Original subtitles

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( speaks Greek )

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Sergeant Major, would you be so good

as to detail an escort?

Sir. You lot!

Prisoner detail, fall in!

Mr. McCormick.

Lefentarios.

Ah.

I would speak confidentially.

But of course.

Man: Who is he, Sergeant? Do you know?

I don't know, and I don't ask.

I do what I'm told, like you lot.

He's a Greek rebel general. Got the Turks on the run.

I heard he's a Russian spy.

Man #2: What's he doing here then? This isn't a jail.

Man #3: He's a millionaire.

Whatever he is, he's our prisoner.

Look lively now. Attention!

( feet stamp )

Left, right! Left, right!

Left, right! Left, right! Left, right!

Mr. Varvakis, we are here.

Sergeant: Left, right! Left, right!

Left, right! Left, right!

Left, right! Left, right!

Left, right! Left, right! Left, right!

Sergeant: You two, stay.

About face!

Left, right! Left, right!

Left, right! Left, right!

- Left, right! Left, right! - ( children shouting )

Left, right! Left, right!

Left, right! Left, right!

( speaks Greek )

Sir, if you could just...

What is going on?

We have opened up this sanatorium,

which was built for the purpose of quarantine

to re-accommodate a single elderly man.

Now so far as I know, old age is not infectious.

Look, Mr. McCormick...

you have the papers, you have the prisoner.

Now is there anything else?

Well, it says here that your National Assembly

has honored Captain Varvakis

as a great benefactor of the nation.

So this is his punishment for that?

Well, he's a dangerous man for both Britain and Greece.

Ah, a dangerous benefactor.

What is going on?

( whistles )

( speaking Greek )

He is a pirate.

( speaks Greek )

Now he is old, yes.

But once upon a time...

he terrorized the Aegean Sea.

He was feared by all,

but mostly by the Turkish conquerors.

He pillaged their ships, took their merchandise,

and shared the profits with his fellow pirates.

But they had fun, too.

Even a pirate needs his share of entertainment.

( both singing in Greek )

( laughs )

Welcome, captain.

Did you have a good trip?

What do you think, Nicholas?

Did we have a good trip?

Good. It was good.

( laughs )

Profitable, too?

Beauty, huh?

The fastest ship in the whole Aegean,

which is why I'll need 3,000.

You a thief. We agree 1,000.

My labor costs!

Pay him, Nicholas. Give him what he asks for.

Woman: They told me I'll find you here.

Damn you.

What the hell are you doing strolling around this place?

Mama!

Is this your ship, huh?

( speaks Greek )

Curse you.

Come. Come with me.

I have a surprise for you.

( baby crying )

Your child.

She is strong.

Not a boy?

Next time a son then.

Mother: What next time? He didn't marry you.

He married the sea, blast him.

I have something you show you, little one.

There it is...

the sea...

queen of the world.

You hear it?

She's singing to you.

Out there, there are no boundaries,

no masters.

Nobody tells you what to do.

You're free.

If only you were a boy, I would take you aboard.

I would teach you all about the wind and the tides.

May the great waters bless you, my little pirate.

( hawk cries )

( indistinct chatter )

I wonder what they want.

Take them aboard.

Lefentarios: We were both young men.

Back then, I was working for the Russians.

McCormick: Now remind me-- at this time,

the Russians were our friends or our enemies?

Well, the Russians wanted access to the Mediterranean Sea,

and that's why Serena Catherine sent Admiral Orlov

to stir up a great revolution against the Turks.

Orlov was not familiar with the Aegean Sea,

so he needed a local captain.

But Greece is full of sailors. Why him?

I wanted the best.

And I found him.

Varvakis: What's in it for me?

Freedom.

I am free.

I mean our country's freedom.

Oh. Politics doesn't interest me.

The sea is my country.

I don't see any Turks, do you?

Well, I see Turks all over Greece,

including your sea.

Look, no one knows these waters like you do,

and that's why I am here.

You told me you come from Constantinople

and your family works for the sultan.

That's all true enough.

Yet here you are, working for the Russians.

With. With, not for.

Tactical alliance for a greater good.

And you call that honest?

As honest as running up your mast

whichever flags suits you, pirate.

General Orlov's commission.

( speaking Russian )

( speaking Russian )

And what about this famous pirate of yours?

I'm waiting to hear his brilliant ideas.

Nicholas, take the wheel.

I beg you, don't do this.

Fix it, make it fast.

