Original subtitles

[Flames]

[car door opening]

[footsteps]

[dramatic electronic music]

[car door closing]

[Smith] Do not dwell on the past.

Do not dream of the future.

Concentrate the mind on the present moment.

- My name is Smith.

Welcome to Flatland.

[commanding electronic music]

- When I first met the devil, his name was Khan.

- Mine, Shane Michael

The war for the soul of mankindhas raged for 3000 years.

The battleground today, is Shanghai.

I have forced three young Americans to work for me.

JT a gangbanger, Mr Mitchel a failed mob lawyer,

and Amy Li, a beautiful young woman.

They will ultimately discover the history

when present and past collide and where one misstep

on either side of the fourth dimension,

is fatal.

In the world of Flatland,

where nothing is as it appears to be.

- [Smith] My name is Smith.

Welcome to Flatlands.

[energetic electronic-orchestralmusic]

[ambient lounge music]

- [yawning] Fresh air.

- [laughing] Come on you loved it.

- Oh yes yes, what the German opera,

sung by an Italian, performed inChinese.

Remind me where am I again?

- In a beautiful city, on a beautiful night.

- With a beautiful woman.

- You got that right.

[dramatic electronic music]

[Chinese guzheng]

- [Flower Seller] Roses, roses, get yer roses.

[horse neighing]

Buy one for the lady sir?

Roses, mam?

Roses.

Roses.

Get yer roses.

For you sir?

Mam?

[explosion]

[dramatic electronic music]

- What are you doing?

- I'm sorry.

[explosion]

[screaming]

[drum and bass music]

[funky electronic music]

[erotic moan]

- Now that, I would sell myself for any day.

- Exciting, sweet,

and a little nasty.

- Tonight was sure exciting huh?

- Uhuh.

- How did you know that guys car was going to explode?

- Well, you know us heroes, we know these things.

- And what would a hero sell outfor?

- Easy, not have me go to the opera again.

- Seriously, I mean haven't you ever thought about it?

- What, selling out?

- Yeah.

- Yeah, yeah, I thought about it,

- And?

- And I handed in my law school application.

Done deal.

[glasses clinking]

- So I guess you're an easy sell.

- Too easy.

- What, for money, fame, power?

- Moneys good, fames silly, and powers a trap.

- How about somebody you want, but can't have?

- I don't know anybody like that.

- Maybe its not just one thing with you.

- So what, I4m just part of the package deal?

- You could be if you play your cards right.

[hiphop instrumental music]

[Chinese Guzheng music]

[wind chimes]

[squeaky door opening]

[dramatic electronic music]

[birds fluttering]

[glass shattering]

[drum and bass music]

[blades swiping]

[stone breaking]

[glass shattering]

[battle cry]

[funky electronic music]

[laughter]

[Chinese guzheng]

- [Amy Li] Thanks, for everything.

- Do you know who she was?

- I don't think so.

I'm kinda wondering the same thing about you.

- I guess we have something in common.

- Who are you?

- My name is Simon Cross.

- Amy Li.

- I saw you here once before.

With a little girl.

- Yes?

- How do you know her?

- Perhaps I should explain.

I am an old friend of Noel Jaggers.

You must know him?

- Very well.

- We met in London ten years ago on business.

We kept in touch and about a month ago,

I told him I was going to be in Shanghai soon.

- Noel isn't here at the moment.

- You know where he went?

- And I don't think Noel Jagger

is what we have to talk about.

- No.

- You know about Flatland.

- I admit I don't know much.

Oh, I can see things, and I can definitely do things.

But I feel drawn by something and I don't know what it is.

- Do you know you have beenreincarnated from another life?

- Yes, and it fascinates me but I don't understand it.

I've met others.

- Here in Shanghai?

- No, no your the first,

you and that woman I escorted to the garden gate.

You know others.

That's good, its comforting to know we are not alone.

I'd like to meet them.

[energetic electronic music]

[applause]

- Hello hero.

- Oh, I do like the sound of that.

Any news about the guy last night?

- Yeah, the guys who's bacon you just saved

is an executive with wandering eyes.

