Original subtitles

Credit to Christine Le Piez

THE FOLLOWING STORY IS BASED ON TRUE EVENTS

The guy went blind. - Correct.

Next question.

Which two countries share the longest border in the whole world?

The longest border shared by the two of them, one on either side.

The same length. - One country on either side.

China and Russia.

Wrong. - Canada and the USA.

OK, next question.

What's the most common Jewish toast? - Toasted matzo!

I don't know. - La'chaim.

La'chaim means 'to life'.

Ask me a question. I know everything. - What does DNA mean?

To me? - No, to everyone, including you.

OK. Deoxyribonucleic acid.

I don't believe it!

We could just measure them to see whose is longest.

Measure them? Yes, let's measure them.

OK, Mario first.

Could be better.

That's a good one!

They're there, they're there. It's the Americans.

Missiles, missiles. Cruise missiles.

The Americans are there.

They're there. They're there.

What's the matter? - It's happening.

What is? - They can't get through. It's blocked.

They're there. - Attack!

It's war, guys!

TIME OF MY LIFE

That's dangerous.

Doesn't look like nuclear missiles. - I reckon it's full of hamburgers.

You up there, get the fuck down!

Get your arse down from there. - You get out of my country.

Thomas, duck!

Shit, Speck. - Sorry.

My hero.

You're my hero too. My two heroes.

A fine pacifist you are. - Sorry, I thought you would duck.

You were lucky, pal. - Me? Absolutely.

Me, I was born lucky.

We have to squeeze into that little tent again later.

There's room in my tent.

Where's Jean-Pierre-Christian- François-Yves-Bernard?

He's gone off to learn to count. - To 69?

No, to two. He usually only got as far as one.

Exit Jean-Pierre-Yves.

What do they say at the sperm bank? - Thank you for coming.

He said he wanted to stay friends but I said I already had enough friends.

You're some chick, you are. - Life is for living!

Nurse.

I'm bleeding badly.

Speck. - A tourniquet.

No, no, it's better now.

Because I held my hand there? The magic touch.

Anyone else? - You've done enough damage.

Suppose you have to choose. - Have to?

Yes, you have to choose. A gun is being held to your head.

Choose. - No.

Choosing is losing. No.

So we're just numbers 384 and 385 on the list?

No, that's the point. - What's the point?

That's the point, neither of you.

Or both of you, that's an option too, of course.

Both of us? - Yes.

Yeah, well, why do you think a woman has two hands?

And two legs?

And two eyes. And two lips. - One small anatomical detail,

why has a woman only got one... - Tent?

Very good, doctor.

Good point, doctor.

Because boys have to learn to share.

I'm up for it.

OK, so am I.

Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Have we finished?

Go to sleep now.

One. One kiss.

Eh... Hello, I'm here too.

Thomas?

Thomas, how do you want me?

Out of the tent?

Silly idiots! - Does my breath stink, or something?

Someone's there.

What are you lot up to? - Trying to sleep, pal.

No messing about or... - No, boss.

My air bed's deflated.

What a shame!

Push. Call that pushing? - That's pushing.

That's it, thanks.

We're going home, guys!

IN HEAVEN

Baby! - Speck!

Hey, what's going on?

That's mine. - Yeah, yeah. Hi Sask.

Couple of clowns.

Right, shall we go? - Yes.

What an ugly git! - The guy's a monster.

Women are weapons of mass destruction.

See you later.

Fancy a drink? - We could have a drink.

We must have a drink. - We will.

Honestly! - So cool. It's so cool.

Miss? Angel of this heaven?

I would like to order a beer for my friend here.

With gin and milk. - You're a nice friend.

Yeah, I think so too. Shall we be friends?

Haha, nice try.

Here you are.

Lachoom, lachim, lacham... What was it again? La'chaim.

Another one?

A hand.

And another hand. Both for me?

No whispering!

Here's the boundary. A conversation here. And us here.

In the name of the Father

and Saint Lecher. Omen.

When is it your turn? - When you're available again.

Hey, watch it, doctor.

She's mine, hands off. - Listen to him.

Thomas is the godfather? So he didn't get to choose then?

Speck, stop it, pal. Come on.

There you are, a great thinker has been born.

Honestly. That's not funny, Speck.

All philosophers have a beard.

Thank you.

Well done, doctor! Here's Doctor Love!

Here he is, Dr Zhivagina.

Can we all be your patients, doctor? - You can.

Me too, me too. - You too, you too.

A bit higher. - Thomas.

Honestly! - Vote for Verstraete.

Hey, Thomas. - Vote for Verstraete.

Stop, that's enough. I want to be elected.

Here, Milan. - Like this.

Milan, help! Help me!

We need more hot chicks for the workers. - Hot chicks for the barman.

Vote for Verstraete.

Vote for me. - Vote for me.

Certainly not for me.

Can you sign this, please?

You are now officially divorced.

What does a divorced man do? - Masturbate.

Hang around in bars. - Let's go to a bar first, then.

Fine.

Did you make all those shelves yourself, doctor?

Yeah, I made them all myself.

And have you read all those books? - Yes... well, I've read that one there.

That book of photos? - No, it's a colouring book.

Is it a clean illness? I only do clean illnesses.

It's OK, it's my eyes. Mainly my eyes.

That's your age, pal. Shall I prescribe you some glasses?

You're a politician, they all wear glasses.

I wouldn't touch that, because...

Right, drop them...

Just joking, come with me.

And that one? - R-D-O-X-L-D-E-C...

Top, bottom, left, right. I can see all that, Thomas.

But I see black spots all the time.

When I had a shower the other day I saw double for quite a while.

So...

That's not good.

'That's not good.' Couldn't you sound a bit less ominous?

I'm going to refer you to a specialist. - At last, a real doctor.

He's very good.

A neurologist? Shouldn't I see an eye specialist?

If something's wrong, tell me.

No, no. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

It doesn't hurt to exclude various things.

