Original subtitles

What is a women's shoe?

20 grams of dyed leather,

80 grams of fine sole and 100 grams of heel.

A tiny bow,

a sparkling strap or a buckle.

It's here in Romans, the luxury shoe capital,

this 200g stiletto was born.

200 grams requiring hundreds of hours' work from 15 men

before the order was given to make a few pairs.

For days on end, designers sketched models,

colorists chose different tones,

footwear experts modeled the shape,

measured for sizes,

created the template,

then technicians perfected the prototype

and bootmakers manufactured the model.

The boss was delighted with the result.

It took 15 men, 15 artists, to make the shoes, madam,

that will adorn your feet.

Sales at Shoe Heaven!

3 pairs for the price of 2.

Offer valid on Red Dot stickers.

At Shoe Heaven, you're always in 7th heaven!

Julie, do you have a minute?

Your trial period ends today...

I'm hired? You're keeping me?

Hang on...

You've done your best, worked overtime

but we've decided to keep Cynthia instead.

What's special about her?

Nothing, nothing at all!

But there's a recession.

What can I say? I can't keep everyone.

I had to choose.

Cynthia?

Don't take it like that!

I won't let you leave empty-handed.

Have any pair you like.

- They're on the house. - Thanks!

"Beginners accepted"...

"High school diploma"...

"Permanent Contract"...

"Maintenance"...

"Sales Representative"...

"Supervisors"...

Restaurant Workers

I'll give it to my manager. He'll call you.

Park Maintenance Worker

We'll call you.

Stock Packer/Handler Permanent Contract

Is walking your only hobby?

It says so here.

"Hobbies: walking."

I can't afford to go clubbing or to the movies.

You've no experience in shoes at all.

I do, it says so on my resume: "Shoe Heaven".

I don't mean footwear!

Luxury shoes, do you know anything about them?

And Jacques Couture means nothing to you, huh?

You're just interested in the permanent contract.

For all you care, we could make sausages!

Who told you to leave?

Save your breath! I know the story.

You'll say there's a recession then show me the door.

I bust a gut, get up at dawn,

keep my mouth shut... You people love that!

But not one of you will hire me!

I can show myself out.

Wait!

Muscle and a bit of common sense, that's all I'm after.

Pass the trial period, and the job's yours.

Interested?

I can feel the tide turning

The clouds parting

And my heart soaring so high

This morning is brighter

The air around me lighter

The time has come today

Right here and now

To sweep my old life away

Afraid of what's in store?

Not me, not anymore!

A future of uncertainty?

Bright prospects for eternity!

Everything's fine Sweeter this life of mine

A thousand doors are opening

The joy of it makes my heart sing

Everything's fine Sweeter this life of mine

So many possibilities in store

Enjoy your meal!

I can feel the tide turning

The clouds parting

And my heart soaring so high

Looking to be hired?

That time has expired!

I hope with all my heart

I'm making no mistake

But will I have what it takes?

What it takes?

Julie!

You're a month behind. I'm not the Salvation Army.

Why are you smiling?

Because everything's fine Sweeter this life of mine

A thousand doors are opening

The joy of it makes my heart sing

Everything's fine Sweeter this life of mine

So many possibilities in store

At least I think so...

I can feel the tide turning

The clouds parting

And my heart...

soaring so high

JULIE AND THE SHOE FACTORY

This is the leather store.

Leather is a precious material. Treat it with respect.

There are thousands' worth on these shelves.

Mind where you put your feet and hands.

Our department is the stock.

All new pairs go there.

You're the storeperson. You receive, sort, pack and send.

It's easy, but you have to get it right.

We have all kinds of shoes here.

Lamb, kid, nubuck, velvet, suede...

patent, speckled, braided, satin finish, matt, flat and wedge.

Got that?

Why are the scissors on the floor?

Oh, sorry.

- If you mess it up, you start over. - OK.

Go easy with the tape, we don't get it for free!

Slowly with the cart!

Do you know what those shoes are worth?

If you're not up to the job, say so now.

You're not the only girl available.

Sorry.

Who's the new girl?

- What do you want? - What do you think?

