Original subtitles

[NO AUDIO]

[THEME MUSIC]

Love in Chains

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

All right, tell me, what disaster do you ask God to protect you from?

What is it you want to hide from behind our walls?

From lie, Natalya Aleksandrovna. A horrible, unforgivable lie.

I have found out that my husband

is not the honest and decent man I believed him to be.

I see. So you ran away from your husband, didn’t you?

After what I had found out,

I couldn’t stay with him and pretend that everything was fine.

You know better than anyone what torture it is being with someone

who debases your love with their deceit and with everything they do,

Natalya Aleksandrovna.

You are right. I know the feeling very well.

I also know that an oath given at the altar

isn’t a gown that is out of fashion or a broken piece of jewelry.

It’s your promise to God to protect not only yourself

but the person He weds you to.

It’s not about animal passion but about the ability to forgive.

To love him for who he is, to sacrifice yourself.

Yes, I know that if my mind wasn’t clouded with self-pity,

if I stayed where my place was,

my husband wouldn’t lie outside the cemetery walls.

So yes, I do know what it’s like,

cowardly running from ordeals sent by God

and break the promise you had given Him.

Do you deny me shelter?

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

You coming here is the will of God, our Almighty Father.

It’s not my place as His humble servant to doubt His plan.

Stay. I will give orders to place you at the pilgrims’ room.

Thank you. You can’t imagine how grateful I am.

I only have one request. Please keep my name in secret.

Newspapers publish all these things…

Secular vanity has no place inside these walls.

Nobody here has any interest in newspapers or gossip.

Nobody is going to ask for your name, unless you tell them yourself.

You will live as one of the lay sisters, work with the others, and come to Mass.

This isn’t a boarding house or a hotel.

I’m sorry, Mother, Kseniya is at it again. No one can control this girl!

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

YOU WILL HAVE TO MANAGE WITHOUT ME FOR A COUPLE DAYS.

You mean this is all?

I don’t know what happened.

Usually Olga Platonovna doesn’t leave the factory even for half a day, but this…

Shit…

Has something happened, Andrey Andreyevich?

Are we late with paying the interest?

No, no, Olga Platonovna is as accurate as a Swiss watch. Even more accurate.

She always makes effort to pay in advance.

I came here regarding a personal matter.

Tell me, has something happened to her?

Have you noticed anything strange about her?

Our mistress is quite an unusual woman.

However, there was something. Olga Platonovna is a brave woman.

She would order foremen around

and wasn’t afraid to catch thieves in the act.

The other night something scared her, and she spent two days here,

sleeping at her office.

Then she asked me to find her a bodyguard.

When did it happen?

About ten days ago, I think. Do you think she was kidnapped?

CHERNIGOV. HOTEL

IMPERIAL HOTEL

Forgive us this delay.

We found a wet nurse and got your room ready.

Please follow me.

Why does your best family room have only one bed?

What were you thinking?

Excuse me, we have thought about your baby, too.

Here, take a look.

No, you don’t understand. Where should I sleep?

Please excuse us. My husband is exhausted after our trip.

He has a sofa for naps at home.

You can’t imagine how particular Nazar Ivanovich is about his rest.

- It’s a wonderful room. - It is all we have right now.

Exactly. Leave it to me. Goodbye.

What the hell, Mr. Blacksmith?

Are you trying to blow our cover?

Isn’t it enough that everyone is looking at us with suspicion?

No wet nurse, no maid. What kind of gentlefolk are we?

So you decided to finish it off with refusing to sleep in your wife’s bed?

I’m not going to sleep in your bed.

As if it were my devout wish.

What?

You can sleep sitting or standing like a horse, whatever you prefer.

I’m very tired after the trip. Please don’t make noise.

[NO DIALOG]

Slow down, my friend. I think it was here somewhere.

Hey, you two, come here!

Stay at the house.

Sooner or later one of them will come back.

If anyone comes here or starts asking about them,

detain them and let me know.

- Is that clear? - It’s clear.

