Original subtitles

Billy!

Billy!

He's here.

He's here.

Billy... heel!

Billy!

Excuse me sir!...

Mum!

Mum?

Mum?

Ah, William!

Is there something you want?

Madeleine and Henri are leaving... They wanted to say goodbye.

Yes... of course...

- Goodbye... all the best. - Thank you.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye... thank you.

I saw your in-laws in the yard. Kind of them to come.

That's not "kind"... that's just normal... isn't it Dad?

You're son's being buried... and you're not there!

I don't know what you call "normal".

To be honest I don't give a damn. I did what I thought I should do.

So you're happy to create a scandal!?

Is that it!?

You think it's amusing?

Please... William!

It's not me who's creating a scandal... it's you.

There's no reason for you to be here!

I'll do what I want... I'm in my own home and I'm drinking my own wine.

Just who do you think you are, my boy?!

Just listen to him! Listen to the old fool!

You make me ashamed!

Have you given US any thought?

Have you given any thought to what people might say?

You're so worried about gossips?

You bury your brother... and what people think worries you?

You disappoint me... - That's quite enough, Frederick!

Don't make things worse.

We've got enough grief as it is.

It's silly to get yourself worked up... particularly in front of the children.

You know your father... he does things differently to other people.

I'm sorry Marianne... William shouldn't have got upset.

I don't think that Frederick...

...is thinking straight... out of grief.

I think that's understandable...

...Don't YOU?

There'll always be people who'll condemn him, but...

He behaved like a rotten bastard... that's all.

It couldn't have been worse... even if he'd pissed on Charles' grave.

So leave off with the psychology!

Honestly William, I do think you're exaggerating.

You're sad and upset... but there's no call to talk like that to Elizabeth.

So you won't support me? You're going to tell me what to think?

You shouldn't be drinking. It doesn't agree with you.

It's true. Look... the kids are getting tired.

Shall we go?

What about you, Delphine?

Nothing to say? It's about your father, isn't it?

Your grandfather wanders around while your father is being buried...

Do you think that's normal?

Maybe YOU've got some nice little goofy explanation for me?

You'd do better just to shut up!

Best I leave you with the women...

You get on so well.

Come on... we'll go.

Wait... The kids need to say goodbye to grandma.

- Goodbye Grandma. - Goodbye.

- Goodbye. - He shouldn't be driving.

William drives very well. Goodbye.

I'm right aren't I?

He's drunk. You were right to put him in his place.

I shouldn't have let him upset me... Not today.

Not in front of YOU.

He behaved badly... and he deserved it.

Now you're getting me angry, Mum!

Try understanding... rather than condemn.

What Grandpa did is sick rather than wrong.

If you want to defend him, that's your business.

But think if everybody just did their own thing about mourning.

And that William doesn't have the right to criticize Frederick's behaviour.

Hand over the keys!

OK, OK!

Be careful!

It's okay, I'll drive slowly.

I can understand you're tired...

I wonder if he's not talking to that tree.

Playing Mozart to plants helps them grow.

Shall I ask him to dinner? - Yes.

Frederick!

Remy�s fixed something to eat... are you interested?

Are you sure?

Thank you.

You know...

...we shouldn't judge Frederick.

He's suffered in his life.

I'm not judging anybody, although I do find it rather odd.

I agree.

You know that around here people get depressed easily.

In town there are distractions, there's people.

You forget you're getting older, you forget everyone has to die.

But here...

Is a natural thing to be always thinking about death?

I do.

I don't go to the village any more. They're obsessed.

That's all they talk about.

This man died... that woman died...

It never stops.

When they're not talking about it...

...they go off to the cemetery to fiddle with their plot.

I think they're morbid.

On one hand, I understand that Frederick didn't want to come.

He isn't like them.

I admire you Marianne, you're a brave woman.

Do I have a choice?

Here you see everybody going crazy.

There has to be one who holds out.

For that, don't expect anything from a man.

I can't say that about YOU!

This is very nice!

Yes.

Not asleep?

Not hungry?

No.

How did it go?

Peacefully...

I made dinner... your grandfather didn't want to eat.

What did you talk about?