Or to entrust your brilliant, perverse brain to science.

What if they want to keep my brilliant brain and put it a jar?

It'd be a very small jar...

It'd be great if you could see him next week. Yes.

Excellent.

Yes.

Yes, he's a friend of mine.

Right. OK, thanks. Bye.

Right.

That bloody sucks!

Yes.

Condemned.

I didn't do anything wrong. Nothing. And bang, I get life.

Have you made your choice?

Two thirty-threes.

Two thirty-threes. - That's right.

And to drink? Mineral water? - Yes.

Two mineral waters to drink. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thirty-three. It's incredible we're still ordering it just to annoy the man.

With prawn clackers. - And flied lice.

When I came outside I thought the world must surely have stopped turning.

I've got MS, I've got multiple sclerosis! Everything's going to stop.

But everything carries on. The buses are still running, people are laughing.

Everything is carrying on, so I must.

Prawn clackers and mineral water.

There you go. - Thanks.

You can learn to live with it. - Your colleague said that too.

'In some cases people just learn to live with it.'

But what about the other cases? - OK...

MS can take various forms.

There are lots of examples of people who have it under control.

Yeah, right. Superman is in a wheelchair too, isn't he?

He just loves that.

I'm so fuckin' angry. So fuckin' angry!

With my body.

My bloody stupid body.

I feel betrayed. I feel so betrayed, Thomas.

Your applause please for André and Jeanine who have been together...

for 250 years because they couldn't find anyone else.

My condolences, Jeanine.

He's full of life. - You know Mario. Doesn't give up.

Can you hear it, Milan? Can you hear it?

It's a cruel illness. He's fine again now

but who knows what will happen the next time he has an attack.

I always worry what the outcome will be.

Yes, but it may stabilise.

You have to learn to live with being ill.

But who wants to, eh? - Thanks, sweetheart.

Fancy a drink? - There aren't many good-looking chicks.

Aren't there? - No.

You're right. You and I'll have to make do with each other then.

D'you know what the advantage of MS is?

There isn't one. Not a fuckin' thing. Oh yes, there is.

You're allowed to piss in letterboxes if you can't wait any longer.

Thank you.

There are other shitty illnesses too, you know.

No, you're right.

The advantage is you don't die of it. The disadvantage is...

you don't die of it.

You'd have preferred otherwise, or what?

You know... you learn to stumble on.

That that works too.

So I'm stumbling cheerfully on, but let me make one thing clear, Thomas,

if one day I can't do it any more, I won't carry on stumbling on.

Meaning?

I'm not going to die a slow, painful death like my grandma.

Let's not go on about Dying With Dignity again.

OK, it's a silly name for a pressure group.

But who can object to dying with dignity? No one.

Are you already thinking about that?

No, I'm not.

Not yet.

One day, maybe.

I need to know that if the house is ever on fire,

someone will take me to the exit. - Typical. What do you mean by exit?

You know very well what I mean.

I need to know I am safe.

That someone will help me, should it ever be necessary.

What does necessary mean?

Will you help me? - Don't talk like that, you're drunk.

I'm not drunk.

I haven't had that much too much, but that's not the point.

Will you help me, should it ever be necessary?

Yes, I'll help you. - Perfect, that's all I need to know.

I know you'll help me. I know you will.

Come on, let's go and have a drink. I'm paying. One last drink.

Or rather, the last but one. Come on, Thomas. La'chaim!

Or I'll be lachrymose.

Come on, Thomas.

PERSONAL COMMENT ON THE EUTHANASIA DEBATE

IF I CAN NO LONGER LIVE WITH DIGNITY,

I WANT TO DIE WITH DIGNITY

So you knew about it? - Yes. Well...

Yes and no, Francine. I mean, I knew...

I knew he was a member of the Dying With Dignity pressure group

but you two knew that too, eh? - Yes, but...

But he always said it wasn't for him.

MS isn't a fatal illness. You've told us that often enough.

So why is he talking about dying? He's still OK?

Yes.

Yes, for someone who is ill.

You will help us, won't you? Promise me.

Promise me.

You have to promise us. It's keeping Roger awake at night.

Of course I'll help you, Francine. Of course I will.

Good.

Good, Thomas.

Hey, a visitor! Hello, citizen.

What's that? - A piece I sent in.

Why? What was the idea?

It's a fight. Like when we were young, Thomas.

That stirs things up. - Yes, that stirs things up.

A lot. Especially for your parents.

I hope no one reads that to your son. Honestly!

'When the time comes, I want to leave this life with a clear conscience.'

For the umpteenth time, Mario, you can grow as old as me.

Or older. - Read what it says.

'When the time comes.' - And we have to sit and wait with you?

'The doctors who've promised to help me aren't murderers who should be punished

but people who will commit a humanitarian act.'

I hope you don't mean me.

If you'll excuse me, I've got other humanitarian acts to carry out.

And call your mother. - My mother? Thomas!

What?

Wait a minute.

Calm down.

Fancy a Chinese?

There you are. What would you like to drink?

Mineral water. - Mineral water. OK.

He's great. I reckon he only does it to oblige us.

Yeah. But seriously...

Why do you keep on about dying? Why?

I don't understand why no one talks about it.

All those people at their parents' bedside, as they die of rampant cancer,

only talk about the weather, about food.

'It's nice here, the staff are friendly and blah blah blah.'

And that's the solution? Frightening your parents by talking about dying?

I've got it. - Shit.

It's OK. - Sorry.

I can see half of everything perfectly, Thomas.

Half of the world about me, half of this table, half of your ugly face.

Honestly. But the other half is white. A patch of white.

Look, here I can see everything.

Here I can still see my hand and here it's gone. Here I can and here I can't.

I don't know if it's there. Understand?

Is it still there? I don't know.

What will happen when everything has gone?

How will I know whether you are still there?

That you haven't run off and left me here with the bill?

