Original subtitles

Tahiti, 1844 After 50 years under british rule,

the tahitians adopted their customs and religion.

But the island was coveted by France,

Tahiti being a crucial naval supply line between America and Australia…

This film is a free adaptation of the life of Aimata Pomare IV

- We must flee. - Never.

Warn Pritchard.

Teva. We must gather our warriors.

Don't fret, Bruat.

The Queen is in England's pay. She'll easily agree to our protectorate.

I'm not worried about the British.

I'd like to avoid a massacre.

Forward.

Formation!

Ready to fire!

Fire!

Fire!

My Queen!

- Who is this woman? - The Queen of Tahiti.

Fire!

My Queen!

Over here.

Tahiti now belongs to France.

Mom!

Aimata. Aimata.

- Are you hurt? - They're all dead.

They're all dead.

- You need to leave, Majesty. - I can't leave my people.

If you're taken by the French, no one will be able to protect them.

Save what you can, Majesty.

Raiatea isn't a British colony. You'll be safe there. Hurry, please.

You don't have a choice. Come.

Mom!

Come with us, Madison. Come.

- No, Miss Madison. - Please let her come with us.

Sorry, Majesty. She's British. I'm responsible for her.

Go. Hurry.

Madison…

Teva!

Teva!

Leave him. Leave him. He'll burry our dead.

This is all my fault.

I wasn't meant to be a queen.

I didn't want to.

17 years earlier Death of young king Pomare III

It's out of the question, Pritchard. This slattern is uneducated.

Orsmond, this slattern, as you say,

is the last surviving member of the royal family.

Reverend.

All clans agreed to the Pomare Dynasty.

Are you trying to reignite war between the families?

Be reasonable. A conflict would ruin our fellow British countrymen.

She doesn't even go to church. She's a heathen.

Chief Tati is wise. Let's follow his lead.

Better to crown this girl than to suffer unrest that would harm our trade.

A monarch ensures peace, that's all we ask of her.

Your Majesty.

It's your turn to rule, Aimata.

No.

Don't worry, Majesty. We'll be there to guide you.

No.

Calm down, Aimata. All you have to do is visit the clans,

listen to your people, and accept their gifts.

As for the rest, you're free to live and do as you wish.

It's your time to rule.

Think about your people and the peace between the families.

You can't refuse your destiny.

You bare the Pomare name.

The Chieftains of Tahiti hail Queen Pomare IV.

May God protect her for the sake of peace and prosperity.

- What an abomination. - Our trade is safe, that's what matters.

Teva.

I'm appointing you royal guard.

Aimata's life will depend on your arms, your eyes, and your own life.

- God bless the Queen. - God bless the Queen.

God bless my wife.

Prince Tanetoa, is now really a good time?

Her father chose me as her husband.

My duty is to be by her side.

Tanetoa, Aimata's still very young.

Return to Tahiti when the time is right.

Chief Tati is right. Everything in due time, Prince.

Her Majesty hasn't reached the age to fulfill her marital duties.

- God bless Queen Pomare IV. - God bless the Queen.

"Jules came from a poor family."

"Jules came from a poor family

of labo…"

"Laborers."

"Laborers."

I don't want to be queen.

Don't worry, Aimata.

Ariifaaite is teaching you everything the British taught him.

Yes.

You'll be a great queen, Aimata. A great queen.

How indecent.

This is intolerable.

The Queen must comply with British traditions

or I'll be under the obligation to restore order.

By force, if need be.

I didn't always agree with your father,

but his code ensures peace with our British friends.

You must respect it.

I visit the clans, I attend ceremonies, and I do my duty.

Majesty, a queen worthy of that name doesn't dance

to entice the desire of men and doesn't parade with her lover.

She should go to church.

Protestantism is the official religion of your kingdom.

You're diligently fulfilling your duties and we congratulate you.

But the British families can't stand your attires nor your dissolute ways.

Why should I change? This is my home.

Remember who's financing your lifestyle.

If my fellow countrymen name me Consul, I'll be able to back you,

but we're not there yet.

We won't let you jeopardize our relationship with the United Kingdom.

You must behave as Reverend Pritchard asks.

You're not a child anymore.

Need I remind you that you're married to Prince Tanetoa?

This is a sacred bond.

And adultery is unforgivable. You must stop seeing Ariifaaite.

No. No.

You can't separate us.

