Original subtitles

PELICANMAN

Oops!

Ooops! -Sorry.

Sorry. Oops, sorry!

Oops, sorry.

Emil! It's time to leave!

Emil! It's time to leave!

Okay, I'll fetch him.

Look, swallows! All the way from Africa.

Why do you have to separate?

I'll explain, some day, when you're a little older.

Do you know what is the difference between birds and humans?

Humans have the ability to remember.

I don't want to remember.

That's because you're still a young bird.

Goodbye, then. -Bye.

Remember to water it often. -Yes.

Mom! Did you see? -What, dear?

A bird hitch-hiking. Wearing clothes. Huge!

Yes. Of course, dear.

Sit down. You'll travel more comfortably.

Comfortably. Travel more comfortably.

Hello again. -Hello.

This is my son, Emil. This lady is our janitor. Say hello Emil.

Hello.

That's a fine mother's help you've got there.

Yes, he is. Come along dear.

No roller-skates, no skateboards, no balls, no rackets in the yard.

No pets. And especially no birds! I'm allergic to birds!

Everything's going to be fine.

Soon you'll have lots of new friends.

Your dad won't forget you.

Thank you very much. Welcome. Thank you very much. Welcome.

Thank you very much.

Real music lovers are always welcome.

Welcome. -Yes.

Dear Dad. First observation today at 12. 10 on the road.

One unknown, white bird.

Very large specimen.

Second observation in our new yard at 16.04.

Seagulls. Three of them.

Wake up!

Wake up!

Oops! Sorry.

What does it say on that sign? -Oops! Sorry...Comfortably...

Doesn't it say very clearly: Keep off the grass!

Get yourself a job. And a home!

Like all decent people!

Get a job! A job!

Wait, Mom! There's that bird again!

The seagull threw him a fish. And he ate it!

What bird? -Over there. He ate a raw fish!

Emil, please, not now. Hurry up. Come on.

I remember you. You're the real music lover.

But it's too early. The show isn't until this evening.

Get a job!

Ah! A job!

Like all people.

Well, we do need a stagehand.

Need a stagehand. -lf you're interested.

Interested.

Now girls, ready. Five, six, seven, eight.

And, five, six, seven, eight.

Anything for me? The name is Emil. The red house.

Emil. The red house. Let me see...

Emil...No...

Nothing here. Sorry.

Was it important? -Just my dad. He promised to write.

Perhaps it will come tomorrow? -Yeah. I'm sure.

Emil! Come here.

Will you do me a favour?

These flyers need to be delivered to the red house.

And there are so many of them. -I can do it.

Thank you! See you tomorrow.

A pelican!

Of course! He's a pelican!

"Web-footed water bird with a clumsy appearance. "

Dad, you'll never guess!

The bird I wrote to you about is a pelican!!

I identified it today.

It says in the book that -

individual birds have been found around our northern shores.

Bravo, bravo, bravo!

Enchant�, ch�re Madame.

Enchant�, ch�re Madame.

Looks very smart on you.

The flat is let fully furnished.

The tenant is, naturally, responsible for the flat -

and everything in it.

Here is the bathroom.

With a washing machine connection and a full-size bathtub.

Here is the kitchen.

The equipment is first rate.

Microwave oven, refrigerator -

coffee maker, baking machine and a freezer.

This is a very nice and esteemed area.

Only decent people live here.

Decent people. Excellent. Can I move in right away?

Enchant�, ch�re Madame.

The rent is paid on the 15th every month. On the dot.

No roller-skates, no skateboards, no balls, no rackets in the yard.

No pets. And especially no birds! I'm allergic to birds!

Tomorrow you'll have to eat at Hanna's Cafe. I work the late shift.

Mom, are there pelicans this far north?

No. They can't survive. It's too cold.

But if they have clothes?

Emil, let's eat.

How many? -Five.

Have six.

Baltic herring with mashed potatoes.

Goodbye.

Thank you and goodbye. -Thank you.

Hey! Young man! Your spaghetti!

Evidence number one.: a feather.

Two.: a hole, the size of a beak.

Three.: a disguise.

Hello, sweetie.

Mom, guess who I saw today? -Wait. Take this...

Good thing you bought fish.

Did you go to Hanna's? -Yes. And guess what...

Can I have the change back?

I forgot it. I had to run out and...

Forgot? -The bird man was there.

I had to rush after him to see where he went.

Emil, are you chasing strangers?

He's not a stranger. He's a pelican wearing clothes.

Look here.

Looks a bit like our new neighbour who moved into the green house.

Who always wears white gloves. -What?

