Original subtitles

A film by Jean-Louis Lorenzi

dedicated to my father

Jacques Roszinski, come with me.

Don't move a muscle.

Open up. Police.

The child stays here.

Mama, someone's knocking. Will you open up?

- I was given your address. - Come in. Come in.

I crossed the demarcation line.

I've come from Paris.

My name is Clara...

Clara Bernier.

I'll get you a warm drink. It will do you good.

Martha.

Two centuries ago, it was forbidden to read the Bible.

A Protestant who had the Bible at home...

could be put to death.

In this Bible...

you can read:

I was hungry and you gave me food.

I was a stranger and you gave me shelter.

Today children come knocking at our door.

Without parents, without a roof over their heads.

They just say:

Help me.

Help us.

These children are ours, regardless the colour of their skin,

their religion or their country of origin.

We must let them in and give them shelter.

The church is no place for politics.

Who commits an offense, acts at his own risk.

They are persecuting innocent children.

God's law supersedes men's law.

I'm not staying here any longer.

- Like father, like son. - Didn't you like the son?

Didn't you overdo it?

- Are you ashamed of me? - Of course not.

You have to fight against the enemies of Pétain, like I did in Verdun.

- I know. - You lack ambition.

In your place I would have been promoted already. I know what's holding you back.

- Leave Sophie out of this. - Why would I?

The daughter of the devilish vicar.

Hello Matthieu.

White wine to start the day?

Yes. You can count on me.

You really can't do anything. Go stay on the sideline.

You'll replace him.

You shouldn't be that easily offended, lad.

- When we're playing, you're always yelling. - Me? I never yell.

Knock yourself out. What is this nonsense?

Free kick.

Well? Did I yell?

No, vicar.

Now go and play with your friends.

- What's wrong? - I'm just getting tired of these kids.

You should have a doctor look at your back.

- That's not what you came for, I think. - That's right.

I have this message for you: Two old testaments are coming by train at 1:15.

Alright.

Thank you, Gaston.

Welcome to Le Chambon.

(in German) Did my parents arrive?

(in German) Did my parents arrive?

(In German) I want to see mom and dad.

- Do you understand German? - No. We are from Poland.

- We've lived in Paris for five years. - That's quite something.

One day Marc will go nuts with all these boys. He's got to.

- Has he been at Le Chambon for long? - Three years. Or maybe four.

The vicar sent for him to teach the kids... mat, mat...

- Mathematics? - That's it.

And to look after them here, but...

- He'll be going nuts. - How do you know that?

We're late. The train was delayed.

- My name is Clara. And you? - Myriam.

The boys live here. You're staying somewhere else. I'll take you there.

- Wait. Are you from Austria? - Yes.

- So you speak German? - Yes.

Are you from Germany?

- Yes, from Berlin. - And what's your name?

- David. - David?

Can't you leave him alone?

The poor kid is starving.

Come and eat. Right now.

- I'm hungry too. - You'll eat at the Quentins.

- Who are they? - You're going to live with them.

- You came all by yourself? - Yes, but I didn't want to.

Mom and dad sent me. With a Jewish organization.

They'll be here later. They promised.

His name is David. He comes from Berlin.

His family sent him here by himself, through a Jewish organization.

His parents will be here soon.

That's what he thinks anyway.

Paulo, a sailor from Amsterdam.

David, Myriam.

- She'll also live at the Quentins. - Not bad.

I don't fancy school boys.

You'll love this, kid.

He eats nothing but kosher. Now what?

Explain to him that the objective is to stay alive.

Listen David. God knows very well that you're a pious boy.

Doesn't he like my cooking?

What does he know!

- A Jewish Jerry is still a Jerry. - You shut up.

You're the new one. What's your name?

- Myriam Rogins. - Just your first name. Glad you're here.

I have no money for books and notebooks.

- I have nothing. Nothing at all. - We will look after it.

We'll start on page 238. 'Booz endormi' by Victor Hugo.

Myriam, you share her book.

Jeanine.

Come quickly.

Search everything. The houses, the church, the school.

Don't be afraid.

I'm not afraid. I've had worse.

Rise.

Your name.

Tell him your name.

- Marcelle Chailloux. - What?

Marcelle Chailloux, sir.

You're not Marcelle Chajew, perhaps?

Show me your papers.

The children don't take papers to school.

