Original subtitles

On March 24, 1976

the Argentine Armed Forces organized a coup d'etat.

In 1985 the military, who ruled for seven years,

were taken to court for human rights violations:

the first such trial in Latin America.

This story is based on the testimony of two of the victims.

Buenos Aires. November 23, 1977

The mimeograph guy lives there?

Yes.

Are you sure?

Yes.

Unit calling Attila.

Get on that side! To the left, asshole!

Want me to hit you again, bitch?

No, please.

Where does your son live now?

I don't know. He didn't give me the address.

You don't know where your son lives?

I don't know where he is. He didn't leave an address.

How long has it been since you saw him?

He hardly ever comes here.

- How long? - A long time.

Since he moved in with school friends.

Lefties too? Who are they?

He moved out months ago, after my husband died...

I don't know exactly. I don't know.

Try to remember.

You don't know your son's a terrorist?

No. No no no.

Saying we screwed up?

No. I'm just saying he is a normal person.

They're killers! They murder children!

Stop lying! Your son is dangerous.

A terrorist!

You keep arms here?

Arms? No.

Go on, look! Look!

- There's nothing! - Nothing?

Keep looking!

- Let's start again? - Please, no...

Check there's nothing out back.

Nice house! They're loaded.

They didn't check here.

Look at this!

The people united...

Out in the midfield you were a sitting duck!

You were on your own.

You need Ariel with you,

and Guille on the left wing.

When you learn to pass the ball,

that's when you'll start scoring.

To see who's in control.

It's no good for anybody.

We're not team players.

That's the problem.

Move it!

You lied! Why did you tell me there were no arms?

There aren't any arms!

Then what's this?

- Yes, this! - That thing.

It's a piece of cloth.

It's a weapon.

I don't understand.

Mom!

What does my daughter have to do with this?

Nothing.

I beg you!

You decide, lady.

Your daughter,

or your terrorist son.

Thanks.

Keep walking! Come on!

Is this really your friend's house?

Take a good look.

- Yes. - Are you sure?

Don't waste my time.

Do you understand?

Which one?

- Which one? - That one.

- That one? - Take him.

Tell the cops to clear the area.

Move the truck.

Let's go.

What do you want?

What's the matter?

Look at the floor!

Eyes on the floor!

- Easy, please! - Get your head down!

Take anything you want!

You won't see a thing.

Stop! What is this?

Claudio Tamburrini.

Look, Claudio.

We need to have a little chat.

Tell me everything. Right away would be best.

The longer you hold out, the worse it'll be.

You're coming with us. We have to check you out.

I don't understand. I can't tell you anything!

Ask me here. Are you cops?

So you play for Almagro?

Yes, sir.

What position?

The goalie, sir.

And you need a mimeograph?

I don't have any mimeograph.

What's this about?

On your feet.

- You're a goalie? - Yes.

Stop this then!

You don't have a mimeograph...

or about being a terrorist?

I'm not in any political party!

We'll see.

I need to let my mother know. She'll worry.

Worry about yourself and don't fuck about.

Where are you taking me?

Just for a drive. We'll talk, that's all.

When will I get back?

Lie down! Eyes on the floor!

Unit calling Attila. Come in.

Attila! Come in!

Attila here. Over.

Bird's in the cage.

Heading back to the nest.

Roger.

Get out!

CHRONICLE OF AN ESCAPE

No!

No!

DAY 1

No no no!

No!

You're making a mistake!

Please. I have to tell my mom...

Shall we talk?

Yes, sir.

Who are your contacts?

I don't have any contacts, sir.

Why do you need a mimeograph?

I don't have a mimeo-

Shall we try again?

Who are your contacts?

I have no contacts.

Now it's your turn, fucking lefties!

I'm coming for you.

And you'd better talk!

Anyone want to get out?

Who wants to talk?

You'll escape, right?

Sons of bitches!

Praying, Marito?

Hurry it up, your turn next.

Water...

I want water.

God has abandoned them.

Where are we?

Were they hard on you?

You screamed a lot.

Straighten up.

I don't know anything. They've got no evidence.

These are trials sent by the Lord

to make us stronger.

DAY 3

- Good morning. - Good morning.

- Have you had any water? - No, sir.

Give him some.

Involved in heavy shit?

No, sir. I'm a goalkeeper for Almagro.

Almagro, your case is going nowhere.

What case? What you're talking about?

If you don't talk, we're stuck.

I've told you everything I know. It's the truth.

Sure?

Think about it.

They found your flag with the guerrilla slogan.

I have nothing to do with guerrillas, sir.

I don't know what to tell you. It wasn't me.

