Original subtitles

You never stay with us for long.

My main work is at Ho Chi Minh City.

When it's done, your mother and I will come back.

Please send my regards to mother and the siblings.

Tell her not to worry about me.

I have to go. OK, dad.

So?

What about a new model? I had to cancel a few teaching sessions, you know?

Lan is still sick, sir.

Then you should get a substitute.

Can I see that new planning?

Watch the shoulder. It's too low. Yes, sir.

Watch the proportions.

This bill is too worn out. You're so difficult!

Here. Thank you.

Please sign here.

Give me some "dollars", too. Sure.

These flowers are so fresh!

This one is badly printed.

- It's a bit faded. - Still considered good currency in the other world.

Please take the money from my pocket

You should be careful. Thieves are everywhere nowadays.

He is not very bright but

he is a very good son. He never forgets the departed.

Sir, please!

Please, can you spare some change?

Take some from my pocket. Really?

Just one bill, though. Yes, sir, thank you very much, sir.

Hello. Hello to you.

Is my big brother home? Yes, he just came back.

He bought flowers. Is that so?

Where did you get the money for all this?

I just got my pay.

How much? 380 000 dongs (about $15 US)

Come to the altar

Your turn to pay respect.

I spent 2$

Please keep the rest for me.

Take this for breakfast. I'll buy you some clothes with the rest.

People at work will laugh at you if you are not dressed properly.

But, at work I only wear underpants.

- Even in winter? - In winter, we use coal stoves.

Some day I'll come and watch you pose.

Look. I pose as a ferryman. See?

And this is a person who smokes tobacco through a waterpipe.

Maybe I should stop teaching and start modeling.

But sometimes you need to pose nude.

Oh, well, in that case...

You know, our guava tree is bearing fruit...

-Which one? -The one in our garden.

After dad planted it, it was me who watered it everyday.

- Don't you remember? - Nope.

Go buy some bindweeds and wash them for me.

We're almost out of water.

Do it later.

You know, a new girl lives in our old house now. The previous one moved out.

Not my concern.

Wait, Hoa!

Where are you going?

To get some bindweeds.

Could you get me a pike?

Get one that is fresh, right?

Here is the money.

Fishes, sir?

This one?

Oh this one is good.

They're all fresh today.

Free the sidewalks! Clear out!

Cops!

Hey! Miss!! Miss!

Your money!

Miss! Don't you want your money?

Your money. Thank you!

Heaven! I didn't ask for fishes.

It's for mrs. Thin.

And the bindweeds?

The police came before I could buy some.

I cooked the rice and simmered the meat.

I have class now.

- Is the fish ready, mr. Hoa? - Yes, ma'am.

Can I have some soap?

Here.

You are always so clean, eh?

Thank you.

Here. Like that.

Look in that direction.

That's good.

Teacher, please take a look.

Sharper. And the shoulder is a bit too big.

Hello, sculptor! How are you?

I got an urgent order for a statue. I need a model right away.

- Man or woman? - A woman.

- Someone who doesn't look too ordinary. - Woman, eh?

Come with me.

- I just got a new one. - Great!

Just come on in!

- Oh my god! - What is it?

Thief!

Mr. Thanh? It's Loan.

Please come here quick!

There is an intruder.

Go open the door.

You go. I'm scared.

Where is he?

He went that way!

Circle to the back!

I didn't see anyone.

What about you?

No one.

Odd.

We need to check upstairs.

Nobody.

Maybe you were mistaken. Or perhaps the thief got away.

I saw him with my own eyes.

Check if something is missing.

There he is!

Freeze!

You've got nerve!

Stop! I said "Stop!"

- Open the door! - Yes, sir!

What were you doing here?

Adress?

Street?

Name?

Family members?

There is my sister...

Why did you invade their home?

Hold him in custody.

Yes. So, nothing was stolen.

Yes, we are informing his family.

It seems he has a little sister.

Yes, yes, sure.

Comrade, I am Hoa's family.

Please, sit.

What happened?

You are his sister?

He illegally entered the home of an important state cadre.

Has he done something bad?

No. But he refused to say why he broke into a stranger's house.

Nor his name and adress.

