Original subtitles

For some people, life is a collision of coincidences.

Others, on the other hand, feel everything is preordained.

What shapes a person's destiny?

Our actions? Our choices?

The meetings we have in our life?

The older I get, the less certainty I have.

But I sometimes feel that the big decisions are made...

...by life itself, without our knowledge.

That the turning points of life are due to small coincidences...

...imperceptible accidents...

...which make them branch off on one path, rather than another.

All it took was a lot of little nothings.

I often feel as if inside me I'm carrying the women I haven't been.

Would they be proud of me?

Thousands of people passed last night.

It's not over... It’s a human tide.

- So? - Wait, it's in English.

- We must have a TV here. - Shut up and we'll know. So?

He says...

...that people are climbing the wall.

Fuck! Some of the crowd are being attacked.

Guys, this is insane! The Berlin Wall has fallen!

Back to class. Nathan, break is over, turn that off.

- But the Berlin Wall... - Later. Back to your seats.

Forget it.

Shall we go there?

- Where? - To Berlin.

Wouldn't you like to go and pose with your arse on the wall?

Sit down, please.

Bar 23.

You're mad!

And our parents?

- Your father will kill you. - Stay, then.

Is it Nathan?

- No. - I'll join the ranks, then.

- Stop it! - I saw how he looked at you.

To impress him, just take off your top.

You don't understand. Look at my hand.

What?

My fun line. My last cool thing was...

- Never. - So.

And on my love line?

Lots of cats. Zero guy.

And there, my lifeline.

Madame will live a very, very, very long time.

What troubles I'm going to have!

And you see this, there,

that tiny little line there? - Hmm.

It is now.

My only chance to change my destiny, is to go to Berlin.

We all dream of doing big things, you know.

But in your case, there is no suspense.

You'll be an interstellar concert performer.

The rest of us will end up with a degree in psychology.

Stop with that.

For 10 years, I do 5 hours of piano a day.

I don't hang out in the evening, I never go to parties.

You're my only friend.

I'm far from home and I want to do something really stupid.

Maybe you shouldn't get out of your cage.

- Come on. Come on! - OK!

- It's good! - I'll call my parents.

Tell them you're going to the wall... It's no big deal.

If I don't call, they worry. It'll be fine.

You're right, you're so good at lying.

- Hello? - Mum?

Why didn't you call me before?

I was worried.

We saw images of Berlin. Is everything alright?

But no, Berlin is far away.

What could happen to me here other than getting hit by a bike?

- Are you sure everything is okay? - Of course.

- Would you tell me, otherwise? - Yes.

Sorry, I'll leave you, we have to go to dinner.

Of course my pet. Kiss kiss. Goodbye.

You too. Love to Dad.

Oh, your mother has radar!

We can go.

Hurry up!

That evening, for the first time...

...I had the impression of being in control of my life.

But I know today that it was a coincidence that decided for me.

A few seconds that changed everything.

There's no one.

Your passport!

Thanks.

- Damn! - What's the matter?

- I can't find my passport. - You kidding?

Here... take this.

I must have left it up there.

What are we doing?

We're going to miss the bus. Go on ahead.

- Don't leave me! - I'll meet you.

OK.

What are you doing here?

- Isn’t she here? - She’s coming.

Aren't you coming?

The GDR, overwhelmed, gave up checking the papers of this crowd.

East Germans, incredulous at this suddenly-granted freedom...

...hesitate before crossing the border.

We're leaving for good. I'm afraid they'll close forever.

This family was an exception.

Thanks.

East Germans want to prove to themselves that they can now...

...go to the West, even for a simple walk.

You speak German?

- No, French! - From where?

- Paris! - Paris, wow!

You want to try?

- We can? - Go ahead.

- I'm Markus. - Emilie.

You really thought your escapade would go unnoticed?

- That we wouldn't hear about it? - Not like this.

- What got into you? - You're very thoughtless.

You're 17 years old. It's called running away.

It's so unlike you. Say something.

Shit, I'm not on drugs, nor am I pregnant.

So I'm in the newspaper! Rejoice!

That's not the problem!

Aren't you proud of me?

- Yes, we are. - You're yelling at me!

- We were scared. - And you lied to us!

Is that what’s bothering you? That I took the initiative?

Lower your voice!

That's enough!

My only freedom is to become the great pianist...

...that you raised in the sticks.

I've had it up to here with never being good enough!

Isn't that enough for you? Well stiff shit!

You arsehole!

Julia!

To Julia!

Who was to stay 3 days...

...and who stayed for 3 years.

And who just got her card as a Permanent Resident of Germany!

Ich bin ein Berliner!

I have a gift for you.

I found it while sorting some papers.

Thanks, Markus!

