product of a great revolution, and our problems...

The result was first and foremost...

a recovery of ourselves, and particularly of our youth.

I need to know when exactly my passport will be ready.

There are things I have to get done.

Mr. Abbas. You have a phone call in the workshop.

It's the police.

Ms. Zamani, I'll call you back later. Bye.

Your brother is in trouble again. They said you should go there right away.

Parviz, answer the calls. I'll be back in a jiffy.

Why do you do things like this? What the hell do you think you'll achieve?

What's in it for you?

What did you accomplish last year, when you beat the hell out of one another?!

The only winners are the likes of Nasser, selling dollars at a 20% higher rate.

Don't people have the right to say what they want, and don't want?

And you half-witted kids know what people want?

At least, we have the courage to say it!

People just try to make it through the day, to live a half-decent life.

Stick to your education. Do you hear me? There's a lot more to education.

Don't you start preaching to me, now!

Don't you want to graduate?

Aren't there enough unemployed engineers and physicians?

Don't you get fresh with me, now! Get in any political trouble again...

and I know what to do with you. That's all!

Producer: Jahangir Kosari R. Bani-Etemad

Director: Rakhshan Bani-Etemad

SO3 + H2O makes H2SO4, which is sulfuric acid.

Now, N2O5 + H2O makes 2HNO3, which is nitric acid.

So, mixed with water, they all make acids.

You got it?

- What do you have in there? - Cement! I'm so tired.

This tape is so cool. Where did you get it from?

Lt'd be just great for Sumayyeh's wedding.

They don't listen to cheap music in the wedding of Einstein's sister!

Last night, my brother brought home two Turkish music videos.

I wanted to invite you over.

So my brother Ahmad would cut my head off and put it on my chest, right?!

He would have been asleep, by then.

You rascal! What are you doing up that wall, again?!

You scared me, Mom!

- Hello, Ms. Tuba. - Hi.

Why do you do this, girl?

All your brother needs is an excuse to beat the crap out of you again!

Don't worry, Ms. Tuba. He doesn't get back at this hour.

You two sure have guts! Turn that damn thing down!

After all the racket in the factory, I now come home to this!

- How can you compare the two? - The racket is better than gibberish!

I gotta go.

- Don't forget about my essay. - Bye...

- Your flowerpot! - Okay, bye.

- Masum? - Hi, Mom!

Your sister is loose in the street! You pay no attention to her. Come down!

Oh, dear!

I'll take care of that.

Why do you take this plunker to where the neighbors can hear it?

My sweet mom! You just got home, but you're already on my case!

Seriously! A spot on my back hurts real bad.

- So, where's the tea? - Who's in there, with your dad?

That idiot builder, of course. Who else ever comes here?!

He finally bought Masum's place. They have one month to move out.

- Well, I have to go. - Why so soon? Let's have some tea.

Thank you, maybe later. Bye.

Bye. I'll come and visit you.

- What did he want here? - Nothing.

What's the deal, with Abbas going to this guy's place, and him coming here?

Nothing.

Don't you dare get funny ideas in your head, again. I'm warning you!

Take it easy!

Dad, Mom... Abbas is in a car, and wants to take us out tonight.

What are you doing? Abbas is waiting, he wants to take us out for dinner!

Out? Why out? I'm fixing dinner.

I'm not eating any meatballs!

Ali's not home yet...

Your spoiled brat is waiting for you in the car.

You're up and about in a jiffy. You sure can be quick when it suits you!

Take your hat off. You'd catch a cold when you go outside.

One paper in the morning, another in the afternoon... Both, same nonsense!

What did I tell you? 15-year-olds can't vote after all. Elections aren't for kids!

Stop bothering her. Have your dinner, dear!

- Me! What about me? - Don't be silly. Open your hand.

Hello?

Abbas speaking.

No, Mr. Nasser is not with me. He left his cell phone with me... Why?

Okay, I'll call right away. Bye.

Be quiet for a minute. I have to call Mr. Nasser. Be quiet!

Hello? Hi, Ms. Moloud. Thank you very much. Is Mr. Nasser home?

Hello, Mr. Nasser.

Yes, I took the car to a garage, and I'm going back home in a cab.

Good heavens! Why are you lying?

Ms. Pari called and said she was going to the sauna.

Sure, sir. Don't worry!

At your service, sir. Bye now.

Abbas, bro, turn the stereo on.