Thomas, you can't imagine how beautiful everything is

when you can only see half of it. Honestly.

My glass is half full, Thomas.

And I cherish every single drop.

But what will happen when all my half-full glasses

are emptied one by one, right in front of me?

What then?

In the event of balance problems,

the difficulty of the exercises is gradually increased.

We start in a seated position, one in which the patient feels safe.

And then standing up, which is a much less stable position.

You don't have to come and live here. Just come along once a week.

This place is top-notch. - Top-notch?

Is that what you call it? Top-notch, hotchpotch.

It's the best in the world, idiot. - Great.

...urological and genealogical problems,

and use physiotherapy to...

Dr Lambert would like to see you. - OK.

OK if I leave you? - Sure. Top-notch.

...weakened muscles and balance problems...

Right. Fine.

Hello. - Ah, doctor.

Thank you for seeing us so quickly. - Yeah, yeah.

Listen, I shall be honest with you.

I think Mr Verstraete has got a nerve, coming here

after everything he's said in the press.

In order to prevent joint problems and maintain mobility

we carry out passive mobilisation and stretching of spastic muscles.

Some patients... breathing exercises...

language exercises... concentration... treatment of the muscles...

with targeted psychological tests we check whether... sometimes...

If we were to give all these people the impression, if only for a moment,

that a gentle, painless injection would put them out of their misery,

we've opened the door.

And then where will they find the courage, every day, to...

Hello, Mr Verstraete.

I'm Dr Lambert. - Hello, doctor.

How are you?

I've seen better films but I'm OK. Top-notch.

Right...

Let's see what we can maybe do for you here

but I have to admit, you won't exactly be the most popular patient here.

Oh, right...

Look, Mr Verstraete, those are my heroes.

Every day they have to concede something, they lose something,

but they don't give up, they carry on. They carry on fighting.

The idea that you would take away their desire to live, their zest for life...

I'm sorry, but to be honest, I don't admire you for that.

He means that... - It's OK, Thomas.

I don't want to take anything away from anyone.

I don't want anything. I admire everyone here.

And you too, doctor, but...

Mario.

Mario, wait a minute.

Mario, wait.

Are you OK? - No, I'm not OK.

No, I'm not OK. I'm not alright. I'm not.

Just wait a minute!

For God's sake!

I don't want to. I don't want to.

Come on, mate.

Bloody hell. Stupid... stupid body.

It's OK, we're going back to the car.

Hey, Jef. We're strong in the Speck family.

We cry a bit, in this valley of tears,

act a bit silly and resign ourselves to our fate.

That's what life is like.

It's a nasty illness, when you see him like that.

MS is an illness that can be bad or not too bad at all. But in his case...

In his case it's bad.

You wonder why they were invented. - Illnesses?

To test us, I suppose.

An experiment by God.

I read you're intending to try to convince the Senate.

I've been invited as a member of the Dying With Dignity pressure group.

Well... - It's good they want to listen, eh?

Incredible they want to listen to you.

Thomas doesn't want to take me, I'm looking for a chauffeur.

We always said we would infiltrate the organs of state.

Aren't you coming? - No, I'm not.

To stick bogies on the benches? - No, I'm not coming.

There are women there... - No!

That's the palace, we want Rue de la Loi.

We're not going to see the king, we're going to the Senate.

Shit. Here we go! Long live the King!

Bloody hell! - What?

What's this, Speck? Baby sick? Ricotta?

I know, but they don't tell you that when you have one.

Everything you put in it comes out again in strange forms and in huge quantities.

But a good conversation, you can forget that.

Can you shut up, Speck?

All those people. - Wow! You're a star, pal.

It's not about the right to die

but about the right to live a full life.

As you know, I've got multiple sclerosis

but I still really enjoy life.

I'm going to carry on until I can't do it any more and I hope

that day is in the very distant future. But when it comes, I won't be afraid.

He made it into the Senate. - I'd rather he'd done it differently.

...and protracted suffering...

Look, that other guy is here.

Dr Death.

And I hope to be able to include you among these people.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Verstraete, for this very human testimony.

Who would like the floor?

Mr Verstraete, don't get me wrong, I understand your situation

but do you have any idea of the snowball effect

that your possibly rather selfish act will cause?

Mr Verstraete, I understand your anxiety regarding your declining health,

but your desire to sideline science is, in my opinion, questionable.

Huge progress has been made in controlling pain in recent years.

I wonder if you've asked your doctors and looked into it in sufficient detail.

This amounts to suicide and, by extension, to murder.

Murder with the knowledge, the complicity of the doctors.

But I hope... I sincerely hope you will find the strength to live.

And not to die. Everyone can do that.

Dr Frank Valaeys from Dying With Dignity

also thinks Mario Verstraete's testimony is very important.

What he wants to show and defend is the fact that the patient

has the right to control his life...

You can say what you like but I'm not sure about Dr Ghoul.

It is important for the grieving process of those left behind

that the death is experienced in a positive way.

OK, a positive experience. I can't wait. The sooner the better, eh?

Hand me my crutch.

I knew you'd do that.

And the other one. - Not again.

This is one of our better models. Top of the range.

It's easy to control. On-off, forwards, backwards.

And here there's a belt... - Is that necessary? Hey, Milan.

Be careful. - Milan, Milan, Milan. Sorry, sir.

Hold on. - Brilliant.

Hey, our... - Oh, sorry. Sorry.

We're being followed.

Go, go. - Sit down, sit down.

No, it's OK, it's OK. - Sorry. Is everything OK? Sorry.

No problem. - We'll take it.

Right. - Yes.

Faster. - That's some pan flute!

Keep straight, keep straight, keep straight...

We'll end up in the bushes.

Hello.

Daddy. - What lovely weather.

In a minute we're going to go over the handlebars, crash, explode and die.

Dangerous lunatic!

We survived, my son. - Hold me.

There, a dog. Get the dog. That's it.

That was fantastic. - Very nice.

Fantastic.

