Original subtitles

1967, Three months before the Six Day War

Marwan.

Manal.

I was worried.

You're late.

Darling, your passport is ready.

Your new name will be Rachel.

Rachel Ashkenazi.

A perfect Jewish name.

War is coming.

The Zionists want Jerusalem.

Find this man.

General Yehuda Edelman.

He has the Zionist war plans. We need his secrets.

He must have many secrets.

Yehuda is the enemy

that stole our land.

Yehuda is a murderer.

We must get his plans.

Manal,

kill him if you have to.

Palestine needs us.

Marwan...

I'll miss you.

When we accomplish our mission

and defeat the Zionists

we'll be married.

In Jerusalem.

May I?

Thank you. Yehuda.

I know who you are, General.

"Are you busy, General?"

"Are you busy, General?"

There's a change in the script, Tala.

Again?

I changed a line, it's simple.

In Hebrew: "Ani harimon shelcha."

In Arabic, it means "I'm your pomegranate."

Is Tala ready?

She's ready.

Where's Salam? He's late.

- Good morning. - Morning.

Atef's looking for you. He looks pissed off.

As usual. How's my hair?

Perfect.

I'm here.

Is Yehuda's office ready? The props in place?

Yes.

Then get me some coffee.

Sugar?

No sugar.

- Good morning, Uncle. - Good morning.

Coffee?

No. We're filming. Don't be late.

First we'll wipe out the Egyptian air force.

Then we can crush their ground troops.

Jordan will fall...

Salam, what are you doing?

Put it down. We'll deal with it later.

Keep going, Karim.

Action!

Jordan will fall easily. And Jerusalem will be ours.

Yes?

Are you busy, General?

Oh, come in, come in.

Officers, this is my friend Rachel.

- Hello. - Hello.

She just opened the best French restaurant in Tel Aviv.

- Am I right? - Absolutely.

Let's take a break.

The Arabs are fools.

Jerusalem will be ours.

Sorry, I'm boring you.

No.

When I listen to you...

my heart "trumbles".

"Trumbles"? Is that right?

Bassam?

Salam, get up. Help her.

Salam is our new production assistant.

He has excellent Hebrew.

Speak up.

"Trembles."

- "Trembles." - Exactly.

Thanks, Salam. Very good.

Keep going.

My heart trembles.

- You look explosive today! - Thank you.

- No, no. Wait. - What is it?

- That's wrong. - What do you mean?

You can't call a woman "explosive."

It's rude.

You can say "attractive,"

"stunning," "sweet,"

but never "explosive."

I wrote "explosive" on purpose. Leave it.

Atef.

Salam, keep it "explosive."

Go ahead, Karim.

You look really explosive!

Thank you.

- I brought you something sweet. - Oh, thank you.

No, it's wrong.

The boy is right.

He wants me to love him. Why would he insult me?

It has a double meaning, Tala.

Karim, play it as written.

I can't feel it.

It's insulting.

Atef.

Nabil.

Bassam, what do you think?

I have to agree with Tala.

Use one of Salam's words.

- Really, Bassam? - Yes.

This is no way to work!

Let's keep going.

Say: "You look stunning tonight."

Right, Salam?

It works.

We have great Palestinian actresses here.

Why bring a French diva who barely speaks Arabic?

It's disgraceful.

Uncle?

One moment.

What's he doing here?

When will I have my first paycheck?

- You're broke? - Almost...

Listen... you're here to help with Hebrew pronunciation,

not change the script.

But you asked me to correct mistakes.

Yes, but tell me first.

That should be enough.

Thanks, Uncle.

Salam?

Can you help me?

How do you pronounce this word?

"Rimon."

You write the sounds in French?

Yes. This is how I learn my lines.

- Wow, amazing. - Yeah, I know.

Can I take a selfie with you?

- The light is here. - Oh, yeah.

How is it?

You look explosive!

Your ID.

If I tell a woman "you look explosive,"

is that a nice thing or an insult?

I mean a man to a woman... "You look explosive."

Get out of the car.

You heard her. Out.

Out of the car!

"Explosive" is just an expression.

We were discussing the word "explosive."

- I was talking about women. - Shut up!

It's just a word.

Shut up!

Who asked you to talk?!

One more word, throw him out.

What were you doing in the West Bank?

Answer!

I work on a TV show in Ramallah.

What show? What's it called?

"Tel Aviv On Fire."

- Are you an actor? - No, I work with the dialogue.

Here.

- Where'd you find this? - In his car.

Names of military installations and officers...

That's the script for the next episode.

It's... television.

Those are my notes.

You wrote this?

Yes, of course.

You're the writer of "Tel Aviv On Fire"?

Yes... Yes.

So what's the name of the spy with the restaurant?

Rachel.

And her lover?

