Original subtitles

BETWEEN LANDS

Girls, come on.

Come on, let's go.

THE ARROW BAR

Julia, another Irish coffee!

Oh, Paco, wait for María to take out my rollers.

Huh?

What's the mayor's wife doing with Rocío's girls?

I just heard. A friend of the mayor is here.

A rich farmer from La Mancha.

They met in the army. Thick as thieves, apparently.

He's a magnate with horses, land, and an estate that takes your breath away.

Put it this way, he's loaded.

-Why is he here? -To find a wife.

-What? -Yep.

-Age? -I'm fif...

Twenty-one.

Aren't there any women in La Mancha?

Those dreary old duds can't compete with our charming young girls.

Apparently, he'd already agreed to help a local girl from the town.

Call that helping?

Marrying a girl half his age like buying meat from the market?

The girl will be fine.

Better off a lady there than swatting flies all day here.

This isn't what we agreed, Valentín.

The one I liked was the brunette you sent me pictures of.

Yes, Teresa, I know. But polio has left her crippled.

-She'll be of no use. -Neither will this one.

-All done. -Wow!

I look like Lola Flores! God bless your hands.

-How much do I owe you? -Fifty pesetas.

-Paco, I'll make your Irish coffee now. -Thanks.

Still looking for a gold chain for your niece?

Sure, for her communion.

I'll sell you mine for 700 pesetas.

-It's your father's keepsake. -But it won't fill the belly.

It's beautiful, María. But I feel awkward.

-Here. -You can have it for 500.

Five hundred and some of your sardines.

Hello.

-Mom, I'm home! -Hi, honey!

What's that?

Some money the bar owed me plus the wages from the salt pans.

-Stew for dinner tonight. -All right.

Is your back hurting again?

Do you want a massage?

Why bother, honey? I'm beyond repair.

Don't be so gloomy. Sit there, it's more comfortable.

I'll help you.

Are you okay?

María,

Don Carlos came to collect the rent today.

-We already owe him ten months. -I'll talk to him.

I don't know. Maybe I could...

do his wife's hair or clean his house.

He said we either pay him or we're out.

Some nerve! This is no palace.

But it's a roof. If your father were here, he would die of shame.

Don't worry. I'll sort it.

Don't tell Guillermo or Luisa.

-I don't want them to worry. -Where are your siblings?

A ray of sun from above Woah, oh, oh

Came and brought me your love Woah, oh, oh

A ray of sun from above Woah, oh, oh

Came and filled my heart up Woah, oh, oh

It brought your love so dear

I searched both far and near At last, it's here

I want to be a part of you Always there, forever true...

Luisa, Guillermo!

Home time, Mom's waiting with dinner!

-Your joy and happiness -Luisa, let's go.

Let's go.

Come on!

Come on.

A ray of sun from above Woah, oh, oh

-Came and brought me your love -Woah, oh, oh

You guys have no taste in music.

Listen.

Tarara wears a dress so white

That turns to black When she dances all night

You're so tacky.

Tarara yes, Tarara no

-Tarara... -The girl...

My folk songs are nice, aren't they?

After spending those months at Aunt's in Almería,

Luisa's trendy now.

You can't compare this small town to a capital.

Luisa likes the singers more than the music though, right?

-Also, when... -Look out!

The bastard nearly ran us over! At full speed, he didn't even look.

-It's a nice car. -Good riddance!

He's clearly not from here.

Some nerve.

Let's go?

-Are you okay? -Yeah.

I can't believe that's Mom.

-I've never seen her so happy. -Look at you with your chubby cheeks.

-Dad was handsome, huh? -Yes.

-I take after him. -Especially the mustache.

Was this taken the year he died in the wreck?

A few months before.

I feel bad I don't remember him.

I remember for all three of us. It's okay.

Come on, let's go.

-Do you mind if I make a call? -Go ahead.

-Operator. How may I help you? -Long-distance call to Germany.

-Which city, please? -Frankfurt.

-Is it a home number? -Yes, it's a home number.

-Tell me the number, please. -280051.

Please hold.

I'm sorry, but there's no answer. Would you like me to...?

Five years since José left and you still call him every week.

If he wanted to find you, he would've called or written.

He did at first.

He used to send a postcard every week. Then...

I don't know what happened.

Look, I know this is hard to hear,

but he's either forgotten about you or found a girlfriend over there.

-I don't have time for this. -Go then.

But remember, all men are players. And you're as daft as a brush, huh?

So, move on.

-Are you going to listen to me? -Yes.

There's a bar with a fridge, a TV... It has everything.

-I'm not going. -You'll do as we say.

-Not that. -Don't be rude.

-You'll have to excuse her, Mr. Mayor. -Mother.

We can't do this to Luisa.

What's going on?