Julia, there is someone for you.

Mum?

Happy Birthday darling!

Should have told me, I'd have come to get you.

I decided at the last minute.

Was I right to come?

Yeah.

It's awesome! I'm super happy.

Me too, I’m super happy!

It suits you well, huh?

I like it. I'm no big fan of little...

So, which one is he? No, wait, don't tell me.

- Is that him there? - Oh no.

No?

That's Markus. He's a friend.

Not the way he looks at you, though.

What?

I feel so stupid.

For 3 years, I've been trying to convince myself...

“It’s just a phase... she’s going to come home.”

But as soon as I walked through the door, I knew.

Your life is here, now.

Stop it!

I miss you so much!

Oh, I'm proud of you, you know?

I'm proud, my darling.

I've been waiting for this moment for so long.

I want to take you everywhere in Berlin.

I'm just here for the weekend.

A week, no less.

Your father won't be able to do without me that long.

He'll just have to, won't he?

He told me to kiss you.

Don't tire yourself, Mum.

Thank you for coming.

It's for you.

But Mum, it's...

Your grandmother gave me her emerald for my 20th birthday.

My turn to pass it on to you.

Happy birthday.

To your 20th birthday, my darling.

- And the Clara Schumann competition. - No, it will bring her bad luck.

Are you superstitious?

No, just careful. The competition is tough enough.

- Let's put the odds on her side. - It's just a question of work.

Ah, it's Emilie.

- Go ahead my darling, go ahead. - Yes.

Don't come home too late.

I know I'm a pain, but the competition's in a week.

Not tonight, please.

Have fun.

Thanks

Damian?

That there, can you make it two?

No no! I'll go.

- I rehearse tomorrow. - No, come on.

You're 20 tonight. Come on!

You're so annoying!

This is not good!

Come on!

Mum!

Shit!

Oh! Sorry.

Hey, don't move.

There you are.

- Thanks. - It was nothing.

Well then...

Italy, Australia, Japan...

Are you planning a world tour?

Or maybe you're on the run, you don't know where to go?

Mexico.

- Why Mexico? - No extradition to France,

Just sun, beaches, mariachis, if you like that.

What did you do, if it's not indiscreet?

I robbed a bank.

I always wanted to... I never had the guts.

How was it?

It was OK.

Sorry, but you really don't have the look of a robber.

Exactly. That's why the bank didn't see me coming.

Paul.

Julia.

Whose is this? Hello Sir.

So, that will be 17.50.

Pardon. I'm sorry.

- No, it's okay. - Alright?

Good morning.

- Thanks. Bye. - Have a good day, goodbye.

Good morning.

Do you have time for a drink?

Or will we just get under cover?

- Yeah! - Yeah?

So, what's with all the guides?

To clear my head.

I have a music competition within a week.

Don't you feel ready?

I'm going to screw up.

- Why do you say that? - I hate competitions.

Why are you doing it, then?

The environment is very competitive.

These competitions are a good way to stand out.

But as it's necessary to please the entire jury to win...

...you must be unifying, don't assert yourself too much.

Shine politely.

Not too much emotion. It’s a technical performance.

It's not really music, and it's not... Oh, sorry.

No, please go on...!

Well...

It allows you to make a career...

...and be able to play well even on your off-days.

For me, on those days, "technical" is not enough to save me.

I have to know why I play. Or for whom.

You tell them shit. But you play for yourself!

If you miss, no regrets.

If you have "it", you have them carried away by your passion.

By my passion?

I know, I never heard you.

But your look is passionate.

I am positive that you are going to become a huge...

Trombonist.

An immense trombonist.

No!

What?

- Sorry, I play the piano. - Oh, piano?

Now show me yours.

Stochastic processes and Brownian motion.

Are you reading this for fun?

No, 2nd year of a thesis.

How can I explain this to you without words that'd make you flee?

It's raining cats and dogs, the audience is captive. Go for it.

Let's say I'm trying to prove...

...that chance obeys mathematical laws.

Example?

See the guy at the end of the bar?

Well, at some point...

...he's going to get up and return home.

And given his condition...

there are equal chances for him to go a little bit forward...

...a little backwards, to the right or to the left.

We agree?

Question: assuming he gets home, how can I know...

...how far he will actually go?

So.

And that deserves a thesis?

In theory, this could allow us to predict epidemics...

...industrial accidents, particularly in nuclear matters.

- All this from a drunk guy. - Yeah.

And you think we can reduce everything in life to a series of ones and zeroes?

Maybe or... No, maybe not.

That’s the charm of dating.

- It's hot. - It is so hot!

What is the mission?

- Find the dress for the competition. - The challenge?

- Huge. - Budget?

Tiny.

