Original subtitles

THE FLAVOR OF CORN

Each man has memories of his life from a certain day onward.

For some, the first memory is a toy,

for others, the flavor of food,

an environment, a world, a face,

different faces.

My first awareness of reality was my mother

on the deathbed.

- Professor. - Yes, what is it?

Will we finish the last chapter today?

We'll finish it tomorrow.

- You're really enjoying the book we're reading? - Yes.

- Why is that? - My mother also died when I was born.

I called you here, professor, because I wanted to remind you...

This is your first year as a teacher, correct?

Yes. That's right.

You need to write down in the class register the syllabus

you're following each day

in case of an inspection by the Superintendent.

You may not realize this, but they're very fussy.

All right, sir.

You read a book in class “Chronicle of a Family”

by Vasco Pratolini.

Are you aware that according to the Catholic library listing this book

is for mature readers. That is,

"those well-versed in theological doctrine beyond reproach

and capable of honest evaluation."

I was not aware of such recommendations.

But I am. And it is because of this that

I want to tell you that I do not agree with your selection.

I'm sorry.

On one student's Italian homework

you marked in blue the student's spontaneous expression

directing him to a verb... which is too forceful.

I'm not sure what you mean.

You substituted the phrase "To purchase a child"

with the verb "to give birth."

- But it's high school homework. - That's what I'm saying.

And you don't think I should correct such a falsehood?

The verb is simply too realistic.

You are still a university student.

You were very lucky to get a temporary teaching position

as your first assignment.

Don't think you're going to get the same chance next year.

And if you want a piece of advice

don't have too many illusions about the students.

Doing so leads to unpleasant surprises.

In any event,

what this means is that you will assume full responsibility

for anything that happens if the parents complain.

All right. I accept the responsibility.

Professor. How was my Italian homework?

Quite well. By the way, Ivano as you really convinced

that your sister “bought” a baby?

But of course she didn't buy it! What nonsense.

- So why did you write that? - Ivano: Because we're in school!

- And my homework? - Yours was good too, and so was Duilio's.

- Were you together in grammar school? - No.

He comes from Civitello, the town full of jackasses.

- Who's from the donkey-town? - You are, aren't you?

Who knows my student Rosario who lives in Civitello?

He's in the hospital. He has a bad heart like his whole family.

He got out two days ago. I wanted to go see him.

I told Dad to come here to talk with you. He'll come on Friday.

Well, boys, I'd like to see all your parents at least once a semester.

Professor, for those from around here it's easy.

But for those who live far away it's a big deal.

- How old are you, Gabriele? - Seventeen. Why?

- I was just curious. - I'm here to get my diploma.

My father would like me to work the fields.

Which do you prefer, school or the fields?

School, professor. In the fields I have to work.

And your father?

He expects me to be here despite all the work he has.

So today, since I'll be in Civitello I'll go to Rosario's first

and then to your house. Okay?

If you'd like...

- So after school you always come to the bar? - Yes.

- When do you study? - In the evening.

- Okay, then. See you tomorrow in school. - Goodbye, professor.

- What are you doing here? - Didn't you want to meet my parents, too?

- Of course. - Have you been to Rosario's?

- Yes. - I live outside town. Can you ride a bike?

- More or less. - Okay, let's go. They're waiting for you.

He's talked about you so much, I feel like I know you.

Really?

- Good afternoon. - This is my father.

- Good afternoon. - Excuse me if I don't shake hands.

I just came from the stables.

Please sit yourself, professor.

Thank you.

Pour the wine.

- Do you want some too, Mauro? - Yes.

I'll keep the professor company.

Mama... none for me?

To your health, professor.

Cheers.

I should have remembered the last bus left at five thirty.

Doesn't matter. I'll take a taxi.

Did you like my family?

Of course.

- Will you come back to see us again? - What a question...

When?

- Tomorrow, if you want. - I would like it to be every day.

I've been wanting to give you this for a long time.

But you always stopped at Rosario's. It's sort of ugly.

It didn't turn out well. Here.

Did you make it?

Yes.

