Original subtitles

The Schnefeld-Sheremetyevo flight from Berlin has landed.

Gabriela Gtze, a West German citizen.

Is anything wrong, comrades?

Are these things yours, Ms. Gtze?

These are my notebooks. I'm a reporter.

It's indicated in my visa.

These are souvenirs for friends.

Souvenirs.

So, not for sale?

Myskina, inspect her.

I demand the presence of my consul.

Oh, really now.

You're a familiar sort. Go on, go on.

This is an insult. You have no right!

So, we confiscate banned books. And let her go.

Kuzichev, file a report.

Yes, sir.

Nothing.

My notebooks...

They'll remain here. We'll read them.

I'm here on a business trip from Blik magazine.

This is all my work.

You'll answer for this.

OPTIMISTS

EPISODE 8

Are you getting married?

And rightly so.

When I see our Galya on TV,

I think, "Grisha, go!"

Your father would be proud.

My father never watched TV.

That doesn't matter.

Volodya died too soon.

Damn it. Maybe a drink?

No, it's to early.

- Serezha! - Yes.

Bring some fresh tea.

Go.

Well, what about your work?

I'm keeping track of your work.

Comrade Khrushchev is sailing to the USA.

We are to explain to the whole world why by ship, and not by air.

Because he's a buffoon.

Valentin Ivanovich.

Grisha.

I should tell you something.

A German woman is making a fuss. She's a journalist.

There is information that she came for an anti-Soviet manuscript.

It's a novel, or something.

They say it's worse than 'Doctor Zhivago'.

Customs tried to frighten her a bit,

gave her a poke.

She is making a splash. Official letters, and all that.

What should I do?

Shut her up. As you say.

Strangle her if you want.

So we won't hear her scream.

We don't need it now. Nobody needs it.

And this concerns me how?

Because she's your girl.

Gaby Gtze. Do you know her?

I do.

Then deal with it.

Alexei Yurievich, it's for your benefit.

May we continue?

Discharge me.

Are you sure?

Go to the ward.

Can we talk?

Maybe you can convince him?

Of what?

Your husband refuses treatment.

I can discharge him of course...

But he needs at least a week of care.

Doctor, my husband is a Hero of the USSR,

a veteran, a pilot.

I think he'll decide where to live without any help.

Are you ready to be a nurse?

Your colonel will be in that wheelchair for life.

He doesn't yet understand this.

He's chomping at the bit.

The hospital would help him to get used to his new life.

But you, of course, know what you are doing.

Okay.

Go get your pilot.

Girls, don't hide your eyes.

What's the point in this humbleness?

I know what you're looking at.

At the clock.

We'll be free in 10 minutes.

Do you plans for Saturday evening?

None of your business.

Tonya.

We're going to listen to the Olympics with the girls.

Do you know what I'm going to do?

We know your plans.

What?

To play checkers or backgammon with my grandfather.

He's bored. Bye then!

Bye-bye!

He's so nice. He takes care of his grandfather.

Nata, please.

You're a risk taker, Muratov.

What else can I do?

Nelya asked me to find a fashion magazine for Galya on her birthday.

I nearly forgot.

I wonder how you're going to gift a magazine

with a 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs' stamp

to your boss's girlfriend.

This is how.

Andrei, I have a personal question about the birthday.

I'd love to help out, but I have a workout to get to.

Yes.

Listen. Will you and Nelya come home late tonight?

So, no one will be in your flat.

Forget about it.

Please. Klava lives in a student dormitory.

A porter is there. My mom is at home.

In the park the militiamen will chase us away.

Winter is coming. This is love by the way.

I sympathize with you.

Please.

- Listen up. - Okay.

Don't come until after 20:00, leave before 23:00.

Don't touch Nelya's stuff. She keeps everything in perfect order.

- Dance like a happy pigeon. - Absolutely!

A blonde girl.

Do you remember this childish divination? Let's find out your fiancee's name.

I'm married.

Then let's find out the name of your mistress.

Could you...? Thank you.

A, B...

Or should I use Latin letters?

Excuse me. First floor...

Sure. I got carried away by our conversation.

Room service.

I didn't order anything.

I wonder why.