- He's married?

- Yeah, she didn't approve so she hired somebody

to put an end to it.

- See, that's the problem with marriages these days.

It makes everybody so uptight.

- On the other hand, how was your date?

- It was good, in all the essential places.

[laughter]

Hello gorgeous.

- You always risk your life for people you don't know?

- Only on Thursdays.

- I'll try to remember that.

- Can I ask you a question off the record?

- Permission granted.

- Why is it as a rule every woman I meet

falls madly in love with me except for you.

- You have a ridiculous rule, I'm the exception.

- We're making progress.

[laughter]

[dramatic piano music]

- Very nice.

I love it when you play.

- Yeah well, anything after Mozart is redundant.

- Why is it, that some people just disappear?

- A guy.

- How'd you know that?

- This guy a friend?

- Yeah, a good one.

- What's Mr friend like?

- He was interesting.

- That's based no doubt on the Western romantic notion

that all men are created interesting.

- No that's one I don't even think I'd go halfway.

- That's good kiddo, because it isn't, they aren't,

its a lie, 90% of humanity will bore you to death

in the first five minutes if you'll let'um.

That's why I don't.

- Someday, I wish I could just meet somebody

who would actually stick around.

- I'm around.

- You're different.

- Kiddo, I don't know why people disappear,

but I can give you one piece ofadvice,

things in this world are not what they appear to be.

- To me, the strangest thing about Flatland

is that I feel connected to something.

Drawn to my past, things that have happened in other lives.

Life feels like a continuum.

Like this, right here, right now,

is just some small part of a much larger plan.

- Like we were chosen?

- Yes,

but by whom?

- That is the question.

- Any ideas?

- Fate, karma,

some great Mandela,

some universal physics glitch, I don't know.

- Does Noel Jagger know about you?

- Lord no, I haven't told anyone else about Flatland.

I was afraid they would think I'm crazy.

- And they would.

- That's what we all thought at first, that we were alone,

that it was all in our heads.

- Were you frightened?

- Yes, of course.

- And now?

- Sometimes, still, I mean

it helps to know where the danger is, its only in...

- Our past.

Where we're the most vulnerable.

The one thing, I know for sure

is there is a reason for Flatland

and I'm guna find out what it is,

and the place to start that search is here.

- You're probably right.

- This has been very helpful

I'll be in Shanghai a few more days,

we should spend some more time together.

- Sure thing.

- Simon,

thanks.

- My pleasure.

- What do you think?

- He saved my life.

- We should called uncle, see if he knows him.

[bird screeching]

- Blessed be human ego, its their enemy,

their downfall and destruction,

and my victory.

- Where do you get all the energy?

- Clean living, lots of fruits,veggies,

tons of vitamins and a lot of sex.

- right.

- No seriously, it makes me healthy, wealthy, and wise.

- Sex, what does that have to dowith it?

- Marguerite.

- You got a one track mind.

- Where's Uncle from?

- Originally Shanghai, but he has lived all over the world.

- How well do you know him?

- Well, you don't really get toknow him,

he's pretty cool.

Why do you ask?

- I like him.

I gotta see him again.

- Look at this,

pretty cool huh?

You know what really great architectures like?

It's like frozen music.

- I've never thought of it thatway.

- This is like Mozart, his requiem maybe.

- I wonder what he would think of that analogy?

- He would love it, he was a loony bird.

- So, you know why I'm here?

- Yeah, for another loony bird,Mitchel.

- You know what's going on?

- Yeah, he's confused, a little scared and paranoid

and he should be.

- Why?

- Well, the conjurer sold her soul,

sealed it with some blood.

- Its been done before.

- Yeah, and it'll be done again.

So long as Khan dangles power,

youth, and knowledge like a carrot.

- Faust is a woman?

- Men don't have a lock on bad things.

- No, that's for sure, we get punished the same way you do.

- Don't over simplify things kiddo.

- What you mean?

- Saying it isn't all bad.

- Can I quote you on that?

- Yeah, it justifies redemptionbetter than anything else.