You can check their identity in our records.

Also those of the Jewish children?

We have no Jews here.

Where are your little proteges?

I told you: We have no Jewish students.

We'll be watching you, teacher.

Sit down, Marcelle.

I'm very proud of you.

Don't pull like that. You're hurting her.

You have to squeeze. Like a lemon.

Your turn.

Nice handy work. As if you've been doing this all your life.

That's Hugo. The farmer's son.

He's always smiling. I like him. He's not right in the head.

You'll get used to him. He's nice. He loves the harmonica.

No time for this nonsense. The milk cans have to be filled.

Nothing in life is for free.

What are you doing here? Don't be afraid.

I want to go back to Berlin. To mom and dad.

You'll have to wait a while.

They said: Three or four.

David. Where's David?

I'm David. And you?

Don't mind him, miss.

Ferdinand doesn't say much.

- Will you stay for a bite with us? - I want to be home before dark.

- I don't want to stay here. - Me neither. I want to come with you.

Have you ever seen a cow calve? It'll happen tonight.

- What's that? - When a cow gets a calf.

- A real living one? - I certainly hope so.

- Are you coming see the cow? - What will the calf be called?

That's up to you.

We'll call him d'Artagnan if it's a boy.

- And if it's a girl? - It'll be a boy.

Come quickly to the stable.

- Can I come with you? - Sure.

- You'll take me in your limo? - Jump in.

How do you manage...

How can you keep it up? You never take a rest. Are you never tired?

I did ride the Tour in 1937. Since then I can handle anything.

That's funny.

I see you all day and I know nothing about you.

You want my resume?

Born in Geneva. Father watchmaker. Mother died when I was 3.

I wanted to be a cyclist. Now I'm a math teacher.

And a cobbler.

And printer of forged papers.

And illegal dealer in potatoes.

Speaking of which, you should eat more.

You're skinny as a nail.

Look who's talking. Every other day you give your food to Paulo.

- I want to lose weight. - Liar.

What's your name?

- Frédéric. - Do you speak French?

- I was at "Janson de Sailly" high school. - Now I understand.

- How far is it? - About two miles.

- In this rain? - Are you made of sugar?

I don't like first-name terms.

Too bad for you. Over here everyone uses first names.

Miss.

- Are all the women here as beautiful as you? Do you want a ride? - Yes please.

No, thank you. We prefer to walk. Don’t you, Fredo?

Another time then. We'll see each other again.

There it is. Pierre is expecting you.

I have to run. Bye.

This is your room. Is it okay?

Isn't there a bathroom?

The loo is outside. You're in the countryside here.

I'm single and run the business since my parents died.

I asked for an older boy.

Why? Do you need a farmhand?

If you want to help, please. But you're not obliged.

How nice! Do you collect them?

Don't touch. It's very expensive.

Sorry.

Frédéric is coming to live with me.

- Margot, my sister. She'll do your laundry. - Very kind of you, miss.

No one ever called her 'miss'. You startled her.

This is madness. There are too many. It's too dangerous.

What do you want? To send them back?

The aid agencies.

All those Jewish, Protestant and Catholic institutions...

can send the children elsewhere.

I'm the mayor...

We're at war, André. Things are different. We all share responsibility.

But this is irresponsible.

We'll continue protecting these children.

I'm against it.

Listen. You may be the mayor but you're a coward.

Gaston, that's going too far.

You take that back, Gaston. I'm not a coward.

- In '14 I was on the right side. - Keep it that way.

That's enough.

- André, we're sorry. - I don't want your apologies.

I won't attend your meetings any more.

Continue if you want, don't count on me.

I'll go talk to him.

- He could become dangerous. - Of course not.

He's concerned about the village. He's not a bad chap.

According to you, no one is bad.

But soon all your prayers and sermons against violence won't help anymore.

- We will have to fight. - But we don't do otherwise, Gaston.

Jean-Jacques stopped playing.

On Sunday we'll arrange the next meeting.

Excuse me. I couldn't resist playing the piano.

- Mister? - Vitrac. Robert Vitrac.

But you were in a meeting. I should have told you I was coming.

That doesn't matter.

Come, children. Daddy has to work.

Are those your children? The boy is very talented.

- I don't think we've met? - That's right.

I recently became the superintendent of Le Puy.