Um... about death... about cemeteries.

I'm very fond of your grandmother.

And Fran�oise was perfect.

Yeah... Mum...

Has she left?

We thought you were asleep.

I'd no reason to stay.

Watching you all eating and talking would have upset me.

I'm sure they found excuses for him.

What's that?

- Oh... it's Wagner. - Where's it coming from?

It's my grandfather.

He loves listening to Wagner all the time.

And he loves waking everybody up with it.

That's perverse.

A bit... but his scheme doesn't work.

You'll see how easy it is to go back to sleep.

I find it very soothing.

I can't believe that!

Just try!

You're pissing everybody off with your Wagner.

Really?! It's soothing...

Anyone'd think you're trying to scare R�mi off.

Not at all... that young man seems nice to me.

- Then let them sleep. - They haven't stirred.

They're being polite.

Or it's given them ideas.

Oh darling... you can't listen to Wagner played softly.

Delphine was shocked.

- She'll get over it. - Don't be so cynical.

One way or the other, you have to talk to her.

You have to explain yourself to her.

They'll not always act as if nothing happened.

Very well... since they're so polite.

- Good morning... here's some hot coffee. - Thank you.

Some for me...

Delphine not awake yet?

She'll be down in a couple of minutes.

You must have been disturbed this morning.

No, not a bit...

Not really.

You can enjoy the sleep of the young. I have to endure his beloved Wagner.

When you think he was in a camp!

Was he in the Resistance?

The Resistance? Oh no! No... in '41...

...the Resistance...

Like many Alsatians of that time he was a nationalist.

Before the war, he attended meetings, things like that.

And then, when the Germans annexed Alsace...

...they found his name on some list.

Or he was betrayed.

He was only 18! And they put him in the camp at Schirmeck.

For a year... with others like him.

Don't you have anything else to talk about?

I was just telling R�mi a bit about the family history.

You know very well what I mean.

I never want to hear this story.

Never!

He does have his nice side...

Even if he hasn't shown it since yesterday.

All this is so difficult for him.

He had an older brother who died in the war.

Delphine mentioned it.

It was because of these things that...

...Frederick wanted to get away from Alsace... and yet he finished up here.

We're distant cousins.

Finally... in '43 his parents paid a fortune to a smuggler...

...to get him away.

Can you imagine what that means...

...getting across the mountains... through the snow, on foot...

...with the Germans everywhere?

If they'd been stopped, they would have been shot.

Darling!...

Good morning, Grandma!

Can I get you some coffee?

- I'll get it. - No, I want to!

Thanks.

We've all been through it.

That's why...

I thought the best thing would be just to forget what happened.

There's no point in adding disputes to our grief. Don't you agree?

Not one word.

They're all mad in this family.

They bury a son, scream at each other... then act as if it were all OK.

They want to drive me crazy too!

When my great grandmother was 95 years old...

...she called me because she was waiting for her mother for lunch.

Her mother had been dead for 20 years!

The worst part was that she knew.

Usually she remembered things... but sometimes she forgot.

So?

- Your grandpa went a bit crazy. - He's only 77.

- Isn't that your uncle? - Yes.

- Have you calmed down?

- Am I supposed to apologise?

Not at all.

I'm the one who should apologize. To be honest, I had too much to drink.

And my oldies?

- Not a word. - As if nothing had happened?...

...We won't raise the subject. I'm just popping in.

I think Dad's going senile.

It'll take getting used to.

See you!

Enjoy your walk!

I tell you... that guy's poison...

We'd better head back if we want to be in time for lunch.

I'll call them and tell them we're lost.

No, don't... they'll get worried and call the constabulary!

No, you can't really get lost in these woods, and they know it.

If you walk straight ahead you'll always hit a road...

...but if you take the wrong direction, you'll need more time.

So... did you...

...get lost?

A bit.

Been out playing birds and bees... have we?

You're the only one who laughs at your cracks.

Where are gran and gramps?

It's their siesta hour.

Are you hungry?

I'm sure R�mi's must be starving after his labours!

Gran left a leg and some green beans out for you in the kitchen.

So R�mi...

...do you like the estate?

