Original subtitles

JOELLE BELLON presents

LAURENT GREVILLE

MARTIN LAMOTT

CHIARA CASELLI

"YEAR OF AWAKENING"

as François GREGOIRE KOLIN

JOHAN ROUGEL, CLAUDE DUNETON, VINCENS GRASS

with the participation of ROGER PLANCHON

based on the novel by CHARLES JULIER

Screenplay and dialogues: GERARD CORBIO, ANDRE CORBIO, MICHEL FESSLER

Cinematographer: FRANCOIS CATONNAY

Sound engineer: ALAIN LACHASSAGNE

Artist: GERARD VIARD

Editing: DENISE WINDEVOGEL

Director of the film: CHANTAL MALRA-ATANASYAN

Associate Producer: STEFAN TENO

Associate Producer: DOMINIQUE JEANNE

Producer: JOELLE BELLON

Director: GERARD CORBIO

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, 1948/1949 academic year

September Monday 1948.

Today we were again shown footage of the war in Indochina.

Only quite calming images: brave soldiers, small groups

of tired people walking forward through rice fields.

And yet, fear grabbed me by the throat again.

More and more I understand that I am nobody - just the son of a regiment.

Just a corpse in reserve.

Dear mother!

Take care of me! I'm alone in this world. I have no one but you.

Help me not to be afraid anymore.

Bastards! Scoundrels! You left me nothing!

Church boy is hysterical! The boy is hungry!

Give me your bread!

Guys, they attacked the wrong person! My pockets are as empty as my stomach!

Let me go! Let me in!

Adjust your pockets, my boy.

Have you eaten your morning sandwich?

What about sardines?

Did you drink coffee?

Then let's go. You don't look very good.

My commander is not like the others.

You can’t say about him either that he’s in the right place here.

Hey! Did you almost get smacked?

But if I admire him, it’s primarily because he was a boxer.

And even the French middleweight champion.

Will we all go there to die, commander?

This is true?

Who is speaking?

In any case, don't worry. By the time you graduate, the war will be over.

Take it.

And don't think about it anymore.

When Bastian died, was he really all alone?

Did he believe in God?

I don't know.

You are in a military school, where you are taught to fight, and not to be afraid of death.

- I'm sure he died alone. - Come on, hurry up, they are waiting for us in class.

To Kara-ul!

Since the beginning of this year, I have often thought about death.

What scares me is going so far out into the rice fields to die.

Alone, on the other side of the world.

And no one to help me go into the night.

Personal number 46522.

Recruited in Aix-en-Provence.

Landed on July 2, 1948 over Rapni in Indochina.

He immediately led his team.

After the first wound he refused to evacuate.

Continuing his mission, he was mortally

wounded by a burst from a machine gun.

He died upon arrival at the medical unit.

Bastian is the fifth person to die there this year.

His personal number was exactly 2 times larger than mine.

He believed in the mystery of numbers. He often told me that our numbers bind us.

Why do people have such a need to destroy themselves?

Here, when the dead come back, it is considered quite normal.

They are thanked for being dead and given medals.

- Actually, he should... - Look!

They say they broke the lock and broke down the door with an axe.

The entire platoon is punished just because they failed to surrender 3-4.

Finally! Our diet has been reduced for 4 days now.

Because those idiots were feasting in the supply warehouse.

And I'm already sick of their disgusting sardines in tomato.

Have you seen the captain's face? They probably stole all his Bordeaux from him.

Now he will lose weight.

Convicts! Convicts! Convicts!

Let's stop looking at these hooligans and get to Moliere!

Here I am writing a question that you will answer in writing.

Convicts! Hooligans!

Berto! We're working!

Silence! Speed! Efficiency!

The first person I catch looking out the

window, I will personally shave his head!

The Fallen Leaf needs to be taken care of.

That's why he doesn't break up with me.

He rarely says anything, but he is always there.

This is my only friend. -...5 out of 20.

Oh, you got it, Fallen Leaf! Do you have whooping cough?

- I have nothing. It's not whooping cough. - No, you have whooping cough!

You'll infect us all here!

Let him go to the first aid station. Maybe this is something serious?

Leave him alone, he doesn't want to go to the first aid station.

Sorry to interrupt your cough, Thibault.

Don't you think it's time to start treatment? They make amazing potions these days.

from slug juice.

However, it doesn't seem to have affected your style at all.

Fine. 12.

Berto, you managed to surprise me this time.

This is good. You are showing more and more maturity.

14.

Left-right! Higher!

Hit!

Get up!

Left-left! Double!

Pull it better!

