Original subtitles

Let's cut to the chase, Mr. Jacek.

Yes, Father.

Why should we declare your marriage null?

Our sacrament should be declared null

because we divorced many years ago.

And…

Małgosia has a new husband.

And I have a new fiancée.

And?

And…

ONE MONTH EARLIER

60 YEARS WE LIVE HERE, WE WORK HERE. HOORAY!

He's covered in blood. My boss is staring at me.

- What's wrong with you? - He started it.

So you had to knock his teeth out?

I didn't mean to.

Is this funny to you, Andrzej? Really?

What was I supposed to do?

I don't know, Ala. Maybe nothing?

- Definitely not knock his teeth out. - One tooth, Mom.

You think you're so clever?

Maybe you can pay for his tooth all by yourself?

That's what I thought.

- I'm very sorry. - Mr. Robert?

- Yes. Is this my taxi? - Yes.

- To the university? - Yes. Unusual situation.

I'm taking my family home. You don't mind, do you?

Okay.

- Hello. - Hello.

What if I want to do something else?

Like what?

I don't know. Table tennis?

Table tennis?

Really?

Great idea.

Is Jacek calling?

- Hi, Jacek. - Hi. I can't get ahold of Gośka.

No, my phone's off.

I had a concert. What's up? Go on.

No, nothing much. It's just…

- Go on. I can hear something's up. - I…

I just wanted to say that my mom died.

Oh no. I'm so sorry.

My condolences.

The funeral is the day after tomorrow. I thought...

Take this.

Wait.

Does Ilonka know?

I can call her.

Sure. No problem.

Take care. Bye.

- Hello! - Hi.

We're having Polish beer.

- Cool. Have fun. - Is something wrong?

Yes. I need to tell you something. Go to another room.

What's up?

Listen,

Grandma died.

I'm very sorry.

Wait, which one?

Kazia.

Jesus! Don't scare me! I thought it was our grandma!

Come on, our grandma? She's tough as nails.

Mom.

What?

- You know it's true. - I mean…

It's terrible that she died. Poor Dad.

I know.

What's with your voice?

Mom, something's smoking.

Damn it.

Don't exaggerate. Oh, hey.

KAZIMIERA NIEDBALSKA LIVED 81 YEARS, DIED ON 5/13/23

Hi.

- Thank you very much for coming. - How are you?

I'm hanging in there.

Mom.

Who would have thought? She went so suddenly.

Did she ever smile?

You're exaggerating.

Then when?

When Ilonka was born.

I know she was happy, but I don't remember her smiling.

I always wondered why.

Did she hate me? Did she get headaches?

- Małgosia. - Yeah?

- I have a favor to ask you. - Yeah?

- A big one. - Go on.

Monika and I…

We got engaged.

Congratulations.

Thanks.

So I'd like to ask you.

Could you divorce me?

How? Again?

Again.

Just a bit differently.

In church.

It's a simple form.

I'll send it over. You just fill it out and sign it.

Listen, Roman is here with his family.

Shall we take a picture?

Listen, Romek is here with his family.

- Maybe... - I just said that.

- So? - Małgosia.

- Will you take it? - Yes.

- Yes. - Yes?

- Yes. - So?

Marian, come on.

- Yes. - Yes?

- Now, okay? - Yes.

- Can I count on you? - Yes.

- Now, right? Yeah. - So?

- Yes. - Great.

DIVORCE

Ecclesiastical court?

I mean, they've got great traditions. Like inquisition.

I'm sure it's just a name. I don't think there's a trial.

Why did you say yes? Don't we have our own problems?

How was I to say no at his mother's funeral? Come on.

Besides, it's nothing. Jacek wants a second church wedding.

- His missus must be making him. - We'll see if it's nothing.

You'll be going around churches to sort this out.

It's not even in a church, but a… What do you call it? Curia.

- Yeah. - Or something.

With the diocesan bishop?

I think so.

- Then you're screwed. - Why?

I wanted documents to become a godmother,

and they grilled me more than a bank.

- But did it work out? - Hell no.

I paid 200 zlotys for a fake certificate online.

Ala?

Are you eating with us?

No!

I didn't know it was so much paperwork.

More than my grant application.

- Have you heard back yet? - Six to 12 weeks. Whatever that means.

Maybe you'll be divorced by then.

Don't even joke about it.

"How would you describe your conjugal life?"

"Conjugal"?

"It was fine."

"How regularly did you perform your…"

Are you kidding me? What?

- How often did we shag? - You're joking.

"How often did you perform your marital duties?"

Next, they'll ask you if you had orgasms.

What should I write?

How many times a week or what?

- What? - Nothing.

- We were 20 years old. - Did I say anything? No.

Write what you want.

Should I write less? So it looks better?

Come on! Don't tell me it wasn't the same for you.

Fine. "Maybe less."

See? You can do it. Awesome.