Which one?

The Arab one... the terrorist.

Oh, Marwan.

And the Israeli officer?

Yehuda Edelman, General Edelman.

Yehuda Edelman. Right.

Yehuda...

David.

We have a celebrity here.

This Arab writes "Tel Aviv on Fire."

Do you watch it?

Once. It's anti-Semitic.

It's called "Tel Aviv On Fire." You expected a Zionist show?

Watch it anyway, practice your Arabic.

Am I right?

Right.

My wife watches your show.

It's mostly for women.

A lot of people watch it.

Mostly women.

My wife never misses an episode. God knows why!

So what happens at the end?

That's our big secret. That's the suspense.

I can't tell you.

There are no secrets here.

Who does she end up with?

Yehuda or Marwan?

I really can't say...

Salam, Salam.

You live in Jerusalem and work in Ramallah.

Twice a day, you pass through my checkpoint.

Now tell me the end.

Can I ask you a question?

Ask.

How would you end it?

Me?

That's easy. She marries him.

Marwan?

No! With Yehuda!

Exactly! That's my plan.

But it's top secret. Between us.

Top secret.

Okay... David, he's fine.

- Can I just have... - No, this stays with me.

Move it.

Hi, Mom.

Is she doing a good job?

She is succeeding.

He trusts her?

A little too much.

I wrote a line today.

"You look stunning tonight."

That's nice.

You have a nice apartment.

Thank you.

Do you like being in Tel Aviv?

Very much.

Who's calling you so late?

Is this her apartment?

Move. You're blocking me. It's annoying.

Be quiet.

It doesn't matter...

I'm with you now.

That's it. Finished?

How come you're interested in our show, Assi?

I met the writer today.

What writer?

The guy who writes "Tel Aviv On Fire."

I have tomorrow's script.

Really? Where did you get it?

- From the writer. - What writer?

The writer I met! His name is Salam.

- Tell us what happens! - Show us.

Does Marwan find the hidden microphone?

I don't see any microphone...

If that's the script it must be there. Look carefully.

Why do you like this show so much?

It's anti-Semitic.

Not everything is political.

It's a romantic show.

You wouldn't understand.

Romantic, my ass. What's romantic about it?

Everything. Rachel and Marwan.

- Marwan? - Yeah.

Are you serious? He's a terrorist.

He's handsome.

He's manly.

A gentleman.

- This is romantic to you? - Yes, it's romantic.

Forget it, Mom, he won't understand.

- What about Rachel and Yehuda? - What about them?

That's not romantic?

Nothing will happen between them.

It's an Arab show, you forgot?

It will happen.

- Really? - Believe me.

How will she fall in love with him?

He only cares about the army.

I tell you, it will happen.

I can guarantee it.

That's ridiculous, Assi. Just tell us about the microphone.

Watch tomorrow.

Where's the rest?

When I get paid. I'm working now.

I'll give you a week. I'm done with you!

Okay, for sure... Thanks.

Mariam!

Salam.

You work here now?

No, I'm working on a TV show. "Tel Aviv On Fire."

Wow, I love that show.

- Do you watch it? - No.

I heard you work in television. I thought you were fixing them.

No, I'm in charge of the Hebrew dialogue.

Suits you.

This is Salam, my neighbor.

Fishing in the Dead Sea?

Fish don't live in the Dead Sea.

Good. You learned something.

Let's eat.

Are you still in Tel Aviv?

No, I graduated. I work at a hospital in Jerusalem.

- Really? - Yeah.

- Congratulations! - Thanks.

Give my regards to your mom.

I will.

Say...

is that your uncle's show?

Yeah.

It figures.

Salam Abbass, pull over.

Pull over.

Kill the engine.

Get out of the car.

Slowly.

Get out of the car.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Pick up your shirt and turn around.

Leave him alone. Go do something.

Come. We need to talk.

What's the matter?

Your script is no good.

It's wrong.

You know nothing about the army.

I guess not.

For sure not.

Yehuda is an IDF general, not some bullshit Arab.

What's with his uniform? He looks like an Iraqi general.

He should be manly, romantic, a gentleman.

He should talk about his past. Give her a ride in his tank.

A tank?

Or whatever, as long as it's romantic.

He can teach her to shoot. That's romantic.

Remember... Women don't like boring men.

It's a law!

That's possible.

Here, I wrote it.

- You wrote this? - Yeah.

Tell me what you think.

Not now, everyone's looking.

You're right.

Come inside with me.

Come.

This is better. Read.

Yeah, it's good.

- You read it already? - I read fast. It's good.

Oh, yeah? What's good about it?

The voices.

What voices?

They sound convincing, alive.

You really think so?

Sure. It's very authentic.

Of course it's authentic. I know how officers talk.