- Oh... - Look.

No. "If the dress is showy, we only see the dress."

"If the dress is perfect, we only see the woman." Coco Chanel.

- Yeah... - Yes.

So...

Hey...

So?

Perfect.

- You're not in the auditorium? - I'll give you a kiss of encouragement.

I just threw up.

Don't forget... you're a great trombonist.

Come on, I love you.

Go away.

We're waiting for you, Miss.

Bravo!

What are you doing?

I'm looking at you.

A banker called me.

- Are you overdrawn? - No.

No, he's interested in my thesis.

You? But you're a physicist. What does he want from you?

The fluctuation of the stock market resembles Brownian motion.

Statistical physics can analyse financial markets...

...predict the evolution of certain values...

...and avoid crashes.

What do you think?

It's an interesting challenge.

It could well pay off.

And fundamental research?

I want you to be able to devote yourself to the piano.

I'll have time to come back to something else...

...when you are a world-famous pianist.

No, don't do it for me.

- And you don't think... - Think what?

What?

That things are moving a little fast?

I'm so happy!

Well done!

- Are you giving a speech? - No!

I don't dare.

Does it really open?

Who's doing this to us?

And why do we have to put them on, anyway?

This is better.

I don't like seeing you that way.

We never see each other.

I don't have time for a sermon.

- I have to go. - Stay, it's been a fortnight.

Finish your drink, at least.

I just want that you're happy.

It's my priority, and you're not happy.

It's not your fault.

I'm your mother... Of course it is.

Some would kill to have your talent, Julia.

So whatever you do, I won't judge you.

But stop punishing yourself. Just stop!

You're better than playing stooge for that woman.

Ah, my darling... you're saving my life.

Go talk to them... they can fix the light.

And this stool creaks, it's unbearable.

And Victor promised me he'd come by.

Will you send him to me as soon as he arrives?

Sorry. I startled you.

It's alright, I didn't hear you come in.

- I'm Victor Massenet. - Maria's agent, I know.

We spoke on the phone. I'm Julia, her assistant.

Ah! So you're Julia. My compliments.

You're the first to last more than a year.

Maria is like...

...carnivorous.

I understand why she's kept you in the shadows.

Forgive my curiosity.

How did she get her hooks into you?

I messed up in the Schumann competition.

You were on the jury.

Ah! I remember you.

She needed an assistant who reads music.

What a waste.

You have magnificent phrasing.

But you submit too much to emotions. Use them.

Learn not to let yourself be overwhelmed.

- I'll tell her you're here. - Wait.

If you don't mind, I'd like to hear a little more.

- Would you...? - She's waiting for you.

Maria always keeps others waiting.

Surely I can let her wait for 5 minutes.

Isn't that going to be too hard?

With the tour, you're not going to see her all year.

I always knew what I was signing up for.

As long as it comes back to me, I'm happy.

Oh! It's magnificent!

I'm glad you like it.

- House-warming gift. - No!

Oh no, you're crazy!

Do you prefer a toaster or a fruit bowl?

Oh, thank you dad!

I'd like to toast to the international tour.

European!

By the great Julia Sorel.

This is the 8th toast tonight, Dad.

You're counting wrong. It's your first tour.

Come on, to Julia!

So, Paul?

Yes?

The business you set up... your...

Financial-flow forecast program.

Yeah.

Today, the stock market is more than people buying and selling.

It's an artificial intelligence which analyses the fluctuations...

...and decides instantly whether to buy or sell.

It serves to further enrich people who are already rich.

It's a bit more complicated than that.

And you clean up with it.

For 5 years...

...bankers have consulted me. I'm a scientist.

If I get a problem, I solve it.

And I try to have a positive influence. I say...

"Think about resilience... develop less volatile finance products."

And yes... I developed my company, and people trusted me with their money.

You clean up!

- Stop, Pierre! - That's not what interests me.

Oh? So what does?

The quest for prediction.

Have we toasted Julia's tour?

To Julia.

Isn't such a machine paradoxical for a risk specialist?

I'm serious... You've two risk management options...

Wear leather clothes and a helmet... that's passive risk management.

On a scooter, there's also a dynamic one.

Just don't ride a scooter.

You analyse the surface... Face it.

You anticipate the trajectory of other vehicles...

And?

Pull down your pants, I'm piloting.

But it's your daughter who drives, so this is it.

Goodbye, Peter. Thanks.

Goodbye, Dad.

Come on... Hop on.

Bye, Dad.

No, be careful.

- It's right. - It's the experience...

- Be careful. - I am. Everything's fine.

Look out!

Look, I'm going slowly...

...and not so slowly....

I'll close my eyes.

Watch out!.

You're scared when I slow down.

- Are you drunk? - Kiss me.