Le Chambon is part of my district. Therefore it's only normal...

that I come to introduce myself and apologize.

I heard what happened. Cruelty against a teacher.

I don't accept this behavior. I am against violence.

Good to hear.

- I can only offer you a glass of water. - I'd like that.

Sit down.

- You're not from here. - From Florac in the Cévennes.

I'm Protestant, like you.

- I know Florac well. - And the people in Florac know you.

You're famous. In the whole region, actually.

Your sermons against violence and for peace are praised.

I only preach here.

Word of mouth, reverend.

You can't control the thoughts of men.

And you have to lead them in the proper direction, right?

Of course not. I'm already busy enough maintaining the public order...

with the trafficking, the black market, agitators...

and with forged papers.

You cannot imagine.

Not a week goes by...

It's as bad as counterfeit money.

And the Jews, of course.

- I'd love to attend a sermon. - You are welcome.

I forgot something.

A little formality that we can settle here.

As teacher and founder of the Cévennes College...

you didn't sign the oath of allegiance to Pétain.

- Surely you forgot? - Indeed.

It doesn't matter. Better late than never.

As for me, it's 'never'.

- At least you're frank. - I wouldn't keep the oath anyway.

It is mandatory. If you don't, you put yourself outside the law.

- I have other orders. - Oh yes? From whom?

Wait. Let me guess.

There are three of them:

The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

I gave God my word. I listen only to Him.

I admire your courage, Mr. Fontaine.

Excuse me.

Didn't I tell you that we would meet again?

Act normal. This is for a passport photo.

Perfect. The next.

Slow down and quiet, boys.

Did you explain it?

I tried. The older kids understand.

The young ones think that it's a game. A serious game.

Back to work.

Lisa, come here a sec.

Listen to me carefully.

From now on your name is...

- Lisa Blumenthal. - No.

Your name is now Lisa Mercier.

- Can you repeat that? - My name is now Lisa Mecier.

Mercier.

Never mind, Lucien. I'll handle it.

Come.

Tell me. What's your name?

Lisa. My name is...

My name is now Lisa Mecier.

I don't want to be called Henri. I am and remain Jewish.

You're quite right. You don't have to change religion.

We just want to protect you, do you understand that?

Can we call you Henri?

- Okay, but not for long. - That's a promise.

That's it for today.

I'll develop them tonight.

- All well at the other side? - They all participate.

My name is Anne Duverger. Anne Duv... Berger. Anne Duberger.

Anne Duverger. Anne Duberger. Anne Dunoyer. Anne Ducerisier.

- Paulo is distracting me. - Leave her alone.

Who threw that? Fabien.

You gotta give a good example.

That's what I'm doing. No more sad faces today.

- Well? - My name is Myriam Lenoir.

I'm from Oran. My parents are grocers. I'm here for my studies.

The dumbest cop will see right through you.

I'll use my charm. Wanna bet he won't even ask for my papers?

- Do you think you're Greta Garbo? - Not at all.

Did you see her feet? That big.

Look at mine.

I'm not a cop. It doesn't work on me.

- Are you sure? - Yup.

Someone's coming. Get out you two.

- Hello. - Hello. I was expecting you tomorrow.

- Isn't it ready? - Yes it is.

But we said Thursday.

Are you still listening to the sermons of the Bolshevik pro-Jewish vicar?

Load the bags on the cart.

Look out. Make sure he can't see you.

Will it take long?

As long as is necessary.

- Read a bit. - I don't like reading.

How sad for you.

- Where are you going? - None of your business.

- She said... - I'm going to piss.

Don't worry, girl. Nobody will see me.

And this makes ten.

Correct.

And 1000 francs for repairing the stable.

Way too much.

- I rent you a fine house. - A hovel, you mean.

- Will I get a drink anyway? - I don't have time. Bye for now.

Borsch the way my mother made it. I've done my utmost.

Is that Polish food?

Who stole the money from the sugar-bowl?

It's not Hugo. He doesn't know what it's used for.

Well?

They told me that I shouldn't trust a Jew.

Sneaky thieves.

I wouldn't believe it.

So what?

I just needed a bit of money.

You don't need to make a scene.

Calm down, baby. Calm down.

You just had a bad dream.

I want my mommy.

Your mom will come. Soon.

Come on. Go back to sleep.

Lie down. Go to sleep.

