Original subtitles

Twisty noodles...

Too expensive.

fair price.

Lower it a bit?

No.

-80 cents a bunch?

-One yuan.

Ermo!

Off to town?

Hop in. We'll sell' em in town.

No need.

You'll sell' em quicker and make more money.

No need.

Come on, it's no trouble.

No need.

Twisty noodles...

Going home?

Yeah.

What's up?

Nothing.

You're home.

What's wrong?

You wasted your time on those baskets.

What?

It hailed.

The fruit was spoiled.

They don't need them now.

I spent all summer weaving them.

It was the cooperative's decision.

Nothing we can do.

Don't fret, I'll sell' em in town.

That's too much trouble.

Not at all.

So I wasted my whole summer?

They said...

If it doesn't hail next year...

they'll buy them then.

I can unload these in just two trips.

Too much trouble. It burns fuel. Fuel's expensive.

Don't worry. I've got to go to town anyway.

Blindman, we're out of vinegar.

I know. So, it's settled. Don't worry.

Leave it to me, Chief.

"Chief"?! Haven't been village chief for years.

They say they don't want me, and that's that.

Whose decision was that?

They say they don't want me, and that's that.

Tiger, the shows on TV are starting.

Ma, the show's starting.

She's kicked you out before. You thick or what?

Tiger, it's starting!

Ma, it's starting.

Let's buy a TV for the boy.

They're useless.

Are you any use?

If you were, I'd eat till I was fat as a pig...

and do nothing too.

I spent all summer on those baskets...

they say they don't want them, and that's that.

You first.

No.

Go on! Go on!

Why didn't you twist the noodles?

How'd I forget that?

Can't do it after they're dry.

Auntie, what's on TV?

Nothing.

Tiger, come out.

Tiger

Cartoons. Never watch them myself.

Tiger, come out!

You a pig? Remember your meals bot but not your beatings?

You think she's as pretty as her pig?

You think you're prettier? Your man can't even get it up!

What would you know!

At least we've got a kid with a dick.

The meat stinks but the racks still there “Chief” he's not!

You're right. He's not chief and the meat stinks.

Time for yours to be hung on the rack!

I'll rip your tongue out!

Go inside, damnit.

What's all this fuss about!

Ermo, let off some steam at her and then just drop it.

Get inside, damnit.

Have some medicine.

It's useless. It's been two years already What's the point?

Tell me, how much is a colour TV?

Depends on the size.

Has to be bigger than hers.

A TV is just an egg.

A house, now that's a chicken.

I said it was useful. Nothing works.

What're you doing?

Nothing.

What's happening?

You're up

Yeah.He's taking them, just like that?

You'd better to with him.

It's too much trouble.

No trouble at all.

No more room. We'll take the rest next time.

What if we can't sell thme?

You don't think I can do it?

Blindman the pig's not looking very lively.

If it were lively, it'd be a bog.

Let ermo go and give you a hand.

Okay.

Blindman I need a lift to town to visit my nephew.

Sure.

Ermo, get on the truck.

I'll sit up on top.

If she kills herself, it's your responsibility.

Shut up.

Stop! Stop!

Mama!

Stop the truck!

Ermo, you okay?

I'm fine.

109 in all.

Have a smoke.

Not much fruit this year. Take 'em anyway.

109 baskets at 3.20 yuan each...

They'd only promised 2.50 each This is much more!

I told you it wasn't a problem.

All up, 348.80 yuan. Count it.

No need.

You should.

I'd better go do that job.

Afrer you've sold your noodles meet me at the department store.

Don't wander off All sorts of people in the city.

Twisty noodles!

Twisty noodles!

Twisty noodles!

Twisty noodles!

"What'll happen if we go on like this"?

"Everything's finished".

"It's over".

What's happened?

Power cut. No more TV.

What a bore!

Ermo.Let's go.

That TV is so big.

Biggest one around Even the county head can't afford it. Let's go.

How come the foreigners speak Chinese?

The TV station can speak anything it likes.

What's wrong"

The pig's dying.I said it wasn't lively You told me to shut up.

Shut up. Let me have a look.

What's the point? It's a goner You don't care

It was OK last nigth But it won't eat a thing today.