Chief Tati, I'll do everything you ask, but let me keep Ariifaaite.

A marriage before God can't be undone, Majesty.

I'm begging you. I love him.

You know he's promised to another. That's the truth.

You're lying.

He's to marry a cousin of the King of Raiatea.

Didn't he tell you?

Aimata?

- Aimata. What's wrong? - Leave me alone.

No, wait. Wait.

Hey. Hey. Talk to me. What's wrong?

- Why didn't you tell me? - What?

You're engaged to another.

My father took this engagement, not me. This girl is nothing to me.

You're the Prince of Huahine.

You'll be forced to marry, like I was.

No, I'm old enough to refuse.

If they cast you out, you'll spend your life in hiding.

I'll convince my father.

Look.

I'll leave on the first boat.

And when I return…

When I return, I swear I'll be free.

I don't want to pray to their god.

I don't want to go to their church.

I want to marry the man I love.

You know, Englishmen are like whitetip sharks.

You need to be cunning not to get eaten.

They're more dangerous than whitetip sharks.

I don't want to listen or see them anymore.

I don't want to be a queen. I don't want to sacrifice myself.

I want to be free.

Free.

In that case, you'll have to run away.

The British steal our land. We have to pray to our gods in secret.

If you leave, you will be free.

But who will defend us?

She's still young.

Her Majesty, Queen Aimata Pomare IV.

You made me leave my family in Kent for a tramp?

Chief Tati.

I will do as you wish and follow the code established by my father.

I'll become a devout Protestant.

And I will be the queen you want me to be.

I'll lead by example.

British and Tahitians shall live in peace,

provided that both sides respect each other's freedom and religion.

I embrace your customs so that my people won't suffer.

I'll fulfill my duty as Queen.

I trust that will suffice.

You spoke wisely. We're proud of you.

Majesty, I'll do everything I can to lighten your load.

I'm sure of it, Reverend Pritchard.

Your Majesty.

This is Miss Madison who just came from London.

She's highly qualified to teach you the customs you agreed to comply to.

Reverend John Adam Darling will assist her and teach you the Protestant faith.

I'm sure you'll be ready for Easter. It's an important event

attended by the entire high society of Papeete.

Easter's in two months.

That's right.

Forgive me, Reverend, but I'm afraid that won't be enough.

I'm a fast learner.

This way, you'll be able to return soon.

I know how hard this is for you.

But the sacrifice you're making won't be in vain.

You seem delighted with her.

Beauty is a gift from God.

Try and keep a cool head, Reverend Darling.

Try it on, Majesty.

Please leave immediately.

I never leave the Queen with strangers.

Turn around, then.

It's perfect for mass.

A mass for the dead?

Put them on. They're the finest and lightest you can get.

No.

Majesty, a queen can't walk barefoot.

You can imprison my body, but not my feet.

You'll get used to it.

When the Queen says no, it means no.

"Pater noster qui es in cælis."

Our Father, who art in heaven.

"Sanctificétur nomen tuum."

Hallowed be Thy Name.

"Advéniat regnum tuum."

Thy Kingdom come.

"Pater noster qui es in cælis."

"Sanctif… Sanctifi…"

- "…cétur." - "…cétur."

- "Sanctificétur nomen tuum." - "…nomen tuum."

It'll be easier with music.

You're right, Majesty.

I'm quite clumsy.

- You speak Tahitian? - It's my first language, Majesty.

I was born here. My father was a preacher in Tautira.

Ariifaaite and I have been there many times.

The black sand, the mountains dropping down to the sea, and the waves.

I almost drowned many times.

Reverend, you're not here to chat.

This isn't play time.

You'll never be ready in time for Easter. Continue.

"Fiat volúntas Tua."

Her Majesty is a fast learner, but she lacks focus.

And Reverend Darling isn't helping.

He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, which is endearing.

As long as the Queen keeps up appearances, the rest will follow.

Don't be too demanding. The families enjoy seeing her smile.

But she hardly does anymore.

Heartbreaks heal quickly at that age.

Perhaps her husband's presence would comfort her.

Loneliness weighs heavy on young women.

Her Majesty needs to be loved.

We could call back Prince Tanetoa. What do you think, Chief Tati?

I think we should talk to Aimata first.

You know,

many arranged marriages become marriages of love in the bridal room.

Forgive me, Reverend, but Chief Tati is right.

