Original subtitles

Digitally restored by the Swedish Film Institute in 2017

In the beginning, the City of Dreams was built

as a bulwark against darkness and the wilderness.

But its walls also harbored a deadly cold.

This city can be frightening. It's a giant that swallows its population.

But many have come and sacrificed their blood

in the country that was Sweden in the 1860s.

In the city that was Stockholm.

"Nail the pigs to the pillory."

Isn't that what you said about nobles?

Yes.

You know it's been over three years?

What?

Let's work on the docks.

Nothing has changed in all that time.

Not everything is immediate.

It's not too late.

My father was there in '48.

You know, when they threw stones at the soldiers.

And asked for a republic.

Today, he doesn't say anything. He drinks.

But one day, Henning,

one day...

we'll take over from there.

Don't forget it.

Come this way.

Upstairs!

Next step.

Please wait. Next.

There's still a lot to do.

You there, hurry up!

Good. Next.

Next step.

Take these with you.

Take him away. Right, next.

Next step.

Wait, make it ten. Good.

- Next. - Come on, move it!

Would you like a pick-me-up? Time is money.

- The bastard! How dare he say that! - He's the money.

- But hooch is cheap. - True enough.

I still feel like a pick-me-up.

Henning?

Nilsson, Henning. Here.

Go ahead, drink your paycheck.

Don't you want it?

- I'll be fine. - I'll share with Horror.

- Lindgren, Thumb. - Lindgren, Thumb. Yes.

Lindgren, Ture, rather.

- Karlsson, Björn-Axel. - Karlsson, Björn-Axel.

What's next?

Well, you see, Johanna...

She washes the priest's linen at Catherine Church.

The priest's wife discovered we weren't married.

Yet they have four children.

But you don't have to get married.

No.

But this lady thinks to do it right.

- Johanna will give in to such a customer. - Will there be a wedding then?

They found out about our relationship, so there's no escaping it.

As long as it's not a funeral.

- No, it's not. - Then rejoice!

Yes, I should be happy that it's Johanna I'm marrying.

At least I know her.

Most of the things for the wedding had been loaned.

Horror was wearing a coachman's frock coat.

Johanna had borrowed linen from the elite.

A beautiful wedding dress with lace and ornaments.

She had also borrowed dresses for the witnesses.

The only thing not borrowed was joy.

Let me find the trick. Look, look, look.

He's a real pro.

It's crazy. Life and movement!

I'm dying of thirst.

Girls, you have to change. You don't have a choice.

- Just a little more. - You've worn them enough.

- Did you know that... - Klara is cute.

- Yes, it's true. - But you'd better watch out.

She might get sick.

- She hasn't gone back to work? - No, she hasn't. Soon it will be the street.

- Sadly, she's nice. - The nice ones are the first to suffer.

Malin, help Lotten. I'll take care of Klara.

They have to change their dresses.

Don't worry, Mother. I'll manage.

- I'll be back soon. - I'll be right back.

No !

Give me a break!

Come on!

- Klara! - No!

Here you are at last. About time.

- You think so? - Yes, I do.

- Sorry I'm late. - That's alright.

- As long as you're here. - Hi, there.

I had to work late. They got another big order.

- They'll have to recruit. - No, they won't!

They say it's impossible.

And no one would dare encourage them to do so.

Klara!

Excuse me. We haven't been introduced.

My name is Henning.

Henning Nilsson.

Lotten Blom.

Shall we?

It's not bad. We're just borrowing it.

Wait, the oars!

- That was too easy. - Wait here.

My mother does her laundry here. The oars must be nearby.

Yes, here they are.

It's really strange.

What?

A woman drowned here, last autumn.

She had no job and no money.

She committed suicide. Along with her children.

I find it strange that these places remain so beautiful.

There were two young children. And her.

I saw them bring the bodies back.

Tell me something...

How long have you worked at the factory?

Since I was ten. I mean...

my tenth birthday, in fact.

What's it like?

The same thing 12 hours a day. We make gloves.

Refined gloves for refined women.

I'm almost starting to miss it, now that I have to leave.

What do you mean?

Restructuring. Seven of us were made redundant.

But I can't complain, it's worse for the older ones.

I'm rather young.

Rather?

Yes.

You know, youth,

it's in your head.

I've been wearing things all my life, and when I was little,

I felt old.

You know, I never knew my father.

My mother died of cholera.

I was bought by a miller at a paupers' sale.

I wore bags for him until I was 15.

Then I went back to the city.

I was lucky to find work.

But here too, you had to carry a lot.

Put wood in the furnace.

They were constantly hungry, just like us.

It was the city of my dreams.

She had something extra.

But at first, I was mostly afraid.

Everything was strange and new.

Both beautiful and ugly.

At first, I was mostly afraid.

I made my first friends at the factory.

They also came from the provinces. Kerstin and Olle.