Why are you doing this? We don't believe in their cause.

Because I've decided to do it.

For God's sake, let's go.

May God be with you, pirate.

Orlov?

Orlov... you need to see this.

( cheering )

She dies as beautiful as she lived.

No one will ever forget her now.

Man : "No one will forget her now,"

he said as he watched his beautiful ship burn.

( child speaks Greek )

No. ( speaks Greek )

The Turkish fleet was lost,

but the rest of Greece didn't rebel.

The revolution was crushed,

and the Turks took a terrible revenge.

A terrible revenge.

( man screaming in distance )

( coughs, snoring )

( child speaks Greek )

( man speaks Greek ) Of course.

He is here now, isn't he?

The Turks fled before his white charger.

( imitates galloping hoof beats )

( speaks Greek )

Hey, you're spoiling the story.

( man coughs )

Varvakis!

Varvakis! Take him.

McCormick: He got out of a Turkish jail?

That's impressive.

Lefentarios: Perhaps, but not the way he did.

Let's just say up to that point,

he still had influential friends.

The Russian ambassador.

( speaks Greek )

Hey, forget the horse.

He walked all the way

from Constantinople...

to St. Petersburg.

It was winter...

Russian winter.

( imitates whistling wind )

( imitates wolf howling )

( imitates footsteps in snow )

The journey was long and hard.

Any other man would have lain down

and died in the snow.

But not Varvakis, no.

Not Varvakis.

He didn't go straight to the palace.

Who would recognize the pirate hero of Chesme

in a beggar's rags?

No.

He waited until the spring.

( horse gallop approaching )

( barking )

Lefentarios: When he arrived in St. Petersburg,

I can only imagine he fell at Tsarina Catherine's feet,

and started of begging.

McCormick: Your pirate begged.

Whatever he did, it worked.

( staff taps on floor )

Mr. Ivan Andreevich Varvatsi.

( crowd murmuring )

( crowd murmuring )

I sit here every day.

From all over Russian men bring me gifts,

offer me words, swear their loyalty.

But this man, this pirate,

this hero, he gave me all he had

and what Tsarina can ask for more?

It's all right, Captain.

We both know you had your reason

for doing as you did, but you helped Russia

and the Tsarina remembers those who help her.

Ivan Varvatsi,

for your great victory at Chesme Bay,

her majesty hereby grants you

the title of Lieutenant of the Russian fleet

and offers you the sum of 10,000 black golden coins.

( crowd murmuring )

Furthermore, her majesty grants you fishing rights,

fleet assembly, and tax-free trading

in the Caspian Sea and the area of Astrakhan.

Where?

We are here.

The River Volga flows into the sea, here at Astrakhan.

This is a very important region for us.

The area is rich with fish, salt, wines,

and trade routes leading into Persia.

But we have no fleet in the Caspian Sea.

Meanwhile, the Shah has now decided to build his own fleet,

obviously prompted by the English.

As you can understand,

this could pose a major threat to our interests.

What's any of this to do with me?

Well, having someone with your experience

in Astrakhan would be extremely useful to us.

I'm not a spy or a shopkeeper. I'm a sailor.

Really?

A sailor without a ship.

You're being very unkind, Gregory.

Captain Varvakis lost more than his boat

at Chesme Bay. Isn't that so, Captain?

You tell me.

How dare you talk to Her Majesty like that?

Gregory, the man deserves answer.

You lost your freedom, but I can give it back to you.

By making me your hireling, your majesty?

You're a sailor.

You know how to read maps.

Maps?

I'm sure you're a very brave pirate and a nice person,

but you're naive.

Let me-- let me show you this map.

The Ottoman Empire is crumbling.

And when it does, we all benefit from it.

Freedom is money.

The more freedom, the more money.

What about absolute freedom?

No one is absolutely free.

Not even you, Majesty?

Me least of all.

Do we understand each other?

If I decide to do this--

You have already decided.

I can read it in your eyes.

Let me--

let me lend you this to protect you.

( indistinct chatter, children yelling )

( indistinct chatter, children yelling )

Well done.

You do me proud, boys.

You see, these three boat loads

have entered first catch of the day.

Man: Mr. Varvatsi! Mr. Varvatsi!

Woman: Mr. Varvatsi!

( speaks Greek )

Sir.

- Who are you? - I'm the schoolteacher.

Kimon is my name.

- You're no trader, are you? - No, sir.

Where are your students?

Um... over there.