Her Majesty isn't easily subdued.

Miss Madison, I doubt you have any experience in that field.

This doesn't concern you.

- In that case, I'd like to retire. - Please do.

Send my regards to Her Majesty.

- The Queen! - Here she comes.

Small steps, keep your head high.

Miss Madison did a good job, didn't she?

I'm free. My father agreed.

- I love you. - I love you, too.

You'll ruin everything.

Pull yourself together, I beg you.

Stand straight. And smile.

What's this?

I had her dress lengthen to keep up appearances.

This won't do, Miss Madison.

I'm not a miracle worker, Reverend.

- What is he doing here? - I have no idea.

You asked him to come.

I assure you I didn't. I'm as surprised as you are.

My Queen. I belong by your side.

It's time for me to prove my love and loyalty to you.

My dear Prince, I didn't know you were in Tahiti. Please, come with me.

There's a reception at my house. Come on. Come.

- I told you not to show up here. - She's my wife.

You were supposed to come to my house. I wanted to reunite you tactfully.

You show up out of the blue and empty-handed. Not even a flower.

Be a gentleman, for goodness' sake.

Ariifaaite, is that you?

Good evening, my Queen.

What are you doing here?

- Get out. What do you want? - To honor your father's wish.

I don't love you and I know you don't love me either.

Go away.

Stop resisting.

Let me go. Let me go!

It is our common duty to give an heir to the crown.

- Teva! - I knocked him out.

You're my wife. You must obey me!

No. No. Please.

Help!

Help!

Let me go! Let me go.

What the…? Oh, my God.

Where's Ariifaaite?

Majesty.

Where's Ariifaaite?

He's in custody, awaiting to be sent back to Huahine.

Release him.

Tanetoa's the culprit. He's the one who should be imprisoned.

Ariifaaite broke his nose and ribs. My doctor's at his side.

Ariifaaite defended me.

Really? Why was he in your room?

- You were supposed-- - He wasn't.

You were to put an end to this adulterous relation,

but you continued to sin.

Tanetoa broke into my room. He's the one who hit me.

I-- I don't believe it.

He attacked me and he…

Her Majesty's telling the truth. Prince Tanetoa forced himself on her.

He wouldn't dare.

You want proof?

- No. - No, please. I believe you.

I'm deeply sorry.

The Prince Consort hid his crime from me.

- Throw him in jail. - Majesty…

That's where he belongs.

Unfortunately, I can't punish him.

Appalling as it may be, Tanetoa is your husband

and according to our law, there can't be rape between spouses.

Excuse me?

- Reverend… - Don't you start.

I have enough problems as it is.

Majesty.

You see? He's protecting Tanetoa despite what he did to me.

Listen, Reverend Pritchard told you the truth about British law.

There can't be rape between spouses.

- But… - But what?

You could remind him that hitting the Queen

is a crime of lese-majesty.

- A crime? - A crime of lese-majesty.

Assaulting a king or queen is a major offense.

Have him recognize it. Pritchard will have to enforce the law.

- Could he banish him forever? - Yes, if you so demand.

You could even demand the annulment of your marriage.

So according to British law, rape isn't a crime.

Let's just say that marital intimacy doesn't concern the justice system.

What about hitting the Queen, slapping her, and attacking her?

That's extremely serious indeed.

It's a crime of lese-majesty, I'm told.

It could be considered as such, yes.

- Would you like some tea? - Is it a crime or not?

In this particular case, it's complicated.

He's a prince and your husband.

Fine, then. I understand. I'll ask Chief Tati instead.

The Queen's honor is sacred to us. His warriors will avenge me.

Wait. Let's avoid reigniting war between the clans.

I beg you, don't mention this to Chief Tati.

I prefer to resolve this unfortunate incident discreetly.

With your consent, of course.

Prince Tanetoa must leave the island immediately to never return.

It'll be done within the hour. You have my word.

And I demand the annulment of my marriage.

But…

obtaining an annulment isn't that simple.

You need the approval of His Majesty George IV.

- Why? - He's the Head of the Anglican Church.

I'll send him a message.

I'm sure his answer will be in your favor.

A letter to England? That will take too much time.

That's procedure, Majesty.

In the meantime, release Ariifaaite.

I'll see what I can do.

Release him.

1 year later

As is customary, it's now the Queen's duty to render justice.

May God grant her wisdom.

Majesty, this is Richard Pool.

