Original subtitles

When you feel free to gowhere your feet take you

that'’s the self-confidenceof youth

thinking you own yourself.

But life is wise,

and without realizingit, in the blink of an eye.

[finger clicks]

It takes your freedom awayso, you learn to appreciateit.

Now I understand why

you like driving longdistances.

[flash]

You know how this is...

take out everything fromyour pocket

chains and everything you brought.

quick...

leave it there...

Here put your name andsignature.

But I told you I'’m innocent,officer.

Put your name andsignature.

I didn'’t do anything.

Says he'’s innocent, thathe'’s not signing, boss.

Wait a minute.

If I had stolen anything I'’dhave it with me,

I'’ve got nothing.

There'’s just one way not tosign.

Tell me where your ratfriends are.

they are not my friends,sir.

I just went there to sing

excuse me.

[whispering] sign it...

[beat] ah...

Then take the pen,

and put your damn name andsignature where the officertold you.

COME ON!

[nervously breathing]

come on boy.

[whispering] calm down...

[finger clicks]

Are you a student?

I'’m a singer

Really, officer,

I swear by the most sacredthing there is

that I only went to thatparty to sing

I was invited by the man'’sgirlfriend

Miss Claudet, the owner ofthe house.

[assert]

You'’re really not part ofthe student guild?

You'’re not part of thosesubversives, communists?

Do you know how many comewith the same song?

[breathes] Ah, lord...

I'’ll give you a hand, kid.

There is another way tosolve this,

get five thousand to payyour bail

and you can follow theprocess from the outside.

But that is so much money!I'’m not even from this city.

that's the only one...

when you'’re in front of the Judge,

they'’re going to declare youguilty and give you 74 hours

to come up with that money.

If you don'’t, they'll sendyou to Lecumberri, [assert]

the "“Black Palace"”.

Better start thinking

[opens and closes bars]

Let me know when you wantthat call.

I don'’t know, honey. What ifI get nervous?

You do as I tell you anddon'’t mess it up.

This is the one that fooled you

telling you he was goingto check the gas mains.

This is the one thatlocked you in the bathroom

and these are the ones

that took the T.V., theradio and all your jewelry.

All of them!

the coats, silver cutlery,the furniture, everything.

The kid that'’s locked up

is the one who invited themin,

who recommended them for the job.

[breathes] But he'’s only a kid

And he'’s got nowhere to go,

meaning no one will misshim.

Hey, no!

I don'’t want to ruinanyone'’s life!

Darling...

You already did it.

Ok...

So, you think it over

before seeing thatnortherner again,

bitch.

No, my love. I swear it.

when they ask if any of theassailants are there

you just point at him andthat'’s it. You say no more.

With this arrest, they'’llgive me a promotion

and that'’s going to make mevery happy.

Come on! move...

And it'’s good for you!

[Juan] After what I said toyou about my mother,

It'’s very embarrassing

but I'’ve got nobody elseto call for help.

Esperanza?

Yes, son. I'’m here.

I need your help, Esperanza.If I don'’t get that money,

they'’ll take me to prison.

[breathes] Oh, Alberto, howcould this happen to you?

I'’ll pay you back, please.

How much time do I have?

72hrs.

[breathes] That'’s so littletime!

Do what you can, please.

I'’m counting on you.

Let me see how much I canget, son.

Where do I send it? Or withwhom?

Alberto?

Alberto? Are you stillthere?

[Juan on the phone] I wasthinking

and I can think of nobodyelse but my friend Daniel.

Daniel Mijares,

He'’s a person I completelytrust

ask to Meche about him...

[bus]

[sad music]

Then are you sure that allof them participated in therobbery?

That'’s right, sir.

Anybody else who'’s not inthese photos?

Can you point him out?

You know I didn'’t doanything miss.

Don'’t lie! Tell them itwasn'’t me!

I was asleep

and couldn'’t see who enteredor left the house,

your honor, believe me,please!

Could you point him out?

Point him out!

No, no, no, they'’re framingme for a robbery I didn'’tcommit.

