Original subtitles

Out of a million stars

One is mine

It keeps twinkling at me.

It keeps staying with me.

Tell me, little star.

Far away, over there in the sky.

You keep shining for me.

ABEL YOUR BROTHER

Screenplay by

Adult cast:

Children cast:

Directed by

This story

took place in the 1930s.

In my childhood.

The time isn't important here.

Here are the main characters.

The entire Year 5.

The girls and the boys.

Take a good look at them.

Face after face.

They're just like you.

Waldemar Pacuch.

The strongest of them.

He's no trouble if on his own.

But his gang mates needn't worry.

Everything's OK if he's keeping watch.

Lech Kobyłecki.

Father's a bricklayer.

And he's got leucoma behind that blue glass.

'Semaphore' - that's his nickname.

Remember this one.

Henryk Balon.

See how how serious, focused he looks?

Yet he's punched many noses for no reason.

Antoni Bącała.

Quiet. Nice.

He used to be like that.

And now...

you'll see for yourselves.

Jerzy Zagrajek.

Mother works at a shop.

He lifts sweets and gingerbread from there

to give to his stronger mates.

Everybody likes him for that.

But most of all - the Paculanka girl.

He's smiling at her.

Józef Salamon.

A minor character.

Got hit on the head with a shoe once.

It made him lose his memory and he's been a different person since.

He's a postcard collector now.

And keeps turning that head of his.

Jeremi Matuszczak.

Son of a bank clerk.

Nobody makes fun of him.

Nobody bothers him. Not even Balon.

'Paganini,' he says.

'How come you're so talented, maestro?'

Matuszczak confers with the teachers before every school ceremony.

And then he plays the violin.

The form tutor of Year 5.

Teaches Polish and Geography.

Unbelievable.

Them and that breathtaking silence.

Everybody looking so different, so formal.

How did they get

to come here on an ordinary day?

Our father in heavens, our Lord.

Send down onto earth

Your holy grace

Down here onto earth, send it to us.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sit down.

Listen up, children!

The school is like

a tiny commonwealth of ours.

Which is governed by us, the adults.

But order and justice

depends to a large extent

on you, too. - I'm done, sir. May I go back to my seat?

Hence, not withouth a reason, our classroom has

the national emblem.

This puts obligations on us, children,

for whatever we do...

Bącała!

A great writer once said,

'Man! That sounds mighty!'

I'd like you bear that in mind. It's very important.

As early as here, at school,

you should learn to value that

which makes a man different...

Paweł Stopa!

That which makes us, that is a man,

different from other creatures.

You should learn to respect yourselves and...

others...

Why are you standing there like that?

Take your seats. - Yes, sir.

You sit over there.

- What is your name? - Basia Jegorow.

- And yours? - Matulak, Karol.

You sit over there.

Not here.

Next to Balon.

What? At my desk?

Yes.

He might be a good influence on you.

Make room for him!

Pay attention, please.

As your form tutor, I believe

that like in previous years

you'll make a uniform and serried team.

And that each of you...

What is it again? Close the door, please!

that each of you...

Looks like your mummy with the lunch.

Matuszczak, close the door, I said.

It's impudent to peek into the classroom like that, sir.

Gąsiorek! Speak only when spoken to!

Going to give you the timetable now. - Glad I'll be sitting next to you. And you?

Why don't we introduce ourselves?

I'm Karolek.

- Come again? - Karol Matulak.

This timetable is only effective for the first week.

From then there'll be a fixed one.

The name is Poniatowski.

Prince Józef Poniatowski. You can call me Joe.

But it's Balon.

- You think it's funny? - No, of course I don't.

Write it down, please.

I'll give you the course book list now.

Budge up.

Hey, new guy. Bącała wants to introduce himself now.

What do I care?

I'm Matulak, Karol.

Quiet, the teacher's speaking.

A polite fella.

Seen his manners?

If you're kind and polite to others, they'll be polite to you.

Everything in this world has a cause.

If only your father were still alive...

Wipe it off.

It's bad banners to snort it.

Wipe it off.

You're bound to be happy at this school.

Just keep clear of trouble makers. And remember: no fighting!

Politeness will get you further.

He's quite lucky.

My, oh my, he's a lucky guy.

- I'm trying to take notes! - Quite a cat, eh?

With his specs and handkerchief.

A starched collar.

Do you reckon he's strong?

Why don't we check him out?

Think about it.

Why aren't you taking notes?

- Don't have a pen. - Get a pencil, then.

Don't have one.

