Original subtitles

Gianni, you haven't had enough yet? This mania for singing...

I know. I was punished.

I risked being kicked out of the Academy.

I like to sing, and we're not in the Academy here!

We Aleardis love three things: sea, adventure and music.

There is no sea here.

Certainly no adventure. So I sing!

I am crying and you ask me why.

I don't want to tell you anything, but you will understand.

You will hear my voice

when you

won't be able

to see me anymore.

I will say: "You only like doing what you please."

You don't care

if you hurt me.

My voice will tell you

what I

think of you.

The truth.

I know you will be sorry.

Yes, I know how much you'll cry.

But when you will realize it,

it will be too late.

It will be too late.

I am crying and you ask me why.

I don't want to tell you anything

but you will understand.

My voice will tell you

what

I think of you.

The truth.

The truth.

The truth.

Rome! Ten days of life, and then the sea!

The sea is our life!

I meant life on land.

After this brief vacation, we'll board a cruiser.

When we set foot on land, we will be midshipmen.

Let's think about women. There aren't many on the Andrea Doria.

In fact, none at all!

Saro!

- Finally we're at my home, Saro. - Good-day, sir.

- Welcome, Mr. Gianni! - You like it, Saro?

- Good-day, Tommaso! - Welcome back, sir.

- Thank you. Anything new? - The little count is in school.

Grandfather count is in his studio. Father count is on the torpedo boat.

My mother?

The countess won at bridge last night.

She's been waiting for your arrival from the window since this morning.

Saro, let's go!

- I'll take the package. - Thank you.

Halt.

- Mom! - Gianni!

- How are you, Commander? - Fine, Countess.

I'm glad to have you with me, even for a short while.

He is Saro.

Spampinato.

I know you from Gianni's letters. You're number 1 at the Academy.

His friendship with me has him mix up the first with the last.

- Aleardi! - Yes sir, Admiral!

- Granddad. - How's it going, old sea wolf?

With storms and tempests we get by, young admiral.

Good! I'm glad to see you again. I have to talk to you.

- I've a guest, Granddad. - I know. Mr. Spampinato.

We'll get acquainted later. May I steal my grandson 10 minutes?

He's yours, Dad. Mr. Spampinato and I will get to know each other.

Thank you, Luisa. Please, young man!

Come, Gianni.

To what do we owe the pleasure of having you as our guest?

To the pleasure of meeting you, to Gianni's insistence,

and because my dad is at sea on the San Marco.

Is he the commander?

No, Countess.

He's the boatswain.

A boatswain is the real commander of a ship.

When you become an officer, you'll realize that.

I know all that you did and am not surprised.

Women, right? Women!

We Aleardis are capable of any folly for a woman.

When I was a student, as a marine guard,

and as commander, I got in all sorts of trouble!

I got punished more than all the sailors of the fleet.

And yet I became an admiral.

You know why?

Because the sea was in my blood, like you!

No, Miss Gigliola. He's with the commander.

Tell me something.

Do you like that Di Blasio girl? Gigliola.

- I like all beautiful women! - Good. Just as I do.

- What about Gigliola? - A little more than the others.

Watch out because your mother and the girl's mother

are organizing a party for you and her.

The two mothers are in cahoots!

It's a plot. They want to corner you with that girl!

Don't worry. It's too soon to marry.

Good for you. Good for you!

You're always in time to get a wife, especially a Navy officer!

- Freedom is on the sea! - Undoubtedly so, son!

When you are on a ship, you are in command!

And when you return home, your wife gives the orders.

Even if you'll become an admiral like me,

you'll feel like a simple sailor with her.

Remember that!

- Good morning. - Good morning.

- Did Gianni arrive? - Yes, a short while ago.

- Your book bag. - Catch, Pasquale!

Can't you see? You must learn to drive!

- Gianni! - Maurizio!

- How's it going, little brother? - Fine, big brother.

- How's school? - Awful, big brother.

- For me too, little brother. - It's in our blood!

Let's worry about health! We must go to Mom now.

- Sailor Aleardi, in my studio. - Yes, sir!

You can go.

Come in.

Boatswain Tommaso reporting. Excuse the delay.

Forget it.

- Alright! - Sailor on board.

Ready for drill.

Go!

- Faster! - Yes, sir.

Faster!

Faster!

This sailor marvelously puts up with rolling.

Faster!

Halt! Get off.

What is this getting so affectionate?

He is simply dizzy, sir.

- One of these days I'll degrade you. - You want to go ahead, sir?

One of these days!

- Where did you take me? - We are in the reign of adventure!

The girls here jump on us and never let us go!

You want two girls?

You want them? I can find 2,000!

- What are you doing? - Wait and see!

If something between us should change

there will be a sign in your eyes.

The sun will leave your eyes

if something between us should change.

I will no longer need

the words you will say.

In your face I will see if I've lost you

forever.

If our love should end,

words won't be needed.

I will see the truth on your face,

if our love should end.

And I will go alone

in the world without you.

I will be very sad if I lose you forever.

Tell me again, my love,

that you will not leave me.

If I tell you these things

it's because I'm afraid of losing you.

If something between us should change,

words will no longer be needed.

On your face I will see the truth

if something between us should change.

And I will go alone

in the world without you.

I will be very sad if I lose you,

love,

forever.

Forever.

Miss!

Miss.

- You're alone too? - No, with a girlfriend.

- And you? - With a friend.

Student?

