Original subtitles

Excuse me, has the train to Thiene left yet?

There aren't any trains today.

The line's been sabotaged

So what should I do now?

I'm walking, 'if you'd like to join me

But how far is it to Thiene?

20, or maybe 25 kilometers.

What'?! No thanks. I'll find another way.

As you wish. Good luck!

Excuse me, could you wait for me please?

I can't go on - I'm so thirsty.

There's a place further on. Shall we stop?

Yes!

No trains again, eh'?

Cheer yourselves up with this good stuff!

Ifs home made.

And it's also suitable for well brought-up young ladies.

No, no thank you. I'd just like a glass of cold water.

Water'?

Drink a good glass of this

it'll help you to forget your troubles these days

Please don't remind me about them!

I'll bring it to you right away.

But you don't know what you're missing.

Here you are.

But this

we only put this in the fascists' wine

All we need now is an anti-fascist landlord!

However, he doesn't turn his nose up at the fascists' money.

If I had a bar

I think I'd only serve the people I like

- and how would you decide if they were nice? - I don't know...

I know! From their faces!

You'd judge them by their clothes!

Sorry, no!

You'd judge them by their education.

Amorch'a nullo amato amar perdona!

Please!

O no, it's so late. I must go...

to Thiene otherwise there'll be no one there.

Don't worry, we'll find a way

Shall we go'?

I'm sorry but the railway line was sabotaged

and so I came on foot as far as Thiene and then...

Calm down, calm down

Come in.

I'm the new teacher

The important thing is that you're here safe and sound.

Let me introduce you to my husband

Welcome...

Luisa, Luisa De Nardi

- I'll take your suitcase - Thank you

Come with me

- I'll make you something to eat. - Please don't worry about that!

-It'll do you good - Thank you

- Here's the little we have -it's perfect!

You said that you got to Thiene on foot

And then'?

And then...

then I got a lift from the chauffeur of the Ministry

Of the Ministry?

Yes

On the way here I met a man

A very nice man

He works for the Ministry

so he offered to bring me here

You were lucky

But why have you moved here from Verona?

And at this time?

Because I need the credits

even if it means being a long way from home

However, I've always been used to looking after myself.

Good!

Listen Luisa, this school is small but decent

we are used to giving the children everything they need

I can't wait to start

Wait til you meet the little pests!

Shh. Be quiet! Go back to your place!

Is that the right way to welcome the new teacher'?

As a punishment, write 'l am an ass' 50 times

I'm looking for Mr. Simonetti. Where is he?

- At the end of the corridor on the left - Thank you

Come in...

There's a certain Miss de Nardi for you, sir

What a surprise!

Ehm,I...

I came to thank you

Never mind. It wasn't necessary

Last time you were so very nice, so...

Really, it was a pleasure. Please sit down

Thank you

- Oh no! I'm a disaster - Don't worry

it's my fault...I've been meaning to tidy up the office all week

Do you write records?

Yes, every day

Do you want to know how many pigs there are in Thiene?

- No thanks! - Here's the animal register!

I can do better than that

Would you like to know how many donkeys there are in the province?

Here's the register!

No, look I see donkeys every day

I get the impression you'd be ready to pack your bags immediately

Do you regret coming here'?

Me? no way!

You see I love challenges

And I'm really tough

You'll see the little pests will turn into little angels

Excuse me

Hello

Yes, yes.

Thank you. Goodbye

I think it's time I went

Shall I get my chauffeur to take you?

No thanks. Once was enough

And I've got my bicycle

Anyway, what's the weather like?

It looks like a nice day, doesn't it?

Yes, it is

Ok, I'll come with you, if that's all right with you

it's fine, but I wouldn't want to interrupt you

I have to count chickens all afternoon. Have pity on me!

Pardon?

Your papers

Yes, of course

They're here in my bag

But where did I put them?

They must be here

Maybe I left them at home

Keine Papieren, no papers?

No, no papers

Not good! Not good!