Oh yes... it's...

It's quite grand!

But...

...even if you got lost, you haven't seen everything.

There are acres and acres of forest.

Not that timber pays much.

It depends on how fast it grows...

...that's all.

I'm not up on that sort of thing.

Me neither.

I say he should sell it and invest the money.

That's not what the old man thinks.

Like a drink?

Go on...

...help yourself.

Ah, Delphine!

I told R�mi that to celebrate the new millennium...

...we're renting a chalet in Sestriere.

If you'd like to, you're welcome.

It'd be nice, eh?

Whadda you say?

I don't know.

I haven't thought about holiday plans.

Your food's ready.

Why don't you bring it in here?

Because the table's set there.

Well, anyway I have to go.

I promised Elizabeth I'd go with her to Orl�ans.

Whew!

What was he telling you?

Um...

That you're rich... potentially.

Aren't you eating?

No, my stomach's in knots.

What's up? Because you're sad, is it?

No.

Deep down... yes.

Deep down I don't feel good, but I'm not sad.

And that troubles me.

Why?

I buried my father yesterday. I'm supposed to be sad.

I should be sad about him dying and I feel nothing.

Can you tell me why I feel nothing?

I... I don't know.

Maybe it's still too early.

Big shocks sometimes create a kind of anesthesia.

That's bullshit psychology.

I'm not feeling anything because...

...because my father never bothered himself about me.

I realize he's never played any role in my life.

There you are!

And to say horrible things about him makes me seem like a monster.

You're exaggerating!

You can't say that when I'm telling you something so intimate!

Something I'm ashamed of... and you don't believe me!

Do you like trees?

Yeah... I think I do.

I planted them myself.

With my own hands.

I planted a lot of them here. And had more planted.

But this one here is special.

I planted it myself in autumn '43.

It may sound crazy, but...

...I feel very close to it.

That's understandable.

I'm glad you went with Delphine.

Particularly under the circumstances.

I believe you're the first person she's brought here...

It�s a sign... she must love you a lot.

A boy who's interested in trees...

...this has to be a good guy!

I'm making you embarrassed?

No, no...

Just a bit.

No need to be!

Give the children a hug from me.

'Bye.

I don't think they want the little ones to come here anymore.

We hardly ever see them as it is.

It's all so stupid.

Does it upset you?

A bit.

But I admit it's tiring having them in the house.

They're very boisterous.

Well, you'll forgive me if I go to bed now?

I'm rather tired.

Good night.

Good night, Marianne.

I'll join you.

R�mi... would it bother you if I have a word with Delphine in private?

Of course not.

Anyway, our walk in the woods wore me out a bit.

I'll leave you to it. Good night.

There!...

I want to tell you something.

Are you listening?

Yes, of course.

In 2 weeks it's Marianne's birthday.

Yes I know... and I planned to come

Yes I know.

I wanted to give her a very beautiful gift.

She deserves it... she needs it.

She's an exceptional woman.

I love her very much.

So, you'd agree she deserves an exceptional gift.

Definitely.

If you want me to say it, she deserves a very beautiful gift.

Good...

We agree.

I've decided...

...to offer her...

...a trip she's always dreamt about.

I'll take Marianne to the South Pole.

Not in the Pole, it's not possible, but beyond the polar circle.

I can't imagine anything that'd make her happier.

My present will be a little more modest.

That is precisely the question.

Such a trip is neither simple nor cheap.

Because I want what is best.

I intend to offer a comfortable flight...

...a first-class cabin in the ship...

...so she sees the ice any time she looks out the porthole.

Only to be expected.

Now you have to understand that I don't have that sort of money.

At least, not in cash.

So I sold some of my woodland.

That's what your woods are for, aren't they?

In a way it will mean you're deprived.

Deprived? What are you talking about?

Yes, these woods were part of the family inheritance.

Now, you are my direct heir.

So? It's your money to do what you like with.

If you want to spend it all... go ahead.

No, it's not as expensive as all that.

But I'm delighted...

...that you reacted that way.

That way we can say that the gift is partly from you.

Have you spoken to William?

So he took it badly...

Yes... somewhat...

It's understandable... there's the kids.

