Original subtitles

"Xi'an film studio"

We have been investigating...

The black Cannon incident since 10 August 1983.

These are our findings

"starring Liu Zifeng and Gerhard Olschewski"

"black Cannon incident"

"Post office"

Let's go

"Telegrams and telephones"

It's been sent

Ok. It took a while

I don't know why

it should arrive in 2 days

right

Comrade

This is the recipient, Qian.

He works in Suzhou antiques

our investigation hasn't revealed...

Any serious problem yet

hello! Yes, that's me

call me back later

tell me about Zhao Shuxin

He's 49...

From Nanjing, unmarried

office worker family background

Tsinghua university mechanical engineering, 1956

he's an engineer at the mine

not a member of any political party

but his parents are both Catholics

he was a believer when he was younger

Mr. Hans is happy to be in China again

thank you for coming to greet him

He hopes to see his old friend, Zhao

Shuxin, Zhao Shuxin

he is one of your engineers

Zhao worked as his interpreter last time

He hopes he can interpret again now

we appreciate his directness

tell him...

We've specially invited you to translate

Hans Schmidt's arrival...

Was a new twist in the case

on 23 August...

Vice party secretary Zhou reported...

Important evidence to security

Hans and Zhao are too close

in march last year...

Hans introduced the WD machine

we sent Zhao as his interpreter

put it on, put it on

do I have to?

We're dealing with foreigners

Hans doesn't care

he likes that we're down to earth

I've never worn a suit before

you're representing the country

we're all wearing suits, aren't we?

You think I enjoy it? Look at this collar

either it's too small or I'm too fat

you look smart

you'll get used to it

give us a turn

take a couple of steps

Great! Great!

What are you laughing at?

Those shoes

you can't wear those

I couldn't borrow proper ones

we borrowed the suit from a theater

Theledo

anyhow, no one'll notice at night

never mind

Liu,

take Zhao to see Mr. Hans

let's go, Zhao

Ok

Do your tie up

hurry up

Ok

Mr. Zhao, please come in

you're dressed so smartly!

You look great!

Much more elegant today!

You look at least 10 years younger

but I feel uncomfortable

where was this suit made?

It's not mine

the company borrowed it

the bosses made me wear it

I'll have to return it when you go

A typical Asian man

honest to a fault!

This is what I like! Take a seat

come on in

take a seat

Those shoes have seen better days

wait a moment

Zhao, I have a present for you

Please

these can go!

Don't look

stand up, please

I am sorry

it doesn't matter

not one of my better ideas

Another important thing

Hans wanted antiques last time

so, giving Zhao shoes was deliberate

they also had a row about it

One last time

this mistake

you must correct it

your company must pay for the loss

for the 100th time!

Our company makes no mistakes

you should respect the truth

listen

it's ok to criticize me

but don't drag my company into it

you have to settle it!

Enough with the note!

Sorry, your beer

bastard!

Zhao“.

Are you drunk?

No, no

disturbing the peace

that's a $2 fine each

ok, ok

what did he say?

We have to pay a fine

I'll cover it

leave it

goddammit!

Sorry, sorry

Liu, sweep the floor

Zhao! Let's go!

We're still not sure...

Exactly what they said then

maybe they made a deal and wrote it down

we are looking for the note

Don't be so ridiculous!

Shit!

Don't break the car

very funny!

There's a problem

the WD is about to be installed

find an interpreter for Hans right away

isn't Feng the interpreter?

He's temporary

he's a tourism interpreter

it's all German, isn't it?

No, no

tourism and technical translation differ

there are many specialized terms

he can use a dictionary, can't he?

Careful

listen to me

my daughter learns English. She carries around a big dictionary

specialized terms are difficult?

Let's buy a specialized dictionary. That wouldn't cost much

you just need the right tool for the job

Ali, Ali Baba

Ali Baba is a happy guy

Ali, Ali Baba

Ali Baba is a happy guy

open sesame, open sesame

open sesame, open sesame

Ali, Ali Baba

Ali Baba is a happy guy

Ali, Ali Baba

Ali Baba is a happy guy

open sesame, open sesame

open sesame, open sesame

Ali Baba cutting firewood in the hills

goes into a mysterious cave

full of treasure

diamonds and carnelians

Ali, Ali Baba

Ali Baba is a happy guy

Ali, Ali Baba

Ali Baba is a happy guy

open sesame, open sesame

open sesame, open sesame

Ali, Ali Baba

Ali Baba is a happy guy

Ali, Ali Baba

Ali Baba is a happy guy

open sesame, open sesame

open sesame, open sesame

Ali, Ali Baba

Ali Baba is a happy guy

young people nowadays...