Holy Mother of God, don’t deny me your grace,

protect and guide God’s servant Katerina.

Relieve me from heavy doubts, help me choose the right way.

My only hope is for You. Amen.

[WOMAN CRYING]

Good evening.

I live in the next cell, and I heard you crying.

Can I help you somehow?

You are the new lay sister.

Yes. I am Katerina, and you are?

Kseniya.

What are you so sad about? Has someone hurt you?

I am not supposed to talk to anyone today.

Just pray and hope that God will forgive me my sins.

Otherwise, Mother Grigoriya will be very upset.

We are friends with Mother Grigoriya. I don’t think she will mind.

Tell me what happened. I will help you.

Are you Mother Superior’s friend?

I’m…

- Kseniya. - Get out of here! Now!

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

IMPERIAL HOTEL

[LOUD MUSIC]

Thank you.

MY DEAR FRIENDS OLGA AND NAZAR

Nazar Ivanovich. Nazar!

God… Wake up.

I only fell asleep at dawn.

The goddamned couch!

I should have lain on the floor in the first place.

What happened?

Katia sent a note. She was accepted to the monastery.

We can go back to Kiev. Get ready.

Are you listening to me, or are you busy with something else, as always?

- The baby is burning. - What? What are you talking about?

She has fever.

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

Take it to the icebox. Got it?

Yes, Karp Karpovich. Will do.

Tell Pavlina Yosypivna I will bring her a fresh peace of neck tomorrow.

I don’t know why she is so angry at me.

Karp Karpovich, you see… The thing is…

I was asked to tell you not to come anymore and not to send anything.

But what happened?

Didn’t she say something? Not a word?

What could have happened?

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

- How is she? - Burning.

My mother used to give us sponge baths when we had fever.

Finally.

Where is the doctor?

Ma’am, I’m sorry but the doctor said he could only be here later tonight.

Are you out of your mind?

It’s a tiny baby, and she has been burning like a stove since morning!

You are strong, Zoriana. You can fight it, baby.

Nazar Ivanovich, let’s go!

Tell me at once where this doctor of yours is.

CHERNIGOV. MONASTERY

God bless you, sisters.

God bless you, Mother.

From now on, a new lay sister is joining us, Katerina.

Sister Liudmila, she will help you with tending to the garden.

If you say so, Mother.

Katerina.

[NO DIALOG]

Good morning, Kseniya.

[SAD MUSIC]

Do you like to play the piano?

Sister Praskovya.

Yes, mother.

Do you know that eating forbidden food during the fast

isn’t just a sin but an unforgivable sin?

Have mercy, Mother! I only came into the pantry once!

All people are sinners.

And my burden given me by our Lord

is chastening those who have lost their way.

Come to see me after you finish your meal.

[SAD MUSIC]

Well, my dear Saveliy Grigoryevich,

there is nothing fatal about your condition.

Don’t even think about it!

Doctor, here…

- Are you Dr. Kulakovskiy? - Yes, it’s me.

The baby has high fever. I demand that you examined her at once!

- Saveliy Grigoryevich, dear. - Come out right now!

The thing is, I don’t specialize in children’s diseases.

You are the only doctor in the area, and a baby is a small person.

I insist that you examined her immediately!

Or else? Will you shoot me?

Do you really want to find out?

All right. Please bring her here.

Mother superior sent me to help you. Tell me what to do.

Well… There is enough work for everyone.

Go help Kseniya.

We need to put the cuttings into the compost pit.

Alone, she’ll be at it till dark.

All right.

Let me help you. It’s easier together.

Leave me be.

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

Who broke the sapling?

I’m asking you, who broke the sapling?

Taking it out on a helpless plant is bad enough,

but lying about it is a sin requiring atonement.

Kseniya, come to me.

Mother, don’t punish her. It was my fault.

- It happened because of my awkwardness. - I have spoken.

Then I want to share Kseniya’s punishment. It will be fair.

If you wish.

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

Judging by what I see, she has smallpox.

Will she live?