[hit the bar]

Miss, please write that

the suspect has beenrecognized as guilty

of the robbery of the houseand criminal association bythe injured party.

For this reason, he isissued a formal arrestwarrant

and his process will befollowed from inside theLecumberri prison.

please.

And the money for the bail?

No, kid. Your crime offersno bail.

bail?

They'’re sending you themoney?

Yes, your honor. The fivethousand pesos are on theirway.

five thousand pesos

[breathes]

wait at the car.

Can'’t you get a bit more,ten or twelve thousand?

which is the norm forthis kind of crime.

I don'’t think so, Sir. I'mnot a moneyed individual.

not a moneyed individual...

well...

Let'’s see what you can do,son.

You'’ve got 72hoursto get the money

before I sign your formalarrest warrant.

Sir...

You'’re letting him go?

Wait and let'’s see how muchhe gets together.

[laugh]

[cry] No, please, I didn'’tdo anything sir, I swear.

Plus, the 72hoursI was given aren'’t up, sir,please.

[hit the car]Ah!

[car doors]

The money is on its way!

There, comrade, hold on.

Better save your energy forlater

You'’re going to need it.

[crying]

I'’m Adolfo, but they call meJalapeño.

Alberto. [crying]

Here, you can cry as much asyou want comrade

but inside there, Irecommend that you behavelike a man

tough, man-like and enduringevery blow,

because they'’re going to hitus with everything.

Good day.

Eh... I'’m here to post abail.

Good day.

Name of the detainee?

Alberto Aguilera.

-Are you his lawyer? -No.

I'’m... a friend.

Well, your "“friend"” is goingto need a lawyer as soon aspossible,

because he was already moveda few hours ago.

What? But the seventy twohours aren'’t up yet!

It'’s not up to me to seewhen those times are up,young man.

I just follow orders

and here it says your friendhas been moved

to the big one, see?

Sorry, miss. I didn'’t meanto be rude. I come from faraway.

do you know where didthey take him to?

I'’ll give you the processingnumber of your friend

Thanks.

and the address where youcan ask for a lawyer.

With him, you can clear upany doubts.

[breathes] thanks.

Have a nice one.

Shut up, assholes!

Behind me.

vacations are over.

meekly and cooperating.

or you will know what is like to bein Lecumberri.

Take your clothes off.

Hurry up!

Move!

[pressurized water]

Turn around and stopshouting ladies.

hand against the wall

-spreading your legs wide-hand against the wall

spreading your legs wide

hurry up!

move!

hands!

On that side the unrulyones.

You'’re going to get specialtreatment

for being goo "“comrades"”.

what do you see?

bow your head [beat]hands!

If you want to be ok,

In here, like out there,money makes the world goaround, ladies.

So, when you want to have agood time you must reportwith your quota, punctually

[beat] bow your head.

it hurts?

And if anyone has a problem,he can tell me

and we'’ll find a solution.

You'’ve got a problem?

[beat]

You'’ve got a problem?

[beat] pick it up!

[whispering] Goddamn pig!

[beats]

GONZALEZ!

grab him!

[beats] grab him!

[beats] hold him on!

Stop!

keep it on...

what did you say?

[beats]

Nobody speaks here unless Isay so.

[beats]

[sad music][man] I never knew how muchthey beat me.

They say I was very lucky

but I don'’t see it that way.

what do we do with this one?

That one'’s cold already.

Marcia, get me a replacementchorister urgently,

and I mean now!

[man] One thing did makeitself clear to me at thattime

life goes on with orwithout you.

Doña Esperanza,

I got there late,

Alberto is in jail already.

Just this one and I get backto my section.

now?

ladies, I'll leave youthis...

have the dancers arrived?

don't scare him, bro!

what do you have there?do you have more?

-what?-that's a lot.

no, this is the good one!

what's up officer?

there is not space...

there is not space for the kid.

give me that!

[laugh]You decide, buddy.

We do it now?

Leave him for tomorrow,

Can'’t you see he's very beaten ?

I'’m Alberto

and?

[laugh]

In any case, Alberto,they'’re going to beat youtoothless.

