Original subtitles

- 160 euros! You're crazy. - No. I'm not. Hand me the sponge.

160 euros isn't that much.

Take a look at me.

No, not him! Me, the other one.

Hello, over here!

A man in his prime.

What a shame. He could've made a lot of people happy.

Let's turn him over.

For example, I could wake up from my coma.

and these queers feeling me up would finally get a night off.

That's my wife, Marlene.

I'd never have thought she'd waste so many tissues on me.

Come here.

What?

I just had this feeling that…

he's just playing games with us, that he's watching.

I wouldn't put it past him.

He's not far off the mark, actually. I'm a player.

Life is a game. That's how I see it.

That's me… Uh, that was me.

Last Tuesday.

I was born in 1947, as Jacob Zuckermann.

If that sounds Jewish to you, you're mistaken.

I had nothing to do with that club. Until last week.

They call me Jacky 'Sugar' Zucker.

Born a player, born a winner.

- Always a pleasure. - Come on, wait…

I'll bet everything I have.

- Here, my Mazda 420 coupe. - All right.

GO FOR ZUCKER!

No hard feelings.

So sorry!

Keep the change.

I need to get home and pay the rent.

I know your face!

Weren't you a TV star back in the East?

- Sports announcer, lame-ass. - Yeah, what was your name again?

Rex Gildo.

- You were bluffing, you rat! - Let me down!

There you have it. I'm a born winner.

Luck has nothing to do with it. I earned it fair and square.

- Apple juice, you con artist! - Almost.

- I want my money back, you TV fag! - Forget your money…

You went too far.

Yeah, that's Jacky Zucker!

That was him.

Not quite. My fabulous life isn't over yet.

I might be in deep shit, but things are looking good.

New game, new chances. That's my motto.

I'm always thinking ahead.

Someone once said:

You don't have a chance…

so use it.

New game, new chances.

That was the beginning of an incredible week.

I'd say it was the best week of my life.

Too bad it was my last.

Jacky, that's it. Game over. By noon tomorrow, you're out.

You can't be serious.

I deserve a warning, a yellow card at most.

- Right? - Wrong.

Is it the money? My debts?

- The two months rent I owe you? - Don't play stupid.

You think I was gambling again. But I hit my head on…

I want you out. That's it.

- So it is the red card. - That's right.

- I'm your husband. - Don't exaggerate.

- Well, aren't I? We are still married. - Not for long.

- Come on, give me another chance. - I don't have any more.

- Come on… - Stop it!

Shut up, you're a complete idiot.

- You had an appointment with us. - Today? It's tomorrow.

Is was this morning at 9 a.m.!

Hey, no need to be so formal!

I'm glad to see my son, even if it's…

- What's going on? - My name's Schmöker.

I'm a court bailiff.

Your debts now come to a total of…

44,500 euros.

And since you failed to show up for your appointment this morning…

Please, come in!

- We can talk in here. - There's nothing to talk about.

Unfortunately, your nightclub can't cover the sum.

And since you haven't made a reasonable proposal in months,

we'll have to take you into custody.

What? Impossible! They… they want to arrest me?

I see you already packed, so we can go.

Wait a second.

Hold on. I have the money. I can pay up.

What? My debtors are paying on Sunday. Can I make a proposal?

By noon on Monday, you'll have the entire sum. How much was it?

- 44.500 euros. - 44,500. You have my word.

From the lottery, or what?

Sorry, this was decided at the top, by the branch manager.

You decided this, Son? You decided this?

Monday, by twelve noon.

I swear on my mother's life.

Okay.

ALTERATIONS DRY CLEANING

You never know when you'll meet again.

Telegram for Jakob Zuckermann.

- He's not home, can I leave it… - He's just leaving.

Jakob Zuckermann? No one says that anymore. Can I see?

Hold on. Who are you, anyway?

His wife. His ex-…

His… future ex-wife.

Bye.

My God!

- Jacky! - Hi.

I'll call you back later.

- What can I do for you? - I want to sign up.

I should hope so! Wouldn't dream of starting without you.

See the cashier.

- Problem is… - …the registration fee.

5000 euros! Why so expensive?

We want serious players, not amateurs.

- Look at that prize money. - I know!

This tournament is fantastic. Just what I've been waiting for.

- Will you take a check? - Oh, come on, Jacky!

You still have eight hours.

Get the money, and we'll see you Friday at 12:00.

Don't be late.

Five grand, Jacky!

That shouldn't keep a man from his dream.

PHYSIOTHERAPY MASSAGES

How's the shoulder, Mrs. Krüger?

Just lie down and relax. I'll be right with you.

What's this supposed to be?

It's my right shoulder. I thought'that maybe…

You sneak in here after two years, and just lie on my table?

Your mom threw me out. She wants a divorce.

- I can only congratulate her. - Yeah. Me too.

Nice pictures.

Very nice.

- How's my little Sandra? - Her name's Sarah.

- She's fine. Why? - What do you mean, "Why"?

I'm her grandpa, aren't I?

Will you tell her hi from me?

Okay.

Lie down, on your stomach,

"grandpa."

- I really hurt my right shoulder. - Doing what?

I had… a fall.

- Are you drinking again? - No.

Your neck is a disaster.

The bank is a disaster.

- Have you been gambling again? - Nonsense!

- How's business been for you? - Good.

Very good, actually. We can't complain.

Jana. I have a question.

I'm just asking, of course. You know that you can always say no.