He is in custody for the moment.

Comrades, please let him go.

The truth is...

My big brother

is not right in the head.

He is mentally ill?

If that's the case,

We'll have to take him to a hospital

No, please!

He is harmless.

He hurts no one.

Never bothers anyone.

This is the first time he did something like this.

All right, sign this release form

But the family has to guarantee

nothing like this ever happens again.

Out!

You can go home.

Take him home.

Thank you, comrades.

That house is not ours anymore. Do you understand?

You can't go back there.

But that guava tree was planted by dad.

He told me to water it.

I forbid you to go back there. Next time, I won't help you.

I go there all the time.

When?

When nobody is home.

I climb over the fence where...

you remember that time we came back late from the movies?

- You remember? - No, I don't! Promise me!

I promise.

All right, go take a bath.

Our family lived on a quiet street in Ha Noi.

My father designed the house himself

and oversaw its construction.

We haven't lived there for 30 years.

I remember nothing of the house,

only of the guava tree.

The one that sealed my brother's fate.

As a child, he fell down from that tree.

He had traumatic brain injury.

Dad took him to many doctors

His mental state stabilized gradually

but his intellect stop developing.

After dad passed away,

My eldest brother went to work in Germany

and took his family with him.

Before leaving, he said: "You take care of Hoa now.

Since the accident, father gave all his attention to Hoa."

I love my brother.

Though he is 2 years my elder.

To me, he is like a little brother,

for he remains always a 13 year old little boy.

What happened?

What bad luck!

Hoa got caught breaking and entering.

Where?

Our childhood home.

But he hasn't mentioned that house in a while.

But now that he thinks the house is empty, he goes back in secret.

At the police station, he said nothing. That made him even more suspect.

Did he pass the night there?

Yes. I only knew about it this morning.

Excuse me, miss!

I'd like to ask...

Is today the Day of Offerings?

These smell so good. Where did you get them?

From our garden.

You stole them?

The girl gave them to me.

Brother, do you remember getting caught by the police?

But she invited me in.

Took me to visit the front yard, the garden...

Even mom and dad's room.

- Do you remember... - No I don't!

If you go back there again, I'll give you to the police

Hello, miss.

I am Hoa's sister.

- Surely, you remember him? - Yes. Please, come in.

Please come in.

I should have come right after my brother got caught,

to beg your pardon.

It's nothing.

Please have some water.

I didn't know who he was, so I was really scared.

My brother came back to bother you again, didn't he?

No bother at all. He is very nice.

Yes, he is very gentle. Just like a child.

We used to live here.

I thought so.

But why did you move?

I live here but know nothing of this house's history. Please tell me.

It was...

more than 30 years ago.

One, two, three, four. One...

I can jump now!

Third case

You died! My turn now!

Die! Die! Touch the lines and die!! You must die! Please die!

No! You cheat!

Visitors!

Hello, mister.

- Is there anybody home? - My father, sir.

I'd like to talk to him.

Dad, you have a visitor!

Hello.

Hello. How may I help you?

Please come in.

Some water, please.

Please take a seat.

I remember there used to be a sign on your door.

Are you a doctor?

I am an advocate. My house served as my office.

Do you have a big family?

Myself and three children.

And your wife?

She passed away a little more than one year ago.

How old are your children?

The eldest is 14. The others...

Come here, children.

Say hello.

- Hello, uncle! - You're very well-mannered.

- Go do your homework. - Yes, father.

I'd like to discuss something with you...

The governments need service spaces.

I let them borrow the basement.

From now on, you only take care of the first floor.

Eat.

Sir,

I think

it is very inconvenient.

Think of it as our contribution to the national cause.

What about our guava tree? The government borrows it, too?

They only need the working space.

The garden is ours.

But remember:

they do important work. You must not bother them. Be good.

-Agreed? -Yes, father.

Eat.

Good children.

My father was very happy, after doing what he believed was

his "contribution to the national cause."

Once Hanoi was liberated,

he could no longer be a lawyer.

But everyday he dressed up, sat at his desk

and wrote I don't know what.

He only stopped to eat at lunch time.

My brothers were unruly

they fought from time to time.

Once...