- Look at me. - It's pecks.

You shouldn't drive, but pilot.

You analyse the surface...

You anticipate the trajectory of other vehicles... And?

- It's you. - It's me.

Good night, Pierre.

Thanks.

Goodbye, Dad.

Good night.

Arsehole!

Are you speeding up a little?

- I won't stop now. - Show me how to speed up.

You'll see.

- OK? - Yes.

The operation went well, Mrs Sorel.

You should recover 70-80 per cent mobility in the right hand.

My wife is a pianist.

Was there anything else?

You were pregnant.

6 weeks.

I'm sorry.

Are you sure it's a delay?

It happens to me all the time.

You're stressing out for nothing.

See, I told you so.

Shit!

- And your tour? - What about my tour?

How are you going to do it?

How? I'm pregnant!

I'm not disabled, I can sit at the piano.

Wait, no!

Oh no, it’s okay, eh!

I'm pregnant! I'm pregnant.

Julia?

Julia!

What's wrong?

I'm having a contraction.

It's okay.

Hmm... it's passed.

Do you want me to call Emergency?

You don't have to get up.

Bedridden... that means you're not allowed to sit down.

- But the tour? - There'll be others.

Not like this.

I won't get another opportunity like this one.

This could be the only one for us too.

Do you know what we risk?

If you don't follow doctor's orders, we're going to lose it.

6 months without being able to touch a piano.

Do you know what that means?

You'll make up for lost time. Trust yourself.

And you are going to have the most extraordinary mother.

So, hang in there.

Hello my loves. Did you see?

- Yes. - He's sleeping, watch out.

5 YEARS LATER Tonight? Were you able to sleep?

I can't wait to be home.

- Look at. - Look, my darling.

Let me introduce you to your little brother.

Come on.

I have the results of your blood test.

I'm sorry.

Mrs Sorel, This is already your fourth IVF.

I prefer to be honest with you.

Are you okay my love?

And you? Come on!

Let's go.

- You OK? - Yes.

ONE YEAR LATER

I like your new hairstyle.

I needed a change.

- It suits you nicely. - Thanks.

How's it going in London?

It's rainy.

But I'm acclimatising, I'm working.

Have you met anyone?

Nothing serious.

I don't have the time... The firm is expanding.

On two continents, now.

Bravo!

And you?

Do you still work at your high school?

That seems to surprise you.

I don't understand.

You could aspire to a more prestigious position.

At least in a conservatory.

And teach the piano to little geniuses...

...who'd remind me that I failed in my career?

Don't look so denigrating.

Excuse me.

If you like your job, I'm happy.

You could send back the divorce papers.

It would've been just as hard.

Increase!

Come on, raise your heads! Stop! Stop!

We're in trouble!

Don't you understand what you're singing about?

It's not moving!

No nuance. Tighten the doubles, it's soft.

Two days.

And you'll be on stage in front of your families, the whole school.

You are not ready at all.

Sing! it's accepting to be moved.

Transported!

I can teach you the music, but it's up to you to decide to enjoy it.

Let yourself go... you'll surprise everyone.

And to all those who sneer, you'll prove them wrong.

We'll start again. Standing.

You look better standing.

My darling, go play in your room, I have to concentrate.

In your room, now.

And don't wake your brother, I had trouble putting him to sleep.

Camille.

It's good.

It's clean.

There's still some finesse and precision in fingering.

You've made a brilliant start.

CNSM, Clara Schumann competition.

What happened to you?

I was bedridden during my pregnancies. I want to...

Rubinstein said... “If I don’t play one day, I feel it.

"Two days, the critics sense it...

"Three days, the public feels it.”

You'll never catch up those lost years.

I remember you in the Clara Schumann competition.

You had a great career in front of you.

It's a shame.

How old are your children?

Um... 20 months and 5 years.

Good age. Enjoy it.

- Hello miss. - Good morning.

Go ahead, I'm coming.

- Goodbye. - Bye.

Oh no, go join your guests.

You're not going to bring in your birthday cake, yourself.

Sorry. We don't wait for Paul.

I can't keep the babysitter too late.

Come on, move! Here we go.

Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry!

My darling, I met them, I'm sorry.

But I'll make up for it, I promise you.

Good.

What a day!

- Did you receive my flowers? - Yes.

And your date?

There was a girl right after me, What did she have?

- 20 years. - Hmm.

I felt so stupid.

I'm sorry.

I know how much it mattered to you.

But OK.

It is always your birthday, eh?

The day can still get better.

You think you'll get off by offering me 3 minutes of torrid passion?

I had a a little more optimistic number in mind...

...and I have arguments.

- Maybe. - Maybe? Maybe yes?

If I hadn't had such a shitty day...

