Original subtitles

Cheers for Philippides!

Cheers for Philippides! Hurrah!

I proclaim you, Athenian Philippides, winner of the Olympic games.

May Jupiter be a friend, as Victory was s friend.

I declare closing of the games!

The Sacred Fire is preserved until the new Olympics.

Oh, Pallas Athena,

to you I consecrate the laurel won at Olympia.

Just as you protected me, protect the city that bears your name.

Today is a feast for Athens.

Philippides has given us the Olympic laurel

and has taken his place among the lines of the Sacred Guard.

We must remember here that the Athens people,

in declaring a year of exile to the tyrant Hippias,

gave up dictatorship forever.

To you, valorous Philippides

and your companions of the Sacred Guard

the Athenian people entrust the custody of their freedom.

We are ready to give our lives, Miltiades,

but hope to never turn to arms.

The best garrison for freedom is a good government.

Therefore, if there is danger, every citizen becomes a soldier.

Miltiades!

To you, who represent the military force of our city,

and to you, Croesus, who first among the archons represent traditions,

I ask, on behalf of all my companions, that Philippides,

winner of Olympia, be nominated head of the Sacred Guard.

Very good, Philippides!

You've become the most popular man of Athens.

I entrust the defense of my freedom to you too.

Thank you, Theocritus. I am a country man.

The gods gave me strength,

but they gave you a precious gift, caution.

Use it in the best way always.

"The sun's glorious orb now sank into Oceanus"

"and drew down night over the land."

"Sorry indeed were the Trojans when light failed them,

"but welcome and thrice prayed for did darkness fall upon the Achaeans."

Andromeda, continue where Hector is speaking.

No. When Juno sends Hebe to Helen.

Read more, whatever you want.

The duel between Hector with Ajax.

It's beautiful. It makes me tremble.

It's my father. I'll read to you later.

Your daughter, Croesus, doesn't love her future husband.

- When she sees me she stops smiling. - No, that's not so, Theocritus.

A lover's imagination. Right, Andromeda?

If you say so, Father.

She already knows the subtle art of words.

Maybe your father shouldn't have promised you to me, but to Apollo.

You would have been a perfect sibyl.

You young people have strange ideas.

In my days nobody protested against the spouse chosen by the parents.

- Leave us alone, Andromeda. - Goodbye, Andromeda.

And remember your father's words.

Philippides will be a dangerous adversary.

He is Miltiades' friend and is as stubborn as all farmers.

No, Philippides is not a farmer.

He is a man who loves the land, maybe because he knows nothing else.

We'll have him get more familiar with it,

and he'll come to our side. - What are you getting at?

With the help of the Sacred Guard, it will be easy to take over the city.

This is what Hippias in exile asks us to do.

Philippides must take sides with us or it's too bad for him.

Theocritus.

You know I share your ideas and those of Hippias.

I promised my daughter to you, but not one Athenian soldier must die.

Don't be afraid, Croesus. I've no need for a dead Philippides.

I need him to be alive.

To our ideals.

- Excuse me. - Striking me is part of the game?

We were playing ball and one got stuck among the branches.

Down there. We tried to have it fall.

It isn't easy, you know?

You want to try?

It wasn't very difficult.

Will you teach me your game?

You must toss it as far away as possible. Like this!

- Like this? - No. The game would end right away.

You are as beautiful as a Diana statue.

Why aren't you saying anything?

- Did I offend you, maybe? - I know you. You're Philippides.

- It's Philippides! - The hero of the Olympics!

- And who are you? - My name is...

No. It's useless to tell you because we won't meet again.

- What if I want to see you again? - Do you know the Temple of Ceres?

- I go by there often. - What does he care?

- He said he wants to see us again. - Only because he is polite.

You're wrong. I really want it.

Let's go.

Tonight, when the moon will be over the Acropolis,

we shall dance for Ceres, in the temple.

Slower!

- You are Philippides, right? - Yes, it is me.

I have a message for you, fortunate man.