It's really dying.

It just lies there grunting Won't touch a thing.

It's been hexed.

Shut up.

That TV is so big...

you can see every strand of the foreigners' blond hair.

The colour's beautiful.

Who gave you permission to poison their pig?

Blindman said it's the biggest...

TV in tovn. Even the county head can't afford it.

A quarrel'e a quarrel But the gods'll get you for this one.

Got a good price for the baskets-3.20 yuan each.

Smell it, It's new.

As if I'd never seen money before.

How could you have taken a lift in Blindaman's truck?

I'm hungry.

Can't you see your mother's busy?

Why don't you cook the meal?

What else are you good for?

Tiger, help Da pick up the noodles.

Tiger, TV's starting!

Can't you get it through your skull? I said no.

When I make enough money I'll buy a TV...

even bigger than hers.

Have a cigarette.

Go on.

Thanks.

"Backing up. Backing up."

Blindman... you leaving enough room for our pig?

Careful.Don't put your back out.

Shut up.

Don't forget to twist the noodles.

We're off, Chief.

Haven't been "Chief “for years.

Chief Chief.

What's up?

It's just that we killed the pig. It's not much.

Oh dear, Oh dear, we're so much trouble to you.

I put up with it for your sake, Chief.

I'm not chief.I'm not the village chief.

Is that the end of the baskets?

Yes.Ermo can't tell right from wrong.

Treat her like a fart, bat to hold in...

just squat down and let her out.

Doesn't upset me.

Twisty noodles...

Too expensive.

Fair price.

If you go down to 80 cents I'll have them all.

1 yuan.

All right, I'll take them all.

Buy mine. Hers only looks good. Mine tastes better.

What happened to the store?

They're stocktaking.

What's that mean?

It means they're not open

Oh.

You really go out of your way for me.

It's nothing.

Have a smoke.

Don't smoke those.

Not good enough?

Maybe.

Oh, all right then.

What are you doing?

What the hell are you doing?

We're having lunch.

Not me.

Welcome! We serve both Chinese and Western dishes.

Not good enough?

Too expensive.

No it isn't.

It's a waste of money.

I'm hungry.

It's good food.

Then you go. I'll wait here.

Come on.

I won't eat either then. I'll drive on an empty stomach.

We've got private booths. Come enjoy our private booths.

It's a waste of money. It's a waste of money.

Too much food! What a waste.

Want anything else?

Too much food! What a waste.

Maybe later.

What's that?

Hawthorn nectar. New product.

Try it.

It's scary. Looks likes pig's blood.

It won't kill you. It's sweet. Try it.

So I wasn't lying, was I?

Yum. It's like sugar water

Eat up.

If you won't eat...then neither will I.

You know, your pig... did it.

It's just a pig. Forget about it.

Anyway, you won't do it agin.

Don't be too sure.

We serve Chinese and Western dishes.

There are private booths.Here you go.

What would you like?

What do you have?

I'll bring the menu.

Had enough?

More than enough. I can barely walk.

Bill, please!

It's not easy for you, a woman to do everything you do.

Just bad luck. Your wife has it good.

She's nothing but a fat slackass.

Were there naggots in her ass, she'd be too lazy to dig ‘em out.

Doesn't matter. She's got a capable man.

You make money with every puff of smoke from this truck.

money's no use without a son.

I like you... your Tiger, I mean.

Have her give you a son.

She's not clever enough.

So she gets mad when she sees other women's sons.

When Tiger's over she pulles such a long face.

I feel like kicking her.

I'd really cop it then.

Have you eaten?

No.

Neither of you?

I'll eat at home.

Home? Your wife took Xiu to visit parents.

I've already made the meal.

It's your pig's ear. Eat up.

Eat up.

It's not much, eat.

Crude fare, but it'll fill you up.

Have some pig's ear.

Twisty noodles...

Too expensive.

Fair price.

Lower it a bit?

No.

80 cents a bunch?

1 yuan.

I found you a job in town.

Job?

A frend's running a big restaurant You'll make their noodles.

Will I be making money?

Biggest restaurant in town The kitchen's even tog machines.

Less work, more money.

More than I earn now?

Much more.

How tall do you want the house?