Between you and me, I think it's Elizabeth pushing him.

Well... I AM relieved!

You're a great girl.

Shall we retire?

Off you go!

Don't tell me how sad you are... Basically, you're well rid of him.

His wasn't the way I saw life.

Me neither, as you can imagine.

Would you grant me a favour, if I asked you?

Hurry up!

The babysitter was late.

She's superstitious and hates celebrating her birthday late.

William...

We picked it together.

Oh, this is gorgeous.

Oh gosh, this is stunning!

Superb, superb!

This is from me.

Oh, gosh...

Oh, thank you my darling belov�d man!

It's just wonderful!

I must tell you what Maxine said to me...

...when she came home from school.

- No, no. - Well...

...you know what a deaf rabbit's called?

No.

RABBIT!

Who want's champagne?

The ship leaves Tierra del Fuego and then you go to Antarctica?

Exactly. You know the route?

My father did that trip.

He left... thank you.

They flew to Buenos Aires and then to Tierra del Fuego for the boat.

You'll see the penguins.

There's something I'd like to say.

I'd like to explain my absence from Charles' burial.

As we're all together here...

...I think it's the most opportune time.

Leave it be, Dad. It's history.

I do NOT think this is the time!

Don't worry! It's forgotten!

Don't let's spoil the birthday.

Don't worry about me. William...

...I'd rather hear what your father has to say.

I didn't come to the burial...

...because he asked me not to.

Dad... you must be drunk.

No, William.

Charles and I hated each other.

I am sorry to say it in front of Delphine but...

...my son Charles...

...was an absolute bastard.

He knew something which I've never told any of you.

He knew that I wasn't confined to Schirmeck for my opinions.

The Germans sent me to that camp...

...because...

I was interned because of my homosexuality.

Charles knew about it...

...and hated me because of it.

And I hated him...

...because he humiliated me.

...he treated me as if I were some sort of monster...

...and I was forced to be quiet about it.

I've kept that silence all my life.

I've lied.

I started lying when I left the camp...

...at Schirmeck in '42, so as not to make trouble for my parents.

After the war I was ashamed.

In those days anyway...

.. nobody would have been sympathetic.

I would have risked being sent back to prison if I talked.

Then...

...I invented another story.

Another life.

Charles was 13...

...when Marianne and I separated.

He started to realise that I wasn't the person that I claimed to be.

He asked me lots of questions about my past.

I lied of course.

But he didn't believe me...

Even when Marianne came back to live with me.

And when you were born, William...

...he continued to harass me.

He became aggressive.

He became more and more distant.

From us.

When he left for Paris for his studies, I thought it would be better

...to tell him everything.

Well...

It was worse than I could have imagined.

I believed his anger would pass, but...

He hated me more and more.

He didn't want to believe me.

He said that if ever I told this tale to anyone...

...he...

I didn't know what he'd do. I was scared...

...for Marianne... for you, William.

And...

That was my eldest...

...I don't know.

I agreed to remain silent.

But I've never forgiven him.

Never.

Frederick...

It's true, I drink too much... but you must admit that tonight...

...I have a good excuse.

Would it upset you if Elizabeth and I left now?

I'll go and finish off at home.

He's drunk. You shouldn't let him drive. Frederick...

- I'm going. - I'm coming.

You're not going to get it!

OK... take it... take it!

It's alright!

I'm going!

It's disgusting!

It's absolutely disgusting!

Sure... Charles knew.

Big brother, the eldest son... it's important, he had to know.

I'm not like him.

I'm not a bastard.

I'm a piece of shit.

I'm a loser.

I'm a drunk.

That's what you think, too.

And you're right.

I'm a piece of shit.

You're married to a piece of shit.

Look at me, I'm a wreck.

I didn't have the guts to kick the old fart up the arse!

William, he is your father after all.

Don't tell me he's my father.

That fairy isn't my father!

A father takes an interest in his son.

He cares about him.

He's still fucking me up.

I drink like a fish... and he doesn't care.

I'm destroying myself and he says nothing.

You don't say anything either.

Nobody says anything. Anything at all!

Mum's the word!

That's just little William.