He wants to set a pineapple plantation

on the island of Moorea, in the Opunohu Valley.

He's an honest man

who proved his worth on his sugarcane plantation.

Reverend Darling, please translate.

- Majesty-- - Translate.

The Queen hereby denies Mr. Pool the land of Moorea to plant pineapples.

Forgive me, Majesty, but your consent was nothing but a formality.

Her Majesty says, "From now on, I will only grant land on the condition

that the British allow harvesting for feeding purposes

and stop diverting springs for their exclusive use."

Everyone will sign this agreement.

Her Majesty says that the meeting's adjourned.

Your ruling was fair.

What's gotten into you to speak in your dialect?

I understand it, but this isn't customary.

I asked for the annulment of my marriage many moons ago.

Your King turned a deaf ear to my request.

We obviously don't speak the same language.

It has nothing to do with today's matter.

You'll have to get used to it, George.

Miss Madison. Miss Madison.

Put an end to this arrogance.

I can't change her nature.

If I grant her divorce,

I'll antagonize several members of our community.

Reverend Orsmond is fiercely against it.

So the refusal doesn't come from His Majesty,

but from the veto of a local preacher?

Miss Madison, to rule is to compromise.

I don't have to take lessons from you.

No, of course not.

I'm paying you so she obeys me. The rest is my business.

Imagine what the world would come to if women started to get divorced.

I wear dresses, I go to church,

I pray to God, but it's still not enough.

They want me to sacrifice everything, even my life.

I tried to convince him,

but I'm nothing to him.

I'm not even worthy of eating at his table.

I didn't ask to be a queen.

I didn't want to get married. I was offered to Tanetoa like an object.

Unfortunately, arranged marriages are the lot of many women.

I wasn't a woman.

I was just a child, unwanted by everyone except Mahana, my nanny.

You can't marry off a child.

And yet they did. I was just a child.

This marriage will ensure peace between the islands. It's my wish.

Chief Tati talked to my father.

Thanks to him, I was allowed to stay with Mahana.

Soon after, my father died.

And my little brother, too.

I was the only one left.

What's the point of living if you don't have love?

I didn't choose my life either.

I, too, was separated from the man I loved.

My father wouldn't let me marry him because he was poor.

I almost died of grief.

I wasn't as brave as you are.

I didn't dare take the plunge and meet my lover in secret like you.

If I had, I could've been a happy wife and mother.

It's never too late for love.

No prince charming wants a 30-year-old spinster.

There must be a way to counter Reverend Pritchard.

Majesty, please accept this humble token of gratitude

for allowing me to resupply my ships.

You're always welcome, Mr. Moerenout.

Tahiti is a safe haven.

She takes bribes, on top of it.

Mr. Moerenout, may I ask you a question?

I'd be happy to answer you.

- I was told you're a Catholic. - Yes, that's true.

Does your religion allow the annulment of the marriage of a battered woman?

Certainly, Majesty.

That's not true. The Catholic religion strictly forbids divorce.

It does, but where I'm from, the Pope can annul marriages.

Very well.

If the Protestants can't grant my wish, I'll become a Catholic.

Her Majesty wouldn't want to break her ties with the British crown.

No.

Our friendship means a lot to me.

But the salvation of my soul forbids me to have children out of wedlock.

How will I give an heir to the crown, then?

The Queen is right.

We need an heir to the crown.

She's old enough to be a mother.

Refuse.

What do you say, Reverend Pritchard?

10 years later

These three men broke your tables and smashed your bottles.

You claim they were drunk, but you provided the alcohol.

You're as guilty as they are.

Therefore, I declare that they'll fix your tables,

but you won't sell them alcohol anymore.

Next.

Majesty, I need to talk to you. It's urgent.

Sorry to come unannounced, but the situation is serious.

Consul Moerenout illegally brought two French Catholic priests.

This Roman agent wants to build a church on the land you gave him.

That church will be followed by a presbytery,

a monastery, and what not.

If he was planning on building something, I would know.

They already started to preach. We must put an end to it.

I'll think about it.

I brought you a deportation order. You just need to sign it.

Do you have proof of their crime?

Follow me. You'll see it with your own eyes.

- I'll go with you. - That won't be necessary.

God told us to believe that the Holy Spirit is within us.

But He can't intervene and show His divinity

unless you call Him in unity with the Virgin Mary.

