Original subtitles

Quod erat demonstrandum.

Fine-tuning the Fourier theory is a modern research topic.

I found another basis for the function space,

one with an increasingly narrower body.

Those interested are welcome in my office.

This basis holds various uses.

You can compress an audio recording or a film,

remove white noise,

recognise an image or a voice.

You read a text

and the computer translates it into text format.

You can write a program that can recognise,

out of all possible sounds, that of a Rubik's cube.

A Party member must do everything

for the triumph of socialism and communism,

serve the interests of the people, always concern himself with…"

Sometimes, in life, one does what one has to do…

You need to attend conferences and present your ideas

about the function bases.

This is the secret of evolution: communication.

In principle, your theorem is quite interesting.

-And the proof is correct. -Then why am I not published?

I'll never be able to finish my PhD. I'm 35!

How much longer should I wait?

Unless you do what's right, you'll never finish it,

and that would be a pity.

When you appointed me as your assistant, it didn't matter

I wasn't a Party member.

Take it with you, read it and learn it.

It shouldn't take you more than 2 days.

-Hello… -Come in.

Computer programming can make design work more efficient,

which increases the building rhythm.

Taking into account the Party's decision

regarding the 1986-1990 5-year plan,

the solution to the tenement problem

is to assign 14 square metres to each inhabitant.

Thank you.

Let's go out for a cigarette.

Don't go yet, please.

I see you're up to date with the Party debates

and the 5-year plan, but I just don't get you…

You acknowledge the achievements of Socialism,

but you still haven't withdrawn your papers.

I thought we talked about this…

You told me you're confused and don't know what to do

I asked you to withdraw your papers.

Here's the sugar.

Put yourself in my shoes, comrade Brediceanu?

Would you stay here and raise the child by yourself?

Elena, don't be disrespectful. You know very well what I mean.

The Party directives are very clear.

When people are called abroad, they must understand

that they can have the same things here.

If you really want to, you can build a new family, here.

You have plenty to choose from…

But these are two completely different things:

what I can do and what I must do. Right?

-Do you have kids? -Let's not mix things up.

You know very well what I mean.

Look… This pencil, for example…

It can write, but it can also erase.

Thinks are very simple. Think about it.

We need valuable people like you,

but we can't go on erasing stuff.

You know, things aren't peachy in France, either!

Is that all?

-What did Brediceanu want? -As if you don't know already…

-What he usually wants… -Screw him!

-There's nothing he can do to us! -He can throw us out…

He can't! He doesn't control you.

But it won't be easy for me with only my father's pension.

-Should I bring you more of these? -I have some left. Don't worry.

-And Ducu? How is he? -Ducu's fine.

One of his cousins promised to help him find a job.

But you know what she told him after?

Every man for himself, that's the way of the West."

-Is it any different here? -Come on, Angela!

As for Brediceanu, sweet-talk him, like I do.

It's from our embassy in Washington.

Sorin Pârvu… Was he checked?

-Is it a real name? -That's why it was sent to us.

He's a lecturer at the Faculty of Mathematics.

He's never received approval to publish abroad,

and we have to see if this paper has any scientific value.

It's easy. The dean works for us.

We also have to find out how the paper reached America.

Understood.

Did you hear they promoted Stămătoiu to general.

-So? -We used to be in the same class.

-We have the same age. -That doesn't mean anything!

I'm just a lieutenant-colonel.

How much longer am I supposed to wait? I'm 45!

I have enough references and solved cases…

I have a good file and a network of informants…

And yet, I'm stuck!

It's the diploma, Alecu! You need a diploma in your file.

You have to attend the Party school.

-It's because of my divorce. -No… In theory, no.

But if I wasn't divorced, it would be easier, right?

Knot 8 for carp fishing! Do you know how to make it?

See? That's the problem!

Get away from those files from time to time.

You think that hiding behind Deleanu's skirt

will get you anywhere?

He belongs to a different generation.

He's more…

Come fishing with us!

Look… every Sunday, during summer,

I take the General to the lake.

We're river fishing, now. Predatory fish.

I'll put you on the list for the winter school session.

Relax! I was on the list but someone took me off it.

Who? Deleanu?!

No way! He has no reason to… It must be the divorce!

You're naive… If you get promoted,

who's going to solve his cases, huh?

I've put you on the list and I'll inform the General.

-Do you have any open case? -I do!

Close it, then… And think about it.

I don't want to teach you what to do, I'm just saying…

Come fishing!

-Good afternoon! -Hello, Elena!

-Good day, ma'am! -Hello…

Oh, it's just a thread. That'll be 1 leu.

