Original subtitles

We need a socket here.

As soon as I can, I'll install one.

Damn!

It's turning in the wrong direction.

Let's see.

Do you wear glasses?

My eyesight went bad

because of this light.

Be patient, dear Sir, we'll manage this.

One has to be crafty...

There you go!

Now it's turning our way!

The water is about to boil

and we'll enjoy a good cup of tea.

Shit!

Which law says that the President's son should run the State?

Which law says that the President's wife should run the State?

Therefore, dear citizens,

we are fighting for our future!

There is no point saying that President Akayev

was like this or like that!

What's happening?

The only thing left to say to him is: "Leave!"

Tell me, what are you doing here?

You shouldn't have stolen so much!

Stolen what?

What?

The light!

Watch what you say.

Did I hide your light in my pocket?

Stop talking nonsense.

So, what's the matter?

Give me a cigarette.

I'm sorry, Esen, but I had to call the police.

The whole village

is stealing electricity.

Without paying anything.

What's it called?

A meter.

Huh?

A meter!

That's it.

They've all been fiddled with.

Mine hasn't, I pay my bills.

So do I.

So what is Mr. Light doing here then?

He's the one doing the tampering. Ask him!

Did you fiddle with them?

Just for those who couldn't pay.

Leave it. Leave it, I said.

Get in the back.

Where are you taking him?

Haven't you got any real crooks to catch?

- Stop it! - Is it a crime to help people?

- Stop shrieking! - Let him go!

Bermet, come, let's go.

- I'll go complain to your superiors! - Bermet! Stop screaming!

God is just.

The authorities that wanted to send you to jail...

have turned to dust!

They got what they deserved!

How is my revolutionary?

Cut it out!

Are you ashamed or what?

Why are you so silent?

I lost my job.

What matters is that you're with us.

It's better having you close by...

It's good.

What would we become without you?

Enough! I'm here, with you.

Our hair is braided

We don't know sadness

It is time for us to sing love

Like nightingales at dawn...

Umsunai!

Uulkan!

Aikan!

Papa, did you call me? What's the matter?

- He didn't call you. Bug off! - He did!

- No he didn't! - Yes he did!

Stop it! I called you both!

Go get my glasses!

Hello, Mr. Light!

Hello.

- What's up? - Getting ready for the tournament.

- Is Esen in? - Yes.

Hello.

Bekzat is running for deputy of our district.

I warn you, venerable Elders:

don't be deceived by his empty promises!

And be wise. Am I right?

Absolutely!

Dear Esen,

you know that our village

is between the mountains and is swept by the wind.

We must never...

It's always the same thing!

You always speak in riddles.

I'll be blunt.

Bekzat is after our land.

He has already bought the parking lot and the market.

Now he covets our entire village!

We must stop him. Right?

Absolutely!

If he takes our land,

we will be the ones swept out by the wind!

Esen, I didn't hear:

Whose son is he?

His name is Bekzat. Oroz's son.

He's a relative of Mansur.

- Who? - Mansur.

He used to live in Orto-Tokoi, then he moved to the city.

With this election, he suddenly remembered us.

Whose relative?

Mansur's.

I've had my say. Weigh my words.

Esen,

I wanted to turn these in.

Wait a second, Mr. Light.

If only everyone was like you...

I want to move to the city.

The new government promised me a job and some land.

I'd like to leave too.

And I should change jobs.

But if we all leave,

what will our village of Kok-Moinok become?

Let's have a drink!

Esen, easy on your heart!

For what's left of it...

Mansur!

Here, Mansur!

Where do you think you're going?

Don't touch him. He's my friend!

- My bike! - Screw it!

Come on, gee up!

Mansur...

Mansur!

You're really a good guy! Do you hear me?

Stop it! What's the matter?

I'm burning up inside!

What is it?

I have no son!

Enough!

Mansur...

take my wife, give me a son!

Stop talking nonsense!

What nonsense?

Can't you do it? I'm begging you!

You are a strong man!

Do it now.

- Right now? -Yes!

Right now!

I can't.

Let me sober up first.

Listen,

you can do it yourself.

How?

You need to be struck by lightning or to get an electric shock.

I've had dozens of electric shocks.

No, not that kind.

It has to strike you on purpose, with feeling.

So that all your female hormones

instantly turn to ashes!

But you need to stay alive!

Mansur,

it's all clear to me.

Mr. Light!

There's no life without heart!

He's dead!

Bring the ladder! Hurry up!

We have to bring him down!

What have I done?

Bring shovels!

Careful, hold it well!

Dig a hole!

- How deep? - His heart is beating!

Deep enough for him to fit in it, you idiots!

Pick him up.

And help us carry him.

Help us.

Move away!

Fill it up, we have to bury him!

Don't just stand there!

- Not on his head! - Bring me the lamp.

Fill it up, around his head.

Don't put any dirt in his eyes!

Mr. Light...

- What happened? - He got an electric shock.

Where are you going?