There. They'll stop at nothing. You have to deport them immediately.

These two priests are harmless. You can't deport innocent people.

Tahiti is a safe haven.

Our young Queen Victoria takes religion seriously.

She's not as tolerant as the late George IV.

All Christians believe in the same God.

Why can't they live in peace on the same land?

In France, it starts with vicars and ends with soldiers.

Same as England.

Don't forget who your friends are, Majesty.

Who's been supporting you all these years?

Who married you to Ariifaaite and baptized your child?

Who did everything to strengthen your reign?

I'm aware of the ties between us, George.

They also bind you to my fellow countrymen.

Our coexistence is idyllic and it should remain that way.

Are you threatening to cut us off again?

As your friend, I wish I didn't.

As Consul, I highly recommend you sign the deportation order, Majesty.

"…the words of the prophet

we read every day came to pass

when they condemned Jesus."

Sign it.

You don't have a choice.

These two priests are just talking. It's not forbidden.

The British spent a lot of money here.

We're a supply line for their ships, which provides for a lot of people.

Need I remind you

that Pritchard made you Queen?

What do you think?

The rivalry between Protestants and Catholics has caused endless wars.

I fear that the slightest ember could reignite the fire.

Miss Madison may be our friend,

but she knows nothing about politics.

The British are our allies. We mustn't betray them.

What if this ally threatens us?

Pritchard gave you a hard time, but he's always been a good advisor.

You should listen to him.

Really? Remember when he imprisoned you and wanted to banish you?

You stand to lose everything! Don't you get it?

If not for our people,

at least do it for our son.

- Sign it. - No.

Where are you going?

Majesty.

- What are you doing? - He's never used that tone with me.

Come back.

You're not decent.

Where is she going?

Teva.

Bring her back. What if someone saw her?

Water soothes the mind.

You should try it.

I can't swim.

Sorry. Sorry. I don't know what got into me.

Lord, please forgive me.

No. No, I don't want to. I can't.

Where were you?

You're drunk.

I'm sorry.

You don't see me anymore.

You don't even listen to me.

Why do you say that?

Even Madison matters more than me.

I didn't mean to humiliate you.

I'm sick and tired, Aimata.

Tired of what?

Of me?

I'm tired of being left behind.

Of you never asking me what I think.

Look at me, please.

Why didn't you tell me?

Because I love you.

I love you.

I prefer to be unhappy here than to be far from you.

You'll never be left behind again.

I'll always ask for your opinion first.

I won't let Pritchard tear us apart.

Majesty, the deportation of our priests is an outrageous insult.

It wasn't my decision. It was our friends, the British.

You signed it.

Louis Philippe I, King of France, sees it as a declaration of war,

unless you willingly accept to become

a French protectorate and establish freedom of worship for Catholics.

- Is this blackmail, Admiral? - No, Majesty, it's an order.

I have here the document that will seal this peace agreement.

We need to think it over.

Before I give you my answer,

let me talk it over with the chieftains who represent my people.

I'm expected in the Gambier Islands. It'll give you some time to think.

Upon my return, if the protectorate isn't signed, the army will step in.

A protectorate?

That's unacceptable.

We can't allow the French to impose their rules on Tahiti.

You should've told him, George.

He was talking to you, Majesty.

You're responsible.

You must fix this problem.

The Queen is right.

Very well,

but I won't be able to fight the French army with a few guards.

Call for your soldiers.

Only Queen Victoria can order an intervention of the Royal Navy.

What are you waiting for to let her know?

I'll go. I'll hop on the first boat.

But I beg you, Majesty, don't sign anything.

Don't sign anything until I come back, please.

Give me six months, agreed?

Majesty.

Hey, Aimata.

Call a doctor.

Sit down.

Come here.

High fever, joint pain.

Typical signs of breakbone fever.

It's being spread by mosquitoes.

That's what's causing her contractions.

Her Majesty needs to rest. There's a risk she might bleed.

Above all, avoid agitation.

The only cure is absolute rest.

How long?

Hoping the contractions will subside, until you give birth.

That's impossible.

Your and your child's lives are at stake, Majesty.

I'll come back this evening.

- Welcome, Chief Tati. - I must see the Queen.

That won't be possible. The doctor says Aimata needs to rest.

You'll see her soon.

It's been two months. You can't order me around.

I know, but it's my duty to protect my family.