Please, I'm a teacher and I live here at Fara

I teach children. Children!

Please would you let me go'?

London calling, transmitting some special messages

"Felix isn't felicitous"

(Radio interference)

Marcellina, you must get rid of this radio

it's amazing we have it without the fascists discovering it

Imagine what they'd do to me if they found it

Olga's here

- Hi, guys! - Hi Olga

- At last, a bit of news - And also a bit of tobacco!

Well done, Olga!

Go easy with that!

Tell us about Antonia. How did they catch her'?

There was a round-up after the attack on the railway

- Germans? - Yes

They'll be taking her to the prison in Thiene tomorrow evening

together with an escaped prisoner of war

-who'? - I just know the name: Vassilij

Must be a Russian deserter

A Russian that's the last thing we need! What'll we do with him?

We'll snatch Antonia and him before they can put him up against the wall

Hey guys, what are you looking at?

It's a map of the streets leading to the prison

...with the Germans' route

Fantastic!

Remember, we hold the lives of two prisoners in our hands

So don't fuck it up!

After the action, we'll separate. Bill'll look after Antonia

Obviously, you'll cover the escape

I'll take care of the Russian

(The Nazi Prison, Thiene)

What are you doing here in my home, eh'? What's your name'?

Luisa, my name's Luisa

Give me a hand. Hell! Don't just stand there watching.

Serse!

We freed him with Antonia

We need to stop the bleeding. Go and get some bandages

Gently, gently

I don't know. He speaks Russian

He escaped from a prisoner of war camp and ended up in the hands of the Germans

And her'?

Shes my assistant in the school

She's trustworthy!

Good

I'll leave him with you for a few days, Mum

And you?

I'm going back to the others

Hello

Hows the wounded man'?

Fine from his appetite

This is my sister

She died under internment of starvation

And these are Mario and Vittorio

They were my pupils

They were found strung up from a tree

Killed by the Germans

I don't know what you think Luisa

but here we decided to make a stand against these atrocities

Even if we have to use arms

Well done Umbe', but you've become more expensive

once upon a time you'd play two numbers per packet, now you just play one

Didn't they tell you that art doesn't come cheap, Antonio?

And you know that I could die for these

And honestly...

Yours are the best

I've meta girl!

She's beautiful

She's a teacher at Farneda

Farneda'?

Umbe', that's in the Red Lands

That's a dangerous place, you know, full of bandits

I'll take a risk for that girl

You're joking but ifs no laughing matter!

Don't you see that this war's turning everyone into animals

it's fratricide. Those guys in the mountains were ours

They fought in Greece, in Albania and now what are they doing, Umbe'? What?

They're blowing us up or we're putting them up against a wall

That's their choice they became rebels

They betrayed their allies

Why HOW?

At least you swore an oath. You respect the uniform you wear.

My uniform'? I'm only interested in the end of the war

Hi!

As you can see, I've kept my promise.

I'm really pleased to see you

so this is the famous school of Farneda?

Why don't we go for a walk?

Yes, great idea

But make me a promise

That I can call you Luisa from now on

OK

it's raining

it's jasmine

Your perfume

The garden of my house in Rome was full of jasmine

How did you end up here?

I followed the Ministry

After 8th September, me here...

...my parents in Lombardy

Promise me that you'll wear this again

Promise me that you'll wear this perfume again!

Christ!

They're guns!

We must go to the police. Immediately!

Why?

Let it go Umberto

Let it go?

Luisa, they're guns

I know they're guns, but...

If you go to the police

the poor farmers who live here'll suffer

the Germans'll come and they'll burn the houses

Leave it!

OK, 0k

We'll do as you say

it's stopped raining

I don't want to stay here anymore!

Please, let's go

That little teacher owes us an explanation

Come on, Bill!

Lads!

We're going down there

- News'? - Silva's coming!

Really? He'll be able to give you the latest radio messages

By the way, tell him to say hi to Marcellina for me

That woman deserves to be made a saint for everything she does for us

(Patriotic song)

Dei primi fanti il 24 maggio!