As soon as they make some extra money, they go after a second wife.

He who has it, deserves it!

Thank God, you neither have it nor deserve it... or you'd have four wives!

Come on out.

- Let's eat in the car, it's too crowded. - No, come on out.

- I'm really not hungry. - Ms. Tuba, give us the honor!

I made meatballs, we could have eaten at home. I don't have the right clothes.

- Hi. - Hi, hi... Welcome!

Farhad, put those two tables together.

Good evening, Mr. Homayoun! How are you doing?

- Good evening, ma'am. Welcome! - Hi, Mr. Homayoun. Thank you.

How are you? We're still expecting you for dinner some time.

- You have to try my meatballs. - Thank you. I'd be honored. Please...

Pepperoni for me.

- How's it going? - Not bad. And you?

Thanks. What would you like?

One pepperoni, two mixed, two specials...

With salad and drinks and everything...

- Sure thing... Ali? - Yes?

Get this ready quickly.

I marked it as only 3 pizzas.

So, what's up?

My visa's ready in a few days, but my money isn't!

Do you have to pay it all in advance?

I have to pay $4000 here, and another $4000 as soon as I get there.

Don't worry about it, it will work out.

- Do you need anything else? - Start eating before it gets cold.

Could you order some bread, dear? These things won't fill my stomach!

Finish your pizza, and I'll order another one if you're still hungry then.

Why aren't you eating?

Why do you take us to such fancy-schmancy places?

You're my fancy, my whole schmancy! You're my fancy-schmancy!

Okay, dear, have your dinner. Look at that rubbery thing, now!

What's with you?

What's with you?

- Are you trying to show off? Asshole! - Nothing happened.

- What the hell did you want to happen? - You show off for women and children?

Take it easy, Mr. Abbas. I didn't do anything.

You want me to teach you a lesson, so you learn what you've done?

- What lesson do you want to teach me? - Just say you're sorry, and go!

Go on! Go on, dear!

You got a "B." Write the 4 words you misspelled, 10 times each. Read, now!

- This one? Is this good? - No, read the paper so you get used to it.

Start here.

- Ra... Ree... - Reformist.

- There are no accents! - They don't use accents in the papers.

Pars... pers...

"Reformist perspective on the discourse of the media."

You gotta be kidding me! Let me read my own book.

Hey, kid? What the hell are you doing? Get away from that!

Masum, get ready, I'm coming.

Abbas, my dear brother, could you please give me some money?

What the hell do you need so much money for?

Tuck your hair in!

- I love you so much! - Don't be silly, now!

- Hello. - Hi.

Hi.

- Hello, Mr. Nasser. - Hi.

- I finally got him! - Really?

- I got it from him. - You mean you cashed it, too?

And here is your cell phone.

Get these goods loaded. We need to have them in the road tonight.

Mr. Shahrokh?

Hello, ma'am. Good morning to you, too.

Is Mr. Marandi in? Yes, please.

Good morning, sir.

Yes, I got the check. I've even cashed it already. Of course, absolutely.

I took care of it. It's right here in front of me.

You just stay there, and in about half an hour, I'll send it along with the blueprint.

Abbas? What was that? Sure. I'll take care of that, too. Don't worry. Bye!

The asshole loved it... Take these to Mr. Marandi.

Give the order to the storage, and tell them to get it ready.

What should I do with the missis's car?

Take it to the house and come back.

Ms. Nahid?

This list is for Orumieh. It's urgent.

- Should I have them load it? - No. His men will do it themselves.

Where to? Pay attention to little us, on your way up!

- I'll see you in a minute. - Why are you so jittery?

Don't you go upstairs and turn dumb again! Have some courage!

Come to the restaurant and tell me about it tonight.

I have a delivery to make, to the port.

Look here... Don't forget the playing cards!

I love you, Sarvenaz!

Sarvenaz, I love you!

I love you, love you... love you... love you!!!

Good morning!

Certainly. Sure. Of course. Yes. Sure.

- How are you, Mr. Abbas? - Thanks.

- I need to see Mr. Marandi. - He's with the doctor, can I help you?

- I have to give him these. - Leave them, I'll give them to him.

All right, take them in yourself.

Doctor? There's someone here for Mr. Marandi. Yes, of course. Certainly.

You want to see Mr. Marandi? Please come in!

Good morning.

Here you are, sir.

Excellent! Bravo! How did you find him?