That's enough for today. A bit more enthusiasm tomorrow, please.

- Can we play something new now? - Yeah, you promised.

- Fine. - Yes!

Maybe that song...

You're already happy, and I haven't even told you the news yet.

I got us a new gig.

The opening of a train station in Soroczyce.

The minister will be there.

I want us to put our best foot forward. It's a big opportunity for us.

- Opportunity for what? - Ala.

Hey.

Who's the jokester?

Excuse me.

Come here.

Will you be joking like this in front of the minister?

Hello?

- Mrs. Małgorzata Kubiak? - Yes.

I'm calling from the Warsaw Metropolitan Court.

Court?

Yes. When can you come to a hearing?

What hearing?

It's about declaring matrimonial nullity.

But I wrote everything in the form.

We have a few questions. Please come tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.

FIRST INSTANCE

Come in.

Hello.

- God bless. - Yes, God bless. I'm sorry.

- Mrs. Kubiak? - Yes.

Water? Coffee?

Maybe coffee.

Thank you.

I will ask a few questions. You only have to answer them truthfully.

Like in confession. Easy-peasy.

This is Mrs. Aniela, our notary.

She'll oversee the procedures.

When did you enter into holy matrimony with Mr. Jacek Niedbalski?

In the year 2000, so 23 years ago.

- Are you living with someone else now? - With my husband.

My second husband.

We have a daughter.

My older daughter is from my first marriage to Jacek.

Please tell me,

Mrs. Małgorzata, have you…

Have you considered

repairing and renewing your marital bond with Mr. Jacek?

What do you mean? I've been married for 17 years.

Not in our eyes.

At times it happens

that with the help of the Holy Spirit, the married couple

think things through and reconcile.

Think what through exactly?

God works in mysterious ways.

Sorry, may I ask a personal question?

- How old are you, sir? - Father.

Yes, I'm sorry.

How old are you, sir… Father?

Twenty-eight.

May we continue?

Yes, of course.

You wrote that the marriage should be declared null

as it was contracted

due to "being surprised by an unexpected pregnancy."

Unplanned.

Before marriage.

How old is your older daughter?

Twenty-three.

But she already has a boyfriend.

I think that'll be all.

The witness.

Provide a witness. We'll refer the case to the tribunal.

A wedding witness?

The court requires a witness to confirm your testimony.

It can be anyone who knew you well back then.

A family member, a friend.

But I don't talk to these people anymore.

For example, Mr. Jacek named Mr. Waldemar…

Miszczyk.

- Miszczyk. - Miszczyk?

You didn't know? Interesting.

When will Mr. Miszczyk be here?

Sorry, I can't say. He's the other party's witness.

Well, it's already over.

If you're nearby, could you come get me?

Okay.

No, come on. It's a joke.

No.

Wait.

Listen, I'll call you right back, okay?

It was the year 2000, or 2001.

Shortly after their wedding.

We were camping.

Tents by the lake, a guitar, singing by the fire.

- You get it. - Yes, I've been to Bible camps.

Yeah. But it was raining like crazy then.

It was raining cats and dogs. Pouring all the time.

We hid in our tents.

I went to sleep right away. I'm like that.

But in the middle of the night,

I heard someone

opening my tent.

Even now, I vividly remember the sound

of the zipper. It was like…

Małgosia.

- What are you doing here? - Me?

And what are you doing here? Why is Waldek testifying?

Waldek's doing me a favor. We're in business together.

- What business? - You know...

Wait, come on.

Look. Praised be Jesus Christ.

"On 20th July, at 1:00 p.m., in room 203… for the intention of the bishop."

It's impolite to interrupt.

- We're not interrupting. - How come?

- Stop it. - Gośka, come on.

Stop.

I'm just waiting here.

- Please... - Quiet.

"Waldek, I need to tell you something." She leaned in, like so…

And at that time,

I also had a girlfriend. You get it, right?

She leaned in. I thought she wanted to tell me something.

But she grabbed me

by the back of my head and started touching it.

I was in shock.

Because, after all, she was my friend's wife, right?

Hey! What is he saying?

I'm sorry.

- What is this nonsense? - Małgosia...

- Why are you here? - Should I tell the truth?

Jacek, come here.

Mrs. Małgorzata.

Outrageous.

Come here!

Praised be Jesus Christ.

We were camping. Jacek was snoring because he was drunk.

- I couldn't sleep, so I had to go out. - Gosia.

But it started raining. I sought cover quickly in a tent.

- I went to the wrong one. - To mine.

Because it was dark. I went in there by mistake.

But the minute I realized, I went back to Jacek, didn't I?

Tell them.

It was over 20 years ago...

Suddenly you don't remember? And you? What happened?

What's going on here? Father.

Everybody.

- Leave the diocese this instant. - Of course.

- Let's go. - You know what?

I've thought it through. You were right. Disregard my form, please.