- More or less. And you? - More or less.

- Embassy stuff? - More or less.

Do you often come here?

- It's the first time. - Me too. You like it?

It's fun.

Want to sit down?

- I am with my girlfriend. - She'll look for you.

What if she doesn't find me in this confusion?

Great. You'll stay with me.

Let's go. One!

Strange. We made friends without knowing each other.

- Maybe we recognized each other. - I've never seen you.

- We met in our dreams maybe. - Yes, but dreams end.

- Then close your eyes. - Why?

Our dream must continue.

It doesn't depend on us. Sooner or later we wake up.

See? It doesn't depend on us.

Next time we'll go dream where there aren't waiters.

- My name is Gianni. - My name is...

Wait. Don't say it.

I want to guess.

- Liù. - How did you do it?

I guessed! It wasn't destiny to have us meet.

In fact, my girlfriend brought me here. Without her

Gianni wouldn't have met Liù and she wouldn't have met him.

Liù!

- I have to go now. - Why?

My girlfriend is calling me.

- Have her come here. - She's calling me to leave.

- Stay, Liù. I'll take you back. - I can't.

But it's still early.

Thank you.

- It's late for me. - Then I'll see you tomorrow.

I'll wait here, at this table.

Don't wait for me. I won't be able to come.

- Do all you can to make it. - Let me go, please.

- Only if you promise to come. - I hope so, but I can't promise.

I'll wait for you, and you'll come.

These moments spent together can't be just a memory.

For the thirsty poet,

a tear from crying is worth more than a sip of fountain water.

Liù? Liù, let's go.

Liù...

- The countess is calling you. - I heard.

- Then go. - You're not coming to bed?

Yes. After the evening check, your husband will join you.

Yes, right away.

Locked. The kitchen...

All of it?

Yes, sir.

- Good evening, Mr. Gianni. - Good evening.

Excuse me.

- When? - 2 hours ago.

Thanks. Put the car in the garage.

- Of course, sir. - Good night.

- What happened? - Nothing. Let's go.

Gianni!

Dad, when did you arrive?

Just before your mother finished her bridge game.

- She just went up. - Thanks for waiting for me.

- Saro Spampinato. - My pleasure.

You're my son's good friend and best student in the course.

- You risked being expelled. - Dad, I'd like...

I'm Commander Aleardi now.

Listen, son. If the sea is not for you, it's useless to board.

Stay on land.

But if you board the Andrea Doria you must land as an officer,

a real officer. You must decide, now!

I've decided, Commander.

- I will board the Andrea Doria. - Good.

You'll always go out in a uniform.

An Academy student wears it, even on leave. That goes for you too.

- Good night, boys. - Commander.

Mrs. Di Blasio always wins.

I don't know how she does it.

- What are you looking at? - Nothing, nothing.

- What do you mean? - I said nothing.

What is it?

- May I dare? - Yes. You've been here a long time.

May I dare? I'll dare!

Your robe is out of place.

- Why? - The commander is here.

Oh, right! Poor dear.

I left him alone for my game! I'll go be forgiven.

- Yes, but not in that robe. - What's wrong with it?

It's blue like the waves of the sea

from where the commander arrived. The monotony must be interrupted.

- You think? - After three months of navigation

he needs something that doesn't make him feel he's on a boat.

- I can wear the orange-red one. - No, sea food are the same color.

- Then the cardinal red one. - Yes. No, no, no.

- It's too "eminence" looking. - Wait a minute.

- Is this alright? - Yes, perfect.

And what will you do with the other one?

It reminds me of the sea too much, being far away.

- I'd throw it away. - Yes, throw it away.

Luisa.

If Mohamed doesn't go to the mountain,

the mountain goes to Mohamed.

I should've come to bid you good night. Forgive me.

You must forgive me. I neglected you for that endless game.

Now we are together and can talk.

- Marco... - You are

the same woman that I once met. Still young, still beautiful.

If you hadn't come tonight, I'd have gone mad, wouldn't have slept.

- Dear... - Listen to me, love.

I was west, Di Blasio was south.

The marquise plays a jack and I don't cover it with her king.

- I don't follow you. - Tonight's third round.

- Must we talk about it now? - If I bore you, I will leave.

- No, go on. I'm interested. - Really?

I was west...

These Romans!

Tommaso...

- Virginia! - Tommaso.

- Virginia! - Dear.

- Virginia! - Honey...

Virginia, you perturb me deep down inside.

Tommaso, love!

Hey! Are you turning your back on me?

To avoid looking at you with that blue robe!

- It's lovely, isn't it? - It's horrible!

- What are you saying? - It's horrible!

- In a terrible, too gaudy. - Tommaso!

- Take it off right now1 - No!

I said to take it off!

- I will not take it off. - Don't cry.

The driver, the cook and that idiot Pasquale will think we're arguing.

- Isn't that what we're doing? - Be quiet!

- We're discussing good taste! - No. We're arguing!

Be quiet! You want me to lose the respect of my employees?

They're surely eavesdropping, especially that idiot, Pasquale!

You are overbearing! An overbearing coward!

- I am a gentleman! - A butler!

- A gentlemanly butler! - I won't take it off. I won't.

That blue robe offends my sensitivity as an artist.

Either the robe goes out, or I do.

Out with the robe.

- Alright. - But with me inside it.

- Better! - I'm going back to Mom's.

Watch out, because I'll leave.

The suitcase is always ready, my dear. Here it is.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Forever.