Why not stay?

It gave me a headache. I can't get used to that

I can't keep up with the times

he obviously likes you

let's go see Hans together

it is not right for me to go

nonsense

he likes to make friends

he's very easygoing

Zhao

who are you looking for?

I want to visit Hans

this is...?

Comrade Chen Shuzhen

hello

he's from security

we've decided Feng will translate...

For the WD installation

surely not?

Hans asked me last time

secretary Wu also agreed

this is the latest decision

then I'll ask him directly

he invited me in front of the bosses

party orders-no one is to disturb him

please go away. Take it up with the manager

Luo, have you brought paper?

It is really good

much faster than I expected

hello

he said "hello"

Very good, very good

Hello

Hang on a moment

he says not like that

you need to tighten it

no, no, only in the final assembly!

In the final assembly. Ok

Mr. Hans

could you please say it again?

Only tighten it in the final assembly

that's what I said

- Cigarette? - No, thanks.

Correct my mistakes

but please be patient

I like chatting with you, Feng

but you know

you're not a technical translator

it's clear

I am very sorry

fine, fine

What shall we do?

I know Zhao well

I've worked with him for 20 years

I'll be frank

I don't believe he'd do anything wrong

as for this case...

I don't think there's a real problem

Society these days...

Is more complicated

I read a news report recently

it was about a veteran official

he took part in the long march

but he wanted his daughter to become a Hong Kong businessman's mistress!

It's a crazy world

a lousy film...

Was doing bad business...

In a movie theater

then someone had a nasty idea

they put out an ad

no under 17s

result-full house!

Hans wants a different interpreter

Feng really isn't suitable

I think Feng should go

as for Zhao's strange telegram...

It's a real headache

we could ignore it

but if someone reports it...

It could be a big issue

Zhao's an honest man

but he's dealing with a foreigner

everyone may still remember

last year when Hans left

he wanted nothing...

Except a Chinese antique

we spent $40 on a fake

he's no connoisseur. So, he was delighted

it's all in the party committee minutes

Zheng, can Hans speak English?

That would make everything easier

lots of our engineers speak English

Renzhong could accompany him personally

I asked him that already. He speaks English

but he said he's from Dresden

he never speaks English when he travels

Dresden is also in Germany

that has nothing to do with speaking English

he can speak English, but he won't

Dresden is a German city

the Americans destroyed it in the war

maybe that's the reason

he won't speak English in foreign countries

it's a display of patriotism

it's not just that the city was destroyed

his parents were killed in the bombing

Let's try another angle

why don't we ask Zhao directly?

How can we do that? It's still under investigation

questioning him is investigating

yes, let security interview him

but there's the policy on educated people

we're supposed to trust them now

the case has not been concluded

investigating is to clear it up

that's real trust

I agree we should trust Zhao

keeping him away from Hans...

Is to protect him

maybe there's no problem at all

wouldn't that be great?

But Hans keeps asking about Zhao

say he's been transferred

send Zhao to the repair plant

that way, we won't be lying

encourage Feng

Ok, meeting over

Can't Chen Haoxiang go to the repair plant?

We go where we're needed

It's all the same to me

interpreting for Hans can be handled

but real technical problems will be tough

Why does it have to be you that goes?

Didn't I say?

It's important work. They desperately need a technician

manager Li and secretary Wu sent me personally

I'm in such a rush

I even forgot my instant noodles

you go ahead

Zhao, get in

Ok

- Going to the repair plant? - Yes

can you give me a ride?

Ok, get in

Come in, please

were you looking for me?

Yes, come in

Mr. Feng, sit down please

tea or cola

cola

- here. - Thank you.

Please tell me what I can do for you

I'm happy to help you

Mr. Feng

can you tell me how much your income is?

You mean my salary, or...?

Yes, how much per month?

About 30 dollars. Why?

I want to employ you

employ?

I want to employ you for myself

I would like to pay you 60 dollars every month

how do you feel?

What do I need to do?

You can...

