Original subtitles

Kung, why don't you buy a taxi?

Driving an unlicensed hire car is so risky!

Who'd take the risk if he could avoid it? Mrs. Ku?

A taxi costs minimum up to thousands!

I can't afford such a large sum like you rich people.

Don't think I'm so well off.

What good there is in me?

You live in the Peak, I live in a squatter hut.

Cold in winter, heat in summer.

You wouldn't care to go to my place.

How do you know? You never invited me.

Maybe I will.

Am I welcome?

Taxi fare?

What's wrong? Give me money?

Are you taking it for a deal?

We're both happy. Give me money?

You've come to the wrong person, Mrs. Ku.

Don't! I'll return it to you.

Miss Huang...

Boss Chang, it has been a long time.

I see. You hate me for not boosting you as Miss exhibition!

I've already boosted you as Miss Oyster Sauce.

Well, I'm happy enough to be Miss Oyster Sauce.

Happy? Why did you desert me then?

I promise to make you Miss Exhibition next year.

Thank you. I'm very tired. Good night.

Don't treat me like that!

I pay for your rent, your clothes,

water and electricity.

You spend my money but I have no any advantages.

You're unreasonable. Open up!

You've gone too far.

I'm the landlord, I have the key too.

When I come in, you'll suffer.

I'll get back everything. Open up!

Promoting me as a movie star? Can I make it?

Of course.

I'll make you the most popular star of the year.

Really?

Of course. Even the script's ready.

Come in.

This is the home of the future movie star.

Look around.

It's beautiful!

Not quite. Once you rocket to fame

you'll live in the peak and drive a sports car.

People fight for your autograph.

Your photos appear everywhere.

What's the rent here?

$750 including deposit, advance and miscellaneous expenses.

Thank you.

Director, why are you paying it for me?

Be nice and don't argue with me.

I must pack up. Excuse me.

Ok. I'll pick you up in 2 days. Be nice.

Bye-bye.

Sorry.

Come in.

- Sorry. - Who are you?

I live upstairs.

What's your name?

Kung.

What are you doing?

Defecating.

Don't you know I've just rented this space?

You hadn't rented it when I was defecating.

Am I to stop it midway?

- Finished now? - Yes.

Go now?

No tissue.

Can't you try something else?

I'm trying now. Don't stare at me!

You go out first. I'll follow you in a minute.

Are you afraid I might steal your closet?

Excuse me.

Where are you going?

- I'm going home. - The exit's over there.

To go out, over there; to go home, over here.

Come and see for yourself.

It was built this way.

You must go through here to get to the roof.

Why didn't you tell me just now?

You didn't ask me.

Tell him to go away.

Miss, $250 here,

$50 upstairs.

You live where you rent.

Hear that, Miss?

You live where you rent.

You're dependant.

But I've to drive for a living.

You've Hi-Fi equipment and TV. What's so special?

I have fresh air, moonlight and flowers up there too.

I still have a private car downstairs.

I pass through your door only because I have to.

You don't go up my place, if not necessary

to stain my place, understand?

Which side's more beautiful?

I'm quarreling with you now. Don't play coy!

This is better.

Watch the house. I must go out.

Turn off the tap downstairs.

Open up!

Turn off the tap!

Please turn off the tap!

What did you say?

Cantonese.

Go to the studio for filming tomorrow morning. Be nice!

Thank you, Director. Good night!

We've to film tomorrow morning,

and you said "Good night".

Right, I should say "Goodbye".

Open up. Why don't you open up?

Hear me?

1, 2, 3, open up, open up!

You ungrateful female, won't you listen?

Open up...

Watch out! Why don't you open up?

Outrageous!

Driver...

What are you doing?

I didn't know till now.

You're an unlicensed hire car and taxi driver.

Taxi?

Why not? You drive your own unlicensed hire car in the day.

You drive other's taxi and charge fares at night.

There's something I don't understand.

Why are all your $500 notes torn and pasted up?

Do you charge each session,

on a weekly basis or on a monthly basis?

Poor thing, you look terrible!

You must've worked for too many shifts.

Well, what do you want? Speak up!

Speak up!

Nothing. What do you want?

I want to die, I deserve to die.

but I'm a man and a man has his natural desire.

