Original subtitles

MARS MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT

AMEDIA

present

MARS-FILM production

The creators of this film did not seek

to reconstruct the events of the Mongol-Tatar Yoke epoch.

The plot and the heroes are the product of the authors' imagination.

ALEXANDER USTYUGOV RAMIL SABITOV

YULIA PERESILD SVETLANA KOLPAKOVA

SABINA AKHMETOVA SANJAR MADI

SERGEI PUSKEPALIS ARTUR IVANOV

ARUZHAN DJAZILBEKOVA DINA TASBULATOVA

KARINA ANDOLENKO ARTEM ALEXEEV

EVGENIA DMITRIEVA LARISSA DOMASKINA

SERGEI SOTSERDOTSKY BORIS KAMORZIN

WRITTEN BY OLGA LARIONOVA

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY MORAD ABDEL-FATTAKH

MUSIC BY ZINOVIY ARVANITIDI

ART DIRECTORS - DAVID DADUNASHVILI YURY GRIGOROVICH

EDITED BY ELENA DENISEVICH DENIS LUZANOV, IGOR REPIN

SOUND BY OLGA SUBBOTINA VADIM RUDOBELETS

COSTUMES BY MARIA YURESCO

MAKE-UP BY ELENA ARSHINOVA ELENA MAMEDOVA

CASTING BY LIKA LEONIDZE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER GALINA NAKHIMOVSKAYA

POST-PRODUCTION BY ALENA KORNEEVA

LINE PRODUCERS - VAZGEN KHACHATRYAN ALEXANDER MARTYNOV

PRODUCER ARAM MOVSESYAN

PRODUCER ELENA DENISEVICH

GENERAL PRODUCERS RUBEN DISHDISHYAN

LEONARD BLAVATNIK NELLI YARALOVA

a film by TIMUR ALPATOV

THE GOLDEN HORDE

Episode Ten

Don’t move, please.

I’m tired of sitting like that.

Then it won't be my fault if the drawing won't look like you.

My lady, such things are happening!

There's a traveling circus! A real circus!

With a fire eater, knife eater, and an illusionist.

I'll take a look, alright?

Did you hear it? A circus!

So go look at it.

I think this noble man won't eat me.

I've almost finished.

You are so somber today.

As soon as I finish this portrait,

they won't let me into your marquee anymore.

What if I ask the Khan to make you the court artist?

You can draw him, can't you?

Don't look! You can't!

If you like me even just a little,

come tonight to the farthest marquees.

It's truly said, you Russians are crazy.

How could I, the Great Khan's wife, think about anyone else?

Go or I'll call the guards!

- Why did you smile to me then? - Me?

I just wanted to be kind.

Father Grigory was right, you women are all the same.

The same how?

Wily sirens!

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you

the greatest illusionist,

the one and only, Balaban-Pasha!

I've met this unfortunate man on the road.

He was born blind.

But he promised us

that if we return him his eyesight,

he would serve me till his dying days.

Drink.

I can see!

It's a miracle!

I'll stay with you forever!

Great healer! I see the light!

People, this is a miracle!

- A miracle! - A miracle!

What a wonder this travelling circus is!

I wish the Khan allowed them to perform!

Are you crying? Did anyone hurt you?

No, I'm just sad.

Did the Russian was rude to you?

Why do you like him so much?

He's very rude and lewd!

Lewd?

Did he dare touching you?

No, not at all!

He just asked me to meet him privately,

and when I refused, he called me wily...

Forgive me.

I didn't think I could hurt you.

It's not your fault. It's his.

He pretended to be a naïve boy

but turned out to be a wolf let into a sheep-fold.

Tell me where did he want to meet you.

Aizhan-khatun says she forbids you to come to her marquee.

If you make another attempt to see you,

let alone speak to her, she'll complain to her husband.

And he'll order to kill you like a stray dog.

Hello, Khan Mengu.

Have you decided who'll lead your army?

It is too soon.

If Berke decides that Nogai will lead the march,

he'll surely order me to stay at the headquarter.

And I won't need any commanders.

How did you get to the troops?

What's wrong with you, Russian?

I'm trying.

- It seems to be my bad day. - Try harder.

Or else I'll regret standing up for you and taking you in.

We shall take it away from here.

- Did he come? - Why do you care?

He won't bother you anymore, that's what's important, isn't it?

Do you know him?

I did.

In Vladimir.

I helped him once.

Aizhan-khatun is coming! Step aside, everyone!

Step aside!

Togtagai-khatun, I've brought Aizhan-khatun.

The Great One wanted to see me?

Come closer.

Give me your hand.

Such soft skin.

Pure silk.

Wrap it in a kerchief

and keep it.

- What is it? - What's remained of Kekhar-khatun.

Let this ash

reminds you

what happens to a wife going against her husband.

What did Togtagai-khatun tell you?

Help! Aizhan-khatun's under attack!

I was there by chance.

I wanted to see one Horde girl.

Do you like one of the maids?

Great Khan, the artist did nothing wrong! He saved me!

Don't worry.

Your savior is here to get his reward.

What do you want?

I don't need anything.

I'm already provided with everything.