L'esercito marciava per raggiungere la frontiera

Per far contro il nemico una barriera

Hi Mum

Serse, you shouldn't come here in daylight. it's dangerous

Oh Mum, don't worry. And also Bill's outside

-ls there anything to eat'? - I must have some polenta!

Better than nothing

Where' s Dad'?

Here

Mum

You said I could trust your assistant teacher, didn't you?

Luisa'?

We've seen her with someone we don't like

Bill says that he works at the Ministry

With the fascists!

He's an official, some kind of paper-pusher

Yes, but even if he's a paper-pusher, I don't like this relationship

Why are you so suspicious? Shes a sweet girl. Trust her

Hello

Hello

You're Luisa, the teacher who helps my mother at school, aren't you?

You know mum...

I'm glad that you respect her

its difficult to trust anyone these days

Fortunately, no-one here hangs out with fascists

Do they?

See you soon

There are Germans after the bridge

I came from there

Shit! A German

Salute the officer

Yes, salute him

Hello!

(The German asks for a cigarette)

He didn't realise, did he? He'll come back with the SS

So better get out of here then?

But if they come back and don't find us they'll take it out on the villagers

So what do you want to do'?

Let's take him out, Bill.That'll wipe out any doubts

Leave it Bill. I'll sort him out

I'll empty a magazine into him

Or two. What do you think? Yes, two's better

Where shall I hit him, Bill?

A few shots, but good ones, so his friends won't come

If you don't do it now, he'll be too far away

Yes, yes, Gs, 0k

Only in the back like this

He'd do it, wouldn't he'?

How the hell do I know, Bill. That isn't the point

He's gone

Shit!

He only asked for a cigarette Bill

And we were about to kill him like a dog

What are we turning into? What are we turning into, Bill?

I can see that you're better

'(mire Gs

Good, good!

I'd love to know what you're thinking about

Maybe you've got a family

Who you miss

Good!

You don't understand me, do you?

Well, lf it's any consolation, I don't understand myself either

I don't know...sometimes I think...

...That I want to complicate my life

I even did when I was a child

We had a cantankerous neighbour who my mother hated

And I fell in love with his son

We used to meet in secret at school. A clandestine romance at 8 years old

after twenty years. .. .after twenty years, things haven't changed much

I'm in love with a man who works with the fascists and I live with antifascists.

I don't know

I don't know where this relationship'll take me

But, Vassilij, I know that I want to live it to the full

Are they your children?

You'll see them again, Vassilij,

I'm sure you'll see them again

A beautiful girl's coming this way

Antonio, this is Luisa

Pleased to meet you

Umbertds told me a lot about you

and I have to say he hasn't exaggerated

- So, why don't we celebrate now? - I really must go

- But you've just got here - Please, Umberto, I can't

Come on, don't be shy

- So, Rosolio for everyone - And for you Luisa?

- No thanks, not for me - But a bit of rosolio won't hurt you

Waitress, rosolio for three please!

(The German officer proposes a toast to the soldiers at the front)

(The German auxiliary asks a singer to sing Lili Marlene)

I'm sorry

Luisa! Luisa!

What's the matter with you'?

There was too much smoke in there

- And I felt suffocated - but what must Antonio be thinking?

Why don't you go back to him?

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, perhaps I'm just a bit tired

Come on, let's go to my place

What 'll we do'?

We'll go for a drive

Stop!

Put the guns down!

Put the guns down! Christ! I said put the guns down!

I said guns down, down

The clothes! The clothes!

Vassilij

We're off

Sit down for a minute

- Shut your eyes - Why?

Shut them!

- No peeking! - No

You can open them now

What is it'?

I'm so frightened of losing you

What's the matter Luisa?

- Nothing can happen to us, Luisa - Hold me, Umberto, hold me

- Hi Marcellina, Hi Mary - Hi!