I didn't know she's put down the money.

I was mad.

Even if I tore it off,

she'd think I've taken it.

$500.

I can't earn $500 by driving for a month.

All unlicensed hire car drivers want to raise money for a taxi.

Nobody knows it,

and I'll pretend not to know it myself.

I want to buy you up tomorrow.

Good.

The top, bottom or the middle?

come.

I'll buy up your car.

I've to go to the studio to film tomorrow.

I must look like a movie star.

Once I get popular,

I'll have a house and a chauffeured limousine.

Then I don't need any help.

Would you buy my photo then?

You have my autograph.

I'll sign it for you now.

Make an autograph for me...

Have one more photo...

Go!

Miss, wait here. Let me talk to the Director.

Wait.

Take it to buy cigarettes.

Miss, have tea.

Take it to buy cigarettes.

"Beat hard in order to..."

"remind you this night's suffering."

Cut!

What's wrong?

You must fall down harder!

Director, that girl's coming.

- She really is coming? - Yes.

- Go now. You're off. - I can leave now?

OK, someone will replace you.

Let me talk to you.

You understand.

Just stand.

What's my role?

Director, what's her role?

Just stand there.

What shall I speak then?

Nothing. Just count 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

To play a teacher?

We'll go back and dub.

Are you ready?

Yes, Director.

Let's start!

Taxi dancers in Paris. Scene 16, take 1

"Sleep in the day, get up at night."

"Act like a wanton girl."

"I smile, drink and go carefree with you."

"I sell my love and value dollars."

"If you have money,"

"spend the night with me."

"The girls are eager to find objectives."

"If you want money, you have to put up with a lot."

"I've become Queen of all street walkers."

"When will you come to my street?"

Say it!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

"Go somewhere else. Don't linger!"

"Beat hard in order to..."

"remind you this night's suffering."

Don't!

"Street Walkers, you win."

"The night street becomes a prohibited zone."

"Whores, if you intrude"

"I'll boil you and peel you off."

Cut. Pack up.

Pack up.

Director, what's my role?

Not bad.

Have dinner with me.

Will you?

Pack up, switch off the light.

Off?

Yes.

You're the worst!

Camera

Miss Huang, the director wants you to come at 6:00 a.m. for filming.

Be punctual. Go to bed early.

Please take me to a doctor. I've to film tomorrow.

I can't go with a forehead like that.

There's no doctor at this hour.

Must, must.

Try something, please!

You're not wanted for filming. It was I who called you.

Don't you know you're noisier than a roaring engine?

Come on.

Well, feeling better?

Go back to sleep.

Would you accompany me to shout once more?

OK, wait a minute.

Do you always shout when you're unhappy?

No.

- Have you ever taken my flight? - Why?

I've never boarded any plane, and wish I could.

- You help me! - How?

What is your name, sir?

Chang, the manager of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp.

Nice to see you.

What's your name, sir?

Hsiao, the boss of Hong Kong funeral Home.

It's taboo!

What's your name?

Huang, I'm a movie star.

Here's my card.

It's cute. Are all American cards in English?

Yes.

Is that your American address?

This is my telephone and address in HK.

This is my home telephone.

- Have a drink! - Thank you.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye, Mr. Chen.

I have a car. Let me drive you home.

No need, my chauffeur is over there.

- Let me go with you. - Okay.

Good night. Go to bed early.

I'll call you to pick you up at night.

Good night...

Bye-bye.

Sorry.

Did you see that man?

Yes.

He's Paul Chen, just returned from USA.

To be Hong Kong's Governor?

He's not bad, rich and has a sense of humor.

Will he woo me?

Miss, don't take me for your sister.

Don't talk to me about men.

I'm also a man. I can't comment on this.

What are you doing?

Your car's fast!

Follow him, quick!

- No. - Why?

I can't, mine's an old-vintage car.

His sports car is superb.

Which dress shall I wear for tomorrow night's party?

I wear red tonight.

Shall I wear white bare-back or black low-breast tomorrow night?

I don't know, I don't know.

What's wrong? What's so special driving a large car?

You drive a tourist van and take yourself for an American president.

You move back and forward at random.

Come down!

In support of strike, against price rise.

Are you a HK British agent?