...doing the shopping, getting food, cleaning the house.

If I hadn't had to feed the children, bath them, put them to bed.

If I hadn't had to order myself my birthday cake...

...and light the damn candles.

If my guy hadn't shown up at 11.47pm precisely, today...

...I might have wanted to fuck.

I'm sorry.

Why do you think I do this?

For you, for the children.

- Should I thank you? - No.

But just understand that I had no choice.

So then I'd feel better?

No.

That's not my role.

Me I'm here, I pay the bills.

To help you feel better...

...you need Mr Pink in the morning, Mr Blue in the evening.

- I'm sorry. - Is your life that terrible?

You need to feel a little less sorry for yourself.

And stop it... It's not candy.

So, I'm sorry.

I'm a big idiot, I'm exhausted, and you drank too much, so let's stop there.

You're right, I'll leave the dishes for you.

Good...

I missed you.

Was New York good?

The Met people were delighted.

For next season...

...I'm offered the 5 Beethoven concertos with the Philharmonic.

You don't look happy.

Yes, but...

We'd agreed that in 2008, you'd do fewer dates.

And that we'd free up time to have a child.

It's just an offer. All right?

Yeah, yeah, I know.

Nothing is decided.

Don't make that face.

Yeah, yeah.

I get the impression...

I'm in jet-lag... I have Mozart tomorrow.

Your friend Emilie is coming... She asked me for a seat.

All right.

Now can we just enjoy the pleasure of being together again?

So when?

I'm nearly 55 years old. I'll be dead before he graduates.

I want a child before you get too old.

Have to have it with someone else.

I want it with you.

I'll not refuse this offer from the Met.

The Met, Victor!

I'm not even sure that I want a child.

Is that what you think?

You’re a pain in the arse!

You bring it up at the worst moments!

Marini will call me the White Queen again!

- So you don't want children? - No. Not now, anyway.

And if you want to... have it with someone else!

Marini is right about the White Queen. You're cold.

A virtuoso but cold. I know why. You've nothing to give.

You'll only remain a good pianist. You'll be neither Gould nor Horowitz.

At 5, she shouldn't wet the bed more.

According to the psychologist, she'd be jealous of her brother.

It will pass.

It's bullshit, to encourage you to have kids.

Or so you don't sell them because you can't take it anymore.

I don't see the phase coming “that’s cool for me.”

Then, they are boring. As teenagers, they'll be worse.

They'll leave, I'll be sad.

Afterwards, I'll be old, and going to die.

Can I have a little of your life?

Just a week.

One hour.

Will you lend me your life for an hour?

You travel all the time...

You go to the best restaurants, the best hotels. You have spas.

- You have spas! - It's not always glamorous.

We no longer have the same standards of glamour.

You pee with the door closed.

No, really, you have no idea.

This morning I collected vomit in my hands.

But I miscalculated, and I took it in my mouth.

She must have given me her stomach bug.

You can laugh, have fun with your nulliparous perineum.

This is my daily life.

I haven't slept in 5 years. As soon as I'm alone, it's...

“Mum, where is my sweater?” “He put broccoli in my pants.”

They talk about this stuff!

These are the only surprises of my life. Otherwise, it's routine.

Fuck at a fixed time, three positions in the same order.

Two minutes, it's over.

No time to fantasize.

Do you want another one?

No, I have my in-laws coming. I have to be in good shape.

I'm over 20 years old. I pay dearly to get drunk.

Louis and Eva don't care about Mum having a hangover.

No. I should go home.

Shall we share a taxi?

I'm having another one. I'm still on New York time.

Yeah.

It made me really happy.

We should do this more often, All right?

What about New Year? We're having dinner at home.

I'm in Milan.

All right.

- See you soon. - Yes.

- Thank you. - Good evening.

Same again.

Thanks.

We agreed that in 2008, you'd do fewer dates.

And that we'd free up time to have a child.

Don't you want it?

No. Not now, anyway.

And if you want to, then do it with someone else.

You're cold. A virtuoso, but cold.

You've nothing to give.

5 YEARS LATER

Yes Mum.

Dad? What is it?

It's your mother. We just had the results of her MRI.

She has a lung tumour.

Call me back right away.

- Mrs Sorel, how are you? - Is my husband here?

No, he had lunch. He won't be long.

- Like a coffee? - No thanks.

Yes?

Paul...

Mum has cancer.

I need to see you, I need you.

My dear, I am so sorry.

Tell me where to join you, I'm leaving the office.

But...

But I'm at your office.

Hello, Julia?

Speak. Everything okay?

No, it's not okay.

You're at home? Can I come?

It was Julia, it's shit. I need to go.

Paul is with you?

Mum, are you here?