Emil, don't tell me you followed this poor man across half the town.

You're a darling!

Good morning, Emil.

Good morning.

Let's see if I got something for Emil...in the red house.

Emil...No...No...No...No...

No, nothing. Bad luck. Nothing today either.

Doesn't matter. Bye and thank you.

Excuse me Mr. Pelican...

Don't worry. I won't tell anyone.

Most considerate of you.

You dropped this.

Thank you.

May I ask you how you discovered my...origins?

Anyone can see you're a pelican.

Not at all. You are the first person to notice.

When I wear clothes like humans do, they see me as a human.

And humans are very strange because they believe in illusions.

Illusions? What's that?

It means that things seem different from what they really are.

But you're sharp. Are you sure you're human?

What do you mean? Of course I am.

That letter there is back to front. Same on the paper too.

Oh no! -Oh yes!

So you know how to read and write? -Yes.

Don't you?

No.

I could teach you.

You could?

MR BERD

How nice of you to come. Please step inside.

You have the bathtub in the living room?

Yes! A splendid piece of furniture.

Very handy when you want to drift on the water while taking a nap!

You seem to like water.

I plunge in whenever I can.

But, the clothes make it a little awkward.

You keep your shoes in the fridge? And your shirts in the freezer?

I greatly value human inventions.

The clothes remain so fresh.

Why did you put the clock in the microwave?

Is this a clock? Everybody talks about the clock.

Would you explain to me what you use it for?

Looks like I have to teach you both this and that.

How did you learn to talk?

By imitating. I'm an expert at imitating sounds.

How come you wanted to be a human?

There are so many of you. Everywhere. Fascinating.

And you have music...and dance...

And so many gadgets with buttons to press.

It must be wonderful to be a human!

Not always. Sometimes sad things happen.

Really? What kind of things?

I'll explain some day when you understand a little more.

Okay. Let's continue.

Say "ii". -"ii".

Say "i". -"i".

Say "in'di:d".

"In'di:d".

That's right! Say "o"...

They had broken into the florist's.

The shop was vandalized.

The flower pots broken.

The vases smashed to pieces.

Do some more.

Then came...

Can you guess what this is?

One more. A dog.

Just like our dog.

Stop all that noise!! At once. D'you hear me?

Just a moment, please.

Wait.

What's the meaning of this noise? Where d'you think you are?

One more squeak from either of you and I will...

Not a single peep, I warn you... Not a sound.

She reminds me of the Night Queen. -Who's that?

A rather daunting character in the Magic Flute.

It's an opera.

This is your last warning!

Luckily she didn't come in.

She might not like that you moved the bathtub into the living room.

She wouldn't?

Do your parents know that I am a pelican?

Mom didn't believe me when I told her.

And Dad doesn't live with us. They've separated.

You mustn't tell people that you're a bird.

You have to beware of people.

Especially the Night Queen.

I'll be right back!

Here's the list of what to buy, some money and please -

bring the change back. -Yes, yes.

Doing all right? -Of course I am.

Next summer I can take a holiday. We'll have fun and burn money.

Bye. -Bye.

"Humans. Beside the upright position -

the skull's size distinguish humans from other species. "

"The mole's shovel-like front paw, the horse's hoof -

the porpoise's fin and the bat's wing..."

"I believe one has, to a certain degree, neglected the alphabet -

which is to the detriment for us. " Oh, really?

"Heavily tormented, the feeble remnant of good within me succumbed. "

"Evil thoughts became my intimates, thoughts most dark and vile. "

"My moodiness increased to hatred of all things and of all mankind..."

"So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,

As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows. "

"The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand,

And, touching hers, Make blessed my rude hand. "

"The berries were as big as my thumb, cloudberries like apples. "

"Give me the money, or I'll feed you to the fish!"

"The woman's face glimmered in the yellow light. "

"A sudden shot, and the man dropped to the ground, bleeding. "

"The polynomial quotient of two polynomials is a rational function. "

"The process of performing such a division is called long division. "

"A power is an exponent to which a given quantity is raised..."

"The expression is therefore known as 'x to the nth power'..." Emil!!!

We're going out!

You've been reading too much. You can't learn only from books.

It's only a film. It's not for real.

A film?

Yes. An illusion.

Are you sure? -Yes, I'm sure.

What was that sound you were making?

I was laughing.

You laughed too.

I laughed? Why?

Because humans laugh when they see something funny.

Of course. That's what we humans do.

Stand straight. Heels against the wall.

Okay. Don't move.

But Mom, you can't write on the wall!

No. Except for the most important things. Take the other end.