A British whaler saw French boats leave Gambier. They'll be here soon.

Without British support, we can't fight the French.

We signed the protectorate.

You can't sign without her consent.

Aimata has to sign, too.

Without even negotiating?

Without anything in return? This is madness.

This agreement protects the dynasty and power of the Chiefs.

- And what if Aimata refuses? - Peace is better than war.

We'll soon be able to teach him how to write.

Everything all right?

Yes, everything's fine.

Don't worry.

Where were you?

- With Chief Tati. - I want to see him.

The French have been gone for two months.

They'll be back soon. We need to talk.

What's wrong?

Tati and the Chiefs signed the protectorate.

They want you to sign it, too.

Why did you allow this? You should've refused.

He didn't ask me.

I'll show Chief Tati who's the Queen of Tahiti.

I'll appeal to the people.

Aimata, if you don't sign, we'll be at war.

Come back!

May God protect us.

- What will happen now? - I don't know.

The Queen wants to see you.

She's not well. She won't eat. She's withering.

Only you can comfort her.

I wouldn't know how, Madison.

Neither the Queen nor you are responsible

for the death of your child.

I am.

I beg you, pull yourself together. She needs you.

I'm useless, Madison.

Useless.

Do you know how the British conquer without fighting?

They import alcohol everywhere they settle.

Drunkenness is far more lethal than war.

It took them long enough, but love is a beautiful remedy.

Yes, it cures everything.

Don't you want to be cured?

I'm not sick.

Out of the way, you tart.

Come here.

Come here, gorgeous.

Get out of my way.

Get lost, you idiot.

The French soldiers drink and insult our people.

You signed a protectorate leaving us unprotected.

I'll meet with the Admiral.

And ask for what? You didn't set any conditions.

I did it to spare the blood of our men.

Let me through. I must see the Queen.

- George. Finally. - Majesty.

I just landed. I came right away.

I heard you signed the protectorate. I had asked you to wait.

We couldn't wait.

So, what did your Queen decide?

I'm sure she'll gather her fleet and come to your aid.

Did she tell you this in person?

If Queen Victoria didn't agree, my request would've been denied.

Rest assured.

Giving your word is sacred here.

British sovereigns protect their citizens all over the world.

It's always been that way.

In that case…

Tahiti is free.

- Tahiti is free! - Tahiti is free!

Stop. Have you gone mad?

- We can't break the treaty. - We can undo what we did, Chief Tati.

This is a declaration of war.

The Royal Navy will defend us.

May God hear you, Majesty.

- Tahiti is free! - Tahiti is free!

- We must flee. - Never.

Warn Pritchard.

Fire!

Fire!

Go. Hurry.

Madison.

It was my mother's. I'll come for it, I promise.

Madison, no.

Teva!

Farewell, Majesty.

Raiatea Island

Welcome, Queen of Tahiti.

I'm not a queen anymore, Tamatoa.

The French took Tahiti by force.

We come seeking refuge.

Consider yourself home.

To us, you'll always be the Queen of Tahiti.

- Maeva, Queen Pomare! - Maeva, Queen Pomare!

Thank you for welcoming us, Tamatoa.

I must write to Tahiti's clans.

My warriors must unite and defend my people.

Our fishermen will be your messengers.

Ariifaaite.

I have bad news. A lot of people are dying in Tahiti.

- And the Royal Navy? - Nothing. No signs of it.

Tahiti will keep on fighting with or without British help.

No.

Hey.

As long as you're alive and strong,

Tahiti won't surrender.

And I'll be with you.

6 months later

What are they doing?

They're driving the fish towards the net.

But they only keep the big ones.

- Why? - To feed you when you're big.

Nature provides everything.

But we must not to take too much.

Teva?

My men caught him. He says he knows you.

How did you manage to come all the way here?

I stole a boat.

- Did you get my messages? - Yes.

He needs water. Come on, Teva.

Our warriors attack the soldiers at night.

The French are so afraid, they sleep on their boats.

A lot of people have died on both sides.

Everybody's afraid.

And Pritchard?

The French sent him back to England.

- They deported the British? - Not all of them.

Some of them decided to stay on their land. They're waiting it out.

That means the Royal Navy is coming. All isn't lost yet.

Pritchard promised it six months ago and it's still not here.

Any news from Madison?

Darling hid her in a valley with missionaries.

That's all I know.

- I want to see Madison. - One day you will, I promise.