- Who is it? - It's English, silly!

You are awful!

You know I can't go to my Mom's. I'm an orphan!

I know. I couldn't risk having a mother-in-law.

- So you're staying? - Yes.

- I'm staying with the robe. - No. Be quiet.

I'll even go to bed with it. I don't care what you say.

- Be quiet, please. - Move the suitcase. It bothers me.

Good thing you took off the robe. I am in command here!

I'm fed up with you! I am a man with good taste!

Be quiet, huh?

If I could...

Good morning. Hurry. Granddad is coming!

Here! Hurry!

- We have a few seconds. - Here, Tommaso.

Get in the hammock.

- There. Where did you go? - I'm here.

Where? Here you are. Come here.

The blanket. Here.

Pretend you are sleeping.

Here, Hurry!

Wake up!

- How did you sleep there, sailor? - Very well, Admiral.

You have sweet dreams in that nest of young dolphins!

- I'm pleased with you, sailor. - Thank you, sir.

- Do some gymnastics now. - Right away, sir.

- At 8, report to my office! - Of course, sir.

My heart will always be close to you.

My dad, who landed yesterday, wants me to be with him today.

Let's see if you'll escape me tonight, too.

Tonight?

Excuse me.

What did you say, Dad?

Unfortunately, we can't be together tonight, either.

Dad says we have a dinner invitation.

What dinner? There's a party in your honor.

Our mothers decided.

I didn't know! Mom is still sleeping.

So I'll see you at the party tonight.

I will surely always dance with you.

Who else? See you tonight, dear.

You want a little kiss? I'll send it right away.

Come on, come on.

Happy?

Kiss received. Over and out.

Do you want to break up with Gigliola?

I want to break up with the world! I am another man

in love with another woman! - The Japanese girl?

Love has no color, but it has a name.

My love is called Liù.

It's just a crush.

I don't know. I'll tell you tonight when I see her again.

- What about the party? - Who cares! I'll be late.

I'm going to take a shower.

- Saro, you want to take one first? - No.

You take it first. You'll clear your thoughts.

- Saro, call for breakfast. - Saro, always Saro!

- Saro, toss my slippers to me! - Here!

Go!

The drill is over. Come here.

Read the message I received.

"From the admiral ship to all units."

"As of 0:24 radio silence must be observed."

Turn the page.

Turn the page, I said!

And read.

Read!

"Special message."

"Secret lunch in the kitchen today, just the two of us."

- Go on. - "Rigatoni pasta with 'pajata'."

"Beans with pork rinds."

- "What dessert do you prefer? - Pudding. And you?

- Chestnut cake! - Me too. What am I saying?

Boatswain, you're taking advantage of my trust in you.

I should've had you do manual labor!

I'm abandoning the deck.

Teach the sailor to smoke the pipe in the right way.

You can smoke this in 20 years.

- What will Granddad say? - Granddad, in 20 years?

He will have forgotten.

- Can't you eat after? - After what?

- We must make breakfast. - On an empty stomach?

I should help you on an empty stomach? I can't even chew.

- You're chewing. - Please!

I don't chew. I nibble.

Just to get back my energy.

Only I work in this castle. Do this, do that.

Virginia here, Virginia there. I do everything!

I have a castle on my shoulders.

I have a kitchen, a whole kitchen!

I don't have a husband who is a butler!

Also because this butler didn't want you.

Yes, Mr. Tommaso.

Countess, good morning.

- A cup of instant coffee. - Right away.

Get moving. Why are you standing there?

I have a question to ask you.

Tommaso, listen carefully.

I was west. South plays the jack.

I don't cover it with his king.

South plays a card.

And she wins with a queen. I should look at the whole.

- It'd better to re-build the round. - Yes, yes, yes!

Rolando, bring the green cloth. Rosa, you'll be the dummy.

- Yes, the dummy. - I won't.

- Come on, Rosa. - It scares me.

- What does a dummy do? - Please.

- Thank you. - Instant coffee for the countess!

- Rolando, the green cloth. - How scary.

- You'll be the dummy. - I don't want to.

Be natural.

So, Countess.

I feel in my element this evening. There is an ocean of people.

- Magnificent. - Yes.

- They are very nice together. - They are made for each other.

They always got along since they were children.

Gianni is very much in love with Gigliola.

When he gets back from the cruise, we'll announce the engagement.

- Your usual, Commander. - Thank you.

Remember, Tommaso? I was the cadet at the time.

- Yes. It was the year... - Forget it. Cheers!

- This is for... - Forget it. Cheers!

Thank you, Commander. Cheers!

- Let's go in the garden. - Why?

To be alone a bit! Let's go!

- You are... - What?

Engaged?

I didn't have time to be in love.

Who is the cadet dancing with Alina?

Gianni's friend.

- Would the baroness like some? - Champagne, Tommaso.

- Pasquale, champagne. - Right away.

What manners!

A glass.

Please, Baroness. And excuse me.

Thank you.

It backfired.

It happens with the rifle too.

I'm not a sporty person.

Follow me.

Follow me...

- Commander, do you like bridge? - To the point of having married it.

Bridge is my wife.

Come on!

- Get up! - Excuse me.

- Again! - Alright.

Try again!

- Put your weight on your legs! - Yes, sir.

- Come on! - I made it!

I made it!

So I saw. With only one eye I managed to see.

There are only 8 days left and then you'll leave.

I left many times, I returned many times.