Hit! Left, left!

Left-right! Protect yourself.

Turn on!

That's it for today!

We did a good job.

What are you doing here?

I'm learning, commander.

How's that? Are you learning to play marbles?

- I would like to practice boxing, commander. - You're already involved in rugby, aren't you?

Okay, quickly collect your balls and get out.

- I don't want to play rugby anymore. - This is something new!

Why? - Because of Bastian, commander.

Now that he's dead I don't want to play rugby anymore.

Because of the mystery of numbers. I don't want to betray him.

I don't want to die, commander.

What are you talking about? I do not understand anything. Nothing!

Come on, hurry up. Otherwise you will have to be punished.

- Test me, you will see. - No way, you're too young.

Please, commander!

Come on, shoot!

We'll see in a year.

Bye, Francois! See you Sunday evening!

Bye, Remy! See you Sunday evening, old man!

Thank God I have my notebook.

I like to write when others are away.

Firstly, because I don't see them leaving.

And secondly, because they come to say goodbye to me.

And I'm pleased with that.

It's like they're thinking about me.

You have one hell of a body - you can climb anywhere!

What are you doing here?

Nobody will know, it's empty on weekends. I'm not bothering anyone, commander!

And these gloves? Whose are they? A? Answer!

These are yours, commander.

Well look, boy!

Class starts soon, go get changed.

And just try to be late even for a minute. You will remember it forever! Go!

And leave my gloves!

What now?

Come here.

Here, commander, it's here.

Maturity is the state of someone or something that has reached full development.

The French teacher said I showed maturity, Commander.

It's true, he said so! It's written here.

- And what? - I'm talking about boxing, commander.

Boxing is not a matter of maturity, but of flexibility, strength and reflexes.

And, by the way, weight.

Where did you get that?

Boxed against the wall. To strengthen your fists.

To be ready in a year.

Why do you always stay here on Sunday?

I do not have anyone.

Tomorrow I will take you to my place.

Be ready by 10.

Hold on tight! Go!

Today my existence comes out of oblivion.

I have already forgotten what the warmth of the sun is, the colors of life.

My heart beats faster from excitement. Everything makes me delighted.

Life is so exciting!

Zhizhi! Ooo!

Do you know where your mother is?

- Who is this? - This is Francois.

Lena?

Lena!

Lena!

Lena!

Lena!

Lena?

You don't have to wear a jacket, my boy. Today is Sunday.

And at least take off your gloves. Otherwise, it’s like you’re at dinner with the Duchess of Windsor.

I don't remember ever eating so much!

I'm terribly hot.

Now I'm afraid of fainting and getting heatstroke.

And the presence of this woman makes me feel even more awkward.

All this prevents you from enjoying the pleasures of this Sunday.

And you don't remember anything about your father?

I don't know who my father is.

When I was born, my mother died.

Who raised you?

Monsieur and Madame Chauvant.

These were very poor people, we lived from hand to mouth.

I loved working with cows. - I'm sure you were forced to sleep in the barn.

Yes, I felt warm there. I felt good.

I slept with her. - With her"?

Who is this with, her? - With White Flower.

- With Whiteflower? - Well, yes, with my cow.

And you... do you miss her, this cow?

Yes sometimes.

That is, often.

Who brought you here?

The village chief wanted me to go to school.

I didn’t ask for anything myself. And voila.

That's for sure, voila.

Zhizhi!

Zhizhi! (speaks Italian). - Speak French like everyone else!

Enough! It's quiet time for you!

What worries me is my duty towards the army.

After all, after college I will give her another 5 years of my life!

And if this war doesn't end yet, I'm afraid that...

Do not think about it.

In fact, we haven’t met yet.

My name is Lena.

Are you hurt?

No big deal, just a scratch.

Where did you get that?

Boxed against the wall.

I want to become a great boxer, like a commander.

Maybe it would be better to become a doctor?

Francois!

Let's see what's in your soul.

Take off your clothes and put on these gloves.

Let's have a little fight.

But first, Lena must tie my hands with this.

You know, I have dynamite in my fists. If you don't do this, it will be very painful.

Stop, Julien! Stop it!

Dear mother, continue to protect me.

Protect the commander and his family.

Make me a great boxer.

Make sure I find my place in this world. And in another.

Till tomorrow.

You see, as promised.

Are you happy?

It wasn't easy.

Won't you say anything?

How's your Sunday?

I have 2 letters for you.

Plus one from my sister. Are you no longer interested in this?

- Come here, I have 3 desserts. -Are you laughing? 5 desserts.

It's too expensive.