My feelings have suddenly reawakened.

I want to fight for this marriage. I think I still love you.

You have a husband.

- What husband? From a civil marriage? - Father!

Please don't write that down. Please.

Father.

TAKE CARE

AT RETIREMENT

The manager will always be with you. Take care!

Sit down.

Real music comes from two places.

From here, and here.

But yesterday you didn't play from your heart. Why?

We'll soon be playing for the minister himself.

Do you want to bore him as well?

Ala, please come forward.

Play this.

Stop.

- Again, but with a smile. - What do you mean?

You play and smile.

Stop. Wrong.

Take a breath. A deep one.

Smile, and play.

Excuse me, maybe I should handle this?

Look.

See?

It's possible.

You just have to want it.

Yes.

Could we play something cooler?

Yeah. Not these bleak songs.

The band is a team sport. You don't always do what you want.

We can play something more classical for the minister, right?

Go on, practice. There's only...

Małgorzata Kubiak?

Yes, that's me.

May we have a word?

Father Przemysław Niesporczak.

From the tribunal.

We wanted to inform you personally.

The court declared your application unfounded.

- Okay. - Unfortunately.

But you suggested there was a possibility of withdrawing the case.

No, that was a joke. You were there, sir… Father.

What is this?

Just a formality.

One signature, and it's over.

I don't understand. Why would we withdraw the application

if we've lost the case?

Like Father Przemysław says,

it's just a formality.

You've lost in the first instance.

But from what I understand, if the next

instance approved our application, then…

we'd get the divorce.

- Declaration of nullity. - Yes, that.

Not necessarily.

It might turn out that

the ruling of the Roman Rota will be necessary.

Or maybe even the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.

Which is time-consuming, and laborious.

For us as well.

And you have your own life and affairs.

It's probably easier to put a stop to it.

Wouldn't it be easier to just grant us a divorce?

- Declaration of null... - Yes, declaration of nullity.

Mrs. Małgorzata,

we, as an institution, entered into a certain contract with you.

We married you under certain conditions.

And now you're trying to pretend that those conditions do not apply.

And that our contract didn't happen.

That's why there's a trial.

And a meeting with a defender of the bond.

I'm sorry, what?

The defender of the bond will read your files

and try to argue that your application is unfounded.

They will simply defend your marriage.

But what marriage? We haven't been together for 20 years.

Our books say something else.

- Then I don't know. - You see yourself that it's not so simple.

It's not.

Everything will be revealed.

What will be revealed?

For example, your daughter out of wedlock

stopped attending religious education classes.

Excuse me?

What does that matter?

Everything matters.

Fine then.

We can go to the Vatican. To the Pope himself.

And I decided my daughter wouldn't attend religious education. Thank you.

Thank you.

Great. Cool. Wonderful.

We've got it.

Listen, I've had enough of this. I'm going inside. Bye.

Honey, look what we've made for you.

Why don't I know you're not attending religious education?

Dad knows.

What?

What does it matter? Would you want her to attend?

That's not the point.

- Did something happen? - No, it's just… They know, but I don't.

- Who doesn't know? - Priests were at my school today.

They behaved like goddamn mobsters.

They told me everything would be revealed. It's absurd.

Did you know Filip quit the band?

- No. - We lost the trumpet.

Then thank you very much, because it's your doing.

- It's not my doing. - No?

He's been talking about it for months.

And you're only telling me now?

Can't you see that nobody wants to play?

- Hey. - All these concerts are pointless.

The verdict.

So? Shall we eat?

Let's not go into details.

It didn't work out.

That's fine.

If they ask, I won't whitewash you. Don't count on it.

It's over.

I'm sorry for keeping you waiting.

Only half an hour.

Aniela Miłkowska. You know what I do.

Yes, we've met already.

You're the defender… I'm sorry.

Defendress of the bond.

Defender.

My task is to attempt to repair your marriage.

But I can see you're only here for the stamp, right?

Kind of, yes.

I've read your files.

Marriages such as yours always end in divorce.

Exactly.

Sorry, meaning what?

Dysfunctional and pathological.

Maybe we weren't perfect, but...

Dysfunctional and pathological?

Weren't you pregnant at the moment of entering into matrimony?

We married out of love.

Of course, Małgosia.

Thank you. I'll send my opinion to the diocese by mail.

Excuse me, Mrs. Aniela.

We're asking nicely. Is there anything we can do to get the stamp here?

There is no stamp.

- Look what I caught. - That's awesome.

Here you go.

Did it go okay?

No, nothing is okay. There was a weird lady today.

What lady? I thought there were only priests there.

Yeah, but she was a layperson. The defender of the bond.

Our bond?

No, what do you mean? Mine and Jacek's.

She wanted to get you to go back to your ex-husband?

Yeah, basically yes.

But she called us pathological.

Us?

Not us. Jacek and me.