I know you were expecting us later

But two Krauts lent us the motorbike. So why not take advantage of it?

It was too valuable a jewel to leave in the hands of the Nazis

So...

...are we sending our friend Vassilij to Switzerland or not'?

We've got a passport.

...but Marcellina's got some bad news

I'm afraid so

They've seen fascists at Lends. They're keeping her under surveillance

Bugger!

She could have helped you on the train

- I'll go all the same - No, ifs too dangerous

ok

lt'd be better to put off the journey

at least until we can get someone to go with you

And him'?

I can't keep him at my mother's

I thought he could maybe stay with you for a few days

- And how should I talk to him? In dialect? - No, you just need to feed him

in a few days we'll take you to Switzerland and you'll be free

Never say I don't think of you

- What are friends for'? - Doesn't your teacher have a friend'?

You owe me one!

The big cheeses are coming

after the mess the partisans made outside the prison

and then these idiots are going on with their provocations

You know what I say! Better to get drunk!

- And who's paying? - Do you need to ask?

- Umbe', hold me back or I'll knock her down -you'd need a ladder to look her in the eye

It isn't time for lessons

Don't worry, I'll go away immediately

Worry? My mother says yours a good teacher and...

...I have to trust you

I don't smoke

I'm going

To the Ministry?

0k, I met a man who works at the Ministry

He works for the Social Republic

But he isn't a fascist

he does his job like lots of other people

He doesn't use a gun or wear a uniform

He minds his own business

If everyone had done that...

Look, I admire you

I know you risk your lives every day

and I'm truly convinced that you're in the right

but you can't think that whoever isn't with you is necessarily against you

Because then everyone out there would be fascists. But it isn't like that!

If you believe in what we're doing, how can you trust him?

You know that I've already seen a gun like that'?

Yes, in a barn near here

Umberto was there too. He saw everything

He could have gone to the police, but he didn't

and you know what risks someone runs when they don't report something like that

Loving's dangerous in wartime if you love someone on the other side

- But Umberto isn't on the other side - And you'?

I'd die sooner than betray you

Prove it!

What'?

Ifs to do with Vassilij

We've decided to take him to a neutral country

we've already done it to save Jews or other foreign soldiers

Usually two of our agents go with them

But unfortunately one of them can't go anywhere at the moment

- But I don't believe that I can - There isn't much to do

a train journey and then whatever you find to Switzerland

So?

When... when do we leave'?

As soon as we've made contact with the mountain guides

if you have to separate for any reason, you'll meet up again in a prearranged place

However, Mary, the other agent, will explain everything to you

- So, I'll wait to hear from you - Yes

You told me you didn't smoke

Sit down papers!

Reason for your journey?

- Now, you must run without stopping - Yes, Yes

Think only about running

I...

Thank you, thank you!

Thank you!

(Russian)

Children! Children!

Yes, Vassiiij, your children are waiting for you

Thank you

Guess what'?

- Umberto'? - First, a drop of coffee

You're playing hard to get

- So'? - First, the coffee

- Here's your coffee - Thanks Mum

Come on Eleonora, Is it from Umberto or not'?

Yes, it's from my little brother. Let's hope he's got his head together

My dears, if everything goes as planned, you'll see me again soon

My dears, if everything goes as planned, you'll see me again soon

so make up my room and have the piano tuned

PS: Mum please get me some jasmine perfume

Jasmine who knows if he'll ever get his head together

But who's this. . .hi!

But who's this. . .hi!

I couldn't wait

You know I've been busy working at Farneda

- It was wonderful - I've never seen you so excited

Well, lots of things have happened

Well, lots of things have happened

Which have kept you away from class. I came to look for you but you weren't there

Of course, because I was teaching the children who can't come to school

Of course, because I was teaching the children who can't come to school

- And you neglect me like that! - No

You must be forgiven! Come here!

- I've been invited to a party - A party'?

- I've been invited to a party - A party'?

- Is it a party at German Headquarters? - Yes

it's tomorrow evening. I can't. I've promised the teacher to help her.