Get the fuck off my bed,that'’s yours.

We missed the bail, Alberto.

The money got here too late,

but it will help us toexpedite the process

and to report with theguards.

You must have noticed thatbeing here is expensive.

How soon do you think youcan get me out of here, sir?

I can'’t give you any datesyet.

I'’ve still got to talk tosome people

and pay their cut.

you know how this is.

In fact, if you'’ve got nomore questions,

I'’ll leave so I can see somethings right here

judges, prosecutors, you know

Don'’t despair. You'll getout.

excuse me.

I'’ll stay in Mexico as longas necessary.

I won'’t leave you alone.

but I already talked with my wife.

Get me out of here, Daniel.

You can'’t imagine how it isinside.

[crying] They'’re going tokill me!

[whistle] Just remember to be goodinside here

and let me to the processand the getting of money,cuts, paperwork.

Get all that out of yourhead, Alberto.

I won'’t rest until we'reback home.

come on.

Thanks. You'’ve never failedme, Daniel.

[whistle]

Yes.

So quickly, but we'’ve barely...

Take it.

Soon,

we'’ll be laughing aboutthis.

Don'’t get low!

Hum?

Come on! time is over.

See you.

What a pig stead,

Didn'’t your mothers teachyou how to live like people?

What are you waiting for?

without pouting, eh?

This time, I want you toclean the toilet two orthree times.

My Coladeras here left itout of service.

Oh, what happened?

[laugh] by the way,come with me.

following you.

You got lucky with us,buddy.

We'’re a peaceful band.

If you do what you must,you'’ll get out of here inone piece

if you get out.

[sad music]I recommend you wash thebucket first, friend.

[man] Dear mother, I greetyou from the Capital.

Here, things are goingwonderfully.

In the little time I havehere, I'’ve managed to make aname for myself

as a chorister for the greatones

Angélica María,Enrique Guzmán,Lola Beltrán.

Everybody says I'’m verytalented

and want me on their recordsbefore I'’m famous

and stop working in the chorus.

you will be proud of me.

Very soon I'’ll make myrecord

it will play stronglythroughout the country, mom.

you will see, mommy.

[whispering] I'’m just cold.

Shhh...

[whispering] Calm down.

[whispering] One day you'’regoing to say it in front ofall the others

and you'’re going to land mein a huge mess.

[whispering] Ok then.

[whispering] Yesterday wasmy daughter'’s birthday.

[whispering]They haven'’tbrought her back?

[whispering]No.

[whispering] that doesn'twork, man.

[whispering]What do youthink? She'’s beginning tounderstand.

[whispering]The other dayshe asked me about you.

Just that... as if shedidn'’t dare to askeverything.

-for real?-yes.

And what would you have toldher?

Well, what do you mean?Nothing.

I'’d have said nothing.

See here, what would youhave told her?

Everythingyou do?

No, nothing. But for thatI won'’t sparkle.

if it's not meant to be,it's not.

What will you do, live withsome dude?

No.

Then don'’t be stupid.

I don'’t want to be leftalone, either.

Why would you be left alone?

Am I just a painting?

[Juan Gabriel interprets "Noche a Noche"]

You hid that voice reallywell.

What else can you do?

I'’m talking to you, idiot!

When I talk to you, you lookat me

understand?

Why hadn'’t you told us thatyou sang?

Would it have made adifference?

uh?

To date you must not evenknow my name.

I'm Alberto Aguilera Valadez

Remember it well

because one day, I'’ll befamous.

-You'll see...-yeah right!

[laugh] famous...

for real!

for real? [laugh]oh right!

Leave that. Come.

Leave that.

[whistle]What, where?

come with me!

my hands are dirty

I don't care!

you're not going to grabsomething that you haven'tgrabbed before.

Miriam,

-Good morning.-Is the General busy?

[Juan singing][Knocking]I'll knock him.

- [Juan singing]that's why...-Excuse me...

Come in

-Thanks. -Come in.

I'’m sorry, we agreed thatyou'’d go to the meeting ofsquadron fifteen.