I have my ways, sir! I'm not exactly a rookie, if you know what I mean!

This Mr. Nasser would have been in a lot of trouble, had it not been for you.

- You're too kind, sir! - How much does he pay you?

With all my benefits and travel expenses... it's not bad, sir!

You didn't say how much!

I make a living. Thank God, I've led a decent life working for him.

What do you mean? You mean you don't work for him anymore?

Actually, I'm about to go to Japan.

- Japan? - Yes, sir!

See, doctor? See how they're causing a brain-drain in this country?

Why there, boy? Japan is full of Brazilian and Bangladeshi laborers.

What would they need Iranians for?! One could make money right here.

Isn't that so, doctor?

How many doctors and engineers like you make pizza deliveries in the US?

What can I say?

You're right, sir. But one can't go far with low salaries like this.

Come and see me if you change your mind.

With your permission, sir.

You half-witted moron!

Hey, look!

Promises, promises...

They postpone our payments 10 days at a time, they think we're millionaires!

If we dared stop the machinery for 2 days, they'd have a change of heart!

Well, we haven't dared so far. Here, have some of this...

My dear Abbas... he can't keep his money in his own pocket.

He insisted on taking us to an uptown restaurant... Pass it on.

Have some... The wedding is nothing to worry about. I'll take care of everything.

We'll receive the ladies at our place where there is more room. Here...

That's enough. Get back to work!

Hi, grandma.

Hi. Who brought you here, honey?

Daddy beat up Mommy and told her to get lost... so we came here!

I'm glad you did, honey. Come here, sweetie, come to grandma! My baby...

The smallest argument, and you start packing. Good thing he takes you back!

A brawl to a clamor with your husband,

and you're back here!

Enough is enough!

Sure, it's easy for you to say! Keep it down, the neighbors can hear you.

He doesn't have the smallest consideration!

Did he beat you up again?!

I hate that jerk! If he shows up here again...

- You stay out of it! - How dare he hit my sister?

What happened this time?

His truck burnt down. He was angry, so he took it out on me and this kid!

Didn't his mother stop him?

Are you kidding? She fixed him a drink so he'd feel better!

- I wish he'd drop dead! - Go get changed, Ms. Meddler!

Hold this on your eye. You were being fresh with him, weren't you?

Don't just stand there, you'd get backache from the breeze. Go inside.

I swear to God, if you torment me any more, I'll call your father...

I'll say he can call Naraghi to find out who snatched his car stereo system.

Go ahead, call him! What do I have to be scared of? It's his reputation at stake!

They'll say he's so stingy that his own son has to go snitching things.

You have no self-respect, you don't mind being called a petty thief.

What did your self-respect ever do for you?! Cut the crap!

- Give me the car keys. - I need the car, myself.

- Mrs. Moloud! - Are you deaf? Give me the keys!

Give them to me, Abbas.

- Mr. Nasser said to give it to the missis. - Mr. Nasser is full of crap!

- You ought to be ashamed of yourself! - Oh, what a sweet boy!

I'll show you. Just wait and see!

An army of employees, and they can't do a thing right!

Where the hell have you been?

I just asked you to do 2 things.

Take 100,000 tomans from the safe...

Go to the mall, Pari is there. She's been waiting for an hour. Get going!

Where have you been? I've been waiting for an hour!

Let's put these in the car. There is more.

- Did you bring money? - Yes.

- How are the guys in the workshop? - They're okay.

- How's Nahid? - She's okay, too.

I miss her a lot. Of all the employees, she's something else...

- What's up in that house? - I don't know.

Sure you don't! The Daewoo Sparrow he bought is for Moloud, isn't it?

- What do you expect me to say? - Nothing. What can you say?

You should be discreet, too. After all, he is your boss!

The sixth round of parliamentary election requires your participation...

to add yet another golden page to our contemporary historical memory...

- This must be Abbas. - Oh, goody!

- Hi. - Hello dear. Wash up, dinner is ready!

The truck is loaded, I'll get something on the way.

Sit down and have your dinner. I'll keep an eye on the truck.

Hi, uncle.

Hello, Tala! Is Hamideh here?

Yes. Mr. Rahmat is delivering a consignment, so he left them here.

- Don't lie to me. - Why would I lie to you?

Did he beat them up again?

You don't give up, do you? I told you, he's on a short trip...

- For God's sake, don't say anything! - Get out of my way!

They're husband and wife. One night they make war, the next they make love!