But this time you'll cross the sea.

You'll see different people, meet other women.

I can meet them here too.

Are you thinking of your departure?

Never as this time.

When you will be away,

you will have forgotten me.

And I will have lost you, I know.

But you won't be alone.

There will be many

that will comfort you.

I will have no one because

I still love you.

They will talk about easy loves

and will make you believe

that in love one should laugh

and they will laugh at me.

You will laugh at me.

There will be many

who will comfort you.

I will have no one because

I still love you.

What are they doing, instead of answering?

Good.

Is it coming or not?

It came.

I must take care of the rest.

- Aleardi, reporting! - Yes.

Right away, sailor. Here I am. Excuse me.

What is it? Any news?

- A lot, sir. - Good.

Sit down and tell me what's up. Well?

The mothers want to announce Gianni and Gigliola's engagement.

We'll see.

A flirt between my cousin Alina and Spampinato.

In the garden, Gianni is dedicating a song to his chick.

Wow! With your eyes in the Navy, you won't need binoculars.

- I believe it, Granddad! - No Roman accent!

Yes, Admiral!

- Very good, Dad. - You always play wonderfully.

No. I sometimes gladly play the piano,

but life at sea has made me rusty.

The sea has never made anyone rusty!

Well, I say!

- Who gave you that stuff? - Boatswain Tommaso.

- Go change right away. - Yes, Admiral!

Excuse me, Dad. Maurizio, come here.

- Come. - You spoil him.

Don't shoot the pianist, Pecos Bill!

Gianni, why don't you sing that beautiful song?

- Which one? - The one about the west.

- Yes, "Deguello"! - Make him happy.

- I like it, and so will Granddad. - You are spoiling him.

The life of a man

in your hands.

An enemy of who

hates as you do.

A best friend

he should be but he isn't.

It would be best if he dies.

A gesture, and his end is here.

He'll fall,

but you know he will follow you.

The hatred in his heart

will live after his end.

When you live like that,

life is no longer

worth anything.

Someone will come

to kill you.

And when you fall,

you will remember

this man before you.

What does the life of a man

matter to you?

But remember

that when he falls

the best part of you

will die.

If he doesn't become an admiral, he can become a good singer.

No! He will become a magnificent naval officer!

Admiral!

Dad.

What should I do now? Stand at attention, officer?

My son!

- I am proud of you, my son. - Not as proud as I am of my dad.

- I heard enormous things about you. - I am one of the best students.

Not one of the best, but the best.

- You're number one! - As you wish, Dad.

I don't want anything. I give to Caesar what is Caesar's

and give to Saro what is my son's.

You made it. You made it!

- We made it. - No. I didn't do anything.

You did it. You did everything.

You study as you should. You're respected by everyone.

When I landed in Naples, your aunt told me you were in Rome,

a guest of a noble family, in a castle.

So I thought... My son made it!

I left and here I am!

I called the castle. They wanted to know who I was.

- I didn't want to say it. - Why?

Times have changed, but nobles are nobles.

- Go on! - It's easy for you to say go on!

You are one of them now. You are an officer

and I am a boatswain. - I am not ashamed. I'm proud of it.

Countess Aleardi says the real ship commander is the boatswain.

Yes. She didn't tell a lie.

Boatswains. What does the Countess Aleardi know about ships, sailors?

Her husband commands a squad of torpedo boats.

Wait. Aleardi was... No, it can't be. It can't be.

The Bengasi commander was a captain at the time...

- It can't be. - Gianni's grandfather!

- He is a reserve admiral. - Then it's him!

It is him, his father! We called him "Dad".

He loved us very much. He's a good person.

He had me receive this World War II medal.

- He'd be happy to see you again. - You think?

- Yes. He plays at being an admiral. - He plays at it?

Yes, with his grandson. He always thinks of the sea.

Yes. I'd like to see him again.

- Then go see him. - No. Are you kidding?

I should go without advising him?

The admiral for us is like the Himalayas mountain top!

- Try calling him. - It could be an idea.

Yes, I'll phone! I want to hear his voice.

I haven't heard it in a long time.

Miss, please, give me 902654.

Here. You want to smoke? Do so.

Yes, I understand. They are simple.

They aren't sophisticated. Tobacco for sailors is like bread!

Hello? Aleardi residence?

Could I speak with the admiral?

Spampinato. Yes, thank you.

Good morning, Admiral. This is Spampinato.

- What do you want, young man? - I am not Saro.

I am his father, boatswain Spampinato.

I don't remember a Spampinato

I always called everyone with a nickname.

In fact, Admiral. Yes, yes. You gave me one too.

You called me "little sole".

Little sole. Of course!

Come to the castle immediately!

- It's an order! - Yes, Admiral.

- Are you coming with me? - No, Dad. I can't.

I've an important appointment.

- Write these two points. - Right away, sir.

You had 10.

Plus 2 is 12.

- How many do you have? - 16. sir.

16 and...

- Great shot! - And 8 makes 24.

- I'd like to withdraw my win. - Naturally.

But you must admit that you were outrageously lucky!

Very good, Tommaso.

Tommasino? Tommasino!

- You must not call me Tommasino. - Are you or not my husband?

- I'm Mr. Tommaso on duty. - Alright, Mr. Tommaso.

- What is it? - There's boatswain Spampinato.

- The admiral is waiting! Go, go. - Bye, love.

Please, come. Boatswain Spampinato.