An invitation from my mistress.

A girl who will dance for Ceres?

I don't know if for Ceres or for Venus, she will surely dance.

- Her name? - Why do you want to know?

She won't become more beautiful if you call her by her name.

- Don't you think? - Right.

- Where is she? - Come, follow me.

Yes, Philippides. The winner of Olympia.

And you, Karis, will win him over.

Is this Philippides handsome, at least?

I would offend my love if he wasn't.

Please, don't speak to me of love. You know it irritates me.

Nothing about me must irritate you. If would be a dangerous luxury.

Win over that man's heart, lead him into my hand, I'll make you richer.

That's better, clear words

without hypocrisy.

Come, Karis. He is arriving.

What do you think?

Goodbye, Karis. I'll leave you to your conquest.

My mistress is waiting for you.

Welcome to my home, hero.

Why look at me like that? You seem to have left the reign of shadows.

I was expecting to see another woman.

- Oh! More beautiful than me? - No, different.

Who are you?

I am Karis. I was at Olympia the day of your victory.

Karis? I have heard your name before.

I organized a celebration in your name.

For me?

You'll see. The most beautiful dancer of Athens.

The rarest wines, wrestlers, jugglers... All for the two of us.

Thank you, Karis, but... Not this evening.

Really?

You can drink with me. It's not a love potion.

- Is that the truth? - I assure you.

When the moon will be high over the Acropolis, he'll come here.

Andromeda, Diana, come!

Divine Ceres, have us meet the man that we have in our heart.

They are actors.

You have difficult tastes. You know how much I pay them?

- This is better! - I thought that you liked wrestling.

In fact, but that is not wrestling.

It's a shameful performance. They are two miserable men.

I thank you for your hospitality, but I must go now.

You are impolite and obstinate!

I'm sorry, but I must leave.

As you wish.

- Let me by! - Back up, champion!

Stop, Lupus!

Think I'm content with this stupid story? When will you meet again?

Never. Why should we meet again?

I used my most persuasive words in explaining it to you.

I'm not used to being rejected and I don't want it to be known.

Karis gives in like this?

I thought you'd understood that I am in command here.

I decide what you must and must not do.

This is my home. All that you have is mine.

This time you are wrong.

You are mine.

If you want, I will leave, but I won't do what you ask.

- Leave Philippides alone. - I pay to be served.

What is so great about Philippides? Are you in love with him?

He is in love... with another woman.

Oh, is that so?

Maybe a noble young girl!

- And you love him! - I don't ever want to see him again!

I didn't pick you among the Mycenaean courtesans to fall in love with him!

Beware if you don't obey me!

I'll have you beaten and have you get old. Everyone will flee from you.

Be careful.

You'll hate the hour you were born.

You are wrong in hating arms. Even a man like you could need them.

Yes, but it would be better if they didn't exist.

- Believe me, Miltiades. - Listen carefully.

A sword may hurt, but it can also do good,

according to who uses it.

Here. Take it!

Defend yourself!

Shield yourself! Again!

Faster!

Watch out now!

- You're fast! - Again!

- To you. - Now!

Very good!

Look now. The sword isn't only necessary for body combat.

- Is this right? - No, more to the left. There.

He hit the bull's eye.

- Who was on that chariot? - Who knows!

It had wings on its wheels like Apollo's chariot.

- Why do you try to flee from me? - I don't want to talk to you!

I must tell you that I always thought of you.

You have only seen me once. You don't even know my name.

Who cares about your name! I know I don't want to lose you.

I love you.

You don't believe what I'm saying?

What for? My destiny is marked. We must not see each other again!

Listen. I will not give you up. I will overcome any obstacle

if you give me at least one hope.

No, you must not hope. It would be useless.

Forget me.

Your name, so I will remember you!

Surprised? I couldn't hope that you would come back to me.

How did you get inside?

Sometimes a smile is enough to make men gentle.

- But hot Philippides. - You are wrong.

- I am glad to see you. - Are you making fun of me?