I wanted to thank you for your donation

to our school last week.

Please accept this, a token of our gratitude.

A book.

If I may.

You see the children have all signed it for you.

It's the Kivides in ancient Greek.

Let me show you something.

( speaks Greek )

Happiness is freedom.

Freedom is the beautiful soul.

Freedom.

The wisdom of the ancients, epiphaneia.

I've got this far without books.

But is it far enough?

You're an annoying fellow.

You should come by my house sometime.

All he cared about is piling up riches for his personal gain.

McCormick: Well, nothing much wrong with that.

You know, I'm beginning to like this chap.

Captain! What a pleasure.

You are always welcome.

Madam.

( woman chattering quietly )

Mila.

Mr. Varvakis.

We need to talk.

( glasses clink )

Any news?

Those men over there,

Persians, wool traders, arrived yesterday.

Varvakis: Keep them close for me.

Madam: It won't be easy.

You'll find a way.

You're so generous, Captain, with everyone you meet,

and you're a friend to them all.

And the servant of none.

Really, Captain?

Gentlemen? Play some music we can dance to.

( Russian folk music plays )

( Russian folk music plays )

( music continues faintly )

( child speaks Greek )

( speaks Greek )

He was rich, yes.

Varvakis was not like everyone else.

He could have been richer, much richer,

but he cared for the poor and never used slaves.

( chuckles softly )

Well...

in fact...

that's the point where I come in.

I was a slave.

( chuckles ) Yes.

Yes, a slave, but he freed me.

And as a free man,

I decided to remain by his side for good,

whether he wanted to or not.

And I did.

I did.

I still don't see the point in buying all these books.

You wouldn't.

A great man must have a library.

Yes, but he doesn't know how to read.

That's no reason not to have a library,

and a proper library needs a librarian.

Ah-ha! ( chuckles )

( softly ) Persians have arrived.

Let's drink to something!

Let's drink to the new house!

We already drank to the new house.

Let's drink again to the new house.

It's a palace. We have to drink to it again.

Woman: Come, ladies.

It is a palace.

Still-- still, there's something missing.

It needs...

it needs a woman!

But there's plenty of women here.

- Not whores. - ( woman gasp )

I mean, a real woman.

Arrogant little twerp.

Apologize.

Persians, are here. They want to talk to you.

I-- it's urgent.

Gentlemen.

Let's go to my office.

You're lucky.

Ah, and he'll have forgotten all about it in the morning.

Anyway, that just proves my point.

He doesn't really... live.

( gasps )

( sighs )

( groans )

( sighs )

Who are you?

You have a beautiful house, Captain.

Such beautiful things.

Never mind those. ( chuckles ) Books.

You are far more beautiful than any book, aren't you?

Let me have a proper look at you.

Come on.

Don't be shy. I won't--

I won't bite.

Do I know you?

Don't you recognize me?

Father?

You got the money I sent?

Oh, yes, we got the money...

my mother and I.

Of course.

Of course.

- How is-- - She died last year.

Oh.

- I'm sorry. - Why should you be?

You never knew her or me any more than we knew you.

All we knew was you made a fortune

far away overseas.

But now you're home.

Home?

Home with me.

I'll make it all up to you.

You are my little pirate, aren't you?

Everything I have is yours.

Is that how it is for you?

You give people things, and they love you?

It's not that easy...

Father.

Man: And so the sea brought his little daughter

back to him, and he thanked the sea,

though it brought him pain, too.

The sea brings many gifts and they are mysterious.

Some are good, and some are bad,

and few can tell the difference.

Ioannis, there's someone here to see you.

Alexis!

What the hell are you doing here?

Has the Tsaritsa sent everybody to the Caspian?

( laughs )

Well, I still attend the Russian court, that's true,

but these days as part of a sultan's embassy.

Turkish spy.

Fetch some wine, Ivan, the good stuff.

You're not going to drink with this snake.

It's my wine.

Why should you care if I waste it?

Have a seat.

You are doing well.

I'm glad.

No thanks to you.

That last adventure of yours landed me in a Turkish jail.

I know.

Luckily, someone got me out.

Mm-hmm. I know that, too.

It was the least I could do.

To Greece.

To Greece.

We drink to Greece, and I dream of Psara.

Then I realize I hardly remember what it looks like.

How did we end up so far from home, Alexis?

You would like to go back, right?

Well, when our country's free, you will be able to,

and that day is coming.

What is this? Revolution? Independence?