I'll break her leg if she tries to leave this house!

- Hush, the neighbors will hear you! - See? It's your fault she's so sheepish!

I'm not going to let him take her back home this time.

You think I don't know how hellish her life is in that house?

Then why do you send her back every time she comes here?

What can I do? How can I afford to support a pregnant woman and a child?

I'll help! I want to help, but you don't let me. You won't let go of this dump!

There he goes again! You've been singing this tune for a year now!

Over my dead body will you sell this shanty little house.

For how long? If I get this visa, I can buy you 4 houses like this in a year!

I can't be a tenant again, at this old age... not with a young daughter.

If you'd just let me, I'll take care of everything. And father is all for it.

Of course he's for it. He has no clue how we make ends meet.

Whatever he failed to do in his life, he wants you to do now.

We would have been better off if you hadn't stopped him, Ms. Tuba!

Hello, Abbas! How are you, my dear brother?

Turn around, let me see your face...

I said, let me see your face!

You and your kid stay right here. I'll have a talk with that bastard.

Do you hear me?

For God's sake! Please don't make it any worse than it is.

The poor guy has more debt than he can handle. I swear!

How dare he take it out on you?

God, I wish I would die and stop this indignity...

- They really get on my nerves! - You just need an excuse to smoke!

Did you talk to the builder?

Sure I did. His price is a rip-off. You'd better talk to him yourself.

Make sure to persuade your mom. Don't do it against her will.

- If she finds out later, we're dead meat! - There's nothing to make a fuss about...

Father, go see him.

Try to get it over with.

- Hi! - Where have you been?

- Just hanging out with the guys... - So when do you study?

Take this. Get mom everything she needs. Put something on the bike.

Sure!

Ms. Tuba?

I'm leaving.

Bye!

May God protect you, my dear...

Why did you turn the radio off?

- Don't you want to go to sleep? - I will.

Come over here, let me measure your size...

Your back...

These kind of things happen as long as women are ignorant of their rights.

Do you read this stuff in the papers? Instead, spend more time on school.

I'll go talk to Rahmat tomorrow.

You always want to talk to everyone!

Go to sleep, you have to wake up early.

Mom, could I please have a glass of water?

The other night at the pizza place, a couple of boys were standing there.

One of them was good-looking, and he was staring at me.

Right. But you didn't stare back, did you?!

Masum? Wait, I'll take you to school myself.

Hi.

It's cool. I'll see you at school!

The hell with you, think of this poor kid.

See how sad she looks?

What's wrong with your dumb mother-in-law? Can't she stop her son?

One doesn't hit a pregnant woman!

Grandpa, after they're done fighting...

Mommy shouts at me and Daddy hits me!

All right, no one asked you anything!

Why are you standing here?

- I'm scared, Mahboubeh! - Are you going to chicken out?

- What if he finds out? - How could he?

We'll be back before six.

Ouch! Let me go! Don't pull my hair!

Ma'am, your daughter can be too fresh! She has to learn to behave.

I can very well take care of her daughter, if I have to.

I haven't just picked up my son off the street, you know?!

He works all day, and she makes a big fuss if he wants to raise his voice at night!

They're young, they don't think straight. But Mr. Rahmat hasn't bought a slave.

Life is hard, the landlord has been nagging us to leave for a month.

Womenfolk don't understand, but men have to be responsible in life.

I wouldn't let them be homeless. I'd just empty a room for them in my house.

You'd be more than welcome to join them, too.

Now please come in for a cup of tea.

Come here, now. Come kiss the hands of the lady and get back to your life.

Come on!

Shoeshine?

- My shoes? - Yes.

My shoes don't need polish.

- Look, they don't need polish! - They do!

- Masum, let's go. We're running late! - Go! Let's run!

I'll go now.

Beautiful! What a haircut! Let's hear some gratitude, shall we?

Great. Thanks, but it looks like it's a little bit longer on this side.

You have two and a half pieces of hair left. I can't make you 20 again!

- Hi! - Hi, honey.

- Where were you? - I had tutorials. I'd told Mom about it.

Didn't you and Masum go to that concert?

Look at his handsome haircut! You look just like rock stars!

I'm coming to your school tomorrow, to see how many tutorials you have.

Great. While you're at it, bring some money for the PTA.

Money! I tell you to give her away, but do you listen?!

- We can't just give her away! - She's not college material!

