Original subtitles

This film was completed for the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.

AMRION presents

Do trees understand when you talk to them?

I'm sure they do.

Do they understand like people and dogs'? Like our Sirka?

My grandmother once told me

that when she has a very big problem,

she goes to the forest to talk to a tree and it helps her feel much lighter.

So does that mean trees can hear you and help?

Mommy, can trees hear you and help'?

Who knows. Maybe they can.

Let's go. Daddy's back with the truck.

Good idea, I can ride in the back!

And teddy can too! - Sirka!

Mommy, look! Pioneers!

Leelo, do you want to go for a ride? - Yes!

Come on then. Hop on.

Daddy!

Darling!

That's all.

That's all.

THE LITTLE COMRADE by Moonika Siimets

Where do I put these?

In the kitchen.

Wait, I'll untie the rope.

Be careful with that!

Next? - They're all gone.

Gone? - Yes.

What now? - What else.

The wind will blow in. The store is closed already.

But we can go back home. - We are home. Our new home.

Mommy and I told you that a hundred times.

Go and unpack your things.

Mommy, my teddy is gone.

We'll look for it.

My goodness, what's that?

The pioneers are celebrating!

She's having a pioneer party.

Stop laughing.

Promise me that you will not play with these medals without asking.

They're very important to Daddy. - But I'm not done playing.

They're not toys, okay?

You can play something else. - I don't want to.

I want my teddy.

My God, what are you doing here?

What is your name?

Leelo.

What are you doing here, Lee-lo?

Your last name?

TUngaL

Tungal...

Leelo, there you are!

I'm so embarrassed. - You're a Soviet school teacher,

but your child acts like an enemy of the people.

Peeks into windows, sneaks into other people's homes, steals.

I'm very sorry. Truly, really sorry.

Leelo, do you understand what you have done'?

You went into someone's home without asking.

We moved from this apartment just this morning.

She's confused. She came to look for her lost toy.

Yes, but I was very startled.

Leelo, apologize to Aunt Lyudmila.

Leelo, say you're sorry!

Alright.

Go home.

Let's go home.

What do we need from the store in addition to nails'?

Salt and paper if they have it.

Your bag.

Button up.

Mommy, you said you'd draw for me.

Wait a moment, I'll peel the potatoes and set the maple syrup to boil.

I'm tired of waiting.

A little longer. And stop pulling the curtains. They'll fall down.

Mommy!

Leelo!

What a bad, bad girl! I can't leave you alone for a minute.

Yesterday wasn't enough? It's new trouble every day.

It was an accident...

Accident or not, it doesn't matter. The flower pot is now broken.

Now pick up the pieces.

This is NKVD inspector Paul Varik. We have orders to search your home.

Paul, is that you?

NKVD inspector Paul Varik. I have orders to search your home.

Excuse me, but this must be some mistake. - There's no mistake.

You are Helmes Tungal, the former Ruila School principal.

I have orders to search your home. - What do you mean search?

Wait, Feliks will be right back. - Mommy!

Mommy, I picked up all the pieces.

Who are these men?

Valery...

They're going to look around a bit and then leave.

Damnit, Helmes, get rid of the child.

Look, our schoolmate came to visit.

My God, what are you doing?

Daddy, why did they take out our flag?

Is it a holiday today'? - Shut up.

Come.

Play alone for a while. - I don't want to play.

Be quiet. You saw those men were in a bad mood.

Yes, take it with us.

Take it all.

Helmes Tungal, you're accused of treason against the Soviet Union.

Sign and date here. It's March 25, 1950.

You know that Helmes hasn't committed a crime.

Didn't you understand me?

Sign the order and come with us. We'll figure it out later.

Shut your mouth or I'll take you too.

If I'm not back by tomorrow, call the Education Department.

They might be able to help.

Leelo, I have to go away for a while. You have to promise

to be as good as you can. Then I'll come back soon.

When is soon? - That's enough. Let's go.

I don't know. Maybe tomorrow or the next day.

Just don't get into trouble. Listen to Daddy. You promise?

Mommy!

Mommy, I'm awake!

Morning, darling.

Where's Mommy'?

Mommy's not back yet.

Why?

I want Mommy.

Mommy will be back on the evening bus.