I've heard all this before. I heard it from you.

Last time, it cost me everything I had.

The Turks are falling apart.

We just need some more time.

We need time...

and money.

At last you come to the point.

Money is a very powerful weapon Ioannis.

I'm just a simple merchant.

Who sends money back to our country.

You and I may have chosen different paths,

but we both feel our country very close to our hearts.

I'm still doing the Tsaritsa's bidding,

and that makes us enemies, right?

It's beautiful, isn't it?

But it's empty up top.

you see, it's so calm and inviting on the surface,

and who knows what's hidden in the depths.

Hmm?

Kimon: Our language has 24 letters,

an entire linguistic universe from alpha to omega.

Alpha, try alpha.

As in ( speaks Greek ) Alpha.

Bravo, Ioannis.

Vita as in "Vakhos."

Vita.

( approaching footsteps )

Hello, my dear.

Who is this?

Okay.

We'll continue tomorrow morning.

So what is it?

I've been taking an inventory of our interests.

Here, for example,

we have a brick factory and a soap factory

that haven't been profitable for over a year.

You want me to shut them down?

The men need work.

They have to eat, feed their families.

Are we running a business or a charity?

Maria...

I'm your daughter after all, a pirate's daughter.

Is that all you think a pirate is,

nothing but a thief?

I took what we needed

from those who could well afford to lose it.

The Turks have been stealing from us for centuries.

Bless you, father. You're such a romantic.

But romance can only take you so far.

We need businesses that make a profit.

Let me think about it.

( waves lapping )

( waves lapping )

( seagulls calling )

( waves crashing )

I've turned my back on the sea.

You make your living from it.

Yes.

But I don't live with it.

Not anymore.

Besides this isn't really the sea.

It's just a big shitty lake.

( chuckles ) When I was a little boy,

my mother was very poor.

My father died when I was a baby.

Work was hard to come by.

Until one day a neighbor called me in.

You know what he wanted me to do?

He wanted me to sweep the frozen surface

of the pond by his house.

He wanted the ice to shine like glass

so that on a clear night,

he would look out of his window

and see the reflection of the moon.

Is that true?

Does it matter?

Tell a story of a better world.

The story gets into people's hearts.

What gets into people's hearts

comes out in their lives.

And before you know it,

the world is a better place.

Stories...

can change real life.

You believe that, huh?

What do I know?

I'm just a poor slave.

You are free to go whenever you want.

And you know that.

I told you before,

freedom is...

too much trouble,

too much responsibility.

Ivan: Varvakis couldn't stop feeling sad,

no matter how hard we tried.

And you know what he did?

He asked the sea for a gift.

And the sea gave him one.

But was it a gift...

or was it a...

test?

Who knows?

( thuds )

Where did this fog come from all of a sudden?

How did we find ourselves on the Volga?

( thuds )

Lovely morning.

Perfect fishing weather.

Did we have to choose this spot?

I could say the same to you.

We live here.

Do you really?

I've been here since before you were born, pirate.

Do you know me?

I don't know.

Do I?

How should I know?

You don't know a lot.

Ivan: Okay, Let's go. He's mad and I'm cold.

Varvakis: Wait.

What do you mean?

You don't know how to pray to gods.

You don't know how to be free.

Who are you?

I'm a poor fisherman who just caught a big fish.

Funny how God hides his gifts...

in the strangest places.

Oh, that's not true.

God never hides his gifts, but people are blind.

Fish eggs?

What do you call fish eggs could be God's love.

Eat.

Go ahead.

After all, it's your fish, too.

Oh, my God.

Thank you.

Don't thank me.

Just take what God is offering you.

Whoa-- ah!

Next. Come on.

Cherry.

( all groan )

Ash.

( all groan )

What, even atheists need backup sometimes.

Linden wood.

It's linden wood.

How long has it been in the barrel?

A month.

I sealed all these a month ago today.

If we can keep it fresh this long...

It can travel.

You'll be shipping caviar all over Russia.

All over Europe!

All over the world!

All over the world!

Ivan Andreevich.

I can see you want to win me.

Don't you think I know what it costs

to bring a barrel of caviar here

in the middle of the summer especially if it's fresh?

It is fresh.

It's as fresh as if you caught

the sturgeon yourself, Your Majesty.

Let Gregory Alexandrovich be the judge of that.

Ugliness sometimes hides unexpected beauty, Your Majesty.

Exquisite.

Don't you trust your pirate?

Mmm.