- Engaged in incitement and sabotage? - No... You're mistaken!

Search him!

In support of strike, against price rise.

Come down...

What are you doing?

Comrades,

he symbolizes capitalist decadence from head to toe.

We must down with him to achieve victory.

Down with capitalism...

Down with imperialism...

Driver!

You're a henchman!

You're mistaken, I am not!

Driver!

Come, join our ranks,

and give up capitalist thinking!

Down with imperialism...

Say it!

Down with imperialism...

Driver!

Stay!

Down with imperialism...

Driver!

Down with capitalism...

In support of strike, against price rise.

- Driver! - I'm here.

Driver!

I'm here.

Driver!

I'm here.

Don't be afraid.

What are you doing?

What are you doing? Out of your mind?

I've long yearned for this fur.

Touch it. It's beautiful.

- Don't touch others' things. - It's so soft!

What are you doing? Come down!

Crouch down!

Hands on your head, do it properly.

Would I look more beautiful this way?

Do it properly!

Crouch down well! Anyone wanting to call for bail,

line up to make calls there.

Miss, please hurry up.

After this, it's your turn. Calm down.

Superintendent Ou? How have you been doing?

So-so.

Well, I came upon riots in the street.

I'm now in the police station...

Hurry up, have you finished...

Taipan Chang, how are you?

How is Dolly?

Stop chatting, won't you?

Any lice? No? Good.

Just now I came upon riots.

I'm in trouble. I'm now in the police station...

Hang up...

Am I interrupting you?

Let me try.

Where? I'll come right away.

Darling, Chin-feng has invited me to play mahjong.

I must go out for a while. You go to bed.

Come back early.

You're lucky. You have someone nice to you.

Ain't I nice to you?

In what way?

I'm your driver and your playmate.

Now I'm sharing prison with you.

You're not bad.

The trouble is you have no money, or I'll marry you.

The trouble is you have no money, or I'll take you.

Try hard to earn money then.

You, too.

You may leave.

- You go first. - What about you?

Don't worry about me. You go now.

Can you leave now? Go now.

Crouch down well!

Miss, this dress is beautiful!

No.

A young lady should wear beautiful dresses.

Remember to bring money.

Kung can't find me all the time.

She happened not to find her friend. That's all.

Where shall I put you down?

Let's get out together.

She lives downstairs to me.

What do you do, Miss?

I'm a taxi driver.

- Miss! - Paul!

Sorry, when you called me,

it was inconvenient for me to talk because my wife was beside.

When I rushed to the police, you had already left.

That's why I'm here. Are you all right?

Yes. Come with me.

Paul, this is...

Mrs. Ku? She bailed me out.

Thank you, Mrs. Ku.

Don't mention it. Excuse me. Go!

- Let's have a drink, okay? - Yes.

I'll take his car. You go off.

I nearly forgot, your fee for today.

Going out at this hour? You must be unchaste!

I won't do it again.

Sleep.

Sorry, there were many rats upstairs last night.

I'll sleep here.

Are you hungry? I've bought something.

Good.

- Is it nice? - Yes.

Sandwich is that shop's specialty.

How do you know?

Paul took me there,

and he ordered many things.

Don't you know,

Paul operates a Model Center in USA?

He promised to apply for my entry over there.

Maybe I have a chance to film in Hollywood then.

What kind of a car does Susie Wong drive over there?

Is Susie Wong Nancy Kwan?

Is she?

Thank you. I'll return to USA tomorrow.

Leaving so soon?

I also want you to go to USA.

I've fixed your passport and airticket.

I'll take care of your livelihood over there.

You can loiter or see shows as you like.

Maybe I'll introduce you to film.

But I can't accompany you often, as I have a family.

You're smart, you should understand.

Don't make things hard for me. Think it over.

Learn some English when you have time.

Every Monday I eat curry chicken.

Very good!

Every Tuesday I take a cup of tea.

Very good!

Every Wednesday I eat spaghetti or chupaty.

Very good!

I'll take a flight soon.

Yes, and that's you're learning English.

Otherwise, you can't enter the airport.

I can't take everything away.

Take anything you think suitable for you.

Thank you, I don't need anything.

Every Monday I eat curry chicken.

Curry chicken...