- And there's the curfew, isn't there? - I've got you a pass

- And there's the curfew, isn't there? - I've got you a pass

No Umberto, really, I can't tomorrow. There'll be other opportunities. Really!

Opportunities aren't enough for me, Luisa

I want to have you with me forever

This moment will come. We must just be patient.

The Germans! The Germans!

Please don't die. Look at me. Please

Are you sure about what you're saying, Antonio?

Lieutenant Berselli told me. He was with the Germans

And someone was killed

And someone was killed

- A girl was killed by mistake - O Christ!

They were looking for a straggler and that idiot started shooting everyone

I have to see her

Antonio, I have to be certain she's 0k

Almighty and Eternal God, who reigns over the living and the dead

receive the soul of our young sister, tragically dead

receive the soul of our young sister, tragically dead

Did you know her'?

It could have happened to you Luisa

This place isn't safe anymore

you don't realise what's happening, Luisa

I don't realise? And you'?

- What do you know about these people's pain'? - Please, Luisa, this isn't the right time

This isn't the right time?

This isn't the right time?

That girl...

...died in my arms

And I ...l still remember her eyes

And I ...l still remember her eyes

And you come to me to say that this isn't the right time?

I'm being transferred to Como

What, they're sending you to Como

They're transferring the offices to Lombardy because it's safer

They're transferring the offices to Lombardy because it's safer

You mustn't worry. I've already thought about you

You only need follow me

You only need follow me

My father's got influence. He'll find you a place, you'll see

I can't follow you, Umberto

I love you

I love you

I love you

But we're too different

but how can you say that you love me and then not come after me

but how can you say that you love me and then not come after me

What will you achieve by staying here?

I don't know what I can do here, but I know that I must stay.

How can I tell my children that I'm scared and I want to run away

How can I tell my children that I'm scared and I want to run away

I can't run away, Umberto

Not now

Not now?

So, when?

Who knows when this war will end. And it'll get worse and worse here

Who knows when this war will end. And it'll get worse and worse here

Why does Farneda and the school matter to you?

They aren't part of you

You're just passing through here

You're just passing through here

Umberto, don't push it!

You must never say this

ok

ok

ok

If you change your mind, you know where to find me

We've got visitors

found her down there in the wood. She says she wants to talk to you

What do you want'?

I want to stay here

What'?

- And what are we going to do with this one? - Kill him

-if we let him go, he'll come back with his friends - Don't talk rubbish

He's always been blindfolded

strip him and take him to a safe place

Then let him go

Hell, they don't do that to us!

Did you see Giovanni? They killed him and dragged behind a truck

And so'?

- Do you want us to descend to their level? - Aren't we at war'?

Do you want to become a murderer'?

- So what do you want me to do then'? - Go ahead kill him. Shoot!

- Shoot!

Do as he said. Take him away!

You must also go away. Go back to Farneda. You'll be more useful to my mother

Better not risk it. it'll be dark soon. You can go down tomorrow morning

OK but you'll come down there tomorrow

You're right

Love and war don't go together

Is it over'?

He's been transferred to Como

You can always write to each other

Please, let me stay

Luisa the teacher doesn't exist any more. She's dead

Please, let me start again here

Do you know what the life of one of us is worth?

A kilo of salt

That's the reward they give to anyone who captures one of us

Do you think it's worth it'?

Your place is down there, teaching the children to build a future

What future do you think we'll have if the war doesn't end?

Please, Serse, I beg you

Let me stay

Here!

I hope you'll never have to use it

Welcome to the war!

(Letter) Dear Umberto, I ask you to read this letter to the end

before you're tempted to tear it up, I'd like to ask for your forgiveness

Don't hate me, Umberto, for not following you

lt'd have been easy to take the safe and easy way with you

If I'd chosen love

I'd have killed the part of myself which still believes in the redemption of the just

And in those who are fighting for a different world.

Only God knows what I suffer

But I've decided that I must live, not just exist!