I hear his voice and I write it down.

For Rachel, I used my sister.

Very nice.

I have to get to work.

No, you keep it.

Hold on. Before you go...

Yaniv!

Come with me.

Leave everything and come here.

Take our picture.

Don't be so serious. Smile.

Good.

You never learned to take pictures horizontally?

Show me what you can do.

I can't do it.

Uncle, can we talk?

What is it?

I have an idea for the love story.

You're not the only one. Go back to work.

It's good. It makes Yehuda more interesting.

You know the difference between a writer and anyone else?

The writer sits down and writes.

Oh, okay. Got it.

Exterior, Desert Picnic.

- Where did you serve? - Where?

In the kitchen. That's where I learned to cook.

Really?

You didn't cook at home?

My father's a Holocaust survivor.

Life at home was depressing.

I understand.

I promised my parents there would never be another Holocaust.

That's why I became an IDF officer.

What's all this?

Stop right there.

This dialogue is ridiculous. It's unacceptable.

What's wrong?

The army and the Holocaust? Are you serious?

I'm a spy, I have to earn his trust.

I'm an actress with a reputation.

This show won't work unless I'm smart.

She's right. My character is clearer.

I think both characters are stronger now, no?

No.

Am I the only one who doesn't want this Zionist propaganda?

Am I?

Nabil, say something.

I think...

we need to discuss this with Bassam.

- Where's Bassam? - In his office.

Take ten, guys.

Go ahead.

Bassam, it's your story. That's why I'm here.

We're all here because of Tala.

No, not me!

The backers want her. She's a star.

Really? Count me out!

Leave that.

Uncle, I'm sorry. I need this job.

I won't say another word.

You are done making coffee.

Wafa is leaving.

We need a replacement. Now.

Listen.

You have good Hebrew,

you understand the Israeli mentality,

and you have a good ear for dialogue,

so we want you to write Yehuda's part.

Really?

Tala believes in you

and I'm willing to give you a chance.

If it works you'll get a bonus.

Don't worry, we'll provide whatever you need.

Stop work for the day.

Tomorrow you start fresh. This is your chance!

All right.

Take this home and study it.

It's all the parts for Rachel, Marwan and Yehuda.

You can flip through it, it's not Shakespeare.

- Good luck. - Thanks.

Hello, boss.

Long time no see.

You look good.

Salam, don't waste my time. What do you want?

The figs and a pack of gum.

I'm working in Ramallah now, that's why you don't see me.

35 Shekels.

Do you have Mariam's number?

She wrote it down but I lost it.

Mariam?

Mariam.

What, Dad?

Salam?

- Hello. - Hi.

I got promoted, I'm a writer now.

A writer?

Salam, you've never written anything in your life.

You can't sit still for more than 5 minutes.

You can barely write your resume.

No, they like my work. They say I have an ear.

"An ear"?

I hear how people talk and write it down.

Okay then... good.

I guess.

Thanks.

Give me your number again, I lost it.

I never gave you my number.

Dad, I'm going to work.

Bye, honey.

Have some figs. It's the fruit of love.

Tomatoes are the fruit of love.

Anything else?

No, thanks.

Mariam, wait.

Can we talk?

Come with me.

Remember what you told me?

That I make you feel like a fish in the Dead Sea

and you need the Mediterranean?

You know how long it took me to get over that crap?

A long time, Salam. A long time.

- We were kids. - You're the kid.

Forget it.

I'm glad you're doing well.

Bye.

Tel Aviv On Fire

- Want some tea? - Couldn't hurt.

What's that?

It's the show bible.

You know, the history, the characters... I have to learn it.

Turn up the light, don't hurt your eyes.

I'm fine.

War is coming.

The Jordanian ambassador is playing cards with the CIA agent.

That's yours, Nabil.

I'll deal with Marwan's plans at the border.

Salam...

Rachel's in Yehuda's office, flirting with him.

She wants to know where he hides the keys.

A good scene to get you started.

Any questions, just ask.

Oh, right.

I can't write unless I eat.

Inspiration flows from my stomach to my brain.

Want some hummus?

No, I don't eat hummus.

You sure? My wife made it. Finger-lickin' good.

I have a childhood trauma with hummus.

Long story.

- You know how to cure trauma? - How?

Write about it.

Write everything you can remember.

I need coffee.

Hi, Mom. I want some advice.

No, not that. I said I'll pay him.

It's about Rachel and Yehuda.

Rachel goes to see him.

He's in his office,

and she flirts with him.

You know the show. What would she say to him?

I need an opening line.

Hold on.

Yeah... The "usual." What usual?

"You're the lamp of my life."

That's a good line.

"I love the sound of your voice."

"You're strong..."

What else?

"I don't know, son,

I'm not a writer..."

Hanin? Hi.