One hundred and forty two.

So Emil, ten years, 14 2 cm.

Soon you'll be as tall as your dad.

Why doesn't he write?

This time of the summer, in the country there's...

A lot of work to do. That's what you say every day.

I know I do, but it's the truth.

Hello Emil.

No letter today either. Bad luck. Maybe tomorrow?

Yes. Dad's got a lot of work. Harvest time.

Yes...yes...of course.

You mustn't kick the dustbins! -Is this your yard perhaps?

Yes. Go somewhere else to vandalize dustbins.

I happen to live here. -I was living here before you.

I know all about dustbins. What goes where.

That one is for compost, not for kicking.

Keep your bins!

Ah! Emil! Who's your new friend?

That girl? Nobody I know.

My name is Elsa. Are you Mr. Berd?

I certainly am. Nice to meet you.

My family organizes a harvest party in the yard.

Here is your invitation.

A party! Sounds like fun! Thank you!

You can come too if you like. -I think I'm busy that day.

You don't even know what day it is.

We should go now. Otherwise we'll have to run.

Perhaps Elsa can join us on our outing?

We don't tell her!

Just a moment, please.

Tell what? -Nothing.

Mr. Berd's got a funny way of walking. A bit like a duck.

I hadn't noticed. -You're not very observant.

Good heavens! Some hooligan has knocked over the compost bin!

Save the planet!

Buy a ticket and save the planet!

Buy a ticket and save...

Buy a ticket and save the planet! -Is it really that easy? Great!

Thank you.

And your name and address on here please.

I can write it for you.

Why are you writing it? -He's hurt his hand.

When? -Just now.

Thank you.

Where did he go? -I don't know.

Where is he? -Not here, anyway.

Haven't you seen him? -No.

Why not? What have you been doing? -Hey! I'm not his nanny.

He was just here. And he went that way. -He must be there, then.

But he isn't. See for yourself.

This is ridiculous...

Help! There he is!

How did he get in there?

I don't believe it. A herring gull's egg in the African savannah!

This place is a nightmare.

Is this the future for animals? Dead and stuffed in glass cases?

If you want to see live animals, you should go to the zoo.

Good evening, young friends. I've been waiting eagerly for this party.

I have a very special surprise for you.

The man may be a donkey But the donkey's not a man

And who can really tell What the Pelican can?

More fishy than a fish Is a person sly and mean

If you're filthy you're a pig But the pig is really clean

What seems true may be treason The tongue twists around the words

It just takes some reason To make sense of what you've heard

Flights of fancy Must always be free

When I soar above the roofs I ask you to join me

In my sleepless nights Your eyes burn like fire

You are the picture I remember, Worship and admire

I create a big illusion I enter into my illusion

I take my sweetheart for a drive I fly with her across the sky

We swirl, we spin, we fly around Until we both fall down

Until we both fall down

What a fantastic performance! You should be on stage.

In a musical! -Thank you. What a compliment!

Elsa, come and give me a hand!

Coming...

That was close! You should be more careful with your feathers.

Did you notice? They only see what they want to see. Not the reality.

Humans believe in illusions.

I've learned a lot since you taught me to read. But I didn't know -

there were creatures with both wings and hands. Very practical!

Excuse me? You couldn't read? -No. I learned after I met Emil.

Time to go fishing.

He's kidding. A child teaches a grown-up how to read?

Perhaps he forgot the letters.

Or perhaps where he comes from they can't read.

Or maybe he was too busy learning other things.

For the spoons the best colours are perch, gold and copper.

In the evenings use the parrot coloured one.

But if you want to catch pike-perch, I recommend a skimming wobbler.

I've got my own methods.

He is a pelican! Mr. Berd is a pelican!

You knew! The whole time. And you didn't tell me!

You were laughing behind my back! -No I wasn't.

Yes you were. Why didn't you tell me! What cheek!

You can keep your stupid secret! I'll never talk to you again!

Why didn't Emil tell me? As if I'd tell anyone else.

He did what he thought was best.

He's a very good human with a pure heart.

Like you, my friend.

In shallow water like this you will only get tiny minnows -

but if you go over there, and dive in...

Her name is Helena.

She dances the leading role in Swan Lake.

Such delicate hands.

Light as wings.

I've told her all about myself. And my life.

About your life as a human or as a pelican?

As a human. I shall tell her everything. Soon.

But before I do, you shall see her dance.

Ask Elsa to come too.

Will you go to the opera with me? Emil

Emil...

Thanks for the picture. I like it. And thank you for the invitation.

Will you come?

Okay.

That secret...