Well… Remember those 10.000 marks I gave you?

Five years ago, when I won in Rostock?

You know, that start-up loan…

Loan?

Listen, that was a gift. "Here Jana, a little jump-start for your practice."

- Sure, that's how I meant it, but… - Get dressed and get out of here.

Do you think it was easy for me to come here?

Out!

- Please, don't be like this. - Irene, can you come here?

- What is it? - The patient is refusing to leave.

- Who was that? - My father.

May I? If you don't mind…?

- Mom… - Two minutes. It's urgent.

- Please. - I need you, Tommy.

I kicked your father out last night.

And now I don't know where he is!

- Mother, please… - Don't ask me how hard it was!

He looked so sad. It was awful!

And then this afternoon…

- this telegram came for him. - Please, let's…

From his brother Samuel in Frankfurt.

You don't know him. Neither do I. Jacky never introduced us.

So what happened?

"Your mother has died. Stop"

My… mother? But…

His mother! Jacky's mother.

Your grandmother, damn it!

Jacky's mother? Oh God, how terrible.

Why? You never even knew her.

Excuse me? I really have to…

Just one minute, okay?

- Come on. - She wants to be buried here!

- What? Where? - A Jewish burial!

In a Jewish cementery! At Weissensee! What do I know?

- Where's Jacky? - How am I supposed to know?

Because you know.

There's been a death in the family.

So, where is he?

Tell me!

Ah, Monsieur Sucre!

I hope the suitcase doesn't mean our boss is out on the street.

I'm afraid so.

- Where's Linda? - She's with an important client.

I see…

Well…

Come… Have some tea with me.

My God, girl.

The game's rough… when you're behind.

What? Do we have to close?

- Are we going to be out on the street? - Who says that?

Oh! Mr. Schmöker?

- But I thought… - Not to worry.

- Everything's just fine. - Here you go, Mr. Schmöker!

Thanks.

I knew we'd meet again. Thanks.

Jacky, can I talk to you for a minute?

You're no better than your predecessor.

No. He stole from you.

I miscalculated. There's a difference.

You cheated me. And my eight girls.

You're 12 months behind on payments, and you never told me.

I saved you, Linda.

If I hadn't taken out that loan, this club wouldn't exist.

Never let a gambler do the accounting.

Never leave the management to a nurse.

- No use arguing. We'll have to close. - No, we won't.

I'll have a 100.000-euro check in my pocket Monday.

- Sounds like a really crooked deal. - No, no. Fair and square.

Because I'm the best.

The Fifth European Pool Classics. Here in Berlin this year…

- And you're going to win, just like that? - Yes.

My time's come. Maturity and knowledge.

I haven't lost a game this past year I didn't want to lose.

It was hard getting Schmöker to hold off till Monday.

We're a good team.

You'd better win.

I'd bet my life on it.

I'm going to win. I promise.

There's just one thing. A minor detail… the registration tee.

My wife! What is she doing here?

She doesn't know about this place!

You ruin us, and have the nerve to ask for money?

Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not a client. I'm the accountant.

What is this place?

It's a club for lonely hearts. East German nostalgists, mostly.

So you sit around, pining for the old days?

Something like that.

I had no idea you missed East Germany.

Sometimes I do. At least I was somebody back then.

Jacky, things will work out.

I… I want you to come back.

Really? Why's that?

Because we have to stick together.

"Your mother has died. Our mother.

"She wants to be buried at home.

"Contact Rabbi Ginsberg about funeral. Samuel."

Get your bags.

I was never involved with the Community.

Well, you are now.

Your brother made arrangements with the rabbi, and that's where we're going.

My brother's an Israeli fanatic who throws rocks at cars on the Sabbath.

He lives in Frankturt, and you haven't spoken in 40 years.

Your mother died Jewish. We'll see to it she's buried Jewish.

- You got me? - And you're going to convert, or what?

The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away.

I wish I could've said goodbye. She was an important person in my life.

Like a second mother, if you don't mind my saving so.

She did so much for me when I came to Frankfurt as a young rabbi.

Rebecca entrusted me with her will.

She wants a Jewish funeral in Weissensee, here in Berlin.

Is that all right with you?

Of course.

Your brother is due to arrive at 10:40 tomorrow with your mother.

We should allow extra time in case the flight's delayed.

So I'll schedule the funeral for 1:30.

Tomorrow? So soon?

According to Jewish tradition, the deceased must be buried as soon as possible.

We don't let them lie around like the goyim do.

- Fine. But what about the arrangements? - Don't worry.

We'll see to that.

All you have to do is prepare your home for shivah.

Your mother stipulated that you and your brother Samuel

must sit shivah for seven days.

What?

Seven days! Impossible!

- Seven days off from work? - We'll manage.

But what exactly is shibeh?

- Shiveh? - Shibah!

Shi-vah!

We've never had a death in the family, thank God.

Shivah. It's Hebrew for seven.

The family gathers at home, for seven days of mourning.

Great, I can't wait.

Samuel Zuckermann is a very orthodox man.

I'm not sure he'll agree to having shivah at your home.

Oh, it'll be fine. Our place is huge.

You keep kosher?

Normal kosher. I'd say. We don't overdo it.

You separate milchig from flaishig?

You have two sets of tableware?

You have a mezuzah on the door?

No pigs in the refrigerator?

Well… No, no pigs.

- I'm sure my mother told you how I live. - No.

