Original subtitles

Look there...

Police! Stay where you are!

Get out of the way!

Police!

Out of the way!

Stop!

Stay where you are!

Hey, are they genuine Nikes? - Of course, what do you think?!

Straight from the States. From a cousin.

You have no idea, and that is exactly your problem.

Let me see. - You want me to take off my Nikes?

Take them off! - Guys, what are you doing?!

Hey man, don't mess with my shoes! What are you doing?

Give it back!

Give back! - "Made in China", with light strips!

Give it back!

Here, take it... - Give it back to me!

Stay cool, soon you can buy the whole Nike shop.

What are you talking about! Mehdi, come! - Calm down, Driss.

He hands the ball to Tony Parker. The other player storms into the field.

And the guy falls to the ground.

Tony Parker sinks the ball in the basket. - Great.

But not as good as the Lakers.

Good night, my darling.

Good night, Mathieu. - Good night.

Lights off.

Sleep well, kiddies.

Hello...

Excuse me...

Wait! I've been looking for you for days. Wait!

I just want to talk to you.

I am Pierre Geithner, director of the CNSMP...

the director of the Paris Conservatory.

Are you a student? Where did you study?

I rarely have heard someone play like that.

Your interpretation of Bach was outstanding. - What do you want?

Come to me at the conservatory.

Then we can talk in peace. Here is my card.

Take it, with no obligation. Call me.

Please take it.

And call me.

I count on you.

Come on in.

Come in.

Do you want to try?

Keep playing, don't be afraid. Look...

Now you.

No problem.

Is this your first time playing, my boy?

You are gifted.

You can become a great pianist.

But you have to practice a lot. Are you ready to work on playing the piano?

That's fine.

Dammit!

Where have you been so long?

Give me some light.

Okay, this way.

Geez...

Hey you little one! Come here.

Yes, you! Come here.

You are disrespectful.

Do you know how they call me?

Tony Montana. Tony.

Listen...

I want to kill you.

You deserve to die.

Oh my god!

Mathieu, the cops! Hurry up!

The cops are here! Mathieu!

The cops! Hurry up!

Come on, the cops are here!

Police! Put your hands behind your head and don't move!

Sit down!

Two burglaries within six months. Honestly:

now you can hardly get around a prison sentence.

Do you still live in Champs? - Yes.

Yes?

Six months of community service for Monsieur Malinski.

Thank you, Monsieur Geithner! - It's nothing.

Nice that he called me, although I was a little surprised.

He's not a bad guy, but it is easy to incite him.

He promised that this is over now.

What will happen...

if there is a problem? I mean...

Community service replaces a prison sentence.

But it's still a punitive sanction. If Mathieu doesn't show up for work,

he has to serve his sentence and will get an additional prison term.

Then pull yourself together. - Do not worry.

The team will take care of him.

Excuse me.

I have to go now. - Okay.

It was a pleasure, Madame Malinski. - The pleasure was all mine.

I'll see you on Monday, 7:00 a.m. sharp.

He'll be there.

Thanks again.

You should be ashamed of yourself! What a mess!

I'm sorry mom.

Let's go.

What is a conservatory? - A tin full of people.

And what are those people doing in there? - They play music.

And what are you going to do there? - Cleaning.

Sure you don't want a coffee?

No thanks.

Let's get down to business: it doesn't look good.

20 percent less applications. We are out of the picture too much.

I know the numbers.

But everyone has that problem, right? - No, not all departments.

Listen, Pierre...

I don't want to embarras you.

But I wonder, if you don't want to change jobs?

Are you firing me? - No!

But the world of music is developing rapidly.

That young composer, the director of the Bordeaux Conservatory,

Alexander Delaunay,

a favorite student of Boulez and an important figure in modern music...

I know who he is.

He could give us good advice. He would surely have innovative ideas.

I don't need Delaunay nor anyone else.

I found a solution.

Trust me.

Just give me some time, okay?

Okay, Pierre.

Good.

See you later.

Tomorrow in the main auditorium. 6:00 a.m. sharp.

Before you start work. Be on time.

Please sit down again. That was really good.