She'll be there when we go home.

When?

When the British fleet gets orders from Queen Victoria.

They'll cross the ocean all the way to Tahiti.

But when?

Soon, my love.

Mom!

So? How is it going?

Let's name her Victoria. In honor of the Queen who will save us.

Welcome, sweet Victoria.

Did you come to ensure I wasn't dead, Admiral Dupetit-Thouars?

Majesty, the King's Commissioner and Governor of Tahiti,

Armand-Joseph Bruat, has a message of the utmost importance for you.

You must bow when addressing the Queen.

Governor Bruat orders the Queen and her family's return

under penalty of a blockade of the Raiatea Island.

We're independent.

Our island belongs neither to Tahiti nor to France.

We're free and will remain so.

I'm only conveying orders, gentlemen.

On what pretext is the Governor asking me to surrender?

Your warriors killed 18 of my men.

You want to take me hostage to stop my people from fighting?

My answer is no.

Hunger will make you change your mind.

I won't be France's prisoner or hostage.

Farewell, sir.

Let's go.

We have fruit, chicken, fish, and plenty of freshwater.

Let them set up their blockade. They'll get hungry before us.

Her fever won't break. The plants aren't helping.

The French have a doctor on their ship. He must come.

He won't come, Aimata.

Children are sacred, Ariifaaite.

He has to come.

Ask Teva to fetch him.

She'll get better, don't worry. She will get better.

Is the doctor here?

No, not yet.

Dear God, who will come to save her?

Who?

Isn't God merciful?

I should've surrendered.

Gone to prison so she could live.

I was unable to save her.

She died because of me.

They're leaving.

The French are leaving!

My Queen.

The French are gone.

How did you know the French were gone?

Reverend Darling is the British representative to the Governor.

He knows everything.

I'm not surprised.

He's smarter than he looks.

He found me a boat traveling to Raiatea.

No one suspects a boy who trips over his own feet.

Let's go see your son.

I made so many mistakes.

You resisted and the clans followed you.

What's the use? All these deaths in vain.

Darling is trying to convince the Governor that only you can bring peace.

But he's a stubborn soldier.

- He wants me dead. - I don't think so.

France named him Governor. He has to compromise to restore peace.

There's no prosperity without peace.

Pritchard was a man of compromise.

What about him?

He won't have a choice.

You won't ever leave again?

If your mother allows it, I'll stay with you forever.

You can stay for as long as you like.

Then it'll be for the rest of my life.

I have no more ties to England.

My greatest wish is to become a Tahitian.

If you do me the honor of accepting me,

I'll be one of your subjects, Majesty.

I'll teach you how to tie a pareo.

There are hundreds of ways of doing it.

But I doubt you'll be ready in time for Easter.

Madison, you are now part of the Tahitian people.

The ocean is your homeland and the mountain is your home.

I never stopped thinking about you.

Me, too.

I'm so different from you.

- What will your family say? - They'll welcome you.

You're a Tahitian now. You're free to love whomever you please.

I can't get rid of my British upbringing just like that.

Will you teach me how to swim?

A ship is coming. A French ship.

Isn't that Darling?

Majesty.

You're with the French now?

I had to adapt.

Majesty, Queen Victoria officially gave Tahiti to France

in the name of the Entente Cordiale.

- It's over. - No.

Governor Bruat wants to meet you.

It's a trap.

No, he wants to negotiate your return.

Negotiate? Really?

Admiral Dupetit-Thouars was called back to France.

And Governor Bruat knows he won't achieve peace by force.

It was about time.

Only you can unite the clans. Only the Pomare can ensure peace.

- We won't enter the lion's den. - He assured me of your safety.

If he wanted to negotiate, he should've come in person.

Let's not waste any time.

Our people has suffered enough. They deserve peace.

It's too risky, Aimata.

If that's the price to pay to save lives,

I'm ready to take that risk.

On the condition we meet on my turf.

Very well.

Then I'll come with you. If you're taken prisoner, so will I.

I'll come, too.

Let me first bid farewell to my daughter.

This is for my little sister, so she can bring it to heaven with her.

Farewell, Victoria.

- Welcome home, Aimata. - Thank you, Chief Tati.

I was so bent on preserving peace.

- My wish wasn't granted. - You did your best.

I made mistakes, too. I'm here to fix them.

I'll advise you as best I can.

I prayed so much and you're finally here.

