Original subtitles

A Kyrgyzfilm Production

THE SKIES OF OUR CHILDHOOD

Written by Kadyrkul Omurkulov and Tolomush Okeev

Directed by Tolomush Okeev

Director of Photography Kadyrzhan Kydyraliev

Production Designer Sagynbek Ishenov

Music by Tashtan Ermatov

STARRING

Muratbek Ryskulov as Bakai Aliman Djangorozova as Urum

Sovetbek Dzhumadylov as Alym Lyutsia Ryskulova as Aynash

Nasret Dubashev as Kalyk

Samak Alymkulov as Ryskul Beksultan Zhakiev as Bektash

Dubbed at the Gorky Film Studio

Poor Ryskul. He looks as pale as a ghost.

That's what it's like to lose a wife in old age.

I'd rather die myself than bury a loved one.

Indeed.

He's got no one left now except his son.

And what kind of a son is that!

Didn't even come to his mother's funeral to throw some dirt on her grave.

Maybe he couldn't. Maybe he was busy.

He must have studies in the city.

Busy or not, he ought to have laid his mother to rest.

Leave me alone!

If he's got a conscience, he won't go back to the city again.

- He'll stay with the old man. - He wouldn't leave if he got married.

It'd make it easier for poor Ryskul, too.

A home needs a woman's hands.

- It does. - Look, a lake!

- Where? - It's so big!

- Do steamboats run on it? - Sure. I saw them last time.

- You come here every summer? - Yes.

- Give me that. - It's too bad this lake never freezes.

It'd be so much fun to ice skate on it!

Yeah.

Why doesn't it freeze?

Janyl, let's ask that man.

You ask him.

- Better if you do. - No, you do it.

Mister, why doesn't the lake freeze?

Bektash!

The kids are asking you why the lake doesn't freeze.

Probably because it's a salt lake.

Why should it freeze, anyway?

- It's coming! - It's here!

Finally! Come on!

- Grab your things. - Get in line.

The tickets, take the tickets!

- Give me your hand. - Oh, thank you!

Better to stay home when you're sick.

At least it was a short flight.

- I love vacation! - You get any homework?

- Poems to learn. - We didn't get any.

Let them come through.

- Hello! - Please.

Hello and welcome.

- Hello! - I've brought my son with me.

Everybody flies, and so will we.

Hello, hello.

What were you saying?

Don't forget to buy soap, a new churn and some sugar.

We're going to ride horses!

Hurry up, kids, the weather's turning bad.

- I'll ride this one! - No, I rode him the last time!

- My bridle's tangled. - Always something wrong.

- Mine's lame. - He got caught in stirrups.

I said the weather's turning bad! You want to get caught in a blizzard?

Such trouble, these kids.

Careful in the pass! There could be landslides!

And listen to old Ryskul!

Don't ride those horses to death!

- All right, we'll listen! - It's not our first time riding!

Hey, Kalyk!

Tell your father to bring the workers kumis on time!

- All right, I will! - Godspeed!

Hold it there, grandpa!

- You can't go through the pass. - Why not?

Cave-ins. Go through Chong-Tash. It's an hour longer, but it's safer.

Once we build this road, feel free to go all the way to Moscow.

- All right. Goodbye! - Godspeed!

Catch up, kids!

Don't fall behind, Bektash!

Hello, Aunt Aynash!

Kalyk, you've come! Hello there.

Mom! Mom!

My boy, you're here! Finally!

I've worn my eyes out waiting for you.

I wish you'd have sent word with someone.

Are your brothers and sisters not coming here?

Not for now.

How are they over there?

- Everyone in good health? - Yes.

Thank God. You must be tired after a winter at school. You'll get some rest.

- I'm not tired. - You got taller.

Mom, why isn't the falcon hooded?

He can't see a thing. What does he need a hood for?

We've both gotten old, son.

Wait.

May all sickness and misfortune stay beyond this threshold. Spit.

- I don't want to. - Spit!

Eat, son. It's your favorite.

Your daughter-in-law sent this to you.

And soap, too.

Good boy. We've just run out of soap.

- They all took a picture for you. - Let me see.

My, look at that wailing little devil.

- Who? Isantai? - Him.

Poor baby. Who hurt him?

He's so cute. Looks just like his father.

No. He looks like his mother. Everyone says that.

They don't know anything.

The first-born always looks like the father.

My little lamb!