But they were engaged,

and had to return to the countryside.

They often stayed together.

I didn't really have other real friends.

Except for Olle's sister, Maja.

She also worked at the factory.

She was a little older than me and an adult.

I was just a kid.

But I had the impression

his age, strangely enough.

Or even older, sometimes.

I want to stay in town.

I don't want to go back in the spring.

The city offers so many possibilities.

It's beautiful and chic here.

There's so much to do.

I want to stay in town.

It's much more exciting.

Later, his brother explained it all to me.

Olle.

She was acting like a child.

He called him "the big kid".

They took her back to the country.

I never saw her again.

I've known people like them. They're quite...

What can I say?

They don't know how to defend themselves.

Yes. That's what Thumb said about Klara.

"The good guys are the first to suffer."

I've talked too much.

- I never talk that much. - It's no big deal.

It's the same for me.

Say...

Doesn't Malin care that you're gone?

My mother knows what it's like,

these parties where men are drunk and wild.

They rip off the locks to come and see us.

Anyway, my mother saw us together. She knows I'm with you.

- Is it? - Yes.

She's not worried.

- Say... - Yes?

You said you didn't you didn't usually talk this much.

Yes.

It's rare to dare to speak out.

But I think...

What?

It's as if...

As if we'd known each other for a long time.

Henning Nilsson. Lotten Blom.

He could open up to her.

He wanted to show her his daily life.

He was searching through her a memory he had always shunned.

The memory of betrayal.

Annika's memory.

Goodbye.

Back when Henning and even Thumb were Annika's best friends,

she worked as a waitress for the local aristocracy.

She was the daughter of a former coal transporter, "Gros Sac".

It was here that Henning gradually discovered solidarity among the poor.

He was a tenant among tenants in what used to be Annika's house.

Augusta?

Come and have a look.

They cost me half my pay.

Aren't they beautiful?

You can try them on tomorrow. Go to bed, Augusta.

I'll go too.

Annika!

Annika, come on!

Let's get you dressed. It's going to be very, very cold.

Come on, Augusta!

What's all the fuss?

What's the rhyme?

Mommy!

What are you doing?

Your daughter dresses like a whore. Like a party girl!

She's as much my daughter as yours.

Lace? And then what?

Burn that outfit.

No, let her have her clothes! She worked hard to pay for them.

Burn all this junk, I said!

And if she buys any more, I'm going to beat the crap out of her.

Believe me.

The rich are crushing us.

We've been left out in the cold.

Look at my father.

He welcomed Augusta into the family.

Today, he barely sees her.

But he sees me.

Because I'm trying to get out of this quagmire.

He can't stand it.

It's as if he wanted everything dirty.

You know I don't.

He's been stepped on too much. You said it.

You have such beautiful hands.

You shouldn't damage them carrying all that cargo.

You have too big a heart.

You don't understand what they're like.

You should see them in action.

See how these rich people behave. They burp at the table.

They can barely finish their refined dishes.

Yes, I've seen certain things too.

But if you're a girl and you're on the right track,

there are possibilities, believe me.

You're not like that, Annika.

You know it's not the right way.

I suppose so.

But rights...

The poor have no rights.

Nowhere.

Nowhere in the world.

So...

The Countess is back?

I see she's been shopping. She's done her business.

Right?

- What is it, Father? - She's bought finery!

But it's...

Whore's underwear!

- Father! Father! - Into the bedroom!

- Stop it! - What's all this about?

I've done nothing. Leave me alone!

Why aren't you like us?

The whore of the rich!

That's what you are!

Stop it!

That night, she disappeared.

She never came back.

She was seen in town with a man from a good family.

Why the hell didn't I do something?

What was there to do?

You know...

He's the one who did it.

His own father.

Yes.

But I felt I'd betrayed her.

We were friends.

Just friends?

Yes.

- But it's important. - Yes, I understand.

Betrayal...

If anyone betrayed her, it was her father.

He probably thought he was doing the best he could.

Yes.

In a way, I feel sorry for him.

The look in her eyes says it all.

When he's sober and when he's drunk.

Do you still live there after all?

Well... I have no alternative.

I need a roof over my head, even though I'm pathetic.

You're not pathetic.

You shouldn't worry so much.

It wasn't your fault.

Hey...

Henning.

I...

I'd never mentioned it before.

I'd never dared.

But with you...

The inhabitants of the City of Dreams, these individuals,

were they masters of their lives and dreams?

And if so, why was the majority under the yoke of a minority?

Maybe the city ran everything itself.

As an organism. As an insatiable social body.

Yet there were many dissidents trying to shape their own destiny

and struggling to survive.

- Henning! - What's the matter?

You're in big trouble!

Don't worry too much.

- You told him? - Horror talked to him.

He says Nilsson looks good.

Yes, of course.

The little girl looks happy.

But we're still worried.