- Come! Little sole! - Admiral! How are you?

Here, on my chest! Old companion of past years.

How's it going?

Go away.

Go.

You haven't changed. Always in shape.

- Just as in old times! - You don't kid around either.

I must admit I don't feel the years.

I could still command the entire fleet from my flagship.

You look like a young man, still so thin.

I do gymnastics every morning.

"Mens sana in corpore sano."

You should do it too. You've gained some weight.

It has nothing to do with gymnastics. Macaroni is what ruins me.

- I like pasta. - It's the ruin of Italians.

From a little sole I've become a big bass.

Dear friend!

We'll talk later about the good old days later.

- You must tell me one thing. - Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Do you know how to play pool?

Admiral, you don't know, but I won 3 national tournaments

and a European one. In Ischia, my town, they call me "pin-eater".

Alright! Then the 3 of us will have a nice game.

- As you wish. - Our pin-eater boatswain...

Spampinato. Spampinato.

Spampinato and I against you.

- It's not possible. - Are you afraid?

No, sir. The Italian game is individual or in couples.

- You're right. - What do you propose?

I would propose, as my companion...

Me, me, me. Me.

- Mr. Maurizio. - Yes, Admiral!

Come here. I'll introduce you. My grandson, sailor Aleardi.

- Boatswain, pin-eater... - Spampinato.

- Saro's father? - Yes.

- Pleased to meet you. - I'm pleased.

- I am your son's good friend. - Thank you for this honor.

My compliments for your grandson. It's like talking to a man.

It's not right to play with a child who doesn't reach the pool table.

- There's a platform, sir. - Did you hear that?

My butler always finds a solution for everything.

I'm sorry. I refuse. I can't.

I'm a champion. I can't play with a child. It's not fair.

Let's play! I want to give my butler a lesson.

He wins 3,000 Liras a day from me.

If that is so...

Let's play.

- Let's play. - I'll get things ready.

Thank you.

- Here's to you, sir. Please. - Thank you.

The platform

Here.

- The usual 1,000 Liras, sir? - 5, 000.

Or 5,000 for big occasions.

5,000 for big occasions!

- We'll play for money with a child? - I want to clobber Tommaso.

Italian style without a rubber match.

Alright.

- Let's count. - Alright.

The youngest. Please, gentlemen.

4, 8, 10, 11. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

It's your turn, sir.

- It doesn't matter. Mine are enough. - Let's hope so.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

Do you mind?

Way to go, Tommaso!

Eight points. 4 balls, 4 pins, gentlemen.

Right.

- Little sole, please. - Don't worry.

- Eat up all those pins! - Don't worry, Admiral.

I'll fix him.

- Did you see that, Admiral? - Magnificent!

- What a hit! - Four pins,

10 balls, 14! Write that, Tommaso.

- Happy? - My savior.

Write that, Tommaso.

- 16 and 8, makes 24. - Game won, gentlemen.

In two hits and with 10 points more.

Thank you, sir.

Very kind of you.

- To you, sir. - Thank you, Tommaso.

Always at your disposal. Please.

Pin-eater! What did you eat?

I ate mine. You were left starving.

- We'll do a return game later on. - Coupled with you? I don't think so!

No, no, Gianni.

- So courageous this morning and... - This morning was different.

- She was away. - Now she is close! Saro!

I'm embarrassed.

- She must be sleeping. - Wake her. Come on!

We'll become relatives, cousins!

What are you doing, Gianni?

The accordion

is playing for me tonight.

To remind you of a love

going back many years.

The accordion.

But don't cry.

It can't be cancelled like this.

Greater than ever

my desire for you comes back

when you lived happily with me.

If I close my eyes,

I see your face,

I see your smile again.

But faraway hands

no longer clasp.

The accordion

is playing for us tonight.

Greater than ever

my desire for you comes back.

The accordion plays for me.

It was night.

There was the moon.

I kissed your lips.

It was the last time.

You were leaving me.

Love.

Did you see? It went well. Trust Gianni!

Let's go, cousin!

I wouldn't know. If he promised, he'll surely call.

My duties, marquise.

It was Miss Gigliola. I answered as you requested.

I heard. Thank you.

May I help you, sir?

No, I don't think so.

Actually...

- Where could a Japanese girl study? - In Japan, sir.

- I knew that. Here in Rome! - In Rome...

- At the Oriental Institute. - Wonderful! You know everything.

The more we know, the more we realize we don't know.

- Ignorance is infinite. - Thank you, Tommaso.

How's it going with the pipe?

Tommaso says I know how to smoke it well.

- Do you cough? - Never.

Very well! You'll now learn to drink whiskey.

- It's as important as the pipe. - Yes, Granddad.

- Excuse me! Yes, sir. - Come on. Drink!

It's the first time. May I see how you drink it?

Right, right. Then, look closely.

I sip it.

See? Yes, sip.

- Can I drink it in one gulp? - Yes, but it's not easy!

I'll try.

Son, what did you do? Come here!

- How do you feel? - Very well, sir.

Fantastic!

You're the most Aleardi of them all. More than an admiral!

The queen of England will nominate you lord of the 7 seas!

Come in!

- How'd it go with the whiskey? - Fine.

- You are a Jack of all trades! - You don't kid around either.

Look who is in Rome! I never would've expected it.

I want to take the 2 cadets there.

It's a contact that could be helpful before the cruise.

- Granddad, may I go? - Yes.