Darling, we didn't have a church wedding. You don't exist to them.

So how did it go?

Well, it could have gone better.

For whom?

DEFEAT THE DRAGON

Excuse me.

Wait a minute.

I checked online, and there are a few options.

Not to suggest anything, but I read

that a small bribe could speed the whole thing up.

Gosia, I've tried everything.

Fine. First of all, we have to get our stories straight.

- That's obvious. So, what's our story? - Wait.

You're on speaker.

So.

We could tell them that you're impotent?

Impotent.

And we bought our baby on the Internet?

I don't know. I liked that option the most.

What if you hid a mental illness that you hid from me?

And I'm not being treated? And they'll let me marry?

- Gośka, what are you saying? - Fine.

How about

I found out you're an alcoholic?

- Why does it have to be my fault? - Because you're the one who cares.

But wait.

If you had been drunk while saying your vows,

you wouldn't have remembered the wedding.

It's not a bad idea.

Maybe we should talk to them like adults?

Are you serious?

Yes. Let's just sit down and talk like adults.

All right.

SECOND INSTANCE

You may come in.

Crap.

Praised be Jesus.

Now and forever. Amen.

Excuse me.

Where is Father Przemysław?

Not here. He's been transferred.

Let's get down to business. Mr. Jacek.

Yes, Father.

Why should we declare your marriage null?

Our sacrament should be declared null

because we divorced many years ago.

And…

Małgosia has a new husband.

And I have a new fiancée.

And?

And…

Małgosia has a new husband.

Not that new. We've been married for 17 years, so…

I'll rephrase. Why do you want to be married in the Church again?

Broadly speaking, I guess I've matured.

I've grown up, and changed.

Then get a civil marriage.

Why bother the Church?

Why be so unpleasant, Father?

It's not about me. It's about…

Sorry to talk about private stuff, but Monika's grandma is 94.

Pelagia. I've told you. The short one.

And…

she dreams of seeing her granddaughter at the altar. In a white veil.

Like every grandma.

But unfortunately, her health is

failing a bit, and

we don't know if she even…

She donates to Mass weekly.

To speed up the wedding process.

"Surprised by an unexpected… pregnancy."

I don't get it. Who could be "surprised by an unexpected pregnancy"?

Virgin Mary?

Father Marian doubts the strength of your arguments.

I was drunk.

I didn't want to say it before, but I was all boozed up.

At the altar. I mean, during Mass. The service.

What a shocking turn of events.

- Did you just make that up? - No.

Far from it, Father.

I was ashamed to say.

How drunk?

Very. I mean, I wasn't...

- Could you stand? - Yes. I mean, I could.

- Then you were just tipsy. - No, I was more drunk.

Jesus, I remember now the...

The stench.

Yes, that smell.

I thought it was the priest.

- Gośka, come on. - I'm sorry, but…

He put the ring

on the wrong finger.

Yes. I don't know what I'd have done without the priest. He put it on.

I mean, helped me with it.

- He adjusted the... - He adjusted it.

I thought it was just stress.

- But it... - Gosia.

Jacek, you know what…

- Let it go. - No. You're just a pig, you know.

You're a pig.

- And a drunk. - Gosia.

Let's check it.

Did you have to slap me?

- Our wedding video? Where did they get it? - Where did they get it?

I gave it to them.

They asked for things related to the case,

so I gave it.

You've kept it?

As a souvenir.

I didn't know about Grandma Pelagia.

HDMI.

We're screwed.

Dear newlyweds, you listened…

Father Czesław.

…and were reminded of the meaning of love and marriage.

That's why, in the name of the Church, I'm asking about your intentions.

Małgorzata and Jacek, do you want to, freely and without coercion,

enter into matrimony?

I wobbled here.

- Clearly. - Where?

…and in health, for better, for worse…

I'm swinging from left to right.

You can see it.

…accept children lovingly…

That stupid smile. From the vodka.

- We do. - Let us ask the Holy Spirit to…

And again.

Let their love be strengthened…

Fast-forward to the blessing of rings.

Forward.

Forward.

Stop.

Turn it up.

As a sign of the contracted marriage, exchange wedding rings.

Małgorzata,

take this ring

as a sign of my love

and fidelity.

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus!

Jacek, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.

In the name of the…

- What's next? - Next?

- Next is the wedding reception. - Turn it off.

Sir, madam.

I don't see any evidence which would support…

your thesis.

What?

Excuse me, so now what?

Nothing.

Godspeed.

Excuse me.

I have a suggestion.

You won't achieve this by yourselves.

A lawyer?

He understands the intricacies of our system.

It's worth considering.

So it's not over?

But please tell him that Father Tomasz sent you.

Would you like something to drink?

Yes, please.

No, thank you.

You have a dachshund? You like dachshunds?

It's not a dachshund.

- So you're in the process of... - A church divorce.