What's your name? Matulak! Give him a pencil.

Blue at one end and red at the other.

- And some paper? - Listen up, Balon.

You've been admitted to Year 5...

only for the sake of your ill father.

But this year...

Stand up and hands out of the pockets!

Mark my words.

You won't get away so easily this year.

Sit down. What's the matter?

I... I wanted to say that...

What is it again?!

I wanted to say that one should always be kind and polite.

'Cause everything...

What do you mean?

- Never mind. - Silence!

All my life I've been taught to be humble.

Humble and patient.

Don't know if that's good anymore.

You've got something on your face.

- Good afternoon, ma'am.

Is he in your class, too?

Yes. Give me my...

These boys seem well-behaved. Looks like you'll have better friends here.

Give me that, mum.

Alright, alright.

Mr Jonah, join us please.

At the confectioner's.

Have some, Mr Jonah.

Cut it out.

Is it true you used to drive your own car?

A letter.

I've written a letter again.

To him?

I don't believe in him or that pretty daughter of yours.

Nobody has the right to hurt another. Nobody.

God made us in His image.

And taught us to love each other.

Am I similar to God then?

You nuts? To an ape!

Each of us is lonely on this earth.

That's what I wrote to him.

Lonely and helpless.

Why does he do harm, then?

Doh. Ray. Me.

Ray.

Fah.

Doh.

Ray.

Doh.

Very good. Your name?

Matulak.

Ray.

Fah. Soh. La.

I wasn't laughing.

I swear I wasn't.

Fah. Soh. La.

Matulak.

Doh. Ray. Doh.

You heard that?

You heard that?

Why are you covering that?

Show it to me.

Woods. Sun. Very nice.

That must be you.

Will you be our regular Art teacher, miss?

Or just a substitute? - Regular.

That's me. With the violin.

I'd often play by the river and listen to the birds singing.

I know. I've heard about you.

Sit down.

What about you?

Well, I, miss...

I didn't go anywhere. - Just draw anything, then.

- A horse! - Or that big church in Grochów.

Or a little black boy in Africa.

You'll think of something.

What are you staring at?

And what's this?

A coffin?

Yes. And a gentleman in it.

His watch fell into a pond and he wanted to get it out.

Balon saw that, miss.

Is this supposed to be a nice holiday memory?

Because he drowned in the clay pit in our 'hood.

This is me and that's him walking in the funeral procession.

Alright, alright...

'Why, let the stricken deer go weep,'

'The hart ungalled play;'

'For some must watch,'

'while some must sleep.'

Shakespeare.

You too will get to know this poet one day.

Poetry, my dear children, has always taught people

to appreciate beauty

to understand the man

Sometimes only his dreams and longings.

Stopa! What are you poking around your nose for?

Quiet!

For that reason...

you must remember every poem so well that it will remain within you like a...

Balon, Bącała! Put that box away!

Sir, there must be something inside.

- What? - Sir,

Why did that deer weep?

Bącała!

Recite a poem, please!

'Stars shine high up in the sky,'

'Don't think, peasant, they shine for you.'

'The bright one that rises over the woods,'

'Like a piece of the sun - that's for the landlord.'

Good, sit down. Balon! You take over.

[Machine gun reciting. Poem continued, barely intelligible]

What do you want?

A poem should be recited, not said, shouldn't it, sir?

Do recite, then.

'They all sparkle like auroras'

'Except for yours, you poor peasant.'

'Folk say that back in time immemorial,'

'Our Lord lit up all the stars equal.'

Very well. Sit down. You heard that?

That's reciting. That's poetry.

Right. The others just babbled.

Gąsiorek! Who's the teacher here? You or me?

Get out!

But I've just got in.

Move it!

Bącała. Watch the door.

Do some reciting here now.

Go on. - Hold the door.

Don't let anybody in. - Go on.

You forgot? That stuff about stars.

'They all sparkle like auroras,'

- Do that hand thing too. - You thought you could get away with it?

Well?

'They all sparkle like auroras Except for yours...'

You know what you get for things like that?

Out of my way!

Is this a show or what?

Put your hands down. - The hell he will.

- You whelp! - Quick.

Just you wait!

It's not a theatre! Scram!

I do thank you for coming to my defence.

My name's Matulak, I'm new here.

Alright, beat it.

No worries, I know how to get him.

Matulak? - No, Pakuła, the gap-toothed.

Balon, Pacuch! Out of the classroom!

Oi, I've warned you.

Don't shout at us.

I'll play a trick on him he'll never forget.