Enough. Stop this game, please!

Goodbye.

I am sorry. I beg your forgiveness.

Who pissed?

I'll teach you a lesson, you insolent brats!

What happened?

Head comrade, the children are insupportable!

This is a government office!

Please, come in.

Mr. Bach! Listen!

This is a government office. You let your children play like that?

They pissed on people!

You need to talk to them!

Who peed over the balcony?

It wasn't pee. It was my water gun.

Let me see.

Huh. Anyway, stop this game, I tell you!

- Head comrade, this is not working... - All right, all right. I'll fix it.

Mr. Nguyen Bach,

Please present yourself at 8 am, next Monday. We need to discuss a few things with you.

We are moving out!

- Is it far from here? - Don't know. My dad rent out the entire house.

Too bad my parents aren't doing that too.

Ah, my uncle is a state cadre. He taught me this dance.

When will you come back?

I don't know.

We thank you.

Do come back and visit us.

Thuy! Get in the truck.

He is in the courtyard.

Time to leave, Hoa.

When the guava season comes, we will come back.

A few years later came the collectivization.

My father was sent to a reeducation camp.

But your family rented the house out to the government!

At the time,

any rented house over 120 square metres

was administered by the State.

After the reeducation,

my father signed a paper, voluntarily offering the house to the State.

What you told me doesn't make any sense!

Anyhow, please let your brother come here.

You live alone?

My father was sent on assignment to Ho Chi Minh City

My mother and brothers followed him.

I didn't want to change school, so I stayed.

I'll graduate soon.

Thought you stopped working here.

No, they only hire me by the hour.

You're so lucky. Getting paid for just sitting there!

It's not easy standing or sitting still for hours.

Beautiful! You need to be pretty to be hired, you know.

Ah, ask them if they want me.

The delivery truck comes.

- Did you unload my oranges? - It's done.

That's it.

Good. Correct the shoulder.

Look in the direction of my hand. Higher. Good.

Hoa! Concentrate!

I am so tired.

- She is sick! - Help her sit. Easy.

Sit down.

Bring her some water.

Maybe you caught the cold.

You must be very tired.

Miss!

What is your name?

My name is Hue.

- How long have you been a model here? - A while.

You scared me, you know.

I am just not used to standing still. It makes me dizzy.

- Where do you live? - Near the Long Bien market.

Miss Hue! I need you.

- It's urgent. - Right now?

Yes. I'll take you to the work place. Just a few sessions more.

- You want a cut? - No, no.

The garbage collectors arrive.

Can you bring the collective trash out?

Wait!

Can I have some soap, please?

Remember to clean the collective toilet tomorrow.

What do you think?

Not bad. Not bad.

- We need it soon for the hotel's opening. - Sure. Just one more day.

The model must be beautiful!

Her first time posing.

I am hiring women to work in the hotel.

- Can I see her? - No problem.

Just come back this afternoon.

- I have an appointment. This afternoon, then. - OK

Miss Thuy! I left my watch at the water tank this morning.

Your brother was washing his feet there. Can you ask him if he took it?

Surely he didn't.

Who knows. The state he is in, maybe he even sold it.

It's not nice to talk like that. Did anyone see him do it?

I saw him leave in a hurry, carrying a bag.

Huh. Afraid to come back here.

Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

Just go tell the police. They know what to do.

What happens?

- My daughter-in-law lost her watch. - So?

She thinks Hoa took it.

Let me ask you something! Has he ever stolen anything from anyone?

Aren't you the ones who take advantage of his kindness?

What the hell does he know? He works outside all day.

Wait. Come with me, quick!

- What happened? -I lost my watch.

What watch?

I left it at the water tank this morning.

Hoa must have taken and sold it. Still hasn't dared come home.

Bullshit. I found it and put it in the drawer.

Forgot to tell you this morning.

So where have you been? Why come home so late?

None of your business. You need to go excuse yourself!

Hello. Are you waiting for Hoa?

Yes. Please come in.

I am so worried. Wonder what happened.

Please sit.

I came to tell you, Hoa is at my house.

What?

Let him stay there.

After I pass the exam, I'll go stay with my parents in the South.

Please don't worry.