Okay, 3 desserts.

And your story about Sunday.

I boxed.

With whom?

- With him, of course. - Wearing gloves?

Give me the letters first.

Well?

He said that I have abilities.

He even promised to train me. - What kind of wife does he have? Beautiful?

She...

woman. - Come on, Berto, tell your comrades!

She has long hair,

She is not tall,

and she has very beautiful eyes.

Long eyelashes.

She's Italian. - Damn it, Italian?!

So she must have huge tits and a nice ass! Wow!

Come on, Berto, push-ups! This will calm you down.

And we count, Berto! Let's count!

Once!

Again! Once!

Two!

Three!

Four!

Five six...

Seven!

Attention!

At ease!

I present to you your new comrade - Thierry Bruman.

Assigned to your platoon.

Is this your hiding place? Great!

And what are you doing?

Do you write poetry?

None of your business.

Wow, what a character!

Do not touch!

- Where did you take it? - I do it myself.

Do you want me to sell you one? - Can this be used to remove boxing?

Where did you fall from? This is a detector receiver. Receiver on galenas.

Here, listen.

- This is a receiver on galenas! - Galena?

- Yes, this is a galena receiver. - What is this?

- This is a Galena receiver. - Whose?

- Galenites! - His name is Galena?

Beautiful...

Thank you, Galena.

Left, left! Cover yourself!

Left! Left!

Left! Keep your elbows up!

Left! Come at me! Left!

Stretch! Left! Get away quickly!

Elbows! Left! Left-right!

Left-right! Left-right!

Left-right! Move away!

Successive Sundays now form the rhythm of my life.

And I try to live them as brightly as possible.

Since the commander began to take care of me,

I feel like I have a place in his life. Like he is in mine.

I can no longer imagine life any other way.

- Lena! - Francois?

What happened to you? What's happened?

Be careful! When you eat a peach, you might swallow a wasp.

She's not here.

Come sit with me, Francois. Go!

Always when I'm happy, wasps appear.

One day I was guarding cows. I felt so good that I fell asleep.

And then the wasps attacked me: the cow stepped on their nest.

They bit me so much that my temperature rose. I thought I was going to die.

Now I'm scared when I feel too good.

I'm afraid of wasps, I'm afraid that this will end.

How about dismissals on Sundays? Yes? So?

Is he leaving alone?

Yes, this is his way of feeling free.

Free from what?

What if we also run away somewhere? A?

Let's go, let's go to the river.

Aren't you coming?

There have never been wasps here, Francois!

Cool! So great!

Francois!

You're red like a tomato!

Are you happy?

And you? Are you happy?

Yes sometimes.

On Sundays when you arrive.

I’m alone, and you have a commander and Zhizhi.

You can be lonely among people.

This is familiar to you, isn't it?

When I met the commander, I immediately fell in love with him.

I was young, and he was very handsome.

And then... Gigi appeared. Voila.

I used to feel so good at home, everyone loved me.

And now I have no news from them.

Do you receive letters from your adoptive parents?

No never. They don't know how to write.

But I still have letters. I buy them.

Are you buying? Like this?

I pay 1 dessert for a letter from my sister

and 2 desserts for a letter from my mother.

Letters from the mother of the Fallen Leaf.

And often I write the answer. It also costs him 2 desserts.

"Dear mommy!

This night I dreamed about you again.

You were walking along the beach. The sand was white and soft.

But you left no traces.

I followed you.

I was looking for your non-existent traces. Called you, shouted.

You didn't hear me. You were moving away from me.

I spent the whole morning trying to recover from this nightmare.

I slipped your last letter into my French notebook,

to always have traces of your tenderness at hand.

Your son who loves you and hugs you."

Who is he, the one standing in your closet?

This is Ludwig. Beethoven! Ode "To Joy".

Can't be! He doesn't know Beethoven!

By the way...why are you here?

They say I've done so much crap that only the army will fix me.

But I'm not going to rot here. I don't have time for this.

I want to become a conductor. - What if you're locked here?

What does "locked" mean? My head is not locked.

And she dreams what she wants. Everything is here!

Happiness, troubles, intelligence, stupidity...

The rest is on the side. Or it doesn’t even exist, if you want.

You should know this if you write poetry.

It's not really poetry.

It will come.

I don't care about their discipline. Life is completely different!

Just because my father makes flags doesn't mean I have to end up with a flag.

You know, I don’t know who Beethoven is either.

It's OK. He will be glad to meet you.

Where are you going?

- To the GIM. - Training of what?

- I do boxing. - Can't be!