-Right?-Yes [kiss]

this man was letting me seehis talent for singing.

Leave, please.

-Of course!-No, no, no.

No, we still have time.

Let the boys

finish their presentation,I can wait.

Thanks ma'am.

-Go ahead.-Sing.

[Juan singing] I wake up

I wake up surprised,

because you'’re no longer with me and start to cry

night to night

I'’ll keep looking for you and keep wanting to see you one more time

Eh... bravo! [claps]

You sing very well.

Thanks. Now leave.

Thanks for your time,general.

what if he sings at theGathering?

what do you think?

[claps] bravo.

Many thanks to the partnerfor livening up thisgathering.

this great event forthe general.

Don'’t despair

because in a moment, we'’llhave the honor of listeningto

the best singer of Mexicanmusic in all the country.

The peerless Queta Jiménez,La Prieta Linda [claps]

And now, ladies andgentlemen, with you is a newtalent

that I discovered myself

A strong cheer forAdam Luna,

[whistles and claps]

My congratulations to youGeneral.

May life give you many moreyears

What an honor to sing infront of La Prieta Linda.

Your music has inspired manyof us here

[Juan singing] I am satisfied

to see you smile my love

And watch you go.

nothing more

beside me.

I am satisfied

to know,

That next to me

you were very happy.

Even if you forget me.

This is life.

Everything has a beginning and an ending,

but I wanted it

that by my side

you were very happy.

But I am satisfied

to know

you were mine.

And you're still in my life

the most beloved

the most beloved

[claps]cheers!

[whistles and claps]What did you think? [laugh]

Nor Cristóbal Colónmade such a discover.

he's talented, eh?

thanks.

how it'’s possible that he'slocked up

with that talent. I'’m sosure he'’d do better

than any of those at thetop.

You'’re not going to sayanything?

What do you want me to say?

What I just asked, Andrés.

that "“boy"”, as you call him,

may or may not be guilty,but he was at the wrongplace, at the wrong time

and he got unlucky! Stop.End of story!

Well, what I heard isdifferent.

I asked around... I won'’ttell you whom, don'’t evenask.

They told me they madesomething up for him

There are maaany cases likehis.

What'’s so special about thisone

that he sings?

That he'’s innocent!

And if he looks like manyother "“cases"”

maybe you should look intothem.

right?

Ofelia, I'’m having dinner.

And you don'’t want to evenmove a finger

The mistress is no longerhungry.

Take her plate, please.

Leave it to me, Trini, I'’lltake it back in a while.

Go rest.

thanks, good night ma'am. Good night, Sir.

-Good night. -Good night.

Who knows where or when Ilost that man

who could distinguish whitefrom black

Trini...

[piano music]

What'’s with the face. Youshould be happy

the General'’s got his eye onyou.

He even made Coladerassection boss.

Is being happy going to getme out of here?

No... [bars opens]

But my life'’s passing me by.

-come on bro!-what?

The guards, buddy. They'’recoming! Do you haveanything?

Calm down, buddy. There'’snothing now. The last potwas taken by Coladeras

Aguilera, outside.

I didn'’t do anything!

Don'’t start crying and hurryup!

Where are you taking him?

[hit the bar]

You shut up, you damnIndian. Nobody'’s talking toyou!

We brought the sparrow foryou, ma'’am,

Thank you.

-come in Aguilera-[laugh] Aguilera,

I liked your singing verymuch last week.

-I am...-you don't have to tell me.

I know who youare, ma'’am!

I'’m one of your biggestfans.

If you like, you can call meAlberto.

Nice to meet you, Alberto.

sit down.

I asked the General toorganize this little gettogether

to hear you better.

Could you sing something forme?

For La Prieta Linda,however many she wants.

-can I?-of course.

I see you even brought aguitar.

Later, I'’d like to hear yourstory

I want to know if it'’s truewhat I'’ve been told aboutyou.

Of course, it would be mypleasure.

[Juan playing guitar]

[Juan singing] I do not know what I will do

I'm always thinking of you

and I'm getting older so much

waiting for you

think of you as much

I know that you will not come,

you already have another love

and you're very happy.

