Original subtitles

After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991,

tensions between Moldova and its territory left of the Dniester river

escalated into armed conflict,

which marked the first year of independence of the Republic of Moldova.

WINE

MILK

(IN CYRILLIC) MONUMENT OF THE UNKNOWN HERO

We’re on the verge of a political and historical event

of great importance to our nation.

This much-desired independence brought us to the brink of a civil war.

DEATH TO RUSSIANS

The 14th Army's tanks continue to threaten the unity of the Republic of Moldova.

Moldovan volunteers find it difficult to fight off the enemy attacks.

KINDERGARTEN (IN LATIN / CYRILLIC)

The separatists are equipped with armored technologies, ammunition and weapons.

DEATH TO FASCISTS

Their army includes former athletes, soldiers, snipers

and war veterans from Afghanistan.

(IN CYRILLIC) WELCOME

Take down all the portraits.

And these Soviet flags.

Throw everything that's in Cyrillic in the trash.

Okay.

Write it down.

Should we maybe keep them a bit longer?

What if we need them?

The power has changed, Mihail Gheorci.

The Soviet Union doesn't exist anymore.

So...

you must have a new tricolor flag on the national day.

It's mandatory.

It will be done.

Anatol Vasilevici...

Any news about my new position?

Organize the holiday properly!

Then consider yourself the new District President.

My boys are already working...

Misha,

it’s time to change your red tie. It's out of fashion.

See you at the holiday. I'll come to check what you’ve done.

We’ll wait for you, comrade Anatol Vasilevici!

What's wrong with this tie?

What do you mean?

He said it's not good.

-It's a normal tie. -Move your ass.

Here, just outside our capital,

a modern block of flats with spacious apartments is going up soon.

These apartments are for war volunteers

who fight the hordes of Cossacks and Guards

who came here to deprive us of our ancestral land.

We have here Mr. Anatolie Dumbrava,

a deputy in the parliament of the Republic of Moldova.

Anatolie, a few words, please.

-Good afternoon. -Good afternoon.

Our homeland takes care of the real men of the nation...

who defend the sovereignty and integrity of our country

with weapons in their hands.

Their devotion will be rewarded with great esteem and appreciation

from the...

country's top leadership.

I have...

submitted a bill to the parliament,

which was voted on unanimously by all deputies,

that such apartments

are to be built in every district of the Republic.

Our homeland,

takes care of its real heroes!

And it will never forget about them!

The electricity disruptions caused by the energy crisis

continue to overwhelm our Republic in these difficult times.

Today, between 7-10 PM and tomorrow, between 8 AM and 6 PM,

the electricity will be disrupted in the following regions...

Morning!

Have you seen Ileana?

No.

-Wait. I said wait! -What?

-Where's Ileana? -I don't know.

Even now?

-Where is she? -There!

Take it.

Ileana, why do we have to fight like we're some kids?

Leave that for a moment.

We have to try.

You want to go to study.

We'll get an apartment.

We'll be a family.

You have to understand that I'm doing this for us...

For whom?

For us?

When you disappeared for a while, you said: "it's for us".

And when you bought yourself a tractor, you also said: "it's just for us".

And what are you doing now?

You're becoming a soldier!

And you're telling me the same words: “this is for us”!

Dima.

They accepted my documents...

at the institute.

Congratulations!

So, what, you’re going to the city alone?

What? You'd rather I worked with tobacco, my whole life?

Others like you left as well.

The boys waited for them in vain.

Oh, yes? Others like you went to war, too.

And their women waited for them in vain.

I'm going to war. They’re two different things, do you understand?

Well, I’m going to study.

Don't put so much oil paint there, we don't have much as it is.

Stop staring. Keep working. Put more effort into it.

A bit lower, didn't you hear me?

Like that. Yes, good work.

Well...

INDEPENDENCE DAY

When I’m Deputy Mayor,

I'll make you Head of Maintenance.

What are you preparing for, Petrica?

It's been a year since we became independent.

You didn't know, did you?

Where's Vasea?

He's fixing the monument.

Keep sweeping, Aunt Galea, or do I need to give you some sunflower seeds?

Hello, you.

Give me the tray.

Vasea,

I need a favour.

Tell me.

Don't turn me down.

Have I ever turned you down?

Take me to the front line, please.

What’s come over you, Dimon?

On the TV they said they needed men.

I'm going to defend the country.

Mind your own business and stop talking rubbish.