I will not lie to you. I’m sure you realize how dangerous this disease is.

The next few days will be critical.

What do we have to do?

Compresses, sponge baths.

It’s important to keep her temperature down.

If she survives these next few hard days, she will live.

Maybe we should go back to Kiev. I know doctors there, professors.

Absolutely not. It’s very dangerous to transport the child in this condition.

There is nothing in Kiev that we don’t have in Chernigov.

Be with your daughter, keep an eye on her condition.

I find that children recover easier when their mothers are with them.

But I’m not…

I understand.

Hello, soldier.

Please come in.

- Long live the queen! - Go on!

Your majesty! I can’t believe it is really you.

Yes. Jealousy makes your teeth grow black and give you itch.

You should beware of this, my dear. Come here! This way.

[SAD MUSIC]

Why did you stand up for me? They don’t do it here.

I am responsible for your fall.

If I didn’t grab the basket, nothing would have happened.

You were punished because of me.

I’m used to it.

Is that why you were crying yesterday?

No. They punish someone every day here.

Every day?

For any offence or even a sinful thought.

Mother Grigoriya believes her destiny is to punish and set on the right path.

She even has this system.

If you lie or are impertinent, you have to wash your mouth with soap.

You take something that wasn’t meant for you -

you get hit with a rod on your fingers.

Mother Superior is quite imaginative with her punishments.

How can it go on? Why don’t sisters rise their voice?

Because they are afraid of her or believe her pious.

Except for maybe Sister Liudmila. I think she detests her.

Kseniya, how did you get here?

Not on my own volition.

After my mother died, my stepfather decided to take away everything she left me,

so he found a way to get rid of me.

Mother Grigoriya enthusiastically took to the task of exorcising the devil

and guiding me to light through prayer and taking the veil.

Baby, quiet. It’s time to sleep.

Sleep, my darling. Sleep.

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

Hush, hush.

[BABY CRIES]

Now, now, baby.

You can get through it. We can get through it.

It’s windy, and the little cherry-tree is trembling

And wants to get inside because winter is here

It’s windy, and the little cherry-tree is trembling

And wants to get inside because winter is here

She is asleep.

How do you know this lullaby?

My nanny used to sing it to me.

You sing nicely.

I gave Zoriana a compress.

At first it seemed she was getting better, but now her fever is rising again.

She’s hot.

[SAD MUSIC]

I won’t live if something happens to her.

Nothing bad is going to happen to her, do you hear? Nothing.

Lay down and have some rest. You’ve been up all night.

The wet nurse is going to be here soon.

We need to write to Katia while we’re here.

Let her pray for her goddaughter.

[NO DIALOG]

Pavlina Yosypivna, Pavlina Yosypivna, wait.

Please wait. Pavlina Yosypivna, stop!

Stop, I say!

Keep your hands to yourself, Mr. Malevanny.

I will cry for help and tell everyone what a piece of work you are!

You will regret it, I promise!

Me, a piece of work?

What are you talking about? What is it you’re thinking?

What I am thinking?

It’s your sleek mind and lying tongue that play games with good people’s heads.

I never told you a word of lie.

Really?

Tell me, did you go to Vasilkov?

I did.

- To your son’s mother-in-law. - Yes.

Look at you! Telling the truth after all.

Well, good like with your marriage.

Let cherubs sing serenades over your heads till the day you die, as they say!

I’m not going to marry anyone! What are you talking about?

Listen, Mr. Malevanny, don’t mess with my head.

Good luck to you both, as they say. I don’t ever want to see you again.

Stop yanking me! And don’t follow me anymore. Enough!

[NO DIALOG]

I’m listening, Katerina.

Mother, I wanted to talk to you about Kseniya.

You fell prey to an evil person’s deceit. She isn’t possessed by demons.

Her stepfather wants to lay his hands on her inheritance,

that’s why he brought her to the monastery.

Is that what she told you?

She is very young, but I can see she isn’t lying.

You think I am deaf and blind to other people’s sorrows?