-You want it fixed now? -Yes…

-How's David? -He's fine. He's studying Latin.

-I'd better come back later. -Okay.

Queues… Fights… Scandal… But I managed to get some.

I waited in line two times: for salami,

and for the groceries. I got some milk, too…

I saw bananas, but I didn't get any.

I didn't get any, but I saw them…

Bananas in October?! They're spoiling us!

David finished his French lesson,

he ate, and now he's doing his homework.

I did the laundry and cooked potatoes.

-The coffee maker is broken… -I know, you told me.

-Let's throw it out. -Nonsense! It's made in France.

I'll clean it with sodium and make it brand new.

I could have eaten these with mussels.

That can Ducu sent us… Moules aux champignons.

Mussels with mushrooms? I'm not eating that!

-Give it to someone. -Come on, Dad!

Did you put water in that pot?

I did…

Thank you for dinner!

Why did he have to make a fuss?

He knew I'd asked to move to France.

-He's just vituperating. -He's what?

These Party guys… It's their job to mess with you. Don't worry…

All is for the best.

You'll see… You'll get to France in no time.

Ubi bene, ibi patria!

And, above all, it will be good for the kid.

Yes, Dad, I know. It's mainly for the kid.

But all this insecurity… Why did he have to leave?

Weren't we okay here?! Now I have to change everything.

I'm not that young anymore!

-What are you doing there, Dad? -It's for the jars…

-What did you do today? -I took the groceries ration…

I've told you not to queue up anymore. I'll do it!

Don't worry! Time went by pretty fast.

I've chatted with our neighbour…

She bought a colour TV.

If you want to, I'll get on the waiting list.

But black & white or colour, it's all the same…

-All you need is a bit of imagination! -Always joking!

And what's this? Another one of your jokes?

You went through my stuff again!

-I've asked you not to… -I didn't go through your stuff!

I was cleaning the room…

Why didn't you tell me you've published in America?

So I can brag to the neighbour…

Who helped you publish this?

Do you really want to ruin you career and your life?!

They can't do anything to me! It's not the 50s anymore…

I'm not talking against the Party, am I?

I'm not cursing them or spitting at them!

You don't know anything about the 50s!

As if now were better… Afraid of your own shadow!

You can't trust anyone. They could take away our home.

Is this what you want?

I'm telling you, everything will be alright…

We're selling this one, and giving this one to our neighbour.

Who opened this pack?! David!

Are you deaf now?

Go to your room! Don't you have homework to do?

-Maybe we should sell it. -Right!

After all, no one's used it since Ducu left.

But you need the documents from the Militia.

-What are you studying there? -Math!

-Fractions? -Fractions.

Who do you think you're fooling?!

You're reading a bit too much.

Finish your homework, and go to bed, okay?

Hello, I'm Alexandru Spiridon. I've phoned you earlier…

Hello… Please, come in…

We're decorating…

Comrade Colonel Popescu highly recommended you.

-We are counting on your support! -How's his boy?

-Did he pass his exams? -Yes, with 9,50.

I'm glad… Sit down, please…

Did you find anything about Sorin Pârvu?

Sorin…

I haven't seen him in a long time…

He was much admired in college. A bright future as a mathematician!

They called him "little Einstein."

His mystical group of friends, that is.

Very bohemian fellow.

He used to live with his mother in an old house. They had a piano.

I asked around, he still doesn't have a PhD…

That's a drawback. But his ideas are ahead of our time.

He's a visionary.

During college…

he was good friends with Alexandru Buciuman,

a mathematician who went to France a year ago and never came back.

Sent there for some conference, but, as it happens, didn't return.

After college, they ended up in the mathematical analysis department.

They could still be in touch. I don't know.

Is that all?

Please take a look at his work. I need a mathematician's opinion.

Certainly!

And it would help us a great deal if you got back in touch with Pârvu.

He belongs to a very good series of graduates.

And he was the best. It was natural to ask him to stay.

Now he's teaching mathematical analysis to second and fourth year students,

And preparing his PhD in the meantime.

He's also involved with a research program

of the Ministry of Defense. That's it.

I must have got it wrong…

Did you say "a program of the Ministry of Defense"?

That's right!

Of course, he's young so he's doing something small:

laser studies at the Institute for Atomic Physics.

You put him on the team without following the procedures.

-Procedures take time… -He should have been checked.

Especially since this is not the first incident…

The other one… His colleague… The one who didn't return.

Any civilised state checks its people.

CIA does it, DST does it…

They defend their national wealth.

Well, yes… Sorin is a valuable man.

Comrade Pârvu Sorin is an individual who maintains deceitful relationships

with foreign citizens.