Good morning.

Here...

play this.

That is too complicated. - You can read sheet music, can't you?

Tell me, how did you learn to play the piano?

Is this an interrogation? - Did you have a teacher?

From tomorrow on you will take lessons in music theory and harmony.

Why? - To learn to read music.

To understand it better. - No thanks.

You will get lessons from countess Elisabeth Buckingham,

your teacher from now on.

I can't pay for that. - It's for free, but compulsory.

This is the deal. You will take classes every day.

Otherwise I will terminate the contract we have.

Well, I'm leaving now, otherwise I'll be too late.

Have a nice day. - Yes...

Everything okay? - Yes.

Thank you.

Do you study at the conservatory? - Yes.

Don't say anything, I will guess what you play. Show me your hands.

Ten to 15 years classical piano.

Wasn't that difficult. - Anna?

I have to go to the rehearsal.

Bye.

If you aren't cut out for music, you'd better do something else.

Good luck.

Next one!

Come in!

Good day.

My name is Mathieu... - Malinski.

Sit down please.

Play something for me.

What should I play?

Play a scale. Three octaves up and down.

A scale in D major.

One note higher, in thirds.

Arpeggio in F major.

Dominant 7th arpeggio, G, B, D, F.

And now chromatic.

What's this all about?

A chromatic scale is that what you played first.

...Do.

Beginner level.

F sharp minor arpeggio with the left and C major with the right.

In eighth notes.

Quarter notes at 160.

No no no!

C, E, 6... C, E, G...

C, E, 6...

Damn it!

Rule number one: you should never overestimate yourself.

The music doesn't depend on you.

Humility is the most important virtue of the musician.

The lesson has ended.

I've had enough of this crap.

"A musician is only free when he respects all details of the score".

My teacher used to say that. - I don't feel like doing this.

But we have an agreement.

Then give me another teacher. - The countess is the best.

Only she can help you move forward quickly.

No one else. We only have six months.

6 months for what? What do you want from me?

Mathieu! We offer you a big opportunity. Do you realize that?

I don't need you. - Yes, you do.

Do you have children?

Why don't you take care of them?

Please put that drawing back.

Give it to me.

This conversation is over. We'll see again next week.

How was your day?

Very good.

A glass of Pomerol?

No thanks.

Should I turn the radio down? - No, I don't mind.

I consider to paint the living room.

To match the new curtains.

And we could organize a dinner again. - Excellent.

Pale yellow like this?

Why not.

And the bedrooms? Any idea?

Raise your fourth finger.

Be careful when changing pedals.

The half notes make up the harmonic rhythm.

Leggiero, as Brahms wrote it.

Imagine a clarinet on the right...

and a French horn on the left.

You see...

you got it.

It's the pulsation that makes the music come alive.

Without rhythm there's no story, no life.

Exercise 20.

Right away in D-flat major. Let's go!

I have to go.

The hour has not finished yet.

I don't care.

And? What do you think? Not bad, right?

And turning... - Cutting-edge: bluetooth and speakers.

300 Euro. - Is that what you spend your money on?

Why not? - It's junk.

Nonsense. If it doesn't suit you, go cleaning again, Conchita.

I've saved your arse.

Otherwise it would have been your turn. - Don't push me!

Take it easy. What's wrong with you? Calm down.

Relax! - He's nuts.

We have a lot of stuff. Fell right off the truck.

That will sell like crazy.

Without me, I've had enough.

What do you mean "enough"?

What's wrong with him?

He's out of his mind. - Idiot.

Relax man! - Let it be.

Maybe you're stressed. Calm down, man.

Just listen to the sound!

Thank you. 15 minutes break.

COMMOTION AT THE PARIS CONSERVATORY

Come in.

I see... you've read it.

It's a real snake pit. - Indeed.

Tell me... how are things going with Mathieu Malinski?

I just get nothing out of him.

He is gifted...

but doesn't make an effort.

He's lazy, arrogant...

In your position, shouldn't you focus on the actual students?

The actual students?

People start talking. That is not good for you.

Don't worry about that. I'll be fine.

You can't save him.