Oi, the gap-toothed! Quasimodo!

Go to the circus, Quasimodo!

They'll have a job for you there.

Come out.

Go on. - What?

- I've told you, haven't I? - What do you want?

Have I called you? Have I?

- Beat it. - Alright, alright.

You just wait. - You're still here?

He hasn't kicked your butt?

Him? He'd have wished he hadn't.

Go prone!

Up!

Run forward!

Go prone!

Up!

Run forward!

Go prone!

Crawl!

Waldek! One of them is getting quite a drilling here!

Up!

To the rear, run!

By God! He's gone crazy or what?

He's gone out of his mind!

Just imagine HIM drilled in the army.

Well, lads, shall we chase him?

OK.

- Undress him! -Yeah.

Let's split, lads.

[Singing a scout song]

Attention, please!

Let me repeat.

The school trip is tomorrow.

We gather at 8 am in front of the school.

We'll go to Kobyłka! Going on a trip.

To the woods, to the woods!

Quiet! Quiet!

You'll be going with the Biology teacher.

Remember to bring packed lunches and drinks.

Quiet! Quiet!

I'll bring two bottles of lemonade. - Alright.

I'll bring some tea with lemon. It's very refreshing.

Is coffee with cream allowed?

Quiet! Quiet! Attention.

If the weather is bad, you'll bring your course books as usual.

The weather will be fine. October, Indian summer.

Let us pray.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

[Indistinct]

- Goodbye, children. - Goodbye, sir.

See you tomorrow, lads!

Keep walking.

You see how he's hurrying?

He saluted.

It's raining, damn.

And I prayed it would be sunny.

Have you written anything new, Mr Jonah?

God sends plagues on us.

Water and fire and other tragedies.

To make us suffer the harm we do unto others.

Stop laughing!

And I wrote this to you too

You will come to suffer too.

It's not only hunger and cold that makes a man suffer.

Has he ever written back to you?

It keeps raining.

Would you like something to eat?

Got some bread with lard and hot coffee.

I've got some coffee, but no sugar.

Shall I pour you some?

It's hot.

It'll warm you up. Bread? - Don't ask him.

Might as well forget the trip to the woods and forests.

- Balon, Henryk - Present.

Bącała, Antoni.

Absent, sir, I saw him walking with the schoolbooks.

Must have gone astray. A truant.

- Gąsiorek, Anna. - Here.

I saw him too. He will come. And so will Balon.

So Balon's not here?

Them and Pacuch were hanging out in the gateway.

Sure they will.

Sit down. Jegorow, Barbara.

- Present. - Kobyłecki, Lech.

- Present. - Krzesińska, Jadwiga.

You're nuts or what?

You'll have it coming.

Why tell tales?

You're a stupid toady.

A bootlicker!

I ain't never liked guys like that.

- And quite a reciter, to boot! - Cut it out and show us the way.

It's here. I remember.

You sure it's here?

I promise. I saw him walk in here.

Easy to check. Hang on.

Got it. Round the back, first floor.

'Matulak, Eugenia.'

'Embroider.'

- It's over there. - At the back.

Who's going to call him?

Zagrajek, he looks the smartest.

- No, I won't. - Don't yell.

- He's right. - Let him go himself.

He'd get thrown down the stairs.

- You have no beef with him. I do. - You chickening out?

You want me to do it. Fair enough. You think I won't?

Eugenia Matulak Embroidery and Button Coating

Come in, please.

Karolek, somebody for you.

He'll be very pleased.

But... I... Madam...

Do come in, I can't have you standing outside.

Go on.

Say hello to each other.

It'll only take a while. - Ask the guest to go in.

Do go in. You must have some business to talk about.

Yes, just for a moment.

Take your friend to your room. Take your coat off.

- Do you like it here? - Uh-huh.

Daddy took all those photos. Had his own camera. A kodak.

That's him, in the uniform. Had a moustache. It was the fashion back then.

He took that too. He was a photography buff.

- Can I get you something to eat? - No, no, Madam,

Oh God, you're all so shy.

Have a look there.

Maybe he didn't go there?

Maybe he's still outside.

Don't you worry about him. Just remember to wait until he gets past.

Then we will... - Bang him on his back!

Once, twice, then a good kick.

Let him complain later. Like he will find any witnesses.

So you haven't come alone?

I could show you the sabre, if you like.

How many are there? Two, three?

It's new.

It's my daddy's.

You can take it out.

There are four of us. - Ask them to come in then.

If I'd known earlier, I'd have bought some cakes.