Well… he's not as involved as to have access to secrets…

Maybe… Anyway… I'll take him off the project!

Under no circumstance! He mustn't suspect we're making inquiries about him.

Just don't gear him up. Give him a break.

Is my position with the Institute for Atomic Physics in danger?

I mean… I've just joined their research programme.

-Will I have to stop? -Don't gear him up!

He did transcendental meditation,

he had unofficial contacts with foreign citizens,

and now he's involved in research concerning the Army.

I suggest the following set of actions:

One: phone surveillance.

Two: secret searches at his office and at home.

Three: ask the Passport Service about Buciuman Alexandru's situation.

He's the guy who ran away to France.

He and "Wanderer" were close friends.

I've decided to call Pârvu "Wanderer."

I'll find out how he sent his project abroad,

if it is valuable and what his intentions are.

Listen Voican…

Both the management of this department

and the boss of the Economic Counterespionage Directorate

know about this case.

If we screw it up, it won't be okay.

I'm not in the least anxious. I have everything under control.

The file is now open. Use stakeouts, too.

Stakeouts and phone surveillance are sacred.

If you want to be promoted, you'll solve this case!

You shouldn't have!

If I mix this coffee with oats, it'll last for two months!

Spoil yourself a bit!

If Ducu sent you coffee and cigarettes, he must be doing fine, right?

Yeah. He's doing fine. He's on a sort of welfare.

-700 francs a month. -700 francs!

It sounds like a lot to us, but over there it's nothing…

Mrs. Elena… there's a phone call for you from David's school.

Who did you see smoking in our house? David…

-Does your mother smoke? -No…

-See? -Be still!

Smoking is very bad, you know that.

This time, you'll only be expelled for three days.

This is a very dangerous age for boys.

They get out of hand easily. You should be stricter!

I've brought up hundreds of generations, you know.

Come on in!

How are you man?

How are you, you bloke?

What… Don't you recognise me?

Lucian! You shaved off your moustache! You look great.

-My wife prefers it this way. -You're married!

Married… and I have a child.

Family… the vital cell of society!

-And you? -Still living with my mum…

Are you thinking about becoming a teacher?

No, I'm working for INCREST's IT department.

They have the best math department one can dream of!

We're cooperating with the Probabilities Department here.

How about you? Still with those Spline functions?

I've moved on! Fourier series and waveforms.

-Waveforms? -Yeah… I have an idea…

Vocal recognition…

and other applications.

-Still inventive, I see… -Yeah… I'm reinventing the wheel!

Come and work for us.

When was the last time you played bridge?

Come over my place sometime… This Friday!

We'll talk math, play some bridge…

-What's your phone number? -625720.

FRIENDSHIP CONTRACT

-Enough work for today. Wanna go out? -No, I'm doing some overtime.

-Hello… -Hello!

You two behave!

Angela is a bit nuts, isn't she?

Again? You shouldn't have.

You want me to gain weight.

-Have some… -No, thank you.

What have you got?

You brought me function graphs last time.

The only thing that counts, is for the graphs to be symmetrical.

Left and right. Not like last time.

I've adjusted the algorithm. I hope we'll find symmetry.

The number of iterations is urit. implementation 4, urit. value 50.

-What? -You're over your head in Fourier!

So?

I was thinking of Ducu.

Remember when he'd get all excited about an idea?

Like you do… Now he's more pragmatic.

-And is that bad? -No…

-He's just not into math anymore. -So what?

I'm very much into math and I'm not published.

I can't finish my PhD. I'm stuck.

Not to mention the congresses!

Dima took away my project for the Institute for Atomic Physics.

-Why? -My mum was right…

I should have studied at the Conservatory.

-And do what? Play at weddings? -It would have been merrier.

You'll finish your PhD and everything will be fine.

I don't think so…

Since Ducu left, it's been even harder.

Remember the contract!

-What contract? -Our Friendship Contract!

The three of us, at the seaside, at the break of dawn…

-A thousand years old? -About so…

Lemmas and di-lemmas

A contract for better and for worse.

Article 4… Tell me!

”Respect and listen to your friend!”

No… "Listen to the group."

And who's the group now? The two of us…

So, you need to trust me. Everything will work out for you!

Right!

Then this goes both ways.

If I say, "let's play some bridge," we have to…

I haven't played in a while!

…play!

-Hi. -I'm glad you're here.

-I haven't seen you in a long time. -Thank you.

You haven't changed a bit.

You're just being nice.

Come on in…

Valeria!

Our guests are here!

Vali!

Your house looks great!

Thank you.

Sorry.