Not like this.

I don't like being kissed with anger. It's worse than a slap.

There is no anger inside of me... Nor is there love.

I don't expect you to love me. But if you want,

I can help you be happy. I'll have you smile again.

I wish it were so easy.

It's true. I began with a whim, but it's different now.

I love you and I need you.

You need to believe that nobody resists you.

You are unjust.

Philippides, it's your turn as guard.

Goodbye, Karis. Let's behave.

Enough!

I invited him here to speak to him clearly.

Speak to Philippides! It'd be like telling a secret to Miltiades.

Do you have a suggestion? You, who boast of knowing men?

All men have a weak point. He surely has one too.

You know I loathe intrigues.

I received news from Hippias. The moment to take action is near.

The people are on our side, but the Sacred Guard...

If it's not with us it'll kick us out of the Acropolis in a few hours.

Well? Do you have an idea?

Maybe. Today I will know if it is right.

What is it about?

I'll tell you when I am sure.

- Did you call for me, Father? - Yes.

We have a guest today. I want you to join us during the meal.

A very important guest, Andromeda.

- You'll see. - Is he your friend?

Not yet, but I think he will be, very soon.

What is his name?

He will tell you himself. I see him coming from the garden.

The guest has arrived.

Welcome to my home, Philippides.

- Your presence honors us. - Your invitation honors me.

This is my daughter.

She will soon be my bride.

I've the impression that you two know each other.

Yes, maybe we've met, but without knowing each other.

As happens in dreams sometimes.

If I had met you in a dream, I would remember you.

What are you talking about? Come, the meal is ready!

Musicians will entertain us. Be seated.

I sing a praise to wine

that drowns all our thoughts.

Enjoy, guests,

and may life be sweet.

I didn't see you smile, Philippides. You didn't appreciate my hospitality.

That is not so, and I am sorry if I wasn't a good guest.

The archons having a council? At this hour? I am surprised.

They must have serious reasons to do so.

I am sorry, but I must leave. My home is your home.

Andromeda e Theocritus will keep you company.

Do you know what is happening?

I know what everyone knows. Our fleet has been decimated.

The Persians threaten to land here, instigated by the traitor Hippias.

Not everyone thinks Hippias is a traitor.

I am very tired. Excuse me.

Poor Andromeda. She felt very uneasy.

- I think you know why. - What do you mean?

Why aren't you sincere with me? I know that you two met.

She was flustered in seeing you and that left no doubt.

She is faithful to the word she has given you.

To the word that her father gave to mine, you mean.

We were betrothed as adolescents, but she doesn't love me.

If you wanted to marry her, I could step aside.

- What would you want in exchange? - Me? Nothing.

Croesus doesn't approve of your political ideas.

They left us alone so that I could speak to you clearly.

If you want Andromeda, you must embrace our cause.

Will Andromeda accept?

- I asked if she will accept! - Will you accept?

- I just asked you a question! - I ask, you answer!

- Does Andromeda agree? - Of course. That is why you're here.

She is doing it for her father. She has taken our cause to heart.

- Philippides? - What do you want?

I was waiting for you to talk to you.

This time I must tell you something.

I love you.

Now you love me? Then it's true, you are in agreement!

I won't accept these intrigues. Goodbye!

Philippides!

Philippides!

What did you tell him about me? Why does he hate me?

He will pay for it dearly.

- Since he's been back, he's changed. - He doesn't talk to anyone.

Miltiades!

- Hail, Philippides. - Welcome to my home.

I felt the need for some pure air.

The wind from the east makes the land drier.

You are no expert. Actually, it brings rain.

Paris, serve us some wine.

In the Heracles square new thermal baths have been opened.

They are costly, but going there is a sign of distinction.

- It is not the place for us. - I never set foot there.

Theocritus practically lives there It seems he enjoys it very much.

You know who cries for you in Athens?

That splendid woman from Mycenae, Karis.

They say she is in love with you.

I barely know her.

She must have seen you at Olympia. Yours was a great victory.