Save Malinski? He's a genius and he's gifted.

A genius who doesn't work, gifted or not, is nothing.

Well, we will see.

So I will stop his classes. - No no, quite the opposite...

you'll keep going on as long as necessary.

Oh no...

Do you want him to participate in the competition perhaps?

No way...

Are you out of your mind?

Impossible, they will never admit him. - Don't forget...

I decide who takes part.

I'm saying this for your own good:

you will turn everyone against you.

I know what I am doing, I believe in him. - I'll tell you one thing:

he doesn't deserve it. He will slam the door in your face.

I will talk to him. - Do that.

I will.

Malinski, follow me.

Come on.

Hello.

In there, go ahead.

Well, come here Malinski.

Tell me: why you play the piano?

I'm waiting.

Why do you play the piano?

On your first day here

you have played Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody on this Steinway.

You will sit down now and play it again.

And then you will tell me why you play the piano.

Get stuffed!

Pierre?

Give me five minutes! - All right.

It's very simple:

you won't get out of here until you have played and answered me.

The longer you wait, the more crowded it will get in here.

It's up to you.

Well...

Thank you.

You play because you don't have another choice...

because it's of vital importance.

You have the music inside of you, Mathieu. It is present...

...in every cell of your body, in every movement...

in every thought, in every facial expression.

The music resides in you.

And you dwell entirely in the music.

Passionately.

This is exactly why you are here.

That's why I let you take classes. Do you understand?

So please, make an effort.

Get down to work in earnest.

Okay.

I am sorry. - No problem.

Not bad, your version of Liszt. - Thank you.

Who is your teacher? - The countess.

Really? In which subject did you take the entrance exam?

The entrance examination?

For postgraduate studies there is an entrance exam.

The countess teaches postgraduate students only.

It was so nice, that it took my breath away.

We didn't introduce ourselves. Anna. - Mathieu.

I'm celebrating my birthday tonight. Do you want to come?

Uh... yes.

Cool... Wait a moment.

I need that briefly.

Mademoiselle!

Maybe until tonight. - Yes.

Good evening. - Bonsoir.

I'm sorry, you can't come in tonight.

"Appropriate clothing required". No sneakers. Goodbye.

Good evening, Monsieur Paul.

The one who invited me is already in.

Damned, I can't believe it.

I beg you...

No, I'm sorry.

Have a nice evening.

Your hands are your most precious treasure.

Through them...

you can fulfill your destiny:

the music.

But what you carry in your heart, you put in your piano playing.

Before we start our meeting, I have great news for you.

Alexandre Delaunay, whom you all know...

Of course we know him, go on please! - He's visiting us in a few months.

Wonderful!

It's a great honor so let's try to be up to the task.

So...

The international piano competition

for the Grand Prix d'Excellence takes place in a few months.

When is the registration deadline? - In one month.

Well then we still have time to prepare our candidate.

Given the situation, our choice

is crucial this year.

In the past 3 years not one of our candidates has won.

Our credibility is at stake, let alone the budget.

Let's choose the best one.

He must be able to play with an orchestra.

Michelet? - Yes.

Sebastien Michelet. What do you think of him?

Fine. - Perfect. - Very diligent.

The candidate has already been chosen.

It's Mathieu Malinski. - Are you kidding?

He is not a student of ours. - He doesn't have a diploma!

Wait a moment please...

Who is this Mathieu Malinski?

He's doing community hours. - He is cleaning.

What do you mean? - Yes, he is a cleaner, indeed.

But I will take full responsibility.

He can get his diploma

before the competition, for which he is already

preparing himself with Mademoiselle Buckingham.

Yes it was me...

... who asked her to do so. - Did you?

And what is his level?

He has some potential. - He's incredibly talented!

When sweeping, yes. - That's complete nonsense.

Apart from his technique he has something very special.

He's real musician, he's talented. You should hear him first.

Okay, okay... we still have one month left.

It will be Malinski or nobody. If it goes wrong, I will step back.

Do you agree?

All right then. I trust you.

Thank you.

Is that the solution for your section: young delinquents?