Three layers of brick taller than there.

Level it with stone.

The whole courtyard?

Just the foundation.

What's going on?

Measuring the land for a new house.

What?

A new house.

No way.

The nerve.

You don't get it.A TV is an egg A house is a hen.

Why would you want an egg and not a hen?

When you've money you build a house Way it's always been.

You there, Chief?\We're going, Chief.

I'm no longer the chief!

Why don't you act like a woman?

And you? Why don't you act like a mant?

I've got a job in town. It's good money.

I leave tomorrow I'm going to buy the biggest TV in town.

What's happening?

None of your damn business.

It's too mushy.Add some oil too.

Too short. Make them longer Longer than that.

You're doing really well.

The whole place is booked out for a wedding.

How's Ermo?

She's a good worker. She's in there now.

Congratulations and a happy life ahead.

Emergency it the kitchen!

What's happened?

Someone's hand got cut off.

Ermo!Ermo!Ermo!

You're okay!

His hand was cut off in mixing machine.

We have to get him to hospital in a hurry.

Would you take him in the truck? He's losing so much blood!

What'll I do if he dies?

All right.

Get some people to donate blood.

Everyone-on the truck.

Help us, he needs blood Go to the hospital.

Hurry, everyone on the truck.

Sit tight.

Okay.Hurry up.

What's with this truck?!

I don't want to do this. I'm afraid.

I said stop, I'm afraid!

Okay, okay.

Stop, I'm afraid.

All done.

Take this and collect your money.

Collect my money?

Yes?

Take some more.

Don't be stupid. It's blood, not water.

Please. Women lose their blood anyway.

You can't do it twice in a row.

Do it to the other arm.

Ermo, where were you?

Where were you?

Have something to eat, for nourishment.

I don't need it.

Course you do. You've just given blood.

I don't, Eat it yourself.

What are you looking at?

Ermo.

Oh.

Close the door.

She's living in a slum Better off at home.

It's not easy to make money.

What're you doing here?

Come to see you.

I'm not a child.

These women they've abandoned their families for money.

So women can do whatever they want now?

Ermo's doing it for you and Tiger.

No point in having too much money.

A women should know her place and that's in the home.

Who's not after a few extra bucks?

Money doesn't hurt you Isn't that right, Chief?

"Chief"? I'm not the chief.

How's Tiger?

Got a prize. Came in 2nd in a race.

His schoolwork's not so hot but he runs fast.

What's going? Blocking up the door.

Miss, I want to look at the TV

Go ahead.

You have to turn it on.

Which one?

The biggest one.

You buying it?

I want to watch it first.

Pay first, watch later.

How do I know it still works?

Will it fit an 8-year-old?

Easy-Buy a pair of lovers' tops.

The man's says I'm a cloud.

The woman's-I'm a blade of grass.

I'll take these two.

Okay. 12 for the big one 8 for the little one.

That's 20 yuan.

Hands off the goods.

Here.

Forget it. Mine's handier.

Here.

Anything else to take back?

A person.

Who's that?

You all right?

What'll I do? He's only two Can't work now.

The donkey looks okay to me.

stay out of it.

Tell me, what should I do?

You ran over my donkey Can't Work now. You decide.

Can I give you some money?

What good's money? Can't work now.

How about 3007

It's not the money. Can't work now.

How about 4007

It's not the money. Can't work now.

500 and we'll call it quits.

You can buy another donkey with that.

It's not the money. Besides, how, bout my hand?

What do you want?

Another 5 at least.

What's wrong?

The truck's broken down.

Can you repair it?

Not now.

What'll we do?

Nothing we can do.

It's almost dark.

Then let it be dark

Blindman!Blindman!

Don't shout.I'm right here.

I thought you'd left You weren't in here either.

What kind of car is this?

It looks good but they say it drives badly.

Makes you dizzy to ride in it.

Oh.

Let's go.

No.

Why not?

We'll bo back too early.

Drive around for awhile Don't get back till dark.

Stop, Stop.

What're you doing?

Making twisty noodles.

Want to kill yourself? Go inside. What if you hurt yourself?

I'll be okay.

Sure, but what about me?

Ma!D'ya buy the TV?

How bout my medicine?