Everyone went wild looking at you, especially when you wrestled.

The man from Sparta was very good. His name was Euros.

He could have won, but he wasn't fortunate.

Your friends of the Sacred Guard don't feel that way.

Your sudden departure disappointed them, discouraged them.

You give me importance that I don't deserve.

No. With you close by, I would feel safer.

Maybe you were right in leaving Athens.

The worries, duties...

Time goes by more gently here.

You are wrong. I have responsibilities,

worries and regrets here too.

However, I have no intention of returning.

Miltiades, I have bad news for you.

The Persian army landed on the Marathon plain.

You must return to Athens immediately.

Divine Darius.

Hippias, what do you say about my army?

There won't even be need for fighting.

The Athenians are waiting for you

to get rid of the four ambitious men governing them.

It will be a festive parade, a triumph.

I fear that the gods don't please desires like yours.

I prefer entrusting myself to my soldiers.

It's not the first time we submit to the aggression of a foreigner.

It is not the first time that our city, our laws, ourselves

risk being destroyed!

Yes, but the danger has never been so serious. The Persians are close!

Should we surrender? Should we welcome the Persians as friends?

- No! - To death! Persians!

Alone we cannot push back Darius and his men.

Our armies are poor.

We'll be able to arm 10,000 infantry men and 5,000 horsemen.

We are one against ten and don't have war ships.

We'll arm old men and boys!

We'll fight for an ideal that is common to everyone.

If we can't live free, it's better to die fighting.

- Long live Miltiades! - Save us, Miltiades!

- Defend us from the Persians! - Dive back into the sea!

- We trust you! - Long live Miltiades!

- Long live Miltiades! - Long live Miltiades!

- Long live Miltiades! - Hurrah!

Speak, Miltiades. All of Athens is waiting for your words in silence.

Did you already find the way to victory?

I don't have the divine power

to transform a misfortune into a triumph.

Theocritus would like me to perform a prodigy knowing I can't do them.

Maybe he is asking me... to accuse me later of not doing it.

This war is decisive for the future of our people.

Each of us must commit himself with all his might.

Well? Why don't you send our best men to fight?

Why do the Sacred Guard champions remain in Athens?

They are one hundred men,

and throwing them in a battle would not change destiny.

Their assignment is the defense of the Pallas Athena Temple.

I don't believe in prodigies but I trust the favor of the gods

and of our good laws.

Good laws!

They aren't necessary in deciding a battle. It is not a military force!

What matters are armies, the number of fighters, sword against sword!

Only this way can individual value have importance in the crowd.

Who is right knows how to tenfold his strength.

Who defends his home, his wife, his children,

doesn't count the number of enemies in front of him.

Desperation becomes his invincible weapon.

A splendid massacre! This is what Miltiades proposes.

We will all die, but with glory.

Let's consider reality. We are one against ten!

I propose to negotiate with Darius.

If only we Athenians should face the clash of the invader,

there would be little hope.

Another determined army could help us,

the Sparta one.

With the help of Sparta, Greece will be saved.

Who guarantees the help of Sparta?

A common danger! After Athens, Sparta will face our same destiny.

After Sparta, all of Greece! The Spartans know this!

- The Spartans don't trust us. - It's true.

They think there are some among us ready to betray the common cause.

But there's a man they trust who will be able to convince them.

A man who is above any suspicion.

Philippides.

Gather our armed men. We will march towards the Persians

to face them on the Marathon plain.

If the Council approves my plan,

give the order to Philippides to leave immediately.

- May the gods be with you! - We'll meet again in Marathon.

Hail, hero. I wish you good luck.

Thank you, Karis for your sincere wishes. Goodbye.

Andromeda!

You love him, don't you? Today I realized only he is worthy of you.

Yes, I love him, Father. But something parted him from me.

From the day he was our guest he despises me. He hates me!

I did everything wrong, with you as with my city.

The people are united against Hippias. Theocritus betrayed me.