- That I'm a godless communist? - No, she didn't.

My husband is a bit insecure right now.

- I'm not insecure. - We do keep kosher, but for…

…political reasons, we don't lead a religious life.

The good intention is what counts.

Talk things over with your brother.

- About the question of… - I can't talk to him about anything!

- Others have a brain, he's pig-headed. - Perhaps I wasn't clear enough.

That was your mother's will.

If you'd rather not fulfill it, you can renounce the inheritance.

LEADING A JEWISH LIFE

What's all this nonsense about?

Your brother's coming to bury your mom. Is it that so hard to understand?

435 euros and 49 cents.

- A real bargain. - It's never too late to become Jewish.

Hey, taxi! Hey!

Why isn't he stopping?

"Milchig and flaishig must be separated."

Milchig… Milchig…

What about eggs? Are they milchig or flaishig?

Hang this by the door. On the right, at eye level.

Manne, do the decent thing and pay your gambling debts.

- Yes, the whole 500! - Jacky? Can you come here?

Shabbat, Shabbat shalom…

Now why is mourning interrupted on Shabbat again?

I have to…

- Did you reach Jana? - She's not answering. I'll go over.

Come on, this isn't my first tournament!

Don't be so damn inflexible!

Just turn a blind eye for once!

Yes, twelve midnight, cash. Sure thing!

Sandra! My, what a big girl you are!

Now we can talk like grown-ups.

I'm ten, Grandpa. And my name's Sarah.

- Do you have a problem with that name? - No, not at all.

Listen, can you give Jana a message?

From her mom and dad?

No more bets.

16.

Yes? That's the registration fee!

Jacky, are you okay?

I'll be glad when mother's buried and he's gone.

I mean… A telegram?

Do we live in the Middle Ages? Are we in Africa?

Why can't he use the phone book?

He had no trouble finding our address!

But no, calling is beneath him! He's too dignified for that, my brother.

Dr. Samuel Zuckermann, not to mention too cheap and a coward!

Don't give each other that look. You should've heard him, back in '61.

"You ought to be castrated!"

"Along with Ulbricht and the rest of you communists!"

- I'm sure he didn't say that! - No.

No, the only monster in the family is the one you married.

This should be fun.

You stay out of it. I have a bone to pick with you, anyhow.

Let's not talk about that now, okay?

Stop the car. Stop, I'm taking a cab.

We're on the autobahn!

I said stop the car!

Would you stop ranting!

Are you crazy?

Father's having the enemy's drink.

Knock off your sarcasm.

Now he's hitting on that girl.

Are you from the East?

- Can't you tell? - No.

- You don't look so bad. - You mean not half-starved?

I've had the benefit of the West's bounty for 14 years.

I need your help.

I can't do this alone. We have to seem like a normal Jewish family.

I know that's not what we are, but we have to try to act like it.

If only for…

…his mother's sake.

I thought you were going to say "for the inheritance."

Where did I go wrong with you? You're becoming just like him.

I used to be a real celebrity, kind of a cult figure.

"Jacky Zucker."

You were a rock star?

No, silly. A sports announcer. It says so there.

- With his own autograph cards? - Why not?

At least in that respect, your father's normal.

What's that supposed to mean?

I'm worried about you, Son.

You meet so many people. Women too…

Pretty ones…

I mean, you're good-looking…

I'm just different, that's all!

How…

How come you never told us?

We'd…

We'd be the last people…

to have a problem if you…

- If you… - Wait, I think you got me wrong.

There I was, on my own at 14.

- Your nose is bleeding again. - That'll pass.

But the wounds inside never stop bleeding.

Your attention, please.

The delayed flight BI 473 from Frankfurt has now landed at gate eight.

What does he look like?

- How am I supposed to know? - He's your brother, after all!

What do I know? He probably looks like Osama bin Laden.

I'm so ashamed to have your brother see how we act toward each other.

Get rid of that tissue! It looks awful!

I have a nosebleed!

There he is.

Please tell me that's not him.

Hello, Jakob.

Hello.

I recognized you right away. Well…

Thus we meet again.

Are they with you?

This is my family.

Golda, my wife… My daughter Lilly…

- And Joshua… - I know, but…

- Why didn't you tell us they were coming? - But I did.

The telegram says…

- "Arriving at 10:40 a.m." - Let me see.

"Are arriving at 10:40."

Plural. Meaning, with the mishpocha.

You, mother, and a coffin is plural too.

Don't worry, we can stay at a hoteL.

No, you're staying with us, of course.

Why? They have plenty of money.

No, really. We're quite an invasion.

We have a difficult task ahead of us.

We shouldn't overdo it.

But we're a family!

You're staying with us, period.

If they insist? The Forum Hotel…

But that's 300 euros a day. Way too expensive.

- No problem. - See? No problem.

Don't be so impolite.

Thank you, we'd be delighted to stay with you.

300 euros!

Dad, this is so embarrassing!

You ride with them.

Joshua, you go with your mother.

- I'll ride with them. - Why?

- I know the way. - So do the drivers.

- So you go, then. - No, we can share a cab. You'll live.

We have things to discuss. I'll go tell the driver.

Thanks.

- Can I ride with you? - No… no problem.

Oh, you stutter. How cute!

What is that?

That's… Dax.

I was so nervous, Marlene. I couldn't eat on the plane.

For one whole hour.

My husband, my better half, slept like a baby.

The calm before the storm.