I find no way

to forget you forever,

I'm always thinking of you

[Rancher reading] "and it will play strongly throughout the country,

"I'’m sure you'll be pro...proud of me.

That boy doesn'’t change.

Pure stories.

When is it dated?

"He also sends you kisses,Virginia. You won'’t believethe pretty so...

songs I wrote.Alberto."

that face... didn't you likeit?

why do you care aboutmy face?

why should I be happy?

-Ah...-so, why do you care aboutmy face?

you don't support him.

If you don't like it,then you must leave!

-you know what? bye-get out!

-Hi...-Hi

Are you all right?

What a pleasure to see you,Daniel! Why haven'’t youcome, you dumb man?

I had to ask the General togive you a chance to come intoday.

[breathes] I don'’t know howto tell you.

but...

I was looking for the lawyer

Looking?

He'’s nowhere to be found.

I think that... he left withthe money.

[breathes] Before thebastard disappeared,

he stopped giving me news onyour case.

He said it could take andindefinite amount of time.

Years, even.

I told you I'’d get you outof here

and I will

I came and went to Juárezand left many a thing ready

to follow up

Doña Esperanza is up to date

hold it on a little bitmore.

and your wife?

that's another story...

She's pregnant,

I won't life, Alberto

she's acting weird.

She doesn't like thesetrips.

Don't worry

I understand.

I can'’t take it anymore,Daniel.

Every day is a coin toss ifI wake up or not

I'’m so alone.

Listen to me, Alberto. Youmust get some strength fromsomewhere.

Remember what'’s good. Write.

Sing.

It'’s the only thing they'’venot taken away from me.

Hold on to that,

calm down.

[man] Mother, I write theselines

because I can take itanymore.

I'’m in prison.

I'’m so sorry.

Life here is terrible,mother.

They'’re going to kill me oneof these days

Why do I tell you if I don'’tmatter to you.

I never did.

Why don'’t you love me?

What did I do to you?

Didn'’t you want to have me?

Is it because I'’m different?

because I'’m...

[knocking]

Aguilera, come in!

excuse me.

sit down.

Doña Queta. Good day.

-How are you, Alberto? -fine.

I asked him to call you.

I was visiting the Generaland thought about you.

Are you still writing?

I wish one day

a voice like yours wouldsing them.

well...

Mrs. Jiménez comes from timeto time to share a bit ofentertainment with you.

But I hadn'’t noticed anyreal talent in anybody inall these years, Alberto.

I'’m intrigued by yoursensibility.

Sing something for the lady,

but do it from here.

Of course!

Of course, General! And foryou as well.

[Juan singing] to forgetyou,

I swear, I couldn't.

your memories come with me,

and I can't forget them.

forever...

I will love you forever, and I will continue longing you

to see you again

No, I will not forget you.

No, I will not forget you.

Better you live happily

while that I suffer

[Juan and Enriqueta singing] No, I will not forget you.

No, I will not forget you.

Better you live happily,

while that I suffer

It'’s a powerful song,Alberto. Congratulations.

It'’s what's inside me,

Well if that'’s all...

I want to sing it... I wantit for my new record.

What? My song?

It would be an honor

You don'’t know how much itmeans to me

that a star of your caliber

sings it.

If I can'’t get out,

at least my music can.

[kiss]

Patience, Alberto, bettertimes will come.

Now, we have to settle for aprice.

No way, ma'’am. How could youthink so?

Consider it a gift, from meto you,

as an advance of...

everything we would be ableto do once I'’m out again.

If you excuse me, I mustleave.

Do you want to be escorted?

I'’m also leaving, General.

You'’ve been most kind.

Alberto, next time I'’mhere,

I'’ll bring the record andwe'’ll talk.

-General, thanks.-my pleasure.

[together] And the little birds are singing The moon has already set

[claps] congratulations!

[cheers]

congratulations, my general!

congratulations!

come here, sit down.

Queta, come.

I'm coming, cousin.

-let's give him thesurprise. -yes, yes.