Mum?

Did the principal finally give in?

Yes. I fought...

He found it difficult to refuse.

Seen the Bac results of my students?

Their agenda is fixed for 3 years.

Next year, Beirut. In 2 years, Salzburg.

- And this year? - Venice.

Venice?!

I was there with your father, a year before you were born.

Everyone should go.

Tell me again, it makes me feel good.

They'll sing in the Basilica Saint Mark. I am so happy.

Did you succeed with that?

Ah, doctor.

As I said, you tolerate the treatment, but I'm waiting for the scan.

If the tumour stagnates or decreases, we continue like this.

Otherwise, we consider a new protocol. All right?

All right? I'm not sure I have a choice, but...

All right.

My mother finds you very considerate.

It's normal. See you tomorrow.

Has my daughter invited you to have a coffee, yet?

What's that about?

You like him, right?

I want you to have him pamper me.

[doctor] Okay...

Come on, I'll go.

Bye darling. Your students are lucky to have you.

Have a good rest. See you in the morning.

I'm sorry.

You're a teacher?

Music at Decour High.

- My daughter's there. - Her name?

- Madeleine Loisel. - Oh, I really like Madeleine.

So... You're Mrs Feynman?

Yes.

I hear about you and the choir, continuously.

- Good? - Yes.

I listen to Verdi's 'Va pensiero' constantly, because of you.

Get used to it... We'll work on it all year round.

And here's me wanting to buy you a coffee.

You mad at me?

- Yes, a little. - What can I do?

Have you ever treated diverticulitis?

- No. - Well you can't help me.

How do you take your coffee?

I can't see my children?

I want to see my children.

It's too early, Julia.

Your daughter was shocked by your gesture. He needs time.

It was an accident,

How many times do I have to tell you?

He talks nonsense to have custody.

Your ex-husband only wants to protect them.

He's a bastard.

He doesn't care about children.

He wants custody, so he doesn't have to pay alimony.

Please.

Don't let him steal my children.

You're too sick to take care of them. Take care of yourself.

With the judge, it was decided that their father would have custody.

What right have you to deprive me of them? Those are my children!

When you get better, you'll be able to see them.

Under supervision, to begin with.

When?

Soon. Be patient.

It will get better.

Be brave.

How did you manage to cajole my daughter in 2 months?

I've never succeeded in 15 years.

You're a cancer specialist... and you smoke?

Yeah.

It seems crazy

...but according to an American study, cigarettes and cancer are poorly linked.

- You didn't believed me, did you? - Oh no.

- Oh yes. - Oh no.

- I saw it in your eyes. - No way.

- You almost did. - No way.

Has this choir been going a long time?

6 years.

It's really hard sometimes. Luckily, I have students like your daughter.

Is it just to harass fathers, or do you really like it?

Oh yes, I like it.

Do you like what you do, too?

Yeah.

It helps me a little too.

It helps me too.

But your coffee is disgusting.

Because it's tomato soup.

The rise and fall of the public hospital.

Can I offer you a real drink?

I briefly believed that we were very happy.

We had a beautiful daughter, we never argued, and one day...

...just like that, she left.

I think she felt trapped. I never understood very well.

In short, it was hard.

I was really upset.

We still have somewhat complicated episodes over Madeleine...

...but they've become rare.

And you?

4 IVFs in a row. it destroyed us.

I've seen so many doctors, nurses, machines...

The most painful, was having to resign myself.

Anyway, I never gave up on the kids in the choir.

They are the ones that I'll never have.

Well, that goes back a long way. Why am I telling you this?

We're going to have another drink.

Waiter....

Gosh... The guitarist and I were in high school together.

I would've done anything so that he'd notice me.

You should go say hi.

I forgot his first name.

- Really? - Yes!

- The same. - Thanks.

I love you, Mum.

Sorry for being so far away for so long.

Rest.

Excuse me. Is Dr Trauner still here?

He left.

- All right. - Try Chez Eliette.

- On the right, leaving the hospital. - Thanks.

Excuse me, do you know if Dr Trauner is here?

No, sorry.

Julia?

Nathan, Nathan Giraud.

Yes, of course.

How are you doing?

Very well.

Can I buy you a drink?

Why not.

That'd be nice.

Do you still play guitar?

Yeah, we play here on Fridays.

Actually, I'm a midwife on the side.

That's rare for a guy. Now we don't say...

- Maieutician. - Yes.

Yeah, it's barbaric.

No, I wear pink pyjamas and I'm a midwife.

I accompany the irresistible desire for birth.

There are 3 midwives in the group.

Is that the concept?

It could have been. But the drummer is a cardiologist.

Oh.

I didn't think that you'd remember my name.

I admit, it's cheating.

