Original subtitles

The Iconostasis

Based on the novel "The Iron Candlestick" by Dimitar Talev

Script by: Todor Dinov Christo Christov

Cinematography by: Atanas Tasev

Music by: Milcho Leviev

Starring:

Emilia Radeva Dimitar Tashev

Nikoleta Gindeva Nikolai Uzunov

Ani Spasova Stoyan Gudev

Boris Arabov Naum Shopov

Directed by Todor Dinov Christo Christov

You want to eat...

Well? Did you like it?

Let's go

You wrote a letter asking for an iconostasis

Would you like me to also make a throne and ambon?

Those go together

Hold on a moment, let's first get acquainted

No point starting from Adam and Eve

Tell me what you want from me

And I'll tell you what I can and cannot do.

Master, did you go see the church?

We shouldn't just talk in vain, right?

I did.

I checked everything I needed.

We want a Vienna style iconostasis.

Vienna style?

I'm not familiar.

You...

How many iconostases have you made, Master?

Two big ones and about ten smaller ones.

I wouldn't call myself a master otherwise.

All is good, but...

There's a great difference from one master to another...

Look.

Not for hands, it will get filthy.

Not for hands, but for eyes.

For him who has eyes.

Let's hear out now what do you want.

Nobody is to bother me until I'm completely done.

How so? Do you take us for fools?

If you don't like my work...

I'll throw it all into a pile and set it on fire.

Let it burn.

But I won't show you anything...

Until I myself like it.

You'll be eating off of our money,won't you?

Who gives you the right to tell us...

What is good and what isn't?

I do.

It's obvious what is for show and what isn't.

So how much do you want for the job, Master?

50 000

What the...Have you gone mad?

I'm not selling a horse or an ox.

I'm no cattle trader.

We don't have that kind of money. -So be it.

Hold on, Master.

We, the youth, will get 5000 during the holidays.

I'll give as much myself.

Ah, if that's the case, then it's a different story.

Write down the transaction.

Finally some fortune for him too.

Fortune from a rich man, beating from a poor! -Master...

Master, kiss the hand! -Kiss the hand?

I'm nobody's servant.

Katerina!

Katerina!

I hear, mother.

Come in, Master.

You wanted to see, Master.

They can't live without the land.

How else?

The land is their only support.

They're born on it, their food comes from it.

Work, prayer, always on it.

They get buried in it too.

People are born and die.

No memory is left of them.

What nice slippers you have, Nia.

Dad brought them from Bitola.

When...

When I get married, my husband will buy me slippers like those.

With heels this big!

So I can hit him on the head with them!

What are you doing, ladies?

Katerina, is there anyone home?

No, nobody will see your thick legs, Stoyna!

I've been on foot all day!

What work is yours...

Swinging in the shade, sewing...

Nia, have you ever done laundry?

I haven't

Who will wash your man once you're married?

Let him wash himself.

At your home, two weddings in one year...

Is it now your turn, Katerina, or Lazar's?

You'd prefer Lazar's, eh?

No, first it's yours.

You'll get out of this home, I'll get in.

We'll have to widen the gates!

Katerina!

Ratso, Kocho, get up already!

Did you hear me? It's late already!

Take this!

Bring some more for the children.

Are you making a necklace?

A necklace...A workshop!

No more staying at this hole!

My God, you're like a whip on my back...

Go, go, go!

Like a sharp spur on my side...

Katerina!

Lazar...

Is it not time already to find a wife?

I can't take care of a wife and children yet!

Stop it!

Come in, boy.

Do you smoke tobacco?

No, I don't.

[Speaking Greek]

Uncle Avram, why are you speaking Greek?

Haven't you studied it?

We have our own language.

Our own?

Inferior.

Everyone...

Must love their mother tongue, uncle.

I'm not going to be anyone's servant, uncle Avram.

You're mistaken.

Mistaken, you say?

Perhaps.

Lazar, what's wrong?

Did something happen? -No.

I went to Nemtur's.