You arrived some days ago and didn't call me.

I'm sorry.

Come in.

You forget old friends.

No. I'm just sure they're eavesdropping in on my phone conversations.

I didn't want to mix you up in it.

Thank you. But if you're here, I'm already involved.

So, it's not a social visit.

Gaby, I'm getting married.

No social visits anymore.

I'm glad for you.

Very much.

Don't look.

Tell me why you came.

Give me the manuscript.

So, they really are eavesdropping?

And what next?

Will you lecture me on behalf of the Party and the Government?

Gaby, I'm just trying to help you.

I don't know what novel you have. And I don't want to know.

The authorities already know about it.

They'll wait for you at the border.

They won't let you go with this manuscript.

Do you understand?

If you knew about the novel, you wouldn't ask this of me.

It describes real events.

People should know it.

If it was true, they'd publish it.

But it discredits your regime.

Then it's not true.

Gaby.

The manuscript.

Either you give it to me now or they will take it from you.

Here.

Read it tonight. I'm going to check out at 8:00.

Gaby, get rid of it.

Or I'll do it.

It's for your benefit.

I don't want to decide whether this is worth your freedom.

You'll change your mind.

Tomorrow at 8:00, you'll be here with this novel.

Do you know why?

Because you of all people should know what this is about.

What else are you interested in? Camps, Beria?

Forced exile.

Tatars, Chechens, Latvians.

Volga Germans.

Chapter 7.

1941, Stalingrad Region.

I see. Stop it.

Under the mattress. Some spy you are.

See you tomorrow.

- Don't wait for me. - See you tomorrow!

What do you think? Which one will Galya like more?

Dulyovo porcelain.

This is a new folk dance series.

I got to TsUM after work.

Take both.

Did you get the magazine?

You're the best.

Is everything OK?

So-so.

Any problems at work?

I don't know yet.

Can I help you?

Help me to choose a tie.

Andrew.

I love you.

I love you too.

If the Ethiopian wants to run barefoot...

- Lida, please try the canape. - The Olympic rules don't specify it.

- OK. - Canape, please.

Thank you.

What if he wants to run naked?

Canape?

Please.

Thanks.

Do you want some?

Are you bored?

No, everything's fine.

Hello.

- Galya. - Nelya.

Happy birthday.

Andrew.

Thank you.

They're so beautiful.

This is for you too.

The September issue? Already in Moscow? Wow!

- Happy birthday. - Thank you.

Lida, help me.

Nelya, could you play?

Do it.

Okay. But only if you sing.

Do you remember 'Stars in a Guard's Bag'?

I do. It's easy.

Well, good evening, dear viewers.

You're watching the program scheduled for tomorrow.

Thank you for coming.

Nelya and I will play and sing for you.

"I'm a tram guard, I know this city.

Everybody thinks my job is nothing.

In winter and in summer I rip stubs off tickets

and dream in an evening empty tram-car.

I fly, fly, fly above the ground.

I whisper, whisper, whisper, honey,

Where are you? When will you enter my tram?

The sky calls us with its stars.

Flight is sharper and sharper

Through clouds, through stars, forward.

I'm calling all passengers with me.

I'll sell tickets to the stars to you."

What's wrong?

I can't.

Come, my darling. Let's look who's there.

Good evening, We came to Andrew and Nelya.

They'll come later.

Good evening.

What a doggy!

I see it can't wait to go for a walk.

Really now, I see who can't wait.

Have a good evening. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

What a monster.

There are different standards of beauty in other countries.

For example, the Chinese like women with small feet.

I'm talking about the dog.

Guys, this is amazing!

We're just in time.

Sima!

You're so beautiful.

Happy birthday.

Thank you.

Please.

Hello. I'm Galina.

Konovalov. Sergey.

- Nice to meet you. - Likewise.

Come on in.

Go on, don't be shy.

- Do you know him? - No.

- He was in prison? -Yes.

I read his work in 'New World'. So awful!

Hello.

Is it Andrew's flat?

Yes.

How old is he?

He's 27. Some people are very lucky.

Please sit.

So, Klava.

Do you want me to mix a Porto Ronco cocktail?