It's delicious.

Eat, gentlemen.

( crowd murmuring )

But I don't recall sending you to the Caspian Sea

to gather fish eggs.

Dimitri?

The new fully detailed maps

of the Caspian Sea, your majesty.

You'll notice I've included the Persian shores.

I have an unusual system, but it works.

The local community is loyal to Your Imperial Majesty.

And my warehouses are filled with all the supplies

you will need when Your Majesty's army arrives

to put the Shah of Persia in his place.

I'm sure he knows the names and addresses

of your soldiers, too, Gregory.

You are a remarkable man, Captain.

Captain?

I haven't sailed for years.

Once a pirate, always a pirate.

I'm a pirate, too.

From one pirate to another,

I want to grant you the exclusive rights

to caviar sales in the Caspian.

And for your other services I name you

Knight of the Order of St. Anne and co-counselor of Astrakhan.

If there was music, I would dance.

We don't need music to dance, Your Majesty.

By the way, one of your reports

is that you sent a gift to the Shah in Persia.

Was that wise?

One small barrel as a gift.

If he wants any more, he has to buy it

like anyone else, and he won't get it cheap.

Who says you can't make money from our enemies?

I agree.

Lefentarios: So you see, he seized the opportunity

to sell caviar all over Europe and beyond.

And all he was interested in was himself making a killing.

Tell me something-- is caviar really that good?

You mean you haven't tried it?

Fish eggs? ( grunts )

Oh, no, no, no, caviar is...

divine.

I prefer my eggs boiled.

( clinks )

( men laugh )

Mmm.

( all speaking Greek )

No, no, no.

I might need the rest of it.

So...

Varvakis wanted everybody in the world to try caviar.

And then--

and then things got even more complicated.

( chuckles )

Helena entered his life.

Varvakis fell madly in love with her.

Another impoverished aristocrat.

Stop the carriage!

Man: This piano is not mine. It's my daughter's.

My daughter's.

All right. Oop, oop, oop. Stop.

Do you like it?

I love it.

Helena: Don't you think that is too much

from someone I barely know?

M-- my lady, he's not polished.

I understand, but he's in love.

In love?

He has a big heart,

as big as the sea,

and he's willing to give this heart to you.

Tell him I cannot accept his gift.

But there is one gift you could give him.

You could play the piano for him.

( piano music playing )

They used to call him "fishmonger."

Now that the tsarina made him a nobleman,

they're more than happy to visit.

For the first time we agree on something.

- ( off-key notes playing ) - Maria: Is something wrong with his ears?

Kimon: No, he's in love.

We're in big trouble.

Yeah.

She's a sickly woman.

And her penniless father is parading her around

hoping to catch a rich husband.

Love is always trouble.

That's what makes it so... irresistible.

( chuckles ) I knew that love was blind.

I didn't know it was deaf, too.

( song ends )

Bravo.

All right.

He will stop.

But there must be something he can do for you.

( coughs )

Of course there is something that he can do for me.

That marsh, it's killing me.

Can he make it disappear?

Can he work miracles?

Because God knows,

it will take a miracle to make me love him.

( coughs )

My lady.

Draining the marsh is just the beginning.

We need canals that will connect all the three riverbeds.

Look here.

Another canal must pass through here

so that the ships can cross directly into the sea.

That'll be good for trade. No limits.

Three tsars have tried and failed already.

What makes you believe that you can do it?

Because I want to do it.

He made the marsh disappear?

Lefentarios: Yes, he did.

The fool.

( child speaks Greek )

Ivan: The beautiful lady?

( inhales deeply )

No.

Not yet.

But where the marsh has once been,

Varvakis created a beautiful canal

with trees and flowers on either side.

( speaks Greek )

Don't always believe in fairytales.

She married him, and she gave him a son.

Oh... ( speaks Greek )

My baby. ( chuckles )

( baby coos, Varvakis babbles softly )

( knock on door )

( knock on door )

( music playing )

( music playing )

To?

Happiness.

( laughs )

I am happy.

Just looking at her makes me happy.

Looking at my son makes me even happier.

She's not happy.

Who knows what makes a woman happy?

Perhaps I'm not worthy of her.

Not worthy of her?

A man who can change a course of a river,

who turns a marsh into a beautiful canal?

Perhaps she's not worthy of you.

( laughing )

Maria: Father, listen.

Constantinople is turning into a major caviar center.

We have established some interest there,

but we need to follow it up!