Glad I caught you.

This is Salam. Yeah.

I know, it's been a while.

They had a fight and she wants to make up.

What would she say to him?

Nothing?

Hello? Yes, Nabil.

Where are you, man?

At a cafe.

Rehearsal's at 2. Don't be late. Bassam asked about you.

Okay, got it.

When will we get engaged?

Let's not talk about it now. Give me a kiss.

Khaled, we're in a public place.

Hiyam, I love you. Tell me what to do.

This feels good. Very good.

Let's go.

Can I speak to Commander Tzur, Assi Tzur?

He isn't here. Move it.

Can I wait for him?

No. Either cross or go back.

Okay, listen...

Step back.

Yossi! Yossi, I know him.

Let him through.

Come with me.

I need to see Commander Tzur.

Did you see your Holocaust scene?

You need something?

I need advice.

Help with the general.

You know the army.

I'll pay you.

Are you trying to bribe me?

No, God forbid.

I don't want your money.

Hummus.

Bring me some good Arab hummus and we'll see tomorrow.

I have a deadline.

Deadline? Well...

It's 12:17. Move it.

Hey, where can I find good hummus?

That way.

- Is the hummus here any good? - It's good.

Real good?

What exactly is "real good"?

- It's just hummus. - It's for a friend. He's fussy.

Where is he from?

Is he Israeli?

No! He's French.

Good. Smells good.

A hint of lemon.

Nice.

About Yehuda...

First we need to talk about the wedding.

What wedding?

At the end, when Yehuda and Rachel get married.

It's a great idea, but we have to get there first.

No, no, that's my price!

I want this wedding. Guaranteed.

All right.

What's wrong?

You don't sound thrilled.

No, it's a great idea.

Let's be honest, Salam,

your show...

it's all romances and affairs. But this ending...

An Arab and a Jew in love? A wedding? It's explosive!

You're right.

A real statement. No more checkpoints, no trouble.

Get me out of this place! My wife will be happy.

Well?

- Can you do that? - For sure.

Deal?

Deal. You'll have your wedding.

Very good. Proceed.

What do you need?

Here's the situation. She's flirting with him.

She needs the key to his desk,

that's where he keeps his secrets.

Secrets in a drawer? Is this the Middle Ages?

It's easier for the viewers to follow.

What viewers?

Millions. Israelis too.

So we need a key.

The question is where he keeps the key.

Where would he keep the key?

Where's the key to the desk?

He must keep it on him,

maybe it's on a chain around his neck

for security.

Great idea.

It's stupid, but you asked for a key.

Now, Rachel comes to see him.

Why? Because he didn't call her back.

She enters the office,

Yehuda looks tense, tired.

She tells him:

"What's the matter, my general?"

He's glad to see her,

but he tells her...

The pressure. The pressure's killing me.

"My people need me now,

these are hard times."

What about the key?

Just wait, hold your horses.

Okay.

So she says to him,

she says:

"You look tense. I'll give you a massage."

A massage...

Then she comes up behind him...

Exactly.

A massage.

Is this the key to your heart?

That's the key to everything.

The key scene - fantastic.

Uncle, I read your story.

- I want to discuss the ending. - What ending?

The last episode.

It's wonderful.

I stole it from "The Maltese Falcon."

- Have you seen it? - No.

You have to see it.

Masterpiece.

Humphrey Bogart

and Mary Astor

fall in love.

But Mary killed Bogart's partner.

So Bogart hands her over to the police.

She says, "Darling, why are you doing this?

I love you."

He says, "I love you too,

but duty comes before love."

See the connection?

Not exactly.

Rachel and Yehuda are in love,

she wants to run away with him,

but she has a problem.

She's in the same predicament as Humphrey Bogart.

Duty is more important than love.

So she blows them both up.

I stole that ending from Hollywood.

Uncle, with respect, it's predictable. We've seen it before.

You don't change a powerful ending, right?

God forbid.

Why not surprise the audience?

Surprise them?

What if Rachel marries Yehuda?

More drama that way.

Right, Nabil?

Rachel and Yehuda? Together?

It's another Oslo Peace Accord.

Oslo?

The big illusion that changes nothing.

Nabil will explain.

Sorry, I have to take this call.

Hello?

What's today's scene?

The war has started...

It's a big scene for Yehuda,

a complicated scene.

Rachel and Yehuda drink and talk about love.

Have you ever been in love?

Me?

Yes, once.

Only once? What happened? You got married?

No, it didn't work out.

Too bad.

Do you know the sign that two people are in love?

They hug and kiss?

They listen to each other.

Remember that.

Can you do me a favor?

What?

Take this photo

and put it in front of the camera.

I want my wife to see it. A surprise.

That's not my decision.

It's a favor, not an order.