Why? What's wrong with her? Don't touch that, the hair will fall in...

She's a girl. She can become a doctor and she'll still have to change diapers.

Remember how you insisted that Hamideh would get married.

- So? What's wrong with that? - Nothing. She lives in the heavens!

- Mom, good job! I'll give you an "A"! - What? Why did you take that?

Mahboubeh, come back here and stop playing around...

Let me go! Please!

I beg you!

There you are!

Wait! Where do you think you're going?

The damn ruthless bastard!

Where have you been?

We were worried sick about you!

Mommy's really upset!

Masum?

Masum?

- Hi. - Hi. Where have you been?

- Studying, with my friends. - Yeah, sure... God!

Should I tell Abbas what the principal told me?

- Why do you skip school? - I skip school?

I was so happy, thinking you were a top student, that you'd go to college.

I work my tail off, Abbas works so hard to get somewhere...

And this is what you're up to? Why do you skip classes?

What do you care? You want me to get passing grades, and I do that.

- Mahboub, come finish your dinner. - I don't want to.

If he doesn't study, I'll take him out of school, and find him a job.

I don't pay your tuition so you can shout "Down with" and "Long live" slogans.

I'm tired. I'm really not in the mood for politics.

What the hell do you know about politics, kid?

When I was your age, I believed the same crap.

We'd go to work and they'd take us to a "Long live" demonstration from there.

The next day, they'd tell us to say a "Down with" slogan.

And the so-called leaders would be long gone, should there be trouble.

We'd have to get beaten up and thrashed. And this is what I achieved.

- There we go again with the speech. - I'll beat the crap out of you...

Be quiet, Mahmoud. Sit down and mind your words.

He's no kid anymore. He's a young man, God forbid, he might talk back!

It's all your fault that they dare get fresh with me.

You ought be thankful that he's not a drug addict, a rascal, or a lecher.

You're not out there, you don't know what's going on with the youth.

Ali? Come inside, boy. You'll catch a cold.

Look, I did my homework. Have your dinner, and then grade my work.

Go on. He's right, and you know it!

Ms. Tuba? Could you please call Mahboub over?

Oh, God Almighty!

Look what he's done to you! You're so stubborn, being back on the wall again!

I won't do it anymore.

Mahboub? Come over here, Masum's on the wall.

Oh, my sweet darling friend!

Don't worry about it.

It's over.

This was his last time.

Here. Hold this, and take care of this.

What?

I know you really love it.

And I didn't write your essay.

Tomorrow, in school... you're not coming?

- Looking like this? - Oh, I'm really sorry!

What happened to your hair?

He cut them.

Would you come shopping with me? You have good taste.

Sure.

After what Ahmad did to Masum, I really can't bring myself to do anything.

My darling Masum...

It's really not fair to torture the kid like that.

What can I do? I can't stand up to him.

The bus is leaving!

Tell him to wait, we're coming... Tell him that we're coming.

Stop! Run!

He pushes drugs to every junkie in the neighborhood.

He does every mischief, yet talks of his honor when it's about his sister.

I'll go report him to the police.

There are so many like him. They'd say, "What is it to you?"

Besides, he's her brother...

He's her brother, so he can hit her. As for my sister, it was her husband.

So if someone kills his daughter, they'd say he was her father, so...

- What's going on? - Masum... The poor girl ran away.

What?

She couldn't take it anymore, so she left.

Her poor mother!

See? That's why I told you not to give that crazy boy an excuse!

What did we do wrong? Did we have boyfriends? Did we fool around?

We just went to a concert once. Was that a sin?

- What can I say? - Get up, let's go look for her.

- Let's go. - He's right, dear. Get up!

My sweet darling Masum! My baby girl!

Come off it, now! Don't make a big fuss for nothing. She'll be back in an hour.

- She's not coming back. - Then why did you let her go, dear?

She gave me a blank piece of paper to give to Mahboub. I didn't know!

But when Mahboub lit a match under it, the message said she won't be back.

God Almighty! Take your mother inside. It's bad omen for your wedding.

Bring those over here, I'll fix them. Don't start mourning with no reason!

We'll keep on looking, but you'll have to wait for a few days.

She might go to a relative's, or a friend's. She might come back.

You mean we should wait until something happens to her? Yes?

Father was right to say we were interfering too much.

I'll go after her, myself.

Aren't you going to eat?

- Hi. - Hi.

- Hi. Here, take your newspaper. - Why didn't you come to our place?