- What if she suddenly gets pregnant? - You know Lotten knows how to behave.

- But accidents do happen. - They do.

Anyway, that's the way it is.

I know.

Of course you can, dockers have a bad reputation,

if all the rumors are to be believed.

But don't let it get to you.

I'm telling you, if Horror approves of the boy,

you can sleep soundly.

Do you like my Lotten?

Yes.

- And you and she agree? - Yes, we agree.

Good.

I know you're alone, without family.

- But you have a job, don't you? - Yes, I'm a docker.

It's a stable job, not a temporary one.

Well, that's good.

But I'm warning you. If you want Lotten, you'll have to marry him.

- Not just live with it. - I understand.

I would be delighted to...

- I'd love to. - All right, then.

On that note, I'll get the coffee.

I heat it up in a saucepan. It's quick and tasty.

Be careful, it's hot.

Take care of her. She's all I've got.

Some time had passed since Annika had left her home.

Her room was now that of Matilda Matilda, Thumb's companion.

The father never spoke again of his lost daughter.

As for his remaining daughter, Augusta, whom he'd taken in, he didn't know.

The important thing was that she brought home a paycheck from her work at the tobacco factory.

The same fate befell to Miss Tornberg, the weaver.

She was at ease as long as she paid her rent.

For Johansson the dry cleaner, money was no object.

He was a landowner and enjoyed certain resources.

- Think of the Sabbath. - Why should I?

Tell yourself you're sanctifying it.

Do you have anything?

Nectar and ragweed.

For souls of unfulfilled desire.

We're not taking anything to fill the bag with food?

Lotten said she was planning for everyone.

- She insisted. - She did?

Go before they drink too much. They've already started the schnapps.

- The dry cleaner has... - What a bastard, that one!

How about a drink, Nilsson?

- No, I'm fine. I'm fine. - Are you really?

How's that?

Who can say the same?

Come on. There you go.

Approach.

- Is he still here? - Yes, he is.

- But he still sulks a little. - Of course, he has an ego.

We have a lovely cat.

He looks hungry.

Look how attached we get to animals.

"It is a child, says the Lord."

- Is it in the Bible? - No, I don't think it is. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

Little kitty...

My sweet little kitty!

Bite my nose off? Look, I've done it!

I made it!

No, go away! Get out of here, you horrible creature!

Shoo! Get out of here!

Yes, I am the king!

Mice and flies,

toads, fleas and lice!

Did I scare you? I didn't mean to.

I wanted to sunbathe here too.

Pretend I'm not here.

It's too noisy there. In the house.

Gros Sac is already drunk.

The usual.

Where did he get the schnapps?

Good question.

That's right...

that it could be moderated.

Especially in these difficult times.

- It's lovely. Who gave it to you? - Henning.

Can I take a look?

It's come a long way.

- What a roar! - It's the sea.

- I hear Gros Sac takes your pay. - Yes, I heard.

Say...

He shouldn't demand so much of a girl as young as you.

Especially since he's your foster father.

In any case, it's it's been worse since Annika left.

Yes.

I noticed.

What are you doing at the tobacco factory?

A lot of things.

Most of the time, I pick up what's been spilled on the floor.

- Is it reused? - Yes, they make cigars out of it.

- And it's not boring? - Yes, it is.

But I do other things.

It's still low pay.

Yes.

And Gros Sac takes it all.

Yes, it's a shame.

If that's not unfortunate.

Listen, Augusta.

Listen to the rumbling.

It's all a big joke.

The people's victory.

Poor people can't even vote!

Progress...

Yes, it makes you want to, but nothing happens.

- The grass grows and the cows die? - Exactly.

- That's just the way it is. - It used to be worse.

It's just an excuse.

Have a look!

Come on, Lotten. Let's have a look.

It's Klara.

- Klara! - Klara!

It's a bit heavy for a young girl like you, Augusta.

Can I help you? Let's see...

And there you have it.

- Well, I'll be damned. - What's this?

Who could have lost this?

You should take it.

Earn a little money. It's always useful.

There's nothing odd about it.

Believe me, it's not shocking at all.

Bend over and grab it. Earn some money.

All you have to do is bend over.

I just want to feel the softness of your skin.

Like a little cat. A little caress.

A little caress.

- What is it, dear? - A coin.

And soap.

"Wash up, little one," he said.

"Wash up, little one."

A riksdaler. A whole room...

Garbage!

- Henning! - Bastard!

- Damn it, Henning! - I was having fun.

- Henning! - I was just playing with her.

I was having fun. It was a game.

Henning! Be quiet!

- Henning! - No!

I was just playing with her. That's all it was.

I'll be fine.

We'll be fine.

This has to change.

This can't go on.

Matilda and I will be moving, if this keeps up.

That bastard dry cleaner has to be banned. Things have got to change.

Can you hear me? Things have got to change!