For me?

Yes.

- Is this oak? - No, it's maple. Don't you see the color?

My grandfather likes you a lot.

When he sees you, he stands up.

It's a mark of respect. Because usually he just stays seated,

and he never talks.

You didn't know him 2 years ago.

He was the strongest man in the village. Look at him now.

He's got cancer, but he doesn't know it.

Do you want to go where my mother is?

That way I can show you where my brothers are too.

My mother was always cheerful.

That's what my grandmother told me.

She had long hair, like my sister, Adalgisa.

"Each person has a dream he hopes will come true

even though it often seems impossible.

Sometimes it seems like the whole world is against you

and more often than not it's true.

Like everyone.

Else, I have a dream. One that is steady, unchangeable

and which I live in secret."

I've heard, professor, that you've settled here.

Yes, a few days ago.

- I suppose one reason is to be near your students. - One reason.

Speaking of students...

haven't you been giving private lessons at home to Rosario Toniutto?

Yes. But not only him. Why?

Do you know that you are not allowed to give private classes?

I believe that in my free time I can do whatever I please.

That is certainly true.

But a teacher cannot take money from students in his school

not to mention in his own classes.

The lessons I give are completely free of charge.

Are you telling me that you spend your afternoons

giving review classes without remuneration?

That is exactly what I do. Don't you believe me?

Good Heavens, let's forget I said anything.

- Have you been here long? - No, just about 10 days.

- Let's go upstairs. - Yes.

- Is the whole house white? - Yes. There's more light.

Excuse me.

What is this room? The living room?

You could call it a living room.

- And this is the bathroom. - Yes.

- This is your room? - Yes.

Well, you could clean up a little during your vacation.

Yes, I'll do that.

- Where's the kitchen? - It's over there.

Let me turn the light on for you.

- I don't want to miss my train. - Don't worry.

We'll make it in time.

I asked because my mother worries when I'm late.

It's not bad here.

- I'm glad I met you. - Why?

Because I like you. Too much.

No, not now.

- What are doing Saturday night? - If you want, you can come here.

I can't, I'm going to a party.

Why don't you come? Then I can introduce you to Bruno.

- Who's he? - My fiancé.

Didn't I tell you about him?

You should've told me you didn't like to dance.

You've been here drinking the whole night.

Are you feeling uncomfortable or is there something wrong?

I'm fine, thanks.

He's young for a professor.

I imagine it's a temporary job.

For the moment, yes.

Listen, why don't you dance with Cecilia?

Let's trade places.

Go on, dance.

Is he really your fiancé?

I've been with him for 3 years.

He's married and separated. What should I call him?

So why do you go to bed with me?

You're naive, Lorenzo.

I make love with whomever I please and whenever I please.

As for pure feelings?

They're childish illusions.

Do you always wash with cold water?

When it's sunny, yes.

You have mud on your pants. Give them to me, and I'll brush them off.

- Give me the brush. - Don't you want me to do it?

- No. - Then let's go back home. That's where the brush is.

Oh, my Lord! Can I be seeing the professor brushing his pants!

- What's so strange? - Never seen such thing.

Are you having dinner with us?

- Thanks, but I can't tonight. - Why?

Gracious! Asking the professor why? He does whatever he wants, no?

I won't answer you because you're old, grandmother.

So sad, professor. He shows me such disrespect.

Duilio, take the milk into town.

- Excuse me for a minute, ma'am. - Of course.

Be careful not to fall.

- Good evening. - Good evening, professor.

Duilio invited me to dinner. May I accept?

- Of course, professor. - We hope what we have is worthy.

But of course.

Good night, professor. Because I take me to bed.

- So early, ma'am? - Usually I'm in bed by eight.

- I make exception for you. - Duilio: It's her way, professor.

You don't need to be concerned.

You weren't aware of it, but she didn't want to eat with us.

Men at the table, women in the kitchen.

- Good night again, professor. Until next time. - Good night.

And sleep well.

- Would you like coffee, professor? - Yes, thank you.

- You too? - Yes.