You've left your light on. - Oh yeah...

You think it's a shame you can't push me, eh?

Pushing engenders sympathy. - Helping a handicapped guy.

Those stairs aren't a good idea. - It's alright.

I do like mountaineers do, rest now and then.

I'm going to carry you. - What?

I'm going to carry you. - No.

Yes, Mario. - Oh, Thomas.

Come on. Don't.

You wanted to help me. - That's not helping.

Sorry.

I always dreamt of being in your arms. - I can imagine.

You, Tarzan, me... - A faggot.

Going to be able to manage? - Yes, I'm a big boy.

I can go to the loo by myself.

Look. Look.

My leg.

That's my body saying, 'Fuck you, I'm not playing any more.'

It bends upwards every night.

I have to push it back down but it comes back up.

Does that hurt? - Ever had cramp when swimming?

It's like that, all night long.

I'm bearing up, Thomas.

But let's be honest, I'm not getting any better, eh?

Fuck...

I'm going to push a bit further. - OK.

If it hurts, hold your finger up. - Just 'ow' isn't enough?

That's not so clear. Your finger is better.

Here we go.

OK.

You like that, don't you? Hurting people.

That's why I do this job.

I used to go to S&M clubs.

S&M clubs? - You should try it, it's great.

Fantastic. But they kicked me out.

I hurt everyone too much. And it's dear. Expensive.

All that equipment. All those balls in your mouth.

Balls in your mouth? - Bowls, bowls.

Can I see your diploma?

Think about it, Francine. Come and live here.

In the big city for a change. - He doesn't want us to.

It's not up to him. Then you don't have to keep going back and forth.

It'd be easier.

We put our coats on and leave in the evening and go upstairs.

In the morning we come down, take our coats off and ask if he slept well.

We'll have to be quiet. - We can do it quietly.

Watch out.

Throw it.

That's perfect. There you are.

'Every morning at 8 o'clock I have a huge bowel movement.'

'Great,' says the doctor. 'Regular bowel movements are a good sign.'

That's important. - 'That's good.'

'Yes, doctor, but I don't wake up until 9 o'clock.'

That's a good one. - Yeah, eh?

Right. So tell me...

How is the plumbing? - A few leaks.

Leaking pipes. My body's 'taking the piss'!

What about the rest?

Well...

Things are a bit limp down there.

It sleeps even more than me.

I think your chauffeur's here, sir. - Yeah.

I'll just check your reflexes.

Yes, they're still working OK.

Got the right shoes on, Dad? - Yeah, yeah.

Incredible. You're walking to Lourdes?

I can't give you a lift, eh? Otherwise it won't count as a pilgrimage.

Not even a little way?

Having faith is healthy. Gets you out of the house.

Good thing Lourdes is near Oostakker.

Otherwise it'd take you a while.

Nice of the mayor to send his own driver to collect his staff.

Yes. But look.

He was writing a speech yesterday. And I read it.

There aren't any vowels in half the words.

Keep praying, Dad.

And if I'm not cured then Our Lady of Lourdes is deaf.

I said to him to give it to me, I'd copy it out neatly

but he said I didn't need to, it was fine like that.

If... If he can't work any more,

can't read the paper, can't follow politics...

The 1 O'clock News.

The Senate's committee on euthanasia has finished its work.

The final text of the legislative bill has been drafted and sent to the Senate.

The question is will Belgium become the second country after the Netherlands

in which euthanasia is legal in certain cases?

The principle of the bill is...

See you later, Robert. - Yeah.

Be good.

It's very dusty and...

your film wasn't in there properly. - Thank you.

Hello. I'm looking for a really big present.

Size isn't always important, eh sir?

It's the quality that matters.

Thomas, come here. Long time no see, Thomas!

That's some service you get here. - Always.

Hey, Dr Love.

How are you? - Fine, fine.

It could always be better, but I'm fine.

And Mario? - Well... Good and not good.

He hasn't changed. He sees another good cause as a matter of life and death,

but a bit too literally this time.

I'm sure you've heard. - Yes.

I haven't got round to going to see him. - That's OK.

No, it's not OK. I feel really guilty.

The guiltier I feel, the less I dare go

and the guiltier I feel...

That's alright.

But I need a present. - A big one.

Long shall he live. Or is that going too far? Yes, let's sing it.

Long shall he live, long shall he live. - He says not very long, but still...

In glory.

In glory.

Hip hip hip. - Hurrah!

Hip hip hip. - Hurrah!

There! I thought someone was missing.

Look who's here. Superman.

A serious guest at last.

You look like a dog with two tails. Emphasis on dog!

I've brought you two presents. The first one...

For your collection.

Now I can wear my underpants on top of my trousers.

You can laugh but Christopher Reeves is going to make a film.

Yes, with his chin.

The second present is a phenomenal toy.

Full option. And you still know how to use it.

Ready?

Hi...

Hi... - Hello, Mario.

Happy birthday, hero of mine.

Hello, Lynn.

I've brought you an extra present. For your ego.

It's the Genius edition. - Trivial Pursuit.

Lynn, if life were a question, you'd be the answer.

That's a good one. I'm going to remember that.

Lynn...

One, one, one. - Right. Brown.

Beatles fans crossed which road 25 years after the LP of the same name appeared?

Oh, thingy... Abbey Road. - Correct.

How many front claws has a parrot got? - Two?

Correct. - I've thrown a six.

Two. You can throw again.

One. Orange.

Again. - Is that a thingy? No.

Come on, Mario. - A good one. A good one.

And he throws the dice.

Green. Ladies and gentlemen, the tension is mounting.

Is he going to beat the previous winner, Dr Thomas, who's in great shape?

Mario is not in such good shape, but still...

I can say that, eh?

Which archipelago inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution?

I know it. Come on.

Hold on. Charles Darwin...

An archipelago. That's easy.

Come on, say it. - The Galapagos Islands.

Exactly.