We work for Bourdin. We've come for the boxes.

Is the boss here?

No, she had to go.

Did she brief you about deliveries?

She didn't brief you?

About deliveries?

She's in deep shit!

Yeah, but we don't have all day.

Come on, pal, let's go.

Hang on!

Why am I in deep shit?

Hey, why am I in deep shit?

When boxes don't go, Fran�oise gets upset.

She gets upset.

She didn't brief me.

Yeah, but that's your problem!

Sandrine...

She was last week's girl.

Jacques Couture: Shoe Factory Upgrade

Maybe it's a mistake?

It isn't rocket science.

Cathy's right, an upgrade is good news.

I don't want upgrading!

Fran�oise,

what do you think?

We'll go in,

but we'll make it snappy.

Fran�oise!

Fran�oise, wait!

What are you doing here?

You didn't tell me about deliveries.

The morons!

Now you're here, stick with me.

- What's wrong? - We're being upgraded.

That's a good thing.

Downsizing. Ever heard of that?

We want to see the boss.

You have an appointment?

Now.

Sir, some people to see you.

- What for? - It seems pretty urgent.

Give them an appointment.

They insist on...

Where do you think you are?

How about you and your upgrade?

It's in today's paper, sir.

Nathalie thinks you're downsizing.

Isabelle and Rachida say there'll be layoffs.

The group is considering...

...an upgrade. That's all.

I'm doing my job. Do you want it?

Do you want ours?

For all we know, you're up to something.

You want to screw us!

It's just an upgrade!

Why make a drama out of it?

We know what you mean by it!

Would I have hired her if we were closing?

No one is being laid off.

I give you my word.

See, ladies? No need to panic.

- The matter is closed. - Back to work!

What's this crap?

I don't believe his smooth talk.

- Let's call Paris. - What for?

To ask them directly.

- Call Paris for us. - Try asking nicely.

- Want us to call? - All right!

Welcome to Jacques Couture.

Please hold the line.

Your call will be answered shortly.

Cathy is the funniest.

Rose is the nicest.

Isabelle is the dumbest.

You're still here! Do I have to say it in Chinese?

Back to work!

What's your name?

Julie.

Julie what?

Lebas.

I need a handler not a union leader.

Slip up again, missy, and you're out!

Sophie, get Paris for me.

We have to be logical

Act with dignity

Not panic at all

Quick, a plan of attack!

Girls, let's fight back!

We can't take this lying down

Let's protest Sunday in town

We'll steal the show!

Thumbs down!

A TV fundraiser is the way to go!

No way!

With our plain looks, who'll pay?

Girls, let's fight back!

We can't take this lying down

Here's a better plan to gain renown

And to ensure its success

I have a secret arm

The ultimate way to charm

A calendar of us in sexy poses

Sporting panty hoses

A gaze of desire

These shoes we create our sole attire

A sensual pout

A fragrance so sweet

And licking their boots would be neat!

He's coming!

Everything OK?

Hard at work?

As usual, sir.

I don't like her.

Keep an eye on her.

Girls, let's fight back!

We can't take this lying down

Your ideas are crappy

The only strategy

Here it is, comrades!

We girls go on hunger strike

You go on a diet if you like!

An online petition today

Lock the boss away

No way!

The jerk would love it, I say!

We could kidnap his brat

My own are a handful

No thanks, enough of that!

Girls, let's fight back!

We can't take this lying down

We could sabotage the shoes!

And lose a law suit?

Be given the boot?

We conceal a bomb in the toe!

And if they try to fire us,

up this factory will go!

Boom goes the bomb

Blown to smithereens

We're gonna save our jobs, we shoe queens!

Not eating with your buddy?

Check out this ride!

It's the first thing I'll buy.

- In your dreams. - Gimme a break!

You have dreams.

Sandrine does too.

Do you have dreams?

I've no time to dream.

Not even a small dream? Something? Anything?

She says she didn't.

Pass my trial period.

Get hired here.

Dream on!

What's your dream then?

To get out of here.

Hit the road.

Drive without stopping.

Get far away.

To roll. To keep on rolling.

There are dreamers and sloggers!

You wanna roll?