-Elena. -Valeria, nice to meet you.

-It's very nice! -Thank you.

-Sorin. -Valeria. Thanks…

-Oh, you shouldn't have. -They used to be in the same class.

Really? You look nice together.

-Vali… -I'll bring the appetisers.

I'll help her.

-So… Rum, whiskey, vodka? -Rum!

-Interesting books! -Thank you.

I gathered as many as I could.

I didn't know you were interested in Fourier series.

I like to be up to date.

I like to know a bit about everything.

You know, I wanted to write my diploma on this topic.

I thought I was going to stay with the department.

It didn't happen. Then I found out they were interested in you.

-How come I didn't know anything? -Really, now…

The whole faculty knew about it. But it's okay now.

I'm with the IT department. I have my own computer in my office.

-You have the upper hand, then. -Cheers!

I don't have access to this kind of books.

-One finds if one searches. -Double upper hand!

You know what I'm desperately looking for? Maurice Bellanger's book.

Digital Processing of Signals. Do you have it?

-No… But I could find it for you. -Guys! Dinner's ready.

-Enough with that math… -Let them be, Elena.

-Sit down over there, please. -Elena… Rum, whiskey?

-Rum! -Sorin, over there, please.

-Vali…? -Vodka for me.

Vodka?

As this is a special day, you'll have some whiskey!

Thanks.

-Welcome! -Thanks for having us!

It's like at the seaside all over again!

She used the Queen, but I still won the trick!

She'd just become Ducu's girlfriend.

She wanted to impress him. A real fighter!

I'm sure you have a tenace. Willing to bet?

Can I think about it, please? You're not nice.

Let's see you now!

Luckily for us, it comes back in half an hour. One hour tops!

-Sorin, light that candle. -Sure.

Don't you check the elevator?

Over there, on the right.

Why check the elevator?

To see if there's someone stuck.

Well, even if he's stuck, he'll hit the door and we'll hear it.

I don't think this ever happened since we moved in.

I'll go check on the little one. Excuse me.

Ducu did the right thing! You need "cojones" not to come back.

And he was right. You can't accomplish anything here.

So… "Vive la France!"

-Shall we finish the game? -Let's go, it's chilly outside.

Where were we?

You can accomplish a lot here, too.

Mathematics doesn't have borders.

If you're good, you're good anywhere.

Mathematics doesn't have borders if you're published.

-Are you published? -I will be!

Access to information is restricted here.

And it's very hard to travel abroad.

Lucian travels abroad! He studied three months in Germany.

That's why we postponed the baptism.

Good for him.

I've already been denied the visa for three congresses.

And I'm not published, either.

What am I supposed to do? Become an informant?

What kind of joke is this?!

How do you manage to leave?

It's easy! They're sending me.

You think I work there because I have a big mouth?

No. It's because of my achievements!

Let's finish the game.

Bravo! You've won.

They should get a prize. That doll over there.

The winners' prize!

-Lucian brought it from Vienna! -From Moscow…

Moscow, right…

Valeria… If I open with three clubs,

it means I have a strong hand and a long suit, right?

And what do you do?! You bid a five with no trump

and you block my colour. If I bid three clubs,

it means I'm going for a pitch! What are you thinking?

Are you a moron, to bid a five with no trump?!

Forgive me, Valeria, but bridge is a logical game,

and when you don't think, it punishes you.

What now? Are you crying or something? Valeria!

-My little baby girl! -She's such a darling!

This is Elena, sweetie…

Do you want to come to her baptism?

We'll do it in the country, at my father's. It's nice there!

Can I bring David? He needs some fresh air…

Certainly! Don't cry! Look, it's Daddy…

Lucian is a bit of an ass!

Anyway, thank you. It was nice. Playing bridge, I mean…

Especially since we've won!

Did you know that Ducu took with him one of my studies?

A theorem. And it was published.

If the people here don't want me, no problem!

I'll publish abroad.

I have something new.

But it needs to be smuggled out of the country.

How can Ducu help you now?

That's why you took me there? To talk about being published?

I hope you're not implying that I told him…

How do I know what Lucian knows?

Do I know anything about your relationship?

Maybe you're close friends!

Maybe he's teaching you how to go abroad.

I have a kid. I don't even want to think about something like this.

If Ducu didn't think about this, it's his business!

He never thinks about anything, anyway! He's completely irresponsible.

-He's my friend. -That's what you call friendship?

Asking me for something like this?

-Don't you know me at all? -No. I don't!

I don't know…

-I didn't ask you for anything. -Did you ask for, or not?

Please forgive me, but I really can't do it.

I know you're sensitive. You've told me.