Isn't this stupid?

If I give my all in training, it’s

not just for myself. Also for him.

I worry about whether I will live up to his expectations.

I vowed to myself not to disappoint him.

If you continue like this, I will sign you up for the Academy Championships in 2 years.

Beethoven is a famous German composer,

born in Bonn. Author of sonatas, concertos, symphonies...

His life was difficult, and towards the end of his life he became completely deaf.

Catch him!

Stupid!

We'll stop you from spying!

Come on, get up!

Come quickly!

You'll know how to sneak!

The cruelty of elders terrifies me.

Impossible to move!

I hate myself for not interfering, for not

going to punch these scoundrels in the face.

Why did God make me such a coward?

"...swayed slowly...

The ship slowly rocked in place...

Comma.

still publishing...

all the same moans...

Comma.

...monotonous and..." - Sorry, monsieur.

Where are you from, Thibault? - From the first aid station, monsieur.

What happened to you?

Nothing, monsieur. He fell in the yard and injured his knee.

So it's nothing serious?

No, monsieur.

- Everything is fine? - Yes, monsieur. Everything is fine.

Then go to the board!

Come on, Thibault, be quicker!

He's suffering terribly, monsieur. Maybe it’s better to let him sit?

Are you in pain, Thibault?

Be patient, old man!

You feel sorry for yourself, this is unworthy of a person.

Sit down.

DACHAU (fascist concentration camp)

It's time to tell you about the most terrible suffering.

Those that people condemn other people to.

Here was hell!

I must tell you about human dignity.

You must know to what extent a person is able to overcome himself.

Forgive me, Thibault.

I was unfair. I know you're hurting.

Learn to love your suffering.

It helps you grow up.

Now all of you make an effort,

to go with me to the end.

I spent 15 months in this hell.

15 months of your life!

It all started on the platform of one station.

I got lost in the crowd...

which was guarded by dogs...

and SS men.

These dogs...

were my first contact with a nightmare!

Their ferocity terrified me.

Suddenly...

the world was filled with cruel, bloodthirsty,

ruthless villains, whose victim I had to become.

Children were separated from their mothers.

There were screams and screams...

lamentations!

Then the carriages arrived. We were forced there like cattle.

It is you who will forgive me, monsieur...

How can God allow such things to happen?

The French teacher doesn't have an answer to this question, but...

like a simple person

after many years of thinking,

I'm afraid there is no God.

It's all people's fault, Francois.

But what to do then?

Each of us must fight against injustice.

Do something... do something...

What did I do that I was abandoned by everyone?

If there is no God, I can't even pray anymore.

This makes no sense.

What happened to you? Are you sick?

What's happened? Did someone die?

Have you been called to the colonel?

Yes?

There were children in the concentration camps.

If I were among them, I know that I would be a coward.

Who will guide me through life? Who should I trust?

Who will help me fight my fears and despair?

Now I have nothing left.

I have never been so lost, so alone.

Francois!

Has he gone crazy?

I swear not to feel sorry for myself anymore.

I solemnly swear to never learn a word of German again.

I vow to find the strength within myself to fight injustice.

And one day decide to take revenge for the Fallen Leaf.

Voila.

Are you drinking your potion?

Three potions! It just doesn't help.

This cough is bothering me!

No, I didn’t bring you flowers, but I did bring you a letter.

There will be something to do if you get bored.

Thank you.

But you know, I don’t have dessert here to pay you.

-Are you laughing? This is a gift. - Thank you, old man.

It will be a keepsake for me.

- Why as a keepsake? - You know, the army is over for me.

Wrong body type.

They send me home to my parents.

Damn it!

I have nothing to regret.

Except you.

Listen, old man, could you write to my father?

He dreamed so much of a military man in the family. This will be a blow for him.

I would prefer that you write this letter to him.

I'm not very bright. - Okay, Thibault.

I leave you my dictionary.

I'll miss your whooping cough.

It's all over, gentlemen. Hand in your papers.

Stand up, Berto.

You hand in a blank sheet for the 3rd time. Can you explain?

I am obliged, monsieur.

Must? To whom are we obliged?

- To yourself, monsieur. - Quiet!

Don't mock me, Berto, I don't recommend it! - I'm not making fun of anyone, monsieur.

Then explain yourself, damn it!

You're not going to collect "zeros" for the rest of your life, are you?!

- I think I will, monsieur. - That's enough, my boy!

You can't make me believe that you forgot all your German words in 3 weeks!

So you've suddenly become a moron?

Explain now. - There is nothing to explain, monsieur.