Tell the 2 students to come to me.

- Dear Prince! - Admiral.

Dear Prince!

How's it going? Your letter gave me great joy,

that of seeing you again!

The door to my humble home is open for you

like a flower blooms in the sun, honorable admiral.

Thank you. My grandson.

A vigorous gem in the thousand year dynasty from which you descend.

A friend of my grandson, Spampinato.

- Please. - Thank you.

Friends of friends

are the peaceful and calm waves of the same sea.

The sea is everything for us.

We are friends.

Look. A pool...

Very lovely.

Dear Prince. It's amazing!

All identical, exactly as...

As my home in Yokohama.

Yes. I built it like this purposely.

We live with sorrow, with nostalgia we die.

From the corners of every home we can remove dust,

chase away shadows, but not memories.

After the delicate assignment... Please.

That the emperor entrusted me with,

Memories live here, in my little Japan,

in the heart of your beautiful land.

Please.

Incredible! Magnificent!

Exactly the same! Identical!

We spent our loveliest hours here,

when your glorious ship was in distress,

giving me the joy of having you as my guest.

It was a mutual pleasure. Thank you.

Your stay in my home was less bitter.

My family. You'll remember Jen-Oha, my wife.

Many years have gone by, Princess,

but on my lips, with the salt of the 7 seas,

there is still the unmistakable sweet taste of your tea.

It would have been bitter if your praise hadn't sweetened it.

Our daughters.

She is Sakya.

She is Yen.

She is Liù.

Liù...

The first two were little girls at the time.

Liù was born after your departure.

A flower that blossomed on the ruins of the war.

Speaking of flowers, remember my nursery?

Did you move that here too? No, because...

Come, please.

Dear Prince!

An extraordinary man.

You don't care about the nursery?

Yes, certainly.

- Here it is. - Magnificent! Incredible!

It's the same as the one in Yokohama!

The orchids, beautiful! The same flowers!

I bet that you take care of them.

Certainly, as I've always done.

Saro.

- She is Liù. - I imagined that.

I must talk to her alone.

How?

It's hard to get close to women here, as in the Middle Ages.

Let's go, boys!

Again, compliments, dear Prince.

I didn't think it was possible.

This is the place of prayer.

We honor our great ancestors here.

There, ourselves.

When the circumstances of life

don't allow us to keep our word,

we cancel the dishonor with death.

It is the law of the sea.

The life of the commander is tied to the ship's life.

Death is sister of life.

It is born with us and is always lovingly close to us,

ready to rescue us in moments of need.

- Please. - Thank you.

It has the scent of all the flowers in the world.

The generosity of your praise

equals the poverty of my merits, honorable admiral.

My honorable friend, Prince Hiro Toyo,

had me learn about that wonderful country

that will be the last stop of your cruise, Japan.

It is not the Japan that they will see.

As the storm tears the green leaves of a secular tree,

the sad wind of collective folly

destroys and contaminates our most wonderful customs

and destroys noble and ancient traditions in Japan.

Already in families they drink tea on uncomfortable rubber foam chairs.

Despicable habit.

There are girls who refuse attire and costumes

to wear horrible blue jeans

and perform wild dances.

Luckily, that wind of folly did not reach my home.

My sweet wife worries about knowing

if the spirit of the honorable guests

is serene and free from cloudy and sad thoughts.

Hospitality expects that you leave the house healthier

than when you entered.

I feel healthy like a fish, and as happy as a seagull.

Go ahead.

I'd like to stay a few minutes

with my honorable friend, Hiro Toyo.

- Saro, I must talk to her! - You are crazy!

Yes, you must help me.

There must be a way to speak to her. Saro, help me!

Maybe there is a way. Come, follow me.

- Just do one thing. - Yes.

Come here. Excuse me. That's it. Here. Thank you.

Admiral! Gianni is sick!

- What is it? - Gianni!

Gianni!

Son, what was it?

Nothing serious.

- He just fainted. - Let's take him in the car.

No. Your grandson got ill here and here he must recover.

- He's coming around. - What happened...

You fainted.

- Fainted. - Fainted.

- How do you feel now? - Ill.

He feels ill. He feels ill.

Go on. I'll cure him with medicines from my plants.

Tomorrow he'll return home healthier than before.

Thank you, my friend. Thank you.

Take care, Gianni. Prince.

It must have been that strange thing called tea.

No, sir. It was what I gave him.

- What? - A punch, sir.

Why, Spampinato?

To help him stay there. He wants to talk to Liù. He loves her.

- Love at first sight? - He met her a few evenings ago.

Love at first sight! An Aleardi characteristic.

We hand it down from father to son.

The girl is lovely. I don't mind her at all.

She'll have him forget that unpleasant Gigliola.

Filiberto, go home right now! Full speed ahead!

This restoring mixture will soon make you sleep profoundly.

When your eyes will open tomorrow

to the beauty of Nature, your energy and vigor will return.

Thank you, Prince.

I wish for you to dream beautiful things.

Thanks again.

What kind of Japanese pajamas are these?

Liù! Love!

I waited for you so long. Why didn't you come?

I couldn't, Gianni. I can't, and will never be able.

But I love you with the heart of a 20 year old.

I don't want to lose you.

I love you too, with the heart of my youth.

My heart beats for the first time.

But we'd better not see each other again.

Why don't you want to see me again?

How could I? They won't let me out.

The canary managed to fly out of the cage once

but when caught, cannot go back in the sky.