I brought you a present.

Thank you, Doña Queta. Youshouldn'’t have.

open it!

I told you, "“Night to Night"”is in there.

Look,

lyrics by Adam Luna.

You don'’t know how excited Iam every time I hear it onthe radio.

[breathes]

I'’m so proud, Doña Queta!I hope I can hear you soon.

As you see, there aren'’tmany radios here

and for these there'’snothing.

she was invited to sing inthe Azteca

at year'’s end

with José Alfredo and LuchaVilla.

what do you think?

-She sing it live for thefirst time -Your song!

I congratulate you!

I'’m grateful that yourecorded my song.

You don'’t know how much I'dlike to go to the stadium

that day and hear it inperson.

Cheer up.

You may be out by then.

No, I have no date.

They locked me here andforgot about me.

Don'’t be so sure about that,son.

Life takes many a twist andturn.

-Yes, you'’re right. -Yes [laugh]

Excuse me. I'll leaveso you can keep celebrating.

-Keep it, it's yours.-Thanks.

He's is so sad. This jail iskilling him, Ofelia.

Come with me, cousin.

The situation with that boyis unbearable.

"“General"”, darling, even ifyou find it difficult.

You have to free AlbertoAguilera as soon aspossible!

do you hear me?

[whispering] turn down yourvolume.

Ofelia'’s right, General.

A person as talented andsensitive as Alberto

he can'’t be a mere thief

Did you hear that "“General"”?

Stop. I just manage thisplace.

That'’s a matter for thejudge

-Which one do I have totalk to? -Shh...

-Tell me which one!-Turn down your volume!

We might convince him,General.

Where'’s Vivianita?

I'’ll just ask for...

a list of judges and theirwives.

STOP NOW.

I'’ll handle it. I promiseyou now that I'’ll handle itright now.

Thank you, General. You'’redoing the right thing,

I promise you.

Right now, is Right Now,

"“General"” right now.

And, when is it you'’recoming, Daniel?

[Daniel on the phone]Understand, a kid is a lotof money.

I must stay here.

I want you to stay calm.

I'’m still trying to get youout,

I already spoke withEsperanza and she said she'’dsupport me.

I'll see you soon.

any news of La Prieta Linda?

the song is still playing onthe radio.

Can she do something to helpus?

She must be very busy

By the way, Meche sends herregards.

I saw her two weeks ago,

before my dad got ill again.

Say hello to her for me.

How is she?...

No, Daniel, Daniel.

How am I?

I'’m trying to reopen yourcase.

I'’m moving

but we need a lot of money.

Well...

I managed to find a lawyerthat'’s not going to chargeus.

-Daniel...-[together] come on! move.

Daniel?

I told you so...

Get up, buddy.

Like this the bony one willtake you.

[kiss] pI swear it.

put on your shoes, Aguilera.

Move!

Come on!

where are you taking me?

Did I do something?

[bar opens]

Can I speak to the general,please?

Can I, please?

[hit with the car]

what's wrong with them?

You can'’t even show a bit ofhumanity when setting themfree?

you are supposed to bethe good ones.

And you are worse thanthe one that are insideof that place!

-Mrs. Puentes.-"Mrs. Puentes"

Alberto... Don'’t you sayanything?

You'’re free!

You're free, you don't haveto come back to that place.

You'’ll follow all thepaperwork from the outside.

let's get out of here.

let's go.

They'’ll send your thingslater.

That'’s been agreed.

at what time I must comeback?

come back?

yes, because the generalcan get mad at me.

You'’re free! We finally made it.

You will never come back.

Never.

-[crying] Free?-Yes

This nightmare is over.

-Take me far away.-Yes.

Of course.

[auto machine starts]

[man] Fresh air.

I could finally breathewithout the humidity

the smell of death disguisedby chlorine.

Pure air.

[deep breathing]

As pure

as the one we'’re breathingright now, teacher.

And that'’s how I got out,after being locked up for ayear and a half.

What a thing, Alberto.

The damnable impotence!

But that'’s life, isn't it?

[laughs]