Okay, I'll give it to the production team.

Whatever you can do. Thanks.

A real model.

Okay. The scene.

The scene.

She's alone at the restaurant,

he comes to see her...

Listen, I have an idea.

I used to be a bartender... Take a look.

Don't bother me, I'm thinking.

Listen... Yehuda overflows with emotion.

It must end with a kiss. Her first kiss!

The kiss that will change her life forever.

Write this down.

Yehuda enters the restaurant,

waves a bottle of champagne and says:

"This is the greatest day of my life and I want you with me."

"Rachel,

you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen..."

- What? - What?

Did you say something?

No...

What's that picture?

Oh, nothing. I found it in the props room.

I thought it might inspire me.

I have an inspiring picture, too.

A picture of my last paycheck.

Scene...

When I was young, I was restless...

What's going on?

Are you in trouble, Assi?

No.

Then what's this for?

Something special tonight,

Yehuda and Rachel's first kiss.

About time. I was giving up hope.

The war has begun.

Hello, Oum Samer. How are you today?

You know, when I was young, I was restless...

Can you move over, please?

I couldn't sit still for more than 5 minutes.

But next to you, I could stay forever.

Yehuda...

Don't you believe me?

Of course I believe you.

I know the writer.

You're a soldier and soldiers don't lie.

Get well soon.

She knows the writer!

What are we celebrating?

Jerusalem will be ours.

What about the people?

The Arabs of Jerusalem?

We have the strongest army in the world,

we'll set up checkpoints

and send our best men to control them.

Darling,

this is victory.

Let's enjoy it.

Now check this out.

You call that a kiss?

What's the problem?

It's an Arab kiss.

Have you seen the papers?

Look.

"Tel Aviv On Fire kisses up to the Israelis..."

"Kosher stamp marked on Palestinian TV."

"Halal gets lost in Tel Aviv"?

The backers are going crazy. Over what?

One little kiss.

They hardly touched each other.

What are you worried about? On Facebook, they love it.

No one reads newspapers.

The backers read newspapers.

They want Marwan back.

Do we have any hummus?

You hate hummus. Why would I make it?

I need it for work.

Good morning.

I'm not open yet.

Got any hummus?

Some old cans.

Perfect.

Why did you ruin my kiss?

I meant a real kiss,

a kiss that would change her forever.

I promised my wife something special

and you give me an Arab kiss?

What's an "Arab kiss"?

Like this. No tongue.

It's more dramatic if she hesitates.

Inner conflict. Suspense.

When I give you something, do it the way I wrote it.

Understand?

Take your hummus.

What is this?

What did you bring?

A shop in my neighborhood,

the guy is 90 years old,

he's only open two hours a week.

Perfect.

What an aroma, what flavors.

The old style.

Let's get to work. What scene today?

The scene where she gets the key.

What?

Oh, come on. The key again?

If you want them to be together, she needs a victory.

Fine. Whatever.

What?

What do I do? He has no papers.

Not now, David. Can't you see I'm busy?

Hold him until I'm done.

Move it...

- Where were we? - Okay...

Oh, the key.

So Yehuda leaves the office...

Let me concentrate.

Yehuda leaves the office,

Rachel's left all alone.

She looks at his medals.

Shut up. I got it.

Listen,

she should bring him a pastry from her restaurant,

something sweet.

What's wrong with admiring his medals?

What medals? They're at home.

Medals!

She brings him something sweet

and says, "Here's a sweet for my sweetie,"

and he says, "Rachel...

Rachel, you spoil me. I'll get fat."

And then...

Then he caresses her face gently, and says:

"Everyone I know is in love with you, why did you choose me?"

And she answers: "Because you're so handsome."

He says: "That's not the reason."

"Why not? Every woman wants a handsome general with a nice profile...

and black hair."

He says:

"It's because your restaurant is so near. It's convenient."

She says, "No, I could come from anywhere

and you could come from anywhere...

somewhere....

you can't even imagine,

but my feelings wouldn't change."

Not bad.

And then they embrace,

and then she puts her hand, covered in flour,

on his chest.

That's good.

- Right on the key. - This is clever.

She's a professional spy.

Good stuff!

I understand, she wants the imprint in the flour

then she can make a copy.

Wait, wait a sec.

She comes in, sits down...

What did you say?

- What? - What did you say?

Oh, that she uses dough, not flour,

it's easier to make a copy.

Okay, excellent...

I'll think about it.

Listen, she's going to meet with Marwan tomorrow.

Okay, but not too long,

I don't like this terrorist.

We call him a freedom fighter.

- Freedom fighter? - That's right.

I thought you were smarter than the others.

I thought the same about you.

I know Marwan,

I know all the Marwans, it's my job.

We know him better.

Come back tomorrow, I'll have a Marwan scene, okay?