Varvakis: You know I can't go to Constantinople.

I'm still wanted by the Turks.

I know,

But I can.

And I want to.

Please, Father.

I can't stay here anymore.

Why on Earth not?

I can't bear to see you abused.

( groaning dramatically )

Listen, I won't have this!

She's my wife, and you will respect her.

I will never respect that whore!

You choose her... over your own child?

But you are not my only child.

Are you sure?

What is that supposed to mean?

Where is your dear friend the teacher?

Maybe you should ask him.

( whistling )

( child laughing )

Andrei!

It's my fault.

Don't punish her.

Get out.

You love him?

No.

I don't even have that excuse.

I'm sorry.

What?

It's all my fault.

You can buy beauty,

you can buy loyalty,

you can even buy friendship,

but you can't buy love.

I thought my love was strong enough for you,

that you could feel it.

Don't.

Please, don't.

I don't deserve you.

You deserve to be happy.

And I can't make you happy.

I thought I could.

I'm so sorry.

I wish I could love you.

In a perfect world, I would.

But the world is perfect, Helena.

It is what we make of it.

That's what I-- I'm starting to learn.

Your son is yours.

I swear it.

Ivan: As suddenly as she entered his life,

so she left forever...

leaving the child with its father.

( laughter )

( laughter )

Mr. Varvakis, what are you doing here?

It's been so long.

Have you forgiven me?

Forgiven you? Whatever for?

For not standing up for you back then.

It was wrong of me. Weak.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

I was a whore. Still am.

Who better than a whore to forgive a pirate?

Please, come home with me.

Home?

This is my home now.

It's been too long.

Please.

I have work for you.

I have work only you can do.

My kitchens are stuffed with sweets.

Don't dare tell me that you're still trying to lose weight.

( whistling tune )

( singing in Greek )

( singing in Greek )

( singing song quietly )

( woman continues singing )

( continues singing quietly )

You don't need to be able to write.

That's what you have me for.

I can't remember inviting you.

I regretted the way we parted last time.

I wanted to give you another chance.

What have I done to deserve such generosity?

We are preparing the revolution in Greece.

The Russians can't interfere openly,

but if you step forward as a leader,

there are other players in this game

that would support you.

A game? That's all it is to you?

I've heard you're working for the British now.

It was probably inevitable.

I imaging this support

is for the benefit of their own pocket isn't it?

Let me be frank, Ioannis.

It is time for you to choose.

You're either with us or against us.

Are you threatening me?

I am just trying to help.

We were friends once.

We all want a free Greece.

But if I liberate our country, I'll do it my way.

And now he wants to free Greece all by himself?

What a man.

I thought it was just talk.

But he had a plan...

as I was going to discover.

Bravo!

Carry on.

Allez.

What are you trying to do?

Stop treating him like a child.

A scratch won't kill him.

He is a child.

Someone should treat him like one sometimes.

Varvakis: He can take it.

He's smart, brave, keen to learn.

He will be perfect.

Demand perfection and you will end up destroying him.

He's my son.

And I will raise him as I see fit.

You see? Soon he'll be ready.

Ready f-- for what?

Mr. Prefect!

Captain?

A word.

Excuse me.

The Persians have invaded Georgia.

They're building a fleet with British help,

and Potemkin is marching down as we speak.

War could break out.

The new tsar will need your intelligence network

to help plan our attack.

The Persians are one of our key trading partners now.

What do you expect me to do?

Captain, you have sworn an oath of loyalty to the Russian crown.

To the new tsar.

Long may he reign.

All: To the new tsar!

Let's hope the new tsar will be worthy of the old.

Old boy.

I was was Catherine's pirate.

Now you must be Paul's.

I've arranged a place for you in the imperial officer corps.

You will depart for St. Petersburg tomorrow.

You didn't even bother to ask me.

But then again, you never do.

- Andreas-- - Don't interfere!

There are things going on you don't know and shouldn't.

Things like letters from all over Europe?

Secret meetings? Orders for guns?

Do you think I'm blind or stupid?

You're planning something in Greece.

All my life, I've prized my freedom.

But how can I be free when my country is still enslaved?

I've waited too long, far too long.

I'm getting old now. But he is young and strong.

He can do it with my support, and he will!

This is madness.

Watch your words, Ivan.

Or what?

Or you will whip me like a slave?

I've never treated you like a slave!

I never treat anyone like a slave!

You just did!

You treat your own son like a slave!