Darn, shut up.

Your God abandoned us a long time ago.

♪ Paulo sings a Dutch song ♪

You're gonna like your school.

That's a nice surprise.

Third time lucky.

You know you're a sweet girl?

- What's your name? - My name is now...

Her name is Lisa Mercier. She is tired of the walk.

- She shouldn't be late for school. - It was a pleasure, miss.

I hope that next time you're not in a hurry.

Maybe.

Cut it out!

- I don't want that here. - Why?

- Is this the dance of the devil? - I don't want to talk about it.

Help your mother set the table.

But I do want to talk about it. You don't allow us anything.

You never ask us what we are thinking and what we like.

You always have time and patience for the other children. Never for us.

- You have to set an example. - An example. Example?

But I'm not the vicar.

When I leave here, I will dance...

...and smoke till it makes me throw up.

I'll go out out with all the boys.

Sophie's right. You're nice to the others but we don't exist for you.

Come, Jean-Jacques.

And you're no help either.

Now my back hurts.

Answer, darn it!

You know I don't want that crap.

You must intervene when I'm not here.

Here. Take your medicine.

- Did the medicine work? - Stop it. Enough.

I'm worried.

All those children, far from home. Not knowing how their parents are.

- How long can we keep it up? - We've been doing all we can, Jean.

You're beautiful.

How could I forget?

Let's make a baby tonight.

It's bad for your back.

Clara is crying. I don't know what to do.

I'm coming.

What is it, Clara?

They shot him.

On January 17th.

We were just married.

They just finished him off.

To set an example, as they say.

He wasn't even Jewish.

He wasn't even Jewish, you hear? He wasn't even Jewish.

Calm down, Clara. Calm down.

She arrived in Paris in 1938.

After the annexation of Austria.

They met on the faculty.

He was a communist. A Frenchman.

His mother got an urn with her son's ashes.

They are correct. As you know.

You really like Clara, huh?

She is very touching.

But you have nothing to fear.

I'm not afraid.

- Stop moaning and hurry up. - I'm not a farmer.

You're an intellectual, I know.

But you gotta learn about real life.

Shit, shit, shit!

- Hey, Parisian. You're really learning! - Yes.

- Tonight is rehearsal. - They want me dead.

Hey, Tybalt.

Do I look like Romeo or Robin Hood?

More between the princess from Swan Lake and Little Red Riding Hood.

No, you look like Coppelia. Just wait till it's my turn.

Darget is waiting for you.

- Will the stage hold? - First I gotta find the nails.

- Excuse me. I'm looking for nails. - Okay.

- I'll wait right next door. - Rather help me. I can't manage on my own.

Come on. You won't die.

- You think I'm stupid, huh? - I didn't say anything.

I'd like to say a lot to you...

but once I see you...

Don't say anything.

Keep everything.

In there.

Excuse me. I have to change.

What. A scuffle with servants with no heart?

Come Benvolio, and look death in the eyes.

- I warrant them to peace. - With destitute sword and peace?

I abhor the word like hell, your clan and yourself.

On guard, half-nut.

On guard, coward.

Oh Romeo, Romeo.

Why art thou Romeo? Deny your father, your name.

If thou wilt not, be in love mine.

- I'm no Capulet. - Should I listen or speak?

It's just your name, makes you the enemy.

You yourself, are not a Montague.

Oh, throw away your name, which is no part of thou...

and take me completely.

I keep you to your word.

Call me your beloved and I will be baptized again. I never want to be Romeo.

Who art thou, thus shrouded in night, listening here to my secret?

You look nice like that.

Go away.

You have no business here.

Weren't we friends at school?

What did I do to you?

And that? Is that nothing?

The nails, darn it!

Where is Marc? I'll kill him.

Why are you staring at me?

I'm now a sergeant-at-arms of Pétain. So what!

- Do the same, or... - Or what?

You really understand nothing.

Pétain wants to help France.

- Avoid chaos. - You parrot your father.

My father is right. Pétain is for order.

And Jews, they cause disorder?

The kikes? The kikes?

This is all their fault.

Stop it.

You better go, René.

Let me go.

Here we have only schoolbooks and inkwells.

You're really not keeping things from us, Mr. Darget?

- Also no clandestine press? - I'm not a printer.

I feel compelled to submit a complaint.

Here come the reinforcements. Let him through.