But when your father comes back...

He'll stay on the first floor. It's more than big enough for him.

Have some tea.

Are you sure?

Don't worry. It's also his house, no?

Honey, you're late.

I had to wait for Hoa.

Something happened again?

Miss Loan agreed to let him stay at our old house.

Who?

The house's owner's daughter.

How do I convince him to go back?

I think

let's let him stay there awhile.

to take him back now risk shocking him.

I should write big brother.

The problem with Hoa is

he can't forget his childhood memories.

And you think that's a problem?

Forget it. You should go to bed.

Happy birthday!

Let's toast!

Best wishes!

Have some cake.

How is Hoa?

He is alright. Still working.

Without him, the house seems empty.

I just came back from the village. Here is some cakes.

Thank you.

- How are those mangos?

What is happening to mom?

Pain in the chest for since 2 weeks

Took her to the town's hospital, then the city's...

They said we need to take her to Hanoi.

Mom, are you hurting a lot?

Please call a cyclo. I need to bring her to the hospital.

The cyclo is here.

Take the blanket with you.

Here is some money for the kids.

Don't worry, I'll take care of mom.

You're leaving right now?

Sit here, mom.

- Are we ok? - Wait.

Please, miss.

- Do you know where Hue's mom is staying? - No.

Mister Hoa!

How did you know?

They told me at the market.

Here, eat.

Thank you.

I took your dad to the bus terminal.

He wanted to leave, worried about the kids back home.

So, what do the doctors say?

They gave her some painkillers.

We're waiting for the diagnosis.

Do you still hurt?

It hurts less now.

Please take care of her for me. I have to go.

Bye, mom.

Is your mom better?

She's staying for awhile yet.

They still don't know what it is.

Do you go home to eat now?

No, I'll eat at a stall.

Come with me, then. I'll cook us some rice.

I stay with the girls from my village.

They go to the market during the day.

Let me help.

Please wash those bindweeds.

Our old house was really spacious.

Really? How many rooms?

I remember there were two floors.

Was it sold?

I don't know.

When we moved out, I thought it was only for a few days.

Too bad.

If you still had the house, would you let me stay with you?

It belongs to miss Loan now.

She is very nice.

I'll ask her.

- I can't today. - But it's urgent.

The client is upset.

Come here.

Here is an advance payment.

You said you needed it.

Let her eat first.

Can you help me with something?

Please buy some rice gruel for my mother.

Tell her I'll be back this evening.

Let me.

Mrs! Here is some rice gruel.

She'll be back tonight.

Put it on the table, please.

This will hurt a bit.

Sir. Welcome back.

Hello, sir.

Dad!

Why didn't you call me in advance.

Mother and brothers are allright?

- Yes. She is coming soon. - Great. I miss her.

So,

how are your studies?

Three more tests and it's finished.

Then I'll be a graduate!

I talked to my friends at the committee.

They promised you a post in a coming joint venture with foreign companies

You want me to get paid in dollars?

It's time to stand on your own feet.

I am near retirement.

After this assignment

I will retire.

Great

You're no longer a child.

You need to think carefully before doing something.

I am 22 now.

Last week, you remember?

Come sit. I need to talk with you.

You let a stranger live here. Do you even know him well?

Of course. He used to live in this house.

He is very kind.

Ah, dine with us tonight. I'll return very soon.

I'm going to school now.

Please tell them I can't come to the workshop tomorrow.

My mother will be operated.

Goodbye.

Come here for a minute.

Come.

This is my home. Don't be afraid. Sit.

- Here. - Thank you.

I just got my pay.

Take it.

Take it.

But I...

Hello, sir.

Sir is leaving.

Some people will come this morning. Let them in.

That's him.

Are you Hoa?

Yes.

How long have you been living here?

Long.

Since when?

- I don't remember. - Let me take a look.

Well. Listen.

Come with us.

To pose?

Where are you taking me?

The other side!

Hold him tight!

Doctor, did you receive a patient named Hoa this morning?

Room number 6.

But he has no problem.

Please let him go.

Then why did his family ask...

that he be admitted here?

Doctor, she is his family.

Please let me take my brother back.