Mother's most treasured possession.

How come you never answered her letters?

At least after reunification?

You're… such a nice family.

I imagined Jakob to be quite different.

Shmuel made him sound more like Stalin.

Yes? Something you wanted to say?

Some questions, maybe?

About how your mother… …our Mama, died?

No?

Or how she lived?

No?

No further questions, then.

A blind man at the window.

And your son, Thomas! What a handsome man!

Where did he get those muscles?

He goes to the gym several times a week.

And so quiet, so mysterious…

I bet he's a real… playboy!

Well…

- And what do you do? - I'm studying law…

I'm in my 22nd semester.

But actually, I'm a princess.

And princes are my hobby.

See! I told you we should've taken an earlier flight!

What's going on now?

Where did your mother hide?

In the loft of the Metropol Theater here in Berlin.

Please follow that hearse.

And after Hitler, she stayed in Germany?

As a Jew? That's what I'd call… love of one's country.

We'll never make it.

Jakob! Can you listen to me for a second?

I'm not deaf!

We won't make it. We have to postpone.

Tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.

Tomorrow's Friday! I can't make it tomorrow!

You can't decide without asking me!

Leave him alone! Why can't you make it?

None of your business.

What can be more important than saying goodbye to your mother?

Did she say goodbye to me?

Did she say goodbye to her 14-year-old son? No!

How could she, as fast as you put up that damned wall?

See? That's how I feel.

I have to save myself too, but no one even bothers to consult me!

Please, Jakob!

We have to get along for a week

and treat each other with respect, like it or not.

We owe it to each other.

Would you let go of me?

You're more repulsive than I thought.

You've become more vile than ever!

You shmuck, with your afes ponim!

A dashkash, from head to toe! Good-for-nothing!

Forgive me, Mamele, forgive me.

Please, have a seat.

Where are the children? They should be here.

Ah, the son.

Should we wait for the daughter?

I don't know where she is.

Why are you looking at me?

Didn't you… What did she say?

That she'd try to come. You know her.

That's not like her.

She'd… at least call.

Oh well… We'll make an exception.

"For over 40 years, the two of you have maintained a hostile silence.

Now I'm dead, and I take a mother's heavy heart to my grave.

Let's keep this short and to the point: Do you, Samuel and Jakob,

wish to share equally among you my estate,

consisting of stocks and bonds deposited at my bank?

The answer to this question can only be a mutual 'yes' or 'no.'

A 'yes' and a 'no' equals a 'no'."

Is that it? The whole letter?

If you two say 'no,' then yes.

I don't say 'no.'

- What do you say? - Well, let's say I said 'yes'…

- What else does it say? - Don't be childish.

I'd say 'no.'

Who knows what she wants me…

For you to kiss my toches!

- Toches means ass. - I won't be blackmailed. I say 'no.'

Is that your final word?

I've lost too much money recently to give up an inheritance like that.

Certainly not 'cause my brother's pig-headed

…while others have a brain!

Fine, whatever.

"Then five rules must be observed.

First: After the funeral you will, in accordance with our faith,

sit shivah together for seven days.

Second: Your wives and children shall join you as often as possible.

Third: I will not accept, from either of you,

any excuse for absence, barring sickness or death.

Fourth: During shivah, you may not simply remain silent.

In the presence of witnesses, you shall speak honestly

about what led to the hostile rift between you.

Fifth: I expect you to reconcile your differences.

This is to be attested by your families and Rabbi Ginsberg.

If the terms are not met, my estate shall fall

to a Jewish Community relief fund in Berlin.

Your loving mother.

Rebecca Zuckermann."

If I may ask, how much is the entire estate worth?

Joshua, may I ask your help in ensuring the laws are observed in my absence?

Me? I might be a little too…

- …too biased? - No, too strict.

- A bit zisarayish. - You'll manage.

I suggest…

…we give the brothers a chance to speak in private and come to an agreement…

or disagreement.

All I have to say is: New Market!

All I have to say is: divorce!

So you made some bad investments?

So sorry!

Long live capitalism.

If you spit high, you get spit on your face.

In your financial situation, I'd keep my mouth shut.

What do you know?

Have you been spying on me?

That was your specialty. We had no Stasi, no secret police.

I never rented an apartment from the Stasi, either.

- That's a malicious lie! - Lie?

- I know who I bought this building from. - What!?

That was you?

I'm paying rent to you?

Listen… if you really did grab this building

for peanuts, with the help of your political cronies…

Then you should know it wasn't Stasi property, but state property!

State property! You got it wrong.

- Oh, I get it. - How nice! You get it for once.

What did you pay, one symbolic mark?

But you sure love raising that rent!

Without me, you'd be long gone, with your communist payment habits.

If you hadn't bought it, my rent might still be 130 East marks.

Yeah, communist rent!

13 Deutschmarks.

Equals 6 euros 50.

- To our dear mother. - To our dear mother.

Your brother's family is as kosher as a pork chop.

Marlene is a goy, the boy is gay… And the daughter… Where is she?

My dear, God Almighty loves all his creatures.

He might…

But what about Joshua?

If he catches on to this scam, we'll lose everything.

We won't even know how much.

"The 39 activities forbidden on Shabbat…"

Oh God, tomorrow is Shabbat!

I can't do this, Jacky.

You Jews have too many rules.

There's no room for improvisation.

You take care of Marlene. Make sure she doesn't slip up.