But we're going to Grandpa's birthday party.

I'm sure Mommy will be here when we get back.

Even little women wear all kinds of gadgets.

Stockings don't stay up without a garter.

Look. - I don't want that, it's prickly.

Let me choose.

Mommy always lets me choose.

Go ahead.

How far is the main road'? I'm tired.

Hey, let's play our racing game?

I'm Emil Zatopek.

And I'm the famous Finnish Olympic champion Paavo Nurmi.

On your mark, get set, go!

Let's see who wins, huh?

Faster, faster Zatopek! We will miss the bus.

I'm tired of zatopeking.

Hey, Emil Zatopek! Pull yourself together.

Chin up and give us a happy face!

I'm no Zatopek. I'm just a little kid.

Faster, Paavo Nurmi!

Hold on tight. Here comes the world record.

We're going to Jogisoo.

Is the little comrade underage? She doesn't need a ticket.

Is the little comrade underage? She doesn't need a ticket.

I'm going to school this fall.

Then you're a real comrade.

Passengers, make room for the little comrade.

Come, sit here.

What's a comrade?

It's a respected person, like sir or madam used to be.

He's stupid... There's nothing to do.

Hello! - Well hello!

Hi. - Is it just you two'?

Where's Helmes? Is she sick?

Aunt Anne, I was a bad girl and Mommy left us.

What... - You jokers!

Helmes, come on in!

Well, she's right.

Helmes did leave with a couple of frisky, Russian men.

What are you talking about? Stop your silly jokes.

It's not a joke. Helmes was taken by some soldiers.

Oh my Lord, another deportation. - Not a deportation.

Helmes was arrested and taken to Tallinn.

Helmes was never political. She's a school teacher.

It's a misunderstanding. Helmes will be home soon.

Our brother Eino is already in Siberia, now Helmes too.

Damned communists, I say! Damned Russkies!

Get out of here! Go back where you came from!

Go kiss your Stalin's ass! Damned NKVD!

For arresting my younger son and now for taking my daughter-in-law!

May your soul never find peace.

Mamma, take a sedative.

Are we eating today or not?

Didn't you hear what happened to Helmes, Papa?

Of course I did. I'm not deaf.

I also heard someone's Polish blood boil over.

But that's no reason to starve us.

Take the child's coat off. She's sweaty.

Was Grandma speaking Russian?

Polish. That's Mamma's language. But I haven't heard it in a long time.

Lord have mercy! She looks like a Jewish Christmas tree.

Like a gypsy fire. Feliks, you're an Estonian teacher

but your girl looks like a Russian officefs wife.

They go around wearing slips as dresses and towels as scarves.

Leelo, a lady uses two or three colours in her clothing.

I'm not a lady. I'm a comrade.

Oh! Did my little niece turn into a communist?

Who's a comrade? You little commie.

Stop picking on the child. It's hard enough for her.

Listen, children,

listen, son,

I've seen a few things in my day.

And I can say

that all this moping around won't help.

Does Stalin care if Estonians perish from their worry?

You have to eat, drink, and be happy we're alive.

I believe the Europeans and Americans will come to help us soon.

So let's raise a glass to those who aren't with us.

They need us to be brave and strong.

They need us to be brave and strong.

To Helmes and my son Eino.

To them!

Feliks, you used to be a sportsman. You didn't drink.

Said you'd beat Paavo Nunni at the Olympics.

And now you're drinking “Moscow Special...

These are special times. "Moscow Special".

Take a bite of meat. You won't get as drunk.

To our Papa.

Happy birthday!

Fly, fly, my little bird,

I will ask a thousand times!

Fly, fly overland and sea,

fly to where my love shall be!

Fly, fly overland and sea,

fly to where my love shall be!

If she asks you where I am,

tell her I will wait for her.

And I'll wail until the end

even longer, if need be!

At ease!

Attention!

Backs straight!

Right turn, one-two.

Good, good, pass it. Very good.

Good, very good. Look for a pass. - Go on!

Very good!

Good, Paul, throw it.

Use your head, not your hands.

Defense!

Very good. - Hit it from there!

Very good!

Comrade Tungal. Feliks!

Could you help me, please? - What?