You told me to say it. - It was my question.

Give me another question. That's not fair.

Music. For a wedge.

What was Bob Marley's legendary group called?

Of course.

Come on.

Fuck!

Come on, I know it. Of course, it's...

Hold on. I know it. Shit. Fuck!

I'll tell you. - No, Mum.

Bloody hell!

You don't have to answer. It's not your question. You just ask it.

D'you think I can't remember, that I'll never remember? Do you?

Hey... - What?

You 'wail' remember.

Wailers. The Wailers.

I slept with them.

With the Wailers. All of them. At the same time.

That's a lot at once, there's eighteen of them.

It's not true, Francine.

Come on, let's carry on playing.

There. Three.

Come on, come out of my stomach, child.

Being born...

I'm alive. - Yes, you're alive.

At last. - Mum's here.

Two kids in one T-shirt.

I don't believe it. - Hello, Mummy.

I'm off. - Bye, Mummy.

Here. - Ah, some water.

Thank you, Mummy.

Give here. Right, bye.

Bloody hell, Mario, you're like a little kid. Do you have to?

I'm off.

That was good, eh?

Enjoy yourselves. Bye. - Bye.

Let's have a sleep.

Bye. - Bye.

And now we're awake.

And now we're asleep.

Listen.

Can you hear it?

Now.

This...

Those are the seconds.

It's night-time, we're in a palace in Venice.

The seconds are ticking past.

The story starts in the evening and ends in the morning.

The hours are passing. The Dance Of The Hours.

That's what it's called.

I don't like it. - That's not possible.

You can't not like that. - Maybe, but I don't.

Really? Then get out of my T-shirt!

Can I go and play football? - That depends.

How do you spell 'I will become'?

I will become what? What will I become?

Doesn't matter. How do you spell it?

It's more important to know what you want to become

than how to spell it.

Smart aleck. So what do you want to become?

Really want to become? - Yes, really.

A doctor.

To do that you first have to know how to spell 'I will become'.

I do know. - Do you? How?

With a W.

With a W! Go on, go and play wootball.

With a W. From wootball.

This is fantastic.

It reminds me a bit of Fleetwood Mac.

Fleetwood Mac? - Heard of them?

Yes. - Good.

This reminds you of Fleetwood Mac? - Not all of it, but...

Some parts.

Have you seen it, mini Speckolino? There, the sea.

No there, the other side. That big wet thing over there.

You're as smart as your father. - Come on, Milan, push.

Push, Milan.

When you sit in a wheelchair, it's as if

you've not only lost the use of your legs but your brain too.

If you ask someone a question,

two out of three reply to the person pushing you. Watch.

Excuse me, miss. Do you know where the closest toilets are?

The best thing to do is turn round.

See that hotel there? There's a toilet there, but you have to pay.

I think it should be accessible for you.

Alright. - OK.

Good luck. Bye. - Bye.

Did you see it? - I saw it.

A nice pair though. - A dynamic duo.

And they say there are no hills in Holland.

Do we have to watch Belgium-Holland in Holland?

Yes, we have to.

Look at little Jef.

Man is the only animal who comes into the world so helpless and defenceless.

A foal pops out. And jumps a few fences.

But we... look, it doesn't do anything. Just sits there.

That's because of our big stupid head.

We have to come out before it's fully grown, otherwise we'll get stuck.

That's why we're born before we're ready. We're unfinished.

It's also due to the size of that brilliant brain that we live too long.

With inventions like drips and Zimmer frames and stuff.

While you just lay there dribbling. - Calm down.

Is he at it again?

Life is a short bridge between helpless and helpless.

Crap. Who's helpless? Go on, tell me. Who's helpless?

Your theory's wrong. Man is the only animal who continues to care for others.

You look after Jef, and you Milan. - But that makes sense.

And we look after you, idiot. We're here, we're not going anywhere.

And you're definitely not going anywhere.

Remember? Leave no man behind? They're your words.

We're not going to leave anyone behind. No one.

If there's anyone we're definitely not going to leave behind, it's you.

Come on, Holland, come on! - Thomas, could you inject him now?

Yeah, I could.

Don't put him on.

Oh, come on!

You stink, pal.

You stink of Belgium.

Fuck this.

Fuck this.

It happens, Mario. Come on.

I try... - Of course you do.

For Mum, for Dad. For Milan and for you lot.

But...

Things are looking grim.

Things are looking grim, guys.

Working from home is the modern thing to do.

I wouldn't mind doing it but I can hardly drive my car round at home.

It's not finished.

It... I haven't... I haven't finished it.

Don't worry about it, I'll just tell him...

I can't see very well any more.

It's getting hard to write, the speech isn't finished.

Don't worry, you know the mayor, he'll improvise.

'It is a great honour to be here today, blah blah blah.'

And before you know it...

Look after yourself, that's the important thing.

The rest will sort itself out.

Fuck.

I can't do it.

OK.

Thomas...

Well...

I can't do it like this.

I mustn't.

But I don't know if...

if I can keep going for much longer.

I'm losing, Thomas.

I'm losing my mind. - You don't know that.

Yes, I do. I do know it, Thomas, I do.

I can feel it.

I'm drowning. My body is already underwater.

And the water is rising.

And soon my head will be underwater too.

What will be left then? Nothing.

All I know is, it won't be me that's left.

But we will know it's you. We will know.

Your parents, and Milan. We will know.

You promised him you'd be there to see him graduate.

What for?

To give him what as a present? A father who's a vegetable.

To be there. Just to be there.

To be there. - Yes, to be there.

I've still got my slippers on.

Me too. - Oh yeah...

Go to sleep.

After years of fierce debating,

there is to be a marathon session on euthanasia in the Senate this week.

When he really cannot go on,

who are we to tell the patient he has to keep going?

The principle of the bill is that a doctor may end

his patient's life if the latter requests this himself

and if his suffering has become unbearable.