We don't keep patients here for long, excepted serious cases.

or when asked by the family.

You really are his relative?

I am his younger sister.

Sign here then you can take him back.

But he won't wake up till the evening.

He screamed a lot when they brought him here. Had to give him a big dose.

He needed to be administered. Where else would you want to put him?

He got caught breaking and entering here!!

But he is a good man!

What do you know about it?

He used to live here.

He can't forget his childhood memories of this house!

Childhood memories? What the hell are you babbling about?

I'm talking about the things you can't let go of. I don't know how to explain...

He is mental!!

Memories!

Memories!

He is not crazy!!

He is still a good-for-nothing scoundrel!

I saw him bring a girl to the room.

What if it was one of his acquaintances?

Why do you always think badly of others?

Insolent!

Shut your mouth!!

Where are you going?

Stop here.

Come.

You live here with us now.

Until your big brother comes back from Germany.

This is your bed.

Your pillow.

Take your medicine.

Get your health back.

Well now,

don't come back to that house anymore, yes?

What house?

Our childhood house.

What's happening?

Do you recognize those fruits?

They are...

Heaven!

You forgot everything?

Calm down.

It will come back to him.

- Hello. Is mrs Thuy home? I'd like to talk to her. - Do come in.

Thuy, you have a visitor.

Please forgive us for what my father did.

I think...

it's not your father's fault.

Sooner or later, he'd have had to leave that house.

I should have

brought him back sooner.

I live in that house, but have no rights at all.

I can't do what I want.

Come see him. He'll be pleased to see you.

Look, Hoa. You have a visitor.

Do you recognize her?

It's me, Loan.

Bravo, master sculptor!

- As promised. - Excellent!

Easy.

Put it here.

Miss, do you go to the 5th floor?

Pass this letter for me, please.

This is for me. Thank you.

My dear little sister,

I got your letter about Hoa.

What you had to endure,

while I am so far away, really makes me sad.

Mother and father must be pleased with you.

I'll try to come back for good.

During our years working here, we managed to save some money.

Enough to restore our house and take care of Hoa.

I want to ask you for something

Before he passed away, dad gave me a manuscript

a translation of a book of laws.

which he hoped someone would need someday.

All his life, he just wanted to be useful to society.

You'll find the book in the drawer, near the altar.

Do what you want with it.

Send your husband my regards and thanks.

My niece, Mai Hoa, must be in nursery school now, right?

Your brother, Han.

Master, please help me.

We can help you, of course,

to present your case.

Please.

People in your situation, who rented out houses to the State,

there will be a vote on whether cases like yours should be reexamined.

What luck!

For decades, we sent letters everywhere

but never got a response.

But you need to be patient.

From the vote the application, there will be a long wait.

I can wait.

One question.

Did you sign a paper giving the State the right to manage your house?

Indeed.

Then it will be difficult.

But, at the time, everybody had to sign.

Then, do you still have the deed of ownership?

They took all the papers.

All right.

Come back with everything you have.

Thank you so much. I beg your leave.

Do you have a complaint?

No, no complaint.

Then, what is it you're here for?

This here...

is the manuscript of a law book.

that my father translated for years before he passed away.

Here,

we give people advices about the laws...

on property, disputes and appeals.

Then I am sorry.

One moment, please.

Can I take a look?

Ah, this is an encyclopedia of laws.

What do you intend to do with it?

To give it someone who needs it.

I just want my father's spirit to be happy.

So, then...your father was a lawyer?

- Yes. - I see.

Well,

I'll give you a few adresses.

You may find someone who needs this book.

Hello. Did you get the money from the cashier?

Thank you, I did.

Listen. Go home. We'll call when we need you here.

Goodbye.

Please.

Can you give this to Hoa? Thank you.

One day, I went back to the old street...

hoping to find Loan,

that kind, gentle girl.

That house is now rented out to a foreign company.

Where did the family go?

To Lang Ha, I hear.

Do you know the young girl?

- Miss Loan? - Yes.

This one time, she came back and made quite a scene.

Why?

The day they cut the guava tree down, to make a bigger door.

She wouldn't let them, but they still cut it down.

Subtitled by Croaker at Karagarga.