Original subtitles

BLAME IT ON VOLTAIRE

Purpose of request: Political asylum.

Why did you leave your country?

Why did you choose to come to France?

Why did you leave your country?

- To be in France! - No. The reason why you left...

- your country? - To get a job, money.

Are you crazy? There are five million unemployed here.

You ask for political asylum. You say you have...

Problems... with your government.

I have no problems with my government!

Hocine, I'm the eldest of a large family. My father...

is dead. I support them all.

Nobody cares about your life!

They won't even accept refugees who are genuine!

The moment they give me a permit, we'll see.

Fine! But you must give a good reason.

- Should he provide his name? - Better not.

- What about my credentials? - Say they were stolen.

Your papers are missing.

Algerian.

That. Tell them you are Algerian. Algeria, Tunisia and Libya...

- what do they know? - Really?

Sure. A better deal with Algerians. For the past...

they feel guilty.

Butter them up, though.

He's right.

It shows respect. France, a country of freedom...

Voltaire's homeland... and human rights.

Liberty, equality, fraternity... etc.

Won't it be obvious?

What do you think? They believe they invented freedom.

Equality too. They never get bored...

of human rights.

Right. Tell me why you had to leave your country.

I explained in the record.

Pretend you did't write anything and didn't read anything.

I am Algerian.

My cousin hid in my home. The police were looking for him.

Why?

- He was a minister. - How do you mean?

In religion.

When he was in jail, he told me...

That I would also be locked up.

When did you leave Algeria?

How did you get to France?

I left three days ago. I arrived in France two days ago.

I went to the police... as my papers were stolen.

You don't have any identification?

No.

Did you bring the three pictures?

Yes.

You know how this works:

We will grant a permit while examining your case.

- Alright? - Did it work?

Provisional authorisation stay for three months.

- Congratulations! - What's this book?

"Immigrant Hostel". It's where you...

stay. Keep it.

- Let's celebrate. - No, I can't.

- Only a drink! - I have to see what the insurance...

is for work. Call me tomorrow.

- Tomorrow! - Good luck!

- See you tomorrow. - Goodbye Jallel!

Ciao!

We'll explain how it works here.

- We better introduce you. - Yes.

Here is the laundry.

Bring your clothes. If you need clothes, we'll give some.

There are restrooms and showers. If you need...

shampoo or soap, you ask J.P.

He's responsible for the bathrooms, showers and laundry.

Below is the TV room.

There are books, TV, coffee and cookies.

- Frank! - What?

- Don't smoke in the lounge. - Alright!

- Come on, I need you. - Okay.

- Up! - I'm coming.

He'll show you your room. Below you can bring people...

But no women in your room. It's the rule.

- What is it? - This is Jallel.

Frank, a former guest.

- Show him his room. Number 43. - All right.

- Have you eaten? - Yes.

- Show him the dining room. - We'll come back.

I'll go now. Make yourself at home.

- What number was it? - Number 43.

- 43. What was your name? Ja...? - Jallel.

Jallel. Are you Arabic?

- Algerian. - I knew it. I know several.

Here you go: Linens and toiletries.

The blanket is on the bed. Welcome.

- Have you given him soap? - Stay out of this.

Just kidding!

- Thank you. - Come. What I was saying?

Oh yeah, I have friends in Algeria. They say it's beautiful.

- Sure. - I'm from Britain.

- Hello. - Hello.

This is my room. The second bed is mine.

Mustafa, hello, how are you?

Hello Maurice.

Now that's love.

Yes and I want you to stay out.

It's alright, I'm not the jealous type.

- The shirt as well. - Alright.

This is Paul.

- Nice to meet you. - He's not a skinhead...

- but a Buddhist. Nono, Jallel. - Nice to meet you.

That's your bed, number 43.

- Sit. - Do you want coffee?

- Sure. - I want some too.

Alright, get some hot water from the bathroom.

You do it! I always have to do it!

- Come on. - Let go!

I always do everything myself.

And leave the tap running so it stays warm.

Don't worry.

- Sugar? - Three please.

Beautiful music.

- Yes. Are you "rebeu"? - What?

- You know, are you an Arab? - Yes.

In France they're called "rebeu", Arabs born here.

- I'm a rebeu. - Were you born here?

Yeah. Were you?

In Algeria. Algiers.

Me too. Well, my mother was born there.

- You know the Ben Mansur family? - No.

They say it's a great family. That said, I don't know them.

But I do know the language.

- What's your name? - Jallel.

- How old are you? - 27, almost 28.

- What do you do? - I have no job.