Precisely! I'm sorry. Please forgive me.

And please forget what I've asked.

Please hold a second…

What are you doing?

I'm back! No, nothing…

Stop worrying about that. I'll manage.

When can I come by your computer again?

Okay, I'll wait. Let me know.

Good night!

Who was that? Elena? She's a married woman.

You'll ruin her marriage.

Mum, I've told you! Stop listening to my phone conversations!

-You're thinking only about yourself! -Mum! I've asked you!

Well someone has to take care of you!

This one's no good. It's oily.

Is that okay?

-Hi! -Hi!

-Do you have classes today? -Starting at 10.

-Did you look through my desk? -No, why should I?

-Enjoy your meal. -Thanks.

-Have some cabbage. It's great. -No, thank you.

I'm listening.

I really think that the basis of his article is solid,

and the result is important.

The topic is of national interest…

It could be applied in many fields.

-What fields? -Many.

Data transmission, seismology, oil prospection…

But I'd have to see Sorin again. Ask him more questions…

I need a math book by Maurice Bellanger.

It would help me maintain an active relationship.

Write down the title of the book.

Sorin is interested in it and I could contact him anytime.

What else would he be interested in?

To be acknowledged. He feels misunderstood and ignored here.

-He wants to publish abroad. -Anything else?

That's about it…

Well, I don't know if you're interested in stuff like this,

but I've noticed he has feelings for Elena Buciuman.

She's the wife of his friend. The one who went to France…

Good.

Please fill in this note.

It's just a formality.

Hello. Yes, sir!

No. Comrade Gherasim is on a mission.

I'll tell him.

Yes, sir!

WANDERER ASKED ELENA TO TAKE HIS PROJECT ACROSS THE BORDER.

-Dinner's ready. -I'm not hungry.

-Dad used to smoke, see? -Yes, but he was 25.

Didn't we get along?

Tell me… Why are you being naughty?

What's going on with you?

-You told Dad to leave. -What?

Two years ago, inter alia, you told him to do something

if he wanted a better life.

-Inter… what? -Among other things.

So he chose this.

I was summoned to the Passport Service. That's good news.

Comrade Buciuman!

Hello.

Alexandru Spiridon. I've taken over your case.

-Sit down. -Thank you.

-I was told to come… -I know!

I gather that on December 1, 1983, you handed in an application

in which you requested

to be allowed to move to France in order to reunite the family.

-We found out something. -Yes…

Your husband intends to go on hunger strike

in front of our embassy in Paris.

What do you mean?

Talk to him and make him stop. It won't help…

I think you're mistaken. Ducu is not that kind of man…

You know all too well that there is a law that says

that relatives up to the second and third degree: wife, kids,

can leave the country. No one forbids you to do it.

It takes time. One year… Maybe more.

-But, in the end, it works out. -I've been waiting for almost a year.

It's important to be patient.

And your husband shouldn't do anything stupid.

Believe me, I'm trying to help you.

That's all. Thank you.

Please don't… Don't!

Goodbye.

I'm sorry it took so long.

Buciuman Elena, Buciuman David and Scăunașu Martin.

This would've been harder if it hadn't been for the Captain.

But I can't leave them for more than an hour.

You can study them in this office.

-Please tell me… -Yes.

Congestive cardiac failure…

2nd degree… What does it lead to?

It depends on the patient's age and other ailments.

-May I? -Please…

The state he's in… Heart attack.

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

Hello… Just a second.

Hello.

I'll call you later. Ducu's about to call. Bye.

Hello… Dad! How are you? I mean comment ça va?

Je suis bien. I'm not allowed to watch TV.

I didn't do anything. Everybody's fine. How's Paris?

Okay, I'll put Mum through. Please don't forget about that gun!

Okay. Bye.

Bonsoir. How are you?

We're fine! How about you?

What do you mean? Where were you keeping them?

Then… how come?

So, what will happen now?

This doesn't change anything! You won't go mad.

Things will work out just fine.

Why are you calling me stupid? You know how hard it is for me here?

David doesn't behave and Dad is…

I know you didn't mean it!

I'm not upset. I know you didn't mean it.

Yes…

They told me it won't take… much longer.

That's why I'm asking you to be patient.

I know. I'm tired too. I'm not sad. It's who I am.

Yes. I love you too and I miss you a lot.

Promise me you'll think about it.

Breathe in three times, count to 10 and turn around on your heels.

Okay. Take care of yourself.

Bye.

His documents were stolen.

He can't take it anymore and wants to go on hunger strike.

We're always on hunger strike.

Especially since he didn't come back.

One wage and one pension, but three mouths to feed.