I'll…

I'll make sure the daughter shows up.

That'll distract Joshua.

What are you talking about?

Sleep, Golda.

I'm not an actress, I'm a seamstress!

You've got to help me, Jacky.

Promise you'll help me!

Promise?

Jacky!

We'll get through this.

Hello, there.

They're over here now.

Milchig. Morning, Dear.

Jacky, are you coming?

- I need coffee. - No, take this.

Don't come back without Jana!

Call me if there's a problem.

Shmuel would like to go along. It's better for us all.

We don't want to make any mistakes.

- Jesus, Jakob! - Yeah, yeah.

- Who is it? - The mailman.

- The mailman? - It's our code word.

Sandra! Good to see you.

- Is your mom awake? - It's Sarah! No, we're still in bed.

We can come back in an hour.

- Who shall I say is coming? - Pardon me, I'm Samuel.

Jacky's brother.

You're Uncle Ayatollah?

That's how it is.

Still have a headache?

- Of course. - Me too.

Here…

Aspirin.

Still works best.

But the seal is broken!

Thanks.

Do you and your daughter get along?

What's it to you?

I have a daughter too.

Daughters always mean trouble.

I don't approve of her lifestyle.

There should be no more men in a woman's life than fingers on her hand.

And your daughter?

Does she also switch partners often?

No, she's had a boyfriend for a while.

I'm sorry we have to meet under these circumstances.

My condolences.

May I introduce you to my boyfriend?

We've been together for two years.

Good morning.

Don't mind me. I'm not quite awake yet.

- That explains a few things. - Oh, yeah? Like what?

That you know nothing about my life?

Or how embarrassing this is?

I'm so sorry you had to find out this way.

I'll live. You give me so much joy, your open arms, your loving heart…

What about your heart? Do you still have one?

As long as I trained till I dropped…

Jumped hurdles for our "world-class sports program"…

I was your darling "Gold Medal Girl."

I never forced you.

No, you didn't.

But when I told you I was pregnant and couldn't run the damned race

because all I could do was puke, you wrote me off.

- And that's how it's been ever since. - Nonsense!

I think you two need to…

But maybe your grandma's, our mother's funeral isn't the best…

I mean, we're here to…

What's the matter with me?

The will has to be…

I feel strange.

Uncle Samuel? Are you okay?

He has a migraine.

We all have a migraine!

We're the migraine of our era…

I feel… really strange.

Maybe I've been poisoned. The tap water.

Or the aspirin. Maybe I'm allergic.

What aspirin?

That aspirin!

Aspirin!

- How many did he take? - One.

I'm calling a doctor.

Not a doctor, for heaven's sake!

All that paperwork takes too long. I'll take him to see a friend of mine.

- A friend? - A natural healer.

- So what did he take? - Ecstasy.

Irena and I usually split a half, at most.

- The stuff kids take to dance all night? - Get him in the car.

He took the wrong pill. Calm him down with a nice massage, some lavender…

- Shalom, Mr Zuckermann! - Shalom.

Will you join me for a glass of tea?

Does she know what an Orthodox Jew is?

Sure, she's Palestinian.

And how are you doing?

- You must be totally high. - I feel fantastic!

I've to got to go. The tournament's in an hour.

You're the greatest.

Thank you. Thank you.

Oh, Jana…

You know…

I never wrote you off.

Actually, you turned away from me 'cause you thought I was an idiot.

And rightly so. But I still love you.

Dad, you're high.

I'm high, and the funeral is nigh.

I'll be there. I was there yesterday too.

It took a lot of hard work,

but now this world-class tournament

has finally come to Berlin.

I'd like to wish all participants the very best of luck.

I officially declare the Fifth European Pool Classics open.

Great! Good game.

You just won the fastest EPC round ever.

- I'd like to see more. - See you at 4 p.m.

There they are.

But where's Jana?

- Maybe she couldn't make it. - I'm right here.

Well…

- Let's go in, then. - Yes.

Sorry, Mama, but I've got to say this.

I had to think of your favorite joke.

After a concert, a Jewish mother visits the piano virtuoso's dressing room.

"My son's so gifted, you simply must foster his career."

"I never do that. Out of principle," the virtuoso replies.

"But my son's a genius!" the mama says. Without asking, she plays him a tape.

The piano virtuoso is impressed.

"Unbelievable! Your son plays like Horowitz!"

"That is Horowitz!" the mama replies proudly.

"But my son plays just like him."

Mama, you too always believed in us, in Jakob and in me.

How often did you say to me:

"Shmuel, everything will work out."

And when the Wall fell, you said we'd be a family again.

But we disappointed you bitterly.

The wall dividing our family never fell.

Why did you have to die for me to stand next to my brother…

Do something!

Help him out of there!

We'll go to a clinic. May be your heart.

No, you stay here.

Jana's taking you, that's that!

Jana? You can just let me out here. I'll get a cab.

Are you nuts?

- I don't want to impose on you… - I'm not leaving you alone now.

- Where are you taking me? - 100,000 bucks!

That's worth faking a heart attack, even at your mother's grave.

Business is business, right?

Thanks.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE J. Zucker: 2:00 p.m.

Shabbes, Jakob. We were so worried about you.

Sorry, hope you're not upset, but…

Of course not. We know. Jana told us.

I'm glad they gave you a check-up. Better safe than sorry.

How does it look?

Nothing serious…

I just had to promise to take it easy and come in tomorrow for a follow-up.