You said you wouldn't turn me down.

Do you even know how to hold a weapon?

Why would I hold a weapon?

I could be a cook.

Go to the hills, they have work there.

Look, I'll give you my tractor.

But please take me to the front. Right now.

Why do you want to go so much?

On the TV they said: "war heroes will get apartments".

I wanna get married.

I'm tired of feeling lost.

Do you want to leave wearing that?

Why?

Let's go.

OIL PAINT

Alright, thanks.

Where the hell are you going?

Get behind the wheel.

Did you fix the monument?

What are you looking at, Aunt Galea? Did you stop again?

Keep on working. It's the third time I've I had to tell you.

Oh, with clothes like this I'll find myself a bride.

I hope it won't be the Grim Reaper.

Why the vodka?

For you to drink.

But I don't drink.

You’ll start.

SAFE TR...

Raven-Raven, Pantera here. How do you hear me? Reception!

What do I do if they capture me?

Shit your pants.

These are your pants.

I shat in them lots of times.

That's how I became a hero.

Vasea, you did your duty as a man.

I didn't.

Duty...

Pull over.

Vasea!

Vasea, come here.

-What do you want? -Quickly.

Come and see.

Move.

God forbid.

Grab him by the legs.

What legs? What's wrong with you?

Grab him, for God's sake and stop staring at me!

Vasea, did you forget where we're going?

To make you a hero.

That's where we’re going!

Tomorrow, you might end up like him.

And patriots like you will leave you to the dogs.

Can you tell me what do you want to do?

I'm getting dirty.

Not so fast.

Give me that coat.

And the tobacco.

What for?

To keep the flies away.

And the worms.

And what will I smoke at the front?

You’ll smoke shit.

What's wrong with you? Leave the corpse and let's go.

Let's put him in the back.

Vasea, are you a complete madman?

If he's a Cossack or a mercenary,

we're screwed along with this "mummy".

What if he's one of ours?

A good lad.

The war is not for you, Dima.

Goddamn hero.

I'm not a hero and I didn't want to be.

But nobody asked us.

They sent us to the end of the world and told us to shoot the Afghans.

All of them.

And what for?

Who the hell knows?

This is a different situation, Vasea.

This isn’t foreign land.

There should be a military base around here.

Mother, I won't give up,

I can't leave my comrades at the front.

Oy, oy, oy, oy, who needs this war?

Why do we kill each other?

Why do we kill each other?

Godspeed, guys.

Quit screwing around, lunch has arrived.

We didn't bring any lunch.

What's with the outfit, man?

It's a military uniform.

I wore it in Afghanistan.

You served in Afghanistan?

Yes.

Why aren't you on the field?

I've had enough.

For sure.

-Not far away we found... -Guys, I brought food.

I have liquor.

I can also bring tobacco.

Do you have anything else?

No, that's all.

And that tobacco?

What tobacco?

Oh, it's not good.

It burned a long time ago.

Dima...

Why don't you bring it?

Come on.

Shit.

What did you do to him?

We didn't do anything.

We found him by the roadside.

You ruined such good tobacco.

It's not one of ours, for sure.

The enemy will think we killed him and if shooting starts again...

Okay, guys.

Take him and go.

But I'm staying.

I brought you vodka.

Why would you stay?

Are you interested in something here or what?

Huh?

Take your coal and fuck off!

Asshole!

Calm down or I'll smack you!

-What? -Cut the crap!

We don't need more wars.

We have enough.

And if I said he's not one of ours, then he's not!

It's clear, Vasea.

He's not one of theirs.

I'll take him back.

Boss.

This is not right.

What if he's from the other shore?

Why don't you ask?

Let's be serious, guys.

You're the commander.

If anything, you'll be responsible.

Yes.

(in Romanian) Here, Zimbrii. (in Russian) Can you hear me?

What do you want?

Fetch the superior.

He's busy.

Hey, we have one of yours here.

Name?

He's dead.

Did you find identification papers?

He doesn't have any.

How does he look?

He's all black.

-Are you kidding me? Fuck you! -Come on. Calm down.

Put Vovka on.

Commander!

You're wanted.

Who is it?

The fascist.

Hello?

Vovan, is that you?

-Do you miss me? -Yes, buddy.

Do I “light up the sky”?

(in Romanian) Stop messing around.

(in Russian) Two guys will drive up on a tractor. They have a present for you...

Is this a trick?

Vovan, what's wrong with you?