He's always been like that.

You don't give a damn because I'm just a piece of shit.

What's the point of saving a piece of shit?

WHAT'S THE POINT!? WHAT'S THE POINT!?

Don't look at me!

He wasn't such a bastard, I swear!

He wasn't a bastard!

I've always liked Frederick very much.

More than Charles, I might say.

Anyway... What a mess!

Don't you worry about Delphine... I'll talk to her tomorrow.

It's hard for her to accept... but she knows life isn't always rosy.

Cheers!

There IS something that bothers me.

During your marriage... did you never know he was homosexual?

No... certainly not.

It's never even crossed my mind.

You realize, that in '46...

He was very attractive, you know.

Like with Charles, attractive men make us do stupid things!

That's a bit much, Fran�oise.

Not at all...

I did a stupid thing marrying Charles.

What about Delphine?

You're right. A half-stupid thing.

But we were talking about you.

I was very much in love.

I wouldn't say I was really satisfied... after we married...

You mean sexually?

Now I'm blushing.

No, let's just say it wasn't what I was expecting.

But then, my expectations were colored by my being an innocent young thing.

I put it down to his recent history.

He was very unstable.

He had nightmares... he cried at night.

After a few years...

...I suspected him of having a double life.

I didn't dare to ask him though.

I thought he might have a mistress...

...and perhaps a another family somewhere else..

I was a long way from the reality.

And then one day... out of the blue, and...

...he said that he wanted to leave me...

...because he was in love with somebody else.

And that it was a man.

I can't tell you how...

I wasn't feeling angry... my head was...

...swimming.

Obviously, I agreed to a separation.

People felt sorry for me.

It was better than having terrible things going on behind my back.

I got an explanation from Frederick.

He told me absolutely everything.

I cried for days on end.

At first for myself.

And then, for him.

You know why?

All my love for him returned.

I suggested that we resume living together.

So we decided...

I just asked him to be discreet.

I gave him his freedom.

Can you understand that?

What about you?

Me...

We resumed life as before.

William was born.

And...

And...

I had a bit on the side!

But I assure you that...

...we've never shared anyone.

A "threesome" was not for me!

This calls for another glass of wine!

Mmm, you've opened my horizons!

Sorry.

I had a dream...

I've had it before...

I was chased by a man.

He wanted to kill me.

I hid in a room... I closed the door.

He was there... behind it.

I was frightened.

I was frightened he'd come in.

I wanted to cry out... I couldn't.

I can't take any more of this music!

I got the message.

Now I understand your "Trilogy".

I know that Fricka asks Wotan to sacrifice Siegmund.

But I'm not Fricka... and you're not Wotan.

I didn't ask you to sacrifice William.

You're right.

I hadn't thought of that.

There are wise things in Wagner.

His fair share of crap, too.

You haven't gone home?

No, I stayed with your grandmother.

I slept in the green bedroom.

I forgot about being woken by Wagner. A bit over the top!

But it sobers you up.

- Coffee? - Yes.

She's really something, that Marianne... do you realise that?

I talked with her all night...

...she's got her head screwed on alright.

Despite what you might think, she's certainly no victim.

When I think about my mother and my grandmother...

...and my great grandmother...

It's true...

...I only see women married to men they didn't love.

All victims of a totally oppressive family.

My great aunt didn't do too badly.

She married an alcoholic who beat her, cheated on her... classic situation.

But he was blown to smithereens at Verdun. They found nothing.

She didn't remarry.

You can imagine.

I think she had a good life.

At any rate...

...she was free.

I can't help thinking about it whenever I have a good moment.

We're at the end of a string of miserable lives.

I'm sober.

What happens now?

You really needed to do that?

What a farce!

It's pathetic...

You gonna write a book?...

Go on TV?

Do whatever you want... I'm not like Charles.

You know I'm not Charles?

My in-laws'll really be crapped off.

I don't give a fuck. They're already ashamed of their pathetic son-in-law.

It'll give them another reason to despise me, like everyone else.

Most of all you.

I'm ready to listen to anything you have to say.

Insult me all you like.

But I won't let you say I despise you.

How do you classify 40 years of lying?