For the last time, hold your tongue!

I will speak my mind, even if it is for the last time!

So... as...

one good friend to another,

I'm telling you,

this is an old man's pipe dream,

born out of guilt.

Why should Andreas pay for a lifetime of your mistakes?

A lifetime of listening to your moralizing.

I've had enough of it.

Find someone else to preach to.

You cannot send me away.

Of course I can.

There's the door.

What a big house this is.

It never really seemed that way

when it was always so full of people.

I don't suppose

you'll be needing me anymore.

Don't ever say that again.

You will always have a place in this house.

And do what?

Andreas is leaving.

Maria doesn't want me around.

Ivan has left us. What can I offer?

Your kindness.

And a dance.

But you have no shoes on.

Neither have you.

We have no music.

Put some music in my head then.

Please.

I need it.

( indistinct chatter )

My friend Ioannis, this is it,

the revolution has really begun in the Peloponnese.

This is premature, of course.

I will go and fight.

You stay where you are!

Ioannis, what is the tsar's position on this matter?

No more discussions! We must all contribute!

Will you contribute, Ioannis?!

Lefentarios: Freedom!

Freedom is coming, my brothers.

Now we have dreamt of freedom for centuries.

Well, now, we're just about to taste it.

A free country without free Greeks?

How's that possible?

Mr. Varvakis here

is concerned about the future of our nation.

The richest man in Russia

is worried about our small country.

Yes, I am worried because you are going to make it small!

This is no time for arguments, my friends.

The only thing that matters now is the revolution!

( cheers and applause )

Yes, it is!

Yes, it is!

Father, have you heard?

There's a revolution in Greece.

I think it was Greece.

Come on.

I have something for you.

This is my surprise.

- What do you say? - A ship?

It's yours.

There are seven like this waiting for you at Taganrog.

Come on.

Sit down.

You will sail to Greece.

You will have money, canon, soldiers.

You will be a Greek officer in the Russian army,

a leader to free our Greek people.

Me?

I'm no leader.

You're Andreas Varvakis, the son of Lord Varvakis.

Andreas Varvakis doesn't exist anymore.

My name is Andrei Romachov.

What did you do?

I took my mother's name.

I don't want your name,

and I don't want your dreams of a revolution

in some God-forsaken relic of a country.

That's your country you're talking about.

Russia is my country. What's Greece to me?

I've never even seen the place, and I don't want to.

You're a drunkard.

You don't know what you're saying.

Do you think I'll be saying any of this if I was sober?

Everything I did, I did for you.

You did it for yourself.

I believe in you, Andreas.

I love you.

Listen to yourself.

Do you know how pathetic you sound?

My father the pirate...

the hero.

You never loved anyone, not even yourself.

Your dreams, your ideas,

your charities, and your big words,

without love, they're useless.

Where are you going?

To get drunk.

Sorry-- to stay drunk.

It's the only way I can stand living in your world.

( explosion, splash )

( laughter )

( whistles )

Ivan: All night fishermen searched for Andrei.

Just before dawn, they found him, drowned.

You killed your daughter years ago,

and you never shed a tear.

Why?

Why him?

He never hurt you.

He never left you.

He never took anything from you!

Why him?! Why?!

Talk to me! Just talk to me!

Ivan: The sea gives,

and the sea takes.

Like the tide.

But the sea did have one more gift for Varvakis,

the most important of his life.

( child speaks Greek )

Ivan: Yes.

Even more precious.

( indistinct conversations )

( conversations stop )

Gentlemen?

This is the deed of concession

for the international distribution of caviar.

From now on, this belongs to you

and the local associations.

( all murmuring )

( speaks Greek )

God's gifts must be shared.

Only then do they bring us happiness.

( speaking Greek )

A pirate without a ship.

( laughter )

But now I have been given a compass.

Thank you.

What are we celebrating?

Life.

The least and the most we can have in this world.

It's worth a party.

Thank you for coming back, Ivan.

Well, I tried to leave,

but I couldn't think of anywhere else I wanted to be.

Father?

What's going on?

I want these people to remember the taste of Varvakis caviar.

What do you mean "remember"?

Come with me.

Close the door.

I'm going home, Maria.

Home?

I'm returning to Greece.

And this is something I must do by myself.

No.

No, you can't.

What will I do?

I need you.

Not anymore.

I needed you for far too long.

And I owe you an apology for that.

Now you can be whatever you dreamt of.

The house, the businesses, it's all yours.