He wants me to be his journeyman.

Journeyman?

He wants to win you on their side.

I won't be lead astray.

Let's go.

You got old...

We got old, doggy...

It's been so long since we left our village.

We threw our rock...

We became citizens.

What? You got sad too?

Master!

I came to pick up the dishes from the master's lunch.

I have to wash them.

Come in!

The councilors haven't forgotten you!

I bought this myself, Pharisee.

They don't send me any on holidays.

You shouldn't be working on a holiday.

And you're doing a church job.

These aren't your copper pots and dishes, boy.

In your job only the hands work, no thought is needed.

I work whenever I get inspiration.

I don't care if it's a holiday or not.

What about the wine?

Why do you need it every day?

Who are you to judge me?

God Himself made it on par with bread.

It's like oil in the fire, man sees clearer.

It's like love.

Do you love any girl?

If you don't, you wouldn't understand.

Without fire, nothing's possible.

God's Sun itself is fire.

I've never gotten drunk.

Well done! You'll live to 100!

I'll live as long as God has willed.

Like listening to my grandmother.

With wine and rakia, man kills himself.

So what? I don't need a life to worry about.

I'm making a small iconostasis for your mother

But she's chasing me away.

Their work is heavy.

They're four women in the household.

Listen up, Master:

I told you when you first came:

You'll stay here until you find another place.

Fine, fine!

I'll go away, I'll go away soon.

Why get angry?

I have my reasons.

As if I'm going to tell you...

You need to find another place.

My mother can't be your servant.

I'm neither her son, nor her son-in-law.

I'm a crazy person, right?

Crazy and drunk.

Crazy...

Lazar... -Yes, mother?

I waited for you. -I got held up at Benkov's.

I know.

We talked about becoming partners with Andrey.

Benkovitsa knows her job.

She didn't tell me anything.

She told him though.

Tell me about Nemtur.

He wants to take me as journeyman.

What?

No...

That's not it, son.

Can't you see?

Avram wants you as son-in-law.

I'm not going to be his son-in-law.

You're so smart, yet you run from fortune!

Nemtur and I are against each other.

Don't be like that, son.

What more can a man want?

Nia is a great beauty and she wants you.

Maybe you don't like her

But you'll get used to her.

Just say the word.

I'll take care of it all.

Why are you grilling me, mother?

Son...

I won't be embarrassed in front all of Prespa even if Avram puts me on a golden carriage!

Poor Nia, you'll be the death of her.

Mother...

May fire take us mothers.

We only think of one thing -

Our children.

Did you tell that warlock, the master, to seek another place to stay?

I told him.

He promised to leave.

Nia and Bozhana would make good priest wives.

Why don't you take Stoyna?

She'd run around like a workhorse!

To bring you ritual bread on holidays!

Ritual bread...

I'm not going to be a priest.

Mother said you are.

Mother, our Lazar said he won't be a priest. -No...

To hammer copper like his father...

It's true, mother. -What are you saying, Lazar?

I'm drawn to something else.

Then become a teacher.

Teacher...

To be made servant to the local rich men...

Son, what are you saying?

What has gotten into you?

You'll stink up the room!

Katerina, give me a lighter!

Here!

Ratso!

Shave your beard, you dirty hobo!

[Speaking Turkish]

Here grows a thick tree,

Thick, with many branches,

Its branches reach the heavens,

Its roots - deep into the ground...

Come in.

Come up.

They've been discussing your work at the town hall. -Let them.

Time has passed with nothing to show for it.

I'm here, working, you don't need to know more.

I've given my word.

People don't see you and...

They're throwing around empty words.

I like it that way.

Alone.

Take a look at yourself!

Mind your own business.

Good, clean clothes...

That's all a man should worry about...

Whereas, my time...

Come.

Here, look.

I've been looking at that bird all day.

I'd look at it two, even three days.

Until it enters my eyes.

What did you say?

I understand what you're saying, but there needs to be order in life.

Otherwise people would speak. -They hate me.