I just saw your portrait on Libé.

But you didn't remember me.

You're kidding? Hold on...

- Unbelievable. You remember that? - You see.

I haven't played it since... I don't know.

I remember your song, you wrote it...

...on your return from Berlin, for Cassandra Druillier.

A fat cow.

Berlin is far away.

Hmm. I was pissed that you didn't come with us.

You ignored me.

It's not true.

But you were so serious that I didn't dare take the first step.

So, are you married?

Do you have children?

Never found the time.

And you?

Never found the right one.

Hello?

Hello, Julia.

Good morning.

Am I bothering you?

No no. Not at all.

It feels strange to hear your voice.

Yes.

It's been a while.

25 years.

Julia, I know that you and your mother stayed in touch.

She's going to die, Julia.

Did she tell you anything? Eh?

No.

She's had lung cancer for a few months.

The chemo worked well, at first.

Then the cancer spread.

She didn't want to worry you, so she hid it from you.

I don't understand...

I had her on the phone 2 weeks ago. She didn't tell me anything.

Her condition deteriorated very quickly.

The doctors give her a week.

Two weeks, maybe.

She'd be unhappy not seeing you one last time...

Before she goes.

Thanks for calling me.

Bye.

Bye.

Ladies and gentlemen...

Before playing the Concerto in C major...

I would like to perform a piece which has a special place in my life.

The favourite song of a wonderful woman who cannot be here...

...but who's listening to us.

Entschuldig...

Um, sorry.

Everything is fine.

Please continue.

- Do you know this interlude? - Mum taught me it.

May I?

- Are you happy in Berlin? - Very.

I have a wonderful husband and daughter. A job that I love.

What are you doing?

Pianos.

Cats don't make dogs.

I did design for 10 years, but something was missing.

It took me a long time.

I have come full circle. I set up my business.

Feynman pianos were already taken. So, I put Markus' name.

Schoenberg pianos. That's not bad, is it?

You're sure that you don't want to keep it?

Your mother would have liked that you wear it.

What are you going to do?

The workshop was no longer working very well.

With Anna's illness, I paid even less attention to it.

In 6 months, here, it will be a co-working space.

Anyway, I don't want to continue without her.

You could come to Berlin.

I've been looking to develop myself for a long time.

I can't find anyone to help me.

I created a soundboard.

Your expertise would be valuable.

Why wouldn't you stay?

Now that we're both castaways.

You can stay as long as you want.

As long as you need it.

It's your house.

I practically live in the workshop.

You'll only see me if you want to.

Thanks.

For your 3rd birthday, I made you a small pocket piano.

Finally... a piano in your size.

Like Schroeder in Snoopy... Remember?

Yes.

With real strings and everything.

But after 5 minutes...

...you made such a face.

You went around the workshop.

You tried all the pianos that were there.

It lasted for weeks.

You tried all the pianos that passed through the workshop.

And one day, you...

You played on this one.

And you looked at me, as if to say...

"There... That’s the one I want.”

You've told me this story 100 times.

I don't know if I was a very good father.

But I know one thing.

It wasn't me who pushed you towards music.

It's something that you have in you.

And forever.

Something which I've never been able to explain.

That has always amazed and intimidated me.

And that you can use to rebuild yourself.

It's the music that will bring you back to your children.

Mrs Feynman, stop pleading the cause of desperate cases.

The mother is dead, the father, rarely present, manhandles the kid.

- The disciplinary council has decided. - This is his 3rd high school.

If you expel him, he's out of the system.

He'll fall by the wayside.

I've been expelled. My father's going to beat me up.

It's okay, I know. Can I go?

No. Yes, we talked about expulsion.

- I'm dead. - Theo, listen.

They're giving you a chance.

I didn't ask. How come?

Show that you do it.

Do what?

Community service? Repaint the canteen?

Join the choir, work with me twice a week.

- You gotta be joking! - Theo...

What will that fix?

It's that or you're expelled. The choir starts at 3 p.m.

You come, you don't come... It's up to you.

I don't know what to do with him anymore.

He's ruining my life.

It creates a bad atmosphere. He's aggressive with others...

You've helped some of the most difficult ones.

I know, but maybe I was wrong to try to rescue him.

It doesn't work every time.

Don't worry, it'll be fine.

I was so sure that he had something.

Julia...

I want you to move in here.

You're afraid Madeleine will hate you, but that won't happen.

I promise you.

Stop it.

There's something else, then. What?

We're good as it is. What more do you want?

We agreed... I live alone... I've had my habits for a long time.

I need my space.

I'm sick and tired of only having little bits of you.

More of the same doesn't interest me.

Do you recognize this note?

C.

This one?

F sharp.

And this?

Do-mi-sol.