Declaration of nullity.

- Yes. - Yes.

Do you need a one-time consultation

or representation during the whole process?

A consultation for a start, and then we'll see.

Of course.

Please help us. What should we do to get divorced?

I mean, to annul marital relations.

- The marital bond. - Bond.

Be right.

We are right.

- But it's not working. - Exactly.

You must know some loopholes

that would make it happen better, simpler, faster.

Let's get one thing clear.

I am a person of faith,

and I'm not here to help you deceive the Church.

But you're a lawyer?

- A canon law lawyer. - Meaning what?

Meaning everything must be done in accordance with canon law.

Yes, of course.

This trial only makes sense if you're telling the truth.

If that were so, we wouldn't need a lawyer.

Right. After reading your files, I'd like to ask a few questions.

Yes.

- Are you an alcoholic? - No.

Yes, you were.

I drink less than I used to.

- I drank more back then. - But you were drunk at the wedding.

What does "drunk" mean? Let's start with that.

It's a very fluid term.

I don't know when a person begins being drunk.

Let me ask this way. Is there any proof of your… drunkenness?

Well…

Isn't my word enough?

Please understand.

There are so many divorces now.

If all sacraments could be declared null just like that,

what would they be worth?

Why would we need the Church?

That's a good question.

- Let me give you some advice. - That's why we're here.

You need a witness to corroborate your story.

But they must tell the truth.

And? Will it help?

It will make your defense more credible.

Because for now, I wouldn't

annul this.

A witness.

I get it.

Thank you for advising us.

That will be 950 zlotys.

How much?

Oh, Father Tomasz sent us.

Give him my regards.

Father Tomek must have got a cut from the lawyer, right?

For sure.

Wait.

The 36th minute. Do you see?

Wait.

Yeah?

Isn't that your friend?

Mine? No.

- Isn't he yours? - Never seen him. Isn't he your cousin?

Oh, that one. That's my cousin, yes.

But we agreed not to involve our family.

- Fine. And the one next to him? - This one?

Isn't he that guy

who hit his head on the curb, and then there was the ambulance drama?

Jesus, that's him.

Now we'll teach the groom how a blind man drinks.

You put it on your eyes. Yes.

Are you ready?

Yes, that's Piotrek. A friend from uni.

Then maybe him?

He won't remember anything. He was boozing before Mass.

Exactly!

Right. He won't lie since he doesn't remember.

Piotruś.

He'll be perfect.

I love you! I'll never forget you!

So? We've got it.

Congratulations on our success.

Kiss!

Hey.

You scared me.

Do you want something to eat?

- I can order in. - No, we already ate after practice.

We're looking for a witness from the wedding so that… Never mind.

- Can you drive Ala tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.? - I can.

Wait, no.

I have a meeting with Jacek.

Okay.

On Facebook, it looked like he lived in his grandparents' house.

I think I went to a party there once. With you.

No.

How so?

Never mind.

Piotruś will be there. Everything will be fine.

We'll see.

There he is.

Misia, Kasia!

Long time no see!

What's up, Piotruś?

What?

You've lost weight, brother.

- Hey! - Gosia.

Jacek. You were at our wedding, brother. In the year 2000.

Remember?

- Don't pretend. - I guess.

We were driving by.

I thought, "Piotrek lived around here." And I was right.

- It'd be a shame not to visit you. - Yeah.

Hey!

- Old friendship never dies. - Yeah…

You have to admit, Piotruś, that the world has changed.

But I don't drink anymore.

Come on.

Twelve years.

Not even a shot?

- Listen, Jacek and… - Gośka.

Gośka. If you want your washer fixed, I'll give you a discount...

We don't want to fix the washer. We want a divorce.

- That's why I came to you for help. - How can I help?

- Testify in court. - What do you mean?

Calm down. We want you to tell the truth.

What truth?

- What do you remember from our wedding? - Well? Go on.

- Not much, but... - But I'll help you.

You were offering something homemade in front of the church. Remember?

Yeah!

- Anisette! - Anisette! I thought it was aronia.

- No. - Anisette. The word gives me the shakes.

Yes.

- That's how it was. - My late dad made it.

- He's dead? - Yeah.

I'm so sorry.

- Yeah. But only I drank it. - Gosh.

- No! - No.

- Jacek drank with you. - I drank too. Heaps.

- You, your father, and I. - Exactly.

Yeah…

Those were the days.

How is this relevant?

You'll simply repeat all of this.

- In court. - Repeat what?

That he was drunk when he said the vows.

Wait a minute. What kind of court is it?

A normal, ecclesiastical one. Like any other, you know. What?

- No way. - Piotrek. "Ecclesiastical"?

Piotruś!

Piotrek, my mom died.

What do I care? You want me to lie to the Church?

I found my fucking faith. Sacraments are holy to me.

- It's nothing like that. - What then?