Is he talking?

He is. But only in Russian, though.

So little and already speaking Russian, the scamp.

- He does go to nursery. - So?

Everyone speaks Russian there.

They could be teaching him at home.

- Why did she cut her hair? - It's the fashion.

She's turned into a man.

It's a disgrace. Does she paint her lips, too?

And even her nails!

So shameless!

All women do it in the city.

And the husbands just look the other way?

What are you laughing about? Your Asan has no backbone.

Letting his wife loose like that.

Whoever heard of a woman painting her nails?

My eyes can't see so good. Tell me, is that Sapar?

He was visiting. Sapar can blow up mountains.

- He'll bury dynamite in there, and bam! - Oh Lord!

They crumble.

- Where does he blow them up? - In Toktogul.

They're blowing them up in our pass, too.

The foreman said to tell you to bring them kumis.

I don't need him to tell me.

- And how are your sisters doing? - They've got exams now.

And my brother wants to come get you and take you to the city. For good.

He says you're old now. Are you really old?

That we might be.

- Pour me some more. - You don't get younger with age, son.

There's nothing for us in the city.

A stallion feels good with his herd,

in his pasture.

Me and the old woman are holding on, thank God.

The horses obey us.

We've got kumis.

What else do we old folks need?

Let our children live in the city.

Aynash, take the bags!

Go on, Aynash. I'll do it.

What kind of children are they?

Other people at least have one son stay home.

- Your sons think only of themselves. - Here we go again.

One's blowing up mountains, another's building things.

They left the nest, and they've no more need for their parents.

- You home, old man? - Come in, come in!

- Thought you'd gone night-herding. - I'm about to. Did you find the horse?

The city boy's here! Hello, Kalyk.

Well, what's new in the city?

- What, is your mouth filled with talkan? - There's just no news, that's all.

- I said, did you find the horse? - I did.

At the construction site.

She got used to bringing them kumis, so she wandered there.

I could barely lead her here. She's lame.

- Lame? She needs examining. - There'll be time tomorrow. Thanks.

I almost died myself while I was looking for her.

- Have some. - Well, I have to go.

We're going, too.

Old woman!

Bring me the saddle.

My damned back.

Whoa, whoa!

Old woman!

- What else is it? - The whip!

Thinks his legs will fall off if he comes in himself.

Where'd he put it?

- How long do I have to wait? - Oh, here it is.

I'm coming! Stop shouting.

- Hold the bridle! - Easy.

Leave the tunduk open.

The weather's clear. Let the boy gaze at the stars.

Walk!

Surround them! From the left!

Watch out! Rope her in!

Watch out!

Damn it!

There. Careful.

There.

- Watch out! - We'll tame you, you wild she-devil!

There. That's right.

Walk!

Hold it. Don't let go!

Hold it. There.

Pull her in!

You...

Let me.

All right.

Which one is this now?

- The ninth. - Brand her.

Next one!

Stop them!

Ride in there!

Rope them in, come on!

Don't let go.

There.

Careful!

Don't let go!

Tether her! Hold her tail!

- Don't let go. - Tether her tight.

Brand her!

Where's the kumis? Why haven't you milked the horses yet?

Why is the gourd empty?

I hope they burst, your gourds!

I'll teach you to obey your husband, you lousy dog!

- They're fighting. - That's okay. They'll make up.

We'll see what you are like when you're married.

- I won't marry. - Won't you now?

Kalyk, come!

What are you crying about?

Well, little man, want to take kumis to the workers?

Steal yourself a girl.

- You steal one. - Well, well!

Aynash! I'll be back by nightfall.

Kalyk! Come over here!

Careful!

It's a thermos.

It's got glass inside.

The things they invent in China.

You pour a hot drink in there, it'll stay hot till next morning.

The workers can go a day without kumis.

Here, take it to your mother.

Why do you have two of them, Uncle Alym?

I've decided to live like a human being.

I am going to eat, drink and be merry!

And once they've built the road, I'm out of here.

Did you bring soap?

No.

Let your father be a wrangler if he likes it. I've had enough.

Nothing but horses my whole life.

A life like that'll drive you mad.

I hope you all die!

I'm wasting my golden years in this wilderness.

Alym's drunk. And he didn't bring soap.

What are you staring at? Move that pony.

Old woman!

How's your waist?

Still aching.

Want me to rub it?

Why should you bother about it?