Get together with people then. -No.

I don't want anybody.

People only waste time and I need my time.

Then go into the woods and live as you wish!

I won't allow to be interfered with!

Then don't be mad at people for calling you a drunk!

I could be a drunk...

But I'm not.

It's a different kind of drunk, but who would understand...

I see, you haven't forgotten.

My mother-- -I haven't!

Look here:

You'd say - wood. Feels good in your hand, the knife is sharp, steel;

But does it matter unless you give it a soul?!

Only I know how it happens, how my heart aches, what drills here, under my forehead.

Until it tears that wood away.

From my hands, like a child.

Come on!

Cheers!

Cheers, in-law!

Boys, bring some wine, the in-laws are falling asleep!

Bozhana...

Yes, Lazar?

What are you all doing here?

Just watching the dance.

Come dance yourself, it's a wedding!

Mother...

Let's invite Master Raphail to the wedding?

No, I told you already.

Come on, Katerina, on your wedding too!

Soon, soon.

...red wine...

Bozhana!

Bozhana threw up blood!

Benkovitsa got burned...

May God have mercy on her father's soul...

He passed away too...

That's not true!

She hit herself when blood fell out of her mouth

That's not true!

That's not true!

I...

I'm going to die, Lazar.

No, you're not!

When you get better...

Here are you mother, Andrey...

When you get better, I'll ask you to be my wife

Come on!

Where were you?

Where were you?

At the Master's.

At Raphail's.

Katerina!

Where are you, Katerina?

I'm here, mother.

With Lazar.

Katerina!

I hear you, mother!

What is it, aunt Sultana?

Nia, I haven't seen in you in a while, child.

Perhaps you're not too fond of us?

I am fond, aunt Sultana.

But I am afraid. -Of whom?

When I come, maybe someone would shut the door.

Who?

Lazar.

Let's have a talk as mother and daughter.

Do you want my Lazar?

I do.

But he...

I heard he got engaged to Bozhana.

Don't worry, child!

He did, but do you think it's as simple as that?

He promised to marry Bozhana...

Then why is he not happy?

He promised her out of pity, but his heart...

It draws him to you.

Let him see you more often!

He knows.

Does he?

You haven't shown him in any way!

Child...

There's no force greater than feminine beauty.

Look!

Listen!

Don't run!

Don't be afraid!

Tell you father: only Lazar

No one else.

I'll listen to you, aunt Sultana.

Congratulations!

May your name last!

Lazar...

When husband and wife are joined together...

They are joined for eternity.

For a home...

For children...

No one's coming home, father.

Why do you need them?

Do you think a man would enter your home meaning you well?

Are we going to live all alone in this world then?

Away from everyone else?

Look at others.

I don't need anyone.

Father...

You're almost sixty.

I'm eighteen.

You'll leave me all alone in this world.

I'll get you married.

I'll leave you a fortune.

A fortune?

You know, father,

God gives, but He takes more often and faster.

Nia...

Is it that you've chosen someone?

Go on, tell me.

Lazar Glaushev.

He's my enemy.

You chose him?

No, no...

Father... -No!

He...When I invited him to the shop, he refused, he disrespected me.

I never forgive such a thing.

I shall find you a husband, fit for you in every way.

Leave it to me.

You asked me if I had chosen someone.

I told you - no one else.

I want to come up with a new pattern for the rug.

At times all I can think about is the pattern.

At times it appears clearly in front of my eyes.

I can almost grab it!

Other times it all gets blurry...

But I will grab it!

You will, if you want it.

I need to be leaving already, Master.

It's Christmas, they might go looking for me.

Stay a bit, let me look at you.

No beauty is greater than that of a woman.

Neither the flower's, nor the star's.

But it too burns away.

Only here it stays forever.

I can't listen any more, Master.

We are sinful folk.

Katerina...

Great force keeps us together, believe it!

Mother shall damn us.

Your mother?

She insists on her own order of things.

I spit on such order.

You can't pressure things, as if under a lid.