But we'll manage…

How did the Passports guy know about Ducu's plans?

That's what the Securitate does: make your life hell.

He's from the Passport Service, not the Securitate.

Memo: "To the Party Secretary of the Main Organisation…

We hereby inform the Party

about Elena Buciuman's situation,

as she is investigated by the State Police."

Talking, talking…

Here…

Taking…

…into account the fact that comrade Buciuman Elena

handed in an application asking to be allowed to leave Romania,

it is up to Party secretary Brediceanu to make an informed decision

regarding her situation within the Party organisation."

What is he supposed to understand from this?

He'll understand exactly what he needs to.

-You finally brought them. -You've changed your address.

Of course they were sent to me!

It's been a quite a few months since the divorce.

I don't care about that. This is still your home.

You mean your home! You haven't changed a bit.

When you agreed to marry me, I was the same man.

You have to understand that,

as far as I'm concerned, our divorce never happened.

These are just papers.

Look at them. Look at their posture.

The boy doesn't stand a chance. He's shy and scared.

The girl wants more.

See? Even now, still a policeman!

You're in your free time, but you're still opening files.

When I agreed to marry you, I didn't know you.

I'm just curious, are you recording this right now?

-How's work? -Fine.

Adding and subtracting…

-Boring, as you used to say. -I've never said that.

Stela… Are you seeing anyone else?

You know what?

I think you can close my file for good now.

I've called you because there's something wrong with your file…

-Your living space. -Right…

If you leave, your father will be left with extra space.

Well… But… I mean… What should I do?

I don't know. We'll examine the situation as kindly as possible.

But I had to tell you. Maybe you can come up with a solution.

He can move out or trade apartments.

-What do you mean move out? -You'll think of something.

There's plenty of time. I'll give you my phone number.

If anything happens, you should consult me.

Don't make any decision all by yourself.

What matters is that your husband calmed down. That's a good thing.

Is that all?

Goodbye.

Comrade Buciuman Elena has been with our organisation

for the past 7 years.

Now, however, the comrade has decided to leave the country.

This signifies a clear rejection of the Party ideals.

She's aiding the West!

If anyone has something bad to say about the Party, or the regime,

it needs to be discussed here

and not on "Radio Free Europe."

It's not us excluding her, it's her excluding herself.

Comrade Brediceanu… You know all too well

that I need to go away for my son's sake.

Does anyone else need to add something?

I hereby support Comrade Brediceanu's proposal

to exclude Elena from the Party.

It's the third one this year, we were probably wrong

to accept them, but we can't go on with such…

Don't be upset with me, but all these…

Mussels, tampons, fashion magazines…

Some people are troubled by them, think about it.

They don't have that.

The Party Secretary promised me a two-room apartment.

You know that I've applied for it five years ago.

You know the filth I live in…

And I don't want to sleep with him. I just don't.

I thought you won't care. You're leaving, anyway.

But did you have to tell them about the mussels and the tampons?

When my mum got sick, you were beside me in that shitty hospital.

He was going to exclude you, anyway!

You're leaving. What do you care? You're worries are over.

You can eat what you want, how much you want, travel…

It's me who's left behind with them. Alone.

I have to make ends meet somehow.

So this was about you.

Hello. Hi.

Get me Comrade Spiridon, please.

Yes, thank you. I'll wait.

How much longer until I get the passport?

I don't know. It's not up to me. How's your father?

-Why do you ask? -It's natural to ask…

If you'd get the passport tomorrow, you'd have to leave.

I know how hard it is for you to leave him behind.

He's old. At his age, it's very easy to get sick.

-The heart, the memory. -Dad is only 70!

As I said. It's the age. Do you have anyone

to take care of him should anything happen?

Did you know that congestive cardiac failure

is the third most frequent cause of death?

Maybe you should take someone to live with you.

You'd also solve the living space issue.

I've called you because there was a guy at the Passport Service.

About 30, tall, dark haired, pock-marked…

He said we should go and protest… I don't know who he was.

I've seen him there before, but I don't know what he wants.

He and some people were talking about locking themselves up

in an apartment and hang sheets out the window.

To draw attention onto us… onto themselves.

Draw attention onto themselves.

He said he might go to jail for a month or two

but then he'd be allowed to leave. I don't want to get involved…

Don't worry. Thank you for letting us know.

If he insists, please call me. But don't get involved with them.

Just a piece of advice: there'll be all kinds of people,

it happened before, trust me. Friends, acquaintances…

They'll ask you to take things abroad for them.

Little things, they'll call them. Messages…

I know of situations that ended badly.

Each man for himself. Remember that.