You say you're my father... and now I find I know nothing about you.

You haven't trusted me.

I wanted to shield you.

Listen to you! Mum and I were your cover!

You don't know what it's like.

I wanted to be like everybody else.

"Normal", as they say.

I wanted to forget, I left Alsace.

Marianne has been very good to me.

It's not as simple as that!...

- The good father fronting the family pile! - You don't know what you're talking about!

You don't know anything...

You don't know what it is to feel...

...the self-hatred you instil in yourself...

...because of your imprisonment...

...the bashings, the humiliations.

You don't know what it's like to have lived...

...with the fear of death... every minute, for a year.

To be treated like the dregs of humanity.

Because we...

...we were despised by everybody.

Starting with the other inmates.

How would I ever know?

Don't blame me for not knowing what you haven't taught me.

The only thing you've taught me...

...and taught ne very well...

...is self-hatred.

On that subject, you were a good teacher.

I know.

I know I'm not the father you would've liked to have had.

But regardless of what you might think...

...you're my son and I love you.

- You're still here? - Sure am.

- May I talk to you? - What about?

About Charles, about your father, about this saga.

What business is it of yours?

I'm also involved.

You left Charles, you're divorced.

You're no longer family.

The family? The family!

You're pathetic... just who do you think you are?

Leave me alone... I've nothing to say to you.

Do you really need to get involved?

I don't want him torturing Frederick.

Goddammit!... If they want to punch each other in the face, let them.

Sometimes that's for the best.

Instead of letting off steam on me, go and see your grandfather.

He must have behaved as badly as Charles.

Don't tell ME what to do... you really give me the shits!

Why have you chosen this concerto?

As a change from Wagner...

And because it makes you cry.

I'm sure that's my mother.

She knows that I cry every time it's played.

There's nothing wrong with crying.

Don't you have any secrets to tell me, too?

Something really terrible.

I'd like to know before we go any further...

Like making children, for example.

A secret?

No, not that I can think of.

She holds it against me.

So I believe.

You think I was wrong?

No, you did the right thing.

Bottling up a secret like that hurts more than the truth.

You can't imagine the shame.

What they did to me is inconceivable.

And when I really think about it...

...I wonder if I haven't made it up.

But nobody could invent such horrors.

Nobody!

Some people there used to pray.

The feeble-minded ones.

How could anyone still believe in God?

There's no sense to it.

It took just 2 days for me to realise that the heavens were vacant.

Empty... you understand?

You know what kept me going?

The camp was surrounded by trees.

And...

These were the only living things that seemed normal.

So I told myself...

...if I ever get out of this place alive...

...I'll plant a tree.

And I focussed on that tree...

Through my whole time there.

I saw it grow...

...strengthen. It was my backbone.

It kept me focussed. It gave me strength.

- This is the linden tree? - Yes.

In the end...

...it's become a sort of personal legend.

Because in truth, if I got out alive...

...it's because the system was so ridiculous...

...and illogical...

...we could have either ended up devoured by the dogs...

.. or freed... as I was... without explanation.

I left alone.

I couldn't believe I was free. It was ridiculous.

After what I'd seen and experienced, it was nonsense.

However, they opened the gates of the camp.

And out I came.

I walked...

...I crossed the square.

I was looking at the railway station... I thought it impossible...

...that I'd ever reach it... something would happen first...

That it was all a nasty practical joke.

They were French officials who had handed me over.

The French police.

But if homosexuality wasn't a crime...

...they'd stuffed up with us all.

When the Germans entered Alsace, they had to ask.

The worst thing is that I gave myself away.

Someone had stolen my watch...

.. the watch I'd got at my communion...

...in some public gardens...

...which were... "frequented".

So I reported it to the police station.

But the cops knew the place.

The officer who took my report...

...asked me some insidious questions.

That rattled me.

I'd come to report a theft...

...and they were treating me like a criminal.

Out of bravado, I told him everything.

Once outside...

...I was very scared because of my family.

Nothing happened right away.

But...

When I was summoned to the Gestapo in '41...

...I didn't think of about it.

I certainly didn't go there not feeling uneasy.