No, that's okay.

- Bye. - What?

I'll manage.

You could be from anywhere,

somewhere you wouldn't even imagine.

I love it.

It's beautiful, I love it, Salam. Thank you so much.

I'm hearing the characters' voices.

You know what?

You should be in Paris.

But I don't speak French.

You have an excellent ear,

you'll pick it up fast.

You know the best thing about Paris?

The people, the ambience, the weather...

There's no occupation.

That's it, I'll come to Paris.

Salam, can I speak with you?

Listen, it's my character.

Yehuda is an Israeli general,

shouldn't he be harsh sometimes?

He's soft and sweet all the time.

Don't you like that?

I was in Israeli prisons for 7 years.

They aren't exactly nice.

You're right.

I'll work on his evil side.

- Great. Thanks. - No problem.

They want a complete separation.

But Rachel and Yehuda are why people watch.

Only temporarily.

Then we have no story.

They want us to show Yehuda's darker side.

That's easy, he shoots a few children.

Not bad.

No, no, I'm kidding.

I'm serious.

They'll accuse him of murder, put him in jail,

that way she'll stop seeing him.

His role is important, but...

Too complicated.

- Want something simpler? - Yes.

Let's kill her. Then they're separated.

But she's the star.

If we kill her, we have no ending.

Yes we have an ending.

Her pretty cousin comes to her funeral.

She is younger, less expensive,

easier to work with,

and we'll have a new star.

We will not kill Rachel.

- Can I say something? - Sure, go ahead.

I think a new romance is an excellent solution.

Can we focus a little here?

All right.

How do we separate them and keep the story alive?

- And keep it dramatic. - And without killing anyone.

I have an idea.

Oh, no! Impossible.

What's the matter?

Cancer, she has cancer!

- Who? - Rachel.

Not now.

I don't want you to see me sick.

What's the matter? Who died?

No, it's the TV.

Do you still love me?

Or do you want...

to look for other fish in the sea?

- Assi. - What?

Get over here.

Rachel has cancer.

What? Cancer?

She's gonna die.

Didn't you say they get married in the end?

Hello.

What's the matter?

I'm returning the hummus cans.

You just bought it. No refunds.

I don't need money.

They are expired. Throw them out.

Goodbye.

Salam Abbass, the writer?

That's me.

What's going on?

No, it's a mistake...

What do you want?

It must be a misunderstanding.

Don't shoot me, I haven't done anything.

- What's Rachel going to do? - I don't know, I swear.

You don't know...

Assi?

A writer, my ass.

You think you can write whatever you want?

How many times did you promise me a wedding?

Seven? Ten?

We had a deal!

You gave me your word and now she has cancer?

Assi, do you really want to shoot me?

What about your statement?

A Jew and an Arab with a happy ending?

It's up to you.

She isn't dying, okay?

On TV anything can be cured. Cancer is like a toothache.

You cry a little and it's gone.

Let me do my job.

Can you cure her cancer?

I can.

- She won't die? - No.

- And there'll be a wedding? - Yes!

All right.

Take your wallet.

But this stays with me.

See your ID card?

It's my guarantee.

My wedding for your ID.

But that's my ID.

That's right.

Salam Abbass,

I control you now.

You'll do as I say.

You won't go into Jerusalem unless I'm there.

Got it?

Yes. I understand.

You'll get it back on their wedding day.

Do the right thing.

And put my photo on TV!

That's an order.

David, let him go.

You're late. Everything okay?

Morning troubles.

Here, someone called you.

Where's Tala? I need to talk to her.

She didn't come in. I'm trying to reach her agent.

What's the matter?

She's upset about her chemotherapy. She doesn't want to lose her hair.

Who said anything about chemo?

I did. It's visual.

- Was there even chemo in 1967? - Yes. I checked.

What the hell, Atef?

Excuse me.

Try to reach her again.

It's Salam. Can you talk?

- Are you sending me messages? - What do you mean?

"A fish in the sea,"

"you could be from anywhere and I could be from anywhere...

I'd still feel the same."

"Still feel the same."

Did you write that?

I did.

You sat still for longer than 5 minutes?

Yes, a lot more.

Would you have dinner with me?

Tonight...

How about 8 pm?

- Maisa? - What?

- Can you come to the dressing room? - Sure.

Be right back.

Something special today?

Dinner.

I want to be the new spy, after Tala.

Tala's coming back.

I know, but what if she doesn't?

- Keep me in mind. - Sure.

Try these.

Come in.

Nice suit.

It's Marwan's. I borrowed it.

For me?

I have a date later.

Of course.

- You look explosive. - Thanks.

Come in. Have a seat.

I was just about to text you.

I'm going back to Paris tomorrow.

Why?