- I was out with Mahboub. - Are you coming to the lecture with us?

No. My brother Abbas is home.

By the way, they said they're not accepting computer ballots this year.

Thanks a lot. My old radio was coming to pieces.

Where are the others?

Mahboub's in that room.

Ahmad cut off his sister's hair, and she ran away.

My sweet baby is depressed.

Change your clothes, I'll get dinner ready.

Don't you tell your brother!

I'm talking about taking Hamideh back home.

- I'll tell him! - Don't you dare, girl!

He keeps abusing her, and you keep begging them to take her back!

Don't you raise your voice! This is life, you can't just call it quits!

So what we have, you call it life?

If you don't like it, study to become a teacher, so you can be independent.

- Where's Hamideh? - Hi! Where else? Mom...

Mr. Rahmat came and sincerely apologized. He begged her to go back.

Just like always, right?

It wouldn't have been so cruel if...

Come over here and see what I've brought for you.

Get going, and don't look so sad!

Ali, come put this on and see if it's your size.

Wow! A sports jacket!

Come put it on and see if you like it.

My royal mother, please bless us with your presence for a minute!

- It's, of course, not worthy of you! - It's wonderful!

And I got this for Hamideh, dad.

- You spend so much money, dear! - You look great!

Thanks. Would you get Sumayyeh a wedding gown from your factory?

- Sure, I'll get her one. - God bless you, my dear!

Now, for the irritable Miss Mahboubeh, but first promise not to laugh!

Come here and see what it is.

Here!

Why does it look like that?!

In the stockholders' meetings, you only need a brigade to stop the fights.

What are you doing here, Mr. Abbas?

One thing we have too many of in this country is doctors and engineers.

He's not that valuable. Fire him.

- The people I have to deal with...! - Don't take it too hard, doc.

The bastard doesn't know how to talk politely. Besides, it's all an excuse...

It's his style. He gobbled up those ten shares, and now he wants the rest.

We must have accountability here. How can I get this through his head?!

Let him think he's such a big shot. Just keep cool.

Please... Please...

Abbas? Let's go!

That's a lot of money. What for?

For my visa, sir. I told you about it.

To tell you the truth, I'm reluctant to sell my father's house.

You know how I've put everything I have on this damn building...

Won't you mind if I ask Mr. Marandi?

Marandi? That bastard is loaded, but he's a miserable penny pincher.

Yes, but he's awfully rich. You think he'd turn me down?

Keep on the right track, boy.

Marandi is fishy business. He claims to be an exporter, but there's more to it.

While everyone imports clothing from Turkey, he exports wedding gowns.

The son of a bitch is lying.

Don't get close to him.

You hear me?

Did you talk to her?

You didn't give her the present, did you? God! You're such a moron!

The day I fell in love with Etsoko, I went and told her:

"Kawai anoko, ai asishiteru...

"watashi to keko ishti mashka?"

Anyway, I told her I loved her, and asked her to marry me.

Just wait till I get that visa stamp on my passport. I'll go to her and say:

"If you'd just wait for me one year, I'd come back with my hands full."

Will you wait for me, Ms. Sarvenaz?

- Yes, Mr. Abbas! - Get out of here!

Lt'll work out, you'll get it.

Mr. Nasser isn't helping any.

I wanted to ask Mr. Marandi, but I got scared. He's into illegal stuff...

- Smuggling? - I don't know.

- My mother wouldn't budge, either. - What does she say?

She's scared.

The builder says he'll pay half the money up-front.

We'd have 10 days to move out.

The important thing is for you to get to Fukuoka and go to Ushidareh.

He finds out that you're there for honest work, and you got yourself a job!

Damn, things would have been different if I'd stayed there for two years.

But I never was lucky, they deported me right on the sixth month.

What if I'm deported, too?

You won't be. Things have changed.

Now, if you don't get into fights, and stay away from the police, you're fine.

What are you waiting for?

Move it, man!

- Please, Mr. Builder... - Thank you very much.

Hurry up, Dad.

Mr. Abbas, our friendship aside, you still have to move out on the deadline. Okay?

- Of course. I've already found a place. - I very much hope so.

Where are you, father? What's taking you so long? Come on!

I'm coming, I'm coming! I found it.

God, please let us not regret this!

- Let's go. - Let's go, dear!

- Is Ali home? - He went out again before I knew it!

Come to bed.