We're preparing the Labor Day shew, “The Ballad of Laar...

And how can I help? - Children don't understand me. Nor I them.

Maybe you can help us. - Right now'?

Yes. - Leelo, come here, please.

Give it back!

What's going on? Children! Children!

Aren't you ashamed?

Pioneers are always ready to fight

for the Soviet Union Communist Party!

Always ready!

Good.

Remember that pioneers are the friendliest,

most hardworking and best children in the Soviet Union.

The pride of their mother and father.

Comrade Tungal, I need your help.

Backs straight. This isn't a show about slouching.

No. The show is about the life of Comrade Laar.

Let's start!

Don't forget Laar, a name unknown as of yet.

He fell in battle when his regiment was sent...

These are the sounds of battle.

Comrade Laar perished in a cannon embrasure.

The big war.

I saw the cannon of Gennans,

I felt that I got hit.

When blood burst out of the wound,

like a bullet, I overcame the pain and threw myself on the weapon.

So remember Laar! The man people won't forget.

He'll grab the enemy's barrel and pay with a bloody end.

A bloody story...

The performers don't know what they're talking about.

But it's about our heroes!

You don't like how the Soviet regime raises its children?

I'm sorry. These kinds of shows aren't for me.

By the way, I've been told you're skipping classes.

I've changed the schedule a few times.

My family is going through tough times.

We'll talk about that later. For the next...

That's enough!

Chin up and give us a happy face!

That wasn't silly. You say that when I'm in a bad mood.

Who cares what...

Hello, teacher Tungal! - Hello.

Daddy, I want to be a pioneer. - Why?

I want to be good and never get in trouble.

You don't have to be a pioneer for that.

But if I were, Mommy would definitely come back.

Wipe your tears.

Now you look more like a good girl again.

One I can take to Tallinn. - You're taking me to the city?

Daddy, the man in black.

That's not him. He just has a similar coat.

Aunt Anne! - My little sunshine!

MY tadpole!

Aren't you pretty today?

I'll get going. - Hold on.

When you see Mommy, tell her that she can come home now.

I'm a good girl now. - Alrighl.

Goodness, what did you do now. - I didn't do anything.

Is everything okay? - Yes.

What a mess.

I will report you to the militia. Fix it. I'll come check personally!

Got it? - Yes.

Fix i1.

Let's go.

How are these things always happening to you? Drink this.

You're lucky the U fell. The K would have killed you.

Makayeva is coming.

Come quickly.

Stay here, eat cake. They're from the fancy cafe.

Is Anne here'? - No.

But when then?

I don't know when her shift is. - Not today?

Aunt Anne, a woman is looking for you!

Aunt Anne!

Aunt Anne! Come already!

How can I help you?

Maybe some other hairdresser?

Too bad.

Wait, don't go. Aunt Anne is on the potty.

Ah, Anne is there.

I'm here about Eino.

Life is hard in prison camp.

I'd send package, but have no money.

Isn't brother Eino getting my packages?

I don't know. But you know that I have certain connections.

My packages always make it.

How much do you need?

One hundred rubles.

I only have fifty. - That's not enough.

That's all I have. I don't get paid until Monday.

In that case, I have to find your parents.

Don't tell my parents. It's hard enough for them.

I have this left over from ice-cream money.

Good girl.

Damned Eino, why did he have to sleep around with that Russian slut.

I know she's the one who turned him in.

Anne, calm down.

We'll all end up in prison camp because of her!

No, that's not true.

Don't cry, Aunt Anne. In Siberia you'll see Uncle Eino again.

Dear children, here is today's fiddle:

What is sharp as a tack, round as a ball and flat as a spade?

I know, ifs a chicken!

Leelo, its a radio. You can hear them but they can't hear you.

Leelo, its a radio. You can hear them but they can't hear you.

Don't you know that? - I'm not a baby.

Don't you have a radio at home?

It's broken. - I see.

Thank goodness. - Daddy!

Hello ladies and comrades. - Finally.

Did you see Mommy?

She promised to come as soon as she was done.

Come look! Aunt Anne has a radio. A pretty song is playing. You'll like it!

Yes, I'll be right there.

Daddy, come on!

There are new accusations.

Someone said she was teaching the Estonian anthem.