It's understandable. Elena…

You have my number. If anything should happen, ask me first.

You have company.

-Me? -Hi.

Hi… What a nice surprise! Welcome.

Nothing's changed around here!

-I made some tea. Want some? -Yes, Mum.

Thank you.

You're right, nothing's changed. Except for this blackboard.

Please… Make yourself at home.

And you? How are you?

Fine… Great.

They threw me out of the Party today.

Angela gave a helping hand.

-But I did learn something. -Really? What?

Each man for himself.

-How's Ducu? -Fine, thank you.

-And the kid? -David.

-Right, David… -He's in the 6th grade.

How time flies! See, hon', you could've had a kid, too…

But, well, boys don't listen.

Especially if you raise him by yourself.

-Give me the coat. -Thank you, Mum.

What about the passport?

It's going great.

-Something wrong? -No…

Elena. What's going on?

-A incumba. -"Incumbar. Discipulo incumbar."

-Voice? -"Incumbere, incumbit."

Discipulo, discipulis.

No, student, it's "incumba" and what?

-"Incumbit lema discipulus." -Right, which is do your homework.

Once you've mastered Latin, you can learn all Romanic languages.

-Great! And now "en Français"… -"Quoi"?

-Do you want to become Buzz Aldrin? -No, Armstrong!

You see? Armstrong… That's more like it!

Comrade.

If you can't sleep at night, take some pills.

I heard you talked to Marinescu in HR.

Going fishing now? You want to be promoted?

I can understand that. But first, let's do our job.

We're losing time.

You're using our resources to no avail.

Men and equipment we're paying for. And for what? For shit!

Some pages with math formulas.

Listen.

Shake this "Wanderer" of yours and stop pampering him.

What counts is that Elena gave in.

She came looking for me.

She made the first step. Now it's just a matter of time.

She'll hand me Pârvu's project on a plate.

Find a foreign student who'll admit he paid Pârvu for private tutoring.

Let the legal department handle him.

Clean, lawfully, and he's screwed.

He'll give us the project then. That's how you do the job!

-I work differently. -I can see that. It's no good.

Do you want me to get you off the case?

Dear Mrs. Buciuman, things are getting out of control!

He was caught in the girls' restroom.

I don't know. Maybe he has sight problems and it was a mistake.

But that's not all.

Do you know what he said during history class?

Tell her.

What did the Romans say?

What did Hannibal do?

He said-- they were studying the Punic Wars, of course.

Hannibal ante coitum. Get it?

That's what the Romans said when they saw him in front of Rome.

Hannibal ante coitum! Where did he learn this?

I brought up hundreds of generations,

and I've never heard anything like this before.

How could you say something like this?!

Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

Make a fool out of me in front of that woman?

Who told you this ante coitum thing?

Empty your pockets! Take out everything.

The other one too. And the backpack.

What do you need these stones for? I don't get it.

David, are you listening to me? I'm talking to you.

Turn off the radio, Dad.

So… where did you hear this? Is this how we talk here?

Did you hear it at school? Then where? On the street?

Maybe Grandfather knows something about it…

Come on, Dad, tell me. Have you heard him talk like this before?

Don't lie!

What's with that smell?

I told you to add water!

You and your ridiculous inquiries! What are you so angry about?

I'll go next door and I'll borrow some milk for the boy.

You think I worry about the milk?

The kid's out of control and you keep forgetting stuff.

-How serious is your condition? -It's nothing!

I just forget things. Everyone does! Don't you?

It's not about forgetting. Did you take your pill?

No way! I'm not taking that! You, go to your room!

I'm not taking that!

-There's none left in here! -I threw them away.

-When did you stop taking them? -I threw them away!

How can I help you if you don't talk to me?

I'm fine, don't you get it?

-What are you looking for? -The typewriter's documents.

I can never find anything in this damn house!

Never ever! Not even once.

It's the Bermuda Triangle in here! Everything disappears!

For example: remember when I was a kid

and you threw my insectarium away? I had worked the whole summer

to gather all those bugs and preserve them in that box.

My grandfather went looking for mole-crickets in the park!

The outcome? You threw it away!

I didn't even get to take it to school.

-I don't remember this! -Do you want to throw things out?

Then let's throw everything out! I can do it too, you know!

Why is it my fault that you are angry?

You think it's easy for me? To be left all alone at my age!

Alone and without any kind of support.

Is it my fault I forget stuff? And I don't see properly either!

I have cataract. Everybody says I should go in for an operation.

Where? How? Where?

-Stop shouting at Mum! -Go to your room.

Didn't you hear Grandpa? Go!