And sleep a lot. I'll be heading to bed.

Yes, good idea.

So?

How are you?

- Where are you going? - To the synagogue. It's Shabbes.

You stay here. It's better for us all.

You won't pull any tricks, will you?

Marlene, if only I could.

- Thanks. - Anytime.

Eightball, bottom right.

"Not feeling well, went to the hospital.

Don't worry. Yours, Zucker."

No question about it, this is an emergency!

Of course you can call the hospital, even if it's Shabbat.

Right, Joshua?

Of course you can!

Oh, you're already…

Where are you going now?

Back to the synagogue. For ma'ariv.

How are you? You want to come?

I'd love to, but the doctor said to take it easy, so…

Lilly, will you hurry up? We're late!

I'll meet you there. Thomas will show me the way.

What took you so long?

I was so worried!

- I know, I should've called. - Never mind.

- I called, despite Shabbes. - Where?

- Charité hospital, where else? - I wasn't there.

No, you weren't.

They sent me to see a specialist in Zehlendorf.

And, what did he say?

Whatever. You don't believe me anyway.

If you're playing games or trying to weasel out of this…

I'm warning you, Zucker.

This is no game! Why so suspicious? You're giving me heart pain.

How do you think I feel?

Shabbat ends when the service is over.

That's when shivah starts. You'd better be here…

…unless you really do have a stroke. But that I'll want to see.

But you know…

Linda, it's me. I'm in the quarterfinals.

Yeah, I could win it!

Things are complicated. I have an idea, but I'll need your help.

Ow! Shit!

They're not all bad, your… I mean, our traditions…

There. Enough water. Does it still hurt?

Not much.

And that?

What do you… What do you want from me?

You're scared.

How cute!

They're coming. Quick, get on the stretcher!

- Come on! - All right, all right!

Poor guy. Nothing but bad luck since the Wall fell.

And now they say he's a Jew, too!

Let's go.

Come on, let's go!

- Stop! Is that my husband? - Excuse me?

- Oh, my God! - Who are you?

- If only you'd stayed in the clinic! - I wanted to be with…

Leave it on, for God's sake!

Heart attack, which way? First floor, to the right.

- Hey you! Who are you? - I'm his wife.

- What's his name? - Jakob Zucker, Zuckermann.

Can't I stay with him?

Now get out of here.

Hey, I know that guy!

That's Jacky Zucker!

CARDIOLOGY

Jakob Zucker? He was just admitted. A heart attack.

- You're his wife? - Yes, of course.

He was lucky. Five minutes later…

Oh God. Can I see him?

But keep it short. And stay calm.

Can you hear me?

I'm so sorry I didn't trust you.

But you are such a cunning liar.

And I love you for it, damned idiot!

- Mrs Zucker? - I love you.

- Mrs. Zucker, that's not your husband. - What?

I'm sorry, we have no Jakob Zucker here or on any of the other wards.

We had him paged.

I'm sorry.

- There you are! I was looking for you! - How is he?

He was sent to bacteriology. Possibly the Spanish flu.

Step on it! I have five minutes!

Didn't you use to have red hair?

When you were Jacky's secretary?

That was long ago. I don't recall your name, I'm afraid.

Linda.

- Linda. - Yes. I'm Linda.

You look fantastic after all that time, I have to admit.

- I don't believe it! - I'm sorry.

We can't change the rules for you.

First place goes to… Matziak, sorry.

My mother died three days ago!

We buried her yesterday. My brother is visiting. He's orthodox.

- This isn't because I'm Jewish, is it? - You can be all you want!

- You were 20 minutes late! - It was 16! Go ahead and admit it

- if you have a problem with Jews! - Now wait a minute!

I have nothing against Jews, as long as they don't annoy me.

Please. I need the cash, or I'll go to jail on Monday.

You see? I lost my family, first in the Holocaust…

I like you, but I can't make an exception.

I would've won, no question about it.

- You're so sure you would've beaten me? - You? Piece of cake.

You're good, but too predictable.

You play like a bureaucrat.

My proposal: 14 to 1, no limit.

100 points, every point is 1000 euros.

Winner takes all.

No risk, no fun. Tomorrow at midnight, after the final.

- What do you say? - How much?

You have no money, that much I've gathered.

My proposal: You put in 10,000. I put in 90,000.

The winner gets the entire 100,000 euros.

Fair?

Thinking is expensive. I want to play, not do math.

20. You 20, me 80. It's getting more expensive…

Okay. Okay.

Midnight, at my club. No one will bother us there.

Okay everybody, that was the last of my heart problems, I promise.

And what about the Spanish Flu?

- What? - The virus!

Did it attack your heart?

No, I don't have a virus. Why?

Thank God. So we can sit shivah, nice and relaxed?

That's why I'm here.

I suggest we begin with the reconciliation talks tomorrow.

All right, Jacky?

- Okay? - Sure, whatever.

- Go on and get started, would you? - Yes, start.

Please, just start.

Do we have to stay even if they don't talk?

She's right.

Maybe we should leave you alone. It'll be easier for you to talk.

The letter says…

"Everyone should be present, if possible."

Exactly. 'Should, ' not 'must.' Besides, not everyone's here, anyway.

Mom said you hate each other, but you have to be friends again

or else you won't get the money. Is that true?

Dad! Are you okay?

- What is it, Jakob? - It's another cramp!

But this one is worse!

