Original subtitles

Are you sure you're not coming back today, Uncle?

You know, I'll meet the people.

I'll try to explain your point of view to them.

I'll see Zidan afterwards.

I'll send Chahine with you then.

He'll be your travel companion.

He'll attend the meeting with you and get back with the answer.

My dear nephew, it seems like...

my words were completely irrelevant.

On the contrary, Uncle.

He says they want to have Chahine. And you'll send him there?

If they want Chahine, they can have him.

So what? Me and my cousin against the enemy.

Listen, my nephew. Take it from me, this issue...

requires you to put emotions aside.

You've warned me, Uncle. Let me do the rest.

Don't worry. I'm taking this very seriously.

I've just arrived at the hotel.

I'll be going outside Beirut for a while, but I have some time if you want to meet.

Or we can meet in two days.

No, I prefer today. Wherever suits you, no problem. I'll be there.

I'll drop by the hotel then. We'll talk. Let's say in an hour?

Yes, that's good, Mr. Najjar.

Thank you. See you. Bye.

Hello? Hi. I've left some stuff in the laundry.

Yes, madam. They're almost ready.

They're not ready yet? Please, I have an appointment in an hour.

They'll be ready in an hour, madam.

All right. Thank you.

What?

Here you are, madam.

-What are these? -I don't know.

A guy from the store, madam. He said that you tried them on.

Okay, madam. If you don't want them, we can return them. We know the store.

That won't be necessary. Thank you.

Mr. Najjar?

Oh, what a beauty.

Tell me.

Are you thinking about what your uncle has said?

I wonder why he told me that.

Because he wants the best for you.

No doubt.

Then why did you have Chahine accompany him?

If they really want him,

it wouldn't make a difference whether I send him or not.

And what if they do want him?

See?

Even you can't believe it.

This is Chahine we're talking about. He's like a brother to me.

I really respect Chahine.

And honestly, he's never done wrong.

However, in a situation like this, I would think things through.

Because family always comes first.

Tell me, why would anyone sell himself?

For money?

Prestige?

Influence?

I gave him all that.

I'll never leave him wanting anything at all, so that he doesn't sell himself.

No matter what you do, son,

even if you are the son of Sultan Sheikh Al-Jabal,

you're still the son of the Syrian woman to them.

Although, in prison, your uncle still considers himself head of the family.

That means he considers his son to be the successor.

Sheikh Al-Jabal.

He's eligible from both sides. Mother and father.

Uncle promised to bring me the proof.

The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

And if he proved it?

I spent the most beautiful days of my life here.

People still speak of your adventures, Abu Israa.

What do they say?

Good things.

Not true.

But there might still be some people speaking highly of me.

We did good things to a lot of people.

And we also did...

some bad things to others.

This is exactly what I mean.

How is your father doing?

Waiting patiently.

May God be with him.

Your dad thinks I'm the reason why he is in prison. I don't blame him.

But the day will come when he'll realize that justice will prevail.

Do you think that day will ever come?

Absolutely. It will come.

I'll tell him that.

Send him my regards.

You got it.

What do you want with him?

Do you know him or know someone who does?

Does he visit Al Hayba? What are his whereabouts?

Is he a customer of yours?

I'll ask around for you.

But people will ask why.

Let them come to me with questions.

I will.

What about you? Is everything okay with you?

Jabal told us to treat you right.

Your brother, Jabal, has done more than enough.

I'll go to him if I need anything.

What's with you today? Why do you speak to me like that?

Are you still angry with me?

Listen, I'm not angry. Okay?

It was a moment of anger. But I don't regret what I did.

Because if anyone dares to badmouth my brother, Jabal,

I'll have their tongue cut off.

You won't hear a thing. Nidal left his family and moved to Beirut.

Maybe that will warm your heart.

You know, that's best for him. At least he'll stay alive.

Call me If anything comes up.

-You got it. -See you.

See you.

Listen, I'm known for being straightforward and a foodie.

Jabal Sheikh Al-Jabal may not be just any man,

but there is a key for every lock.

And I have a treasury of keys.

Google my name,

and you'll know that I won cases against men like Jabal

and even tougher cases.

I see. So, my case interests you.

For money, to be honest.

Yeah, but you shouldn't think of me as very rich.

Can you at least pay my fees?

Is there something else other than your fees?

You may not be rich,

but your son is.

What does my son have to do with this?

In principle, the case is easy.

They may stall a little bit, but that can be solved.

We'll probably get a verdict, but the execution is the hard part.

I know that. How do we work around it?

This is where I come in.

A little by the book here and a little off the book there.

This will require more money.

Well, explain more to me, please.