Do you want to freshen up?

Do you play water polo?

Come on!

Man overboard!

You don't know about the attack or the mimeograph?

Hold him down.

What's your alias?

I don't have an alias.

We're going to kill you, asshole.

- When did you join the guerrillas? - I didn't, I swear!

The meeting, an attack... you know nothing?

Your friend disagrees.

What friend, sir?

Claudio, tell them the truth.

Your pal with the mimeograph.

You're with them, and you're planning an attack.

We want to know when and where.

I have no friend here, sir. I don't know anybody here.

Anything to tell him, Tano?

Don't bother lying. Tell them the mimeograph

was for you!

Tano?

I don't know any Tano! Tano who?

Bring the other one, see who's lying.

Kneel, fucker!

Tell them you're in the movement.

You're Clara's brother.

I saw him twice in my life. I don't know him.

I called him!

I have no phone, sir!

I have no phone!

He's lying!

You're lying, bastard!

Tell them you're with the group, you know people.

Tell them you're-

I don't know him, sir.

Tell them about the attack.

What attack? I'll kill you!

Did you call him there, Tano?

I don't know. I don't remember.

- You rang, he answered? - Yes.

He's lying, sir. I have no phone.

You know it.

Leave him!

He hit me!

The asshole hit me!

Enough!

When did you move? Think carefully.

I have no phone.

Answer my question!

I have no phone, sir. I swear.

Get Lucas to take him away.

They get scared and lie.

Come on, champ!

Got to treat 'em nice.

Leave him to me.

Nice friend, kid.

He was more scared than you.

Another go, Tano?

I've done nothing, sir.

Then you'll be out by Christmas.

Can I go home, sir?

In 20 days, ready for Christmas.

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive our trespasses...

as we forgive those who trespass against us...

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil...

Shut up, man.

Don't let rage win you over.

You must pass these tests.

Fuck off, you and Jesus Christ!

Do you know what day it is?

Wednesday, sir.

Get ready.

Let's go, Marito.

Everybody kneel straight!

Prayer positions!

Pray! Christmas is coming!

Louder!

God can't hear you!

You'll all talk!

Bunch of faggots!

DAY 31

- Good evening. - Good evening.

Get up!

Come on. On your feet.

Put these on, Marito.

- What? - Put your shoes on.

You're going home.

- Or do you want to stay here? - I want to go home.

Hurry up, then. Straighten up. You look like a bum.

- They're letting us go. - Always have faith.

What a stupid face! Hands out.

- You have family? - A daughter.

I live with my parents...

They'll be happy to see you.

- Time to go home? - Yes, sir.

Have to behave.

I'll drive by every night to make sure you're home...

- And no lies. We're good people. - Yes, sir.

- Say it again. - Yes, sir.

No, idiot! Say we're good people.

You're good people.

You're good people.

Good!

- Is the ditch ready? - Don't joke.

He'll shit in the car.

Turn around.

Thanks.

I have white sneakers.

Is he going home too?

But I can go barefoot.

And say we mistreated you?

We have to do things right.

It's the only way.

What for?

Where are you taking me?

You? Nowhere.

Think about it, while we look for your sneakers.

Merry Christmas!

Your turkey awaits you.

It'll get tough.

You almost managed to trick me.

Walk!

Hello, girls. Get up.

Take your blindfold off.

Open your eyes, moron.

Merry Christmas, Almagro.

- Can I? - Go ahead. That's why it's there.

Today, I'm a nice guy.

- Go on, eat. - No, thanks.

- What do you say? - Thank you, Lucas.

- Louder. - Thank you, Lucas.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

The party's over.

This is your new roommate, girls.

Treat her nice.

Especially you, Tano.

Merry Christmas.

Shut up!

This piece of shit gave me up!

They'll beat us all. Sort it out quietly.

Quiet. Okay?

Okay. Let go.

You too, Tano. Quiet.

Keep your mouth shut, okay?

They found your number in my address book.

Why did you make up the mimeograph story?

They beat me up really bad.

Did all sorts of things.

Claudio... I had no choice.

Why choose me?

I needed time.

Do you understand?

I needed time

for my comrades to get away.

So you'll have a revolution

by betraying those who have done nothing?

Claudio,

when they see you're not involved,

they'll let you go.

You just have to hang in there a bit longer.

Tano...

they won't let me go.

You've killed me, Tano.

DAY 45

- Good morning. - Good morning, sir.

You are our prisoners, we're here to guard you.

If you need the toilet, knock on the door.

We take you out and we bring you back.

Two meals a day and we count you twice at night.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

Obey us, you'll be okay.