Come here!

Scared I'll lecture you again?

It's not worth it anymore.

No.

Whatever I say, it's useless.

Eat.

At least, this is ours.

If you had died, we wouldn't even have this.

I may mean nothing to you,

but think of our daughters!

They're ashamed.

That's enough!

I have a dangerous job.

Don't get on my nerves in the morning.

You're admiring your toy again?

You should be ashamed. Do you know what people say?

It's not a toy!

Really?

It's a source of light.

Stop it!

You'll be proud of me one day.

Dream on.

I'm not a stranger, this is where I come from.

I need your help, as the mayor.

I need the villagers' votes and your administration's help.

If I'm elected, you won't regret it.

I know the likes of you!

You have pillaged our country!

Like jackals!

And now you pose as a benefactor!

What are you, blind and deaf?

Can't you see what's happening to this village?

Our youth go to Russia and Kazakhstan, to find something to eat!

The rest try to survive any way they can!

There's no electricity!

They can't even afford bread!

Before, they were respected! They didn't want for anything!

And now they're reduced to grinding poverty!

Who put them in this situation?

You did!

This land has no owner! Give it to me, you'll see!

I'll make a heaven out of this barren land!

Are you out of your mind?

This land isn't barren!

Children are born and grow up here! They are the owners of this land!

The meal is almost ready.

Throw me those matches.

Don't hurry, try again.

Well done!

Mansur!

Mansur!

What happened?

Leave me alone!

Get a grip of yourself!

Mansur, look at me!

What's with you?

Why are you acting crazy?

Here, read this.

Stop it, Mansur!

Read it out loud!

"This man treats me very well. He promises

to take good care of our children.

Please send me all the divorce papers.

I can't get married in Italy without them.

For once, do something good for me..."

Fuck it!

What a bitch! What a whore!

Who are you talking about?

My wife.

Kalicha, damn it!

Kalicha is a good person.

Yes, she is a good person.

Did you screw her?

Have you gone insane?

Hello.

Hello.

Have you seen the electrician?

- Mr. Light? - Yes.

- He is at Turdaly's house. - Which one is it?

- The one at the end. - Thank you very much.

That way.

- My turn? - Right.

- Go on. - Your turn.

Take from the stack.

Here, have a seat.

Eat, drink, help yourself.

- Is it ready? - Yes.

Guys...

once you're done, take the computer and the table away, ok?

Some vodka?

No, I don't drink.

It's for my daughters.

Listen Gulnur:

either you resign,

or you work things out with the boss.

Here we go.

Down with Akayev!

Down with Akayev!

Sardar!

What's this, you damn fool?

Who told you to hijack electricity?

If we don't pay, who will?

Will she? Or this poor woman?

It was only during construction.

Half of Kyrgyzstan lacks everything.

They've seen it all, here!

And you poor bastard,

you steal from this crumbling State?

I got it, boss.

Is this why we revolted?

To become thieves? Have you no shame?

Boss...

we brought you the electrician.

Hello.

Please sit.

I'm glad to see you.

The pleasure is mine.

Well, I saw a windmill

in front of your house.

Yes.

- How many kilowatts does it supply? - It doesn't supply any.

But if I finish it, it might supply 2 or 3.

I can't understand.

Energy prices rise by the day.

It's tough on producers and on the people too!

Why is it so expensive?

I have a solution!

I mean, pardon me, I think I do.

The wind in our village is weak.

But beyond the river, at the head of that gorge, it sure blows!

That's where we'd need windmills.

Not like mine:

their blades have to be horizontal.

That's more efficient,

and their ECE is much better.

ECE?

"Energy conversion efficiency".

So, if we could cover that area with windmills,

there would be enough energy for the whole valley.

You have beautiful dreams.

I did all the calculations and even some plans...

Did you show them to anyone?

Yes, I did.

But they treat me like a fool.

All great projects start with foolish ideas.

You have an interesting mind.

Let's say I help you achieve your ideas,

would you trust me?

I would.

Leave it, we'll take care of it.

We have to reopen the club quickly.

It may be mine, but it should serve the people.

It's my duty

to improve the village's cultural life.

You're right.

We have to replace the whole electric circuit,

install new sockets,

a three-phase, spotlights...

Like that.

And a new transformer is on its way.

What do you think?

- I'm sure it's very good. - Will you manage that?

Of course I will!

Excuse me: I think I will.

What's his name?

Eldiar?

Elaman.

My sweetheart...

I am sick of all of this.

I'm the one doing the cooking, the cleaning up...

And nobody cares.

Complaining again?

Do you think it's easy climbing up poles?

Who is it?

I guessed!

Papa!

You look quite busy. Where's mommy?

- Over there. - Go and give this to her.

What's in the envelope?

Dollars!

Dollars?

Calm down.

Where does this money come from?

Like they say, "the Lord provides".

That guy who wants to become deputy... Bekzat.

He seems to be a good guy.

Everyone seems good to you.