It's no use, Nilsson.

He can't hear you.

It's like he's dead.

There's no point.

- Stop it! - What's all this about?

I didn't do anything, leave me alone!

FREEDOM

JUSTICE

WORK

The Gros Sac house emptied. The dry cleaner disappeared.

Augusta went on a Christian mission for women in Vita Bergen.

Matilda moved in with Lotten.

Henning stayed in spite of everything.

But Miss Tornberg was gone forever.

Heart trouble, they said. She died as she lived.

Quietly and discreetly.

That autumn, Henning lost his job at the docks.

He was able to leave and, with Augusta, took the destitute woman to her grave.

"The desert and the land of thirst, let them rejoice!

"The arid land, let it bloom,

"let him exult and shout for joy!"

- Is it in the Bible? - Yes, I believe it is.

That's what we told the mission.

Lotten?

I'll be right back.

- Listen... - Listen to what?

- I found a job. - No, you didn't!

- Yes, it is. - It's wonderful.

What's up?

Horror found it for me.

There's an important man on the docks who wants to renovate his warehouse.

- It'll take me all winter. - It paid off in the end.

- It sounded desperate. - Yes, it did.

Horror and I start tomorrow.

The problem is that the guy is a herring importer,

so I can smell the fish.

Refined gloves for refined women.

Bodin, the herring merchant, had a younger brother, Fredrik,

who worried him because of his immorality.

But lately, a change has taken place.

In any case, Fredrik's relationships.

He seemed ready to land.

The problem was that he was neglecting too much the herring trade.

- What a stench! - You'd have got used to it by now

if you were interested in what we do.

- Is it serious this time, Fredrik? - There's serious and then there's serious.

Yes or no?

- Yes, we're serious. To tell you the truth, it's serious. - Okay, then.

But let's be clear, the girl must stop working at the restaurant.

Our image would suffer.

I understand, but...

To be honest, it's mostly a family request.

- According to her... - Family?

Yes. No offense.

I say this for your own good.

If you like, she can work in the office.

As long as you do your job and accept this stench.

It's our livelihood, my dear brother.

Say, there aren't any strange women coming, are there?

No, just Malin and Johanna. They're keeping watch outside.

In any case, there's no risk

with women, the way we stink now.

I think that's enough.

- Even if it was hard on the docks... - Here.

It was better than gutting herrings.

Yes.

Say...

How long have you been on the docks?

Only God and Lundström know.

But for a long time. A lifetime.

Look at my annual tracks.

How long can a body last?

Yes, I sometimes wonder.

You're young. But it's true, you don't have the build of a docker.

No.

We'll have to make do.

Like many things in life.

As long as you don't brood on it too much.

When we rehash, God knows what happens.

Money.

It's all about money.

The whole plot requires money.

- Can you hear us? - Of course we hear.

Ah yes? Can you hear it?

Then why aren't don't you pay the rent?

But yesterday...

Yesterday? Yesterday...

But not today. Not a single öre.

Sell your newspapers and pay your dues!

You filthy sow!

You know, ma'am,

good, decent people once lived here.

And I...

- Are you leaving, Nilsson? - Yes, I am.

No, stay.

Everyone leaves.

Have a seat. Let's have a drink.

Thanks, but I don't know...

They leave

one after the other.

But I don't care.

When your own children...

I don't care about the others.

But Annika...

Have a seat.

There's coffee too. Don't you agree?

Yes.

Listen...

You don't have to drink if you don't want to.

But let's toast anyway.

Cheers.

I need someone who understands me.

I can't talk to my wife, she's too scared.

I don't have anyone.

That bastard dry cleaner was far from an angel,

but I could talk to him.

Seven years...

- Seven years? - Yes.

Seven years of grace.

Cheers, Nilsson.

- Would you like that coffee? - No, thank you, I'm fine.

You know, Nilsson, in my line of work...

- Do you know the rule? - No, which one?

If you transport coal, at 50, you're finished.

You're exhausted, broken. That's the rule.

You die.

Yes...

That's the rule.

But I'm 57.

My years of grace are over.

And yet...

I feel it in my guts, but...

it changes nothing.

Annika...

I know I beat her.

It was to protect her.

I didn't want her to...

I had no intention of...

No !

What the hell are you doing?

I was just catching my breath.

- Nilsson, right? Henning Nilsson? - Yes.

- You're a real docker, aren't you? - Yes, with Lundström.

That's right.

Well, Nilsson, we're going to need wood siding on this side.

- The whole length. - Yes.

But it's urgent. The loading must be done quickly.

- To mark it? - Yes, that's right.

- The herring rots when... - I know, Mr Bodin mentioned it.

Thank you.

Hello.

- I was told to pick up my pay. - I'll let her know.

You're wanted. It's for a paycheck.

Good.

What's your name?

Nilsson.