Not bad, huh?

Well, more or less.

- At last! - Careful, water's hot.

It sure is hot!

I'm going to warm to you.

What's wrong with you, Fredo?

- You don't look well. - I asked for alms all day...

- and only got 30 bucks. - Tomorrow will be better.

Fredo, this is Jallel.

He'll be with you.

Yeah, get used to it.

Avocados for 10 francs. Oranges and bananas, 10 francs.

Avocados, 10 francs. Avocados, 10 francs.

Bananas, 10 francs. Bananas, 10 francs.

Madam, three avocados for 10 francs.

Oranges, bananas, 10 francs. Avocados, 10 francs.

Give this to my boss. Tell them I'm fine...

Tell him I'm fine. Say hello for me.

Careful.

Don't worry. Don't be discouraged.

- Hello. - Hello.

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning!

Sorry for the inconvenience but I will present...

- our newspaper. - Bájale!

- Won't you deafen your ears? - It's to wake you up.

I'll wake people up and sell 30 a day.

- That sells well? - In cold weather, yes.

Or when TV shows mention the homeless.

That's right!

- Yesterday I made 200. - Really?

It depends on your personality. I say, "ladies and gentlemen!"

- You assault them. - Get your attention.

Then guilt them. I say I have two children, and I have no job.

And believe me, I didn't want to be in this situation.

- Brilliant! - I didn't want to live like this.

They must feel guilty. You say: "I'm stuck in my place. "

They think: "I have a better life than them. "

And the you make them stop and think:

"This guy is in trouble", and then you say:

"I'm not a beggar, I want to work. "

Sometimes I cry, I tell them I, no, he was an alcoholic.

Don't act mournful. Make sure you say: "I am a worker. "

Ladies and gentlemen, I present "Macadam".

The first issue of this French newspaper.

It costs 10 francs, contains a report...

on the history of the subway, and a discount of 15 francs...

for a movie. Macadam! Macadam!

Good morning.

Yes, thank you. Here you are.

Good morning.

What can I get you?

A beer.

Mouloud, put on Cheb Mami.

The hell with Cheb Mami. I'll sing it better.

What an idiot! Enough!

You'll see!

Thank you.

Another beer please.

Are you not Tunisian?

I'm Algerian.

Well that's weird... You look like a Tunisian.

Nice to meet you. My name is Naserra Younes.

My father is from Tunisia And my mother is French.

So you're "beure". Aha. Half and half.

What's your name?

Jallel Brahimi.

Brahimi? Leila! Brahimi's your surname as well?

His name is just like yours.

- Brahimi? - Yes.

Me too! Are you from Casablanca?

- No, Algiers. - Not Moroccan?

There are Brahimis in Algeria.

In fact, there are some in Tunisia.

No matter. We are cousins.

We're all cousins.

Let's celebrate! Won't you invite us to a drink?

Hey, don't get carried away.

No, it's my treat!

Her beauty melted my heart...

Its purity... The neck of a gazelle...

Beauty! That waist so fine...

Wait! What is he saying?

Under which bloom full curves and hills...

He says you're as big as a hill.

So tender, sister of the cows of the sand.

You are beautiful like a cow.

No offering to replace the original.

Hello.

- Are you sobered up? - Hello.

- My money. - What?

Give me back my money.

What money are you talking about?

- Your money? - They stole my money.

What was here is not there.

Are you out of your mind? You think I stole it?

Get out of here, We don't steal anything.

What do you think? You spent all your money!

No. I spent 300. There were 400. I had them here.

Last night you invited the whole town! Don't you remember?

You don't even remember. Of course not, you were drunk.

I told you I had to get him out. Now he's causing more trouble.

Like when you danced on top of the table.

- Not true! - No-one could stop you.

You think we steal, to me it's important. How much did you say?

400 bucks? Fine.

- Why are you doing this? - Forget it.

This will bring all the Algerians here.

Here.

Take it!

No-one takes me for an idiot.

And nobody calls me a thief. Take it!

Just take it!

Come on, take it!

No. I'm sorry.

What's wrong? Having problems? Do you need money?

Forgive me.

Wait...

Don't go. Have a coffee for your hangover.

It isn't good to drink so much. Then you start to bullshit.

Don't make that face.

We all make mistakes.

I danced on the table?

Yes, and you said you were from Tunisia, but that it was a secret.

You talked about your mother, your sisters and brothers.

You said poems in Arabic and said I was fat as a hill.

How nice! I'm doing all the work.

Come see me after work, I finish at ten.

We live here together. The first window.

The other side. I'm coming.