We'll file an inheritance settlement lawsuit.

And my share will be only ten percent of your son's inheritance.

-Just that? -Hey, I don't know how much he could get.

Neither do I. But ten percent isn't a small amount.

Madam Alia, Majdi told me that you want the boy.

Of course, I want nothing but the boy.

Still, I can't agree on something that's unknown to me.

Well, this is my deal. If you're in, let's start.

And be sure that only me can get you your son back.

The check, please.

No, it's okay. I got it.

-No need. -Accepted.

Well, I don't know what to say, but can't we work out something else?

I told you. I'm straightforward. Think about it and let me know.

Excuse me.

-Thank you. We'll be in touch. -Thanks.

Listen, I don't care where she goes or who she meets with.

I'm concerned about one thing.

If anything happens, you must be there. Understood?

She must have found out.

Keep your eyes open. See you.

I would've been very upset, if you hadn't accepted my invitation this time.

No one visits Beirut and stays in the hotel.

The problem is, I always feel that someone is following me.

By the way, thank you for introducing me to Mr. Najjar.

I did some research. He seems very talented.

He's a great lawyer.

I work in the Ministry of Justice. I know him well.

But it's not easy to afford him.

Good things cost more.

Enjoying the food?

Anyway, I'll speak for myself.

And I'll stand as a referee between you and Jabal.

Frankly, you're not that different from him.

Jabal's argument is obvious.

However, I should talk about quantities and weapons types.

As for--

Chahine will speak on behalf of Jabal.

No, I'm here to listen and return with an answer.

Then Abu Israa will do the talking.

My issues with Mona first began when we saw the lawyer.

We talked about this for a month until she was convinced.

The lawyer was ready to get her share of the heritage.

And? She didn't agree?

Not only that.

She said that I don't love her and that I only care about her father's money.

Stuff like that.

Tell me, Majdi. Aside from the heritage, do you really love her?

Of course. She's the mother of my child.

Plus, it's not only about the heritage.

I have a personal issue with that so-called Jabal Sheikh Al-Jabal.

Can you believe that he used his connections at the ministry

to stop my promotion?

Really? Why?

Why? Because he wants to stay above everybody else.

And keep everybody needing him.

But Mona is kind and good-hearted.

She couldn't get used to Beirut lifestyle.

She's hard to please. She doesn't humor or sweet-talk.

You know, living in Beirut requires a certain attitude,

dress and talk in a certain style.

You, for example. No one would ever doubt that you're from the city.

Let's not talk about me. I have a completely different mentality.

I don't humor or sweet-talk. I'm plain and straightforward.

Forget it. Back to our subject.

Do you think I should accept the fee that the lawyer asked for?

You want your son, don't you?

Yes, sure.

But I don't want to be fooled.

I work in sales and marketing, Majdi.

It's my job to sell. I can't let him sell me such a deal.

Okay, I'll try to talk to him about the percentage.

But losing him isn't recommended at all.

It's Mona.

Why didn't you answer it?

Sorry, you want to talk to her?

No, but maybe your son wants to talk to you.

I don't know. Maybe.

But I don't want to talk to him. I can't let them force me to do things.

The boy isn't to blame.

Of course, not my dear boy. It's them.

I don't want him to just rush to pick up the phone and call me

whenever he misses me or wants something from me.

He has to tell them, "I want to be with Mom, not in Al Hayba."

That's the very reason why I don't speak to Mona.

Because she wants to stay in Al Hayba.

Anything to drink after the meal?

What do you like?

I want a decaf espresso.

-The same for me. -Sure, sir.

Mom isn't busy. Mom is upset.

Maybe she's asleep.

Whenever I did something wrong, she used to not talk to me until I apologize.

Do you think you did something wrong?

What?

I like staying here, but I want Mom, too.

Well, if your mom can't come, do you want to go see her?

Come here.

I'm beginning to feel that luck is smiling at me again.

Not as much as I hope, but better than yesterday.

It was an unbelievably bad day. I felt like I was losing everything.

Will you give it to the lawyer then?

I do want to, but I'll try to reach another deal.

Can you help me?

I'll help you even without you asking.

I do also want my wife and son.

And that won't happen until she realizes that there's someone who dares to say no.

Jabal will have to respect me whether he likes it or not.

You're right.

Let's wait and see.

What did they finally decide?

Your uncle, Jamal, delivered the message.

They talked about some changes in weapon types and quantities, among other things.

I'll tell you the rest when I see you.

He'll speak with Zidan about it. We'll see.

-Where are you now? -I'm on my way.

Do you want me to drop by?

I'll be waiting for you.

I might be a little late.