What is going on?

For whom are you forging papers?

Who said that?

You must leave immediately. You'll have to justify your acts.

That's what Mr. Darget said as well. I want to take him to the precinct.

You're under arrest, Mr. Darget.

You have no right.

You have no proof.

You must remember one thing: I have every right.

One sign of me and there will be nothing left of this village.

Look, Mr. Vitrac.

You're one of us.

You're from this region. I appeal to your conscience.

Keep your sermons for your farmers and Jews, Reverend.

Your foreign Jews.

Let's go.

Rather take me.

Ultimately I'm the one responsible.

Your courage adorns you, Reverend.

Now it's his turn. Tomorrow somebody else.

I don't know what to do with you. I don't think...

You're an important person here.

Protestants are good Christians, so...

A vicar...

Jean.

Disperse them at once.

Kids, let them through.

- Now it's my turn. - No, you're too small.

November 1942.

They braved the cold, diseases, death.

They fought together for one purpose.

The women who were imprisoned in Aigues-Mortes,

for them to be released, they only had to say:

I renounce. I renounce the Protestant faith. I renounce.

And yet, none of these women spoke that word.

Their only response was:

Resistance.

Today impartiality is completely ruled out.

Jesus is always on the side of the weak.

We're far from being...

as courageous and influential as he...

but our memory is very strong.

How can we oppose their weapons?

With something that is even stronger:

Our faith.

It gives us the strength to fight.

Not to fight with hatred and violence...

but with love.

♪ Faith tears down... ♪

♪ the strongest walls. ♪

♪ Faith unlocks every door and wins every battle. ♪

♪ Faith gives us all the power, ♪

♪ the weak become strong under its influence... ♪

Bravo, vicar. You are very patriotic.

Too bad we're not on the same side.

What I wanted to say:

Your friend Mr. Darget, the French teacher...

That's right, huh?

The Gestapo got involved with him.

Unfortunately they got him deported.

Drive on.

Today Darget. Who's turn tomorrow?

Now listen. Sermons for the Germans is madness.

Soon they'll shoot us all.

- Listen to me, for God's sake. - Stop it, André.

You must understand. We've done enough. Now we quit.

True. We liked to help these kids.

But now it has become too dangerous.

- We haven't done enough. - And our children? They also need protection.

Get their stuff, give them some bread and a kiss.

Dress them warm. It's cold outside. And wish them good luck.

You know we can't do that.

But we are scared.

I'm scared as well.

What is it? Calm down.

The Germans are in Le Puy. You should know that.

Everyone is talking about it.

- Well? - What?

I don't like it either.

I want you to turn away the Jews you're hiding here.

What do you know?

I've known the whole time.

And you didn't even betray me.

I don't want trouble with the Germans.

Those Jews have to leave. Otherwise I'll do it myself.

We're going away. We've already caused you enough misery.

I didn't ask anything. Get inside.

I'm responsible for these kids.

They will not leave without me.

Then you'll be on your own again.

Stubborn woman. It's all your own fault.

- You shouldn't betray us. - Drop that gun.

The vicar will be surprised when you're locked up.

Let him come get you.

- Hello, gorgeous. - Hello Mr. Gaston.

- You should be careful, Miss Clara. - Don't worry. I know the way.

- Have you seen her? - What legs!

Nice.

Well Miss, where are you going?

Shall we accompany you?

Beautiful mademoiselle.

Did you see her legs?

Now look. What is this?

Leave her alone, immediately.

Else I'll complain at the Kommandantur.

Let's go.

Excuse us, miss.

Thank you, Reverend.

That was very close.

Rather thank Gaston. He's the one who warned me.

- What is that? - A transmitter for the resistance.

Are you crazy? You, a Jew.

- If I'd been a bit later... - I want to make myself useful.

- You're already doing that with the kids. - Yes, of course.

But giving protecting is not enough.

I want to exterminate those who persecute them.

Exterminate?

That's a terrible word, Clara.

The Germans talk a lot about that.

They don't just talk. You can believe me.

And I only talk?

Is that what you mean?

You must excuse me.

I really like you.

I admire you.

But I don't believe in your peaceful battle.

It's just a nice dream.

We're at war.

And I want to avenge someone.

That's why I want to fight with them. They have real weapons.

An eye for an eye...

Try to understand me.