On second thoughts, maybe its like a concerto,

you know, a little harp, a little flute, and boom.

♪Eh, the goose drinks wine, the monkey drinks wine,♪

♪ they all get together on the subway line.♪

Who, yeah, yeah.

All that shall pass away is but a reflection.

- And reflections often hold thetruth.

- Yeah, that's fortune cookie talk Uncle,

you gotta give me something I can understand.

- Before you can find what you are searching for yourself,

be still for a moment.

Truth is not out there but within us and the courage

to look within is the biggest leap of all

and spawns the greatest powers of change.

- Thank you.

- I'm serious.

- No you're confusing.

Why do you talk like everythingis just another circle

in the moongate?

- Because it is.

- Why don't we just start from the beginning eh.

- Good idea.

About 130 years ago.

- 130 years ago?

- More or less, and I'd thoughtyou'd learn your lesson.

Did you see something?

Then learn from it.

Flatland is a journey not a destination,

and is the greatest ride of yourlife.

If you don't take from it what it has to offer

it'll blow you to smithereens.

[explosion]

[energetic electronic music]

- I was thinking about you today.

- Yeah, same here, must be contagious.

- I thought I saw you at the sports club.

- Sports club?

You know the only sport I like takes place in the bedroom.

Kitchen.

Why don't you think of a game,

while I go to the powder room.

- Well then, go take a powder.

Two large katanas please.

- Alright, right away.

[ambient electronic music]

[tense electronic music]

[gunshots]

[screaming]

[lighthearted electronic music]

- So, any explanation?

- No, I saw the gun I hit the deck all hell broke lose.

- Whoever did it got out of there in the confusion.

- Great, so, anybody see anything?

- No, any idea?

- No, in the last couple of days nothing makes any sense.

- You mind if I ask her some questions?

- Opera lady?

- There's no connection.

- Excuse me, I'm detective Sammy Lang with the Shanhai PD

and I understand you were witness to a...

- I don't know anything anymore,

I don't know what century it is.

- 21st.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

- I saw myself dead Linda.

- Well you're not, so, lets figure it out.

- Okay so somebody from the pastwants to

kill me in the present.

- Welcome to Flatland.

- But who?

- Why is more important, that will lead you to who.

- Why, thank you, you have really enlightened me,

I feel a lot better.

- Good.

- Oh Mitchel.

- I thought you went home.

- No, no I wanted to make sure you are alright.

- He's fine.

Hey be careful, I want you healthy, wealthy and wise

on that squash court tomorrow.

- Are you okay?

- Yeah I'm fine,

just a little rough around the edges you know.

- Yeah well that's alright, I mean, anybody would be.

I would be a complete nutcase.

- Yeah, well there is that.

- Look, why don't you come back to my place tonight.

I'll fix a nice hot bath.

- Nah, its okay.

- I give a really really good massage.

- Nah I might just... I just think I should get home.

- Alright, don't say your weren't asked.

- Duly appreciated.

- I'm wherever you want whenyou need me, anytime, anyplace.

[foreboding electronic music]

[drum and base music]

[ambient electronic music]

[Chinese guzheng]

- Hello Marguerite.

- Oh, you scared me.

- One of the things I do best.

- You don't look happy to see me.

- I'm always happy to see you.

- I thought you'd be otherwise engaged.

- I am and you know that.

- Don't you ever forget it.

No matter what face I wear, itsstill me.

- You always have a wonderful way of reminding people.

- What went wrong?

- Nothing, its going to be perfectly alright.

- You do several things very well Marguerite,

lying is not one of them.

- I don't know, it's almost like he senses something,

like he knows.

- In Flatland people learn, they evolve over time.

- But its never been like this before,

look it would be so much easier...

- We have a contract.

- I realize that, his life for mine.

- Yes,

and I must personally witness the moment when you kill.

- I know, tell me why again.

- For my personal enjoyment of course.

Just consider it my commission on the sale,

and I will not be denied.

- You'll have it I promise.

- Good, because you only live if Smiths warrior dies.

You've had what, a couple of hundred years?