Like in Remarque's 'Three Comrades'.

Is it a milk shake?

No, with rum, vermouth and bitters.

And orange peel. But I think it's not necessary.

Is it?

- Peel? - Yes.

- Let's do without it. - Okay.

So, cognac can replace vermouth.

This is almost the same.

It's quite bitter, so...

And most important...

Okay.

Here you go. Porto Ronco.

To our meeting... What meeting?

I don't know what to toast to.

That's fine.

One more?

Comrades.

We have news.

We all are here today. We're friends.

We're having a good time.

It would be weird to keep secrets. Don't you agree?

In a word, I can't conceal it anymore.

Grigory and I are getting married.

Cheers!

We don't know the date. But it will be soon.

For the young couple!

Thank you.

My friends.

Let me please... I have a poetic gift for the bride.

These are some new poems.

I wrote it at the Riga seashore.

Alik was working on them the whole summer in Jurmala.

I guess all these poems are about Sima.

The fringe.

It's not the final title.

"Mica stars, traces in the sand

of the lazy sun, in the pouring rain

I can't look at you:

the sun is in my eyes.

It's cooler behind that dune where I took you.

It's not important I was the first or not.

The key is wetness.

Grooves, goosebumps, strings, sand

on the white swimsuit with the red fringe.

Insanity in the morning, return in the evening.

It doesn't work that way.

It will last forever.

The sunny umbrella,

the straw in plump lips,

hot scarlet cheeks,

and the white swimsuit with the red fringe.

The main thing is in the morning..."

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Don't you have a cigarette?

I don't smoke.

Maybe there are cigarettes in the sideboard.

Thank you.

Does it make bother you too?

In my day you could be beaten for such vulgar when women were around.

In your day?

Aren't these days yours?

Now, I'm not so sure.

It's not about ribaldry.

He doesn't hear the language.

At all.

He's just calling like a grouse.

"Hot cheeks."

What is it?

"Hot-cheeks."

Like a latch sound.

Do you understand these things?

What?

I'm not asking about the sounds.

I still have some camp habits.

Yes.

Pokrovsky, you're the best!

Like an animal!

Sima!

I work at a literature institute.

You're a military officer, aren't you?

I'm an office worker.

Grigory.

Konovalov.

Birukov.

Sergey.

What happened?

Nothing.

Sima and Pokrovsky had a row.

What's the sense in breaking plates?

Creative people.

Give it to me.

That's the limit.

Go to your guests.

Stop.

I'm sorry. I understand.

What?

You don't want it before marriage.

It's okay. I'm ready to wait.

Really?

Absolutely.

I love you.

I love you too.

Will you take me home?

Yes, of course.

Please.

Why did we come to your flat again?

We could stay at my place.

Firstly, it should be aired out.

Secondly, my gift isn't at at your place.

Gift?

Of course.

Wetness, crotches.

Grisha, not that...

Yes, yes. I know.

He's talented. It means a lot to you.

Just hide it. Anya could find it.

He means nothing to me.

I didn't say he did.

This is nothing.

Grisha.

Do you want me to throw it out right now?

Look.

All done.

The Soviet diplomat's flat is cleared of bourgeois propaganda.

They're so beautiful. Thank you.

Let's go.

You're just extraordinary today.

Or are you always like this? Maybe I haven't noticed.

Konovalov.

S. K. KONOVALOV. 'A SPECIAL SETTLER'.

"The Volga German Republic disappeared overnight.

Yesterday's nation became a labor force.

On August 26, the doomed Republic..."

Are you going to sleep?

I'm working.

At 5 AM?

Tell me about Konovalov from the literature institute.

Who's he?

Are you interested in my social circle?

Galya.

I'm sorry.

They say he's the new Tolstoy.

I read only one of his novels in a magazine.

It's dreadful.

He's a hermit.

But there are reasons for it if he really went through those things.

Well, a lot of girls like such gloomy men.

For example, you like them.

I'll come soon.

Okay.

Romanenko.

You're like Irina Press today.

- Thank you. - Good job.

Morshanova!

Come here.

I told you: lean forward and attack.

What are you thinking about?

I'm sorry, Pavel Stepanovich. Can I try again?