But I assumed they wanted to question me about my opinions.

We read Barr�s...

...but hated the Krauts.

We were extreme right-wing, but Germany was the enemy.

That's why...

...on leaving the camp...

...my family has told everyone...

...that I'd been locked up because of my opinions.

And I...

...have let that story run...

...for the next 50 years.

That's it.

Oh no...

No... not too much.

But why... why... why?

Why are you so insistent?

No.

Charles?

Marianne?

You almost scared me.

I'm sorry.

What are you doing here at 4 in the morning?

I couldn't get to sleep.

You too, it seems.

People my age don't need so much sleep.

But you...

...are you worried about something?

Yes and no.

I was thinking of Charles...

...about all these accounts of the past.

I think Delphine would like to know a bit more about all of it.

R�mi...

R�mi... wake up...

What?

Nothing... no Wagner this morning.

Is that anything to complain about?

It bothers me... I hope there's nothing wrong with Grandpa.

It's good you're worried about him... it's a good sign.

I'm sure he's perfectly OK.

Well... good morning!

Excuse me... I was just reading...

Delphine's gone out... and I've finished all the books I had with me.

You like opera?

Yes.

They played Wagner a lot at the camp. Did you know that?

Yes, it's a pretty well-known fact.

Do you think I'm crazy?

No.

But I think your love of Wagner...

You think I should give it up?

I disagree.

Before the war...

...I dreamt of becoming a conductor.

I already had a huge admiration for Wagner.

You must realise...

Wagner didn't belong to those bastards.

They stole a part of my life.

Because of them, I didn't get to realize my dream.

I wasn't going to let them steal the dream itself!

When I listen to Wagner...

...I'm taking my revenge on the Nazis.

I confess I have one regret...

Never to have been to Bayreuth.

But I feel incapable of setting foot on Germany.

I got divorced... it was necessary. That's all you need to know.

It's not all I need to know any more.

Me too...

...I used to think my father was a great guy.

Life would be easier if girls weren't in love with their fathers.

Why do you treat everything this way? We need to be able to talk seriously.

But if... if only...

I just find all that psychological hodgepodge so...

.. idiotic!...

People have problems with their mum and dad... Who doesn't?

What are you trying to say to me?

What is it that YOU want to know more about?

You heard what Frederick said.

Could I have lived for very long with a man like that?

No. So there you are!

I got divorced... End of story.

Are you out of your mind?

You're both insane!

What a character!

Oh yes!

Swear... swear you'll never hurt me.

Why would I ever hurt you?

Please just swear... that's all I'm asking.

I'll never hurt you... That I swear.

Aren't we going to make children?

You're not coming in?

I need money.

Money?... What for?

It doesn't matter.

You may have a good reason, but...

...it depends how much.

Say... 250 or 300...

250 or 300 what?

250 or 300,000 francs.

I don't talk in rupees. And I'm not into euros yet.

- That's a lot. - Not for you.

- Oh, but it is!

You know I've just spent a lot for Marianne.

Sell a bit more land.

Just what have you done?

- Are you in debt? - Not all that much.

- Why do you want this money?

I just need some. I don't make enough.

I don't want to have to ask for more from my father-in-law. That's why.

You can do that for me, can't you?

The money won't square things between you and me.

In truth, I want to give you what you want.

I'll sell... I'll sell.

I'll give you half of what I get, the rest to Delphine.

But when there's nothing left to give...

When are you leaving, exactly?

5th of January.

Actually, I was wondering...

...are you thinking of leaving the children with us at Christmas?

We're going to Sestri�re.

We didn't plan to be back until the 4th.

Oh yes... yes of course.

Have to find some other time?

You should cut down that tree!

It's dangerous and it castes too much shade.

What are you talking about Charles?

You know what it means to your father.

What a load of crap! It's just a tree!

If there was a storm, it'd fall on your heads.

Though, if it fell on the old man, that'd serve a good purpose.

Don't talk like that.

You don't really mean it... and it's bad luck.

Let's go back inside. I'm cold.

There's something I never told you.

In 82, I think it was...

...just after that other one was elected...

...I was convinced that something had changed in our society...

...and I wanted to make a formal approach.