Let it be duly noted that I've never interfered

with your affairs. You know that! You've always done what you wanted.

I've never liked Ducu and you know it.

You wanted him, you married him!

I didn't say a word

when he came with that stupid glider…

Okay, Dad. I'm going out.

Or when he turned my room into a study!

And now you want to leave. Very well then, leave!

But don't you teach me how to live my life.

You just want to spite me! Honestly!

Dad… What's wrong? Dad?

Dad, what's wrong with you? Where does it hurt?

-Where does it hurt? -At the epigastrium.

What?

The belly…

Great! Let's eat, everybody!

-Sit down. -Eat!

What a sweet little girl…

Come to Mummy! Sweetie…

She's gorgeous.

May she live a long and happy life.

Thanks! You did well to bring your dad with you.

What are you doing, Dad? Are you okay?

I'm great! I have my pension. The rest… I'll manage.

You're thinking about money now?! You know I'll send some…

All I need is money for the coffin.

You're tipsy… Give it to me. It's not good for you.

-Where's David? -In the back, with the boys.

How about it, comrade Scăunașu? Empty glass?

Elena… He's feeling fine. It's okay. This is good wine.

It's from my father-in-law's.

You've never had wine like this before, have you?

-You should have some, too. -This is my glass. This is hers.

-So… Cheers! -Cheers!

How's your dad?

I'm tired. I can't go on like this.

I'll take your project abroad.

I'll put it with Ducu's papers.

You're risking your departure. Are you sure?

Very sure!

I think I'd better take my father with me, as soon as possible.

What should I do? Should I hand in an application?

You need to leave first. As soon as possible.

Otherwise, he doesn't stand a chance.

Unless you prove he's got where to live there,

there's nothing to be done.

Leave the country and apply for his passport.

I can take care of the papers, but I can't promise anything.

A friend of mine… An acquaintance…

He asked me to take a text of his abroad.

A paper… a math paper… Nothing political…

I'm sure. But I must check it first. It could be valuable.

I'll probably get it the day I leave.

That's okay. We'll take care of it then.

Fill in this form.

It's just a formality.

Is it necessary?

Otherwise I can't take into account what you've just told me.

I'll ask about your father…

Fill in…

What are you expecting to get?

If the program works, I'll get a series

of almost symmetrical wave functions. Left to right.

It would prove my theory.

You know what's interesting?

You can't get them to be almost symmetrical.

How is it?

I had to double the number of parameters.

I think I did it! Print them, please.

Thank you, Lucian. Thank you very much!

What are you doing? It can damage the computer!

-Are you crazy? They'll kill me! -Sorry, no one can see this.

Sorin!

C'mon…

Hello.

Hi… No, I wasn't sleeping.

Yes, I finished it.

I wouldn't have finished it if it hadn't been for you. Thank you.

Hold on a second, please.

Mum, I've asked you a thousand times to stop listening…

I'm back.

It's late. Go to bed. You have a long trip tomorrow.

I know it only takes two hours, but it's still a long trip.

It's a different world. Of course I worry!

What number was it? 7 or 8? Be close to your friend.

Hello? What is it?

I couldn't hear you.

Okay. But please go to bed. You're tired.

Good night.

Hurry, hurry…

Hello. Hello…

-Was that Sorin? -No. Allez, allez, pack up.

He was supposed to be here already.

-I found the typewriter's documents! -I'll sell it for you.

-What's in here? -Some snacks.

Come on, Dad! It's a two-hour flight.

There's luggage outside, too. Hurry up.

Allez, allez.

-You haven't even finished packing! -There's time.

Hello, young man. Ready, everyone?

Almost.

-I want to tell you something. -Me too.

-Can you please answer? -Hello. Just a moment.

-It's Angela. -Tell her I've left.

She's in the bathroom. Okay, I'll tell her. Bye.

-Angela wishes you a safe trip. -I want to tell you…

-I didn't put… -What? Go on…

-You first… -No, you first…

-No matter what will… -Come on. "Allez, allez, allez"!

Take that big suitcase, please.

They have stones over there, too, you know.

We'll find another one this big in France.

She's anxious. It's the first time she's flying.

Be careful when the plane takes off.

Take a deep breath so your ears don't get plugged.

They'll give you a piece of candy, too.

-You'll see Paris! -You'll see it too, soon.

I'll take you there, Dad. You'll see.

Take care of your mum.

You can cross over with no worries.

No, I can't.

-I told them about your paper. -Elena.

That's what I've been meaning to tell you.

I didn't put anything in.

You can cross over with no worries.

Mum, we'll miss the flight.

-Here. -Shut up.