Pack up, we leave in 5 minutes!

Samy, can you come here?

Samy, keep the orgy short!

We should be gone already.

The new handler...

does she handle well?

It'll be perfect tomorrow!

Hey!

They're not practical for driving.

You don't have that problem.

They're a gift.

- See you tomorrow. - Hang on!

How was your first day?

Like a first day.

Want to go for a drink?

Downsizing? Why not a permanent closure?

The factory is all they have.

They're freaked out about working elsewhere.

Elsewhere or nowhere?

What?

If you're motivated, you always find work.

What planet are you from?

You don't get work, just McJobs.

Part-time, casual, casual part-time...

Shitty jobs!

You take what's going.

By doing everything, folks think you're good at nothing.

Bring tissues next time,

I'll do you my life story.

At first it wasn't that bad

Actually

We were quietly happy, glad

As can be

Not broke, not yuppies

Just us and the puppies

Then wham With no warning

My guy left one morning

Then my banker went berserk

Life was no blast

I had to find work

Real fast

All spruced up

Jobhunting non-stop

Yours truly!

Julie! That's me!

In boots a size too small

And no gloves at all

I cleaned toilets and fried fries

At the same time

In abattoirs I scrubbed floors

And sang so sweet

Spent Xmas as Santa Claus

In the cold of the street

Part-time jobs ain't fine

Filling in forms, standing in line

Impossible to shine

Sinking with time

Then in the darkest hour

A glimmer of hope for me

A permanent contract!

Quit playing the clown

Not a word, head down

I zip my lips

And toe...

the line!

Morning!

Coming with us?

- Where to? - To make ourselves heard.

- Well, are you? - I don't want trouble.

Don't come then.

Rose, please, make sure they behave.

Wait!

I knew you'd come.

Getting on or not?

Where are you going?

Hop on, you'll see.

Get on!

Where are we going?

Bourdin Travel welcomes you aboard this coach bound for Paris.

Our estimated arrival time is 3pm.

Please refrain

from smoking and drinking.

Don't you forget, Cathy.

Oh, please!

And now our charming hostess

will tell you about the program.

The Parisians take us for sheep.

Let's show them we're lionesses!

Guess who's interviewed in here.

XL, XL, XL!

Who's that?

Xavier Laurent, the boss's boss. A total bastard.

"Let's look beyond the shrewd businessman,

"the prince of the Paris stock index.

"Beneath the armor

"is a man who enjoys life's simple pleasures,

"an ordinary guy

"who has always understood the most priceless thing of all

"is the love of your dear ones."

Does it mention his love of layoff plans too?

Too right!

Get back to work,

or there will be a layoff plan!

Get back in your office!

- A protest won't solve a thing! - What would you know?

You want to be laid off, do you?

Well, you will be, but don't say you weren't warned!

Just calm down.

Open the door, you! Let me get off.

If you don't let me off, I'll call F�licien.

Give my phone back!

Paris, here we come!

In a group such as ours, the human element is crucial

for the manufacture of shoes of high quality.

- Thank you, Mr. Laurent. - You're welcome.

F�licien!

Great collection. You've spoilt us again!

What's this about an upgrade? How many layoffs this time?

Calm down. This isn't the time.

Six years of cost cutting!

Quality costs. You can't skimp on luxury.

Hold this, please.

My suit...

Where was it made?

F�licien, my suit?

I don't know...

Italian?

My tie?

English, I imagine?

My shirt?

What do you think of it?

French-made.

Made in China, from head to toe.

- Chinese? - From head to toe.

No way!

If you don't want your dad's brand killed off by competition,

you'll have to make sacrifices.

Honey!

Our guests will be here soon.

I'm coming, honey.

Our customers don't care who makes our soles.

What they care about is quality.

Think about it.

We'll talk after the show.

Cut that out!

You will not stitch up the Couture girls!

You will not stitch up the Couture girls!

You're not allowed in here!

There's a layoff plan...

Please leave.

Please leave, ladies.

Get off me!

Ladies, it's a private space.

You will not stitch up the Couture girls!

Please leave, ladies!

You will not stitch up the Couture girls!

You will not stitch us up!