- Who is there downstairs? - Guys from our class.

Go on. You'll chat later.

- Balon? - Uh-huh.

And Bącała?

You could play draughts. The set's in the chest.

We were just passing... - Or you could play the old maid.

- They said, 'Let's go' so I... - Who did?

They did? - Yes.

Will you let him go?

I'll be going then...

Do hurry up.

She's invited us all in. - To the flat?

- Yup. There'll be tea and canapés.

They're small rolls with meat or marmalade.

You were supposed to call him out.

And grab him by his head?

Anyway, he hasn't done anything wrong. - Sure he hasn't.

- So she's inviting us? - You can check yourself.

- Why not? - He's got a real sabre there.

We should go in, I guess.

Indeed. Impolite to say no.

Stop that ringing.

You're an altar boy or what?

That's a nice teddy bear there.

Quite a beast.

He got it when he was 3. You like it, don't you?

Go ahead. I'll bring some more if these aren't enough.

But of course it isn't, Madam.

Don't eat so fast!

Behave yourself, it's not a backyard here.

- Well, do you like it? - Not bad.

This sausage is exquisite. Is it homemade?

You have some, too, son.

Why don't you sing something?

- Here? You nuts? - Why not?

Sing something.

As long as you don't fool around.

And you don't slurp.

OK. But what?

- 'The Little Woman.' - No.

The one about Bielany.

It's much better. - But how does it go?

I know. Play.

- Mum, he sings so beautifully. - Yes, I've heard him.

Why don't you show them the photos of your dad on horseback?

- He came out nicely on those. - We'd love to have a look, Madam.

- Show them, Karol. - They're in colour.

- Sure. - But of course.

About the other thing... I didn't mean anything bad.

The teacher got it wrong and put you down as absent.

He's been picking on us, obviously.

He, Zagrajek, knows this. He was there and heard it all.

- What lovely fur. - Don't touch that.

You've all had a good look?

Yes!

Your homework is to draw a roebuck in your notebook.

- Stay in your seats. - Goodbye, children.

Attention, children. Your fifth lesson

will be in the common room, with your PE teacher

Quiet! Quiet!

When will we go on a trip? - Indeed!

We were supposed to go as the weather improves.

At least let's pop out to Paris.

Let's get out for the break, lads.

Balon, Pacuch, Zagrajek!

The Miss is ill. Instead of the school She went to the doctor's.

Wanna swap? - I'd be glad to.

Thank you.

Would you like a roll, too?

Why the heck not.

Here you are.

Salomon! Come over here.

For you, enjoy.

- You like it? - It's good.

And healthy. Bloody healthy.

It's onions that make me so strong.

Here.

- Thank you. - What for?

We're mates, ain't we? - You heard me?

Balon, Bącała, Zagrajek!

Alright. Let's beat it, lads.

Zagrajek. Start playing.

I carry the baskets with cheese.

Sir, I started off wrong.

May I start again? - Of course.

I carry the baskets with cheese.

I carry the bags with bottles of perfume.

I will marry a fine gentleman.

I will marry a fine...

- Zagrajek! Zagrajek! - Silence!

Sir, it's their fault I forgot how it goes from there.

Never mind. That might do.

But sir, there are six more verses.

Yes, I know. Take your seat.

Which of the boys was supposed to prepare a sketch?

I can go on for half an hour. At the campfire - an entire hour.

OK, OK, but...

But this won't do.

[a traditional folk song]

Silence! Quiet, please.

Basia Jegorow knows a poem, sir. 'Death of a Lieutenant'

[starts reciting, barely comprehensible]

- Quiet! - I know a jolly one.

[completely indistinct]

Think it over, child. - I could dance a krakoviak

only I haven't got the traditional dress with me. It's very nice and expensive

it has embroidery and sequins.

They're shooting with ink, sir!

Who was it?

You?

Not me, sir.

You? - Me? Of course not.

You. Balon!

Me? Me neither, sir.

Sure. Somebody goes and shoots so it must've been us?

About glasses.

It's Salomon! Well-done! Go for it!

Where are my glasses? where, oh where? On the table, or under the chair?

In the right shoe?

In the left shoe?

Near the window, or near the door?

I don't remember the rest.

Silence!

A sketch, sir. 'A caterpillar' - But it's not a sketch.

I know another one. About a sentry and a lieutenant.

- Go ahead. - But I'd have to go out of the room.

It will be something disgusting, sir.

So he's asleep and I'm standing sentinel and I have to report to him.

Look, lads.

Sir, I report it's drizzling, sir.