- I have to get out of here! - Don't do anything rash!

Don't believe him! Don't let him go!

I need to…

- The game's up. - What game?

Your game. Now it's my turn.

You should know who you're dealing with.

Our family is a mess.

We live separate lives.

I have my business, he has his.

I never asked questions, but if it weren't for our son Thomas,

he'd be in jail by now.

The kids wanted nothing to do with him.

I wanted a divorce. I kicked him out last week.

Then your telegram arrived.

I thought it was a sign from God.

I thought he'd change if you made up.

But no!

Jakob Zuckermann has done nothing but lie to us all!

The heart attacks, the ambulance… All phony!

The heart pains, the doctors… Lies, nothing but lies!

He wants the inheritance, yet he refuses to give up his shady dealings!

I'm sorry, but my husband is a hopeless, crook gambler!

I'll talk about my shady dealings, if that's all right with you.

Look at me, you Frankfurt weeners. I'm the typical reunification loser.

Made every mistake, lost everything.

My only way to make money is billiards.

It so happens my dream tournament is taking place this weekend in Berlin.

With a 100.000-euro first prize.

I happen to need that money. By Monday, actually.

Or else I go to jail.

But the worst thing is:

I owe that money to the eight women who work in my club.

They trusted me, and now they stand to lose their jobs, their livelihoods.

You understand?

But, hey…

Just my luck! My mother dies, and there goes my plan.

The funeral, the shivah…

You think my mother's death leaves me cold?

You think I'd play this game it I didn't have to?

Unfortunately, my little scam yesterday didn't work out.

I was late and they disqualified me.

Come here, Sandra.

Foolish shmuck! Why didn't you tell us?

We're your mishpocha! We would've understood!

There is… one last chance.

It came to me like a gift from heaven.

This Ukrainian guy wants a private game with me tonight. 20.000 euros…

I knew there is a catch!

New game, new chances. Right, Jacky?

If this is a game, then stop playing!

Look at him, he's not pretending.

The problem isn't organic. It's emotional.

It breaks his heart if he can't play.

Would you rather let him play or have him die?

- If we all keep quiet… - We can't do that!

It's a violation of shivah.

Joshua, son…

Jakob's health is at stake! That warrants an exception!

- Then take him to the hospital. - This is a matter of vital importance!

- That warrants an exception, too! - Grandmother's terms

only allow exceptions for illness or death!

You think I haven't seen through your little Jewish charade?

I didn't say anything because I thought you were sincere.

But Uncle Jakob broke the rules from the start!

Before, we could say we didn't know. But now…

Now we're all implicated in this scam, and I won't be a part of it!

- What's he going to do? - Report all this to the rabbi.

Stop. Joshua, wait!

Joshua, please!

Stop, please!

Please! Please, don't do this!

It's a stupid role! It's not you at all!

Someone has to play it.

I loved Grandmother, and they're dancing on her grave for money.

It's a disgrace before God.

Maybe even you understand that.

It breaks my heart to see what's become of you.

You're right. We're breaking the rules.

You're right, my father's a liar and a cheater.

Yes, we're also thinking of the cash.

After all, it's a lot, isn't it?

But what does your heart say?

Can't it see that Jacky's desperate?

Josh, his problem is bigger than mine, or yours.

The most absurd thing about it is…

I'm on his side, even though we've been fighting ever since…

…he destroyed our love.

You were… old enough.

Your father gave you the choice: his love and your athletic career…

- …or me. - Yes.

- You made your decision. - You and I both did.

You ran off to find God.

- What? - Yes. And I…

I had a baby… our daughter.

Hah!

Joshua, please don't do this!

Dad?

What else do you want to do to me?

- Where did you get the 20,000 euros? - I didn't.

The Ukr…

That Russian you want to play against… Is he good?

Why do you ask?

What are you trying to say?

We've decided you should play, to get this problem off your back.

I'll provide the 20,000…

As a… loan of course, at 11% interest.

That is, if Jana manages to stop Joshua.

You'd better get some sleep.

- Number eleven. - Yup.

- Number two. - Yup.

Number seven…

Number one…

Number nine…

Number fourteen.

Number thirteen.

Number six.

Number three.

And number seventeen.

Number fourteen.

- Number one. - Okay.

That was it… My last week.

For twelve hours now, I've been lying in a coma,

waiting… Waiting for a decision.

Someone up there can't make up his mind if Jacky Zucker won his game or lost it.

Let's say I lost…

Is there life after death?

New game, new chances… even in death.

You're not dead, Jakob, you hear?

I'm sorry you've taken the shivah to heart like this.

No need to worry. Your mother's letter…

It was meant to make your life better, not end it.

You don't need to worry

about violating shivah.

You haven't broken any rules. Nothing's lost yet.

- What day is it? - Monday.

- What time? - Five past twelve.

- How long will I live? - A long time. I'm afraid.

- I'll have to go to jail. - Jail?

Nonsense!

Unlucky in play, lucky in love, as we Ukrainians say.

Technically I won, 'cause on the last shot

you placed both hands on the table.

But who wants to win like that? Not me.

There is no winner. We'll go 50/50. Okay?

From your half, I paid off your debts.

They amounted to 44,500 euros Here's the remainder.

And you must be…

- …Jacky's wife. - Yes.

Your husband is a fantastic player.

During the first few days… Friday, Saturday… I thought I had no chance against him.

But how could I know…

…this world-class player was going through the trauma…

…of his beloved mother's death and funeral?