I'll come at night in the garden.

You won't be able to enter.

I will. Promise that you will come.

Yes, I'll come tomorrow

under the big willow.

That herbal tea...

Yes, I will come under the willow.

The big willow.

That herbal tea...

I'll come under the willow.

Love...

Love.

- Gianni. - Liù!

Love.

- A falling star! - Make a wish.

I'd like my life to be one of your endless kisses.

On the eternity of our love.

Because your desire is also mine.

I only expressed one.

I'd like you to be a flower and I a butterfly.

You, the ocean and I, a grain of sand.

I, your mouth and you, my breathing.

The stars in the sky wouldn't be enough

to make my wishes come true.

I am enough, Liù.

Now leave me.

Why?

You must go. If you stay, our happiness is in danger.

- I will return tomorrow. - No, no.

- It's too dangerous. - Not here.

I'll wait for you tomorrow at the lake garden, at 11.

Promise that you'll come. Will you?

I don't know what excuse to use.

You must come. Promise me.

Alright, I'll come. But go now.

- Thank you, love. I'll be waiting. - Go, love.

Think of me.

I will dream of you.

Very well!

- How do you feel, sailor? - In my element, sir.

- Good! - Again, sir?

Sure! In the Pacific, storms last for weeks. Rough sea!

Admiral.

What've you got to do with storms in the Pacific?

Enough! Go to my studio for a lesson on naval equipment.

Here. You hold still! You ruined everything.

- I ruined everything? - The water was for the boy.

I didn't know. Rough sea...

Good-day.

Good-day.

Say it.

Say it.

- Say it... - I should say it?

Two words... It's not easy.

For you it's easy to say "Say it," But what can I say?

I am a humble man of the sea, a boatswain.

So what? Look at him.

Duke, put yourself in my place. Put yourself in my place!

Yes, I'll put myself in your place.

- Are you serious? - Of course.

I always gladly put myself in other people's places.

Excuse me, madam.

Will you please lead the way?

Excuse me.

- Where are they going? - I wouldn't know.

Maybe to talk about us, about the engagement.

But we agree. I don't understand your father.

- Actually, I... - Please.

Come, boatswain.

Sit down.

Sit down.

Let's get to the heart of the matter.

Let's get to the heart, Mr. Spampinato.

- I am here... - Say it, say it. Say it, say it!

- Say it! - Don't worry, I'll say it.

It's not so easy, boatswain.

- You're talking to a Duke! - I don't care about dukes!

- Bravo, Dad! - No, I must say it.

- My husband is right. - No, madam. I'm sorry.

He isn't right. Also because now I'm your husband

and I haven't spoken yet. - Then speak up and answer.

Of course I will speak.

So... Say it, say it.

- Me? - Say it, say it.

I am here to ask you for my daughter's hand.

Alright, for your daughter!

Very good! Very good!

I certainly am not biased regarding social classes.

Of course not!

I'm a duke with a crown on my head, and a head on my shoulders.

I am a practical man. Practical.

What can my son offer your daughter?

A glorious uniform, a respectable social position.

But let's speak clearly.

The salary of a Navy officer we know is not much,

and my son only has that.

Next to Saro I will give anything up.

You are very kind, my child. But these are just words.

Things that we do when we love someone.

You are a gentleman, Mr. Spampinato.

With this big act you wanted us to meditate,

above all, our kids.

Thank you, Duke. Thank you, madam.

What can I say? Be happy, kids.

They will be happy.

Then my assignment is over.

This joke is over too. I hope you didn't mind it.

Of course!

- May I have my jacket back? - Of course.

I would leave it, but...

I can't because I care for it.

It's not a perfect cut or sewn by an important tailor.

It even has a few flaws, but I like it.

This was the goal of my entire life.

It has flaws, but it is clean. Clean, without stains.

May you be as happy as you desire.

Thank you.

It is lovely here.

It reminds me of Japan with its magnolias, willows, ducks!

You didn't answer my question. You're hiding something.

- What are you thinking? - No, Liù.

Why have you changed since last night?

You were afraid, but now you're happy, carefree.

Why don't you answer?

Last night we took things too seriously.

We had forgotten that you are leaving

and that we are too young to be tied down.

- Let's just be friends. - Be friends?

I love you and want to be tied to your forever.

Maybe there is something, someone between us.

Please don't ask questions.

Let's walk. I want the memory of this day to be pleasant.

We'll have thousands of days to remember.

Surely, but many months will go by before you return.

- You have a pen? - Here, miss.

Here.

What do you want to do?

Watch out. They'll pop.

- What did you write? - I'll tell you.

Liù and Gianni.

United forever.

It's already 2. Days like this should never end.

But time goes relentlessly by like water that moves the clock.

A truly profound thought. Oriental wisdom.

I remind you that it's time to eat.

And I remind you that I must go home.

First I have a surprise for you.

He said you had called to order a complete meal.

- Yes. - Thank you

but I said not to serve it. There is no time.

I am late. I ordered a simple tea.

Poor me. I didn't remember that you don't like tea.

I realized it when you came home with the admiral.

I must get used to it

with a Japanese wife.

Gianni, I.. Here is our good tea.

You will like it.

I hope so.

Women in Japan don't sit at the table with their men.

What a marvelous sensation being served and admired.

I would stay here forever.

Instead, I must hurry. It's late.

This sea cannot separate us for very long.

Because one day you will see me return.

Don't forget me.