Tie a woolen shawl around it.

I already have.

Old woman.

- Old woman! - What do you want?

Seems you're getting old.

Aren't you?

I'm not doing too bad yet.

I can still marry a young girl.

What about your bald spot?

My bald spot. I did forget about that.

I've been thinking.

Well?

We're getting old. All the kids are in the city.

They've got their own worries, they don't have time for us.

I'll be all right. As long as they're healthy.

I've decided to keep Kalyk here after all.

Let at least one of them stay with us.

And school?

He'll get his education later.

How much longer are you and I going to last?

He's a stubborn boy. He might disobey you.

Let him try. I'm not going to ask.

Watch out!

Grab him by the neck.

He's a wild one. There's no taming him.

They say horses are like people. They'll walk over you if you let them.

We should have tethered him long ago.

He's a strong devil.

Walk!

- Who's that on the hill? - How should I know?

Hold him!

He's loose again!

Whoa, whoa!

There.

Tether him.

- Must be from the construction site. - What do they want here?

- Hello! - As-salamu alaykum, auntie!

- Salam, son. - Would you sell us some kumis?

Who sells anything to guests? I'll treat you.

Come on.

Lift him up, come on.

He won't stand up. Maybe he's sick.

- Some more? - That's enough, thanks.

Have you ever drunk kumis before? Where are you from?

He's come from Leningrad. No kumis there.

You like our land?

He doesn't want to go back now.

I really don't.

City people come here and our people leave for the city.

What were you doing there? What were you looking at?

Going to build a road here, and a bridge over the river.

A big road?

Straight to the border. A paved road. You'll be driving cars here.

That's great!

I'm scared to death of those cars.

How old are you, honey?

- This plus this? - He looks old.

I'm 25 already.

I've got sons, grown-ups like you.

- One of them's in construction, too. - Hello!

The other one's blowing up mountains in Toktogul. God grant them health.

They're both educated.

Here comes Bakai. He's the master here. He's my husband.

Listen, my friends, what if you built the road somewhere else?

You don't care, do you?

We can't do that.

This is the project.

- We'll start blasting soon. - Blasting?

What about us? We live here.

The authorities must have forgotten about us.

Stop talking nonsense, old woman. As if you know these things.

They remember us if they're bothering us.

Get to work.

- When do you reckon you'll start? - In about a week.

Where are you going to migrate?

We'll find a place. Plenty of land around, that's for sure.

Go westward. You won't be bothered there.

What are you doing? Leave the bird alone!

I'm bringing you kumis, and you want to take away the pasture?

What's it got to do with me? It's the project.

Don't give me that stuff!

Why do you have to blast here?

This is my pasture. I'm not going anywhere!

Enough! What does he have to do with it? Talk to the authorities.

Stand still!

Kalyk! Give me the radio!

Does it run on batteries, Uncle Alym?

I don't know. You like it?

- It's nice. - We don't buy what's bad.

We too have an eye for some things.

Farewell, old pasture.

Forgive me if I've ever wronged you.

Lord, bring us happiness at our new place!

Bless our children!

Let's go before the camels are tired.

- Did we take everything? - Everything.

Kalyk, did you pack everything?

Father, let's take the falcon with us.

What do we need him for?

Cut him loose. Maybe he'll fly.

Father, don't!

He's been tied down his whole life.

Let him have some freedom.

Fly, my friend!

Mom, how long do camels live?

40 or 50 years, probably.

Why are they always chewing? Because they're bored?

Who knows.

Why do some have one hump and others have two?

I don't know, son.

Mom, how much longer are we going to wander?

Until we find a good pasture.

What if it snows?

We'll move to the lowlands.

- What about school? - School can wait.

Atai's son is a herdsman, too.

He's only finished three grades, but he's already been to Moscow.

Alym!

Don't shoot! There'll be a stampede!

Stop shouting!

What are you, drunk? What's gotten into you?

Just try shooting again!

Hey, you herders!

Get back! Back! You can't go there!

Get back! You can't go there!

Hey, you! Where the hell are you going?

They're about to blast over there! Turn around!

- No, don't! - Don't be shy, silly.

Get in.

Rein him in.

That's some rain. When is it going to end?

Anybody home?

- Wait! - Does your dog bite?

No. Come in.

What's the point of having a dog that doesn't bite?

- As-salamu alaykum! - Hello.

May the new pasture be generous to you.