I'll sleep in my own bed.

Abbas isn't coming either.

Go to sleep, don't be silly!

I just wanted a few words with you.

Ms. Maryam? Are you coming?

My sweet little thing. Why are you so bent?

They all give you a shove before passing by!

- Hi, Ms. Zamani. - Hello.

Here are the two checks.

Please give me a receipt for these two checks.

- May I see the boss? - He's not in.

When should I come for my passport?

In two weeks at the latest. But if your money isn't ready, we can't help...

Don't worry about that. I'll have it.

Ms. Zamani, here is the receipt.

- Here you go... - Thank you.

- In two weeks, it'll be ready, right? - Absolutely!

Thank you very much.

Hey, watch out! Watch where you're going!

- Is it for me? - It's just a small gift.

Thanks a lot.

And that must be for...

You want me to give it to her?

It's nothing, really...

Bravo, Mr. Abbas! Good job, man!

Ms. Tuba, come and see what I have for you here!

- Do you like it? - Beautiful!

It's so pretty, I hope you bring one home for your own wedding, soon.

Let me see...

All I need is to wear a wedding gown!

I love you, dear!

My dear mom, don't be upset with me.

Just wait and see what I'll do for you.

Miss Mahboubeh Rahmat-Abadi, please come to the principal's office.

Rahmat-Abadi?

Please open it.

Regulations say we should give letters to the parents...

It's just that I thought that it might be from Masum.

- Any news from her? - No, ma'am.

- What is it? - It's blank, ma'am. A practical joke!

With your permission, ma'am!

"Ten o'clock... Mellat park... Wednesday..."

Hamideh?

Come get your kid... why don't you pay any attention to your child?

Gentlemen, be kind enough to move to the men's section... Please!

Let the ladies be comfortable here. Please!

- I'll see Masum Wednesday. - What?

- I swear! I got a letter from her. - Where is she?

I don't know. We're supposed to meet.

Why are you crying?

Don't you just sit there! Give me that... Though I don't know how to play it!

Come on, everybody...

Mother of the groom insists to see the bride's sister and brother!

What? What is it to her?

Ignore her! If she keeps insisting, tell her they're visiting their sick aunt.

Don't worry, I'll bring her back. Just don't tell your mom, let's surprise her!

Somayyeh, run!

Ziba, run! The cops are coming!

Masum, run! Go! Run!

Get out of here! Don't stop!

Masum, wait! Masum?!

You finally did it!

Alas!

Ms. Tuba, nice to see you here! Long time, no see!

How could you? Didn't I ask you not to buy the house from them?

When he wants to sell, what difference does it make? There are other buyers.

Strangers would have bought it, but I didn't expect you to do that!

It's not like I twisted his arm, or ripped him off, you know?!

I desperately need the deed today, I swear I'll bring it back.

I don't have it on me.

I hope you regret it. There are so many houses in this damn city, why ours?!

For God's sake, go bring your man. I don't deal with womenfolk!

Thanks a lot, Mr. Abbas!

I used to carry stuff on my back, moving from one rented house to another...

Now, at this old age, when all I needed was some peace, you had to do this?!

Fine, that's fine!

Well done!

Good job!

Where are you going, anyway?

What? You think we'll let her stay there with a bunch of criminals?

Without a deed?

I tried to bail her out with the deed, when I found out!

- I'll get her out myself. - Myself... myself!

Yes, what? Is it none of my business? You think I don't care? I'm a disgrace?

- Don't raise your voice! - Why do you yell at her?

You and Father did whatever the hell you wanted, what do you want from her?

Didn't we count? Didn't our mother count?

Why don't you come out? Aren't you our father? Come out! Do something!

- Calm down! - Don't come, I'll get her myself.

Tuba? Mrs. Tuba?

Come inside! It's cold. You'll catch a cold!

This is no time for laundry.

Come!

- No. I'm not giving it back. - Why not?

The house is mine, why should I have to give it back to you?

- I'll pay you damages. - No. Unless you pay 1 million tomans.

- Won't you take half a million? - No. No.

- You won't take half a million? - No, I won't! Why should I?

- You won't take half a million?! - No... 1 million tomans, no less!

Let me go, god damn it! What the hell do you want from me?

Let me go. Get the hell out of here!

- Hi, Mahboubeh. - Hi.

Tell your brother Ahmad to come.

Ahmad? Mahboubeh wants to see you.