Say 'thank you.'

- Thank you. - Don't look up. Keep sleeping.

Sir, it's raining, sir.

- What's funny in that? - Keep going.

Yes, sir.

Sir, it's pouring down, sir.

Thank you.

Silence! Quiet!

Quiet!

I've told you so. See what he's done?

That's nothing.

- You cross with me? - Of course not.

We're cool, then.

A great sketch for the campfire, boys.

Jesus.

We've fooled you!

He's coming.

Quick!

You got it?

Here you are. - You're a swell guy.

- How did you do that? - Easy.

Did you pay?

You think I can't steal?

So many lollipops. About dozen or so.

[All class chanting] We will tell the teacher.

You will?

[Inaudible dialogue]

Or maybe you will?

Leave me alone.

Besides, what do I care?

Maybe you feel like snitching?

I will if I feel like it. I'm not afraid of you.

Matulak broke that flower pot, didn't he?

Remember! The window opened itself and pushed the pot off the sill.

Clear it up, lads. And you - scram!

Can you curse, Karolek?

Depends what you mean.

Like adults do, I mean.

Arse.

Louder.

Arse!

Go ahead, don't worry.

We're outta here, lads.

Seen that? He's shooting in the street.

He might take somebody's eye out.

Sure he might.

All it takes is a slip of his finger.

He needs talking to, gents. - Punch him in the nose.

- You. - Me?

Karol will, then.

Me?

- Take his bow, too. - But punch the whelp first.

Punch him? What for?

- You afraid? - No.

But he's only shooting at the trailer.

Trailer or not, doesn't matter.

Yes, but...

He's afraid, I'm telling you.

- Me? - Go ahead, then.

If he sees us, he'll scram.

Don't touch that.

Give me the arrow back.

Give it back, you heard me?

HE might get a thrashing instead, actually

Help him, what are you waiting for?

Mum!

What's going on?

What's the matter?

Just you wait, rascals. Beating my kid!

And stole my bow, too.

And stole your bow?

And the arrow.

I'll find those rascals, son. Come with me.

The birds flew south today.

The last birds. - To America.

His son-in-law moved to America.

Took away everything from him.

He did. Loads of money.

Gold rings and diamonds.

Even silver spoons. - And forks too!

And a beautiful wife. His daughter. But he lost her on the way.

He wanted to get away on his own. To Rio de Janeiro.

He reads everything

I write him. And then

each words screams in his heart.

But I will find him anyway.

Even if I had to look all over the world.

Headbutt him, headbutt the rascal!

But if I become evil, woe betide him.

A hundred times woe betide him.

Because I'll be much more evil than him.

Is that you, sonny?

Yes, it's me.

You're always late these days.

Been waiting for 3 hours.

I even checked at the school.

Come on over, have the dinner.

Give us a kiss.

You've been eating onions?

What's with you and onions recently?

It's healthy, mum. Bloody healthy.

- What kind of language is this? - I'm going to be strong.

'You think you get strong overnight?'

'You've got to work out first.'

'Ideally, you should buy that book.'

''Swedish Gymnastics.' It's all in there. And it's got pictures.'

'If you got some dumbbells. And some resistance springs.'

'You'd be stronger than Balon himself.'

'Gymnastics is one of the healthiest and noblest sports.'

'It goes back as far antiquity.'

'It helps to develop your character.'

'It's like fighting against yourself.'

Watch out, it's Tarzan coming now.

We'll take a bit of your time.

Please get the children in line.

Form double line!

Boys on the left, girls on the right.

Make the lines straight.

Please.

Attention!

- Have a look at them - Go ahead.

That one?

That one?

No. He had two white glasses over his eyes.

Perhaps he was from another school?

This one, sir. He was wearing a coat and glasses.

Step forward.

What do you mean? Matulak?

He's one of our best-behaved.

- It's that one, sir. - Yes, it is, mum.

Is it true?

Have you heard me?

Is it true you beat up this boy?

Yes.

There was also another, smaller one.

With crooked teeth. - Yes, there were two.

And what for?

Would you recognise him?

He had a cap. And a school bag with books.

And hit me on the head. - And what about this one?

This one kicked me and stole my arrow.

Who was with you?

I was alone. Alone, sir.

Not true. There were a few of them.

The other one stole my bow.

Maybe he was from another school. - Which one?

I don't know. Didn't ask.

Get dressed.

Get your things and come to my office. Come with me, madam.

It's outrageous. One beating another,

for nothing,

beating up and punching.

If their folks can't raise them at least school should.