Where have you been all this time?

Who were you with?

With Gianni Aleardi, at the lake garden.

When will you see him again?

- Tomorrow evening. - Where?

In the garden under the big willow.

The guest who enters the door of my home is welcomed.

- I'd like... - I know!

You must never come back!

Liù loves me and I'll marry her. You can't refuse her hand.

I'd be honored to welcome you in my family

like a river welcomes another river,

but I promised Liù in marriage 14 years ago to Prince Katai.

She was four at the time, a child.

It's inadmissible! Liù loves me.

You can't have her marry someone else without her consent!

I cannot go back on my word!

But Liù...

My word is hers.

Please, Prince.

Listen to me.

It's late. We've nothing more to say to each other.

A-7, B-7, G-7!

Water.

Where did you place your fleet?

A simple sailor defends himself as best he can.

Shoot!

- D-10... - D-10.

- A-7. - A-7.

You sunk the last two submarines.

I will be generous and give you another 3 shots.

F-4, F-5, F-6.

You sank my flagship!

I am not playing with you anymore!

- I'm not leaving anymore. - What? Sit down.

Sit down!

What is it? What is going on?

- I don't want to leave. - Are you crazy?

Maybe. I don't understand a thing anymore!

Tell me what's going on. There's a remedy to everything.

Granddad, you must help me.

What kind of man are you? Run!

Face the situation. Talk to him from man to man

from an Italian count to a Japanese prince!

Their traditions are worth as much as ours, and love,

since the days of Adam and Eve doesn't give a darn about anything.

- Granddad, I... - It's almost time to leave! Go!

Yes, I'm going.

- He argued with the Japanese girl? - It's none of your business.

- Shall we play another battle? - I'm not playing with you anymore!

No, Marquise.

Mr. Gianni accompanied the commander to the airport.

I will tell him. My regards.

- Did Gianni know I was leaving? - He's surely on his way.

Give him my best wishes.

He'll be sorry not to find you.

Never as much as myself. Goodbye, my dear.

Goodbye, dear. I'll miss you.

But between rounds think of me.

I do nothing else! It's why I always lose.

- Dad! - Study.

Be obedient and go right to sleep.

Bring me a dolphin. I want to learn to ride one.

Your son is becoming a pirate.

- Take care of the pirate. - You can be proud of him.

- Goodbye, Tommaso. - Have a good trip, sir.

Thank you.

- Bye, Dad. - Bye, Dad.

Did you come to have me suffer more?

No. Because I love you as you love me.

Nothing can change our destiny. Not even your father.

It would be dishonorable if he didn't keep his word.

You were a child when he promised you to that man. Now you're a woman.

You can't marry him if you don't love him.

As I can't marry you.

We dreamed, and now we're waking up.

Dreams vanish and reality arrives.

This home, my solitary life,

the lute waiting for me to play it with my fingers.

Your sea, your companions,

your ship waiting in the port for you.

- I am not leaving. - You must do your duty!

The sea will help you forget me.

I wouldn't be here if I could.

The thought of you marrying someone you don't love, kills me.

I can't go. I won't leave.

Please, leave.

My life is destroyed. Why destroy yours?

I'll go if you swear you'll wait for me.

That you'll be faithful to our love and not marry that man.

I swear it. I won't marry that man.

Now I can leave.

I'll leave with the memory of you in my hopeful heart.

Goodbye, Liù. Goodbye, love.

Goodbye...

Love.

Are you satisfied?

Yes. She said she won't marry that man.

- It can't be. - Your daughter would lie?

Her lips were deceived by a heart in love.

She knows she must marry Prince Katai.

- I believe Liù. - It's impossible!

- Is my grandson back? - I was coming to tell you.

He went up to the countess.

I am worried about that boy.

- You don't think he'll leave? - In fact.

Here he is!

- I went to say bye to Mom. - How did it go?

- I don't know. - Did you talk to her?

She promised not to marry him, but something escapes me.

Everything will be alright.

- Think of your career. Go. - Bye, Granddad.

Bye.

- Bye, big brother. - Bye, little brother.

- Goodbye, Tommaso. - Have a good trip, sir.

I am tired tonight. Good night, Tommaso.

Good night, sir.

- Maurizio, let's go to sleep. - Yes, Granddad.

Liù!

This weapon belongs to the past.

My little Liù.

Old shrubs, dry and corroded with time,

disappear in the green of the new ones.

It's a destiny similar to both plants and men.

Many centuries have gone by

and I never noticed, Liù.

- Where is the Andrea Doria? - There it is.

Gianni!

Liù!

Wait for me!

I will be back, forever!

Forever...

Liù!

When the sun will set

behind the mountains and hills,

in the silence of the evening,

you will remember me.

But if you call out my name,

you will see me returning.

Keeping you company

will be crowded thoughts.

And you will have silent lips

if your heart doesn't speak.

But if you will call my name,

I will return.

From life I want to have

five things to remember.

The five things

are you.

You! You! You! You! You!

When the sun will set

behind the mountains and hills,

in the silence of the evening,

you will remember me.

If you call my name,

I will return.

From life I want to have

five things to remember.

The five things

are you.

You! You! You! You! You!

When the sun will set

behind mountains and hills,

in the silence of the evening

you will remember me.

But if you call my name,

I will return

to you.

When the sun will set

behind the mountains and hills,

in the silence of the evening

you will remember me.

But if you call my name,

I will return

to you.