I don't like being in debt.

Did you say you liked one of the serving girls?

Soon comes the day when the best grooms chose their brides.

You can take part in wrestling and other competitions

and show your chosen one that you're as good as the Horde men.

More so, I'll give your bride's father a generous ransom.

You can get any girl.

I give you the Khan's word.

Thank you, Great Khan.

- Zeineb. - I've heard about the attack.

Aizhan was saved by the artist who had been drawing her.

Aisha, leave us.

I have good news for you.

Nikolka told the Khan he liked one of my maids.

I think he meant you.

I though it wasn't I he was in love with.

Perhaps he came to his senses and realized who he really needed.

The Khan promised a generous ransom for the girl he’d choose.

Did Nikolka really mentioned a serving girl?

Yes. And maybe he'll come courting her very soon.

My kind Aizhan, I hope, you wasn't hurt by Nikolka's words?

No, of course not.

I've already forgotten that impertinent boy.

Hello, Great Prince.

- What do you want? - Your son. Vladimir.

My other son, Daniil, has been captured by you already.

You're giving me a choice which hand to cut off, left or right one?

Cut off my head.

In a fair fight.

I don't need you.

I need Vladimir. Your son who killed my son.

You're my prisoner and he'll come here.

Or your people will bright him.

Hello, Nargiz.

The Princess ordered to lock you up

but don't be afraid.

- It's for your own good. - I had a bad dream last night.

About the Prince.

Please, go to him.

He needs your help. My heart knows he's in danger.

How can I leave you here, dear?

Please, save him.

Have some food;

the Prince will return soon.

Brothers and sisters,

it's not the first time we hear enemy horses at our gates.

But for the first time in many years

our God-given protector

and patron Yaroslav is not with us.

In this sorrowful hour

every one of us must pray in earnest

for his victory over the Polovtsian pagans

and speedy return in good health.

It's all because of her! Because of the witch!

While she's living here, the Prince won't come back!

It all started with her! All the troubles started with her!

Because of her!

Quiet, quiet!

Yes! This girl is a temptation for all of us!

But it's a test! For forbearance and mercy!

Mercy?

My husband was whipped half to death because of her!

And nobody showed mercy to him.

And while this Tatar whore is living in the Princess' rooms,

I, a widow with three children, shall show mercy to her?

Boot the witch out!

Death's not enough for her!

- Who's there? - Sorry to disturb you, Princess.

A crowd has gathered under your windows.

They ask to release those who have attacked Nargiz.

What was said to them?

The metropolitan talked to them

but they want to see you, Great Princess.

Shell I turn them away?

No.

I'll see them.

I know that your anger is justified.

But such as the Great Princess' will.

I promise to ask personally for your kin.

Call Radmila! We want to talk to the Princess!

Disperse! Or I'll sick dogs on you!

We won't leave! We want to see the Princess!

Good people!

I understand it's sickening

that a daughter of the enemy is living in the Prince's house

and is called a secret Princess.

It sickens my own soul

and every woman would understand me.

For many years I've been by the Prince's side.

A faithful wife,

God-given

and lawfully wed.

Who among you will accuse me of being a bad wife to him?

I gave up my own son to fulfill my husband's will

and save the city

and your lives.

And when I was left all alone in the world,

he brought another woman

and ordered me to take care of her.

Boot her out!

Burn the witch!

Although my heart is breaking apart,

although I'm hurt and humiliated,

I'll fulfill my husband's will.

Because his power comes from God.

And only God is his law and judge.

Forgive me.

But such as my duty

to my husband,

the Great Prince.

Only a man with very sharp claws

can climb up this pole.

The goal is to get that wreath.

And these nut you'll be throwing at those who dare to climb it.

It's not an easy task.

But the reward is great!

A kiss from any beautiful girl of the winner's choice!

Men, go!

Does anyone else want to test himself?

- I'm ready! - Welcome the brave man!

Go, Russian!

A girl I like isn't here.

Who is she, then?

I didn't tell you, Khan.

But the girl I like is married.

Show me your chosen one.

The ransom I'm giving you

is enough to buy her from the richest husband.

Forgive me, Khan,

but I've never met a woman more beautiful than your wife.

The word of the Khan is his bond.

I'll keep my promise.

What are you waiting for?

Take your reward.

Seize him.

My lady, what shall we do now?

I've told you this boy will bring only trouble!

No,

no, Aizhan, it's not your fault.

You're but a child.

You don't know how dangerous men are

and how your beauty affects them.

I'll severely punish anyone

who dares

to even cast an insolent glance at you!

Find out what happened to him.

He got 20 lashes.

It's all your fault.

If he dies,

my heart will stop.

Aizhan-khatun to see the Great Khan.

Why have you come?

I've come to beg you to spare the artist.

Why should I spare a man who disgraced my wife?

Because if he dies,

I'll kill myself.

Why do you think

I care for a wench

who doesn't fear the two greatest sins,

disobeying her husband and suicide?

I don't know, Khan.

But you want me alive for some reason, don't you?

Else you would've killed me even sooner him.

Does my dove have sharp claws, it seems?

What will you give me in exchange for his life?