Father, do not torment yourself. Nobody is to doubt your good faith.

This is what fate wanted.

Why did you come to my home?

You ask me of all people for help? What do you want? Tell me!

I just don't want Philippides to get hurt.

He loves you. I saw that.

Then protect him from Theocritus!

He loves you, but what did you do to deserve him?

- Did he tell you? - No. He never talked about you.

But in his eyes, behind his words, you have always been there.

I fought, but wasn't able to substitute you in his heart.

Are you happy now?

- Karis, listen... - Go! Get away from here!

You and your innocence, you purity, your pity!

Go away!

Everyone is crazy about Philippides.

Everyone is waiting for salvation with his intervention at Sparta.

I say that Philippides in Sparta... He won't even get there.

Why not? Do you know something?

I know that we are at war, and the way is very long.

People from the country have come to talk to you.

What did you do?

Where are the others?

And Philippides?

He is alive. He escaped us...

- Murderer! - Hurry. Come with me!

- Where are you taking me? - We're going to Darius' camp.

- Leave me here, please! - I am sorry, but you know too much!

No! No! Let me go!

The Athenian forces, commanded by Miltiades,

face the invader at Marathon in a desperate fight.

Their salvation depends on you.

Athens asks you to go to the battlefield with them.

We listened to the appeal of the Athenians,

but before the new moon rises, we are not allowed to take arms.

This is what the auspices say. It is the will of the gods.

If it is right, then the gods want the ruin of all of Greece.

Philippides is telling the truth. We must give help.

If we are not united, Darius will defeat Athens and then Sparta.

You forget, Euros, what for years divided Sparta and Athens.

The wars between us, the diffidence, the unrevenged offences.

You expect all this to be forgotten?

Who assures us of the Athenians' good faith?

Philippides' word, and I guarantee for him.

Friends, I remember my encounter with Euros at the Olympia games.

Euros is a good wrestler and can tell you

that strong arms are worth little

without the coordinated effort of all the other limbs.

Spartans, our cities are limbs of the same body.

Have harmony unite them in this fight, and Greece will be saved.

I have nothing more to save. Now it's up to you to decide.

Callimachus, this is our real enemy, fear.

Our men will know how to face it.

To your positions!

They didn't use the cavalry. Let's attack on the sides.

No. They could have surprises in store. Let's wait.

Athenians, for the freedom of our land, go!

Go with the chariots! Catapults in action!

Open the traps!

Miltiades, we can't resist. Have the reserves fight!

Let's wait longer. They are our last resources.

- Philippides! - Athenians, Sparta is with us!

- For Philippides, we shall resist! - Sparta is with us!

Forward all the reserves, attack!

Alright, Theocritus, I shall give you the 30 ships you request,

but my men at Piraeus must not meet resistance.

You must oblige the surrender even of the army in front of me.

This is your last occasion.

You promised the surrender of the Athenians but they fight like heroes.

Look there. It's a woman!

- Stop, Karis! - She will betray us!

Stop, Karis!

Let her die! She is a spy!

All of your enemies will die like this.

Hail, great king! We'll meet again in Athens.

Something to drink...

It is almost midnight.

The Spartans were to be here before sunset.

That is what Euros said.

Maybe they are not coming anymore.

Maybe they hope that Darius will be content with our ruin.

Today we were able to defend ourselves, but what about tomorrow?

If we are left alone, the Persians will crush us.

- Make room. - Look down there!

- What is going on? - Who is it?

Maybe it's an enemy soldier.

Philippides, come! Hurry!

We found her at the edge of the camp. She asked about you.

She says she must talk to you.

- Philippides... - Karis...

Philippides... Listen...

Karis, what happened?

The Persians... Will land in Piraeus.

Tomorrow they will attack Athens.

Behind their backs...

Theocritus... is leading them.

Hurry.

Love, save Athens.

You can't waste a minute. You must leave for Athens immediately.

You would betray her death if you didn't do it.

How can the fleet be stopped?