It's the truth.

You have to tell the truth. You have to.

It will help us a lot.

Goodbye. Find yourselves another sucker.

Hey.

Two thousand?

Come on.

Three!

Yeah. No, it's good.

There should be a show about you.

- I'm so glad that you visited us. - Keep in touch?

- You bet! - Sure thing.

Let me tell you…

Yeah. Old but gold!

What's the mileage?

- Piotruś. - Bye.

Someone said people don't change.

Because they don't.

- They don't? - Yeah.

And Piotruś?

An exception to the rule.

Don't worry. I check it every week.

Wait.

Chill.

- Come on, stop. - Fuck.

- No. I'll keep driving. - Okay.

- Stop now. It's probably the radiator. - Okay, fine.

I'll call Andrzej. He'll help.

I can manage myself.

"Andrzej."

Crap.

Ouch. Fuck.

Yeah.

Now what?

- Radio? - No!

You'll drain the battery.

- And we can't drive? - No.

- You won't get anywhere. - No? Then I won't turn it on.

- I remember. - Yeah?

We had a dead battery once.

We charged it very well, very quickly.

- The car was shaking like in music videos. - Stop!

We were young and stupid.

- We wanted to do it all the time. - That's it.

We wanted to do it all the time.

- That's beautiful. - Yeah, okay.

- What? - With age, one needs a little comfort.

Monika and I…

We do it in the car constantly.

Seriously?

Come on.

Do I have any reason to lie to you? None.

No. Do you have any reason to tell me this?

- We're talking about it. - Yeah, but…

- What? - Doesn't your back hurt?

- It does. - Exactly.

That's it.

- What? - Nothing.

One needs a few years to understand things.

Like what?

Like why we split up.

- Seriously? - Yeah.

Somehow I didn't need years.

I knew right away that you were immature and irresponsible.

Self-absorbed. You disappear all the time.

- What? That's how it was. - Exactly. Sure it was.

Then why did we split up?

Gośka, what normal person expects a 20-year-old to give up his life?

A 20-year-old that has a baby with him.

- I didn't want kids! - Neither did I.

But we had one. We have one.

When you have a child, you have to grow up a little.

But you couldn't, right? So I had to. And I was 20 too.

Don't say it was that bad.

Jacek, it was that bad.

Don't you remember?

I keep only the best things in my heart.

I'm not like I used to be.

That's how it goes with you.

What?

That's not my point. Really.

Jacek, I'm glad you grew up. I'm really rooting for you.

Don't you get that it's high time?

- Blown head gasket. - That's what I thought. Terrible, right?

An easy fix, but you've flooded it, so it won't start.

I'll drive you, you should call a tow truck.

That was the plan.

Ilonka is coming home next Saturday.

She wants to introduce us to her boyfriend Tomek.

It seems serious.

We'll have a party, right?

Mom, I'd like to quit.

What?

The band.

Seven years down the drain, but you'll be playing...

Mom, but at a train station? Seriously?

Not a station, but a station opening. It's different.

It's been there for 40 years.

They closed it two years ago, and now they're reopening it

because of the elections.

GRANT REJECTION

By the way, it's interesting that such a simple thing

as nudity is normal in one country, and taboo in another.

- Right? - Yeah.

Yeah, but it's also a matter of religion.

And so on. Things you can't get over.

Mom said you're getting divorced again.

How's it going this time?

- It's going. - Yeah. It's going.

- It's going well. - It's going somehow.

Second instance.

Now we've appealed,

we're waiting for an opinion from someone in the Vatican.

In the Vatican?

So now the Pope gets to decide?

That would be interesting.

There could be something to it.

Honestly, we don't know how it'll go. That's the truth.

What do you mean, you don't know? So how will it go?

Not that we don't know how it'll go, but we don't know when. Yeah!

What do you mean, "when"?

Dad made all the reservations for September.

I've told my family not to go anywhere at that time.

I'm saying we don't know when...

- I don't understand. - But we know...

- We're doing everything we can. - Yes. It's just a matter of time.

- Will it drag on until September? - No, come on.

I have to say, it's not very Polish

to have such a patchwork family at one table.

But you see how much alcohol we need.

One daughter, second daughter. Father, mother.

That… random responsible dude who has raised Ilonka since she was seven.

You mean that I'm irresponsible?

You said it.

- I taught her how to ride a bike. - Yeah?

True. I still have a scar.

- But at least you can ride. - Enough.

I'm drinking alone.

Cheers. To being happy and not necessarily responsible.

- We're going home. Now. - Home? Okay.

Listen.

- Fine. - Sure.

- Here. - I've called a cab.

- What? - Let's split it.

No, I'm paying.

Round it up.

I'm going to the loo.

I'll come too.

Thank you, by the way.

For what?

For the divorce.

Most ex-wives wouldn't help out of spite.

- Probably. - Yeah.