This request for euthanasia must be properly thought through and be repeated

and be checked by three doctors...

Hello, Robert.

You can just alleviate the pain, reduce the suffering.

But that is 95% of what we do anyway.

And we mustn't forget that less than 20 years ago

palliative care was not allowed, even though we think it normal today.

But what was allowed was for someone to lay there dying like an animal.

Until a nurse on the night shift, or a brave doctor, could stand it no longer

and at night, behind a curtain, quickly

gave them one injection too many or a dose that was just a bit too high

and the patient was put out of their misery.

Do we want to carry on like that?

That is the question the Senate has to answer this week.

And I hope the answer is a positive one.

Well, positive...

You know what I mean.

Thank you very much.

I'm glad you came.

There's something I'd like to say as I don't think you really understand me.

I would think it awful too if Mario were to decide to die at some point.

It would be terrible. - More than terrible.

Yes, more than terrible.

This law doesn't make him do it, it just gives him the opportunity to do it.

Gives him a choice, which is important for a patient, isn't it?

I don't know.

Call me naive, but I became a doctor to help people.

I wanted to save lives. - Of course.

I can't imagine me...

I wouldn't know how... - You don't have to.

But this law is going to be passed?

Yes, it looks like it.

69 members took part in the vote. 44 voted in favour...

It's an important first step. This law permits doctors...

not just to help people get better

but also to help them die. That is very important.

The Catholic Church has reacted sharply.

Wishing someone dead is absolutely monstrous.

Are you alright, Francine? - Yes.

It hasn't come as a surprise, eh? - No.

I'm more worried for Roger.

After the Senate the bill will go to the Lower Chamber,

but its opponents say...

An historic step, but for us an historic step too far that we will not follow.

I saw my grandmother die a slow, painful death.

For seven months, every hour of the day, she tried to pull her oxygen mask off

and for seven months it was replaced. - We would like to interview you.

Until she finally died.

We've all experienced this... - Because you are his doctor.

People who have had enough, who are worn out.

If doctors see any way of possibly extending that life, they will do so.

Suicide is permitted. Well, it's not, but what can they do?

They can hardly shoot you for it afterwards.

He's the one you want. He fits the picture better.

But dying painlessly in dignity,

saying goodbye, why isn't that allowed?

Maybe we all need to learn to cope with death better.

Then maybe we could learn to cope with life better too.

We got some good stuff. - Great.

Hello, Frank. - Did it go OK?

The pain is killing me but as Che Guevara said, 'Until victory always!'

Would you like a drink?

Going to join us in a drink? - No, I'm off.

What's the matter? - Nothing.

Smoke and drink a bit more, then you can spout some more crap.

Am I supposed to stop smoking now? - Ask your doctor.

It sucks, eh?

And we're going to interview Valaeys. That could be interesting.

Ah, Thomas. Can you give me a lift?

Thomas, we can't do this. We really can't.

God is watching us.

And... And you have to tell Mario. You have to tell him.

It isn't up to us to take a life.

Who is it up to then? - Him. He gives and He takes.

When He thinks the time has come? - Yes.

Let's be honest, Roger. Us doctors also intervene.

We extend lives.

You can't compare that to killing someone.

Life is sacred and it's the only one we've got.

So Mario should... - No, he should grit his teeth.

What if they come up with a drug tomorrow that can cure him?

What will we say then?

Is that why you come here? - Yes.

Our Lady can help me, I've bought enough candles.

How about I treat you to a candle?

You know, Lynn, over the years...

with every hour of every week and every month,

you have become more and more beautiful.

Of course.

What? - Everyone knows that.

Yeah, but I knew right from the beginning.

How beautiful you were.

And how fantastic you always thought I was.

And rightly so.

I can hardly see you any more.

But I still love the sight of you.

Sorry.

Fuck.

I'm the one who's sorry. - No, sorry.

I have to go. I have to...

Yeah, you have to go.

Could you just give me a cigarette?

Fuck!

Did you say fuck? What are we waiting for?

Sorry.

We've exchanged bodily fluids after all.

I couldn't.

I couldn't do it. It's awful, but I couldn't do it.

It would have to be him I can't do it with.

Because he's sick.

How bloody sick is that? - It isn't, Lynn.

It is, because if I'm honest I'd have done it hundreds of times.

Thomas, I could keep him here.

I could give him a reason to live, by kissing him and loving him.

And I don't do it.

You give him all your love. I see you do it every day.

You give him... all your love. - You don't get it, Thomas.

You have to be able to...

You have to be able to prove it.

You have to be able to do it.

You can only...

You can only do it like this.

You have to want all of someone, including their saliva, their bacteria.

Great.

Fantastic.

Right, I'm off.

There are others waiting for my hands of gold.

Bye. - Bye, Glen. Thanks.

I've done something stupid.

You, done something stupid? What a surprise!

Something really stupid. - What?

Lynn... I tried to...

kiss her.

Among other things. Stupid, eh?

I didn't succeed.

But I think she must feel guilty now.

If I tell her not to feel guilty

it's as if I'm saying she should feel guilty.

Dad. - Milanovic.

Dad. - Watch out, son.

How are things at school? - Boring.

Are they?

It's supposed to be like that, eh? Otherwise it wouldn't be school.

How are you doing at school? - I've failed everything.

You will have to try harder, eh?

Grandma.

Come here, sweetheart.

Look who's here.

Hello, Milan.

Did you manage to eat anything? - A bit.

How's he doing? - How d'you think he's doing?

He tells everyone his dad is an explorer

who may or may not come back.

Did you tell him that twaddle?

Be careful.

Are you alright? - Yeah. I have to be.

Yeah...

How is something like that done?

Is it an injection?

Do you really want to know? - Yes.

If one day the time has come...

I have to plan ahead, Thomas. For him too.

It can be done with an injection

or something they drink, usually barbiturates.

Then they sink slowly into a coma, like they're falling asleep.

And they're given something at the end to stop their heart.