People are not like stones or trees.

Who taught you to weave like that, daughter?

I did.

You call that a rug?

Patterns are not made that way, unravel it.

I said unravel it!

You don't want to listen to me?

I'll listen when the time is right.

You'll go against my word?

It's been known forever: "If it's a rug -

a wide white stripe, a thin blue stripe."

And always so!

Yours is nothing.

Think things through!

Master! -Katerina!

Raphail...

There is nothing worth more than a mother.

My mother died.

I'm twelve years older than you, yet you're like a mother to me.

I don't want to know about my family.

Let them kill me, I'm never leaving you.

Raphail...

I'm not alone anymore.

A lifetime of sorrow, and now...

We'll go to Kichevo, they're building a new church there.

Come on, get going.

I've been looking for you for two days.

You simply didn't run into me. What is it?

It's a matter of life and death.

I'm offering you my soul on a platter, kick it and spit on it if you will.

Or if you will, help me and save me.

You could at least open.

There's no need.

I don't want anyone to hear us.

You may be wondering:

You haven't seen men like these, they can't be found anywhere, yet they look so real.

One should...

Search, collect beauty.

Like no other has ever seen.

They keep throwing me around.

Everyone wants me to make whatever garbage they desire, but they know nothing!

Only one person understands me - your sister.

For a while we've been...

I'd have properly asked for her hand, but your mother can't stand me.

But you'd understand - I grew up an orphan.

A lifetime of sorrow.

When I saw Katerina, I thought to myself:

We'd make a home together.

I, too, need a fellow soul.

Arrange our marriage, for she's carrying my child.

Is that how low you've gone?

How could you?! -I told you.

If you want, take this knife and stick it into my chest.

It's all my fault! No girl is more virtuous than her! -Enough!

Nothing left to discuss. -Now you and your mother...

Everyone will jump down her throat.

I know, but I swear to God, on my mother's memory - it's all my fault!

We must wed you immediately, damn it!

A sorry excuse for a man and a bitch!

It's nice.

It's really nice, but you could have made two in its place.

You would have made more money.

You worked in vain. -It's not about the money, Sultana.

When you're creating something...

Even if it's just a dish...

Something keeps pulling at your hands.

The more you hammer...

The lighter you feel. -Whatever...

Hammering copper... Everything takes money.

You've worked all day.

Go to bed already.

The whole town is talking about how you declined Nemtur's offer to marry Nia.

I can't shut people's mouths, mother.

He might do you harm, son.

They say he took Nia to Bitola.

Mother...

Let's get Katerina married.

I was thinking you first, but if fortune has it...

Her fortune already has her.

What? -She chose it hersef.

Who is it?

Raphail Klinche.

He's a gifted man.

Gifted?!

I don't want him.

I'm not giving my child to an unstable man.

Not up to us. -What?

I talked with him.

She's pregnant.

May God and the Virgin Mary punish her.

I pray from the bottom of my heart.

May that warlock's soul never find peace.

Why didn't you stab him with a knife? -What's done is done.

Let's see how to fix it.

Done...

How can she fix it for you and me, we who know...

How can she fix it for herself and for God?

You brought him to my house!

Would have been better off burning it down! -I meant no harm.

Let's wed them.

Go to bed, son.

I'll have to think this through.

I'm a mother - may I burn in fire.

What is it?

Time to get up?

It's still early.

Sit up, let's talk.

I know everything.

But I want to hear it from you too.

If I hadn't done it, I wouldn't...

Who is it?

Raphail Klinche?

Yes.

How could you do this...

You've blackened us all.

Kill me, kick me out, I'll go to him.

Only I know his heart.

You hate him, everyone mocks him.

But he's the most wonderful!

Why didn't you come and tell me?

How could I tell you?

You'd have strangled me.

Not even Lazar dares tell you everything.

Fine...We'll get you married.

There's no way around it.

But before you enter church as a bride...

I'll find you herbs for abortion.

Mother! -Quiet!