But the Germans are disgusting to me! -What did the Germans do to you?

Nothing for me, monsieur. But concentration camps are truly monstrous!

Of course it's monstrous!

But what does this have to do with it? - I fight injustice, monsieur.

It's not that simple, Berto.

This -

to reward your determination.

Now tell me...

Do you think that by teaching German I approve of the horror of the concentration camps?

I don't think so, monsieur.

Thank you for your trust, Berto.

Here's one more thing, gentlemen.

You are the future military.

Sooner or later in your hands

It will turn out to be life or death for your enemies.

Their respect or fall.

And at this moment, gentlemen,

you too will make a decision that will make you human...

or scoundrels.

This also applies to the Germans,

to the Vietnamese

and to the French.

Well, Zhizhi, do you like this kind of mom? Yes?

Kiss Me.

Thank you, Francois, for sitting with Gigi this evening.

I love going to the movies. It sparks the imagination.

Voila. Well, like this...

good night to you both!

Francois!

Francois!

Wake up, Francois...

Don't move.

Don't be afraid!

Let me warm up next to you.

What about the commander?

He's already left.

It's true, I tell you! When we realized we were

late, we got on our bike and rode as fast as we could.

But when she started kissing my neck, I went crazy.

And we fell into a ditch.

What about the hand? Is it really broken?

Very broken! I screamed in pain.

It took us an hour to return.

Beaudoin!

She even pushed the bike herself.

Duquet!

Duran!

- Your bread! - I'm sick of it!

Well, we met, boy, huh?

You don't show off like that when your commander isn't around!

I'll tell you who your commander is! He's a blockhead, a blockhead!

My commander is not a fool!

Get up!

Do not give up! Hit!

Well, well, let's break up!

I betrayed him.

I betrayed the only person in the world who showed interest in me.

I hate myself.

Since I have existed, I have known that I am worthless.

That shot still rings in my head.

I should have been dead a long time ago.

Then nothing would have happened. It would all be over by now. Stopped.

Move away, otherwise you'll grab me in the face!

Are you still going to fight with your sandbag?

Leave me alone, I need to train.

Haven't you found anything better to occupy your time?

Move away, I'm telling you, you're disturbing me!

What are you up to?

Maybe you would like to hit me?

That's the goal, isn't it?

Hit a person, knock him out, maim him because he offended you?

That's the goal, isn't it?

The goal is to be able to protect yourself, to be stronger than others,

overcome yourself, win... - But not the same!

This makes no sense! It's like war!

When you do that, you're as idiotic as your sandbag!

I don't like this, Francois. I don't like violence.

You talked about the Germans... In fact, you don’t like it either!

Stop hammering!

Stop wasting yourself so stupidly with your fists!

All this is just an excuse!

You can take a pencil and write!

And you have to choose.

It is impossible to hold a pencil with boxing gloves!

Everything that is in my soul must find a way out.

That's why I write.

- Why are you saying this? - It's not me.

This is Beethoven.

The German, by the way, is an old man!

Give me a cigarette.

A cigarette?

But the commander will come in any minute to check.

He won't tell me anything.

You're getting into trouble again.

Attention!

This will not happen to me, my boy!

Yeah, you've pinched their beaks for a long time.

Now they won't dare call you a sycophant.

I don't care about others.

You are shy, but you are not timid.

Look! Beautiful, right?

I have a date with her in the evening. - And what?

You must help me get over the wall.

Only you can help. The rest are just cowards.

Besides, you can't refuse a cripple!

I found a passage between the legionnaires' barracks.

- They'll catch you. - I do not care.

Don't care if you're sent to a disciplinary battalion?

And will you die in the rice fields?

Mine doesn't want Galena in her country.

He's dangerous! Steal all my girls, eat all my rice!

You did not understand?

I'll be back in an hour. Wait for me, you don't risk anything.

Say, Galena!

Is it true that when you make love you always experience pleasure?

Well, you have questions!

My brothers are constantly chasing girls.

If they didn't experience pleasure, they would do something else, no?

Don't rack your brains.

Bye, dad.

What did you do? I've been waiting for you for 2 hours already!

Turn it off, quickly!

- Are you in trouble? - I came across the commander of the 4th platoon.

He was drinking against the wall. I didn't notice him!

He caught my leg. I got scared and started to break free.

And he hit him in the face with his boot. I think he took a good hit.

- Did he see you? - He didn’t see anything, he was knocked out.

And I ran away.

Now sleep, daddy.

For some time now there has been an atmosphere of unacceptable discipline here!

This must stop! Finally!