I have better things to do than die of cancer in Palestine.

You aren't going to die. No cancer.

The diagnosis was wrong.

The cancer was a violation, okay?!

I don't give a shit.

My lawyer will fix things.

You know what bothers me?

What?

I'm writing great scenes for you

and someone else will get them.

Tell me.

Instead of cancer...

a wedding.

Life instead of death.

Who's getting married?

Rachel and Yehuda.

No.

It's impossible.

Not if you're still a spy, Tala. Think about it.

You walk up the aisle...

with a smile on your face but sorrow in your heart.

They'll play Jewish music,

but inside you'll hear a Palestinian Debka.

You'll be a shining angel but filled with grief.

Okay.

Can I read the scene?

I haven't written it yet.

What?

It's not written yet.

- But it's up here, right? - Yeah.

Write it for me.

You can use my computer.

I can't now.

I have an important date.

What?

You can't have a career unless it's your highest priority.

But it really is important.

I'll write it tomorrow.

I'm flying tomorrow.

I have to read it tonight.

I need to make a call.

Certainly.

I'm done for today, girls.

Hello?

Mariam? Hello, it's Salam.

Yes, I have your number.

I have a work emergency. Can we get together tomorrow?

I have to stay late to finish a scene.

Where are you? With whom?

Actually, I'm...

I'm at Tala's.

Okay, Salam. Bye.

Mariam?

Mariam? Hello?

Goodnight.

Hello, you've reached Mariam. Leave a message.

My God, you're still writing.

It smells good.

Is this the last?

I think it's poetry.

Really?

Really.

The bride arrives.

Yehuda waits for her there.

She looks at the guests and sees a sea of army uniforms.

All the feelings of oppression come back to her,

the war...

She can't take it. She can't breathe.

She stands next to Yehuda...

- Okay so far? - Excellent. Keep going.

She feels suffocated by all the uniforms around her,

then she faints.

Now... Tala, right here,

this is your turning point.

We end with a close-up on Tala's face.

All the conflicting feelings,

emotions...

And we hear nothing, except her heartbeat.

- Bravo. - Superb.

- I want a pretty wedding dress. - We'll see.

- Bassam, something spectacular. - Absolutely.

Atef, we need to cover the crosses.

A Jewish wedding won't work in a church.

We can cover them with the Star of David.

Exactly. Bravo.

Perfect.

We'll use it all, with one small change.

She faints, he picks her up

while she holds her bouquet.

And what's in the bouquet?

A button!

She presses - BOOM.

No, Uncle, that ruins the scene.

Son, with our reality there's no Romeo and Juliet.

- That's enough now. - But Uncle...

Get to work.

- What are you doing here? - Nothing.

I'm thinking.

A wedding gives us a second season.

That's enough, Salam.

Go home. Get some rest!

Don't you want another season?

The backers never talked about it. Enough!

Can I talk to them?

My dear Salam,

once you become a writer

you have a responsibility toward your people.

I didn't create this show from a vacuum.

I was there during the '67 war, I fought for our liberation.

We had a spirit then, but we lost it after Oslo.

I'm making this show for you and your generation

to make up for everything we lost.

I'm talking history.

How did that history help us?

What did it accomplish?

Is there nothing between bombs and surrender?

I understand my responsibility,

but we need a different direction.

Keep the show going.

Rachel keeps spying, we keep working...

Next season we'll do what you want.

The backers won't allow it.

To hell with the backers!

- They don't live here, we do. - No.

Don't say that again.

I need this chance.

Let me think about it.

Thanks, Uncle.

Hello, you've reached Mariam. Leave a message.

Mariam, hello. Call me back, okay?

I don't want to lose you again.

Bye.

Your ID.

Your commander has it. Assi.

You can't go in without an ID.

Can you ask Assi?

I have to get home, it's urgent.

Turn the car around.

Turn around!

Can you see over there?

I don't see anything.

The other side of the sea.

Jaffa is there.

I'd die to go home again.

I miss Palestine.

Salam?

Salam, are you okay?

Salam, wake up.

- What time is it? - 7:30.

Were you here all night?

The checkpoint was closed so I came here.

Well, get up.

Here, have some coffee.

Thanks.

Change your shirt.

- Nabil. - What?

You think I'm right?

That the bomb is a cliché, a wedding is better.

You want a practical answer or my artistic one?

The practical answer:

I like my salary,

and if the wedding leads to another season, great.

The artistic answer:

I don't want the story to end in '67. That was a tragic year.

I want to bring in new characters,

keep the story going and going...

like American shows.

Forever.

Like Palestine.

Nabil, you are a poet.

Oh, please.

- Hello. - Nabila, come in.

For you.

- How are you? - Fine.

- Is it from Marwan? - Yes, open it.

Figs?

I don't understand.