Later we'll try some grappa brandy.

Isn't my grandmother sweet?

Yes, but I don't like how you talk to her.

My daughter Adalgisa is just like Duilio.

They make me very nervous, both of them.

Poor girl, after what happened to her...

Eh, professor. So many things happened.

My daughter was in boarding school.

The Sisters wanted her to stay in the convent at all costs.

So I asked the Sisters to let her come home for a while.

Just so she could see a little bit of the world.

I think you understand. My wife and first 2 children died.

The only ones left were Adalgisa

and Duilio who through a miracle was saved after the death of his mother.

Thank you.

Then I met my wife who was also a widow

and she took care of him as though she were his mother.

But it never ends, professor.

Now my father has burning in his stomach.

How are you this evening?

You must have seen, I hardly ate anything.

And just when I thought our bad luck was over

we had problems with Adalgisa.

She didn't want another woman in her mother's bed.

I think that's why she wanted to enter the convent.

The Sisters didn't understand a thing

because if they had they wouldn't have insisted

my daughter become a nun.

Through words and prayer.

I got her back for a time.

The Sister began writing her.

I hid the letters and answered them myself

pretending to be my daughter.

You can imagine, professor,

many years had passed since I took pen in hand.

I wrote that I wanted to take more time

before returning to the convent.

I told my daughter that if she really had vocation she could wait.

To get her to study, I sent her to my sister in Milan.

I know I'm a peasant

but I'm just as good as other fathers.

The process of mechanical production was the determining factor

of the industrial revolution of the last century.

- Excuse me. - Good morning.

- Good morning. Here's your coffee. - Thank you, Berto.

Just a minute...

I'll give you...

Just wait and I'll get a rag. I'll get a cloth.

Professor, shall I go get you another coffee?

Mind your own business, you.

Professor, you shouldn't drink coffee. It makes you jumpy.

Will you stay with me tonight?

No.

Sorry, it was a dumb question.

Isn't what we do enough for you?

If it's all that we can do together, no.

Simple things bother you. You always want to complicate them.

Ah, so it would be complicated for me to loved you?

But I do love you.

And you also love Bruno?

Of course.

When we're not together, do you want to be with me?

Always.

But I'm always the one who goes looking for you, every time.

And every time you find me. Even that isn't enough?

I have to go now, Lorenzo. Come with me, it's late.

Do you like me better with my hair like this?

Or down?

Lorenzo, what's wrong? Aren't you going to say anything?

I asked what's wrong?

Why do you ask what's wrong? What do you care?

Every time I leave we go through the same thing.

- Then stop coming around. - Excuse me?

You understood me perfectly, Cecilia. Go away.

It's finished? Just like that?

Yes. Just like that.

All right, Lorenzo.

Goodbye.

Here it is. Stop here.

- Do you see that house in back? - Yes.

Can you deliver this without saying who sent it? I'll wait.

- Should I say anything? - No, nothing.

- It's a surprise? - Yes.

Thanks for the record player and the English book.

Why didn't you come in? You could have had dinner with us. Here.

Today's your birthday.

- How did you know that? - It's not hard to find these things out.

- What is it? - You'll see.

These are all my poems.

I guess it's too much to ask you correct them for me.

- Jump over the ditch. Come on. Let's go. - No.

- I can't do it. - Come on.

See, you made it.

It's important to know one tree from another.

- So teach me. - Me? Teach?

- Yes. You. - Okay. We'll try it.

- What kind of trees are those over there? - I don't know.

They're poplars. Cant' you see their shape?

- And the other ones, next to the poplars? - I don't know.

They're acacias. English oak, oak trees.

Don't you see? They're easy to recognize.

Is your mother still living?

No. She died recently.

And you father?

He has another family.

- You don't have any sisters? - No.

- No brothers either? - No brothers either.

I would like a brother like you.

- Who cooks for you? - It depends.

Either I eat out or I cook for myself.

Before your mother died, were you happier?

- I don't know. - What do you mean?

- Didn't you love your mother? - Of course.

So then you should have been happier?

I was... different.