You believe everything you're told.

You've got a whole bunch of useless friends!

Hey son, come have some tea.

Come in.

Don't take your shoes off.

God bless you! Thank you for doing this.

No news, no concerts. She's like a savage.

Have a seat.

This is my granddaughter.

She's smart.

Her teachers said: "She should go to university".

But how could we pay for that?

Times are really tough.

Her father...

was a driver.

He and his wife went to Russia to earn a living.

As a result, we never see them and there's no money.

My granddaughter not only feeds me, she also helps her parents.

God should take me away.

Don't say such things.

It would be easier for her.

She could save money for her studies.

Don't say that.

Stay alive.

Mr. Light,

our mayor Esen has passed away.

My poor friend... I will never see you again!

My poor friend... I will never see you again!

What a terrible loss!

He was a good person.

May the Lord have mercy on him.

Amen.

Hello.

Hello.

Come in.

Make room for Bekzat.

Please accept my condolences.

Be strong.

Death is what it is.

We have to accept it.

God, to adorn paradise,

calls back his most beautiful creatures.

May Esen

rest in peace.

That's life.

No matter how terrible our loss, we must keep on living.

To ensure Esen's work was not done in vain,

we need a man

who will serve you faithfully.

If you agree with me,

I propose to nominate

Mansur, whom you all know so well.

He is young,

and strong.

I beg all elders to support me and bless him.

For my part,

I commit myself to helping you.

May God hear your prayers

and grant you bright days.

The important thing is to be united,

to keep the village's future in mind,

and to work at it together.

Give the head to Bekzat as a sign of our respect.

Thank you.

Here, this will cool you off.

I'm coming down.

Don't fall.

- Did you get a sunburn? - No, I have a hat.

Thanks anyway.

- Is there enough salt? - Yes.

These birds are funny, they twitter tirelessly...

Their nest is nearby.

- Will you want some more? - No, I'll be fine.

Burul woke up.

Will you come back for tea?

Sweetheart, are you awake?

Hi, buddy!

What's new?

- Where have you been? - I've been about.

All you do is just hang around...

How are you?

I'm ok.

By the way,

that Bekzat has come back.

So?

He wants you to meet some Chinese investors.

I won't go.

What's with you?

Are you jealous, is that it?

Damn it! What next?

I can count on you, right?

You know what you have to do:

light up the yurt.

Mr. Light! Ulan is stuck in a tree.

Where?

- Over there! - Run!

- Where did you say? - Over there!

Shit!

Mr. Light, we need your help.

Why couldn't you bring him down?

- You could've gone. - He's just a kid, I didn't dare.

Pull this way!

Hold on there, Ulan!

It's almost over!

Hold the carpet tight.

He'll bring you down.

Throw me a rope.

- Why did you climb up here? - I wanted to see.

- To see what? - What's beyond the mountains.

Beyond the mountains?

When I was a child, I wanted to see too.

Is that true?

Yes.

Look, there's the moon.

- Are you afraid? - No.

So we'll climb down, then.

You'll help me, right?

I had you come so you could see this land with your own eyes.

It now has an owner.

And we have plenty of ambition!

We will carry out all of our plans. Trust us.

Boss!

Let me introduce you to someone.

We call him "Mr. Light".

The master of light!

He dreams of building many windmills

that will supply energy for the whole valley.

I'll tell you more about it in the yurt.

Come. We'll chat around some food.

This young man is the mayor.

His name is Mansur.

And here's Gulnur, director of the House of Culture.

Please.

Come, the boss wants you too.

Tell them they should help themselves.

Don't get upset. Once they're gone, we'll have some fun.

Have some tea.

Make yourselves at home.

Offer them a drink.

Come on!

- What's it? - Gan bei.

Gan bei!

Dear guests!

Here is an ancient tradition

passed on to us orally.

We are happy to present you

with an erotic show called: "Untie the camel".

Let me explain:

the camel is attached to a stake, the woman

unties the knot with her teeth.

If the man manages

to penetrate the woman with his iron rod,

he wins the camel.

If she keeps him from doing so and unties the knot,

the camel goes to her.

Both are naked. There's no using hands.

If one of you courageous men

would like to revel in pleasure and win a camel, please be my guest.

Mansur, we're thirsty!

- What's the word? - Gan bei.

And now...

Before you...

The beauty of beauties!

A young lady who is ready to stand up for women's honour!

You bastards, stop!

What are you doing?

Move away! Let me go!

Get lost!

There's a car.

The boss wants to speak to you.

- Let's go, he's waiting. - I won't go.

By car, we'll be there in no time.

I won't go without my bike.

Forget about your fucking bike!

I said I won't go. I'm not going.

Come!

Leave him alone!

Got it?

Our hair is braided

We don't know sadness

It is time for us to sing love

Like nightingales at dawn...

It is time for us to sing love

Like nightingales at dawn...

Adaptation: Jedediah Sklower

Subtitling: TITRA FILM Paris