No big deal, I'll be awake.

Okay.

Jabal has a gun just like this one.

A nice piece.

Enjoy it.

What do you want?

Blessings.

Come on, spill it.

Weapons are piled up in Syria. Some people would like to use it.

If Jabal keeps his doors closed, doors will open elsewhere.

And you'll replace him, won't you? With someone like Chahine perhaps?

Maybe you told Jabal, and that's why he sent Chahine to be exposed.

He has never sent him before.

Are you in?

I owe everything I have to Jabal. But the folk need their shares.

Yeah, it's like meat.

Anyway, I need to talk to Zidan.

We may figure out something that's agreeable to everybody.

What matters is that you're with us.

I am.

However, Jabal is off-limits.

You're playing against yourself.

I'm waiting for you.

Do you know what chess experts say, Chahine?

If you want to overcome your opponent, you need to expect their moves.

And to expect their moves,

you need to switch sides and play against yourself.

Once you have overcome yourself, you'll beat your opponent.

But this is backgammon, dice. There's luck included.

That's why it's much harder.

Nothing is certain.

What we do also includes that much luck.

So, who's the winner so far?

There are no losers or winners.

Let me see you play.

You're now playing for me. Let me see.

Your opponent's moves are obvious.

How did the meeting end up?

Listen.

First of all, I won't forget what you did to me.

How could you send me with your uncle knowing that I can't stand him, man?

-I had no other choice. -Why is that?

I trust no one but you.

You know, if my parents knew about that, I swear I will leave Al Hayba.

Anyway, this isn't important now.

They won't back down about the weapons.

Al Hayba is the only route.

If we blocked the way,

they'd have no other route. Other territories are occupied.

That's why they want this so bad.

They didn't say that directly.

But if we closed the road, they will figure something out.

Well, let them deal with someone else.

There's nobody else and never will be in Al Hayba but you.

Jabal,

if you were to agree with the quantity your uncle proposed and our percentage,

it may work out.

And if not?

There will be blood.

That's why we need to increase security.

Less taxis and less people around you.

As for your teeth, I know you'll have to go.

I know you. You can't handle toothache.

You want to lock me in?

Jabal, I'm really concerned. I want more security.

Suppose they didn't find someone to replace me.

What do you mean, someone from Al-Said family?

I don't know.

I swear, I'd have him killed before he's even born.

Play well.

You're about to beat me.

You know I'm not good at this game.

Just tell me what to do and I'll do it.

I'm worried about you.

How about you get married and leave this behind?

What about running your own business?

Or going into politics?

Politics?

Yeah.

Working with you is the only business I'm good at.

Don't give an answer now. Sleep on it.

From now on, Sakher is your responsibility.

Wherever you go, take him with you.

What's on your mind?

I want to protect you,

protect him,

and protect myself.

Play well or else I'll lock you in.

Bye.

I can't understand you or your cousin.

Don't you want to work independently in your own business?

You mean like a restaurant, a café? What?

It doesn't matter. What matters is that you stick together.

What about our business?

Our business is fine and will always be.

Can you please explain to me what's on your mind?

It seems like you're planning something that will end up bad for us.

Listen, in a nutshell,

I want to protect the business.

And to protect it, I have to protect you both.

No more questions. You'll understand in time.

I don't want street-selling or cafés or whatever.

I want new ideas.

Think this through, okay?

Did you hear the madness your son has just spoken?

Bits and pieces.

But this is the only business I'm good at.

Which means your brother's words weren't madness.

Excuse me.

Where to? Do you have lectures today?

No.

There's a girl we must find.

Godspeed.

-Wish me luck. -Good luck.

What's up, Dad? Are you okay?

It's okay, son. It's nothing.

It's not nothing, Dad. You have the flu. Since when?

I said it's okay, son.

How are you doing?

How's your mother and sister?

What's new?

Here's your favorite coffee.

You have no excuse now.

-Hi. -Bonjour.

They look nice on you, madam.

Thank you. They are exactly my size.

The bill, please.

It's okay, madam. It was already paid.

But I didn't pay.

One of your people came and paid the bill.

No, I didn't send anyone.

-Give him the money back. -But I don't know him, madam.

It's okay. He knows.

What if he doesn't return?

Then it's yours.

Why turn down a great opportunity, son?

What great opportunity, Dad?

You don't get it yet.

Jabal is stubborn. And those people don't want him anymore.

Should I say, "Take me. I'm ready"? Is this the great opportunity, Dad?

You want me to betray my cousin?

He betrayed you and threw your father in prison!

Dad, please. You killed an investigation officer.

It was Jamal who set me up and testified against me!