Now it's our secret. Right? -Yes.

Thank you girls, let's take a break.

He's a pelican. Does he really think Helena will fall in love with him?

So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows -

as yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.

The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand -

and, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.

Do you think he's lost his mind?

There's something I want to tell you about myself.

Did you really believe she would fall in love with you?

You're a pelican!

Pelicans don't cry.

Emil!

Emil!

Emil!

Mom! I'm going to the country. Dad will meet me at the station!

That's great. Wonderful...

What's wrong with you humans? War, murder, robbery, pollution...

I'm sorry Emil, please come in.

I can't, I'm going to the country, to my dad.

I brought you this tree. To cheer you up.

Thank you. You're a true friend.

Bye.

Hi. -Hi.

I'm going to stay with my dad, in the country, for two weeks. -Oh...

Could you look after... you know who.

Yes. How is he doing? -Terrible.

Keep an eye on the janitor. She's snooping. -All right.

Hello! Sorry I'm late.

You've grown.

D'you believe me? -No!

D'you believe me? D'you believe me?

And up in the air!

Okay then. Okay...

Go for it. Ah! Perfect hit!

No, no, no, easy now easy.

There, there, easy now. Easy now...

My seagull friend says that if you ever try to hit him again -

he will pay you back. The same way. And he won't miss. Understood?

Bless you.

I have a bone to pick with you!

Be thankful cows don't fly.

Are you allergic?

Yes, I'm allergic to birds. And every time Mr. Berd...

Bird?!

Congratulations, Mr. Berd.

You're this month's winner of the "Save the Planet" super prize!

Can you guess what it is?

Try, if you can.

It is...It is...

Quite! It is a "Save the Planet" wastepaper basket!

Just press with your foot here...like this!

Every time you use this wastepaper basket, you will have -

the extra satisfaction of knowing you've been helping the planet!

He's a pelican!

He's a pelican!

A pelican! -Terrible!

All day long splashing about in the bathtub.

Running water, day and night. -And all that singing!

He is a wild beast. Dangerous even!

Mr. Berd is a better person than any of you!

Ought to be in a cage! In the zoo! -Why? Why can't he live like we do?

My dear child! A bird is a bird!

And if it won't fly in the sky like other birds, it must stay in a zoo!

Please call the police! -And the fire brigade!

We must put an end to this!

That pelican of yours... Any new observations?

Yes, a few.

It's rather unusual that they come as far north as this.

A town is not the best place for a pelican.

It would be better if he found his way back home.

Dad, I think I should go back to town already today.

That was Mr. Berd! -Was it? I wonder what has happened.

I have to find Elsa.

Elsa!

They took him away! There was nothing I could do.

Where did they take him? -To the zoo.

You think that's our ferry? -I think so. We'd better hurry.

Birdie...birdie.... Have a biscuit...

Yum, yum! Birdie!

Stupid bird! -You're the one who's stupid!

Mr. Berd!

The new pelican's still a bit shy. He sits mostly inside the hut.

He'll soon get used to us. Tomorrow we'll clip his feathers.

Did you hear that? I have to get out of here today!

We'll help you to escape.

How can we open that lock?

There is a hatch on the roof of the cage. It opens from the outside.

But I need my clothes. Please get them from the opera.

We'll be back tonight.

I can't. I have to look after my little brother.

In that case I'll come alone.

Thanks for everything, Elsa.

Emil, be careful. And hurry, so you don't miss the ferry.

Come on!

Just a minute, what's going on?

Here it is!

Look! A rat!

Mr. Berd!

Emil! Finally!

Shhh! Careful.

Good.

Quickly. Someone's coming!

Someone's there!

Hurry!

There they are!

Jump onto my back!

From now on I will continue my life as a bird.

I shall forget everything I learned when I was a human.

You mean like laughing and singing and speaking?

And everything else too? Won't you miss it?

It was great while it lasted.

But now it's over.

As a human I learned that I have to be myself.

You mean a bird?

Yes. I have to forget so I can start to live like a bird again.

I have to become immortal again.

What does that mean?

Animals are immortal because they don't know they shall die one day.

Only Man is mortal.

So I must forget that one day I will die.

A new life begins for me now, and that life has no end.

Will you forget me too?

Yes.

I won't forget you. Ever.

Of course you won't. You're a human.

And a human's destiny is his ability to remember.

But you must also remember to laugh and to sing.

And to keep your shoes in the fridge!

Next summer, you and Elsa will come here -

and you will see the birds flying above the bay.

I will be one of them.

How will we recognize you?

It's time to leave.

Farewell, my friend.