Do as you like

take a walk, have a drink...

Do whatever you like

that's what I need from you

but why

do you need to ask?

I don't want you to be my interpreter

you're not a technical translator

you didn't learn that

so you are just in the way here

I'm sorry for my frankness

please don't get upset

it's nothing personal

have a nice break

I need work efficiency

I got it

but Mr. Feng

it's about the work, and you know it

I hope that

Zhao Shuxin can be my interpreter

I worked well with him before

please tell you superior

please do me that favor

I can't take this job!

He despises me

why do I have to do it?

Think of the bigger picture

I can work as a tourism interpreter

why do I have to stay here upsetting him?

I have met many foreigners

but none as demanding as him

he keeps demanding Zhao Shuxin

wouldn't that be better for all of us?

Zhao is not at home

if not, why'd we insist you stay?

Besides you're young and smart

you work well

but he's not satisfied. What can I do?

No matter how Hans is...

You can't treat him like that

as long as you finish the work...

We'll give you a good reference

you're up for promotion, right?

Just work hard

I will definitely work hard

but the problem must be solved

don't you worry

we know how to handle it

Zhao

Hello

there's no work for you here

so why am I here?

Have some tea and read the newspaper

Zhao

you're not going to the WD site?

Have you offended someone again?

How can you say that?

Yesterday secretary Wu visited me specially

he was all smiles

so what?

This shows the party trusts me

they know I don't smoke

but they still gave me a pack

this is for me then!

Hey, catch!

Quick!

Careful! Pass!

Go for it!

Kick it, quickly!

Great!

Give me a light, please

sorry, I don't smoke

you're not from repairs, are you?

I'm from the company

you're Zhao?

How come you have time to watch football?

Feng and the German are messing everything up

Don't push me!

Hey! Stop fighting

that's a serious injury

take him away quickly

quickly

stop fighting

help!

June 29th

installing the WD

the bullet incident happened

put "bullet" in quotation marks

Get me a "kugellage", please

kugel?

Bullets?

Hey!

Go find two bullets

bullets? What for?

Just go get them

don't ask. Hans wants them

- he wants bullets? - Yes

where?

Try the army!

Hurry up before Hans gets upset again

bullets? Weird

where can I get them?

Just hurry up and get them

go and try armaments

off you go

hurry up, we're busy

- Where's Zhao? - Over there

Zhao, someone's looking for you

- huh? - Over there

- I'm off - ok

Hello

- what is it? - Hello

here

why do you want bullets?

Hans wants them, I don't know why

ask the secretary to sign for them

hurry up

let's go

Delicious

I was right

this work is really important

the repair plant needs an electrical engineer

they also lack technical data

I've been able to help them a lot

everyone's been very nice to me

oh, I forgot!

Wait a moment

Here, have some sweets

from the bosses. I couldn't say no

oh, aren't you treating us?

Give us some sweets!

Stop it!

The director's new here

he even wanted to find me a girlfriend

I said I have already have one

what about that security guy?

He's done here, so he's gone

he's a nice guy

Finally, got them. So difficult!

Here

- thank you - you're welcome

kugel

thank you

what are these?

What am I supposed to do with these?

You asked for them

I asked for kugel

Those are kugel

But not "kugellage"!

Why didn't you just get me a Cannon!

Or an aircraft carrier?

Oh, my god!

This is what I want-bearings!

But it is the same in German

come here!

You are really 'confident' with your translation

no problem

come on!

Mr. Hans

would you please...

Make an exception to speak English?

Ok

Thank you

I'm sorry for the thing that happened today

kugel has many meanings

it can mean a roller bearing, a bullet

or a ball made of metal

of course, bearing would be more correct

I'm sorry

Mr. Feng isn't a technical translate

but you have got a technical translate

Mr. Zhao Shuxin

we were very well together

and I would like have his help again

we'll respect...

All of your wish, but Mr. Zhao is not at home

if he isn't...

Perhaps in New York or Moscow, he should be able to come

well

we'll find a solution as quickly as possible...

To meet your demand

ok

Mr. Li

Your chairman Mao said once

ten thousand years is too long

it all depends on one day

About getting Zhao back

it's out of our hands

we still need to ask secretary Wu

isn't it best to ask for his approval?

We should ask Zhou's opinion

she's in charge

if it's not a big deal...