The discipline effort required of you is

this is part of your duty towards the Fatherland,

which educates you and feeds you!

Last time

I demand that the bully

who climbed over the wall at night and wounded the commander of the 4th platoon, surrendered himself!

Fine.

If so,

you will all take an oath.

Before the flag!

Loganyo!

I swear on my honor, it's not me.

Ussu!

I swear on my honor, it's not me.

I swear on my honor, it's not me.

I know that you all know the culprit.

Without giving him away, you are still as guilty as he is!

I swear on my honor, it's not me.

When a person does not have the courage to answer for his actions, he is a weakling!

Weakling! Nonentity! - I swear on my honor, it's not me.

When a person is able to trample on his honor,

he has no right to wear this uniform!

Sorry, my captain.

But... you can’t swear with your left hand?

OK.

Get back on track!

Next. - Labrid!

I swear on my honor, it's not me.

Well, boy,

Are you still tired of being a punching bag for your champion?

No, not at all.

At least I know who's punching me in the face.

Church boys are usually the biggest scoundrels.

Leave him alone, Georges!

You'll probably make him a murderer.

Go where you were going, Georges.

Stop showing off in front of the kids.

Don't forget who you are! - I don't forget anything.

You better shut up, otherwise you'll say something stupid. - What nonsense?

Are you afraid I'll tell you what happened on August 18, 1946?

- Shut up! - Fuck you, champion!

Left-right! Raise your fists! Left-right!

Left! Double left strike!

Left-right! More precisely, do not relax!

Left-right! When you box, you shouldn't think about anything else!

Otherwise everything is pointless! Forward! Left! Left-right!

Left-right! Left-right!

Stretch! Left-right!

Okay, it's bad. Better stop.

Sorry, commander, I can't do anything today. I'm tired.

Forget!

I'm on duty on Sunday. But if you're depressed, you shouldn't sit here.

You can drive yourself home. And I will come to you at the end of the day.

Fine?

He beat me, Francois.

He beat me!

Oh, he's crazy. I'm afraid of him!

I'm sorry I'm telling you all this.

You are so affectionate...

This was not the life he dreamed of.

So it makes me pay for my disappointments.

As if this was my fault.

His life didn't work out.

Yes.

And when it comes to him, he hates the whole world.

Why? Because you're no longer in boxing?

He wasn't like this before.

Since...

Yes, he hasn’t been himself for several years now.

Since 1946? Since August 1946?

Who told you?

What happened that day?

It's better for you not to know.

I'm afraid you'll start to hate him too.

I need you, Francois!

Next to her I have the illusion that I exist.

I'm starting to value life.

But sometimes I dream of dying with her,

of being forever united with her body,

at rest, underground...

I slept a lot?

Almost 2 hours.

Sorry.

It's stupid to sleep like that, isn't it?

No, not at all. When you sleep, you forget about everything.

Not about everything.

Don't be so sad!

If he finds out, he can kill us.

“Amore mio! Our secret, Francois, I will keep until my death.

You are the best thing I ever had.

I'm not ashamed. It's like a child from you.

I love him and keep him inside me.

The Lord cannot be angry with us for our love.

In a week you will be here. I think about you every day.

Love me, I beg you. Lena."

What are you thinking about right now?

I feel empty. It's funny.

- What's funny? - That the commander now values ​​me,

and I wanted to kill him. - What you said?

It was at a shooting range.

I was already finishing, I had one cartridge left.

I don't know what happened. My heart began to beat faster.

I aimed at his head!

Within a split second I could shoot!

Gosha!

I just hope I'm not going crazy.

Listen! Someone's coming up here!

Hide! Hide, I say!

Are you looking for someone, commander?

What are you doing here? Lie down - do push-ups!

How many push-ups, commander?

Once...

two...

three... - You need to be taught a lesson! Well hold on!

Come on, commander, break my fingers, that's all I ask!

You're like your commander, huh? The same show-off.

But he's a coward.

I probably forgot to tell you about the match where I received my title.

Your idol was defeated by a young boxer of 18 years old.

And, despite the gong, he continued to beat him.

Now the boy is in a wheelchair.

Paralyzed for life.

Who should you address your letter to?

- I can not tell you. - As you wish.

Write:

"I love you.

Every day I'm in a vice

in a constant desire to see you,

inhale your scent...

Do you really want me to write "inhale your scent"?

Yes, write.

...kiss your eyes,

your lips...

stroke your breasts,

your hips...

Don't you think this is too much? Do you want me to write all this?

I think of a gentle grotto, wet and hot,

where does so much vitality come to me from?