Don't make life complicated.

And we share the housework. Questions?

No, sir.

DAY 61

- Serve the food, Guillermo. - Yes, sir.

Sir?

What is it?

Could you bring us cutlery?

At least a spoon, sir.

What's wrong with you?

You need a spoon, asshole?

They'll beat us.

Think this is a hotel?

Don't make demands here.

Vasco!

Vasco! Vasco!

Not eating?

You want his food?

The guard will take it.

If he won't eat, we'll take his.

Let him starve.

Then it's my turn,

then his...

That it, Gallego?

Come on. What a welcome!

The German's here!

Everybody look down.

Eyes on the floor!

You have visitors.

Tomorrow we'll come for you. Think of what to say.

Do you understand?

Can I go to the toilet?

Don't be so blunt, you shit!

Jorge...

Take off your blindfold. They're gone.

You're an asshole, Tano.

Why didn't you give up your comrades?

Take him to the bathroom, Almagro.

Yes, sir. Can I take off my blindfold?

- Where? - Right there.

So Tano knows you too?

Yes.

Yes, but he says anything, he's fried.

He told them about papers he ordered from me.

I printed them, and they caught me.

You're the mimeograph guy!

They have to let me go.

- They'll let me go. - Me too.

Tano's the one who's staying.

I told them you're not involved in it.

It's all clear now.

They need you to give them names.

Something.

But I have nothing to give them.

They don't buy it.

You must give them someone.

Don't you know anybody?

Someone from school... someone really involved.

I don't know anyone from school.

And in here?

You need to wake up.

Start looking around you.

Listen out.

Besides, it's not us. It's the revolutionaries.

It's them they're after.

DAY 72

You're going to prison, Tano.

- I'm leaving? - Yes, put your shoes on.

Easy, Tano. There's no rush.

This is the first case we've solved.

In a few days

the situation will be clarified for you all.

Let's go, Tano.

But you must continue to help us.

For some of you...

we don't have enough.

You know what we want.

Information: names, addresses, phone numbers.

They took him to prison.

Good.

We'll be legal prisoners now.

They'll bust me in jail.

When they find out my brother's a rebel...

they won't leave me alone.

They'll kill me.

Why would they? You're a nobody.

Sorry, Guillermo.

I should've taken the pill.

My brother warned me.

Knock it off. They'll beat us. Easy, Vasco.

My brother knew.

They're incompetent, don't you see?

Easy.

Sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm fine now.

So you knew him?

He squealed on me.

He did?

Vasco turned you in?

- What do you mean? - He just let something slip.

They tortured him, he gave my name and address.

Of course.

That's why you took such good care of him.

Because he turned you in.

I should've taken care of Tano.

Easy. Just some medicine for the trip home.

Is he ready?

Single file!

Single file!

Let's go!

Come on, kid! Move it.

Easy, I said!

Let's go back in.

DAY 118

Eyes down!

Eyes on the floor!

Put these on, Jorge. You're going home.

Are you scared, faggots?

What are you waiting for?

You're all shit-scared?

Guillermo. You're coming with me.

I have some questions for you.

What's going on? I don't understand.

Wait here for me, Jorge.

Let's visit your mates, see if they're where you said.

Jorge? Jorge?

What do you want?

My name is Guillermo Fernandez.

Please tell my family.

- I live in Moron. - Shut it.

I don't help guerrillas.

So don't bust my balls, okay?

Come on, Jorge. Mind the door.

You're going home,

but choose your friends with care.

And don't print that bullshit. It's bad for you.

We know you're a good guy.

Don't worry your parents.

Head down, motherfucker!

Hello, Guillermo. Want to go for a ride?

Take his cuffs off.

Head down!

Recognize this house?

Yes.

Go ring the bell.

And mind what you do or I'll blow your head off.

Look back and you're dead. Got it?

Careful crossing the street.

I said go!

Guillermo Fernandez?

A smoke?

Yes please, sir.

Your hand.

Do we do a good job?

Yes.

Only I've heard rumors you were saying we don't.

Explains why you're giving us bad addresses.

Ones we already know. Like this one.

Or those of friends who've already fled the country?

You put on a great show, kid.

Even the guards thought highly of you.

You lied to us, Guillermo.

You kept information from us.

No, sir. Please understand.

I didn't know what I was doing. I panicked.

You bought time to save your friends.

No, sir, I was scared. Really.

I didn't hide anything. I was so confused.

Do you know who I am?

I'm the judge.

A judge? Will you send me to prison?

I decide whether we kill you

or let you go.

Understand?

You haven't done much to stay alive.

I swear it wasn't an operation.