I'll be your most faithful slave, Great Khan!

I'll never, even in my thoughts, allow myself to think of freedom.

I'll stop remembering my past; I'll forget about everything

but my duty before you!

I swear to you!

It's not that easy to kill yourself, Aizhan.

You'll need to be brave and decisive.

Because if you hesitate or get scared,

my servants will seize you at once.

And then I'll take care

that your every mortal breath

will cause you intolerable pain.

He'll die a terrible death.

Get out.

He got 20 lashes.

If he survives,

they'll execute him anyway.

I don't understand.

Berke himself allowed Nikolka publicly to kiss his wife.

And now the man must die?

A while back a man was quartered

for a single glance at Kekhar-khatun.

He's the only one who can paint the mosque.

Bakhtiar, go to Berke and ask to postpone the execution.

He's a criminal! He must be punished!

Is that what you're saying now?

Not long ago you've called him Allah-sent.

I couldn't say such thing about him.

I thought you were a brave man, Bakhtiar.

Where are you going?

To Berke. I'll try to talk to him.

Wait!

I can't lose the chief builder too.

Then you go to him.

I won't be able to persuade the Khan.

There's one more man

who wants the mosque finished as much as we do.

Talk to the mullah.

Allah is great!

Peace be upon you!

And upon you, peace!

Have I interrupted your prayer, Highness?

No, no.

In the new mosque my prayers will be even closer to Allah.

Yes.

I didn't even know now when we'll be able to finish the mosque.

My chief assistant, the young Russian,

was stupid enough to anger the Great Khan

and is now awaiting execution.

Can't you find another one?

We've spent 2 years searching.

I don't know when I'll be able to replace him, Highness.

Nogai-agha!

How dare you enter without my permission?

There's no one by the marquee and it's urgent.

Speak. But be quick.

I'm tired.

That Russian

who dared to kiss the Khan's wife today.

I know what he did is unforgivable.

But he's just a boy.

Stop his execution.

At his age I commanded a hundred.

Why are you asking for him?

Because he's of the same land and faith as I am.

If you don't learn that the Horde is now your land

and serving the Khan is your faith,

you'll soon turn into nothing.

And nobody will remember that you've ever lived.

If I forget my past and my people, I'll soon turn into nothing now.

Go.

What have you done, poor girl?

The Khan will never forgive you that.

I don't care.

You have to sneak in to him, Zeineb.

Take it.

Aisha exchanged it for an emerald.

Give it to him.

He'll drink it and feel no pain.

You'll go to him yourself.

Nikolka?

Drink this.

The pain will stop and you'll fall asleep.

I don't feel pain at all.

Sunrise is soon.

I won't go anywhere.

I'll be here with you till the end.

He may do to me whatever he wants.

Listen to me, Aizhan.

Back at the square,

when I asked for your kiss,

I knew he wouldn't spare me.

But I couldn't help myself.

I'm ready to die.

But if you want me to go happy,

you must live.

Why would I need a life without you?

I didn't know what it was like, to love.

I trembled like a leaf in the wind. I was afraid of life.

And now it's like I've achieved immortality.

I'll live forever

as long as you remember me, Aizhan.

Just promise me one thing.

Promise that every minute of every day

you'll think of getting free.

And as soon as the opportunity arrives,

you'll be brave enough to run away from him.

Promise me that the day will come

when you jump in the saddle and gallop off.

It's time.

Go.

And be brave.

Stop!

Let her in, she's the Khan wife's maid.

Finally.

I've said farewell to my life.

For the march against Hulagu we choose only the best warriors.

The rest might guard the carts with the ancient weapons.

A handful of clumsy cowards

will guard the carts with weapons?

Does the Great Khan fears the Russian will escape?

Where will they run?

It's steppe all around, and bands of wild nomads.

And here builders are treated much better than in their lands.

Yet they don't forget their lands.

I don't fear their escape, Nogai.

I fear the weapons end up in the hands of the Cumans

who roam my land hungrily

and refuse to obey my rule.

These are not weapons but old rubbish unfit for a fight.

And those jackals won't dare approaching our headquarter.

But they will steal whatever they manage to get their hands on.

We can't lightly discard those

who might become our enemy's allies.

Especially now.

When Hulagu entered the Horde's lands.

Alright. I'll give the builders good guards.

Go, Nogai.

You have a lot to do today.

Do you want to say something else?

Yes, Great Khan.

It's about that artist boy.

My Russian warriors asked me to put a word in his favor.

His action is unpardonable but in order to keep

- the Russians in check... - Go, Nogai,

and next time think what you're saying.

This man was a priest in your lands

before he got here. He'll say a prayer.

Where are you from, Father?

Novgorod.

St. Nicholas Monastery.

He's my patron saint.

My name's Nikolka after him.

If you have something to repent about,

now it's time, son.

Yes...

you know my sin.

What do you mean?

How will they call a ruler

who spares a man

daring to encroach on his wife's honor?

They'll call him excessively merciful, Great Khan.

But if he to postpone the execution

for benefit of the Great Horde,

people will call him wise.

Wait!

The Great Khan grants you mercy.

The Khan spared him.