Go to your classroom.

Everybody on my mark: attention!

Left face!

Come closer.

You hit him, right?

There are no excuses.

Did you write it in? - Your mother must sign it.

I work. No husband.

Doing my best for my child. And...

I want to see your mother tomorrow.

... a stranger comes by and...

I dread to think who he'll grow into. - You may go.

This way.

If my husband was still alive, sir...

he would support us. But I'm just on my own...

He didn't snitch on us.

What good would it do to him?

He wouldn't have anyway.

My knees are weak through fasting.

and my flesh faileth...

I became also a reproach unto them:

when they looked upon me they shaked their heads.

Have mercy upon me, o Lord; for I am weak:

My soul is also sore vexed.

Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with an instrument of ten strings.

Through joy and dance praise Him.

Impossible. You can't have done that.

I did.

On my own. All by myself.

No Balon, Pacuch, or even Bącała.

You're lying. I know you are.

You're deluded. I'm not different at all.

- Don't think that... - Stop it!

- I also kicked him and took his bow. - Eat!

You getting ill would be all I need now.

- Hit him so hard he rolled over. - Silence!

'He accosted the boy and went on to beat him for no reason.'

No.

Admit it, son.

It's for your own good.

You could get expelled for that.

- Let them. - What nonsense!

You'll grow up and what will you do then?

Road paving jobs?

I don't want to grow up.

What do you you mean you don't?

Everybody has to grow up and so do you.

Do you think I'll be forever?

No dad anymore and if you treat me like this...

Stop it, stop it, mum.

Who will protect you?

Who will feed you?

Who will? That Bącała or Zagrajek of yours?

Come over here.

You see Daddy?

He was the best, the most noble man I've ever met.

Will you swear on the memory of your father you're telling the truth?

No.

But please don't tell anybody.

It's me... Me...

Speak then. I'm listening.

- But will you...? - Go on.

- First it was them - Who?

Them. Balon, Zagrajek, and Bącała.

They told me to go to that shop.

A green kiosk.

Turn around. Come over here.

And?

They wanted me to steal some sweets.

Those who came round the other day?

Yes.

And did you?

No, I paid with the money you'd given me for the notebooks.

I believe you.

What happened next?

Then there was that boy with a bow and arrows.

Pacuch told me to punch his nose.

Jesus. If he could hear this now.

They're nothing but thugs!

No, they're not.

But...

But Mum, you won't tell anybody?

And you did it only because he'd told you to?

Don't tell anybody, please!

You hear me, mum?

Don't!

Can you see them?

White birds.

Yup.

A vee. Must be ducks.

Or wild geese. They're leaving.

- To warm countries. - To Africa.

They'll make nests in palm trees.

- Who did you confiscate it from? - Majewski, 7B.

Right.

And you?

Why are you refusing to repeat that in front of them?

We're all ears.

You are all supposed to learn to tell the truth,

to get used to it.

Don't you understand that?

Are they really such role models to you...

or perhaps you're afraid of them?

You're saying nothing.

Fair enough.

Well.

They all will have their conduct grades lowered.

I want to see the parents of Balon and Pacuch.

Father's at work all the time these days, sir.

Coal deliveries. - And your mother?

- House-cleaning jobs. - My dad can't come, either.

Down at the police station. Jailed.

Get someone else to come, then. - Who?

Your sister or your brother.

Anybody.

Back to the classroom!

And no talking back.

- You were right. Everything was OK. - Quiet!

Good morning.

Did you apologise to the head and the class teacher?

Suit yourself.

If anybody bothers you now, tell the head.

They won't be bothering you anymore, hopefully.

Son!

Perhaps...?

Matulak! Matulak!

Matulak! The monitor's been calling you.

You've gone deaf or what? I've been calling you!

Have a look.

See what you've done there?

You've spilt all of the ink.

You see this?

- Ink? - Maybe it wasn't him.

Not him?

Who then? The Holy Ghost?

He did it and now he's playing possum.

Me?

I didn't do that.

Who did, then?

Don't know. You might've done it yourself.

Me?

Well done.

Well done, Antoni.

Clean it up.

You heard me?

Get some paper and wipe it off.

No.

And the scrambled eggs too.

No.

No.

No.

Bleeding hell, gents.

Let me. - Scoot.

Attacking a shorty, eh?

That orphan? Try me, instead.

A lovely tie this is.

A rubber band.

Back to your seats!

Go to the bathroom and wash.

You gotta know the score, eh, Waldek?

Or you get kicked or punched and that's it.