Right. But it hasn't been two years since the divorce,

but almost twenty.

That's a big difference.

It might be funny that the white dress matters to someone, but…

- Everybody has a dream, right? - Of course.

I can make it come true thanks to you.

If I were a good friend, I'd tell you to run away.

- From Jacek? - Yeah.

- He has no idea what he's getting into. - I like that.

She looked very nice.

This one's ours.

See you.

- Bye! - Bye!

- Bye! - Where's ours?

- Please don't shower. - Where's ours?

I want it dirty tonight.

Listen. Monika is on call, but we're not, right?

- So, where to? - Wherever, as long as it's tasty.

You should get to know your father-in-law.

- Hey! - Come on, let's go.

Gosia?

Maybe I'll stay too?

I'll stay a bit longer.

Then I want to stay too.

You. Get in the taxi.

You've got school.

And I don't.

- See you. - Bye.

- Bye. - Bye.

See you.

So? What now?

There? Or there?

- You said, "Portugal." - No, that's wrong. She was six, not seven.

- It was Barcelona! - She was seven.

- You're confusing Portugal... - No!

- It'll be fine. - I'm not sure.

- This is cool. - It's a good spot.

Here?

Here you go.

- Where? - I don't know about you, but here…

- To the bar! - To the bar!

…the one who leaves goes first.

Dad, I see you're on a diet.

- Monika gets angry when I eat red meat. - Here we go.

Excuse me, where's my drink?

We'll get you one.

- Come with me. - Wait.

- What are you doing? - I have to.

- Leave me a bite. - I have to.

How long will they last?

Dad?

Monika will sort him out.

I talked to Ala. She said it was sucky at home.

She's exaggerating.

Life and relationships are hard.

But Ala is making it even harder.

Maybe she wouldn't if you gave her a break.

I am giving her a break.

She wants to quit music school? Fine. It's her life.

But you clearly disapprove.

It's a very difficult age.

You're telling me? I live under the same room as her.

You weren't like that.

Because I did everything you wanted.

Exactly.

In hindsight, I don't think it was very healthy.

- Stop. - I'm kidding.

- Have mercy. - You're a great mum.

Here you go.

Why so little?

I'll tell Andrzej to give you a burger sometimes.

We wanted drinks.

- It's just... - No. Straight vodka.

Yeah, vodka.

- Cheers. - Really?

Mom.

This piece of floor is mine!

So don't tell me what to do!

Do you remember?

This piece of floor is mine!

So don't tell me what to do!

This piece of floor is mine!

So don't tell me what to do!

It's just that I…

I haven't been out this late in a while.

- Stop laughing at me. - You should be ashamed.

- Gośka. - I have a family, kids.

Life is so short. You need to enjoy it.

I know.

Is this some kind of offer?

"Is this some kind of offer?"

- What are you... - What?

Where are you going?

Miss, if I took you right now

to that alley…

What?

…we wouldn't have to go to confession.

Why?

With a wife, it's not a sin.

You haven't changed at all.

Good morning.

Hey.

"Thank you"?

Wait. What's up?

- Nothing. - No talking?

I have a client.

But this is important.

So are my clients.

Couldn't you wait five minutes?

You'll be busy later? With Jacek?

Andrzej…

Julka and Gabrysia are sick, and Bruno has food poisoning.

Jacek went somewhere, I guess.

Marek is at his grandparents.

Okay, let's start tuning.

We're still playing?

Yes, we're still playing.

Give me an A.

Wait.

Come here for a moment.

What is this? How does it look?

They're sick. We can't help it.

Nobody's been sick all year, and now everyone?

It started with your daughter.

The people from the station opening called me.

Asked what to do since there are so few of us.

How do they know about this?

That's not the point.

I heard the station has been open for years.

What's the difference? They'll close it for the opening.

Either you figure this out, or I'll find someone who does.

- Hi. I didn't know you were home. - What's the difference?

Ala, can I tell you something?

- You can do what you want. - Wait. Listen to me for a minute.

I just want you to know that I'll respect your every decision.

I'm just asking you to take your time and think it through once more.

Don't do it to spite anyone.

Don't think about me or that…

lame concert in the factory.

Just think about yourself.

I really wouldn't want you

to regret that you've wasted seven years of playing just because…

things are rough between us.

Okay?

Okay.

Thanks.

Do you know Dad didn't get his grant?

No.

Yeah. He got a letter.

I don't think he wanted you to see it.

I think he really needs you.

THIRD INSTANCE

God bless.

God bless.

God bless you.

We're waiting for the call.

What call?

With Father Giuseppe from the Vatican.

Look.

Bring in the witness.

The witness?

Czesław.

Thank you for coming from the other side of the country.

Do you recognize these people, Father?

God bless.

Of course.

When did you meet them?

May 31, 2000.

I administered the sacrament of matrimony to them at St. Florian's.