I didn't know what I was saying.

My head was a mess...

You've got three days to put your ideas in order,

and come up with real information.

Either you open your head or we do it.

I told you.

It's worse for those who hold back information.

But you don't listen.

You're stupid.

Now you're all punished.

You must cooperate.

Tell the truth.

When there's a lead the investigation progresses.

The FBI started in a house like this.

You have to tell what you know.

Or you'll end up like Tano.

Underground.

Get undressed!

Hands out.

Undress! Are you deaf?

The blindfolds.

Look at yourself, Vasco.

That's you.

Recognize yourself?

You don't?

And you, Gallego...

Recognize yourself?

Nor will anyone else outside.

Now you must talk.

Look at that mug!

Aren't you ashamed?

You're repulsive.

Here.

You betrayed me, Guillermo.

I was handling your case.

You were getting out, now look at you.

You played me.

But now I'll get you clean.

Disinfectant!

How can someone this young

be so rotten inside?

I'll make you shine.

Sir...

Sir!

You'll shine like new.

Shut up!

Don't forget.

Talk and you can still get out.

Guillermo!

Are you okay?

I've got to get out.

Really?

I'm going with you.

DAY 119

I'm hungry.

Plenty of restaurants on the outside.

We'll be out soon.

Have to hang on.

Gallego...

Still think they'll let you go?

- You'll end up like Tano. - Nothing happened to Tano.

Lucas just wants to scare us.

Why else say we'd go to prison?

They killed Tano.

How do you know they killed him?

And Jorge?

Jorge was never with us.

Your case is closed, Gallego.

All our cases are closed.

We have to escape.

How do you suggest?

We must think like we did outside.

It's easier than it seems.

And you, goalie...

get dressed!

Think you can just lounge around?

Dirty bums!

Blindfold off, pants on.

Here.

Have the scraps.

Thank you, Lucas.

Goal!

Come on, Argentina!

Argentina! Argentina! Argentina!

Argentina! Argentina!

Argentina!

Were Lucas' scraps tasty?

You want me to reject food?

Don't pretend. You're not tough.

You're nobody.

You left me alone.

Why didn't you do it?

What were you scared of, Gallego?

- We're all scared here. - I wasn't scared.

This lunatic wanted to hit Rivas with the pan.

- You held the weapon. - It was there.

If it went wrong, we'd all have paid.

I'm not going to kill anyone.

- You're terrified, Gallego. - You can't talk.

Acted like Lucas' pal, now look at you!

I want to get out alive.

My way.

DAY 120

How do you take them off?

I've got a plan.

A plan?

Fuck off.

- What's that? - A screw.

- What for? - To open the window.

I know they open, I've cleaned them.

Then what?

Climb out using blankets.

They're too worn. They won't hold.

We'll tie them with the straps. They'll hold.

And then?

We'll be out.

On the outside. We go out stark naked, right?

Nice plan! Great!

You'd rather tunnel out with a spoon?

And when we're outside?

Know what you'll find when you open the window?

Get up!

Get up! Let's go!

Attention!

Attention!

Quiet! Quiet!

You think you're cool because you went to college?

No, sir.

They teach you to handle guns there?

No, sir.

You'd like to escape, right?

You'd all like to escape.

You're guilty. That's how it is.

I know that's how it is.

We'll kill whoever wants to escape.

Start thinking about your last request.

Let's see.

How about you, Gallego?

What's your last request?

I want...

I'd like to call home.

And you, Guillermo?

What do you want?

Will you grant it?

We are men of honor.

We are not filthy liars.

Of course we will. I'm listening.

If you're going to kill me, I want to see your faces.

Tie them up!

Get up!

You're killing prisoners without telling me?

You guards are to blame.

You spoil these bitches rotten.

No, Hugo. I make good use of them.

Think.

The more you mistreat them, the less they talk?

Then it's you who's rotten.

Do you feel pity for them?

You do your job. I'll do mine.

Less than one day left.

You're real scum!

Treat you well and you pay me back like this.

That was the last time, Guillermo.

Good night.

Why do you play tough?

Want to get killed?

- They heard us. - They didn't hear anything.

I want to finish it all.

We're already dead.

We're dead.

I won't be here when they come for me.

We're disappearing.

Gallego!

You're disappearing!

DAY 121 March 24, 1978

Claudio!

What is it?

It has to be today. Tomorrow I'll be dead.

Tucumano and Lucas are out.

They're the most unpredictable.

These guys are very methodical.

They've fed us.

Now they count us and clear the dishes.

They count us again at dawn.

Just before sunrise.

That gives us three hours.