Run them, sell them.

I know you will make the right choices.

I just wanted to be your daughter.

You are my daughter.

You always will be.

My little pirate.

- Varvakis: Look. - Ivan: What?

Don't you see?

Ivan: ( chuckles ) It's just the sea.

Varvakis: It's not just the sea.

Look at the blue. It's a different blue.

It's my blue.

I'm home.

Ivan: He returned to a country barely free.

There was no Psara anymore.

The Turks had burned it to the ground...

the country tearing itself apart by civil war.

But was it still home?

He didn't know anymore.

( speaks Greek )

( speaking Greek )

( speaking Greek )

( speaking Greek )

( speaking Greek )

We thought we were done with him.

And suddenly, there he was again.

He came to Greece and went straight

to the camp of the rebel, General Kolokotronis,

friend of the Russians.

( screams )

( baby crying )

- Whoa, easy. Easy. - Man: Please take cover.

We can't afford to lose you, too, Kapetanios.

I lost this leg fighting against the Turks, and now--

( explosion, crowd screams )

ah, now I'm in danger of losing my life to a Greek shell!

Kimon...

you've read so many books.

Why don't people stop slaughtering each other?

Happiness is freedom,

and freedom is the beautiful soul.

And I hope that someday you will forgive me.

There's nothing to forgive.

You gave my wife a few moments of happiness,

more than I could ever do.

( coughs )

Lefentarios: We had to find a quick solution.

There was a meeting, a temporary prime minister

and a British ambassador.

So this Varvakis, he's in with the Russians?

Well, he practically is Russian, sir.

He must be isolated.

He is extremely popular.

There will be reactions, Mr. Prime Minister.

Well...

first we'll honor him for his contribution

to the nation in a modest ceremony.

Zakynthos is English territory. That might be useful.

Don't we have a sanatorium there?

Mm-hmm.

What if this Varvakis

were to fall ill to a contagious disease?

You would then have reason to put him in quarantine

for a long, long time.

And then you'll approve the loan we asked for?

Of course, with interest, naturally.

Naturally.

Assuming that you get rid of this Kolokotronis soon

and Varvakis, of course.

But do act quickly.

British bankers are not very patient.

Seriously now.

Why is this Varvakis so dangerous?

He dares to dream.

I don't think I need to tell you

that your future depends on this mission.

So get a move on.

Sir.

One of those meetings.

General Kolokotronis,

on behalf of the temporary Greek government.

( chuckles )

Captain.

You should be very careful

when this government chooses to honor you.

I'm ready.

So you praise him and then bring him here

to be forgotten.

Ioannis Varvakis will never be forgotten.

Truly, he's a great man.

So you had to destroy him.

God only knows how much I have wished

to still be his friend.

He's too great, perhaps.

He had passion, obstinacy, and great dreams.

The sort of things that get in the way

when there is a country to run.

You have convinced me. We will detain him.

He is a very old man.

- To Greece. - Oh, yes, to Greece.

I'm leaving now.

You should take charge of the prisoner.

- Mr. Lefentarios. - Sir.

- Good luck. - Mr. McCormick.

Man: Men, you two on the pier!

You're staying behind to guard the prisoner!

Take him inside The rest of you, follow me.

Left, right! Left right!

Left, right! Left, right! Left, right!

Left, right!

( Varvakis coughs )

Alexis.

We are all part of God's plan.

No one can escape.

That's what I finally understand.

We each have our own path to follow.

I'm sorry yours had to be the darker one.

Forgive me.

( coughs )

( sighs )

( speaks Greek )

But that's the story.

I never said it had a happy ending.

I came here just to see him

for one last time.

and to give him his treasure.

( speaks Greek )

( speaks Greek )

( lock clicks, door creaks )

Captain. Captain.

Is that you?

Wake up.

So it is you.

Now I can die a happy man.

Who said anything about dying?

I have nothing to give you anymore.

I want to show you my gratitude.

Hey, you gave me my freedom, remember?

( coughs )

And now...

you free me.

I guess we're-- we're even.

( coughs )

Let's go.

I only wish--

I wish I could go out to the sea...

one last time.

It's so beautiful.

I thought you would say that.

( coughs )

Where did you get that boat?

Ivan: We stole it.

We're pirates, aren't we?

( coughs )

Your crew, Captain.

( speaks Greek )

( coughs )

( excited chatter )

How do you feel now?

Free.

I have something to give you.

( water lapping )

( sighs )

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