I do understand, but...

Don't say anything more, please.

We won't change our minds. I won't...

and nor will you. And that's how it should be.

- Yes, Myriam? - I want...

I want to ask you something. Can I?

Yes. Come in.

I'm listening, Myriam.

I've been here almost a year.

- Don't you like it? - On the contrary.

I shouldn't really tell you after all that happened.

Bad things are happening...

but I've never been this happy.

So?

What do you want to ask?

You're doing such great things.

You, Martha, Marc.

Even Mrs. Quentin.

- I'd like to be like you. - But you are.

That's not what I mean.

It's hard to explain but...

I've never known people who truly believe.

I want to become Protestant.

That's what I wanted to ask.

Your parents are being persecuted because they are Jewish.

How can you ever tell them that you converted?

You can't do that to them.

Don't you agree?

My parents...

They are very much in love with each other.

They didn't really need me.

You don't have to tell me everything, Myriam.

When they came for us, my mother begged my father to flee.

He didn't want to leave.

Nevertheless he jumped out of the window.

When they entered...

my mother was smiling.

We ended up in the internment camp of Gurs.

A Protestant organization got me out of there.

Mama...

I hope she's still there.

Later, when everything is over, when my parents are back...

and if they agree...

can I ask you again?

If you haven't changed your mind.

- That would surprise me. - Let's just see.

- If my father could see us... - He is so good. But you can be yourself.

I can't imagine myself getting old, with lots of wrinkles.

- You think I'll die before then? - No.

Your face will always look young, even at hundred.

Do you know what I look at with boys?

Their hands. They are so important.

With your hands you can express all your feelings.

Without hands you can't write, play...

or caress.

Or fix shoes.

Marc?

Do you... Do you love him?

I dream of him day and night.

Tell me, Sophie.

Do you ever get that nice feeling in your belly...

...when you think of a boy?

How can you say that?

Marc isn't like that. He doesn't want a girl like you.

You should never have come.

You don't belong here. You will never belong to us.

Sophie, I didn't mean to hurt you.

I'm stupid.

Sorry.

I didn't mean what I said.

We will always be friends.

Always.

I need to talk to you.

Leave me alone. You're gonna tell them that I listen to jazz, huh?

Of course not.

- Because of you they arrested Darget. - I didn't want that.

I swear I didn't.

I told Vitrac I had made it all up.

He didn't want to listen to my plea.

In fact it's your father he's after. He is in danger, you know?

- My dad doesn't need you. - Sophie. Sophie!

Go away.

Your husband, quick. Something bad happened.

- Lisa is gone. She had a nightmare. - Calm down.

Vitrac is interrogating her in the cafe. Gaston's sister sent a warning.

It's late. She should go to bed.

Shut up.

Finally. I was waiting for you.

Do you know miss Blumenthal?

What's your name again?

Oh, wait a minute. I remember:

From now on my name is Lisa Blumenthal.

Come.

If you keep going, I'll kill you.

I'm aware of everything. You know that, vicar.

I want to see your face when you're in their hands.

When they interrogate all your Blumenthal children.

Leave her out of it.

Reverend.

I'm taking you to the Gestapo. Do you understand what that means?

Apparently you don't realize it.

I'll finally see what you can handle. You, the strong and courageous vicar.

The fearless minister who mocks the law.

The pacifist, opponent of violence, the spiritual leader of Le Chambon.

I have to go pee pee. My belly aches.

Get out, but stay in the light.

Now you must do what I say and be very courageous.

You have to run away fast, very fast. As fast as you can.

Mama Parrot is waiting for you.

Go to her. Fast.

No. Don't do that.

I can't sleep.

- Can I keep you company? - Of course.

Now the Allies have landed in Normandy...

it's almost over, huh?

Not yet. The Germans sense they're losing and are becoming more and more crazy.

So...

we don't have much more time.

Time for what?

To love one another.

You're beautiful.

I loved you from the first day, on the platform.

A miserable little bird.

You didn't show it.

I didn't want to hurt you.

Not hurt us.

And now?

Get up. The Germans.

Go warn Toinette. Quickly.

They're coming.

- They're here. - Let's go.

The children. Quickly.

They're here.

Where are the Jewish children?

What Jews? We don't know any Jews. We're Catholic.

Open up.

- "Children where?" - They're on holiday.