Tonight?

Let's pray.

What's up?

What are you doing?

Go back to sleep.

Shut up!

Do what I tell you.

It's decided, Gallego. Don't bust my balls. Shut up.

Untie Vasco.

This is wrong.

- Watch the door. - I don't want to.

You have no right. You have no right.

You have no right.

Come on! Come on!

What are you doing, Vasco?

Go see what he's doing.

Come on, Gallego.

Come on, Gallego.

Thank you.

Over there, Vasco. Stay there!

Where's Guillermo?

- Why isn't he coming? - I don't know.

THANK YOU LUCAS

Grab his feet.

Give me your hand.

Easy... Easy.

Give me your hand.

Come on!

Go on. You can do it.

Stop!

Good evening.

Run, Vasco!

They're coming!

It's okay, Vasco. It's over.

- Let's go. - I can hear them.

- It's them. - No. There's no one.

Calm down.

We'll stay here. We're not moving.

Gallego. You're too exposed.

There's some tools.

Take off my handcuffs.

Push hard.

I'll get them off, then I'm gone.

What's that?

- We have to split up. - No! Wait!

Calm down.

We'll wait for the others

and decide together.

We'll wait.

Call my house.

Tell them I'm here.

You remember the number?

Don't move, okay?

Don't move.

It's them!

They're coming!

Calm down!

It's over.

We're going now.

Where are we going?

We'll take a train and that's it.

No, it's not. I can still hear them.

Listen.

Calm down.

Guille!

Don't worry.

Where is he? Guillermo!

- Excuse me, sir. - Yes?

Excuse me, madam.

I've been mugged.

I was with my girlfriend. They stole everything.

Can you help me?

Adela?

What is it?

Nothin, mother. It's okay.

Help me, madam.

It's all I've got.

- For a cab. - Thanks very much.

Now go.

Stop!

Where is he?

Shut up!

Is something wrong?

He went to get help,

so somebody will come.

Who is he asking for help?

- It doesn't matter. - What?

You don't know him.

He went to ask a neighbor.

- He asked for clothes. - He said we should stay here?

Did you take the cuffs off?

Come here.

Stay here and stand guard.

I'll get your cuffs off.

There's a hammer.

Look, clothes.

How long do we have to wait?

The sun's coming up.

I've been robbed. I need to get home.

Can anyone take me?

I have money.

I'll take you.

Are you a mechanic?

No, why?

That screw in your mouth.

What happened to you?

I was attacked.

It's dangerous alone at night.

Especially at your age.

There was a whole gang.

Cowards always go in gangs.

That's true.

Hold it! Quiet.

Shut up! Get these off and we'll go.

But it's daylight! We can't go now.

Shut up and let me do it!

Done.

Listen. I can hear a car.

Quiet.

It's them!

It's the squad!

That's my dad's car!

Carlos.

Look what they did to me.

Son?

What happened to you?

Where have you been?

How did you find me?

A guy named Guillermo called...

Get us out of here.

I was kidnapped.

Get us out of here, I beg you!

Go to the car!

I don't know you.

- They're coming with me. - What?

In the trunk.

Get in the truck.

Thanks.

Get in.

We've been looking everywhere.

The house was chaos. I stopped going to work.

They're killing people, Dad.

Torturing people.

Politics is dirty. You know that.

How did you get out? Who is Guillermo?

He's my friend.

A friend!

Who got you out of that?

A real good friend!

He helped me escape.

Escape?

You're crazy! You escaped?

They'll come after you.

They'll come after us.

You say they torture and kill,

but nothing will happen to your family.

Be quiet, Vasco.

Trust me.

It's Gallego's dad.

We're getting out.

Come on!

Good morning.

Guillermo Fernandez fled to France where he now acts.

In 1984, he met Claudio in Italy,

and the same year, he met Gallego in Spain.

In 1985, he testified at the trials of the military dictatorship.

Vasco sought refuge with a relative.

He was kidnapped again and set free in 1983.

In 1985, he testified at the trials of the military dictatorship.

Gallego left Argentina with his family's help.

He was last known to be living in Spain.

He never returned to Argentina.

Following the escape on March 31, 1978,

the remaining prisoners were moved to regular jails

and later set free.

The mansion was torched,

eliminating all evidence.

Located at 48 Blas Parera Street in Moron, Province of Buenos Aires,

Sere Mansion (Attila) functioned as a detention camp

for the military junta between 1976 and 1978.

Claudio claimed political asylum in Sweden,

where he played amateur soccer.

A researcher in philosophy at Goteborg University,

in 1985, he testified at the trials of the military dictatorship.

THE END