And that?

D. E flat.

Theo, do you know what you have?

It's called perfect pitch. It's a gift.

A wonderful gift.

Tomorrow the class will listen to "Piano Concerto" by Clara Schumann.

I would really like you to come.

I don't know.

What is all this for? Why are you doing this?

For personal reasons, I don't like to see talent wasted.

You can go.

Theo?

See you tomorrow.

Your places are at reception. Where are they?

Over there, at the cafe.

Alright. Go ahead, I'll find you.

Go on.

Come on, the concert is about to start.

Stop it, Madeleine.

You're mad at me, but I'm still your teacher.

I'm sorry you surprised me with your father, but it's over.

Grow up.

You don't get anything.

I was waiting for one thing... for you to move in with us.

- You knew it? - From the start, I'm not stupid!

And now, he's very unhappy!

It's not your business.

You're stupid, to get yourselves all twisted, like a pair of teenagers!

- Both of you! - It's complicated!

No! Don't screw it up.

Hurry up and be happy.

You need to grow up a little, eh?

Come on, Karim, let’s go.

- The bill for 12. - OK.

- Can I take my break? - It's not the good moment.

- Come on, I only want 2 minutes. - 2 minutes, no more.

Hello?

Hello, Julia Feynman. Any news?

Sorry, your reconsideration request for custody rights was refused.

But I don't understand... I have a job, I'm independent...

I reduced the antidepressants. I'm doing well.

I can take care of them alone.

Let them come one night a week.

I did what I could with the judge.

But for him, the elements remain insufficient to reopen the case.

But what should I do? These are my children.

We don't give up, we'll try again in a few months. Hang in.

Excuse me, I have another call. I'll get back in touch.

Camille. Leave a message.

Camille, it's Mum.

I know you don't want talk to me for the moment...

I'm sorry, my darling.

I feel guilty.

I miss you and your brother so much.

You are the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me.

I just wanted to tell you that I love you...

...and if you need me, I'm here.

Big big kisses.

It's 10 minutes, not 2. I'll deduct them from your pay.

I set up 14.

Well, go ahead.

Good evening.

Julia?

How are you?

I'm happy to see that you're better.

Excuse me... It’s a bit of a rush.

Do you want to have dinner?

No, just have a drink.

Well...

2 Chablis.

Do you really not want to eat? Tonight on the menu...

...we have a whore salad!

God almighty! Call Emergency!

Here is the “Concerto in A minor" by Clara Schumann...

...live from the Opéra-Comique.

And I'll see you tomorrow at 5 p.m., we'll be in Berlin...

...for the Julia Feynman concert...

...for the commemoration of 30 years of the fall of the wall.

You'll call back later.

It's my son, I have to answer. Yes Sweetie?

Camille is in bad shape.

She is pale, she is in great pain in her stomach and she is sweating.

Dad is unreachable, I do not know what to do.

Where exactly is she in pain?

First, the navel, and there, the whole stomach.

My daughter has stomach pain, fever, nausea.

- Shall we go get her? - No, I'm taking you to the emergency room.

I can wait. It's right next door, rue des Archives.

I can't.

- I'll go down, then. - You're bleeding too much.

My daughter's suffering... I'm going to see to her.

My darling, I'm here.

Everything is fine.

It'll be OK.

We'll still have taken 30 years to go to Berlin together.

It was worth the wait for you.

We're nearly there.

It'll be OK.

It'll be OK.

I thought that I'd never have my family.

For 10 years, I had to live with this regret.

I thought it was my fault.

I hated my body.

I thought I was a wreck.

10 years is a long time, you get used to it.

So I built myself a shell, where I hid to suffer more.

But that's not an excuse. I love you, Gabriel.

You want to?

I don't know.

Come on.

Look.

What forges a destiny?

Our actions? Our choices?

The meetings we have in our life?

It only took one little nothing...

...so many times.

And today I'm so happy to make your acquaintance.

Welcome, Claire.

Grandma?

- Grandmother. - Yes, Claire.

We're early, but we can go and sit down.

Coming?

You couldn't make me a more beautiful gift.

I wanted seats, but they play to full houses.

You may not know it, but the conductor...

...Theo Vatine, was my student at the same time as your mother.

He's a boy who had a big impact on me.

I don't think he'd recognise me.

You must have had more successful students than you realise.

I would like to celebrate an extraordinary woman.

None of us would be the same without having met you.

Julia, through your passion...

by your dedication, through your commitment...

...you have inspired everyone who has had the luck to cross your path.

You showed me that, no matter where we come from...

no matter the trials we might go through...

...a life is not written in advance.

And I thank you.

THE WHIRLWIND OF LIFE

Subtitles by FatPlank for KG