What's this? Some kinda joke?

Stiff enough?

Perfect.

Boss, why do I get more than the others?

You do more. To each according to his work.

I don't understand.

I know. But money doesn't bite.

That I understand. Hasn't the price of blood gone up?

No.

Wang, when do you get off your shift?

Soon.

A steamed bun.Here.

Trying to get yourself killed?

you're back.

Someone in here?

I'm just going.

Just off work Got you some anti-wrinkle cream.

What?

Anti-wrinkle cream.

What's that?

Stops wrinkles Keeps you from getting fat and slack-assed.

Once a woman's skin loosens up her muscles turn to fat.

When that happens you look like my wife.

I'm not fat.

Got to catch the wrinkles early.

Lood what I've bought.

Sit still.

What're you doing?

I really have been blind most of my life.

I have to dump that slack-assed woman.

You'll move in with Tiger He can play with Xiu.

And you won't need another TV. One will be enough.

Rub it into your face too.

What about Tiger's dad?

We'll support Chief and treat him well.

He'll eat and wear whatever he wants.

And we'll have a few more Tigers.

You'll do that, easy.

You're selling your blood. Want to kill yourself?

I've lots of blood. Women lose it anyway.

Why this, this is bar bric!

It's okay I always drink three bowls of salt water first.

They get half blood, half water.

If you do this again, I'll break your legs

Shut up.

Money's not worth this! You'll ruin your health for life.

It's just a TV. I've loads of money.

I don't want your money

Then call it a loan. pay me back whenever.

I'll have a word to your boss he'll raise your pay.

I don't want your money.

Why are you so difficult?

Who much did he give you?

Why would he give me money?

There's something fishy about my wages.

As I've said a little extra money won't hurt you.

What's going on?

We're eating.

No need to waste your money.

Eat.

You've found a bar of gold?

Eat.

What's up?

Can't I treat you to a meal? I'm paying you back.

Ermo...What's up?

I'm telling you, I'm not a whore.

What on earth on you talking about?

I'll earn my money myself Don't need your help.

Everyone else knew you were subsidising my wages.

Okay, it's true, but so what? I want to support you.

All right. Then act on your word...

send your wife away I'll be married to real man then.

It's a good idea... but it's a big thing.

It's a good idea...

Why don't you just piss sitting down from now on?

Why can't you just be grateful?

You asked the boss to give me 10yuan extra a day.

50 days makes 500yuan.Count it.

Ermo, why are you so stubborn?

I'm not this cheap. It's only enough to buy a donkey!

Check, please!

Miss, turn off the big TV.

I said, turn off the big TV.

They're going to wear it out!

Ermo, get on the truck.

Twisty noodles...

Twisty noodles...

Put on the medicine.Has to be cooked slowly.

Needs more sugar. It's too bitter.

Warm it up first. You always forget.

Where's Tiger?

Xiu asked him over to watch TV.

Tiger, come home! Tiger!

Ermo, your skin looks whiter, smells nice too.

Tiger, come out now!

It's almost over.

You're rich now. Why haven't you got him a TV yet?

I let him watch our's cause I'm nice.

Tiger, come out right now!

It's easy for a woman like you to make to fortune...

just spread your legs and it flows in.

You foul slut! Looking for a fight?

Stinking whore we know where your money comes from.

I'll kill you and sell your fat meat!You pig!

Ma, cut it out!

I'll rip out your muzzle, you fat sow!

I'll break your legs, you pig!

If you ask me, they should all be in jail.

You know what you are? Fat and slack- assed!

Get inside!Ermo, that was too cruel.

Tiger, before Spring Festival...

Ma's gonna buy you the biggest TV in the county.

Get my back in shape...so I can work too.

Who needs you to work?

We'll make more money, get that TV.

Higher higher... by the time you've saved up enough..

it'll be sold. What a waste!

Don't worry Not even the county head can afford it.

Higher...lower...that's the spot. It's too cold. Warm it up.

Ermo, remember this you're a good person.I'm not.

Don't touch me there! It hurts!

What's going on?

They've beaten up Blindman.

What on earth...?

Take him inside.

Hurry. Careful. Don't bump his head.

Don't it hurts!