Henning Nilsson.

I see that it's the one from November 5.

Sign here.

Understand me, Henning. Don't hate me.

The Bodins know nothing.

From reality, at least.

But they are sensitive to the smell of poverty.

They despise me because I used to be a waitress.

- It shouldn't get to you. - I know it shouldn't.

But I don't want them to know where I come from.

I'm engaged to Fredrik Bodin, you know.

Really?

I see.

So what? Is he going to take over the business?

I don't know. Maybe later. Maybe later.

Listen...

I'm almost ashamed to ask you this, but...

How's my mom?

I don't even know if she's alive.

Yes, she's alive. Your father's in worse shape.

I don't mind.

Listen, take these tickets and give them to my mother.

Tell him we met on the street.

- But... - Don't talk about the Bodins.

- But, Annika... - I don't want them to know.

Your father is in a very bad way.

He's completely changed. It's like he's sending himself to the grave.

Him, send himself to the grave?

He mustn't know anything about me, understand?

He's sick as a dog and unhappy.

He's always asking about you.

Henning?

You're very selfless. You always have been.

But you know what what he did to me that time.

I can never forget it.

And I don't want to see him again. Ever again. Do you hear me?

The marks on my back have faded,

but inside me,

they'll always be there.

Annika...

I've got to go.

Take care of yourself.

Watch your hands.

Åseberget had been, for many years, the haunt of sailors and dockers.

The widow of a shipyard worker no longer wanted to live there alone,

Thumb and Henning brought their companions

a summer Sunday in 1867.

The two men's salaries barely covered the rent on the house,

but with four, it was different.

- Please, come in. - Can we come in like this?

- Of course. - Do you know who lives here?

No, we're just stopping by to say hello.

- We can't come in. - Yes, everything's fine.

It looks empty.

- Nobody lives here. - Yes, we do. Now we do.

If you like, of course.

When the two couples moved into the Åseberget house,

Henning and Thumb had resumed their work on the docks.

Lotten worked as a laundress with her mother, 13 hours a day.

Matilda's hours at the mill were often even worse.

Despite their low salaries, these four were privileged.

They had a roof over their heads to shelter, rest and live.

ENTRACTE

So you came after all?

Yes.

As soon as I learned.

Henning warned me.

That's nice of him.

I didn't ask her. I'm telling you.

Anyway, he moved. So did Matilda.

- But you knew that, didn't you? - Yes, he told me.

They're all leaving. One after the other.

Soon it will be empty.

Who's making a fire in the garden?

A tenant passing through.

A coal hauler just like your father.

- Mother? - Take something to nibble on.

Here.

I can't believe it's so big.

But she still doesn't know that she has an older sister.

- I could never tell him. - I can understand that.

You know, Mother, I had no choice.

You know what he was like.

- Want to see it? He's in the shelter. - Mother! Mother!

He talked about you. He always wanted to hear from you.

Did he suffer?

No more than any other, I'd say.

What are you going to do? Continue to live here?

No, I'm going to move in with my sister. I'll manage.

- We'll talk about it after the funeral. - I'm not going.

- Annika! - It's not possible, Mother.

I'm getting married soon.

My fiancé knows almost nothing about my origins.

He and his family mustn't know. Hence my request.

I'm asking you never to look for me again.

Try to understand me, Mother.

It's my only chance.

Otherwise, I'll fall back into filth and lice.

- I want something else. - I know what you want.

I won't stand in your way.

I brought you some money that could...

- I could send you some. - Don't worry, we'll manage.

Farewell, Mother.

- Is the lady coming back? - No, she won't.

She was in a hurry.

- She was well dressed. - Yes, she was.

Yes, you're right.

Then came the period of famine.

Poor harvests drove people to the city,

where they sought to eat at any price.

Those who worked were forced to defend one of their rights.

The right to daily bread, which was not enough.

There were too many mouths to feed.

MASTERS

TAXES

SLAVES AND THEIR MASTERS

Come on!

Sorry, guys. Too much.

Damn it!

And schnapps, is it ever too much, Thirsty?

Shut up, you! What kind of attitude is that?

He's right.

I don't know what to drink.

I don't know how to do much else.

Go on, shoot!

I'm not cut out for this kind of job.

He's an educated man,

but he drinks like a fish.

What's the problem?

He knows lots of things.

And it's Torsten, not Thirsty.

He knows a lot of important things.

We know what's important when Thumb talks about it.

So?

He's even been to France. To Paris.

- You're making it up. - No, I'm not!

Torsten?

- You've been to Paris, haven't you? - Well, I...

Not personally.

But I met people who had been there.

You know, it exploded there in '48.

Ah, yes. The barricades.

I didn't personally take part in the barricades, but...

Once,

journeymen tailors have returned from Paris.

Two booksellers were with them.

I still remember one of them.

- I think he's still alive. - Who is?