Sorry about that.

I was feeding my kid.

It takes a while.

Kevin, Jallel. Jallel, Kevin.

Say hello, Kevin.

Hello.

- Is this your child? - Who else's?

I told you about her!

Right.

Make yourself at home.

Sorry about the mess.

If you want, there's whiskey.

- Sure. - Help yourself.

There are glasses on the table beside the bed.

- Do you want one? - Sure. A drink.

Only one! Don't be like last night.

This looks good!

What will you eat, Kevin?

Kevin, sit upright.

Come on!

Come on, Kevin!

Hasn't eaten anything for 15 days. The child refuses to eat.

Look how skinny you are.

- She's not skinny. - She is. She won't eat anything.

- Kevin! - She's nice.

She looks like you.

Not at all. She's just like her father.

She has your eyes.

You're wrong, those are her father's.

Don't you have the eyes of your father?

Don't say that. She understands.

Sure!

As a mother I understand it!

So I speak to her. To poop or pee...

She's a child but not stupid. I say piss, shit...

Her eyes are her father's. That's me. I say things.

Later I'll tell you her father is a bastard.

I'm not lying. Do you know what her father did?

He was a guy living in the same unit.

He was also Tunisian.

We went out and did the whole "I love you" routine. It was serious...

and we were going to get married.

One day he said his grandmother died and he was going to the funeral...

in Tunisia.

So he went...

I felt lonely... so I thought I'd surprise him.

I thought: "I'll go there. "

I got on the plane, arrived in Tunisia...

I didn't know where to go. I don't even speak the language.

I was clueless! So I took a taxi...

and gave his address.

I arrived outside his home...

And there...

there was a party.

I thought, "this can't be it".

Then I asked: "Does the Massoud family live here?"

"Yes, this is it. "

"Why are they having a party?"

"They're having a wedding. "

"Who's getting married?"

"Fati Massoud, of course!"

The son of a bitch!

Fati Massoud, her father, my man. The miserable bastard!

Worst of all, I was pregnant.

And my family are very traditional.

Anything to get rid of me.

You don't know how bad I felt.

There I was in shelters, the street, in squalor.

I don't know if you can imagine it. One is in love, and then...

'Fuck you and your future... ' Well, seriously...

Do you think they wanted to know? How I was?

Because I'm a woman of heart. If I do something...

That's me. Because I surrender myself.

Now I do well. I work, I have a room.

The owner gives me a good price, sometimes...

just to keep me in place.

I'm saving and then will rent an apartment.

So do your best.

I know how it feels to be you.

To live in shelters.

And, well...

to look alright.

I don't know.

Wait, wait, wait.

Wait.

I could be doing something stupid.

Wait.

You better go.

I don't know. I have to feel safer.

You know, I need time.

You don't have anything for me?

- What? - What's with the long faces?

He received a letter. He must leave the country. He was denied asylum.

- Appeal the decision. - It's not that simple.

I'm not a political refugee.

Nor am I Algerian.

- I'm from Tunisia. - So what?

You don't understand. He must go.

Do you always do what you're told?

Three avocados, 10 francs.

Look how good they are!

Three for 10 francs.

Frank, get the kid to daycare, it's time.

Sure.

How are you going with her?

Yes. No. Not yet.

What? Did you do it or not?

Have you...?

We slept together, we kissed...

but never did it.

No!

I'm not surprised. She seems sensitive.

She's been with pure bastards, been hurt.

- I don't want to push her. - Yeah, but don't wait too long.

Yes, yes, go for it.

Seduce her.

- Make her laugh. - Yes.

Because there's competition.

- And they're also "beurettes". - So what?

They're really hot!

You've done a beurette?

Well, no.

Frank! It's time!

Go, go.

I'm going!

Alright?

See that woman over there?

She arranges marriages for those without papers.

I said I knew someone.

Want to talk to her?

The wedding, I fix myself.

You get the girl and the papers.

But after the wedding, be careful.

They can check on you.

You and the girl must agree on everything.

If they ask you questions, you should know everything about her.

Color of her toothbrush, favorite dish...

There are many requirements, understand?

But don't mention me.

Naserra said you can be trusted.

- Is it true? - Yes.

- If you say anything, we're fucked. - How much?

- 100,000 francs. - What?

For me, the girl and the flowers.

You don't negotiate the price.

I'm doing it because Naserra recommended you.

Couldn't you be the girl?

- What? - Yes, the bride.

- What, you and I get married? - Yes.

No. No commitments.

This is a real commitment.

You know, to help me.

And then we'll see.