What's so special with taking a plane?

You think you can be a film star in USA?

You're only a waiter and dish-washer.

Spaghetti or chupaty.

What has her going to USA to do with you?

I'm not well off myself, but wish you do better.

Take it to the USA.

I think there's no salted fish over there,

so I've bought two for you.

I wanted to buy more 'preserved' one,

but I am afraid it's not a good omen.

So I've bought Tsao Pai instead.

Don't forget your driver when you get there.

I want to buy something myself. Will you accompany me?

Come on!

Speaking. What?

What's it?

Where's my black garment?

What black garment?

My mom's dead.

Though Lady Tai has left us,

her kind face and sweet smile will linger

forever in the memory of every one of us.

She was a great mother,

doing her duty as mom and dad.

She supported her daughter,

working as a cleaner for over 20 years.

She was kind-hearted and thrifty.

She was hard-working.

Don't be sad.

She had heart trouble years ago.

Had she joined you in the city,

she'd have had proper medical treatment.

But she wouldn't trouble you,

knowing you're busy.

She wanted me to hand you something in person before her death.

She said you like this robe.

I watched you grow up in this village.

Come to me if you need any help.

Do I look beautiful?

Don't you like me in a robe?

I got it from mammy.

The buttons are a bit loose, and may come off easily.

See if they are?

No, let me button them for you.

No, they may come off easily.

No, let me help you button them.

What are you doing? Are you out of your mind?

Why are you cutting off your fingernails?

You think I'm not beautiful?

I feel cold. Hold me tight.

No, don't!

Why do that?

Why debase yourself?

Yes, I'm cheap, I'm sinking.

I enjoy being toyed with by men.

They can bring me money and fame.

Once I become a movie star, I'll change.

My mammy doesn't have to clean in the church,

and be looked down on.

Don't be sad.

I can't control it.

I now have nothing.

Even my mammy is dead.

I want to die...

Don't!

Let me go!

Go to work!

I'm busy now. I'll talk to you in two days.

Don't sleep this way, or my feet will numb.

Sorry.

Wait.

Don't you know how sorry I am?

Don't you know I'll feel sorry?

I really don't know how to put it.

Why are you using violence?

Why is she sleeping by your side?

She lost her mammy and has no kin.

I take care of her,

and let her sleep on my leg.

You take care of her?

What about me?

How would I care for you?

That leg is mine. I prefer to let her sleep on it.

- I enjoy doing it. - Say that again!

This leg is mine. I prefer to let her sleep on it.

Well, I hope you don't regret.

Don't go!

Take back all the money.

I'll take the past as charity.

All is finished when money is parted.

It's a clean break.

You're broke and so am I.

Let's save up from now on.

Well, let's starve when there's no provision.

I have no rice, have you?

Are you all right?

Open up!

Open up. Let me buy some food.

Do you hear me?

Are you out of your mind?

Open up. I may die of hunger.

What's so special losing a mammy?

I've lost my mom and dad too.

Open up, or I'll be nasty.

Open up. I'll starve to death if you don't...

Buy something for me.

No more fasting now?

What?

Plastic flowers.

You eat plastic flowers?

I'm really ashamed of you.

Why don't you offer fresh flowers to mammy?

I'm going to be busy,

and I have no time to visit her often.

Plastic flowers can last without withering.

What do you do then?

I want to buy a taxi.

A taxi? Can you drive?

Well, I used to depend on others for anything.

So I'm good for nothing.

Let's rely on ourselves.

Let's buy a taxi.

It's expensive. I have an old car.

What have you got?

I have an idea.

2 damaged necklaces, 3 damaged bracelets,

6 damaged rings.

One damaged sofa, one damaged piano.

Damaged tea-table and others. Total $5,000.

What? It was agreed at $5,132.50

Forget the odd sum.

We don't have to move that sofa now.

Women are particular.

What about $2.50?

Business is business.

Would it work? They're all the landlord's.

Loaned for the time being. We'll repay him when we have money.

Otherwise, we can't make the down payment.

There are monthly installments of $870 too.

Each payment is due the 1st each month. If not paid, the car will be taken away.

If not paid in 3 months, the car is sold.

Insurance paid by you.

Acts of God, force majeure, war and riots are not payable.