She can let Zhao come back

I know

people badmouth me

they call me all sorts of names

my son is teaching me modern philosophy

he wants to update me

Marxism-Leninism is out of style

sometimes I think, why bother?

I'm going to retire soon

why worry about other people?

I never seem to get along with people

you're not at retirement age yet

almost

I could be a nice old lady and help others

but that's not what the party expects

you're educated, too

and you're our senior

you should understand us

you're all sweet talk today

you want to talk me round, don't you?

I'm not budging, no matter what

people should have principles

you can't force me to change my mind

I don't want to force you

but Feng really isn't up to scratch

so stubborn!

We can't make Feng step down

we need to motivate him we need to get him working well

what about this?

Zhao and Feng can interpret together

if you're still worried...

Let Chen accompany them

how can you think it's that simple?

But you treat it too seriously

but it's still better to be cautious

I'm off. Think it over carefully

Please stop a moment

Manager!

You're back again?

I heard Feng doesn't know technical terms

- so, Hans got mad - sit down

I've finished my work there

let me take over from Feng

you are the best for the job

you agree?

We'll think about it

I'll be waiting for your response

hmm

Manager, please don't delay

How can you think it's that simple?

No one can figure out...

Why Hans and Zhao fought

there's also the note

what note?

This problem has not yet been solved.

Your complaints are baseless

Remember that!

My calculations are precise

your design has errors

all the figures are here

you can have a look

our company has the best engineers

we have happy customers worldwide

our design is perfect

and we have other partners

from America...

England...

France and Japan

they have more faith in our figures

are you trying to say...

We work worse than the others?

I have to protect our interests

I have the duty...

To check the figures

otherwise, our deal will collapse

what if...

You are wrong?

I will take the consequences

Mr.Zhao

I apologize

you are right

please forgive my rudeness

we really...

In the work...

We really have made an error

in the work,

a small one, we'll fix it

immediately!

Yes, right away

I'll contact HQ now

I owe you thanks

thank you for your conscientiousness

you spoke your mind

also on behalf of my company

The note they quarreled over

is that the one you want?

Where's the note? Someone took it?

It seems I have to stick my neck out

I'll visit Zhao myself

but they were speaking German

how come you understand German?

I taught myself a bit

why didn't you tell me earlier?

We need foreign language speakers

what good would it have done?

You don't even trust Zhao

I'm only self-taught

I'm far from fluent

ah, you“.

Huang

- telegram for Zhao Shuxin - coming

Hans! Old friend!

Feng told me you were back

what a surprise! Tea?

Thanks, please

Cute

Ridiculous!

Zhao

I have to tell you something

we're friends, damn it!

I don't get why you want the WD

this kind of machine

I don't get it

it's obsolete

we can even sell them in Africa

we have newer ones

they'd be perfect for you

you can't do anything with this

I know

I read your materials

but we technicians have no say

so who does decide?

Party secretary Wu?

Higher up!

Higher up

but you could make a suggestion

I'll give you the information

you write the suggestion

with accurate information...

You can avoid being conned

surely the high ups would like that?

Maybe you'd get a bonus

before you came here

I already did that

but they said,

how could someone...

Who's never been abroad know?

Why didn't you

show them our catalogs?

The higher ups don't take me seriously

it's out of my hands

let's have a drink!

To your sincere respect!

To be simple,

to our friendship!

- Strong? - Strong enough!

Hans is here, too

good evening, Mr. Li

- sit down, please - thank you

what's wrong with him?

He choked on some liquor just now

Hans knew I was back

so, he wanted to talk with me

is something the matter?

No, I just came to see you

I think I'll stick to tea

just now Hans showed that the WD is outdated

we should buy another kind

The machine was ordered...

Before either of us were in post

what's this, Zhao?

A black Cannon

a black Cannon?

I lost it on a business trip

so, you sent a telegram?

Yes

to my friend in room 301 at the hotel

I asked him to find my black Cannon

You really did send a telegram...

I've got to go

Mr. Hans, I'm sorry. Goodbye

goodbye, Mr. Li

What is that box?

Just a box

what's in it?

Nothing

Nothing

what was that all about?

I don't get the Chinese

Manager

what?

I want to report something

not now

talk to vice-secretary Zhou

Zhao Shuxin is clean

you've cracked the case?