I love you with all the depths of my soul."

Let's.

Wow!

Do you swear not to tell anyone?

You can rely on me.

Galena!

I'm done with boxing. - Are you done with boxing? You?

I'm knocked out here!

Francois, open up! It's me!

What do you want?

Nothing for me. This is the commander. He can't spend Sunday without you.

Come on, he's waiting for you. - Don't want! I'll stay here.

And leave me alone! - Come on, come out!

Damn, what am I going to tell him now? Come out, I say!

You'll be in trouble!

Open up, Francois!

Can you hear me?

What's happening?

Are you not dressed yet?

Sorry, commander, but I can't do it this Sunday.

Can not? But you're not punished, are you?

No, not punished. But I do not want.

Why are you hiding?

What's going on, Francois?

What's wrong, my boy? - I'm not your boy!

Lately I don't recognize you.

You work worse, you avoid everyone.

It's like you don't want to study! - It’s true, commander, I no longer wanted to study.

You don't have the right to do this. Need to do something!

Make an effort for me. - Why?

You are not my father.

Then do it for yourself.

You can't be alone. Loneliness pushes you to dark thoughts.

Black thoughts make you think.

Besides, you can be lonely among people, eh, commander?

Without a doubt.

Okay, don't despair.

You have no right. There are people who believe in you.

And even those who love you.

I'm not sure... I don't know.

I know.

Let's go, otherwise we'll be late.

“Mentally and physically, everything seems fine?

Both mentally and physically. And it seems to me that I fight with all my heart and with all my might.

Do you know with what trepidation and attention we follow these events?

You must definitely win. We are sure that triumph awaits you!

So I will fight even better.

After this eulogy to Pierre de Gaulle, our correspondent in the USA asked..."

His specialty is a sequence of punches and hooks to the liver.

He attacks. Attacks on all fronts.

And since it strikes faster than lightning, not a single opponent can stand it.

He knocks them down.

He's the king!

Zhizhi fell asleep.

Here - this is for your 15 years.

Happy birthday, Francois!

This is the first time! I do not know what to say...

You won't cry, will you, my boy?

You need to blow out the candles at once.

Here you go.

Open up!

You know, Francois, this is a wonderful gift from Julien.

He never parted with this photograph.

And this is his signature.

Thank you.

I also have a gift for you.

Beautiful pen.

And where did you get it?

- I bought it. - How did you “bought” this?

What's the difference, Julien?

Where did you go? So you were leaving? When?

Answer!

- Please, Julien, leave me. - How dare you?!

I forbade you to leave the house! Banned! - Let me go, Julien!

Let me go!(it.)

I hate you, Julien!

Stop it! Stop it!

You're crazy!

You shouldn't have invited me!

There was no need to give hope that I could have a family!

Francois!

Francois!

Francois!

Francois...

I'm sorry.

Forgive me, Francois.

And forgive him.

Why should we be unhappy?

No, don't be unhappy, Francois! Never!

We must refuse to be unhappy.

There is so much I would like to tell you.

Yes, I know.

No, you don't know.

If I were older, I would take you away from here.

It would take me very far.

I would like to live with you in Italy.

I can `t talk.

And I have so much to say.

I'm in so much pain that I can't express what I feel.

I feel good only with you. I don't care about anything except you!

Can you hear your heart beating?

Do you hear? Do you hear, Francois?

I am happy with you.

I love you, Francois.

We will always be together, just the two of us, right?

No matter what happens, we will always be together, right?

No matter what happens...

We will always be together, no matter what happens...

A strange uneasiness comes over me.

There's too much going on at once.

I cannot cling to this hope of happiness.

I feel like something is going to break very soon.

I must say, my boy, I'm leaving.

I got an internship in Rouen. We won't see each other for a long time.

Francois!

I know that I have no right to interfere in your life, but take care of yourself, baby!

Don't let yourself despair.

Try to justify my trust, as if I were still there.

Attention!

Damn, he's drunk again. And we'll have to clink glasses.

What did I do to inherit such a platoon?

But that will change!

You will finally soon understand that you are in a military school!

Shut up, Georges, or you'll talk bullshit.

What you said?

I said, "Shut up, Georges, or you'll talk crap!"

You!

So that in 5 minutes

appeared before me in uniform - tie and white gloves.

The bunk is neatly tucked in and downstairs - in the yard!

- In the courtyard? - You understood me.

At the flagpole!

They don't yawn on guard duty!

Yes, commander. Tell this to the one who disturbs my sleep.

Here I speak, and you are silent!

Of course, commander. I didn't mean to contradict you.