And sang on the graves of Estonian war heroes with the girl scouts.

They may come search our house again. - My goodness!

I'm afraid to take Leelo home. But I can't bother you any longer.

Feliks, you know I'll help you. With anything.

We're going to our parents' home.

Do they want to arrest you now'?

Who's going to touch a brave Red Army man.

I don't want to go to grandma's. I want to come with you.

I have sports camp for several days.

I want to come with you. - I can't take you.

We're riding there in trucks and sleeping on the floor.

I want to ride in a truck. Daddy, please take me with you.

You're not coming and that's that.

Don't give me that. Chin up and give us a happy face.

Help, help!

What is it'? - The man in black.

Where is this man in black? - There. He's over there.

What damned man in black'?

Behind the window.

Behind the window?

There's no one here.

The moon is big and round. It's scaring the child.

Night is for sleeping. If you were mine, I'd give you a good spanking.

Robert, you sat up with your suitcase during the deportations.

Just think what she's been through.

She watched them take her mother.

You can't hit me. It'll leave welts and then Daddy will get you!

Welts. Where did you hear that word'?

What do your parents do at home when you panic?

We sing and dance.

I see.

A Russian, a German and a Polack are dancing the Krakowiak!

But the stupid Estonian forgot the steps to the Krakowiak.

Don't worry, I'll come get you as soon as I can. - Tomorrow?

No, not tomorrow. Soon.

I'm afraid without you.

Grandma and Grandpa will take care of you.

Grandpa says he'll spank me and Grandma has ugly veins on her legs.

Grandpa says he'll spank me and Grandma has ugly veins on her legs.

So you have to take care of her. You promised to be a good girl.

Give the phone to Grandpa. - Please come soon!

See you soon. Hugs.

Hugs and kisses. - Pass the phone to Grandpa.

Robert Tungal here.

I see.

Grandpa, come look!

Helmes is still being detained.

But they say once you're in, you're not getting out soon.

The inspector is taking an interest in Feliks too.

We have to destroy his Estonian sports diplomas and medals.

Feliks remembered that most of them are here.

He's worried we might get arrested for them.

Leelo, do you want to go to the river?

What was that, Grandma?

Nothing. Let's go home. It's cold.

But we have more medals like that at home.

I know where Mommy and Daddy keep them.

You're quite the NKVD.

Daddy!

You were gone so long that I don't remember

how many nights I slept without you. - But now I'm back.

Is Mommy home too? - Not yet.

Do you want to take a ride on the Harley? - Yes!

Here.

Everyone missed you. Sirka and your toys... and me most of all.

Actually, I was pretty good. I almost never whined.

So Mommy shouldn't take long.

Well, a little longer.

One or two hand bread'? - One.

Why a little longer? For NKVD and the Russian stuff?

Leelo, promise not to use words like that.

Especially not around strangers. We could get in trouble.

And if those men in black come back, then you say as little as possible.

And if those men in black come back, then you say as little as possible.

You say 'I am a little girl, I don't know anything'.

Can I say I'm a little comrade and I don't know anything?

That sounds very fancy.

And I won't tell them that Grandma threw your medals into the river.

Listen, little comrade. Look at me.

Promise to never tell anyone that I had medals for sports.

No matter what.

It's very important to Mommy and me. Okay'?

It'll be our secret.

Exactly. Now eat.

I completely forgot what Aunt Anne sent you.

It's a package!

It's a radio!

The victories of our Soviet people and rebuilding of the socialist society

are tied to our dearest friend, Comrade Stalin.

The Estonian people thank our dearest leader and teacher

for freeing us from fascism, for joyous and happy...

It's all shit if it's sung by a wretch. - Let's listen some more.

The radio is so nice. - The lamps need to rest.

But it was on for so little. - Sit down and eat.

Mommy would let me.

Knock-knock, anyone here?

It's me, Uncle Paul.

Daddy's not here.

Really? But I came all this way...

Leelo!

Don't be afraid, Leelo.

You know I went to school with your morn and dad?

So we're actually old friends.

It's not nice to go through people's things.

Maybe you want to show me the pictures?

Wasn't your dad good at sports?

He was almost at the Olympics but he had to join the Red Army.