We bring good news. Don Ramón is interested in your sister.

-What do you mean? -In marrying her.

It's an honor. She should be grateful.

I don't want to!

What madness is this?

Mother? Say something!

Please.

My daughter is too young to marry.

She's old enough. You can't hold on to her forever.

Also, if I'm not mistaken, you owe several months of rent.

As well as everyone in town. What do you say, Don Ramón?

You will be generously compensated, of course.

My sister is not for sale.

It's your mother's decision, not yours.

-You can't force her. -No, but think of the consequences.

Without money, you'll be kicked out. You won't be trusted at the bar or store.

The parish won't help you.

You'll be outcasts.

Sagrario, think of your children's future.

Luisa would be married to a wealthy landowner.

With Don Ramon's money, Guillermo could pursue a career.

María wouldn't have to work so hard.

I know it's not easy letting go of your youngest,

but, with your husband dead, God rest his soul,

you have no choice.

So, do you agree?

Just nod.

No. Mom, please.

Enough talking. We'll take care of the contract tomorrow.

Don't you see? Cheer up, girl, your life's about to change.

I don't like that she's so mouthy.

Don't worry, you'll straighten her out.

What have you done, mother?

If Dad were here, he would never allow this.

But he's dead! Don't you understand?

If we don't accept that, we will die too, from hunger.

I won't do it! I won't get married!

Luisa!

Luisa, wait.

I'll look on the beach.

Oh, dear God.

Luisa!

Luisa!

-Did you find her? -No. Her friends don't know anything.

Let's go home. Maybe she went back.

Luisa, honey, open up!

-What's going on? -María, it's your sister.

-She's back, but she's locked herself in. -Luisa!

Luisa!

-Luisa, open the door! -Luisa, sweetheart!

Sweetheart, please open up, Mom's worried!

Hey, Luisa, please. Open up, sweetheart.

Luisa!

Move aside.

Oh, my daughter! Oh, my girl.

These are my pills.

Oh, my girl.

Go and find a doctor. Go!

-Come here. -Oh, my girl.

Up you get, come on.

We need to make her vomit. Come on, here we go.

Come on, open your mouth.

-That's it, well done. -Get it all out.

Well done, that's it.

Don't ever say that again.

Mom, couldn't she go back to Aunt's in Almeria? Even for a few days.

You know she can't. They've done us enough favors.

Besides, since her husband lost his job, they can barely make ends meet.

If Don Carlos gave us more time to pay the debts...

I could ask Julia to lend us money.

I could leave school to contribute more.

Even you, Mom, you could mend more clothes...

Didn't you hear the mayor's wife? One word from her and we'll be outcasts.

Nobody here cares if we starve to death.

And that will happen. This is all my fault.

What kind of mother can't feed her own children?

I failed your father. And I will fail you all too.

If anyone should end their life, it's me.

Don't say that, Mom.

Your lives are just beginning and you're already destined to rot here.

I was being selfish.

I'll do it.

I will marry him for your sakes. And for yours.

Oh, my girl.

Here they are.

Sagrario, the contract is ready for you to sign.

Come. This way, please.

Have a seat.

Here.

This paragraph specifies your daughter's obligations.

This one, the money she'll receive and the expected delivery times.

If you agree, just sign here.

Choose me.

What did you say?

I am the right wife for you.

-What are you doing? -Quiet.

-Are you mad? -Shut up!

-How old are you? -Twenty-eight.

A spinster.

I'm not interested.

Why choose a cow over a calf?

You have cattle, so you'll know that a cow is stronger and stubborn.

She'll give you more steaks than a calf. You need a woman, not a girl.

-A woman like you? -I withstand the cold and the August sun.

I work hard. I've spent my life brushing, collecting salt, and scrubbing.

Look at my hands.

The hands of a princess compared to those of my laborers.

I'll work until my fingers fall off.

Perhaps.

Give me the chance to prove it to you.

Same conditions, same contract.

You pay my family's debts, and I become your wife.

-María, stop. -Just change the name.

Are you a virgin?

Excuse me?

You can't expect me to pay for damaged goods.

Yes, I'm a virgin.

What's your name?

María.

María...

You talk too much for a woman.

That will be the first thing we fix.

We'll marry tomorrow at the parish.

Then we'll leave for La Mancha.

Your dress.

María! María! I don't want you to do this for me.

-Please, I'm begging you. -I'm going to be fine.

Don't worry.

Have you lost your mind?

You just ruined your life.

What would you have done?

Me?

I could have got a job on a fishing boat, like Dad.

And throw your life away?

With the money he'll give you... Listen!

You can pursue a career.

You can be a doctor, a lawyer, anything. Don't you see?

At what cost?

My sister getting into a rich man's bed?

Your elder sister, whom you should respect.

How can I, if you don't respect yourself?