Why didn't they just kill him? Why bother bringing him back?

Blin dman' s been beaten up..

For messing around with some slut in town.

Her gang of hooligans found out.

Go over and see him.

He's been so nice to you.

Such a man.

1 didn't realise until recently... What a nice guy he is .

You're home. I haven't vistited you in years.

Please don't make me go.

Come in, come in. Have a seat. Have a cigarette.

Ermo, take these cakes to Blindman.

What's he done to deserve them?

We're neighbours. If you don't care about face, I do.

What have I done to him? Just didn't bear him a son, that's all.

He was just a penniless bastard..

Before he got that lousy truck two years ago.

Now he's got money and thinks I'm fat and ugly.

Goes to sleep as if I weren't even in the bed.

Calls me fat and slack-assed.

If he wants firm, he should sleep with a stone post.

It's only this once. Wouldn't dare do it again.

Ermo, he fooled me into thinking it was you.

No one would suspect he had a slut on the side.

How cheap can you get... Takes off her pants at the sight of money...

Men are all the same. Not worth thinking about.

Why didn't they just kill him? They're hopeless too.

Ma. Pa can't turn over

even with the help of Tiger's pa They need you.

Now I have to wait on the son of a bitch.

Just so he can get better and go fucking around again.

Papercuts for sale. Here's "Journey to the West "...

The "White Snake". Buy now, Spring Festival's around the corner

How much is that one?

Not loud enough? Idiot, it's louder than a hand grenade!

Buy a calendar. All beauties.

Beauties? Too skinny.

Take this one. She's fat.

Buy a TV, Chief.

Too small...and I'm not the chief.

Buy some medicated plasters for your man.

Do they work?

Sure.

Not sweet enough.

Still not sweet enough.It'll do.

There's some missing.

No...That wad of 5-yuan notes has two 10s.

Auntie, Auntie!

Tiger, I'll call you if anything good comes on.

My Ma's got enough money for the TV!

Blindman, start up the truck!

What's up?

Nothing.

When Tiger's grown up let him be my son-in-law.

Xiu will be your daughter-in-law.

Oh.

Miss, I want the TV.

Which one ?Pay first.

The biggest.

How much electricity will it use?

Careful, careful. Don't break it.

Don't touch!

Don't touch it yourself!

Wont" work. Door's too narrow.

Put it through the window. Take it slow, watch the back.

How ' bout putting it on the vat?

How'll we ladle out the water?

Come ,over here. Put it here.

Then we won't be able to open the trunk.

Put it on the bed.

Where'll we sleep?

We'll squeeze in.Here, have a smoke.

How's this?

Not quite. A bit higher.

Turn it this way, no wait.

Do it just like ours.

How come there's no picture?

Calm down. It's not connected yet.

Come make dumplings. I've done the stuffing.

You're invited too. Come for dumplings.

No thanks.

You've done that fast.

Help Ermo connect the set first.

Oh.

Ermo, just sit there. You look damn tired.

I'll call you when the food's ready.

Pa, Ma said come help when you're finished here.

Coming.

Don't . What if it won't work without it?

Ermo. I thought you'd understand.

A man can afford scandal... But not a wmona.

How' Il I make noodles? They've used my strainer for an antenna.

Ermo...What's wrong?

Ermo's ill

You're a hardy one ...

You freezing the beancurd of human flesh?

Coming, coming

Xiu, it's started. Why have't you come over?

What's wrong with ours?

Tiger's is bigger.

Let her go.

Blindman.Tell me is there a TV bigger than hers?

Probably. Never seen one though.

Why? What eles do you want?

Shut up.

What's wrong, Ermo?

Nothing. She's just tired.

Don't worry. Have some medicine.

Ermo's really beat.

She's okay.

That TV is so big!

Only one in town Even the county head couldn't afford it .

Out of the way! You're blocking the view.

Let's sit down.

The foreigners are fighting with each other.

It's a gang fight!

You idiot, it's not a fight, it's a ballgame.

What ballgame?

Don you know? It's called basketball.

Oh.

Laifu, Everyone wants to watch TV.

While primary school's on vacation...

Why not bring over the kids' stools?

No problem. That's our chief!

I'm not chief. Haven't been for years.