- Do you understand? - Maybe.

Anyway, you look like me.

- Are you sure? - I'm sure.

- This is the starter. - The ignition, okay.

- And this? - That's to stop it.

- To stop. - That's the brake. - This?

- That's the clutch. - Clutch.

- And those are the gears. - How many are there?

- There's first gear, second... - And third, ok. And this?

It's the accelerator.

- Accelerator. - Put your hands here to steer.

Your shoulders back.

- That's the starter, remember. - Starter.

- And don't go too fast. - Okay.

Should we go for a little ride? Let's go.

This is the first volume of an encyclopedia

that I'd like to give Duilio.

What a big book! Bigger than me.

You shouldn't do it, professor, give him expensive presents.

They cost too much. We can never pay you back.

It didn't cost me anything, ma'am.

It's an old edition I used in college.

It's of more use now to him than to me.

Professor, would you like a glass of wine?

No, thank you.

Come with me? I have to go to the stables.

- Do you know what we call this cow? - No.

Her name is Colomba. That one down there, Rosetta.

The others, Bianca and Berta.

A nice family. They're all females?

Of course! If the male was here they'd never sleep at night.

Every once in a while, we take the bull's semen

and insert it in the cows. That's how calves are born.

Look at Colomba.

We did everything we could to save it,

but it was no use. She really suffered.

She's still red and sore from everything she went through.

- What is it? - Nothing. I was listening.

I didn't even thank you for the encyclopedia.

- It doesn't matter. - What a gift!

But how are you going to get the other volumes to me?

- I'll bring a few at a time. - Are there many?

Eight.

You know that girl in class named Mara?

The one who always says yes to you?

She told me that when she gets married she wants many kids

and she's going to name her first boy after you... Lorenzo.

- Why is that? - Because Mara is in love with you.

We found her diary in her book bag. You should have seen what she wrote!

I'm sorry for Mara. I realized she liked me but I didn't think...

Listen. How can anyone be so stupid. Mara knew you were engaged.

What's the matter? Are you angry?

It's just that I'm not engaged.

Who's that in the photo you carry in your wallet?

It's a girl I used to know some time ago.

And you still keep her picture?

Let's go now, Duilio. Get up, let's go.

The car has been here for five minutes.

Good night, ma'am.

- Bye, Duilio. - Bye.

- Where is he? - He's waiting for you at the bar, professor.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

Excuse me for making you come here, professor.

It's no problem. Why the visit?

- I wanted to talk to you. But please sit down. - Thank you.

- What can I offer you? - Nothing, thanks.

I'm sorry we only have a little time. I have class in ten minutes.

I came to talk about Duilio.

These days we have a lot of work

and even my wife needs help.

Grandmother is old, you know, and she gets tired easily.

You want me to stop seeing Duilio?

Why do you say such a thing? Give me time to explain.

- Go ahead. - You know, professor,

the field work begins now and in the afternoon,

I need my boy to help me.

What did your wife tell you last night?

Why do you ask this question?

Then tell me, the real reason for your visit.

It's because of the encyclopedia.

I don't understand why you give so many gifts, professor.

I ask myself, professor...

why you like Duilio so much.

And what you want from him. Yes,

know you also visit the other boys.

But with mine, you seem different.

So... that is the simple truth.

I see that my son loves you more than he does me.

If this is the truth...

I swear to you, professor, this is the whole truth.

Don't even think about what my wife said to you.

What did your wife tell you?

Please don't get upset.

She's a woman, professor, and after all,

she loves Duilio more than she does me.

You think I did something to your son, right?

Don't say that.

But that's what your wife told you.

Yes, professor. That's what my wife thinks.

Does Duilio know?

Well, he heard his mother and his grandmother talking

but he didn't understand what they were talking about.

- That's what you think? - Listen, professor...

My son says we're just a bunch of peasants me,

my wife, his grandmother, and that we don't understand anything.

He says if his sister was home she would agree.

Then I believe we have nothing else to discuss.

Just a moment, professor.

You can come visit us anytime.