How much would you pay?

How much?

40,000.

Well hey, either way you get it free.

I could ask for 100,000. Many guys want papers.

I rent an apartment and you can work and be free.

Sure, just like benefits.

Okay, 30,000.

Hey, 30,000 is better than 100,000.

I'll have to work harder.

I can't send money to my family.

It's an exchange of service.

Think about it.

Avocados, 10 francs.

Three avocados for 10 francs. Oranges for 10 francs.

Yes.

Avocados, 10 francs. Three for 10 francs, sir.

Three avocados for 10 francs. Good morning, miss.

Come on ladies, pineapples for 10 francs.

Pineapples for 10 francs.

Strawberries for 10 francs. Two punnets for 10 francs.

5 francs.

Strawberries for 5 francs. 5 francs, miss.

Rich strawberries, juicy.

One punnet for 5 francs.

5 francs a punnet.

Civil registration is there.

Come on, stand still.

Come here, Paul.

Crouch.

Wait.

Ready.

- Are they not here? - Maybe they're there.

They're not. Women are always late.

Kevin, calm down.

- The bride! - Long live the bride!

- How pretty. - Your dress is beautiful.

- You look beautiful. - Wonderful.

Thank you.

Stop it! Fools.

Hello Naserra.

- Hi Nono. - This is Tonio.

Congratulations.

- Bring the rings? - Rings, Nono.

Where are the rings?

How could I forget? It's Jallel wedding!

You're an idiot, Nono.

- A photo? - Sure.

Let me be next to the bride.

Wait.

Smile!

One, two, kiss.

Great!

Come on, a little joy!

Long live the bride!

These are the newlyweds. The best man and maid of honor.

- You're sneaky... - We'll see the judge.

Wait. Jallel, you walk in with the lady...

and we'll follow.

Take my bag.

- Kiss each other! - Long live the newlyweds!

- What beautiful eyes! - Naserra, come see.

- What is it? - Calm down.

- She's crying. Change her. - It'll mess my dress!

It's soaked! What about diapers?

- In your bag. - Here's your bag.

No matter, Naserra. Calm down.

Where are the bathrooms?

I don't know. Here.

- Quickly, Naserra. - Hurry up.

I could use some meditation.

- Do you meditate? - Yes.

- They say it's relaxing. - Come, I'll teach you.

Hey, there's a monument for the dead.

Our dead: '14-18, '39-45 Indochina, Korea, Tunisia...

Morocco, Algeria.

- There's a catalog. There's a shitload. - Will it have my grandfather?

- Maybe. - He was in the war.

- What's his name? - Boualem Ben-Abess Monsour.

Let's look at M.

In B. Ben Monsour.

It seems logical, right?

Well, in the B, then.

Bernard, Berneau...

Bérou...

Bersillon, Berson...

Here it is. Come on.

Stand up.

Today mom's getting married, okay?

Look, they're not even holding.

The palms flip upwards.

Look inside yourself, within.

- There it is. - Bench...

- Benneti. - Search Monsour.

Wait, Ben or Monsour?

In Monsour.

All right. Monsour.

There's M.

Look, what a mess.

Today is my day, you know? My day.

Jallel always treats you well, right?

- Yes. - Be nice to mommy.

Stay there, Kevin.

- Stop, I'm looking. - What's the name?

- Boualem. - Monsour or Boualem?

- In one or two words, Boualem? - Two.

Sometimes they swap the first name and surname.

- What's your name? - I don't know.

Boualem Abess Ben Monsour.

- Ben or Monsour? - Look in B.

Again in B.

Kevin?

Kevin?

Kevin?

Kevin?

What's wrong with you?

Don't you know I get worried?

You can't be alone.

Do you understand? You can't go by yourself. It's dangerous!

I'm here. We're together now.

Boucher, Boucher...

Boucher... there are a few.

- Maybe at the back. - Are the Arabs at the back?

- There are only French. - Leila, go see...

- Sure. - When your five senses...

form a circle, and not maya, or reality...

- What's maya? - An illusion.

Naserra!

Jallel!

- Jallel! - Turn him face up.

Slowly.

- What's wrong? - I don't know.

- No way to sleep. - Shut up.

- Shut up! - Or you can go to a hotel.

I can't afford a hotel.

What are you doing?

It's a Tibetan trick to lower the fever...

- and stimulate ying. - Your ying! You're crazy!

Jallel, calm down. Everything will be okay.

Fight it, Jallel.

Jallel? Can you hear me?

Get up.

- Easy. - Pick him up.

- Can you stand up? - It's okay.