A spirited man. With a Spanish cape. Pehr Götrek.

He was reading the Gospel.

- He gave me a book. - What was it about?

What was he talking about?

Freedom, I guess.

But from this book, did you remember anything?

"Workers of all countries, unite!"

"Proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains."

"They have the world to win."

- What's wrong with Rudde? - He's probably tired.

- I saw her yesterday. - Who did?

Annika.

In a carriage with a little dandy.

Fur collar, full of ornaments.

It must have been Fredrik.

- What the hell, Fredrik? - You know, Bodin herrings.

Annika must have married him by now.

It suits her. Married to a herring ripper.

What happened? Annika had a difficult time.

Difficult? Who hasn't?

- That's no reason. Hello. - Good morning to you.

- She betrayed her class. - How's Rudde?

- He's been crying all day. - Maybe he has a stomachache.

I figured he was tired.

Damn it!

How do you grow?

- Push it? - Call it what you like.

The money...

Money.

Money.

According to the doctor and, to some extent, the police,

he had a stroke.

- He was taken by surprise. - Yes, I understand.

Obviously, he fell next to the desk

and took the the oil lamp in its fall.

Despite your best efforts, Nilsson,

it was too much for him.

He wasn't young anymore.

- It's her heart that... - Exactly.

In any case, we're we're glad it didn't burn down.

And may he die in peace.

I would like once again to express my gratitude and that of the firm.

What's more, the fire was brought under control.

- Has the stock been saved? - Yes, we did.

So I'd like to compensate you.

According to Lundström, do you need sick leave?

I burned my shoulder, but don't pay any attention to it.

Of course we do.

Here you are. Here's a little reward, Nilsson.

Since you also saved the car.

- It's too much... - It's not too much, Nilsson.

- No, really... - No, it's normal and fair.

Well, thank you very much, sir.

I owe you.

I hope you find the money useful.

Thank you.

But he received 100 riksdalers.

That's more than several months' work with overtime.

So?

Don't you understand?

They believe they can everything with money.

- Yes, but... - They're buying you out.

Now you're being unfair.

Henning has not been ruled out.

Henning saved the warehouse and the cash register.

How much was in the crate?

One hundred riksdalers.

Well, well, well! What gratitude!

All this bowing and scraping...

Yes, you're right.

We give in too much. But sometimes you have to.

It's nothing against you. You understand, right?

It's this whole situation that annoys me.

Sorry to lecture you.

Morality? Good choice of word for someone so devout.

- Matilda! - Go for it.

- You know we need that money. - I misspoke.

Don't be angry with me.

It's not just Henning who bends over backwards. We do too.

This is exactly what annoys me.

Lotten...

Yes, I understand.

I was just venting.

I don't know what's happening to me.

It's something else I'm working on.

- What's up? - Torsten.

He's dead.

Well, I'll be damned. I had no idea.

You haven't said a word.

- Today or... - This afternoon. When we were unloading.

He fell and drowned. We didn't notice.

And of course, he was drunk?

He spent his life drinking.

- How old was he? - Over 50, I think.

He was as light as a child when we carried him.

It was curious.

I didn't even know his real name.

It had always been Thirsty Torsten.

Now that I know him, he's dead.

His name was Åslund.

Torsten Åslund.

It's weird, it was so light.

Like a little boy who had grown old.

- He gave me a book. - What was it about?

What was he talking about?

Freedom, I guess.

Freedom.

While famine drove people to emigrate to emigrate and build a future in the West,

leaders devoted themselves to a past in the East.

This was Charles XII's intention.

The statue of the hero would be unveiled in 1868.

The high cost of attendance excludes the poor.

But rumors of injustice quickly spread

and the news hit like a bomb.

Stop it!

Nothing goes right anymore.

It's chaos.

In Europe, the Paris Commune had rekindled hope.

A hope soon dashed. There, as here, nothing changed.

Docker Henning Nillsson and his wife Lotten had three children.

One son, August, and two daughters, Emilie and Gertrud.

This responsibility reinforced their fear of running out of work and money

and gave them premature white hair.

- I suppose Matilda told you? - Yes, she did.

To think that they fired him all of a sudden...

If a foreman hears the word "union",

he advises as he sees fit.

Thumb had to leave

while I watched him.

There's not much you could have done.

It's just that my name should have been on that list too.

Which list?

We had to put our name down to show our support for the union.

But when it came down to it, only Thumb dared.

Rejoice that you haven't lost your job.

I left on my own.

- What's that? - Don't worry, I'm not being a hero.

I'm going back to the herring warehouse.

Monthly pay is lower.

- But I'll be working all year round. - That's wonderful.

Why didn't you tell me?

I wanted to confirm this first.

It was Fredrik Bodin himself who asked me to come.

He's the boss now.

Imagine, a steady job!

A winter paycheck.