You can try 20 times. What's the point?

What does an athlete have to think about when she's running?

About the distance.

And what are you thinking about?

About the distance.

You're thinking about men and parties.

Do you think if you're talented you can do anything you want?

Did you drink yesterday?

No.

Where were you on Friday?

Nowhere, I was working.

Watch it, Morshanova.

The Republic Championship is soon. None of that anymore.

Do you understand? I'll be watching.

Go.

What's his issue with her?

He has a special approach with Klava.

I see.

It's okay. Take your time.

Stop.

Wait, wait.

Wait.

You could strain yourself.

It's not too bad. Like a workout.

We need to extend the doors.

But it's hard to find a good carpenter.

I'll ask Boris.

Why should we destroy the flat?

It won't last long.

It's not pleasant to say it to patients, but...

I think that it's silly and cowardly to hold back the truth.

You're not a child.

I'm just repeating the doctor's words.

The bullet damaged the central gyrus of your right frontal lobe.

What does that mean?

It means, probably, you won't be able to walk again.

Only one doctor said this.

We should consult other professionals.

Lyosha, you never should rely on only one opinion.

Thank you.

Thank you for telling me.

Lyosha.

We'll overcome it.

Of course, we will.

I'll be like Maresyev.

Dear tourists, the bus to Sheremetyevo has arrived.

We'll be leaving in 5 minutes.

Please get ready.

I'll be right there.

I told you I'll be right there!

Don't forget your souvenir...

Did you read it?

I'm sorry. What?

They won't wait for you.

Be happy.

I mean it.

I'll try.

When you know languages, you have great opportunities.

Are you reading about love?

About racism in the US.

What do you think of French paintings?

They're good.

You don't want to reach an agreement with me, Muratov.

It's a pity.

As you understood from my delicate hints, I know about your foreigner.

What foreigner?

I'll tell you.

Catherine Dumont, 35. She came with a tour group.

Don't be afraid.

It's just a chat, nothing serious.

The musketeers are bragging about their adventures.

Where did you pick up her? At the museum?

Pick up?

Or how do you call that in French?

You're a real heartthrob.

I hope you'll avoid the French clap.

Come on, we all are sinners.

But you have good protection.

You look up to your boss.

What do you mean?

He's not an angel.

He left some marks with a German journalist in Paris.

Very dirty marks.

So, we just laughed and forgot about it.

No, we didn't forget.

But we laughed.

I'll give you some advice.

If one shows signs of moral decay, don't hesitate to inform me.

The more new stories I know, the faster I forget the old ones.

It's a kind of special feature of my memory.

Understood.

Well then, 'au revoir', as they say.

Natalia Nikitichna, the staff meeting is at 5 o'clock.

Hello.

- Hello. - Could you tell me where Konovalov is?

Konovalov?

Yes, he gives lectures here.

Are you kidding?

No. Where is Konovalov S.K.?

At the end of the corridor go downstairs.

Thank you.

Don't soil your suit.

Hello.

Do you mind?

Hello.

I've just started the heating. The system is bad.

The pressure jumps around like an old woman's blood pressure.

I've read your book.

It's sharp.

Too sharp.

When were you rehabilitated?

In 1956.

5.5 years.

For what?

Like everyone else.

Will you arrest me?

Ms. Gtze.

Here are your things.

Please confirm the receipt.

And let's look through your suitcase.

Please understand.

Our country forgave you.

Forgave me?

It won't give you a second chance.

If A Special Settler is published in the West,

it will be a slap in the face.

There were mistakes under the former administration.

Now, we're correcting them.

Why drag up that old story?

We're flying into space. Damn it.

It's you who fly into space.

I stoke the boiler.

Can I go?

Yes.

Stop!

I'm trying to save you from prison,

to give you an opportunity to write another novel.

About whom?

About...

About a heroic athlete, geologist, engineer maybe?

Yes. A real novel.

A Special Settler isn't real, is it?

Each word, each letter is true in this novel.

I know.

Who needs your truth?!

Go away.

Go away!

'Wetness of a groove'.

'The white swimsuit with the red fringe'.

Take your vulgar papers, Gtze.

You can go.