Ah, Schubert. Hear that?

That's drama in musical form.

All the stories in this music

can only be told with this music. Can you hear that?

No.

I still can't hear it. - You still can't?

He never finished his eighth symphony.

It's strange, no one knows why.

It lay there for years and then he died.

Quite young, in fact.

Aren't you scared... of... of dying?

No, I'm not scared of dying. No.

Well... No, not really. It's strange, but I'm not.

In the whole of my life I've only been scared of one thing.

That something would happen to you.

But it won't, eh? You're going to be just fine, aren't you?

You're only half a symphony too,

but you're going to have to write the second half yourself.

I'm just sorry...

Silly.

...that I won't hear it.

Can you hear it now?

No. - Just say yes.

Yes.

Amid international interest,

the bill legalising euthanasia was passed in the Lower Chamber today.

That means patients whose suffering has become unbearable

can now ask a doctor to end their life.

51 voted against it and 86 voted in favour.

The Lower Chamber passes the law.

Apart from the Netherlands, Belgium is the only country to legalise euthanasia.

But it is noticeable that no one applauded the new law.

For Mario Verstraete, the MS patient who has become the public face of this law,

this is a victory but possibly also a defeat because, Mr Verstraete,

it could also be the announcement of your imminent... decision?

Listen, I see it like this.

I'm going to die at 40.

That's young today but in olden times that was a ripe old age.

Soon people may live to 150

and 75 will seem very young.

I'm not interested in how long someone lives,

just in how. I've had a fantastic life.

Mr Verstraete?

Darling? Darling? You poor thing.

Are you OK? - Yes, yes, I'm alright.

Dad?

I dropped it.

It's OK. It's OK.

We can... - Leave it, Lynn.

Leave it, darling. It's OK. It's OK.

It'll be fine.

I think we should follow the correct procedure.

Let's go round the table.

Olivier?

We've discussed it for a long time.

Usually I'm the first to tell MS patients they mustn't give up.

They mustn't panic.

But in 5% of the cases we are dealing with this kind of illness,

which attacks you from inside, as it were.

You can carry on living with it.

But if you don't want to...

That's why I'm going to...

Mario is mainly worried about the damage to his brain

and what may possibly happen: total blindness, inability to speak,

loss of memory and social skills...

It's not certain it will all happen but I understand what Mario is afraid of.

We won't turn it into a long, drawn-out funeral.

Here, 30 September. An excellent day.

Indian summer. Hoka Hey, as the Lakota Indians used to say.

An excellent day to die. 30 September.

Hold on.

Hold on.

It's not because you can do it that you have to do it, Mario.

You've got plenty of time. Eh?

Why rush it? You've got time.

You've got time.

I've lived a sloppy life.

And I don't want a sloppy death.

Don't begrudge me that. Let me at least get one thing right.

Do it with style.

I understand. I understand your fears. But why so soon?

I shouldn't have asked you.

Sorry.

We'll do it without you.

30 September.

Mum.

I'm sorry... sorry, Mum. - One day you'll learn to be quiet...

For all the trouble.

Things like that make you know you're alive.

Yes, but... it's not right. - Be quiet, son.

When you bring a child into this world, you know it will leave it one day too.

That's the way it is.

Just look at me sitting here.

39...

I'm 39 years old...

and I'm a baby again.

There aren't many who are that lucky.

Sorry, Mum.

It's OK.

It's OK.

Your Worship.

Can I hold it for a moment?

How are you going to feel?

Dad says I mustn't be too sad.

But I'm not going to listen to him.

And then, after that, I'll probably feel less and less sad.

And then...

I'm going to miss him, of course.

But...

I already spend most of my time with Mum

and when I'm not with Dad, he's still my dad.

So when Dad isn't there at all any more,

not even at the weekend,

he'll still be my dad.

Is it true that Dad, Speck and you fought the American army?

Yes.

Your dad stopped the Cold War all on his own.

The Cold War?

Or at least, warmed it up quite a bit.

Here we go.

Thomas? What have you got with you?

What I've got with me, pal, are the best things in the world.

What a coincidence, that is my final wish.

Then today's your lucky day. - Yeah.

Like Socrates said before drinking the poison...

I don't like that. Haven't you got anything else?

Now we go our separate ways.

I to die, you to live.

Which is better God only knows.

That's what Socrates said.

It could be that you come back as a sexy chick.

Could be...

Thank you.

Come on! Hey! - I didn't do anything.

It's true. What did you say?

Pardon? - Pardon?

It's not... It's not because of that fire...

But you want to be cremated, don't you?

Yes, definitely. Go up in flames.

But there's going to be a service. - That'll do, stop it.

I've already prepared everything. It's in the bag.

Or in the urn.

I've arranged the ceremony, chosen some music.

Music to cry to, but still fantastic.

I've also written a text.

I'm going to make a speech. - Are you?

A great speech. I'm already thinking about it.

Deeply philosophical. - Deeply philosophical...

But with a touch of humour. From Speck's box of jokes.

You'll be sorry you're not there. - That'll do, Speck.

I'm sorry now. What will it be like when I'm dead?

Maybe you can rehearse in advance. - OK, we will.

Then I can hear it. - Stop it.

I can correct things. - You're all sick.

He is sick, that's the problem. - Go and cool down, Speck.

D'you think I don't dare? - Yes.

You don't dare. - Let's do it then.

Come on then. At my old age!

Watch out. - Come on, pal. You're going in.

No, you're going in. - No, you are.

OK?

Yeah.

Make sure you're warm enough, Crazy Horse.

Unless you want to go for a swim. - No.

I'd rather stay here with you. - And me with you.

I'm going to have to miss you for a long time. You won't have that problem.

I've missed you all my life.

That's too cold! - You're going in.

No, no. - You're going in.

There's something horrible in there. An eel or a crayfish.

It's too cold. Not doing something is cool too.

I'm going to warm it up first. OK?