That's it, bitch.

You'll pay out your sin with the life of your firstborn.

Dear God!

How horrible!

Bozhana! Lazar!

Come quickly!

Andrey!

What's wrong, child?

I never hear you laugh or joke around anymore.

I, too, want to laugh, to sing.

But one can't let go in front of her.

People will always be like that.

Always with pain, always with a broken heart.

May it be healthy, never with rabies.

Light them up, boys! -It's no holiday without fire!

A band of Turks! -Oh dear!

Master!

Raphail!

I ran away from home.

I spoke with Lazar.

I want water... -Right away!

Drink up!

Feel better?

God, please help!

Holy Virgin, please help!

Mother!

Mother!

Is it time yet?

I'm scared, mother!

Don't be, it's not your first time. -Mother!

Mother...

I'm dying...

Don't be afraid, I won't let you die!

Oh dear!

Oh, God!

May God have mercy on us.

What's happening with Katerina?

Whatever has to happen. -Mother...

Go back to bed, son, it's still early.

Mother of God, help us.

Help us, you mother...

I couldn't handle the shame.

I did it myself.

Punish me, God.

If I have sinned in saving my child from the cruelty of man.

Mother...

Mother... -You slept quite a while, are you hungry?

I don't want anything.

Nothing hurts. I don't know if I'm alive... -Take it easy!

Have some milk!

Don't give in to weakness!

Say something!

Should I tell you a story?

Or should I sing to you? I don't think you've ever heard me sing?

Bring him over.

I want to see him.

If the bleeding won't stop...

We can't wait any longer.

Why did you do it if you knew?

I did it. I'm her mother.

Nobody feels greater pain than me.

Let anyone judge me any way they want.

Only you and I know about it...

And that Klinche.

God forbid, if anything should happen

Tell him to shut his mouth.

Katerina

Are you sleeping?

We've sent off two brides to their grave, Sultana.

No wreaths, no songs, no music.

We are two torches, Benkovitsa...

Burnt out and black for eternity.

Lazar...

God's will...

Come in!

Master, Katerina-

Strong winds are blowing,

Heaven and earth are rumbling...

The nation has awoken

From a deep dark slumber...

Zvezda, come here!

Let me cook for you, Master.

No, anything is fine.

Don't mind us, son.

We find a way.

As long as there's bread.

I'm the same way.

My roots are here, aren't they?

Come down to us!

You've stuck yourself in these caves, this hell...

Shoo!

Trapche!

Go away!

Be quiet!

Zvezda!

Piss on him so he doesn't get rabies!

Zvezda!

You're of good stock, Master.

How are you, Trapche?

Calm down.

[Speaking Greek]

You come here often, Mr. Lazar.

Why do you never visit me upstairs?

I'm alone all day.

I come only for a little bit, there's always something to do.

Well done.

Men like you are what this underdeveloped people needs.

We have topics to discuss, Lazar.

Don't we both care only for the good of the people?

No, Reverend Father.

How?

Aren't we both Christians?

Aren't we both sons of the same Father?

Unity and fraternity in common faith and church, that's all that matters.

Yes, Your High Excellency.

True.

But you're not only Christians, you're also Greeks.

Yet you want us to be only Christians.

But not Bulgarians.

True, but you don't lose anything, you only get elevated to the greatness of Greece.

No, we honour everything Greek that's truly worthy of pride.

But we'll build our own church.

So we can talk to God in our own language.

You're deluding yourself, Mr. Lazar.

You could become a great man.

Now you're merely a brazier.

The road to Athens is open for you.

I'll respond with God's Wisdom:

"Man shall not live by bread alone"

[Liturgy in Greek]

We don't want Greek!

Have you gone mad?

A rebellion?

Be very careful!

The young have gone mad! -We don't want Greek!

Nation...

People, you've spoken: 'We don't want Greek!'

From now on, may he be damned, who opens his mouth and sings in a foreign...

Greek language!

Instead of our own.

Bulgarian.