I went to the prefect's office to confirm my status as a former internee.

Something in writing.

Recognition by the state of the evil that had been done to me.

I was greeted by a charming staff member.

She started to fill in my application.

She asked the reason for my being interned.

I told her the truth.

She looked at me...

...she looked at her form...

...and she told me she could NOT register my request.

There was no tick-box that corresponded to my case.

No box...

...no case.

I had no case.

She finished up...

...without being unpleasant, saying there was nothing she could do for me.

White... nothing but white.

Everywhere just white.

If white's what you're after... here's white!

Is that all there is?

I'm kidding... you know me.

I don't want to admit she was right.

It's...

It's as beautiful...

...as I imagine Wagner's Valhalla to be.

Unspoiled, infinite silence.

Any shots of penguins?

Flightless auks.

That's the same.

Hi!

Hullo, William.

Hi, Delphine.

I realise this seems all very solemn...

But it wasn't something to be discussed over the phone.

Marianne and I have decided to pass on our property now.

I've asked my lawyer to draw up

...a deed of gift...

...that you both must sign.

Of course, we'll retain the use of the house...

...and enough to live on.

We're going to sell all the woodland.

And divide it between you. Anything you want to ask?

I don't need the money.

But you can see it's of no use to us.

You're young... maybe you'll have children.

You might want to take more trips.

Oh no! I'm sure I won't.

He gave me the trip I really wanted.

I'm not going to spoil it.

I don't know why people travel around so much.

The world is full of retirees gallivanting around. It's absurd!

Delphine...

This money belongs to you... It's coming to you anyway.

Take it now and make us happy.

Believe me...

...it's something I've considered for a long time.

And the storm agreed with me, by sparing us.

I have a buyer who's offering me a very good price. I can't refuse.

It has to be sold now.

Before it's worth nothing.

This sort of inheritance while living is often done.

You're going to let them sell the entire property?

Give up what they've built? Does that mean nothing?

You don't want to take over the estate... nor do I.

To sell now or in a few years... what does that change?

Did you plant these?

Some of them... the younger ones.

The others were here before.

That one of yours?

Definitely.

Do you remember when?

There are thousands of trees in this forest...

I haven't planted them all with my own hands.

But I know exactly when these ones were planted.

I was with the workers, when Marianne told me she was due with you.

So they're about your age.

You never told me that before.

It was just a coincidence.

They weren't planted to commemorate your birth.

Perhaps we could just keep this piece of land here?

I've signed a sales contract.

I don't think the buyer would agree.

Is he going to cut them down?

In 20 or 30 years.

That's what they've been planted for.

Can't afford to get sentimental about them.

I don't know how you manage to take it all so calmly.

You could be said to be liquidating your past.

I should never have accepted this bequest.

On the day of the funeral, I drove over to Schirmeck.

I'd never had the courage to go there before.

The camp no longer exists.

It became a subdivision, a very commonplace subdivision.

There are people there living a normal life.

It seems incredible.

Little houses... with flowers...

...there where...

I walked up to the camp at Struhof.

I took the road we used to take to go to work.

I walked past the gas chamber.

I continued through the camp.

I came to the crematorium.

And there...

...I understood that...

...it wasn't fear of the past that had kept me away.

It was because the camp was the most absurd thing...

and devoid of any sense in my life.

I didn't belong to that camp.

Even though it had been part of my life.

I'm not the man they wanted to make of me...

...by putting me in there.

I'm not liquidating my past.

I'm just refusing to let myself be swallowed up by it.

- 1... 2... 3... Sun!

Shake, shake, shake!

Shake! - Go.

Farther on!

1... 2... 3... Sun!

R�mi!

1... 2... 3... Sun!

- Au revoir. - Merci ma�tre.

- Goodbye.

1... 2... 3 Sun!

- Thanks for the legal work. - Goodbye.

Goodbye.

- Go shoo monsters! - Everybody home!

- We'll get our revenge! - I hope so!

- Julia!

Come on Julia!

One day, as far away as possible... I hope it will be mine.

Ours.

You'll never cut it down?

Never.

Subtitles by FatPlank [RLB] for KG