- Easy. - Take a deep breath.

- Jallel, let's go to the hospital. - But he has no insurance.

Shit, it's true.

I'll use my card.

Put on his shoes.

Let's go.

What's wrong, Mr. Le Pelletier? You don't want breakfast?

What happened?

Don't you feel good?

Mr. Le Pelletier?

Have it your way.

Depressives with depressives, that's what I say.

Come Mr. Le Pelletier, I'll take you to your room.

Hello.

My name is Philippe. And you?

Frank.

- Lend me five bucks. - André!

Come here.

Lend me five bucks!

I can't, I'm in my pajamas.

- Do you have five bucks? - He's new.

- Hello. - He's called Frank.

Hi Frank. I'm André.

- Already H.O.? - Compulsory hospitalization.

Like me. I went to the can, but I'm not responsible.

- I saved you. - I liked prison.

Why not? They were my friends.

- I saved you. - Do you have five bucks?

Benoît! You dropped food on your shirt. Clean it up.

Sure you don't have five bucks?

No. He asked me twice last night. I feel like his father.

- He's a freak. - Look who's talking.

- What? - There are times when...

Welcome, Frank.

- Hello Françoise. - Hello.

Look Frank...

here is the TV room.

We even have cable. I'll show you.

What are you doing?

Well, you'll see.

On with the tour.

Are you new?

Would you give up a cigarette?

Stop it. Taking advantage!

Don't give one, she'll keep mooching.

- Why do you say that? - You take advantage!

On her stomach, she smokes more than six cigarettes a day.

And with 20 bucks you you can have the lot.

Right, Philippe? 20 bucks.

Right. With 20 bucks you can take the grab. More-or-less.

20 bucks and you fuck.

Would you give me a cigarette?

No.

I'll give you money. You can buy a pack.

It's not good for you.

Nor for you.

Come on, don't be mean.

Sit.

- Are you okay? - Yes.

And you?

I'm fine.

You've been here long?

Yes. A long time.

How many?

- 20 Francs. - What?

20 francs.

No, how long have you been here?

Well?

Three months.

Are you H.O.?

No. I'm free. I.H.L.

Why are you here?

Because I relapsed.

- See you. - See you.

- Start. Just prepare to lose. - Isidore!

Meysa as goalie.

- Frank. - Charles. You're good.

- Yves. - Flax, defense.

- Simon. - Okay, Mario.

- Me, please! - Maurice.

- Come, Benoît. - Shall we play?

We're missing someone. Who can play?

Me.

If she plays, I'm not playing.

- Wait. - No!

She wants to kill me. Yesterday she tried.

There are men's teams and women's. But not mixed.

- It's been invented! - I won't play.

André, stay.

Lucie, come on. Scram.

- Out. - Go!

Get out.

Go for a walk.

What's your problem?

Bunch of assholes!

It's because she's a girl.

- Mourad, no. - No, Mourad, no.

Philippe, I better leave to keep it even.

Wait, but you're attacking.

It's okay.

- You'll be in reserve. - Fine.

- All right. - �rale, come on.

Chin up.

I knew you'd sit beside me.

- You could tell? - Yes. I felt it.

I dreamt that we were making love.

And just when I came, I woke up. Sad, right?

You know what it means?

You're attracted to me.

Of course it does.

I like you...

That means you like me too.

I didn't want to say it, so I told you in my dreams.

Is that funny?

They're on the table.

I don't smoke.

Lucie...

I don't smoke.

Have you eaten?

Yes.

Was it good?

Yes.

Yes what? Was it good?

Yes, it was good.

Do you want to make love to me?

If you have no money, I'll understand, you don't get paid.

Wait...

Don't.

Aren't I pretty?

Yes, you're pretty.

You don't like women.

Yes, I like women.

- But I don't know you. - That doesn't matter.

What do you want to talk about?

Everything.

Life, poetry...

What everyone else talks about...

What happens in sports, politics.

And after politics we make love?

You look nice when you laugh.

You almost always look sad.

Be a man.

Lucie!

Lucie! Time for bed.

Get up!

Okay, I'm coming.

Give me a cigarette.

Give me a cigarette!

Thank you.

I forgot to give this back.

You can have it.

Are you going?

Yes.

Goodbye and good luck.

See you, Frank!

Goodbye.

- Hello. - Hello.

Hello.

- Hello. - How are you?

- Were you in the asylum? - Yes.

- Haven't you gone crazy? - No.

- Are you okay? - Yes.

- We're still the same. - Hello.

- How's the food there? - Fine.

- Did they have TV? - Yes, TV and games.