But I want to feel he's mine at least for a little while more.

I can use the field work as an excuse

and you can think up something

so that I won't fell Duilio has forgotten me.

Give me this gift, professor.

It's not a question of gifts.

Duilio... is yours.

- Gabriele! Leave immediately! - Why?

Leave immediately before I kick you out!

Get out! Animal!

Hello, Lorenzo.

I felt you'd call me for sure.

Grandmother was taken to the hospital.

Father told me to ask you to come and see us today.

- Okay. - What time will you come?

- I'll eat something, then I'll come over. - I'll be waiting for you.

Thank you for coming, professor.

Glad to oblige.

- How are you, ma'am? - I'm managing.

And how are doing? It's been awhile since you've been here.

Please sit down, professor.

Professor, I would like to ask a favor.

- Anything you want. - My father's in the hospital for some tests.

Before he left,

he begged me to have Duilio visit him with you, one Sunday.

But of course. We can even go next Sunday.

There's no rush. You can go whenever it's convenient.

- I thought you wanted it done right away. - Of course we do.

And I want it... more than anyone.

Why did you bother? You shouldn't have bothered.

May I offer you some candy?

Yes. Thank you.

Take this one. It's made with honey.

- How are you, mister Luigi? - Well...

since I've been here, I feel...

better... and my appetite has improved.

Duilio... did your grandmother calm down?

Yes, grandfather.

She was upset because she can't come visit me,

but really how long can it take for only four tests?

I'll come back to see you... with the professor.

Duilio... come here.

Don't' make your grandmother angry... you rascal.

And don't play with guns. You're still so young.

Duilio: Yes.

Professor... He's close to you,

he loves you so much, don't abandon him.

I don't understand that painting.

There are so many colors but it seems like only one.

- Do you like to draw? - Yes, a lot.

But I prefer working in clay and with wood.

- What will you have? - What do you want?

- Gnocchi. - And for you?

I'll have gnocchi too. But with butter.

One order with butter and one with red sauce.

- Make mine with butter too. - Very good.

Fort the second course, we have excellent mixed fried fish.

- Do you like fish? - Yes.

We'll both have the fried fish plate.

- Anything else? Salad? - Salad? Yes.

- Red wine or white? - White for me.

Eh... I'll have white too.

Is he your brother?

Yes.

I thought so. You look alike.

Those are the kind of answers I like.

If you never tell people the truth, they always believe you.

When I look at you I understand what you say. Even when you don't speak.

My sister cant' wait to meet you.

I've told her so much about you that you'll become friends right away.

You know she's coming home to be with us awhile?

Good. Then I'll finally meet her.

I'm inviting you to dinner ahead of time.

That way, we'll all be together.

- Hello, Lorenzo. - Hello, Adalgisa.

- Do you like this record? - Yes, very much.

Me too. I bought it in Milan for Duilio.

It was nice of you to give him a record player.

- What are you doing? - Wee, he lost, didn't he?

I've never seem my brother like this. He's changed a lot.

Can we play a game?

When I've finished this one.

Duilio, what's gotten into you?

Leave him alone. Don't pay attention to him.

Are you deaf, little one?

I scratched it. What a shame.

Come in.

- Take your shoes off. - Why?

Grandmother will clean them tomorrow.

I don't think so. I'll clean them myself.

Shh! Don't make such a fuss. Leave them here.

Ready? Let's go.

Good night, Lorenzo. See you tomorrow.

Bye, good night.

The one at the end is my room.

I'm glad you're staying here tonight.

What can I make for you professor?

You already made me coffee. Thanks. I don't eat breakfast.

But that's so little. Can I make you a roll with butter?

- Or would you like some eggs? - Don't insist, grandmother!

Well, I tell myself, he'll do as he pleases.

Don't pay attention. Sometimes even I can't stand her.

I'm going into town to hairdresser. Come with me?

- Isn't there anyone else home? - No. They're all in the field.

When I come home, everyone looks me over from head to foot

as though I were who knows who?

You're not easy to overlook.

What's this? A compliment or a reprimand?