I'm not going in there then.

With regard to the best things in the world, I've brought something too.

But you have to shut your eyes.

OK.

Richard Strauss.

The best music in the world.

I'm tired.

Hello, Dad.

Good morning, Mario.

Did you sleep well?

No.

Neither did I. I was too hot.

Will you be OK? Will you manage?

You know what my father always said.

Don't complain, just get on with it.

And pray for strength.

You, pray?

Do you know the story of Simeon?

Get that book there.

That beige one. There. The one on Rembrandt.

It's on the cover.

Simeon, the old man who wouldn't die until he'd seen the Messiah.

It's a beautiful painting.

Simeon finally saw Jesus in a temple.

He held Baby Jesus in his arms, looked up to heaven,

blissfully happy, to ensure God kept His promise.

Absolutely blissfully happy.

Because he is finally allowed to die. It's allowed, even in the Bible.

Even there...

Yeah... But he's an old man, Mario, and you are a young colt.

Have you seen me galloping around much lately?

Dad, you believe... you believe in paradise.

And everything being fine in the end.

That we're all going to eat rice pudding off gold spoons.

Be happy...

Dad.

For me.

Have you already seen the Messiah? You haven't, eh?

Haven't I?

Watch out. Be careful. - Come here, son.

Sleep well?

No...

We didn't either.

The president of the United States, George W. Bush, declared last night

that if the UN's Security Council doesn't do anything about Iraq,

the United States and a number of their friends will do so.

He's asking Congress for their support. Bush...

Thomas Dhondt. Yes, just a minute, I'll go outside.

When? When had you thought to do it?

Yes.

OK, goodbye.

Here, Chinese throwaway. A different pong in the car for a change.

Will you be OK, brother? - It's one journalist after another.

Someone from La Dernière Heure phoned just now. Symbolic, eh?

To ask if we don't know anyone who can stop him.

And national TV asked if they can broadcast their interview tonight.

It's not a sports car.

Honestly. Chinese...

Come on, let's put it on a nice tray.

The Last Supper.

Ah, Mario. - A thirty-three for me.

With plawn clackers? - And minelal water.

Mineral water, naturally.

Give him my regards. - I will.

An angel flying past.

That's what they say when there's a silence, eh?

Yes, that's true.

I had quite a lot I wanted to say but I've forgotten what it was.

Ummm...

I'd like to do my speech now.

If I may.

Everyone is here, so...

I think this is a good time.

Dear friends.

I thought that was a nice beginning. And it's true, so you can take it literally.

As everyone knows, I studied philosophy.

So if anyone should be able to talk about life and death, I should.

But...

Some English, to make it sound good.

I don't know anything, except what I learnt from you, Mario.

You squeezed more stupidity, wisdom and pleasure into forty years

than others do into 140 years.

It's simple.

We die because we live

and because we die we have to really live.

You fought for your life and your death.

That's typical of you.

Resigning...

before you are fired.

You've even pulled a fast one on death.

Actually, I don't feel that sorry for you,

but I do for myself.

Or rather, it's for all of us here...

that I feel sorry.

Your dad taught me lots of great things, Milan.

I've had so much fun with you.

That's why I am going to be so sad. It's going to be a real problem.

But here's an interesting philosophical dilemma:

if this is an amputation, would we rather not have had an arm?

If we're going to hurt so much, would we rather not've had so much fun with you?

Not me, anyway.

In fact, I reckon none of us here.

No one would have wanted to have missed out on a single moment.

Not even this moment.

We're going to swear and grieve because you are leaving.

But we're going to celebrate because you were here.

So go to sleep, you're tired.

The trees will still be there tomorrow, but won't know how to stand up straight.

The wind will still be there tomorrow,

but won't know in which direction to blow.

And we will still be there too.

And Milan will be there, to become cleverer than you.

Which isn't that difficult.

And we're going to tell our Jef all about you. All your exploits.

And we're going to stand up straight again.

You could do it with your crutches, so why wouldn't we be able to?

We've enjoyed looking up at the stars too much

to be afraid of the night.

We're going to learn to enjoy the pain of missing you

because this pain contains all our joy, our gratitude for having known you.

You won't be there any more, but you will always be with us.

And so I'm saying, 'Until always.'

Thank you for everything, Mario.

That was lovely. Lovely.

There they are. - Laurel and Hardy.

That was a long time ago too. - Yes.

Milan.

Hello.

Hello everyone.

Roger.

Hello, doctor.

Hello, Frank. - Mario.

Milan.

OK?

Yes.

It's been a good day. Not easy for anyone.

No, I can imagine.

Mario, I can just leave, if you like. It's important you know that.

And we can talk about it again later. You can have many more good days.

You should leave a good party when it's in full swing.

So, we'll... we'll do it.

Four pharmacies.

I had to go to four pharmacies.

Everyone seems to know all about it.

No one wanted to give it to you?

The fourth pharmacist had seen her mum suffer for three years. I got it there.

Well... Just a drink in a glass.

Just a drink in a glass.

Will you dream of me? And me of you?

Of course. For a very long time.

I'll have an early night tonight. - Good idea.

See you later. - See you later.

Bye, Dad. - Bye, son.

I'm so glad you were my dad.

Me too.

Me too.

Be careful on your expedition. - Yes, of course.

And you be careful on your bike.

Take good care of Mum, eh?

And tell her that I always loved her.

I'm so tired. So tired.

Fancy a drink?

Yes, could do.

Don't forget. Drink it all in one go. OK?

Thank you.

Thanks, mate.

No, thank you.

For an awful lot.

I don't know what to say.

You think of something. Make something up.

Something good, eh?

Chin up, Dad.

FOR MARIO AND HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS

THE EUTHANASIA LAW WAS PASSED IN BELGIUM ON 28 MAY 2002.

MARIO VERSTRAETE WAS THE FIRST PERSON

TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LAW HE HAD FOUGHT FOR FOR YEARS.