- And you'll be working inside. - Yes, I will.

In a way, that's good.

You know, I worked on the docks for ten years.

I feel like a traitor.

- Especially now, with Thumb. - I understand, but...

Matilda mentioned a temporary job in a bakery.

Yes, he knows someone who helped him who isn't even a union member.

He'll soon be covered in flour and I'll smell like herring.

Is it so catastrophic?

At least we'll have fish and bread at home.

Dis,

you really don't feel any joy?

The money will arrive regularly.

- And with children... - Yes, of course.

Of course you're right.

But you know, on the docks...

Sometimes I feel a bit free.

Free?

It's probably a figment of my imagination.

You know, in the spring,

when the ice begins to crack,

when all the boats arrive.

Don't you think it's the same for me?

I wash clothes all winter in the cold.

- It's not a viable freedom. - No, it isn't.

But neither can you, you can't say Thumb was wrong.

- He just refuses to flatter the elites. - I didn't say he did.

But I can also be right.

I have the right to be happy that the children have something to eat in winter.

- You can't take that away from me. - Lotten.

Don't get so upset.

I wasn't trying to take it out on you.

Do you agree?

How odd.

I feel like I'm I'm only talking about food.

I understand how you feel,

but we have a lot of mouths to feed.

As for freedom...

The only one I feel is with you.

1874, 25th anniversary of the Bodin firm.

A party for democrats only is held in their mansion.

I must confess, Mrs. Nilsson, it's rare to come across such a well-bred boy.

His name is August, right?

Yes, but we call it "Agge".

- How old is he? - He'll soon be six.

Nilsson, we were saying your son was very wise.

I see. I see. Thank you for your time.

- A real little gentleman. - I don't know about that.

- Does he have any brothers or sisters? - Greta, to the veranda!

Tell the kitchens that we're running out of cold cuts.

- Does he have brothers and sisters? - Yes, we have two daughters.

- They were too young to come. - I see. I see.

They're quiet and decent, those Nilsson boys.

Just right.

So there are poor people who are clean-cut.

If you only knew the price it costs them.

A very wise son," he said.

A true little gentleman.

On behalf of all employees,

I'd like to humbly thank you for this celebration.

We wish the company every success

and enjoy a perpetually radiant future.

Many thanks to Mr Bodin and his wife!

To prosperity!

A perpetually radiant future.

COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY AND BURDENED AND HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.

Lotten Nilsson, née Blom, worker, laundress.

Husband: Henning Nilsson, docker, warehouse worker.

First children: August, born in 1868,

Emilie, in 1870, and Gertrud, in 1871.

Birth of a stillborn son registered December 14, 1877.

TO MY DAUGHTER EMILIE ON HER EIGHTH BIRTHDAY

- An "E"! - Yes.

For "Emilie".

And flowers,

they're forget-me-nots.

Look what Daddy got me. Isn't it beautiful?

Can I see?

You'll also have a nice present when it's your turn.

What did he say? What did Mr Bodin say?

It's hopeless.

He has to cut costs and fire a lot of employees.

But he was kind enough to talk to the dockers.

- Are you going back to the docks? - Yes, I am.

You're in no condition to go back.

Of course we do.

Mr Bodin said I could come back when things are better.

What about your cough? You think I can't hear you at night?

When you have to, you have to.

Lotten, don't worry.

By the way...

- I have something fun to tell you. - What's funny?

The Bodins invited Agge to the country.

- The countryside? - Yes.

- He can stay all summer. - But... what did Mr Bodin say?

He just asked how you and Agge were doing.

How old was Agge. Things like that.

It's funny that he remembers him after all this time.

Yes. You don't have to buy clothes, they'll take care of it.

Yes...

He and Annika thought it would take some of the pressure off.

I have to leave the herring warehouse.

Are you crying?

I thought you'd be pleased.

I want you to know how happy I am for our son.

It's all such a blur.

I've been feeling safe lately.

But not anymore.

I'm so scared.

Don't be afraid.

There's nothing to worry about.

Strikes. But not in Stockholm, where only rumors are circulating.

In the north of the country, thousands of workers workers, armed with sticks.

When asked if they would be returning work, they reply:

"I'd rather die."

The King of Sweden sends a telegram to Sundsvall:

"Calm the comely and warn the agitators."

"Tolerance must have limits."

On the ninth day, all resistance was broken

with the help of gunboats and the army.

The representatives of summed up the situation as follows:

"Criminal acts such as this strike must always be avoided in Sweden."

"Justice is more powerful than they are."

"God bless you. Long live the king."

"Are you going back to work?"

That was the big question in Sundsvall.

That was the question.

They replied, "I'd rather die,

but threw away their sticks when the governor asked them to.

You hear that, boys? They've surrendered!

Henning?

How are you?

When my cough subsides,

- you'll feel better. - Here, take this.

It'll soothe your chest.