- Same as here. - Really?

- Yes. - Good.

Come!

- Look who's here. - Jallel!

Careful, he's delicate.

Are you well?

Sit.

- How are you doing? - Well.

- Rested? - Yes.

- You look good. - You too.

- Well that's us. - Easy-going.

- What about the others? - Well...

- Frank works in a hotel. - He's a night porter.

There he sleeps, eats and everything.

- It's two blocks away. - We'll go visit him.

- Sure. What about Paul? - Paul!

Stop laughing.

Paul went to Tibet.

- He went to the Buddhists. - In the Himalayas.

He's crazy.

- But he left something for you. - Yes?

Open it.

Do you get it?

We take his picture, replace it with yours...

Give you an I.D.

Jallel!

How are you?

- Fine, and you? - Fine.

She hasn't returned?

No.

The past is dead.

- I'll buy you a drink? - Another day.

Best get back to work. The owner's here.

Take care of yourself.

And come back!

- Hello, Barbara. - Hello, Jallel.

- How you doing? - Well, what about you?

- Have you seen Frank? - I'm seeing him with Nono.

- A girl's asking for you. - Really?

There she is.

You don't know how happy I am to see you.

And you?

Are you happy?

Yes.

How's Philippe?

Fine.

He told me where to find you.

At first, he didn't want to tell me...

But in the end...

And, uh...

- The one who's always messy? - Benoît.

- Benoît. How's he? - Good.

- And André? - Also good.

And you?

Are you okay?

Are you angry with me?

No.

What?

Look, Lucie...

You're very pretty.

I don't know what you think, but...

Between you and me... it won't work.

Are you afraid?

Are you scared?

Can't you see yourself?

You sleep with everyone...

And you look like...

a whore.

Hey, 20 bucks. That's all.

- You know what whores charge? - It's still money.

You think I'm a whore?

No.

No.

- Thank you, goodbye. - Goodbye.

Alright.

What?

Aren't we staying together?

No. I've got to work.

Give me your number and I'll call you.

- Where? - Call your mother.

I'm not going to my mother's house. I want to stay with you.

The center is for men.

What do you want me to do?

- We'll go to a hotel. - I have no money.

I have.

No.

Wait!

What?

Come.

Tell me.

I must inform the center. It's the rule.

Come.

Want to talk politics?

No...

I don't want you to touch my breasts.

I think they're ugly. One is smaller than the other.

Seriously, look!

All women have one smaller than the other.

Men also.

- What do you mean? - They have a ball smaller...

than the other.

Are you pregnant?

Me?

I don't know.

You're pregnant.

Give me a cigarette.

The doctor said to stop.

Don't tell him, just moderate my intake.

He said "stop taking them. "

Fine, I'll try.

There are no places in the Mothers' Centers...

So I'll try the schools for girls.

Great. We'll be there in an hour.

Cheers. Thank you.

Bye.

They have a place in Crimée, it's for girls.

It's very clean, there are two rooms.

- Where is it? - It's a direct drive. I'll take you.

- Is it far? - No, it's close.

- Is it far? - But I'll need your documents.

Who cares about documents!

I told you, I'm Lucie Gérard, 22 years old, born 22/11/1977...

in Paris. I'm not lying.

They need it for insurance, the doctor and your registration...

at the center. I can't do it without papers.

- I don't want to go to that center. - Where then?

- I want to stay here. - This is for men.

You're a woman. You can't be here. You're pregnant.

Want to be in the street?

- I've had enough! - You also got me sick.

I have a fever!

Lucie, do as I say. I'll see you tomorrow.

Where?

We'll meet here.

Birth certificate...

Income statement...

Proof of address...

and photos.

I look pretty in the pictures.

I've seen you prettier.

No, you're beautiful.

You only need three. Can I keep this?

All right.

Look, I'll keep it here.

- Can I see? - Careful.

- Who is she? - She's my mother.

A little fat.

- Wait! - If you talk badly about her...

It's not bad, and she's fat.

Okay, I won't say anything.

- Is that your father? - Yes. He's dead.

And that child is you.

That's a girl!

That one is me.

You looked like a girl.

- Finish your cake. - I don't want it.

- Going to finish your tea? - No.

Then let's go.

A moment, sir.

Your papers.

Thank you, sir.

They said if you don't have work, you'll be allowed to go to...

a lawful country to come and provide work.

I was looking for work, you don't know where I slept.

A friend gave me the idea of selling flowers.

He said, "you should sell flowers in cafes and bars. "

I didn't even know where to buy flowers.