Her child died from lack of care?

Yes. The captain wouldn't allow the doctor to go on the island.

What an idiot.

Her Majesty Pomare IV.

Your Majesty.

Governor.

The Prince sits beside me.

Prince.

Please allow me to hail your presence and courage.

Your father and great king Pomare II showed you the way

and you followed in his footstep.

You mean the man who forced me to marry at 10?

A great role model indeed.

We're here to sign the peace treaty reinstating your reign, Majesty.

We'll return your possessions and fix your palace.

We'll provide the personal required for your well-being and security.

In exchange,

you will ensure the unity of the clans and the respect of the protectorate.

- Reverend Darling, please read. - Yes.

"I, Her Majesty Aimata Pomare IV, Queen of Tahiti--"

I can read, you know?

Hand it over.

It's not much.

That's all France is asking for.

If you sign it, there will be peace.

Is that really all?

I'm telling you that France doesn't want anything else.

What are your country's commitments to protect my people?

The police and the army will maintain order

for the prosperity of all.

There's no prosperity without health care and education.

Add that France commits to building schools.

Schools? You already have some.

Only for boys. Girls should have a right to education, too.

Do you realize the investment required?

You need to build a hospital, too. And bring in doctors.

Do you know how much it costs to build a hospital?

How much is a life worth?

France will support your lifestyle. It's already a lot, you know?

Do you have children, Governor?

Yes, a little girl. I don't see how that's relevant.

I hope you don't lose her as I did mine.

On Raiatea, from lack of care.

If France refuses to care for my people,

my people will do without France.

Majesty, wait. Majesty.

Do you really think you can buy me by fixing my palace?

If you want peace, consider my demands.

This is no way to negotiate, Majesty.

I almost forgot. I also want freedom of worship.

Praying God in a temple or a church is still praying.

- This request won't cost you anything. - I agree with you.

Religion wars are a thing of the past.

We want Tahiti to be a land of progress.

King Louis Philippe will guarantee freedom of worship.

I thank you. Then write it down.

Please write it.

You'll also need my consent on any decision pertaining to my people,

be it justice rulings or government decisions.

The monarch's responsibility is to maintain peace between the clans.

You can't ask for more prerogatives.

The island's administration and justice system

come under my government.

Do you really think that my role is to visit families in silk dresses?

I doubt that you spend hours making yourself beautiful.

Though you already are, if I may say so.

Would you sign

if I grant you the right to justice and freedom of worship?

Yes, but progress will be achieved through education and healthcare.

Be reasonable.

Building hospitals, schools, training nurses,

teachers, bringing doctors with their equipment, we can't afford that.

I was told you're an architect.

These projects should be of interest to you.

I can't incur such expenses.

You may have won the war, Governor Bruat, but you lost peace.

It comes at a cost.

It must benefit my people, too.

Take some time to think about it. We're in no rush.

- And if he refuses? - I won't sign.

I've seen many countries.

Your island is a gem.

A coveted gem.

We'll work in harmony, I'm sure of it.

My door is always open to you.

I don't like being locked up.

I think better when I swim.

Can you swim?

Like a rock.

I was born in a mountainous region called Alsace.

At 15, I joined the Naval Academy without having ever seen the sea.

I've sailed on every ocean since.

But I still swim as badly.

I'll teach you, if you want.

I don't think my wife would appreciate that.

Is she in Tahiti?

Not yet, but she's supposed to join me with my daughter.

I miss them terribly.

- Do you love them? - More than anything.

Then you'll be a man of peace.

There's only one way to rule and it's through love.

To build the economy and justify our expenses,

we'll turn Papeete into an important commercial port.

There. But we're sorely lacking anchorage.

In order to fix that,

we'll build access roads, piers,

and warehouses.

- Where do we stand with the schools? - The schools.

Follow me, Majesty.

Here's the blueprint for the schools.

Boys' classroom, girls' classroom.

Why in separate rooms?

Learning to live together is part of education.

Every school in France is built like this. I can't change that.

Do the girls receive the same education as the boys?

Pretty much.

The only difference is that they learn to cook and sew.

Then the boys will learn that, too.

Is it a revolution you want?

Absolutely.

Hospital

Queen Pomare IV met nine French governors,

but only Bruat remained a lifelong friend.

She reigned for half a century, during which time

the first hospital, schools, roads, and port of Papeete were built.