It's a compliment, don't worry.

- We didn't talk much yesterday. - So let's start now.

Do you have a girlfriend?

No.

I do have someone. But it's as though I didn't have anyone.

- Have you been a teacher long? - No, this is the first year.

You know, you seen like your students' older brother.

That's what everyone says. So are you having a good time in Milan?

Well, I work, I study, and above all I have fun.

- You're staying with your aunt? - Yes. And I pay for it.

- Even for a glass of water. - What's your aunt like?

A nonentity. Do you know her?

No. Duilio told me about her. He loves her very much.

My brother loves everyone. It's his worst fault.

You like him very much, right?

Yes. Very much.

And why so much?

Simply because he likes me back.

Ivano.

- Didn't Duilio come on the outing? - I don't know. I haven't seen him.

Duilio! Come here.

You come down here. Can't you see I'm busy?

Or are you afraid you'll slip?

Look what you did to your shoes. Why didn't you stay where you were?

Are you annoyed? You're playing games with me.

- You're playing games too! - You're wrong.

- You didn't come with us today. - Why should I have gone?

Duilio, look at me.

I'm here... with you. Isn't that enough?

Give me your hand.

So now that school is over... over will we see each other?

Whenever you write to me, I'll come see you.

Listen, a friend of mine was in high school, but was kicked out.

He's 15 so he doesn't want to go to school anymore.

He lives near my house.

I told him if you give him review classes next year

they'll move him to the next class.

I can't give private lessons to the boys at school.

Even if I wanted to, it would mean I'd have to move here.

That's why I asked you.

We were glad to see you. Cecilia says you'll go back to Venice.

Yes, in a few days. However long it takes to move.

Do you think you'll return to teaching next year?

I don't' know.

In any event, we can come to see you, if you'd like that.

Of course.

Bruno, you have to leave. It's six o'clock.

You're right. It's late! When are you going to the beach?

Tomorrow... with my mother.

Lorenzo, will you keep me company tonight?

- If Bruno doesn't mind. - Why should I mind?

Wake up, it's late.

Give me a kiss.

I've never seen you like this.

What do you mean, like this?

I wanted to wake up and find you next to me.

I have to leave now. Come on, get up!

Can I come to stay at the beach with you?

Why can't we get together in public, with people around?

It's Bruno. He's been around for a long time.

He and I are getting married in a month.

Lorenzo... nothing will change.

We can still see each other.

Please keep quiet! Just don't say anything.

Aren't you going to walk me out?

I don't think you'll get lost by yourself.

Should I go?

There's a postcard for you.

It can't be for me. I don't have anyone who writes to me.

Well, it seems you do. Someone named Duilio.

He says to come right away. His grandfather died.

Who is this Duilio? One of your friends?

Yes.

Yes, he's my best friend. And he's only 12 years old.

- He's one of your students? - No...

He's someone who taught me everything.

I would have liked to stay at the beach with you.

I'm late, I know.

No... Come on.

My sister's not living with my aunt anymore.

They threw her out, put her belongings on the porch.

Who knows where she is now.

Poor grandfather.

If he had known what hatred would come after his death...

he would have done everything he could not to have died.

It was my aunt's husband who caused all the trouble.

My father offered money so he could keep the fields

but my aunt and uncle wanted more.

Then, they ended up accepting anyway.

But they said

that as far as they're concerned we no longer exist for them.

I'm glad that you're staying with me.

- Do you still have the boat I gave you? - Yes.

- And my poetry? - Yes.

I haven't given you very nice presents. Yours were better.

Everyone at my house really likes you a lot.

Did you see what my mother did?

She was the one who said you could sleep at our house.

Now, finally, she understands that you would never harm me.

You can come here whenever you want.

- We'll always be happy to see you. - Thank you.

Goodbye, professor, and have a good trip.

Some other year, will you come to teach here again?

I don't think so. Who knows where they'll assign me.

Thank you for everything. And please forgive me.

You're very pretty... when you smile.

You're not coming back?

No, Duilio. I can't.

It's not true that you can't. You don't want to.