He is not a delinquent, and he's really outstanding.

Helene asks whether your wife can get in touch with her.

I will tell her.

There is a lot at stake.

So don't screw it up.

SORRY ABOUT THE PARTY. I COULDN'T COME...

I HAVE NOTICED THAT.

RESTAURANT TONIGHT TO APOLOGIZE?

OK.

Yes!

Come in.

Sit down please.

I have signed you up.

The competition is

in about four months.

I can't do this.

It is a stepping stone for all young pianists.

From now on you must concentrate completely on the music. No more cleaning.

I can not do this. They will laugh at me. I don't have that level.

You will achieve it. It's you who will compete for our conservatory.

Just me?

It's an international competition with participants from all over the world.

Each school can register one student. And you are running for the conservatory.

You will do what I expect from you, okay?

I am not your jumping jack.

And those lessons...

... with that Marie-Antoinette, can go to hell.

I'm not going to that competition.

I'm out of here.

You will go to jail, Malinski.

Who cares...

My parents are musicians too.

Otherwise I would have become a painter. Imagine: art galleries and stuff like that...

If I'd had a free choice, I wouldn't have chosen music.

I'm sure about that.

What are your parents playing? - Violin and double bass.

We are a string family.

My cello belonged to my grandfather.

I am very attached to it.

And what about you? Do you have musicians in your family?

No, not at all.

You're the talk of the town at the conservatory. Geithner swears by you.

As if you were his protégé.

That arouses envy.

I'm supposed to take part in the competition. - What? Have you been selected?

It's a crazy plan, I know. - I beg your pardon?

Think of it: all great pianists started at this competition.

Michelet will be flabbergasted when he finds out.

When do the rehearsals start? - I don't know.

You're right.

Somebody else should do that. Music is really exhausting...

No really, i'm happy for you.

You can do it.

I saw you with the cleaning team.

It's great that you finance your studies that way.

Most students here have grants or rich parents.

I like guys who are different.

Shall we go for a walk? - Sure.

It was a nice evening, thank you.

See you on Monday. - Yes.

I'M SURE YOU WILL GRAB THE FIRST PRICE!

THANK YOU!

The piano is yours.

So that you keep playing and let your hands fly.

You have a gift that will lead you to great heights.

Take good care of it.

Be careful, the E flat doesn't sound anymore.

Please mum, it's what mister Jacques wanted me to do:

to continue piano lessons. - Piano lessons?

Continue piano lessons, Mathieu?

You know very well that we can not afford that.

Be realistic, my boy...

Calm down, shh...

What are you doing here? - I can not sleep.

Will you play something for me? I always listen to you from my bed.

Okay, come here.

Yes they are good, but the repertoire is too big.

There are too many pieces and they are too difficult.

Excuse me, can I call you back?

Yes, I'll contact you again.

Where is your score?

Here it is.

The first movement.

Rachmaninoff 2.

And the first movement, too!

This is madness.

How will he be able to decipher this score?

You have to play tenths with one hand and need an enormous finger span.

The finger span we can work out.

And as for the deciphering...

...I suggest you to use another method.

Here is your new classroom.

Mathieu, you sit at the first piano

at the front of the stage.

Elisabeth, can you play a few bars from the first movement?

Please!

Thank you.

Thanks. Now you.

Okay, I get it: he has an absolute pitch, a good memory, etc.

But that is not enough.

What to do with the phrasing, the nuances, the interpretation?

Do you think he'll get through with a circus dog act?

Yes, Malinski!

What do you have to offer?

What is your personal contribution to this score?

Every note was thought through and written down...

one by one, with a lot of passion.

An approximation is not enough.

Well, I'll let you do some work.

Once again, now with the score.

Here you go, play it.

I am listening to you.

No, stop, stop...

The interpretation marks are not there for nothing.

Do you need glasses? What is written here, there and there?

"Mezzo forte". - Yes...

"Ritenuto".

"Diminuendo", "piano" and "a tempo".

And what does that make you think of?

Coffee capsules.

I see...

"Mezzo forte" is Italian and means "moderately loud".

"Ritenuto" means "held back".