You're responsible for the car yourself. If understood, please sign it.

Okay. The taxi's yours, the car's mine.

Pal, go!

How much have we left now?

$100 something.

Let's spend it tonight for a celebration!

Okay.

As of tomorrow, we'll share the income I earn on the taxi!

Okay.

Good evening, it's my pleasure to be serving you.

Perhaps, I could recommend the lobster, it's exceptionally fresh today.

Two curry chicken with spaghetti and two cups of tea.

Pardon, madam.

Two curry chicken with spaghetti and two cups of tea.

Very well, madam.

Thank you.

You�re mostly welcome.

Isn't that curry nice?

Yes, but a little too hot.

No way. I can only order this.

How much have you got left?

15 cents. And you?

25 cents, take it all.

Come with me.

Pal, the Union has called for a strike. All taxis are to stop.

Why are you still working?

I'm not working.

I'll start tomorrow.

What? Come out!

Don't work tomorrow until further notice.

I've just bought this.

I must pay the installments.

What? Aren't you patriotic?

I can't help it. I've to starve if I don't work.

What is it?

Sorry, he's drunk too much. Go now!

Sorry.

Don't work anymore.

I will burn your car.

- Remember his car license. - Stop work.

How much have we got left?

40 cents.

The Bus Company announced that due to riots,

all routes have stopped normal service.

Ferries and tramways are offering limited service.

Taxis have stopped running for 6 successive weeks.

Traffic all over HK and Kowloon is paralyzed.

Driver!

Yes?

You've sold all the furniture in the house?

How can I answer to the landlord when he returns?

Don't worry.

I'm your sub-tenant.

A sub-tenant has the right to sublet to others.

Now I'm not letting the room

but the fridge, TV only. Isn't it okay?

No, you haven't paid last month's rent yet.

You're no longer a sub-tenant.

What about this month's rent?

Collect in 2 days when It becomes due.

If you can't pay it,

bring back all the furniture.

Time to eat!

What's the food for tonight?

Rice with oil and salt plus preserved bean curd.

Splendid. Why no salted fish today?

Your two salted fish are finished.

Well, it's no good to take too much salted fish.

Okay. Come up!

Happy birthday to you...

Please blow the candles!

Okay...

What's this?

It's curry dinner tonight!

Chicken curry, pork curry, fish curry

beef curry, rabbit curry and tortoise curry.

May you have longevity like a tortoise!

What will you eat?

Rabbit curry.

Curry juice?

No.

It's really nice!

I bought a taxi for small business

but unfortunately, we came upon riots and strikes.

How funny?

A big movie star driving a taxi?

Director, cut it out,

we're starlets only.

How can we be big movie stars?

You're wrong.

You act well in my presence.

Director, sorry for offending you because I'm ignorant.

Please forgive me.

You're wrong. I'm narrow-minded.

I do care about everything.

Give me a chance to make amends.

Forget it, I can't help you.

But since you've debased yourself to beg me,

I won't keep the door closed.

Thank you, Director. I'm ready to do anything.

Go now. I'll call you when there's work.

Thank you, Director. I have a friend...

And aunties too?

Thank you, Director!

Have BBQ pork, it's nice!

Why? Not used to it?

This clothes stinks!

Well, I find that filming is not bad.

We can eat and have money to collect.

Go to work...

Be ready for work now.

- Director! - Are you ready? Ready!

Let's be ready!

Lonely Woman. Scene 4, take 1

Lan, things are different.

I can't take care of you now.

Eat while you can, eat now!

You're damned!

You jinxed my son on entering our family.

Now you even stole the birthday buns!

I didn't, mammy!

Director, I forget the lines.

Keep calm, take it easy.

Things are different.

Oh, I forgot the wipe off the sweat.

Scene 4, take 3.

Things are different. Eat...

Sorry, Director.

Take 9.

I can't help you now. Eat while you can.

Cut.

Take 10.

Cut...

Take 12.

Cut...

Are you ready? Start!

Cut.

Take 18.

You're damned!

Oh, no, she's hitting me so hard!

Take a rest.

Bring me a glass of water.

Cut.

Director, I couldn't do any better.

I give up.

The extra says 'cut' for anything. What am I?