Gather the Sacred Guard and try to delay the landing.

You are right. We have no choice.

If the Spartans arrive in time, we could still fight.

We will attack before dawn. Resist until the third hour.

If at that time I won't have arrived, save yourself.

Sacrifice to the gods for her death

and for them to help us.

Make a fire for this woman with the enemy arms next to her.

She fought and died as one of us.

Do not make noise. Hide the boats.

We shall be back in an hour.

This way, follow me.

Father.

What are you doing here at this hour?

I didn't hear you go to bed, and was worried about you.

I cannot sleep either.

I need to be alone.

You must not worry, dear.

Why don't you open up to me?

You treat me like a child who is too little to understand you.

What torments you?

It is useless to speak now. It is too late.

No, I am certain that Philippides was successful in his mission.

What a touching family scene!

I am sorry to interrupt you, but we are at war, Croesus.

- Andromeda will forgive my haste. - What more do you want from us?

The moment has come to show Hippias our loyalty

and avoid more surprises to Darius. - What do you mean?

Your father must convince the archons to vote for peace with Darius.

He can obtain what he wants.

What I want? What I want is not to betray my homeland.

- I shall tell him we must resist. - You always understand too late.

Do as I said or your daughter will pay for you!

- No! - Father! No! Let me go!

- Tell them to let her go! - When you will deliver Athens to me.

May you be cursed!

Old madman. You will do what I want. Understand?

Either Athens,

or your daughter's life.

Hurry!

Let's reach the fleet.

Philippides!

- What happened to you? - Hurry.

Gather up all the others.

We must reach Piraeus.

The Persians will attack from the sea. Theocritus is leading them!

Raise! Raise!

Hurry!

- Silence. Listen to Philippides. - Listen.

Miltiades' order is to delay the landing until the third hour.

Remember, we are 100 against an entire fleet.

We are not afraid, Philippides. We shall make them back up.

Our force will be the surprise. We shall try to stop their ships.

When the moment comes to fight, I shall give the signal.

Help! People of the Sacred Guard, come!

Run! My master Croesus, was injured. He is dying!

Continue, and wait for me here.

I ask nothing for myself, but save my daughter.

- She is innocent and she loves you. - Where is Andromeda?

Theocritus dragged her away. I don't know where he took her.

I even listened to him!

I don't care about dying. It is right that I pay for my guilt.

But not her. She committed no evil.

She only suffered

without knowing why.

Save her. Give me this last hope.

I'll do what I can.

If the gods are just, they will help me.

They will soon be here. Let's go!

What's the hurry?

I'll take you to Athens on my chariot.

Maybe you are wrong.

Piraeus coast, two miles left!

Bear away.

- One mile towards prow and we land! - Signal to the admiral ship!

Today you will witness my triumph.

- As your slave. - Or as queen. You can choose.

Today I will have Athens at my feet.

That is impossible. The gods won't allow it!

My poor Andromeda. The gods are always on the side of the strongest.

- What is happening? - I don't know.

I know the coast. The water is deep here.

- We're aground! - To your positions!

We're taking on water!

Raise the sail!

Be ready.

Raise it!

We will attack in the center. They'll attack on the side.

These Athenians are crazy. They are attacking us!

What do they hope to do with two ships?

It's Philippides with the men of the Sacred Guard!

You were so sure of your triumph and now you are afraid!

Tie her to the bow!

You will wait for your savior!

We are being made fools of by 100 men. Come on with those oars!

Attack that ship! Open the rostrums!

- Create a wake. - Back up!

They attacked Teucer! Let's board!

Now the other ship! Let's get rid of it!

Everyone in the water. Follow me!

They're attacking us from the water. Strike them!

Andromeda!

Let's hook on to the ship!

We are surrounded, Philippides! They will attack us!

It's over, Andromeda.

The third hour has passed. Miltiades must have been defeated.

I am not afraid of dying now that I found you again.

Come on with those oars! Towards land!

We're touching land!

Charge!

- Euros! - Philippides!