They said Rungis, I didn't even know Rungis.

Then I saw a friend in Belleville.

He said: "I'll lend you some. "

I went, he came with me on the subway and the bus...

We left at 4:30...

in a crowded subway full of people with flower boxes.

I had boxes but couldn't work.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

I can't breathe.

At 5:00, we went on the subway.

I thought I liked the work.

I put down my boxes of flowers, and met a lot of people.

Then the police arrived, a lot of police.

They took my flowers. They stole them.

They took my flowers.

Didn't even say "hello".

I cried. He lent them, I couldn't pay him back.

Then I went back to the hostel.

What's wrong?

Don't pretend you don't understand.

I want to fuck.

Excuse me, my friend.

You talk like that on purpose in front of people.

Sorry, I do.

It's not my fault, I want to fuck.

I told you.

You're pregnant.

- It's blocked. - He won't even feel it! See?

Yes, but I will.

Frank!

- What's up, Jallel? - What's up?

- How are you? - Nice to see you!

- How are you doing? - Fine. And you?

I'm well.

Let me introduce Lucie. Come, meet Frank.

- What now? - He's a friend of mine.

Come, come.

- Hello. - Frank, Lucie.

Well, a kiss at least?

Another one who'll wear a veil.

- Did I say something? - No, she's just nervous.

What a creep.

But she's nice.

Is she your girlfriend?

Yeah, well, I'll explain.

Okay then.

- Let's get something. - Come, Lucie.

- My treat. - Come, let's go with Frank.

- Come, come. - My treat.

My treat.

Frank!

- Look at you! - How are you?

- Are you okay? - Just fine.

- How are the guests? - Fine.

- Do you treat them well? - Yes.

On Saturday there's a party with a bocce tournament.

- What's the prize? - A weekend at a hotel...

3 stars, tickets on the metro, hairdressers.

- Will there be food? - Sure.

- I'll join with Jallel. - I don't know how to play pétanque.

- You'll all win something. - I played in a club.

The champion of Brest. The best!

Okay.

- Great. See you on Saturday. - Goodbye.

- Are we going? - Yes. Come on, Lucie.

Lucie!

Lucie!

Lucie!

Come for coffee.

- She's a little freaky, no? - Well, a bit...

- A beer. - Sure.

You want a beer, Jallel?

Two beers.

- A Greek sandwich? - No.

It's okay, ask for one.

Two Greek sandwiches.

Hot sauce or white?

Hot.

So you sell roses. What about avocados?

- I prefer roses. - Sell more?

No. Just like avocados.

But it's better. I can ride the metro.

I go where I want. I have more freedom.

And I like walking.

And your job?

Aren't you in a hotel?

- Yes. Night porter. - How is it?

Heavy. I'm up all night.

I never see the day.

You sit, they nudge you, you open. And you wait.

Then at night they ask for soap, a towel.

So I wear towels. And then wait and wait.

With salary and tips, I've made 6000, 7000.

- Not bad. - Yes. I have a small room.

And it's nice!

Upholstery, carpeting. With a sink.

But I don't know...

I want something different.

I'm looking for work, looking for something.

- Now I want to go. - I understand.

And Paris has me sick. It's sad, the weather is ugly.

- I want to return to Brest. - But everyone's here.

Come with me. There are opportunities.

- I like Paris. - Really?

I like it. I feel good.

There are many different people.

When I walk I feel like I'm traveling.

It's nice.

The lights, the city at night...

- it's full of life. - Jallel, come.

- What? - I need to talk to you.

- Sorry, Frank. - Be right back.

Can I? Fuck Lucie?

Ask her.

She said yes but to ask you.

- She does what she wants. - Are you sure? If you don't want me...

She's not my wife, she can sleep with anyone.

You don't mind?

No.

- Seen Nono around? - Not much.

Still in the hostel?

- You know that Paul went to Tibet? - Yes.

Imagine, going to the end of the world!

He's crazy!

Excuse me, Frank.

- Antonio! Come here! - What?

Come!

Stay there, Lucie.

- Don't do it. - You said you didn't care.

She's pregnant.

- You can't tell. - It's not good for the baby.

You're not her husband or her father. So...

Antonio, don't!

Stop fucking kidding! You said yes five minutes ago!

Now you say no. You just change your mind.

- Fuck off! - Antonio, don't.

This isn't done! You say something and mean it!

Got it?

And you owe me 20 bucks!

- You're jealous. - No.

Yes, you're jealous.

No!

You're pregnant.

Wait!

All right. I won't do it again.

I won't!

But tonight, we spend together.