You won't have any more news of me

But remember...

That I loved you with all my heart

And if you think of me at least once

know that my love will follow your soul

Forever!

- So, see you tomorrow - OK. Till tomorrow

Let's go. Mum's expecting us

What a shame. We could have had a walk by the lake

What are they doing?

Christ! You can't!

Partisan whore!

So

To Renzo, who's spending another birthday at war

Better here than in one of the Decima's prisons, eh'?

Hey! Why are you celebrating with that muck'? Look at this.

From the fascists' cellars. War booty! Fantastic news. Long live Sergio!

Well done lads

However, before going on with the party, I want to tell you the latest news

The radio of Chilesotti HQ says that the Germans have had the wind put up them

the American 5th Army's a few kilometers from Comacchio

and in a few weeks' time it should have reached our positions

-they'll continue the air drops - But when?

You'll be told in time

Hey, shall we try the wine the fascists gave us'?

Why are you so late?

The Germans are taking away lots of people. it's terrible

The usual thing, dear Nora

The poor people always pay

While those criminal communists in the mountains get away with it

They're like their chief, Badoglio

He ran away with the King and now they're in hiding, waiting for the end of the war

Cowards!

Badoglio's a coward

But Mussolini

Do you believe that the man who dragged us into this war isn't guilty?

At least, he didn't betray anyone.

He should have done!

Staying on Hitler's side isn't consistency, Dad.. ..it's foolishness

And now, excuse me, but I've lost my appetite

Umberto, this isn't the way...

You forgot this

What's happened to you, Umberto?

You've been impossible since you got back. Especially with Dad

There's a woman at the heart of this, isn't there'?

The one who was supposed to follow you

the jasmine, the room to get ready

Do you know what I think?

'Rf she didn't follow you, she didn't deserve you

'If there's anyone who doesn't deserve to be loved, ifs me

I didn't understand her at all

I abandoned her right in the most difficult moment

You did what you thought was right

Yes, perhaps

But now I think differently

So why don't you write and tell her'?

A letter of apology isn't enough

What are you going to do'?

I love you Nora!

Never forget that,

Spring 1945

This is a Sten. it's got 30 shots

You load it like this, point it in that direction and then shoot

Not like that. You're shooting the pigeons!

- Where did you get that? - I gave myself a little present

it's a bit tight for you

How are you getting on with the new ones?

Apart from a few dead pigeons...

They need to learn quickly

I've been talking to Mary

- The Krauts want to move up onto the plateau - Big stuff'?

It'd seem so

We need more people and something heavier

We're ready

When you see the Germans at the bottom of the road on the bend, get on the bike.That'll be the signal

And then you get out of there

And don't stop for any reason!

OK

Good Luck

And to you

Stop

Bugger! The car's stopped

I'll keep it on target

Umberto

I can't go on...

...I can't imagine my life without you

Bloody hell. Let's hope they'll at least get off the road

Umberto, the Germans!

Come here this way!

Don't shoot until the first charge

and keep your bloody head down if you want to take it home

- Please, Umberto, run - No, I want to be with you!

We must get out of here

On my signal, we'll move towards the wood

Go, go

This way, this way

Umberto

Umberto

Bastards!

Umberto

Umberto

- Where's Umberto? Where is he? - I don't know where Umberto is. I don't know

Where are the others'? This is a bloody awful war, Luisa

It's our duty to hope

But I can't take it any more

So, you've really decided to leave us

You can't stay clinging to memories

You have to let go

and I'm planning to start studying again

You'll be a good teacher

- We'll miss you so much! - And I'll miss you

Kiss the children for me

Why don't you say goodbye to them yourself'?

Children!

They want to give you their exercise books so that you'll remember them

Umberto died on a spring day

Only a footstep from the end of the war

I was told that before he died

He saved one of ours

I never came back to the Red Lands

A lot of the certainties I had at 20 stayed there and I've never found them again

But this is part of the life that we are called to live