Daddy has met Olympic champion Paavo Nurmi.

He was a hero. All the boys wanted to be like him.

Me too.

Your morn was very pretty.

Everyone wanted to dance with her.

Leelo, your dad won all kinds of sports awards, didn't he?

Maybe you know where the medals are'?

With pretty blue-black-white Estonian flags?

I'm a little comrade and I don't know anything.

And I'm Comrade Varik. So we can talk comrade to comrade.

Leelo, I don't want to keep the medals.

But there are some important men in the city

who don't believe he was a champion.

If I show them the medals, they might honour your dad.

Leelo, you're a good girl, right? You miss your mom.

If you help me find the medals, you'd be helping your mom too.

Who do you want to be when you grow up?

A pioneer.

Good idea. Pioneers are good, smart children like you, right?

You can't see those!

What is it'?

What is that? Give it to me!

Damnit!

Shit!

Where are you going?

Give me that!

Daddy, help! Daddy!

Wait, Feliks!

What the hell are you doing? I'm going to... - Calm down.

What did the child do to you?

I could shoot you for hiding evidence.

I've never seen a bastard who would hit a child.

Don't tell anyone the man in black saw me naked.

I won't.

Our forests are still free, they whisper proudly

and our swamps hide our free men.

Stay strong Estonian blood, stay strong Estonian land.

And Russkies' slaves...

Feliks, it would be better for you two to move.

To just disappear.

I didn't want to tell you, but Paul Varik was asking me about you.

Where can I go with a child?

And I can't leave Helmes in prison.

Russkies'slaves Estonians shall never be!

I have a song too.

On the large oak branch,

above the green meadows,

sat two lovely eagles talking to each other.

But the people recognized this pair of eagles,

one eagle was Lenin and the other Stalin...

The first eagle said, soon I'm a-dying,

my work and my worries with you I'll be a-sharing!

Yes.

Feliks Tungal here.

Yes.

What?

Wait.

Feliks, I'm very sorry.

I really tried my hardest.

Feliks, pull yourself together.

Comrade Tungal, your child is here.

My little comrade!

Is something wrong with Mommy?

They called from Tallinn.

Mommy...

It will take longer for her to come home than I thought.

How long?

How many more nights do I have to sleep without her?

I'm afraid it's quite a few.

But she'll be back by the time I go to school?

Right, Daddy? Mommy will be back men'?

Yes, she'll be back by then.

That's soon. I'm going to school this fall.

Daddy, let's go home.

I'm going somewhere children can't come.

And you have to wait for a long time there.

But you'll come get me today?

Leelo, I told you. I'm going to see a lawyer about Mommy.

That's good. - Run along, Aunt Anne is waiting.

Mommy!

What? What did you say'? I didn't understand.

What's your name, love'?

Don't be scared. Auntie is asking your name and says you're pretty.

Leelo. - Leelo? I'm Galina. Very nice to meet you.

Is she a Russian? - A Russian lady!

Auntie Galina is an actress who lives in Moscow.

One moment, please.

That Makayeva is a real extorter.

I visited a friend and saw her on a balcony with a man.

The squirrel vest and socks you knitted for Eino were hanging with her laundry.

Well, screw her!

You're done.

Wonderful. We don't have hairdressers like you in Moscow.

Thank you! - Thank you!

And this is for you.

Say thank you! - Thanks!

Until next time! - Until next time!

300d bye!

So pretty. Not like a Russian at all.

Anne, darling.

Give me a hundred rubles.

Eino needs it, I want to send a package.

So you need a hundred rubles? - Yes.

To send to Eino? - Yes.

But where has all the money gone?

All that ham and... warm clothes?

I'm not giving you anything.

You can lick your own burn, you extortionist!

Anne, how do you talk to me?

I'm a proper Soviet citizen.

You are making a mistake.

You are making a mistake.

I work in organs and tell them.

They come knocking on your door.

You don't work in organs.

You work with organs and we know which ones I mean.

I have witnesses for your actions

and the Soviet regime will punish those

who do dirty things in the name of the Party.

They're not all thieves and scumbags like you.

Now get out!

I'll be going.

Doesn't matter if you die here or in Siberia.

Did you hear anything about Mommy? - No.

But she'll be back by the fall?