"Diminuendo": "decrease in loudness". Make room.

"Mezzoforte".

"Ritenuto", "diminuendo"

and "piano".

And "a tempo". Is that clear?

Once again.

Relax your arms.

Shoulders back. With relaxed arms it will be much easier for you.

Your arms... loosely, relaxed. Exactly!

As long as you don't manage that, we won't get any further.

Will Michelet enter the competition as well? - What?

Don't play games with me: you said I would be the only one!

I will not play against that clown. - What's going on, Pierre?

I don't know anything. Are you sure?

Mathieu, we only have one candidate and that will be you.

I didn't go all the way for nothing.

I'll be right back.

But...

What's going on, André? Why is Michelet practicing Rachmaninoff?

You approved Malinski's candidacy.

He's been working on it for two months. For what? For nothing?

Don't get upset. It's a special arrangement in case he withdraws.

Withdraw? - If you change your mind at the last minute,

Michelet will step in. I do this for the department.

So you want us to compete? - Not at all.

You know why I have to do this? Because you broke the rules.

External candidates are not allowed. - But Malinski represents the conservatory.

In what capacity? - You accepted that he got his diploma!

Because I had to find a way out. But I tell you this: in the future

you will no longer propose candidates.

You've put your job at risk.

I hope the boy is worth it.

He is, for sure.

What did I get myself into?

Maybe you were right - Not at all.

We can do this together. Count me in.

The competition will tell. We have to seize the opportunity.

I don't know how to say it... This is very important to me.

I got that.

Don't worry, I'll take care of Malinski.

Please take it.

Do you know in which context Rachmaninoff composed this concerto?

No.

In connection to the catastrophic failure

of his first symphony.

You can feel that in the first movement:

you can feel his past, his pain...

In the second movement hope returns,

and he finds joy in life again.

And in the third movement it's done.

There is belief.

He becomes aware...

that music is the most precious thing in life.

I think that is what connects us all: you, Pierre, me...

It's rare to share that.

I think, it's happening to me now for the first time.

I've felt it before.

With the teacher who taught you music?

Indeed. - Do you know how I recognized that?

Your style, to play the first notes a little delayed.

As if you wanted to wait for him or...

as if you wanted to honor him.

What was his name?

Monsieur Jacques.

What he has passed on to you...

this feeling...

that's the most important.

So...

shall we return to our job?

Mathieu, it's late. Don't you want to go home?

Sorry that I took you by surprise. You have to get used to audience.

It's going well. You're making progress.

A full hall seems to be impressive. - O yes.

And you'll never get used to it.

600 seats, good acoustics. That's nice for the students.

Yes, it's a very nice hall. You really get that feeling.

Most charming...

Who are they?

Our director with his new favourite,

Alexandre Delaunay, a trendy composer.

They look stupid. - They're not that stupid.

Okay, let's go. Do you want a lift? I have a second helmet.

No, I'll take the last train. Thank you.

Have a nice weekend. Try to relax. - I will.

By the way Mathieu...

this is the key to our guest room.

I think it can be useful to you. The address is on the label.

You will feel comfortable there. Take it.

Have a nice weekend, and take a good rest!

I find you very beautiful. - Thank you.

Where are you going?

And how are you going to eat at night? - I'll be fine, don't worry.

And I'll come home on Sundays.

Then we'll have a nice time together.

Come on man, you ran away! - Who, me?

And how you ran!

No way, I never run, but if necessary I will.

Are you playing the piano again?

About that room: at least you could have asked me.

Are you listening, Pierre?

I wanted to tell you, Mathilde.

The room was not in use anyway.

It was intended for Thomas' study.

At least someone is using it now. And Mathieu is a great boy.

Mathieu? - Yes, a conservatory student.

Since when do you lodge students? And how long is he going to stay?

Without paying rent, I guess?

He will only stay for a couple of months.

And I won't ask him to pay rent. He has no money, and we don't need any.

He is practicing for the competition. - Is he the one?

What do you mean? - André's wife called.

André is worrying about you, and now I understand why.

Pierre, you will lose everything and you don't even notice it.