I'd rather we'd met in different circumstances.

I wasn't expecting you in Paris.

I'd planned to come to Romans.

Anyways...

let's say no more about it. You're here now.

Ladies

This is my opportunity to say

To all of you today

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

Your talent and expertise

Astound, leave me speechless

For me business is a breeze

But you

Your genius is limitless

Why yes!

Why yes!

Why yes!

These high heels are a perfect fit

Their leather stretched so prettily

The best bootmakers in Italy

Before such perfection

Would most certainly admit

They can't better our collections

And to whom do we owe

This finishing so fine?

To us, sir!

May I know your names?

Rachida, Sonia

Isabelle

Well ladies...

I am impressed

And cannot stress enough the importance

Of heels

You are, for sure With your stilettos galore

The queens, I swear Of luxury footwear

Women in every town and city You make their feet so pretty

That I wish on their behalf to say

Bravo!

Our talent and expertise

Astound, leave him speechless

For him business is a breeze

- But we... - But you...

Your genius is limitless

Our genius is limitless

Why yes!

Why yes!

Why yes!

I acted without guile or style

Like a goon

I failed to explain our strategies

We shall meet in Romans soon

So...

it won't be long, ladies

Believe me

Believe me

Believe me

No thanks.

Is the upgrade still on?

Your workers are wonderful, F�licien, absolute wizards.

But their Chinese counterparts are cheaper and quieter.

I'm off to Shanghai with my wife.

Let's chat when I get back.

Another incident like that,

and I'll fire you too.

Up the stitchers!

I won't be a trucker all my life.

I'm gonna take off to the States.

Excuse us for a minute.

I have to go.

Stay a bit longer!

I really have to go.

My hubby's expecting me.

See you tomorrow.

Be careful, OK?

Got the money for Samy?

What money?

For the coach rental.

Did you think it was free?

- Well, yeah. - Well, no!

How much?

20 per person.

20? He's taking the piss!

He takes checks too.

I've only got 3.50.

How generous!

I'll take it anyways.

What's wrong?

Nothing's wrong.

Where are you off to?

Home.

On foot?

Keeps me fit.

Hey, Sandrine,

what's your name?

Cinderella!

Left your pumpkin at home?

You'll wear out your slippers!

Got a boyfriend, Cinderella?

My name's Julie. Happy now?

I'll drop you home.

- I'm broke. - Broke, huh?

Goodnight then.

Wait!

Hey, you bastard, open the door!

I'm just a lonesome trucker

Hauling 10 tons of the blues

Year after year I cruise

A poor sucker

Who keeps rolling on

Heading south to the sun

As it rises on the horizon

A light heart, a heavy load

So much nicer is the road

I feel the urge to drive on

I'm just a lonesome trucker

With time on my hands

Often in my rear-view mirror

I devise grand plans

Between Valence and Montpellier

Throw in the towel, be enterprising

A leader like Geronimo

Be my own boss, vote rightwing

On my way to El Dorado

I'm just a lonesome trucker

Longing for a change of scene

Seeing myself as a movie star

On a technicolor screen

With a gold-digger's zeal

I dream of adventure at my wheel

Of canyons and sheer cliffs

Of the whispering wind blowing

Along Route 66

A rugged good-looker

I've had girls a-plenty

I'm just a lonesome trucker

Who at night feels so empty

And I figure it would be so fine

If the blue-eyed girl were mine

If she agreed to share

The life of a lonesome cowboy

In foul weather and fair

What are you doing today?

Working.

You?

Me too.

Yesterday was nice.

Yes, it was.

- See you soon. - Sure.

Wait!

I'm going to be late.

Can I have your number?

Why?

Because co-workers usually exchange numbers.

Or give me your email address.

PROFITS = UNEMPLOYMENT

YOU WILL NOT STITCH US UP

What the hell's going on?

They refuse to go back to work unless Mr. Laurent visits.

This is absolutely insane!

Rachida and Nathalie are calling the shots.

As if things weren't bad enough!

You've picked your moment!

Now kindly get back to work.

We'll only negotiate with the decision makers.

What's he doing?

What should I do today?

That's up to you.