Thanks. Sit down.

I won't say no to that. Warm myself up a bit.

What are you doing outside in this weather?

Looking for some calves that broke away from the flock.

I've been all over the pass. You haven't seen them by any chance?

What would your calves be doing in my herd? Pour us some tea.

No, no tea. I'd drink some kumis.

Hey, scamp! Was it you I flew with on that...

- Helicopter. - Right, the helicopter?

- Yes. - My, my. And he can read, too.

Are those all your children? Thank you.

Two daughters and three sons. This one's the youngest.

It's true what they say. It's bad without kids, not much better with them.

I didn't think much about that when my old woman was alive. And now...

My wife is gone and my son is not much use.

Oh Lord.

Don't sigh like that, or you'll die before your old man.

If God wills it.

You need a good hard-working daughter-in-law now.

That I do, kind hostess.

But my son can't get used to this. He wants to be in the city.

Dragging me along with him, too. And what would I do there?

All I know how to do is herd cows and calves.

You going to leave on the helicopter too, my snub-nosed friend?

We've decided to keep him.

You're right. Not everyone should be a scholar. He's more use here.

I should have done the same thing, the fool.

If I had known how my life was going to go,

I wouldn't have let Bektash leave my side.

You just try and keep him. He's not a calf on a leash.

Silence, you little snot!

- Why... - Shut up or I'll spank you.

- Why doesn't he mind his own business? - Shut up!

Come now, don't mind him.

He's still a kid. He doesn't know what he's saying.

All right, got to go.

This blasted weather.

The skies must be cracked.

It's pouring day and night.

Good health to you!

- Drink some more kumis. - No, thank you.

I'll go look for my calves.

Come visit us more often.

Running your lousy mouth off.

You miserable brat.

Will you stop that, old woman?

You want to pound the life out of me? No peace with you around.

Alym's toi is today. Don't be late or he'll be upset.

I won't be late. I'll be quick.

- Don't forget to buy presents. - All right.

- As-salamu alaykum. - Oh, hello, Bakai.

As-salamu alaykum.

Hello, aqsaqal.

- Brought you kumis. - That's good.

As-salamu alaykum, boys.

Hello! Have you brought kumis?

You've been waiting, eh?

You're right on time. It's our break soon.

Lyosha, bring the cups!

Hello, hello. Salam.

- Good afternoon, aqsaqal. - Good afternoon.

Grab your cups, boys.

- Got it? Well, let's go have some kumis. - Here, Bakai!

He knows his trade. He's always on time, not like Alym.

Pour me some!

- Me too. - Nice and cold. A nectar.

Delicious!

I'm back for seconds. Come on, pour it.

Enough! You spilled it.

Keep pouring!

- His heart is sure in it. - Big-hearted man.

Pour me some, too.

Will you bring us kumis in Moscow when we're done?

That's enough!

- First-rate stuff! - It'll quench your thirst.

- So, is it a deal? - Alym's kumis is not as good.

Diluted, probably.

It's your third cup, you're going to burst.

Nectar of the gods. Better than champagne.

Here's your gourd.

Pour me some more.

Give me the cup. I haven't had any yet.

If you're no longer upset with me, pour me some, too.

I remember at my toi,

- I had even more guests than Alym! - Even more?

My kin! Countrymen!

My son is a year old already,

and we'd like to cut his bonds according to our custom.

The aqsaqal Bakai went to bring kumis to the workers.

He'll be back soon.

Thank you for honoring us and coming today.

And now, dear guests, bless our son. Omen.

- Omen. - Omen.

May he receive the Lord's blessing and grow up brave and strong. Omen.

Countrymen, which of your sons is the fastest?

- Why? - Time to cut the bonds!

It's about time!

Where's the rope? Bring the rope!

- Faster, faster! - Mine's in front!

They run like young stallions.

Run, run!

- Let them through! - Don't stop, son!

Me! I'm first!

May the boy live for a hundred years.

Have some!

And now, a toast is in order.

That's right. To Alym's son's health!

May he live for a hundred years!

- And now Bektash will sing for us. - Please, I'm no singer.

- Have a drink and sing. - Thanks, but I don't drink.

- Why'd you put down the bowl? Drink! - I can't. Thank you, but I can't.

Don't put on airs! You're studying with musicians, and you can't sing?

- Take the bowl! - I'm not learning to sing. I'm a pianist.

This isn't nice. Why are you offending us?