Hello.

Don't you ask me in? - Yes, of course.

Nice here.

Oh shit...

Oh no...

Come on, hurry! Oh no...

Are you Mathieu?

Yes.

I am Mathilde, Pierre's wife. - I see...

Hello. - Good morning.

I'm glad to meet you. - Likewise. And thank you for the room.

We are happy to help.

Are you rehearsing for the competition? - Indeed.

Have you been playing for a long time? - Yes.

Pierre says you have to work a lot.

Yes.

Actually we're late, we have to go. - I understand.

Goodbye.

I am sorry, the tube...

Bloody hell!

You don't teach your students to be moderate? - Is it bad?

Acute tendinitis.

You are not dead yet...

but you'll need complete rest for three weeks.

What? - Well, that tendon is badly affected.

Is there no other solution? The competition is in less than a month.

I could give an injection to ease the pain.

But promise me that he will not play.

What the hell are you doing? Stop it!

Damn it!

The stress has to find a way out, that's normal.

I wanted to succeed. - You will.

I know it's hard.

You don't know anything. - Oh yes, I do.

Trust me, I understand.

Look at me.

Look at me!

Look at me.

What you have achieved, is admirable.

But others have gone through that too.

All of your frustration and pain you will put into the music.

And I know you have the strength.

Am I right?

Isn't it?

Okay, let's go.

Is that you? - Yes.

The Grand Prix d'Excellence of 1981.

Did you win? - No...

And do you know why?

No.

The feeling...

...was missing.

Don't you make the same mistake.

Pay attention to your feelings. That will benefit you.

Listen again. - I don't have a clue.

You know it. - Really? Are you sure?

I really don't know. - I love this version.

Hey Mathieu!

Buddy, don't you answer SMS anymore? Are you dead or what?

Nice to see you, mate.

This are Driss and Kev, buddies of mine. - Hello, nice to meet you.

Finally I get to know some of Mathieu's friends.

Maybe he's ashamed of his conservatory girlfriend.

He practices so much for the competition that his hand is frayed.

I know how he got that! - Hey, be careful!

He is a virtuoso.

You play piano? - What about the community hours?

I will explain you later. - What kind of competition?

It's nothing, really... - Do you think we're idiots?

Come on, let's go.

You have changed.

Anyway, send us a CD then, Mozart.

Ciao!

Community hours?

Community service.

The cleaning... I wanted to tell you. - But you didn't.

I'm sorry.

Good evening Pierre.

Mathieu...

...sit down please.

Do you want a drink?

Would you rather have a kebab?

A kebab?

Delaunay wouldn't eat this.

Delaunay... - Monsieur Delaunay!

Never in his life.

Have you been into music for a long time?

I don't know better.

I started when I was four. - That young?

Do you know what makes us both different?

I have lost myself in the music along the way.

While you...

you have found yourself in it. That's a rare gift.

How did you lose yourself?

To play, one has to remain a child.

Baudelaire said:

"Genius is the rediscovery of childhood at will."

You like quotes a lot.

Yes, that's true.

Pierre...

Thank you.

It's me who should thank you.

I was very lucky to have met you.

You have to be proud of yourself.

You are ready.

Bravo.

Thank you.

Vodka martini? - Oh yes, Mr Bond.

I'm coming.

Oh no! - What's wrong? - A button came off.

Never mind, it's just a button.

I just can't wait for it. Your family will be proud of you.

I didn't tell them anything.

Not even your mother?

She will be very proud of you.

No, it's better this way.

I don't understand.

Because we have a different social background.

Sorry, but I didn't choose my family.

Why should we care about our background?

Do you realize how it is not to have money for piano lessons?

And only dream about it?

My mother works as a night nurse, feeding old people at the hospital.

Music is not relevant to her.

She only cares about putting bread on the table.

To us classical music is just for snobs.

In the suburbs we despise your kind of folk.

So cut the crap.

See you later.

Good morning. - Hello.

A button came off. Do you have a needle and thread?

Of course, come on in. - Thank you.

You want a cup of tea? - Yes, thank you.

Please go inside. - Merci.