- What? - Do you know where Masum is?

Do you have any idea where she's been? Can you even understand?

Do you know how many nights she's spent in public lavatories?

Do you know how many times she's vomited blood from hunger?

- Do you care how she's survived? - Shut up, you bitch!

- It's all because of your attitude... - It's because of you sluts!

I don't know, it's like everybody's gone mad.

Mother attacks the builder...

Mahboubeh slaps Ahmad in the face...

and Dad isn't talking to anyone.

And I slap you in the face.

It's all my fault.

I wanted you and Mahboub to study so you don't end up like me...

And she doesn't end up like Hamideh.

Don't you two feel the cold? Come on in, for God's sake!

I've made up my mind. I'll take back the money I paid for my visa.

I'll sell my bike and pay the builder the damages he asks for.

And forget about all those headaches... those detailed plans?

I'll start over...

but on a different route.

This is one price I will never pay.

But Sarve...

Don't break the door, there's no one in there. They took the money and ran!

They swindled people's money and ran away. They fled the country!

Have you gone mad?

Don't break the door, there's no one in there. They took the money and ran!

- Is Mr. Marandi in? - What's wrong, Mr. Abbas?

Nothing, I have to see him.

Everything will be all right, once I get back from this trip.

I'll get the house back.

I won't let you go to work anymore.

The reason I wanted to leave...

was that I really wanted to do a lot for you.

But...

Now, I'll stay right here and fix everything.

- Bye! - Where are you going, bro?

Look after the house. And get our things unpacked.

- What are you going to do? - I'll go to Orumieh, I'll be back soon.

You always went on business trips, but all these things you told Mom...

- I'm coming with you. - What?

How are you paying him back? What kind of work pays so well?

That's none of your business. Just stay and look after the house!

- Why don't you let him come along? - I'm coming.

- Ali! - I'm worried about you.

For God's sake, what are you planning?

Ali, look after her and Mom.

I'm going after him.

There is not a soul on the road...

You'll bypass three police stations and get on the main road just before Orumieh.

You know the road I'm talking about?

You're not scared, are you?

The boys will place the drugs inside the dresses, and then they'll load the truck.

All you have to do is to give them the goods and rush back.

That's all.

You don't have any doubts, do you?

Never doubt Marandi!

You're not scared, are you?

What are you doing here?

What have you done?

What have you done? What have you done?

What have you done? What have you done?

Say something, damn it! What have you done?

What have you done? Damn it!

I don't know whose curse did all this to me.

After a life of dignity, I now have to be thrown out of my house.

Do you know where Abbas is? Marandi told Nasser he has to find him.

Nasser is terribly scared, he promised to find Abbas before nighttime.

I don't know what he's done, I just know that his life is in danger.

I know what he's done.

Praise the Lord who puts one's dignity and indignity in his own hands.

Please tell me where he is, if you know.

I have to go myself.

- What have you done to yourself, boy? - Do you want me to come along?

I've always sent him on the road, and I have to go after him myself, now.

Don't waste time.

I put a few sweaters in there. You never know, it might get cold.

Here's your birth certificate, and here is the rest of the money from the house.

It's in travelers' checks, keep it somewhere safe. Take them.

The hell with it.

What do I need it for?

I don't need a house when my children can't be around.

- Stay here! - Open up, boy! This is Nasser.

Open up, I said! I know you're in there.

Open the door, we have to talk.

- It's Nasser. - Open the door!

Where should we go?

- You weren't the scoundrel type! - Take your jacket.

- Open up, I said! - Don't stand here! Go!

I'm not bluffing when I tell you I'll help.

Are you running away, you moron?

Get out of here, go on!

We're on the same side!

Dear God!

Dear God, I trust my beloved son to you!

- Move out of my way, ma'am! - Kill me first! Pass over my dead body!

- I said, get out of my way! - What? He wasted your heroin?

- I'll let the whole world know! - Abbas? Abbas!

Message? What message, sir?!

There was a time when we complained, but you said we were fighting a war.

It was the truth, so we accepted it.

After the war, you asked us for patience, because the country was in ruins...

So once again, we put up with it all.

Now there is someone who wants to save us, so I'm here to vote...

Sorry, ma'am, we're having technical difficulties. Please start all over.

Just forget about it!

I lost my house, my son ran away, and people are all filming all the time!

I wish someone would come and film what's going on right here! Right here!

Who the hell do you show these films to, anyway?!