Are you aware that this innocent child was trying to elope with a stable boy

and was caught in the hayloft at doing something indecent?

It does not justify forcing her to become a nun!

Having sinned in small ways, she will sin in big ways, too.

She isn’t here for no reason.

This girl is arrogant and consumed by enormous pride.

Her way lies through humility.

That’s what God brought her to my monastery for.

I don’t care about her stepfather. I am just a tool in God’s hand.

She will take the veil and serve God. That’s her way.

You can’t know God’s will beforehand.

Maybe He led her to your monastery so that you saved her from her stepfather!

You accepted our rules, and you promised to follow them.

When in monastery, do what nuns do. Sisters have been working for a while.

It isn’t right to deprave them of your help.

We just wasted our time.

Couldn’t you tell me last night that she wasn’t coming?

Ivan, are you here at daytime, too?

Maybe we shouldn’t leave. He needs someone to guard!

There will be no girls here till the evening.

I’m not in a rush to go to the seamstress. I can stay.

Go, girls. Have fun. You’re young.

I’m looking for Liubov Vasilyevna. I need to deliver some letters.

All right.

See you tonight, then.

What are you doing here?

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

Your yesterday’s customer wanted me to give you this ruble,

and I forgot all about it.

I came to give it to you. Here.

He could barely speak yesterday. He could barely stay upright.

It didn’t affect his generosity. Goodbye.

What do you want?

Sister Liudmila, you were supposed to be the Mother Superior.

It’s all in God’s hands. That’s what the Holy Synod decided. They know best.

Is it allowed to force someone to take monastic vows?

If you are the wife of a nobleman who is tired of you,

who is going to listen to you?

They’ll put a veil on you and lock you in your cell for the rest of your days.

But this isn’t what you’re asking.

It isn’t.

People take vows out of love for God and on their free will.

But for she who imagines herself equal to God there are no laws.

Why don’t you do something? Why tolerate this?

It’s none of my business. Besides, who will believe me?

Did you hear what people say about our Mother Superior?

She’s a saint. And who am I?

An envious woman whose power was taken from her.

No. I will not get into a fight that I have already lost.

I prefer to wait.

Mother Grigoriya will bury herself.

Kseniya cannot wait.

If you are so brave, why don’t you go to archbishop? It’s his domain.

Does Mr. Razenkov know what a pleasant business he is selling?

It’s enough for him to know that his signature was paid for generously.

Well, one half is less than the whole establishment,

but it’s still heartwarming.

I’m happy for you.

You don’t look very happy, Andrey Andreyevich.

Is it hard for you to part with your beloved salon?

Imp, are you really that stupid or are you just pretending?

I don’t care about the brothel.

My wife was kidnapped by the man who tried to kill me!

I’m sorry. Our family lives are very different.

If Gnatkevich kidnapped my dearest wife,

I would pay him myself for not returning her.

Believe me, my men are looking for her day and night.

He couldn’t have taken her out of Kiev. My people are on every outpost.

We will find them, I promise.

Do you want to get the salon in full ownership without paying extra?

Do you need to ask?

Find Yablonevskiy. In hell, in heaven, anywhere.

Run him to the ground, and the salon is yours. I promise.

[NO DIALOG]

Mother, they told me you wanted to see me.

Yes.

He is so cute.

He is limp and week. I found him at the woodshed.

But it’s all right. We’ll take a good care of you, give you some milk.

I didn’t know cats were allowed at the monastery.

If people are allowed here, so are the cats.

There is a note for you

from the Chernigov hotel, from Miss Rodzievich.

She brought me here.

She says Nazar and Orysia’s daughter is ill.

My God, it’s smallpox! She wants me to pray for Zoriana’s health.

Then we’ll pray.

She will survive if it’s God’s will. If not, it’s also His will.

I still love him like a crazy woman

Grief still squeezes my breast

And my eyes are fogged with hot tears

What is this?

Like a crazy woman, I’ll kill all sisters for their sins

Who is it?

I’ll kill all sisters for their sins

How dare you?