Right. Can't have everybody to be the boss.

- Have a sweet. - Don't want to.

- Watch your language. - Sorry.

- Let me look at you. Were you hit? - No.

- I did it myself. - Yourself?

- Against a desk. - Of course.

You nearly got your glasses broken.

You could've had your eye damaged.

What are you doing? Homework?

Reading a book, I guess.

What are you reading?

'Ann of the Green Gables'?

A very nice book. Very.

I used to want to be like Ann.

Doesn't time fly?

It's All Souls' Day tomorrow.

Mr Jonah, you're gonna get cold.

Snow's the only thing that's going into your hat.

Right. Sleet, actually.

Try extending your hand and putting the hat on your head.

You might get flu and end up in bed for Christmas like that.

- It was still sunny on the All Souls' Day. - Fancy a smoke?

Leave him be.

Merry Christmas, Mr Jonah.

[Live radio broadcast of boxing fight]

Not asleep, are you?

I've spoken to some lady, you know.

Those headaches of yours... it's the books' fault.

Your constant reading.

I used to get them, too.

I wasn't able to read at all.

Same thing with movies.

Sometimes it made me walk out in the middle of a film.

Taken your medicine?

A whole spoonful?

Get some sleep, sonny.

You'll be fine by the day after tomorrow.

You'll go back to school.

Goodnight.

We are the future of the nation.

Our breasts full of vigour.

Freedom is the aim we seek

Going forwards, never back.

A bright moon in the sky,

A million stars above,

And enchanted tale,

And enchanted world.

[Traditional Polish folk song]

Little snowflakes falling,

Like silver stardust,

It's white all around here,

Veils of snowy fog.

[Traditional Polish folk song]

Far away in the heart of the woods,

A bear has fallen fast asleep,

So have the gnomes,

And so have Hansel and Gretel.

[Traditional Polish folk song]

Open up, you!

Leg it, lads, to the classroom!

- Good morning, children. - Good morning, miss.

Today we're going to draw beauties of winter.

Matulak.

Matulak.

Matulak.

Matulak.

Matulak.

Karol! Answer me!

Karol!

I thought...

I thought...

Stop fooling around.

The Art teacher's come.

We're going to draw beauties of winter.

Zagrajek

and Paculanka

have brought some flowers.

Now they'll distribute them

and the children will get one each.

Only one for each.

No.

The flowers are not for them.

Get dressed.

It's half past seven.

What? A headache again?

You don't feel like studying, that's all.

I know.

The term's over soon:

Arithmetic and Geography: fail

Gymnastics too.

You've changed a lot, sonny.

Stand straight.

I believed in you so much.

I was so sure you'd grow up to be someone better.

Someone better than me.

Well-educated

and able to help me in my old age.

Eat.

It's all gone cold now.

All my life I've been doing my best to make your life good.

So that you never need anything from strangers.

You packed everything?

God forbid you should ever need anything from them.

So much humility it sometimes takes.

How rarely you get listened to.

Go on, raise you head.

Go.

You mustn't give in like that.

If I were you, I'd ambush Balon when he's alone and whack him.

I'd teach Zagrajek a lesson, too.

- I love woods. - So do I.

Can you smell the air here?

It's the resin.

Nothing better for chest pains.

Breath in and hold it. Don't let it out at once.

Come on, you're gonna get cold.

Christmas decorations, toys, paper chains,

How's business, mate?

Paper chains, Christmas decoration, cheap, cheap.

Why aren't you putting that on?

No classes today.

A beautiful ceremony instead.

- I've got a terrible headache. - You must go.

What's with those headaches of yours?

It'll go when you've had this walk.

What would they think if you didn't go?

Raise your chin.

Still got lots of work to do.

Clean, polish the floors, shopping.

Then make the dough, don't know when I'll go to bed.

There'll be Christmas gifts at school. Last year you got a quarter a kilo bag.

Sweets, nuts, even a few filled chocolates.

- But I don't want to. - Cut it out!

God is born and night is shaken. He the Heaven’s King lies naked.

The living Word knows brightness darkened,

He the Limitless takes limit.

Born disdained yet worship given,

Mortal, yet the Lord eternal.

Now indeed the Word made flesh

Has come on earth to dwell among us

What hast thou, O Heaven better, God abandoned thy perfection?

Here to share the trial and sorrow

Of His poor, beloved people.

Suffered much and suffered dearly,

For we all were guilty sinners,

Now indeed the Word made flesh

Stay calm and where you are.

He's collapsed, miss. Fainted.