Marwan says that figs are the fruit of love.

He's mistaken.

Tomatoes are the fruit of love.

Hear that? He learned something from you, Mariam.

He doesn't have to be perfect but he tries.

What's important is that he loves me.

- Hi, Salam. - Hi. You're early.

I have to finish the wedding dress.

Did you write the scene about the fruit of love?

Yeah, I read it somewhere.

Tomatoes... I loved that.

Your dialogue is so good,

I want to play it someday. I'm actually an actress.

- Maybe you didn't know. - I did.

Thanks.

Get me Marwan.

- Rachel is ready. - Excellent.

But her name is Manal.

Rachel is her name in Tel Aviv.

Beware the false name that becomes true.

Manal, darling.

Your time is near.

I'll always be with you.

Are you sure about this wedding, Assi?

We may have lost the war,

but we won't lose each other or our spirit.

Assi, that Arab is up to something bad.

I heard you. Get back to work.

My wedding dress.

What do you think?

Gorgeous.

If only Marwan were here.

But Palestine always comes first.

Nabila,

can I tell you something?

Sure. What is it? Sit down and tell me.

I love Yehuda.

Is it wrong?

I thought you loved Marwan.

Yes, I do love him.

Have you forgotten Deir Yassin, the massacre?

No.

Of course not.

All right. Here.

Take this.

It's a remote control.

Hide it in your bouquet.

When the time comes,

press this button

and the end comes.

Cut!

This is very intense.

It's the end of my writing career.

Why?

Never mind. Long story...

Salamush.

How was the scene?

Amazing. I'm a big fan.

Thanks. He wrote it. It's fantastic.

Sweetie, will you lift my veil?

I want to know how it feels to get married.

- Beautiful. - Thanks.

This man is a genius.

I'm taking him to Paris.

Is that so?

No, no. Just an idea.

Tala, we're ready for your close-up.

- Coming. - Let's go.

- See you later? Bye. - Bye.

Where are you taking me?

This is where I go to think.

Nobody bothers me here.

Salam, cut the crap.

When are you going to Paris?

Will you come?

- Really? - Yes.

What would I do there?

My life is here, my job is here, my family's here.

I love it here.

I have nothing there.

But it's a big world out there. Not just Paris.

Rome, Tokyo,

Australia... Amazing places.

- You know the best thing about it? - What?

There's no occupation.

Seems like you're looking for another sea.

No, I want you with me.

Then stay here.

Okay, I'll stay.

That was an Arab kiss, wasn't it?

Let me check.

It's too much.

I can't breathe.

What's the matter, darling?

All these uniforms.

The oppression...

I can't take it anymore...

I don't understand.

You'll never understand.

Hey, where's the photo that was here before?

- I threw it out. - Where?

Look in that box.

Uncle...

Okay?

It's ironic! You want a wedding but you show no trust.

It's protocol.

Have a seat.

This is the best Palestinian hummus.

Real hummus, not from a can.

A can?

Who'd eat hummus from a can?

When the first intifada broke out

the army took over Shuafat.

We couldn't go out for a month.

We had nothing to eat but canned hummus.

I was six years old.

A month was an eternity.

I haven't touched hummus since.

Why didn't you come to the checkpoint?

I hate it, like canned hummus.

We all hate checkpoints.

You don't have to be part of it.

Enough, cut the Arab bullshit.

Why did you call me to come here?

Because the deal is off?

I still have your ID.

Assi, look around,

the wedding makes no sense.

It's an illusion.

It doesn't make sense now and not in '67, either.

Reality has to change for that wedding to happen.

I have a new idea.

What's this?

- Here you go. - Thanks.

Do you know the sign that two people are in love?

What?

- They listen to each other. - What?

What's the connection?

I have a new deal.

Eat. I'll explain.

Kiss me, mi amor.

This is our moment.

Here comes the rabbi.

Ladies and gentlemen,

we are gathered today to celebrate your wedding

and your arrest.

Whoa!

Assi, is that you?

Together in jail.

That's where you belong.

What?

No! No!

We...

We know everything.

And you...

You're a disgrace to the Jewish people.

I don't understand. I love her.

- Rachel, tell them. - Darling...

It's all an illusion.

You can get married. In Hell!

- Rachel! - Yehuda!

Darling! Darling!

I can't believe it!

- Did you know about this? - No.

My Assi, you're on television!

- Did you like it, Dad? - Yes, I did.

Do they pay you to write?

Yes, I get paid.

I don't watch much TV,

but that actor looks familiar.

What was he in before?

Ever go through the Ramallah checkpoint?

Seriously?

He won't be there anymore.

Salam promoted him.

May I?

Thanks.

Ephraim.

You didn't tell me your name.

Avital.

Subtitling TITRAFILM