That's Thomas, our son. He died two years ago.

He was 15.

Pierre didn't tell you, I guess. He never talks about it.

Please sit down.

Pierre told me your preparations have come to and end.

So you will be leaving us soon?

You don't expect to win, do you?

Pierre is a little beside himself at the moment.

I am sorry that he got you involved.

He is in a crisis, messing everything up.

You will never replace his son.

I do not know what he was thinking.

Maybe he wanted to make an impression with a guy from the subsurbs like you.

To bring forward something original.

He certainly spoke of "genius" and "gift".

The thing that hurts me the most is

that you both are ridiculing yourselves in front of the whole world.

Just forget about the competition.

If not for Pierre, then for your own sake.

What an asshole.

Hello stranger.

Is David not here? - He's outside with the others.

Your girlfriend was here. - Who? - The black one.

Ask mom.

Why didn't I know about your girlfriend and the competition?!

Bullshit! You were never interested in my piano playing.

We had no money, your father... - Stop it, you keep saying that.

Always the same song.

I won't go to the competition.

The community hours are done, I am no longer obliged to do anything.

I'll start working again, like everyone does.

There will be money and you'll be satisfied.

Don't give up your dream, just out of fear for rejection.

You are the only one to whom you owe anything. Just you.

I've already made up my mind.

Mathieu?

"I'm not the right person."

It's better this way.

Did you talk to him? Did you?

What did you say?

What did you tell him?!

Give up on that boy, Pierre. He is not your son.

But you really don't get it.

Nobody will ever replace Thomas. Nobody!

It's not about that, it's about music.

That's the only thing that counts.

The only thing that keeps me alive.

We'll never get him back, Mathilde. Never ever.

I'm so sorry.

His lordship the pianist!

I have finished my community service. - Really?

And the conservatory? - That's over. I withdrew.

What kind of ciggies are those? - These? They are from Morocco.

They are good businness. Are you in? - Shouldn't you be somewhere else now?

Do you think you'll get a second chance?

Good evening.

Good evening.

Good luck.

Hello my dear.

Ladies and gentlemen...

I declare the 25th international competition

for the Grand Prix d'Excellence open.

Yes, go on, go on!

Go, go! - There's Lucky Strike...

...and Marlboro. They sell like crazy.

But also the Chesterfields are top notch.

David!

Maybe he's dead! - Call an ambulance, hurry!

I am his mother! What happened? - Trust us, we'll do our best.

The next candidate: Mademoiselle Yu Wan from Taiwan.

Go!

Go to the contest, do it for your brother.

I'll be here when he wakes up. Please go now.

Tell him... - Don't worry, I won't leave.

Hurry up, my son.

Thank you.

What are you still doing here? Go, go!

I need your help, guys! Right now!

How can you manage this?

I am confident.

I'm confident.

I'm going out.

Step on it! - Where are we driving to?

To the Champs Elysees. - Go flat out!

The next candidate: Mademoiselle Arpejou.

Oh come on...

What is that flashing light overthere? - This can't be true!

Shit! - Don't panic.

Damn it! - Turn around!

I'll run. Bye guys.

Run, Mathieu!

Go for it! - Show them who you are!

I'M COMING. I LOVE YOU.

Number 15, Monsieur Malinski.

Mr Chairman, he'll arrive soon.

I will not wait. - Please give him a chance.

It's your turn, Sébastien.

Hurry... to the right!

Monsieur Michelet.

Monsieur Malinski is here.

Wait, please wait.

Mathieu...

do not forget:

the emotion must be appropriate

and have depth.

Come on, now it's your turn.

Mathieu, take my jacket.

After all, number 15: Monsieur Malinski.

Rachmaninoff, concerto No. 2, 1st movement.

Thank you.

Bravo!

Bravo, Mathieu!

Bravo, Mathieu!

6 MONTHS LATER...

Hello everyone, I'm Michael Smith.

This is probably the warmest day we'll see for the next 2 weeks.

In Central Park...

A NEW FRENCH DIRECTOR OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

Thank you for coming. - See you after the concert. - Have fun.

Nice to see you.