You can pack boxes or help hold the picket line.

Damn!

Hey you!

I told you to keep your head down.

I'm sick of you. Just take your things and go!

What have I done wrong?

You'll have time to think about it now!

- I tried to stay out of it. - Too late!

Get out of here!

She's telling the truth, sir.

The girls kidnapped us.

Are you pulling my leg?

No. I wouldn't dare.

They took our phones.

We were helpless.

OK, I'll give you one last chance.

But this is your final warning.

Thank you.

DOWN WITH DOWNSIZING

The biggest of cars

Suits made-to-measure

Hand-rolled cigars

And shoes of Italian leather

A sweet-smelling mistress...

For the boss!

A bathrobe from the Ritz

A suite in Biarritz

It's not paying subs

To the most exclusive clubs

It's getting your point across...

When you're boss!

It's knowing you're popular and taking for granted

People are grateful

And enchanted

A charming secretary

An army of workers

Model employees

Devoted, not shirkers

Willing to bear their cross...

For the boss!

A flattering photo

On the front page of Le Figaro

Cries of hurrah and bravo

Good job, way to go!

And a strong sense...

Boss!

Of respect...

Boss!

Of respect...

Boss!

Mr. Bourdin, please.

Hello there.

I require your services.

See you soon?

See you Monday, sir.

Yeah, right, goodnight.

For 50 years,

Couture's chic footwear

has been worn by the well-heeled from Paris to Tokyo.

But the firm's stitchers are now striking

to save their jobs.

Why upgrade the factory?

We demand an explanation from the big boss.

Management flatly denied layoff rumors,

refusing to comment further.

In an area already hard hit by job losses,

will another French flagship fold?

So you got hired by a factory that's closing?

Good job!

Will you pay me with your dole money?

Why believe the TV?

I've got a job now.

You'll get your cash!

It's give and take, Julie.

Clean the rooms, and I'll give you a break.

Clean your lousy hotel?

No way!

My lousy hotel?

Well, my lousy hotel is all you've got!

Oh yeah? I'm out of here.

To go where? You've no hubby, no pals.

You've nowhere to go!

Julie, don't be stupid!

Pay me right now, or get the hell out!

Don't be stupid.

I'll badmouth you to every hotel around!

Guess where I am.

I'm busy, I can't talk right now.

What do you want?

Want to meet later?

I'll be in touch.

My stock's worth a fortune.

Do whatever it takes, but empty the warehouse by tonight.

Call me when it's done.

And tell your guys to be discreet!

Get a move on, guys!

They're here!

Look...

Come on, guys!

Hands off!

Out the way.

No way!

Let me do my job!

Get out!

Get off me!

Bastard!

Jerk!

You shit!

Stop!

Just calm down. Get off!

How could you? I trusted you.

What about me?

What about my job?

Job, my ass!

Fran�oise snaps you up, and you don't wonder why?

Just shut up.

Remember Sandrine?

She lasted 3 days.

A month's trial period!

They all crack up first.

- Shut up. - Fucking wake up!

If you don't screw people, they screw you.

Shut up.

- What the fuck? - Stop!

Come back!

Stop!

Leave me alone.

- Get off! - Calm down.

Stop this crap!

They promised us a bonus.

You'd have done it too.

You disgust me.

Open your eyes, your factory's closing!

There's your bonus!

You've reached Xavier Laurent.

Please leave a message and I will call you back.

What? I want to work, that's all!

I want to work!

Why occupy the factory?

To protect our machines.

As long as we're here, they'll be safe.

- Are you armed? - Of course not!

We knit and sew.

We're ready for them though. They'll be sorry!

Our objective is to relaunch the firm.

It's a viable business. We're fighting.

There's only one solution.

Everyone wants to continue.

It's a show of strength.

You scared me!

What are you doing?

Just tidying up.

These shoes are priceless.

They tell our story.

They can't be thrown out.

Look!

The Capricious.

Fall 1965.

Handsewn, patent calfskin leather...

A real gem!

I'll be heartbroken if they end up in the trash.

It's been empty for years.

In our heyday, dozens of designers worked here.

Just imagine!