No!

We spend it together!

You go to your hostel.

We'll stay together! We'll just sleep!

Just sleep together!

Wait.

- I want water. - What?

- Water. - Okay.

- Do you have a cigarette? - I just ran out.

Come, come.

Come, please enter.

This is your suite. Enjoy the calm and comfort...

That is the pride of this house...

And the kindness of our personnel.

I wish you a pleasant evening.

Thanks, Frank.

Frank is good.

Shall we go to sleep?

I'm going to pee.

- Put the roses in water. - Okay.

Jallel?

Why not sign up with me?

Why didn't you tell Frank you were going with me?

What do you mean?

For the bocce tournament.

You should tell him you want to do it with me.

I didn't know you wanted to take part.

Frank can play.

You and I don't.

- We'd lose. - Barbara said...

everyone wins something.

It's better to win a week in a hotel...

than fertilizer or train tickets.

If you won, would you still go with Frank?

We haven't won yet.

Still, you should tell him.

I'll tell him tomorrow. Now go to sleep.

Jallel?

Are you asleep?

Let's do it.

Frank!

- Are you awake? - Yes, I'm selling flowers.

I dreamed that I no longer work here, but...

was well-paid!

- You want some coffee? - Sure.

Strange girl.

Up there is sugar.

It seems serious.

It's nice here.

When one is in love, it feels good everywhere.

Maybe it's what I need, a woman.

It's hard in Paris.

They're always like that, you see.

No smile, even if you look good.

It turns me off.

I like spontaneous girls.

Leila, she was cute.

I liked her. She always smiled.

Had it not ended like that with Naserra...

Sorry to mention it.

That's the past.

True, Leila is beautiful.

I think she likes you.

Really?

Did she tell you?

No. One day in the cafe, she asked if you would come.

I said yes and she put on lipstick.

Really.

In any case, it's too late.

She's still there. We can go see her.

- Really? - Sure we will.

Come on, Lucie.

Come!

Get ready to say it.

I know.

- Go. - Ladies and gentlemen!

- Slowly. - They say that poetry does not feed...

a man. We prove otherwise.

"Mignonne, hath not the Rose, That this morning did unclose. "

Her purple mantle to the light,

Lost, before the day be dead,

The glory of her raiment red, Her color, bright as yours is bright.

Ah, Mignonne, in how few hours.

The petals of her purple flowers All have faded.

Sad Nature, mother ruinous, That sees thy fair child perish.

Between morning song and even tide.

Gather the fleet flower of your youth,

Take your pleasure at the best;

For length of days will tarnish it.

"Like roses that were loveliest. "

Pierre de Ronsard!

Go see.

Say thanks, but together.

Thank you!

My turn!

Come on, Michel!

Come on, champ!

We're the best! We're the champions!

Slowly, Jallel.

Slowly.

You could do better.

Let Frankie!

The champion of Brest!

Fanny! Fanny!

My turn!

- Come on, Lucie! - Slowly.

Another shot.

No. You threw already.

- I wasn't concentrating. - Not true. She's already played.

- It's her first time. - No way. She's already played.

You spoke when I threw!

Let her play, Antonio.

She already played. Why does she get three throws and I only get two?

- Move away. - No.

No! She already played. We only threw twice.

Stop it, it's not a tournament.

Sure. We said it was a tournament. There are rules!

- Who cares? - Are you crazy!

Lucie!

Get him in the kisser!

Enough!

She already played. I don't care!

It's just a game.

She already played!

You're disqualified!

You're crazy as a loon!

No cheating.

She's disqualified. Get off the court.

It's just a game.

- We're here to have fun. - Get off the court.

- Come on, Frank, come. - Well, I'm not playing!

- No, you can't play. - What? Fuck your mother!

So much for Brest!

What'd he say about Brest!

I'll throw a direct hit.

We have to start again!

- Look at this. - What is it, Tonio?

Are you okay, Tonio?

Are you interested in a weekend in a three star hotel?

Jacuzzi, tub, etc? Take that. It's the prize.

What's going on, Tonio? Let's give it to Jallel.

Look how silly you are!

Jallel!

- Here, it's for you. - What is it?

A three star weekend.

- With a jacuzzi and tub. - We won!

That Tonio!

Turn on the light.

Frank.

Come on Lucie, Stop laughing and help us.

Sit, Frank.

Be strong, Leila.

Frank.

How heavy!

Lift his leg.

Come inside.

Orale!

It's cold!

- You okay, Jallel? - Yes.

I'll dry his head.

You drunkard.

Now go to sleep.

Jallel!