You think I'm a fool?

"Nasty French. Hiding Jews. Concentration camp, understand?"

I said they're on holiday.

Keep searching. The basement and the garden. Quickly.

- I forgot something. - Stop. Stay here.

- What do you want? - My stamps.

You're crazy.

- Get out. Go! - Halt.

Stay here.

You come with me to the Gestapo.

Quickly. Get out.

- What happened? - They think I'm a Jew.

- Don't be afraid, David. - Don't be afraid, Julien. I'm here.

We must do something before they infect each other.

- Afraid of wolves? - Are there wolves?

Lots.

- But I'm friends with them. - Really?

- Will the soldiers lock us up? - No. They won't find us.

Why? Because of the wolves?

No. It's a good hiding. Previously people have been hiding here.

And the soldiers didn't find them.

I know. Those were the camisards. The French king wanted to kill them.

- You know a lot. - The minister told us.

And they want to kill us because we are Jewish.

Like with the Protestants they won't succeed.

Now you must all sleep.

I love you.

They have arrested Pierre. It's my fault.

Quiet. I don't want you to frighten the children.

Do you want to fix these one day, my dear cobbler?

If you want.

- You can't walk like this. - I don't walk anymore. I float.

The Germans left the village. You can come back.

Quiet, or they'll come back.

You want to talk to me, Reverend?

What happened to Pierre Guérin? Where is he?

In the infirmary.

A grazing shot. He's alright.

But why did he run off, if he's got a clear conscience?

- What will you do with him? - Send him home.

He can leave this afternoon.

Whatever the French may think...

we are not monsters.

I could divert the Gestapo.

But give a little, take a little.

Tell me, Reverend.

- Where are the Jewish children? - Jewish children?

We don't have any in Le Chambon. I told you.

A man like you shouldn't lie.

True. I can't lie.

I don't know who's Jewish and who isn't.

It's a question I never ask. That's the truth.

This truth can burn your village to ashes.

You know this.

I'm sure you won't do this.

I won't, but the SS will.

I can't stop them.

A gesture on your part...

however small...

can save Le Chambon.

It's impossible.

Think hard, minister.

To save a couple...

you're jeopardizing the whole village.

Children with destination Switzerland, hurry up.

And dress warmly.

Do you have your papers?

And please stay calm.

This is for you.

But Frédéric...

- Goodbye. - Will you write me, David?

You should write me. Remember.

Yes. Write.

Be careful, Marc.

Don't worry. I'll fix your shoe tomorrow.

We have to go. The guides are waiting.

David, take me with you.

Take me with you. Don't leave me.

I'll come get you. I promise.

You'll come live with us. Papa and Mama are nice. You'll be my brother.

Now come.

You're just in time. We need to get there before daybreak.

- Have a good trip. - Bye, Marc.

Hands up. Stop.

Let them go. They're children. Children.

- Get away. Quickly. - Halt or I'll shoot.

A German soldier was cowardly murdered last night.

If the perpetrator is not found, ten hostages will be executed.

♪ Then he gave me a kiss ♪

I'm so happy, Marc. Did everything go well?

Everything went well.

- How's Julien? - He cried himself to sleep.

I stayed with him...

and I thought of you. I was so scared.

I also thought of you. Come on.

Look.

I must go now.

Come with me. Now!

Here. Sit down.

Hand over to Reverend Jean Fontaine

I chose for violence and death.

I didn't behave according to God's word.

I killed a German soldier. He was still a child.

And I know you wouldn't have done that.

You need to console Myriam.

I wanted to marry her.

I keep her in my heart.

Elsewhere.

Stop it! Stop it!

Fire.

I could do nothing.

He turned himself in.

To kill. That's all you can do.

Let him go.

Believe me.

Otherwise the SS would have struck.

I don't kill.

I'm saving lives.

I hope you'll remember that in due course.

And you...

You are free.

How can I thank you? You saved my daughter.

Someone had to do it. We didn't hesitate.

I will never forget.

This film is dedicated to all those who commit resistance anywhere in the world...

so that brotherhood is no longer a utopia.

In France, and particularly in the Cévennes...

many people continue the struggle of their ancestors against hatred.

They offer a helping hand to other refugees.

Solidarity today, like before...

is a weapon against indifference and injustice.

Subtitles by Subransu Edited by Oliverio