You don't want to drink to my son's long life?

It's not that I don't want to. I can't.

Look at him. He's not equal with God.

The wretched scarecrow. Doesn't want to drink!

You were supposed to start the toi,

- and you're late. - Alym, come here.

Come here.

These are the presents for the little one. Congratulations!

- I rode my horse almost to death. - You didn't have to go today.

A toi without the aqsaqal. It's embarrassing. Keep them!

Serves you right. I told you not to be late all morning!

Won't listen to anyone, the stubborn man.

I said you're not going, so you're not!

- He needs to go to school. - I know what he needs!

- He is my son, too. - Shut up!

Don't beat me! Stop it, old man!

Please, stop it, old man!

Father, stop it!

Don't beat Mom! Don't you dare beat Mom!

Alym! Alym, are you deaf? What are you doing? Break it up!

He'll beat her to death!

- Father! - Don't hurt the boy!

Don't beat Mom!

Father!

Oh Lord. He fell.

What a terrible day. What happened, old man?

Say something, old man! Lord, what misfortune.

Alym!

Don't just stand there, Kalyk, help me lift him up!

Old man. Old man!

What is it? Oh Lord.

Wait! I'll help.

Careful. Careful, Alym. Oh Lord, be careful.

Where's the whip?

Now, now, don't cry.

Don't cry, honey.

Jigits never cry.

It's time to untether the foals, Aunt Urum.

I suppose it is.

Let's go untether the foals. Come on.

Who's going to go night-herding now?

I should have gone for the doctor myself.

- I'll go. - You?

You'll fall asleep in the saddle, fall off, break all your ribs.

We've had enough misfortune.

- Better watch your father. - Old woman!

Come on, get up!

Your father said you can go.

Just dress warm.

And watch the horses so they don't run off.

Here, have some tea.

Your father is a respected man. Everybody knows him.

How could you raise your hand on your own father?

You live in the city, you think you can do whatever you want.

Here.

You weren't taught to respect your elders.

And Bektash, that wretched scarecrow,

showing off at the toi.

"I never drink," he says.

He expects me to believe that?

Must be boozing it up when he's alone.

You're no saint, either.

I pay for my drinks with money I earn.

Bektash isn't twiddling his thumbs in the city, either. He's studying.

Pull!

I still had a full head of hair when he began his studying.

So? He'll finish it and be a human being.

Well, well, look how she's defending him.

I'm not defending anything. I'm just saying.

Pull it taut.

Aynash, have you got yeast?

Let me see.

Son, why aren't you coming home?

Are you scared of your father?

Don't be.

It'd be better if you went and asked his forgiveness.

School's about to start, too.

Nobody wants to think about my feelings.

That one's sulking, this one won't say a word.

The pain you two have caused me, the tears I've cried!

Drink it, boys, drink it. It's a long journey to the city.

Thank you.

Kalyk, hurry. We'll be late to the helicopter.

We won't.

What about Father?

Maybe I should wait for him, Mom?

Better not, son. He may not let you go. I'll talk to him myself later. Go!

- But what if he... - He won't do anything to me, son.

He can only frighten people for show.

So go and don't worry about me.

Kiss Isantai and your sisters and brothers for me.

Tell them we're living in peace.

And study hard, you hear?

Hold on.

A bit more for the road.

Don't leave any. Drink it all.

God willing, you'll be drinking from my hands again next year.

- Let's go! - Let's go!

I forgot my book.

You'll come back next year and finish it.

Kalyk, don't fall behind!

Goodbye, Kalyk. Have a safe journey.

You're young people,

- you'll study in our place. - Goodbye, Uncle Alym.

I'd go to school too, but it's late now. They won't accept me.

Alym! Did you forget the present?

- Oh yes. Take this! - No need.

- Comes in handy. - It's good!

I'll be fine without it.

You wind it, it'll run.

You won't be late for school.

We don't need watches. We've got the sun.

And even when we're late, the horses won't mind. Now go!

Kalyk! Wait!

Bring back a lot of bullets!

We'll kill wolves together.

We really will be late!

It's okay, the helicopter can wait.

The foreman said he ordered it just for us.

- Do you miss school? - No.

I really do.

Kalyk, it's your father!

- As-salamu alaykum! - Hello, Uncle Batai!

- Hello! - Alaykum assalam!

Here. Buy books.

Kalyk, we're late!

THE END