I’m asking you, how dare you?

Sister Praskovya! Bring the rods! Now!

Mother! I’m begging you to forgive her! Have mercy, mother!

Rods, I said!

You spoiled, rotten girl!

You are testing my patience in many ways.

But never mind it! With God’s help, I will teach you obedience.

Rods.

Hands!

I said stretch your hands!

Don’t! Don’t hit her! Natalya Aleksandrovna, stop!

Silence, Katerina! Or I double the punishment!

Don’t say anything, Katia! Please don’t!

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

Sister Praskovya, one month on bread and water and silence.

Kseniya, the same goes for you.

Go to your cells immediately and pray God for forgiveness!

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

[QUIET MUSIC]

What on earth is this? Why did you bring it here?

Yevgeniy Antonovich? Please explain yourself!

You said it yourself: all rooms are occupied.

We’ll have to place it at your office. I don’t have an office here, you see.

How… How did you…

Who gave you the right to do this?

My intent is to set up a smoking room here, as I have informed you earlier.

Thus…

you either find a room for all these supplies,

or I will repurpose your office as a smoking room.

Do you really mean it?

Absolutely.

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

You are so beautiful, my daughter.

Just like your momma.

And your eyes are her eyes.

You will be as pretty as her when you grow up.

Nazar, can I ask you… about your wife? What was her name?

Orysia.

- Did you love her greatly? - I still do.

It’s a different kind of love.

Did you realize at once that she was the one?

I… did a lot of stupid things,

looking for this impossible treasure…

not noticing that it was right in front of me.

She loved me so much,

the way no one will ever love me again.

I hurt her a lot.

If I only knew she was my destiny, maybe our happiness would not be so short.

I am sure the archbishop will see me.

I will tell him about your stepfather, about forcing you to take the vows,

and about the corporal punishment.

I hope to be back in a few days.

I don’t think Mother Superior will be able to make you take the veil so soon.

Thank you, Katerina Stepanovna. I am so sorry that you are leaving.

I will be all alone here.

You will be free soon. I promise.

Katerina.

Mother.

Kseniya, you will take the vows on Sunday.

Very soon you will become a sister in God,

so you should dedicate your evenings to prayer and pious thoughts.

Go.

And you, Katerina, follow me.

Explain yourself! Where are you going at this time of night?

[LOUD MUSIC]

I’m listening.

Mother, I have been thinking, and I decided that you were right.

Leaving my husband was a wrong thing to do, an unwise thing.

Maybe it isn’t too late to mend this. I wrote a letter to him,

and I wanted to send it as soon as possible.

In the nighttime? Katerina, the post office is closed.

I… I will send the letter tomorrow morning.

Tonight, I wanted to visit Orysia’s daughter.

She is very ill.

I am her godmother, and I must be with her.

No. You aren’t going anywhere.

I won’t let you go out alone so late. Don’t even ask me!

Mother, but… Zoriana needs me, and the letter…

You should sleep on it, Katerina.

I’m sure there is someone to take care of the girl.

You pray for her health and go to sleep.

[LOUD MUSIC]

Why did you lock me up?

It’s for your own good, Katerina!

[LOUD MUSIC]

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

Yes?

Did you want to see me, Liubov Vasilyevna?

How did the night go?

As usual. I had to quieten a couple of rowdy guys,

but other than that it was quiet.

The girls told me… Take a seat. Come on.

They told me you were staying at the salon till midday,

roaming around the halls, as if you were looking for something.

I am sure they wouldn’t tell me lies, so either you tell me everything,

or I’ll thank you for your service and send you on your way.

Mrs. Makarova, I’m not looking for anything.

I have nowhere to go.

My landlady kicked me out of the room I was renting from her.

Her kid saw me without this thing and was scared half to death.

Sleeping on a bench in the park?

The constables don’t like guys like me, as you can guess.

So I stay here and wait until the city becomes more crowded.

Take off your mask.

What?

Take off your mask. I want to see your face.

Liubov Vasilyevna, if you want to kick me out, it’s your right.