Look at these beautiful bears! - Hurry up.

The Russian lady who gave me the candy was so pretty and not at all...

Enough of this damned Russian talk.

And don't take things from strangers, especially not Russians.

Now, come on!

In honour of the first day of school tomorrow,

the Tallinn Pioneer Palace Children's Choir sang "Our Squad".

Coming up is Antonida's romance from the opera "Ivan Sussanin".

Daddy. - Hush, go to sleep.

Where's Mommy'? - Mommy's not here. You were dreaming.

Let's go to sleep. You have an important day tomorrow.

Mommy was supposed to come back when I go to school.

You said so yourself.

I thought she would come.

But she didn't.

Doesn't Mommy love us any more?

Leelo, honey, of course she loves us.

Mommyjust can't come right now.

But I'm not a bad girl any more. I'm a good girl now.

Of course you're a good girl.

That's not why Mommy is away.

But why then?

Why, Daddy?

Look how well you've cleaned up.

And set the table... and even made dinner.

Can I try it?

I know why Mommy's not coming back.

It's your fault.

You don't comb your hair or clean up.

You smell bad and have stains on your shirt.

And you gulp down your food.

You're the one who's bad, Daddy, that's why Mommy's not coming back.

Now, children, chin up

and give us a happy face!

Keep your arms and legs active when you run.

Keep going! Move your arms!

On your mark, get set, go! - Arms and legs!

Get your feet out from under you! Next group.

On your mark, get set...

now go, go! Move your legs, this isn't a sack hop.

Now stay there and watch. Signal.

On your mark, get set.

Now! Arms and legs. This is how you run.

Daddy! Daddy!

Daddy!

Well, Emil Zatopek, will you beat me or pay?

Okay, boys, your tum.

Daddy, the man in black came.

Feliks!

Leelo, you have to wait for me here.

Daddy, don't leave me. - I won't. But you're not coming, okay?

Boys, keep it up.

Principal Lyudmila Danilovna recommended

we make you the Head Teacher. Did you know?

No. - She said you get along with the locals.

And she gave you a great recommendation.

What did you say about Comrade Tungal?

I said that he is an ideologically and morally sound person.

A true, Soviet school teacher.

By the way, the Head Teacher gets a raise.

And a much better apartment than you have now.

The KGB and now also the Ministry of Education has a certain problem.

Or rather conditions.

If you agree to these conditions, we can promote you tomorrow.

If not, you may have to leave your post altogether.

It is unacceptable that a Soviet teacher

working with the youth is not a member of the Party.

And the more serious problem is your wife, Helmes Tungal,

who is an enemy of the people and held in a Siberian prison camp.

You must divorce her.

It's easy to divorce a criminal. You don't even have to ask her.

Paul, you know that Helmes isn't guilty of anything.

You'll both be over 70 and your child grown up by the time she comes back.

If she ever comes back. - Stop it.

Calm down. I know what you think of me.

Leelo wants to be a pioneer. That's impossible.

The daughter of a traitor cannot be a pioneer.

Mommy, come back!

Mommy, come back, please!

Mommy!

Mommy, come back.

Leelo!

Leelo!

Leelo!

Leelo!

Leelo.

Leelo?

The man in black said Mommy's never coming back.

But you said she is.

You lied to me!

This whole time, you were lying!

And I was a good girl for nothing.

I'm so sorry.

I really believed I could bring our Mommy back.

Sometimes grown-ups are more helpless than they want to be.

Please forgive me.

What is a divorce?

Would you divorce me or Mommy?

I will never divorce Mommy.

And I will never leave you, Leelo.

But what will happen? Does that mean you can't teach anymore?

Dear comrades and friends, on March 5th,

the Chainnan of the USSR Council of Ministers Josef Wssarionovich Stalin died.

AUTUMN 1955

Maybe Mommy didn't come home?

Go look inside, maybe Mommy is waiting for us? - Yes!

I'll look on the platform.

Leelo, come say hello to Mommy.

Give her the flowers.

Let's go home.

This film is based on Leelo Tungal's autobiographical novels

“Comrade Kid and the Grown-Ups” and “Velvet and Sawdust'.

Dedicated to all of the families who suffered under Stalinist repression.