I'll fire him. Don't worry1

Director!

What a nuisance!

Get out of my sight!

I'll quit. I won't get starved.

He gave us these parts only because I begged him hard.

Now you've spoiled everything.

How can I suffer you get cursed,

and get bullied?

We're up to ears in debt. We must earn money!

Please control yours!

No problem,

but please don't go back to your ex-beau.

I'm female, I can't be a coolie.

What else can I do?

You're a man. Do something!

I'm no good.

I'm not as good as your ex-boyfriend.

Paul, did you go to the USA?

Yes, but I returned yesterday.

I didn't see you there.

I've come specially to ask you. Did I offend you last time?

Wait.

It's all right. Paul's back. He'll help us.

Stop that! I don't need his help!

- All right? - Yes.

Are you sure?

I've been doing fine.

Call me if you need anything.

- Goodbye. - Bye-bye.

What are you doing...

What's happened?

Get off quickly...

Don't go!

Stop!

I told you to stop work!

Stop...

Come out!

- Take him out! - Come out!

Working?

I need money, I must work...

Work?

Don't!

Every Monday I eat curry chicken.

Every Monday I eat curry chicken.

Every Tuesday I take a cup of tea.

Every Tuesday I take a cup of tea.

Every Wednesday I eat spaghetti or chupaty.

I've decided to leave, but not by plane.

When?

Tomorrow afternoon.

What about our business?

Paul's repaid the bank.

Let's take that for a loss.

I can't repay you so soon!

Never mind, take your time.

Thank you.

Packing?

Yes.

Won't you stop doing that?

Don't pack up.

I know I've got nothing, but I'm true.

A ship at sea may moor some day.

Let's try once more!

Don't pack up!

Don't bother me, you're only a driver!

I'm a movie star!

Don't think I'm nice to you,

because we co-financed a taxi!

Besides, I have a strong lust!

I want to fly and wear beautiful dresses.

I want European food and parties.

Can you dance?

Look at your clothes!

Can you wear them to go to a party with me?

I love money, but you haven't got it!

You're nothing!

Isn't that right?

Sorry, movie star.

Sorry, movie star.

Kung wants me to bring the money.

He's upstairs.

No need. I can give it to you all the same.

Me?

Yes, he doesn't want to owe you anything.

Did he apologize to you about the last incident?

No.

Why are you helping him?

I'm different.

You're young and promising.

I've got nothing.

I only want to buy what I want with money.

Anyway, keep the money and I'll feel better.

Thank you.

Okay.

But promise to hand this letter to Kung,

after I leave.

Going?

Which flight?

I take the 7:30p.m. ship.

Bon voyage!

Thank you.

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

Why are you here?

I've come to see you.

Do I look beautiful now?

Look, feast your eyes on me.

You're fond of her, go to her.

She likes you too.

She told me to give you this.

She wanted me to hand it to you after she's left.

She take the 7:30p.m. ship. You can see her in time.

Go now!

Use my car!

Kung, I wanted to live with you.

You're the best man I've ever known.

But I am a trouble woman.

I don't want to let you involved.

I already made you suffer too much.

I'm really sorry.

We'll both feel better when we're parted.

Please forgive me. Take care.

Passengers for "Atlantic" for USA please note.

Please register at the ticket office.

Passengers for "Atlantic" for USA please note.

Please register at the ticket office at once.

Thank you.

Wait for me. I'm going to register.

Miss, buy a packet of chewing gums.

How old are you, young lady?

I'm 10 years old.

Why do you work so young?

I don't know. To make a living.

Where's your mammy?

Dead.

Buy a packet, will you?

Give me all?

Thank you.

Excuse me.

It's about time, let's embark.

Why not let us sit here?

Down with capitalism!

Down with imperialism!

Down with capitalism!

Down with imperialism!

In support of strike, against price rise!

Determine to win by braving all difficulties!

- If anyone breaks through, shoot them! - Yes, sir!

If anyone breaks through, shoot them!

Yes, sir!

Determine to win by braving all difficulties!

Boss, time to embark.

Time's up.

Determine to win by braving all difficulties!

Let me pass!

Where's the ship? Has she left?

No idea.

Where's that girl in red skirt?

I don't know. I'm only a cleaner.