I'll never be able to thank you for what you've done for me.

Promise me you'll visit as soon as you can.

And you, that you won't stop dreaming until you become a movie star.

-And singer, like Marisol. -Right.

María.

-What? -Does it scare you?

To think of your wedding night.

Yes, but I'll think of something else.

Like what?

The sea.

I really like the sea.

I'll think of the beach, the sound of the waves.

The warmth of the sand.

My body will be there, but my mind will be far away.

Will you miss the sea in Germany?

Not only the sea.

I wish you didn't have to go.

I can't miss this opportunity.

The salaries abroad aren't like here.

With the pittance they pay me unloading fish here,

we couldn't marry until our 30s.

I'll wait as long it takes.

-Listen to me. -What?

You waited while I was in the army. We're not getting any younger.

Why don't you come with me?

I can't. My family needs me, you know that.

When I have enough money, I'll come back and we'll marry.

On this very beach.

What do you think?

-You promise? -I promise.

María, listen.

Are you sure?

Isn't the church beautiful?

Don't worry, she'll be here.

I'm sure she'll be here, Don Ramón.

-And then we'll have some wine. -Fine.

-The groom is old, isn't he? -Good, she'll be a widow sooner.

Here she comes, look!

Who would've thought she'd end up settling down?

-I thought she was going to marry José. -José?

When he gets back from Germany.

They haven't seen each other for years. I bet he has kids abroad.

-Surely. -Yep.

-She looks so pretty. -Beautiful.

White suits her.

Beautiful!

Dearly beloved,

we are gathered here today

to witness the happiest of sacraments.

Today, we celebrate the union of María Rodríguez and Manuel Cervantes,

who, unfortunately, cannot be here with us today.

Excuse me?

-What do you mean? -We will hold a shortened ceremony

in which Don Ramón Cervantes

will take his place for the ring exchange.

Can someone tell me what's going on?

A proxy marriage, my dear.

-You didn't tell us about this. -I don't owe you explanations.

I won't marry someone I haven't seen.

-Continue. -No, stop.

Who is Manuel?

My nephew. Continue.

Why hasn't he come to marry me in person?

Enough.

One more question, I leave. And your family loses the money.

Whoever he is, he can't be worse than you.

Let's continue.

Beautiful! Beautiful!

We'd like to invite you for some wine.

I prefer to leave. We have a long journey ahead.

-What a lovely ceremony. -Beautiful.

I'll miss you so much.

I'll miss you all too.

I'm sorry Guillermo didn't come.

Don't worry about me.

I love you all so much. Okay?

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

Excuse me, ma'am.

Let's go.

Come on.

María! Please, wait! Stop the car! María!

Stop the car!

-Guillermo. -María!

-Stop, it's my brother! -He should've come sooner.

María!

-Are you crazy? -Stop or I'll jump!

María!

I'm sorry for what I said. I was being selfish, I'm sorry.

-Please forgive me. -There's nothing to forgive.

-There is. I love you. -I love you too, Guillermo.

María.

Get in now or you're walking.

We've arrived.

Come on, get up.

Hey, girl!

You've missed me, haven't you?

Have they been feeding you? I'll give you something tasty.

Go on.

You, come on. Hurry up.

Here, girl!

Come on, girl.

I'll give you something tasty.

Let's see if you like it. No, come here.

Here you go.

A bit for you and a bit for me. No, that's mine.

Here.

Who is this woman?

Her name is María.

What's she doing here?

-She's come from Almería. -Right.

-And why is she dressed like that? -Don't you see? She's your new wife.

-What are you talking about? -Your wife.

-The wedding was this morning. -No.

Impossible. Not without my consent.

What's this then?

"I hereby authorize my uncle, Ramón Cervantes, to marry on my behalf."

Too drunk to know what you were signing?

-You are completely insane! -Shut up!

It's time we had a woman in the house again.

Your wedding ring.

She's wearing hers.

Let go! You're hurting me. Don't grab me!

I'm sick of no one being straight with me!

I didn't want this either, if it's any consolation!

Can't we talk like normal people?

Nothing to talk about.

Get in!

I'm coming.

-Manuel, it's late. -Blas, help me.

-All right. What is it? -It's her. Listen.

My uncle set me up. He arranged a proxy marriage.

Undo it. I didn't know what I was signing.

What a mess you've gotten yourselves into. Why don't you come in and we can talk?

About what? I'm already married.

I want her gone by tomorrow. It's better for everyone.

Manuel, wait.

Wait!

That man is completely insane.

Manuel's had a hard life.

So have I, but I don't go shouting at people like that.

-He said he's already married? -To his first wife.

Llanos.

But she's no longer here.

-Is she dead? -No.

Yes. Well, nobody actually knows.

She left one day without a trace.

But that was years ago.