Poorly seasoned! Badly! Refill first. Fulfill!

And silently!

But I'm happy, commander! And when I'm happy, I can't help but sing.

He is happy? How's that?

Well, since you like dragging the bunk down so much, we'll arrange it.

I have another 4 thousand guards. There will be 4 thousand beds for you.

Thank you, commander. You are so kind to me.

I warn you, it is in your best interest to sit still.

The slightest bullshit and I'll kill you.

I have no doubt, commander.

As you understand, I demand that you apologize to your boss.

That's an order!

- I can't, my captain. - Is it true?

I hope you understand the consequences of your refusal.

It's my duty to warn you. - Thank you, my captain.

I take responsibility.

I won't change my mind.

All I can say is that I've been waiting a long time for an opportunity to break into the sergeant.

Cadet Berto!

I will report this matter to the Colonel!

I'm sorry!

“Here, where they threw me, I feel bad.

From now on I am denied any kindness, warmth, peace.

And yet... my heart beats strong and fast.

from some inexplicable joy."

"Hold on, old man. We are all with you! Signed - Galena."

- What is your name? - Bertrand Laban.

But here they call me Spiru. And you?

I don't have a name anymore.

Okay, Spiru. Take care of your sandwiches.

Why are you telling me this?

Because you remind me of someone.

Okay, bye, Spiru.

"When I write and the words leave these marks on the paper,

I have a feeling that they exist

that the thought they carry spreads its wings,

impatiently for the entire phrase to be written.

I think I've found my place.

Peace pervades me.

I write. I'm happy".

Time to go to the dining room?

After what happened, you are not allowed in the cafeteria.

I, who can’t talk to anyone,

Now I can write. And it's such a relief!

A great consolation that becomes necessary for my survival.

My only concern is that the number of pages I have left is dwindling.

The anxiety that I will be left without paper makes me write more neatly."

“Dear Lena! I beg you, believe in my love.

I think about your body

and the desire beating within me to take you and love you proves that I am a man.

Lena, I can't wait to grow up.

With all my might I am drawn into the future... into the future.

Wait for me, Lena! Amore mio."

3 more of our guys died there in the rice fields, on the other side of the world.

And our school received coffins with their remains for several hours.

So what, idiot? Have you learned to remain silent and respect your boss?

Under my supervision, you are allowed to stretch your legs in the yard.

And when I speak, you must stand at attention!

I can easily imagine my body, naked and cold, with my eyes closed.

Me, Francois, who died under the same flag. And I pray for myself.

My fear of dying there in the rice fields strangely left me.

I am free.

The Colonel has not yet made a decision regarding you.

I only know that he is thinking of expelling you.

So there is no point in advising you to sit quietly and keep a low profile?

Go back to your work as if nothing happened.

Wait a minute.

That is yours?

Yes, my captain.

I haven't shown it to the colonel yet.

You understand that it was my duty to read this notebook.

What I found there helped me understand what happened to the commander of the 4th platoon.

Otherwise, what you write does not concern me.

And has nothing to do with the army.

However, I will give you some friendly advice.

Give it up. Think about your future.

And most importantly, keep writing.

You have a talent!

Well, I think I'll return this notebook to you.

She must be dear to you?

On the.

Thank you, my captain.

- Hello, Francois! - Hello, Berto!

Hello Francois!

Good evening! We're glad to see you.

Hello, Berto!

Hello Christophe!

Hello Francois!

- Hello, Francois! - Hello, Berto!

Hello!

Hello Francois!

Hello dad!

- Did you think well? - I always thought too much.

I'll make sure I get expelled.

I have nothing left to lose.

All that remains is to decide.

Okay, I'm off. - Should I wait for you?

No, don't wait for me.

Bye, Galena!

Bye, Francois.

From that moment on, fate took a turn in Francois's life, and everything began to spin quickly.

Disciplinary battalion and Indochina.

Several of Lena's letters miraculously reached him.

As for those that he wrote to her, they strangely

disappeared from the box where she kept them,

exactly the day before Julien's motorcycle crashed into the wall.

Upon learning of the death of the commander, Francois burst into tears.

This surprised him, for the daily proximity of death had hardened his indifference.

He could not imagine that anything else would happen that would increase his loneliness.

Galena!

It's OK.

Nothing ever happens the way we imagined.

Francois...

I want to ask you a question.

Letter...

then, in the infirmary...

Who did you write it to?

You will always surprise me.

I'm leaving you, old man...

I'm glad I won't die alone.

Thank you.

Francois!

Translation and subtitles: Lisok (Lisochek)