You don’t like me lingering here? I can understand that.

But I won’t let you mock me.

I’m not a circus freak to act the ape for your entertainment.

Goodbye, Mrs. Makarova.

Wait.

Do you really have nowhere to go?

I have no reason to lie to you.

If you have some horrible secrets lying around, I don’t care about them.

Were it summer, you wouldn’t see me here.

There is a closet under the stairs.

It’s narrow and dark, but there is a trestle bed.

It’s better than sleeping on a bench in the park.

Kseniya?

Kseniya, are you there?

Do you hear me?

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

Katerina, I’ve brought you food.

Why did you lock me in? I’m a free person!

I want to leave. You have no right to hold me!

God led you here, and it means that He wants you to be here,

to know His truth, to accept His will.

You said you wrote a letter to your husband and are ready to reconcile with him.

It’s a very good decision.

If you are at peace with your spouse, I will let you go with him happily.

Give me the letter, and I will have it sent immediately.

Katerina, you told me the truth, didn’t you?

You wrote a letter to your husband, or wasn’t it meant for him?

Katerina?

Mother, have mercy!

Zhadan is a horrible man! He cannot know that I am here!

So you lied.

Lie is a horrible sin, Katerina.

Beg God for forgiveness, and I will think about how you can atone it.

Wait!

Wait!

Look at you! All right...

Today is the first day she woke up without fever. It’s good, isn’t it?

Good? I must say I am very surprised with this tiny baby’s resilience.

I must confess I wasn’t all that sure that I would be able to examine her today.

So the worst is over, isn’t it? She is out of the woods?

Yes, yes.

Your daughter will be a beauty without any pockmarks.

Luckily, her illness didn’t leave any visible marks.

Just wash the pustules with water, and they will heal soon.

Why are you crying now? You should rejoice.

I’ve been meaning to ask you, Olga Platonovna.

Would you really have shot me if I didn’t agree to see you?

This lady would. She is as good as her word.

MADAME MAKAROVA’S MUSIC SALON

I have warned you, my dear sir,

leave the girl alone if you don’t want your arms broken!

Let… me… go!

Are you all right?

Thank you, kind man. How can a drunk man be so strong?

It’s not the first time he is trying to hurt you. Why did you go with him?

Did I have a choice?

Unless Madame denies him entrance, I am obliged to service him.

Next time, Ira, don’t wait for him to get rowdy.

- Call me at once. - All right…

If Madame Makarova has any questions, I will know what to tell her, all right?

I understand why Marichka fancies you, Ivan.

Even though your mug is a bit worse for wear,

but you are a good man with principles.

Don’t you have hots for any woman?

I’m afraid the woman I have hots for is indifferent to me at best.

If you want to know if she likes you, make her a present.

Well-well-well.

Something expensive, a shawl or a hairpin.

If she takes it, it means she loves you. If not, you should give up.

Maybe a purse? A special one.

I saw one of the girls carrying a beaded one. So pretty!

That’s right! It’s Oksana’s. That purse is a real treasure.

If you give one like that to your girlfriend, it’s a done deal.

What if I buy it from her? How much do you think Oksana will want for it?

- You wish. - Why?

Our girls are ready to give up their souls to Oksana for lending them this purse,

and you want her to give it up to you.

Lialia has been walking the streets with this purse for three days,

looking for clients.

Thank you for your advice, Ira. Nice to know.

No problem.

You haven’t slept again!

I keep thinking where he could take her, where he is hiding her.

Bezus swears they couldn’t have left Kiev.

We have turned the city upside down.

Not a trace of them, Nazar, or Rodzievich.

Here. This has been just delivered from Chernigov.

Even though we have barely met in person, I took the liberty of writing to you,

because I believe the bond of wedlock to be holy and unbreakable,

and God’s will that make a man and a wife one - unquestionable.

Your spouse, Katerina Stepanovna Zhadan, is at present at the monastery,

whose Mother Superior I am.

Where are you going?

To the monastery!

[THEME MUSIC]