All within God's law, the service shall be resumed by Father Dano!

He's our spiritual pastor.

Rebellion, eh?

People!

Christ has risen!

He's truly risen! -Christ has risen!

[Singing in Bulgarian]

Brothers, the Turks!

Oh, mother!

Brothers, let's run away, they're killing!

The way is blocked!

Lazar and the priest are to come to Kaimakan Efendi.

Or else we're taking you out.

Lazar...

Father...

They won't blink an eye!

They will desolate us!

Shoo!

I'm tired of beating them, sir.

Get to work, you scum!

Rebellion, eh?

I will tear your beard out, you rat!

[Speaking in Turkish]

Oh, father, what fate had in store for you!

Lord, save the people.

How could I spit on you, son?

I'd be better off in hell!

Father, father...

Nia!

Nia...

Which one?

I don't know...

Just look at it!

Good work!

God bless the Master!

May his glory be eternal!

So well chiseled!

[Senile humour]

Strength...

There is great strength and light in the iconostasis.

Made with God's will. -Just what I wanted to say!

Golden hands...

Heavenly hands, and eyes even greater...

That see and create...

Such sacred beauty!

Thank you, Master!

I don't approve.

Well, I have to admit...

There is mastery in the woodwork, true.

But...

It would be more appropriate at some...

Bey's harem. -Blasphemy!

Are you blind?

Don't get so angry, grandpa.

I am not blind...

But rather I've seen more.

So I'm better equipped to tell what is good and what isn't.

You won't see anywhere in Europe wood carved so simply.

Carving there is so rich!

And always gilded.

True, Take is not wrong.

I was invited to a lunch in Vienna once.

All the dishes were golden!

Their food- -Leave food aside.

I had recommended masters from Vienna -

All famous.

But you...

You just had to bring this carver!

And now?

As the saying goes:

"Even if the bread is not well-risen, one has no choice but to eat it"

You are just like Avram, God have mercy on his soul, Take.

Always a stone under the wheel.

The iconostasis is part of God's home.

It separates God's world from that of us, sinners.

What business do these village folk have on it then?

Donkeys, dogs...

And other animal creatures?

There's a hidden, impure, agenda.

To push people away from God!

No. I wanted to bring people closer to God.

You reject our teachings of God?

And his heavenly world?

This is waywardness.

And every waywardness smells like rebellion.

Your god is a peasant? A blacksmith?

God created man in His own image, the holy books say.

But He is God. -And man!

Otherwise...

God's Son would never have been born.

You have a bold tongue!

Aren't we honourable men...

He who has eyes would see that this is Satan's work.

How would your children...

Your wives, look at this shameful nudity in God's home?

Just what I wanted to say.

You see...

In life, people are used to order.

Keeping decency and honour.

Tell me, what is a Turk doing next to king Herod?

Depicting Turkish soldiers as tormentors in that distant era...

You are against the state.

God shall abandon us.

Take, you want your shoe to fit every foot.

If it doesn't - the foot is at fault.

Not all feet can wear your shoe.

There are all sorts of feet:

Big, little, narrow, wide...

You spent all the town's money, and what came out?

Heresy!

In that case, let us see, think it through, and consult those above us.

The bishop!

Not the bishop!

Whoever wants to kiss his hand is free to go. -I see.

Take Brashnarov has muddled your heads.

Don't shift your sins upon another.

You are not one of us, Take.

Why didn't you stay in Vienna, in Athens?

Only there you can feel good!

You are ashamed of us and hate us!

And you've come here to take care of state affairs?!

Lazar, my soul is in this piece of wood.

As time goes by, it will get even better.

Do you see? Look.

This is what people will remember us for.

We'll be renowned.

Here.

Drink.

I don't drink, Master.

Drink up!

Break the cage finally!

Lazar...

I'll be working my fingers to the bone, I know...

But by next Sunday, for your wedding day...

It will be all finished.

Thank you, Master.

People are building a new church in Kichevo, I've been told.

Subtitles by Beezow