No one told me any of this.

I'd never even heard of a proxy marriage.

Tomorrow I'll help you get a bus ticket back to Almería.

No. That's what I want, but no.

I can't go.

I don't understand.

My family needs Don Ramón's money.

If I leave, he won't pay our debts. That's why I can't go.

Hey, you. Get up.

Don't be curt with the girl, Don Ramón.

A niece-in-law is treated with love and respect.

Save the sermons for mass.

Honeymoon's over. Go and change your clothes.

-Where are we going? -To work.

That's why I came, to help my family.

We're your family now. The sooner you accept that, the better.

-Who's that? -No idea.

Do you know her?

Dolores, Ángela, Charo, Adela.

Sara.

Claudia. You two as well, come on.

Not you, Mercedes.

But I need to work. My husband is sick. I have no choice.

You're not worth it. You're old and always stop to catch your breath.

-I'll work harder. -I don't buy it.

-Don't be a grouch, Don Ramón. -Who asked you?

I said no.

-Who's this? -The one who took Mercedes' place.

Less complaining or you'll stay too.

You're slowing us down.

-It's my first time, sorry. -You came from Almería to take our jobs?

Simmer down, Claudia.

Here. Claudia barks a lot, but she doesn't bite.

Why did you leave your home? Don't you have a husband?

My husband is Manuel Cervantes.

Don Ramón's nephew? Since when?

-Since yesterday. -She's here to spy on us.

I'm not spying on anyone. I'm earning a living, like you.

What's going on over there? Enough chitchat.

Come on!

Enough with the sob story.

Anyway, you won't be able to spy for long.

Why's that?

The Cervantes' wives have a curious habit of disappearing.

Don't scare her.

You mean Llanos?

-The priest told me she left town. -Yes. She went to the other side.

Question is, whole or in pieces?

Don't listen to her. It's hearsay.

No. Poor Llanos had a lover, and your husband cut her throat.

-What? -Don't let Don Ramón hear you.

They're just rumors, dear.

I'm just saying, when there's smoke...

Tired?

No, I'm fine.

Good, because we're not done.

I have to feed the horses, and you, the pigs.

The feed's in the stable.

Mix it with water and put it in the troughs. Go on.

Hello!

Don't be afraid.

Hello?

Hello.

What's your name?

Hey! Where are you going?

Finished? Then set the table and heat up the soup.

From tomorrow, you'll make breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Who is the stable boy?

-Still just as nosy, aren't you? -And you, just as curt.

Getting answers is like pulling teeth.

He's my nephew, Nicolás.

Manuel's son?

Manuel's and Llanos', yes.

-Where are you going? -To set the table, like you said.

No, here. Just for us. Manuel won't be having dinner.

He's gone to the bar, as usual.

-And Nicolás? -He eats in the stable.

He's a child.

Not a wild animal.

It's as if he were.

Since his mother left, he won't speak or set foot in this house.

Manuel has tried to drag him in, but he always escapes.

-But he's only little. -So what?

-Do you hear yourself? -Show some respect.

I worked tirelessly at his age, like you.

-Didn't you provide for your family? -Yes, but that doesn't mean it's right.

Come here, sit down.

We have something in common.

We both know how important family is, so I'll be straight.

Your mother needs money.

And I need a suitable heir for my lands.

You will be mother to that heir.

You have an heir. Nicolás.

Forget him. I said "suitable".

That boy won't be of any use. He's only caused us problems.

-What problems? -Enough!

You will give Manuel children at the times specified in the contract.

-Or your family returns the money. -Excuse me?

I see you haven't read the contract.

Let it be a lesson to you. Contracts must be read to the last letter.

You're heartless.

Tonight, you will get into Manuel's bed.

And when he comes back drunk, as usual,

it won't be hard for you to convince him to do what he has to do.

And once you're pregnant,

I'll send your mother enough money for a lifetime of a comfort.

But if you don't succeed,

you'll pay me back every last peseta, with interest.

And don't come to me now with prudish protests.

You are Manuel's wife in the eyes of God and the law.

And a wife

takes care of the house

and has offspring.

Manuel is about to arrive. Go and wait for him in his bedroom.

Sorry.

Get out.

Where will I sleep?

This is Manuel's new wife.

-My name is María. -Justa.

I come to help with the house and the boy.

You're not needed anymore. She'll take care of it from now on.

-You are needed. -Your uncle disagrees.

He'll realize soon enough.

I've been very patient for your father's sake.

But if you don't comply, there will be consequences.

Your name is Nicolás, right? I can't see you from here.

Did you know her?

She asked me about Llanos. And I doubt I'm the only one.

I was dreaming. I was with my mother.

It was the last time I saw her.

Then my father came and took her away.

-Where? -To the woods.

Subtitle translation by: Josephine Irving