Just this once, then.

Guys,

I thought of something.

I...

- I've always been anxious. - What are you talking about?

I never really dared

get involved in things like strikes like strikes and unions.

What?

You've suffered and helped others.

Lotten,

children, and everything else.

Yes, of course, but that's where it ends.

You once said that it was necessary to fight for change.

- That some had to sacrifice. - Yes.

You mentioned class differences.

But if we want to pave the way,

act and sacrifice,

you also have to sacrifice your family.

That said,

I should stop using my family to justify my fear.

Your fear?

You're not afraid of anything, Henning.

If all this takes a nasty turn,

we know we can count on you.

Yes.

But look at the Bodins.

August spent two summers there.

- They even want to pay for his schooling. - Yes, they do.

I heard. The herring boss and the waitress have become liberals.

But...

you think that by accepting, I'm betraying our class?

Not necessarily.

Of course, it depends on Agge's age.

He must not become their lackey.

You have to make it feel classy.

Yes.

I don't know if it's if it's a feeling of class,

but I'd like to pass on good memories of us.

Something that that reminds him of where he came from.

Damn it, Henning.

Henning, try to take it easy.

You need to get some rest.

Rest? I can't afford it.

Lotten has other things to think about. We've got another baby on the way.

- Once the cold has passed... - The cold?

You've been coughing like that for a year.

You're overreacting.

You've always exaggerated.

- Right? - Right.

Cheers, guys.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

Please note.

I think he's changed.

- Who's Agge? - Agge.

It's probably because he reads a lot.

He goes to the Bodins' every week and borrows books.

It's certainly not good to strain your eyes

reading until late at night.

But the fact that he reads isn't bad.

Every child should have this opportunity.

But we couldn't afford it.

We already couldn't afford to have children.

Don't think of it that way.

What would the world be like if we didn't dare have children?

It would be a sad and deplorable place

if there were no children.

Especially people like you.

You know, Mother, when I gave birth to a stillborn,

nothing made sense to me anymore.

The pain was never-ending.

I almost gave up.

Henning says he couldn't be more careful.

Otherwise, he ends up paralyzed by fear.

Mr. Nilsson is probably right.

- Coffee, Mrs. Nilsson? - Yes, please.

Only if she stops saying she can't afford anything.

Afford?

- Afford what? - To...

live or have children.

I shouldn't have said that, Mother.

- I won't do it again. - We can never afford anything.

But you have to find a balance.

Otherwise, everything will be a sea of tears.

Autumn 1879.

Henning stayed on to work on the docks. The Bodins paid for August's schooling.

The girls were given housework and much-needed pay.

Especially when Lotten gave birth to a fourth child.

A boy named Olof.

Mommy! Mommy! Come here.

Excuse me. We haven't been introduced.

My name is Henning. Henning Nilsson.

Henning!

Henning Nilsson died of tuberculosis in 1879 at the age of 34.

Two years before Robert Koch discovered the bacterium that causes it,

and two years before August Palm came to Sweden to preach socialism.

BIRTHDAY PRESENT FROM MY DAD

Stop brooding, it's hurting you.

I know.

- But it's eating me up. - I understand.

But you mustn't brood.

What would Henning have thought?

I feel like I've sold our son.

Don't think of it that way. It's counterproductive.

Tell me something...

What does this arrangement consist of? Have they set any conditions?

I don't know.

The Bodins have no children, so...

I believe he promised to pay for Agge's education.

He'll be able to study and get a good start in life.

It's all positive.

It's in August's interest.

Yes, that's what Mr Bodin said.

"It's in the kid's best interest."

Annika Bodin promised to let me see him once a week.

- And I received 100 crowns. - Ah, you see?

- Everything will work out, you'll see. - Mommy? Mommy?

- I'm ready to go. - I'm on my way.

It's a shame you're moving out. It'll be empty without you.

I didn't want to either, but I had to.

It's cheaper to live with my mother.

Every era counts.

That's the worst of it. It's always about the money.

Will the children have any memories?

Olof is just a baby.

He won't remember his father. But the others?

Of course they'll remember him.

- They won't forget it. - Will they?

- Are you ready to go? - I'm good to go.

We'd better get going right away.

The Bodins are probably waiting for you.

Agge,

Goodbye, then.

Promise to come back and see us, or you'll get a beating.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye, dear.

- You forgot your cap. - Bye, kid.

Oh, Agge.

This...

It's...

It'll be all right, you'll see.

- Are you sure you can handle it? - Yes, I'm sure.

- This is as far as I go? - No, you're not.

Then let's leave here.

Take care of yourself.

- Just be careful. - Mom, I'll see you every Wednesday.

I'm delighted.

Every Wednesday.

- Goodbye, then. - Goodbye, then.

Take care of yourself.

And don't forget us.

Subtitles: Anaïs Bertrand