Did anything seem suspicious on that day?

Anything that could declare the sacrament null?

No.

Were you under the impression that one of the spouses

during the ceremony

was in a visible state of inebriation?

Was there any particular smell?

Such a state could constitute grounds to invalidate the marriage.

Absolutely not.

I understand. Last question.

Father Czesław, both spouses suggest

that Mr. Jacek initially wanted to place the ring

on the wrong finger.

But at that moment, you intervened and showed the right finger to the groom.

Is that true?

Nothing of the sort happened.

The groom placed the ring without hesitation

on the correct finger.

Thank you.

No further questions.

I have a question.

Excuse me?

I'd like to ask Father Czesław a question.

May I? I am a party in the proceedings.

You may.

September 21, 2001.

Do you remember?

Could you please refresh my memory?

It's when our daughter Ilonka was baptized.

Of course.

There was a moment

when I gave you Ilonka to hold, and she started crying...

The baby couldn't calm itself right after the sacrament. It happens.

Yeah.

But

I don't understand your point.

The point is we baptized Ilonka in Bydgoszcz.

In Jacek's family parish.

So you're lying, Father. And you're doing it blatantly.

I'm questioning the witness's credibility.

And I demand his testimony to be fully withdrawn.

We'd like to ask for a moment to confer

in order to ascertain the next steps.

- I suggest postponing the trial. - No!

You won't be postponing anything!

I'm sorry, I've had enough. No postponing. I can't wait anymore!

The truth is I wasn't drunk.

I was 20 years old.

I was young and stupid.

And you and my parents told us to go down the aisle.

Get married.

And vow until death do us part. That's sick.

Let's be honest.

Had I been drunk, I would've sobered up in the morning.

But I needed seven years to leave her.

Seven years to understand that this wonderful woman

needs someone other than me.

Someone who'd take care of her, who'd be good for her,

who'd simply be there!

Because I wasn't.

I'm really sorry for that.

We were 20 years old.

Twenty years old!

I was immature.

Am I mature now? I don't know.

But I know that I want to marry the woman I love.

And you're doing what?

You want to what?

Hang us?

I'm sick of lying to get our way. Do you understand?

I'm sorry I lost my temper.

I think that's enough for today. We know everything we need to know.

Please wait for the final verdict. It'll come by mail.

Sure.

Unless Father Giuseppe would like to ask an additional question.

"I'm sorry, the transmission froze."

"Did I miss anything?"

It's absurd.

- I have to go. I'm late already. - Flipping hell.

- Do you want a ride? - No. It'll be faster on foot.

- But... - Okay, see you.

- Wait. Gośka, stop. - What?

Thank you.

Really, thank you.

Don't thank me. We don't know if...

I know. Thank you for being here. For going through it together and…

Thank you for everything.

Then you're welcome.

I also want to thank you.

It was worth it

to remember why I fell in love with you.

Good luck at the concert!

- Are you not in a hurry? - I'm deeply sorry. We can go now.

Thank you. What a welcome. Sure, I deserve this.

You're sure it's this way?

I'm following the GPS.

- Couldn't we take a paved road? - It tells me to go this way.

How much further?

A mile.

And 12 minutes.

Twelve minutes?

Couldn't you step on it a little?

Ma'am, if I step on it here...

What was that?

We'll see.

- As you can see, a flat tire. - What now?

- I'll call for help. - How long will that take?

Definitely more than 12 minutes.

Listen. Grab your instruments. We're going on foot.

We all recognize the importance of the railroad.

I'm certain that this investment,

financed by the ministry,

will contribute to the development of the municipality,

the voivodeship,

and the entire region.

Where the hell are you?

The priest is blessing the tracks. You're up next. Call me!

Are we going in the right direction?

I hope so.

Step aside. A tractor is coming.

Step aside.

Hello.

Do you know where the station opening is?

- Opening? I don't know. - Yeah.

But the station has always been there.

Is it far?

A bit more than a mile.

Thank you, minister.

Now we'll ask the bishop

to sprinkle… bless the railroad tracks

so that they serve the townspeople

and Soroczyce municipality's guests well.

Kids.

Listen.

After the official part, it's time for a concert.

Change of plans then.

I invite you to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Thank you.

Ala!

Could you… go with the band?

I'd like to talk to Dad.

Bye. Thanks.

Thanks.

Hi.

Hi.

Your reflexes are great.

It's great, in general,

that you're here.

And that you have so much patience with me.

You understand everything. I don't have to explain anything.

And that everything seems so easy with you.

And I'm a great cook.

And you're a great cook on top of that.

And…

all of this just…

It just really turns me on.

For example, if you would...

Stop talking.

THE VERDICT

Dearly beloved.

We've gathered here today to join these two,

Jacek and Monika, in holy matrimony.

Eternal

and irreversible.

Subtitle translation by: Sylwia Szymańska