Sorry, Dad. You can't think of anything but Jabal, his uncle, and his mother.

If an accident happened in China, you would blame Jabal for it!

You know what grieves me the most?

Despite the fact that I'm sentenced to life,

my son is walking around blind to what is going on.

Wake up, son!

Jabal is playing you.

Jabal sent you to that meeting to get you exposed!

Calm down, Dad.

Guys, a glass of water, please.

Hey! Somebody get a glass of water here!

A glass of water, guys!

-Hi. What's up? -Fine, thanks. Have a seat.

Honestly, I don't care whether he knows or not. I want to move on with the case.

I want him to know if you don't mind.

Okay. I want you to see this paper, please.

Oh, too many numbers in here. And I don't like math.

I'll explain it to you. I just want you to take into consideration

that my only concern is to get my son back.

But I still want to guarantee his rights. So far, I don't know what he would get.

He may inherit a small or a big amount.

Either way, I suggest we agree on a minimum fee.

As for my son's inheritance, we'll start with a ten percent share.

The more the amount increases, the less your percentage will be,

as explained in this paper.

So, you're willing to pay the same amount?

Not exactly the same, but close. Anyway, it's not a small number.

Why should I take this deal?

Listen, I'm sure you're a skilled and talented lawyer,

who is able to confront Jabal.

This is a strength of yours.

But there are also many lawyers capable of winning the case.

The only difference is that you can get my son back in a shorter time.

So, whether it's you or another lawyer, I'll get my son back in the end.

Great! You can find another lawyer then.

Did I say something wrong?

Mrs. Alia, you're not in a position to negotiate.

Don't forget that Jabal Sheikh Al-Jabal is your opponent.

And many lawyers will fear to pick a fight with him.

Don't forget that I'm the only one who can bring your son back.

But lest you'd say I'm not flexible,

I'll take a look at the paper again.

I'm willing to accept the suggested agreement,

if we add an extra two digits to the minimum fee.

So, 15%, and I want 20% at the signing of the agreement.

This is too much.

We can still stick to the original deal, one fixed number.

No, I prefer we stick with the 15% deal.

But please,

you have to give me a deadline. I can't wait all my life.

It may take five or six months.

Someone that confident should get it done much faster.

Remember that I'm also in a hurry to close the case and get my money.

Okay. When do we start?

We've already started.

Meanwhile, I'll prepare the power of attorney and file the lawsuit.

But I want you to consult with me about everything,

and don't hide anything from me.

Most importantly, consult with me before taking any action.

I would like you to do the same.

Absolutely!

Drink, Dad.

How can I leave my father like this?

Would you like to be locked in with him?

It's time for you to leave. Let's go.

Please, I just want to stay with my father until he's okay.

Take it easy, Dad.

-Dad-- -Don't say a word, son.

This isn't the first time.

There were days I came very close to death.

Freedom is a gift, son.

But in order to embrace it, you shouldn't be anyone's puppet.

Not Jabal's or anybody else's.

Or else you would be locked forever like me,

even when you're not in prison.

Sakher?

Has something happened?

Oh, god!

Oh, god! Why is this happening to me?

Oh, god. That's enough!

You scared me. I thought something happened to Chahine or Mom.

What about me?

What about you? You're here and you look fine.

Do I look fine to you?

No way, man.

Sakher, you can't keep following me around like that.

Plus, I don't have to tell you where I am when you don't do the same.

Rima!

I love you! Do you know what that means?

When you don't answer my calls, it hurts.

When I don't see you, it kills me.

When I don't know where you are, I go crazy!

Calm down.

You won't understand.

Sakher, why did you come to college today?

Open the glove compartment.

-Why? -Open the glove compartment.

I got you a new phone. I dropped by your house to give it to you.

I'll open a phone shop, thanks to you.

Just ask. Ask for anything and I'll make it happen.

What do you want?

Peace of mind.

Isn't this the guy who got killed?

Give me my peace of mind and I'll give you yours.

Talk to your uncle and we'll both have our peace.

Leave my uncle to me. But what do I do with you?

I have no say in this. I can't promise you anything.

How is that?

It's not up to me. I can't fix this.

If you want me, go talk to your uncle.

Work things out with him.

Why do you have this photo?

Why do you care? Just put it back.

I don't really care,

but this guy used to come here to college and pick up a girl I know.

Jabal, why did you send me with your uncle to the meeting?

How's your father?

Your uncle dies in there every single day, Jabal.

Can you tell me why you did this to me?

These coffee beans have a strong aroma.

Can you smell it?

Jabal, look at me! I'm not a puppet in your hands!

Subtitle translation by Faris Hasan