His glasses got trampled over.

- Fainted indeed - Take him to the doctor's office.

The key. Give us the key.

Ready, boys?

1... 2...

Lotsa fun in our village today

When Johnny the Fiddler starts to play.

He'll go teelee teelee on his fiddle All the folks with their arms akimbo, impressed.

They'll go wondering, they'll go asking,

'Where did youse dig that fiddler up?'

He went teelee teelee on his fiddle All the folks with their arms akimbo, impressed.

Spring flowers! Cold frame radishes! Radishes! Who wants some?

- Those are herons, right? - Maybe storks.

Spring flowers! Radishes

- You're right. They're storks. - Storks always arrive first, right?

Spring flowers! Flowers! Radishes!

- You done your homework? - Yes.

Spring flowers! Flowers! Radishes!

When do you think he'll get out?

Who? Matulak?

- Yup. - Who knows?

Spring flowers! Cold frame radishes!

Sometimes you need a laugh, right? No law against it.

Right. Only you gotta know when and at whom.

Yeah. Back in the day, things used to be better.

Remember those crazy lads?

They had you in stitches.

Yeah, take... when was that?

Three years back. Zagadka was his name, I guess.

Zawadka! That freak...

Every time he looked he cocked his head the way made you laugh like crazy.

Shut the hell up. You're scaring the fish away.

It all ended when he fell under that platform, remember?

- Stopped showing up. - Guess he died.

What about Biskupik? Remember him?

Hell yeah!

- The stammerer! - Stop yelling.

Or I'll punch you in the nose.

And the one with a crooked leg? Edek Bielicki.

Yeah. Limpy. Squatted with every step he took.

We called him "scooter". Remember?

And Dembosz? The little one with a hump.

Getting laughed at, he took it hard.

He'd get mad, spit at you or ratted on you right away.

Edek - he had class.

- Remember? - Waldek, remember Edek the Scooter?

- So what? - Nothing.

You tripped him up once.

I only pushed 'im.

He flew down the stairs like stupid, all the way down.

We would chase him all over the classroom, squatting.

So hilarious. He was so mad he'd get all sweaty.

So what? He's gone too.

Yup, got hit by a car.

He thought he'd make it.

Got right in front the car.

I saw him last year. He was riding a little cart.

Three boards, four ball bearings,

he was propelling himself with his hands.

I saw him too. At the market. Later, by the cemetery,

He sells flowers, I hear.

Yeah, stolen ones.

Oh boy, those were some crazy lads.

- And when is he getting out? - Who? Matulak?

Right. Been three months in hospital now.

It's always like that with heads.

All it takes is a light knock on one

No jokes with that.

- What's wrong with him, actually? - You don't know?

- Meningitis. - He can't even move his head.

His mother was at school yesterday. They're going to sign him out soon.

- From the school?- No, the hospital.

He might be back with us, then.

Where else would he go?

But will they promote him to the higher grade?

Matulak? Don't you worry about him?

He has a good head on his shoulders, unlike you.

What about that school trip? Is it happening or not?

- It's supposed to be next week. - On Saturday.

Remember how excited he was about that trip?

He might come with us - Right. If they sign him out this week.

Jesus, I thought he'd died long time ago.

... the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity

Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed

Mr Jonah! How's your health? Come join us, please!

Over here!

Even love had to be taught by our Lord so that one doesn't hurt another.

So that Cain, damned forever, did not raise his hand at his brother.

For Abel was our brother also.

Sir! Come join us, please! Along that wall around there

Mr. Jonah! Come on, Mr. Jonah!

[walks away, singing psalms]

Order!

Good morning, Miss.

Open the windows.

We're going to sing the 'Daisy.'

1.. 2..

Who ate my doughnut?

You think I didn't notice?

What? Me?

- What do you want? - You just wait for the break.

What? What?

Who did Zagrajek give it to? You?

Bącała! Sing!

Attention, class.

Last night, at the Baby Jesus Hospital

one of our students, your classmate, Karol Matulak, passed away.

We're going on the trip, as planned, next week.

As you know, Matulak had been suffering from meningitis for a while now.

His body was strong, but the disease overwhelmed him.

I find it hard to talk about but a human is a fragile creature.

The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.

Matulak's? Oh Jesus.

Karol Matulak.

That is why they had to come here.

Take a good look at them again.

Solemn,

serious,

with black bands on their sleeves.

No one, none of them

had the courage to look in the face of the woman in black.

But what could she have known about them?

[quotes from Psalms: King James Bible]