This is what Zhao showed to Hans

Thank you

I deserve to be punished

we've violated party principles

I got this by asking Hans directly

you fool, you've done a great deed

I'll give you a 30 yuan award

You can claim it tomorrow

So, I can guarantee Zhao is clean

he should be made the interpreter at once

WD installation delays are getting worse

the country spent a lot on it

that is all

Renzhong has explained

what do you all think?

Lao Wang?

These are just my own thoughts

Zhao is not as bad as some have said

nor is he as good as others have said

he's a bit weird

he hasn't got the guts to do anything bad. He won't break the rules

but he wouldn't sacrifice himself, either. He's not that high minded

however, he is a good man

he's been here 30 years. All the older folks understand him

am I right?

We're in a meeting, settle down

fundamentally, this is a simple case

I'm happy to speak out

it's the manager responsibility system now. The manage decides on production

the party committee stays out of it

is this just a production issue?

If not, are we deciding on a verdict for Zhao?

Ok, my turn

all Renzhong's information came from people involved in the case

it cannot be taken as evidence

then Liu and Chen are also involved

Liu's testimony has reference value

but she doesn't know the whole process

Chen broke the rules

and Renzhong praised rather than censured him

that's even worse

we'll discuss that problem later

Zhao's explanation isn't logical

how much does a chess piece cost?

Zhao is very frugal

why would he spend so much on a telegram?

Just for a worthless chessman?

Who can explain it?

That's the sort of weirdo he is!

You just won't believe me

because it's weird we need to investigate

let me read a telegram. It is to Zhao Shuxin

Black Cannon sent. Please check and pay

you see, code again

this is wrong!

It is unfair not to let Zhao work

it makes no sense

who's not letting him work?

We're just not letting him interpret

we just want to protect him

To ensure he doesn't make mistakes

hasn't he worked in the repair plant?

But Hans keeps protesting

the WD's quality must be guaranteed

production decisions are mine

ask Zhao to interpret tomorrow

if you can decide...

Why call this party meeting?

Do you expect us all to obey you?

Comrade Yuzhen

comrade Renzhong

sit down, please

we need to discuss this calmly

What about this?

Everyone has a point

so, what can we do?

We must consider it from all sides. We mustn't be extreme

we should see it dialectically

how about this?

We should implement the policy...

To trust educated people like Zhao

we should give him a responsible job

the black Cannon investigation...

Should be ended

go to the police and withdraw the case

next, the interpretation problem

the WD installation is almost done

Feng has worked on it the whole time

so, let him make one last effort

if there are technical translation issues...

He can ask other comrades

Xiao Liu knows about that, right?

He can even ask Zhao

meetings should end with decisions

so, let's do that for now

meeting over

The 5th party meeting resolved nothing

the black Cannon incident continued

Manager

don't mention it again

don't come and see me again

sorry

Quickly! Let's wait here

listen

let's try to change more

he's coming

hello, Mr. Hans

you change money?

I'm sorry, I have no money about me

so mean

let's go

I hear I've got a package

Liu in security has taken it

is he inside?

Thank you

Now the truth will come out!

Come on, open it

Oh...

2 July, WD installation finishes

4 July, Hans Schmidt goes home

20 days later, the WD breaks down

Manager

All the cables are burnt out

burnt out? Why?

We don't know yet

check the operating record at once

yes. Check it right now

It cost millions and has burnt out

our bonuses are up in smoke!

- Stop yelling! - You...

Calm down, don't worry

no use crying over spilt milk

why hasn't Zhao come yet?

I just phoned for him

have him check if it's the Germans' fault

that Hans never did get on with us

Is it our fault?

No. There is no problem with the operation

good

that's a relief

now let's check the installation

come, get in

sit there, Zhao

Found it!

Whose fault?

Is it the Germans'?

Sit down, everyone

There's a sentence in the instructions

It talks about the "bearing"

but it's been translated as "the bracket"

how could there be such a mistake?

It seems it was a translation error

since the WD has gone wrong...

We'll figure out how to repair it

Thank goodness he just said "oil"

and not "sesame oil" or "peanut oil"

so, it's a translation error

nothing to do with the Germans?

Zhao

there's something I still don't understand

a chess piece doesn't cost much

why pay for a telegram...

To look for that?

You can't have a chess set missing a piece

but a new set wouldn't cost much

yes. I won't play chess ever again