You've made a fool of me, and your mother too.

I think your mother would want you to forfeit the inheritance.

I deeply regret that your mother's last wish was

not granted and that shivah was so grossly violated.

However, I'm delighted for my congregation,

which will receive the inheritance. Shalom.

Rabbi!

Rabbi Ginsberg!

My husband did everything in his power to observe the shivah.

Now he's had real heart attack.

You claim to be impartial though you benetit from your decision?

His mother laid out the rules. He accepted them, and he broke them.

- I'm sorry, the case is clear. - What rules did he break? Shivah…

Do I really have to list them for you?

He feigned a heart attack at his mothers grave!

He gambled instead of observing Shabbat!

He lied, and lied again!

No, that was not Rebecca's will.

She wanted Jakob and Samuel to make peace, right?

Yes, that's true.

Please.

"Peace" might be overstating it a bit.

But so what? The Rabbi bought it.

He's giving us one more chance to fulfill our mother's will.

The shivah will be continued in our hospital room.

Samuel and I are to bury the hatchet.

Should be a piece of cake, after all we've been through.

First we extend our 40-year silence by two more days.

Meanwhile, my family is trying to make the most of the free time.

Poor boy.

There are certain things we all must go through.

And if nobody else will do it, why not a cousin?

It is legal, after all.

And…

How was I?

Pretty amateurish.

It was…

It was my first time.

A bit old for your first time.

I'm just…

ro…

…romantic.

Nothing wrong with that.

While Samuel and I lie in the hospital, unsuspectingly,

the mice are at play back home.

By the way, I'm your father, Sarah.

I figured as much.

- So what does that mean? - Well…

It means that Joshua and I once loved each other yery much.

And… And that's how you came about.

Why didn't you tell me? I'm ten, you know.

Look, some things take a while because they're difficult.

And some things are difficult because they take so long.

My future daughter-in-law is right:

Real problems take time.

We men have the patience these things require, but women… They always seem…

in such a rush, somehow.

Shivah's almost over, and you haven't budged an inch!

Not true, we're getting along just fine.

I'm not sure if I can take it yet.

Oh, you can take it, all right!

I had no idea how much you can take!

And how shamelessly you lie!

For all I know, you're feigning again.

I have little to threaten that you haven't been through already,

but I promise you hell on earth if you don't start talking!

I think that's enough.

They got the message.

I want to hear you say what you said on drugs, Dad.

What did I say?

I'm not going to repeat it for you.

I think I said…

…I never wrote you off, and that I love you.

- Or some crap like that. - Bravo!

All right!

Keep it up, Jacky!

That's more like it.

I'm sorry, Samuel.

- Did you say something? - I'm sorry!

Oh, quit it, I don't believe a word.

I'm sorry for you.

You're convinced there's nothing to set straight on your side.

Right?

But who just took off back then and left home?

Mother and her favorite son.

Did you ever think about what it was like for me?

To be abandoned here at 14? All alone, walled in?

Now hold on, Jakob.

You know I had to have that operation in Frankfurt, or I would've lost my leg.

"Abandoned!" Bullshit!

You chose to stay at the sports academy when that damn Wall went up.

Do you have any idea how much Mama missed you, pined for you?

It was your decision, and we had to accept it.

Socialism was more important than your family.

Let's forget politics for a minute.

The fact is, you never visited me once.

Neither you, nor Mama. That's how stubborn our family is.

This is where our home was, Samuel. Here.

We were a real family, even after Dad died.

A little family support now and then would've been nice.

And I don't mean Deutschmarks!

Come here, you numbskull.

Why don't you come?

Because I had a heart attack, and all you suffered was a little dizzy spell,

you stubborn mule.

Wait.

I can't deny that I'm partly thinking of the nice money from our mother.

But not solely. Only partly. Just the rest of us.

There we are, the whole mishpocha, sitting there in eager anticipation

of how much my mother's stocks might be worth.

Don't get me wrong, Mama, but I wouldn't put anything past you.

It runs in the family.

Excuse me?

New game, new chances, my dear Jankele.

I had a long night with very little sleep.

Let's keep it short.

We'll divide Rebecca's estate.

One half for the brothers, one for the Community.

Any objections?

Anyone?

I'd like an explanation.

- I think that sounds fine. - How about "Temper justice with mercy"?

Had I been strict, neither of you would get anything.

- Isn't that right, Joshua? - Yes, absolutely.

Then it's settled.

I'll have a few more friends in the congregation,

and a few enemies less.

Well, I can't deny I'm curious, too.

Hello. This is Rabbi Ernst Ginsberg in Berlin.

Account number 44885377.

Yes, I'll hold.

Thank you. Many thanks.

It's a positive balance. Mazel tov!

She could've left us with debt.

Exactly how… positive is it?

Well…

Did you expect anything but a bunch of worthless stocks?

Be honest, now.

I know I did.

I believed…

I didn't have a chance, but I used it.

So did my family.

There's a lot of back and forth between Frankfurt and Berlin these days.

And why not? Should make the airlines happy.

And me?

I don't have much time to play nowadays.

I'm very busy with my family.

Monday is Jana's turn. Tuesday is Thomas's day.

Fridays are for Marlene,

and Sundays I'm on the phone with my brother Samuel.

Wednesday and Thursday, I go to synagogue and read the Bible.

Uh, I mean the Torah!

No hard feelings.