The Cossack?

The Oriental?

The Tease?

The Persian?

The Feline?

The Amazon?

The Amazon oozes appeal

Sassy and brazen

So easy to loosen

With a flick of the heel

The Amazon gets her kicks

From ankle to toe

Slipping into the stirrup

To straddle the stallion!

Madam, it's for you to choose

Madam, it's up to you

In your hands this shoe

Will set you free!

The Flighty?

The Diva?

The Divine?

The Gypsy?

The Boss?

The Cheeky?

The Cheeky is smooth as satin

Seems good and wise

But you have to slip your feet in

To figure out her size

I know many a don

Who under her soles feel

They'd happily be trampled upon

They'd gladly be brought to heel!

The Fatale?

The Faithful?

The Fickle?

L'Insoumise.

L'Insoumise?

L'Insoumise!

The lady's by no means tame

L'Insoumise calls the shot

She speaks her mind this dame

With her color she makes you hot

Color of blood and of revolt

Of kisses stolen and heartbeats

She'll kick, stamp, bolt

And then take to the streets

Madam...

it's for you to choose

Madam, it's up to you

In your hands this Insoumise

Will set you free!

In your hands this Insoumise

Will set...

you free!

L'Insoumise...

They have panache.

They're shiny.

They're soft.

Yet firm too.

Ravishing.

Paradoxical.

Original.

Flat yet feminine.

One does not exclude the other.

Rebel, Rebel, Rebel!

In our hands this Insoumise

Will set...

us free!

Jenny, same again.

Closing time!

Xavier?

What the fuck have you done?

I told you to restore order. It's a damn mess now!

L'Insoumise... Ring a bell?

L'Insoumise?

Yes.

"You think it has character?

"Visit our factory while you still can.

"With the compliments of the Jacques Couture staff."

I'm on the hot seat because of you! Half the bitches in Paris...

Honey?

Do you think I have character?

You're divine, honey.

Divine.

Sophie?

I made you a bouquet

To ask your forgiveness

I'm ashamed, believe me,

Of spoiling everything

Of ruining it all

Ruining it all

You want to make me pay for this mess

I feel so small

I made you a bouquet

To ask your forgiveness

To hell with your remorse Just pack your bag

I ain't riding into the sunset On your horse

To hell with your remorse I'm too old for that

Too old for that

I have plans for us

Beyond the horizon

Now hold on tight

I love you

Honey

Honey

There's room for you

In the warmth of my wagon

You're the one for me

I have plans for us

Beyond the horizon

What are you doing?

To hell with your plans Just pack your bag

I ain't riding into the sunset On your old nag

To hell with your plans Get out of my life

And that's...

that!

No plans to upgrade. It was a misunderstanding.

Got that?

Hello, ladies! How are you?

Hello.

How are you?

What adds value to a luxury brand?

Its history, origin and pedigree.

Jacques Couture has thrived for 50 years

with elegance and finesse.

Before your eyes is this very wealth,

this inimitable asset known as French craftsmanship.

We value this heritage.

And that's why we decided to produce once again

the vintage model of the Jacques Couture brand:

L'Insoumise.

Isn't that inconsistent with the upgrade rumors?

Take this Insoumise fresh off the assembly line

Admire the heel and its fine design

The upper is fastened here

After gluing into position

Then come the stitching

And pins of metal

L'Insoumise

I want a word with you.

I've seen worse...

I've seen better, but I've seen worse.

I'll tell F�licien you fit the bill.

Isn't Samy here?

Samy?

He's packed up. He's hitting the road.

Do svidaniya, Samy!

He'll see where life takes him.

When I started here, I was even younger than you.

On my first day,

Mr. Jacques Couture

looked at my cheap little sneakers

and said,

"From now on, Miss,

"you will wear real shoes,

"or go barefoot."

It was a different age.

Don't mess up

your permanent contract.

A contract like this shouldn't be signed lightly, OK?

It isn't just luncheon vouchers,

a healthcare plan

or a corporate hamper at Christmas.

It's more than that.

It's a real promise.

Subtitles by Susannah Rooke, a.s.i.f.

Subtitling TITRA FILM Paris