That's a pretty good run Marguerite,

it'd be a shame to see it come to an end.

- Just keep your part of the bargain and don't deceive me.

- I don't deceive people, they deceive themselves.

[dramatic electronic music]

- My body cannot do that.

- It just takes practice.

- It takes pain, I like my exercise sans pain.

- Well, I'm just more flexible,

be nice if I had your thick skin.

- Still feeling the sting huh?

Talking to Smith didn't help?

- Sure,

in his patented rubbing alcoholkinda way.

He said I was naive.

So, I'm an orphan,

so I crave companionship, so it's in my wiring.

Everything else held equal,

am I wrong to want the fairytale?

- Its not you, its them.

The ultimate lost cause.

[cellphone ringing]

- Hello.

- Amy, how are you?

- Fine.

- Good,

have you heard from our wandering friend Noel Jagger?

- No,

you?

- No nothing,

listen I was wondering if you could do me a favor?

- Sure what is it?

- I would like to see your friend JT again.

- Is there something wrong?

- No, no, no, nothing, I just saw something out here,

something from the past that scared me a little.

I just really want his opinion.

- Okay, no problem.

- Thanks.

- Have you seen Smith?

- I saw him a few hours ago,

he was contemplating frozen music.

Its complicated.

- I need to talk with him.

[gunshots]

[chinese guzheng]

- I wonder what Smith will do when he finds out

he's lost two of his warriors, Mitchel and JT.

- And the woman?

- Oh I have plans for Amy Li, long term plans.

She always falls in love with evil, a very fatal flaw.

If I have to, she dies as well,

loyalty Tsao Min,

its more valuable than love, don't you think?

Kill him if you can, but at least keep him out of the way.

[dramatic orchestral music]

- [Smith] Simon Cross, lets tryPeter.

San Francisco 1870,

that was some time.

[laughs] Freddie Nietzsche tells me god is dead.

Charlie Darwin he's arguing the other side.

That the guy?

- Yeah, why would Kahn use the same name?

- Because that son of a bitch is doing an encore,

and he wants to make sure I knowit's him.

- An encore?

- Oh yeah, he's mobilizing, for an allout frontal.

You wana know how he did it backin 1870?

- Tell me.

- First he killed Mitchel, I think at the opera Faust.

Then JT was killed by the adorable Tsao Min.

Then he took you out.

I guess he was worn out by the time he got to me because

I kicked his ass.

Yeah, I almost ended it.

- Then he came back.

- With avengeance

he helped start World War one, that was some move.

- We're trying to find Mitchel.

- No,

that smarty pants has to learn it on his own,

just like the rest of us.

- Well, I'm going.

- So, if its an encore, what are you going to do?

- I'm guna kick his ass again, and this time permanently,

or not.

[train engine]

[sword blades striking]

[train braking]

- Who are you?

- Your nightmare.

[hiphop instrumental music]

[cellphone ringing]

- Yep.

- Hi, I'm dying to see you, areyou okay?

- Yeah, I'm okay, you know.

- Great, you feel like an adventure?

- Why's someone guna shoot at me?

- No, I won't let them.

- Okay, see ya in 20 minutes.

- Great, I'll meet you downstairs.

[drum and bass music]

- So, aren't you guna ask me?

- What?

- Where we're going silly.

- You said it was a surprise, anyway I'm all up for it.

It was you.

- It was always me.

- I just wana know why?

- Because I want eternity, and youth, and power.

- Is that what he promised you?

- In exchange for your life, a fair trade don't you think?

- Not for what you had to give up.

- Oh, I disagree.

Lets get this over with Mitchel.

[blade vibrating]

[dramatic orchestral music]

[metal striking]

[scream]

[car engine accelerating]

- Cross,

you gotta help me please.

- What?

- We had a contract.

- Which you broke Marguerite.

- Don't let me die, please not like this.

- That was the deal.

- I'll kill him for you I promise.

- But how can you, you're already dead.

You know what death is Marguerite?

A little expert advice from nature,

that you get plenty,

of life.

[screaming]