The guys found a dead lad, and it's not ours.

Come on, we have to act humanely.

Hello?

Vovan, do you hear me?

Hello?

Yes.

So, should I send them?

Well, yeah.

Hello?

So, what?

Go if you want to.

We don't.

We have to.

Sniper, we have guests.

Vasea, stop, I'm getting off.

Don't shit the bed.

(in Russian) Guys...

We're from Serioga.

(in Romanian) Do you have weapons?

(in Russian) We don't have anything, man.

He asked you in Moldovan.

No, guys.

We don't have anything to do with what's happening.

I'm a construction worker.

He’s a tractor driver.

We just came to bring you the body and we're leaving.

Construction worker, you say.

Guys, this is military intelligence! We have Afghans here.

What's wrong with you? Are you stupid?

On your knees.

Fast!

Rastarguev!

Check the cargo.

Yes, sir.

Get out.

Come on, move.

Tractor driver?

Yes.

-Are you at war? -No.

-Who are you fooling, asshole? -I'm not in the war, guys!

Sniper, careful! The corpse is mined!

What's the matter with you, fellas?

There’s a bomb there.

-We were at Zimbrii, they didn't lose... -Shut your mouth!

If Rastarguev said the body is mined, then it’s mined.

Am I right?

Yes, sir!

Why are you shaking, smartass?

Tell me...

Is there a bomb?

-I don't hear an answer, soldier! -There’s no bomb, there isn't.

Why don't you bring him here?

Come on, move!

You Moldovans are fucking crazy.

Do some squats.

I said do some squats!

Do it!

Hey, numbnuts. What's wrong with you?

You dumb ox! What the hell? Did I give you an order?

I shouldn't have?

Stand down.

I said stand down! Piss off.

No!

There.

On foot. Get lost.

Come on, faster, faster!

Move your ass. Come on!

Run!

OUR LEADER

Hello, guys!

(in Russian) Every day, despite the danger,

the President of the PMR, Igor Nikolaevich Smirnov

travels to the front line

to inspire our valiant troops with his presence to do heroic acts!

We won't give away a single piece of our Transnistrian land

to the Moldovan national-fascist invaders.

Can you believe it, Vovan?

These barbarians found a dead body and brought it to us.

Oh, yeah?

Have they gone nuts?

What do we do with this one?

Torture him, maybe...

To the Cossacks.

Let them play a bit.

Vasiok?

I almost died because of you.

Eh... Vasiok, Vasiok!

(in Russian) And they took me from that mountain,

and dragged me to the cliffs...

Then they brought Vakhtang out...

a Georgian.

And when he went after the Kyrgyz one...

He was a very good friend.

(in Romanian) What was his name, Vasiok?

Gherga.

Oh yeah. Yes, Gherga.

Poor guy.

He was left there...

in pieces.

The four of us were thick as thieves.

If they said they weren't armed,

why didn't you believe them?

Rastarguev said the body was mined.

And?

And I gave the order to take him prisoner.

Why do you give orders?

Have you forgottten who’s the boss?

-I'm a senior lieutenant! -In which country?

I serve the Russian army!

What army? You came here to make money!

You believe this Romanian?

Then go to them!

And stop screwing around!

Otherwise we'll complain to the right place.

Okay, guys.

I'll go.

Vasiok!

I'm sorry it turned out this way.

How did you get here?

What else can I do, Vasea?

I should've left you where I found you.

But what could I do?

Didn't you see how crazy they are?

Oh, yeah.

Would it have been better if they killed me?

Come out! I saw you from miles away.

Vasiok!

Is that you?

So? What did they do to you?

They gave me some wine, some barbecue.

Come on, are you angry?

They beat you up, didn't they?

Did it hurt a lot?

Where's the man?

Nowhere.

What did you do with him?

I dumped him in the Dniester River.

Because of him, we would have...

Go and get him!

I have your man!

I thought you were in your right mind, but no.

So this dead guy is more important than me, right?

Stop whining, or I'll take you to another military base.

We'll get two shovels from Gavanosu and bury him where we found him.

We have to be humane.

What do you want? To give him a bath?

We don't need to bathe him.

But he needs a proper Christian burial.

Are you completely bonkers?

Do you know how many of us were left in Afghanistan,

in the desert eaten by jackals?!

How am I to blame that this one's dead?

I didn't get to bury those,

but I can bury this one!

And I will!

Not in some ravine, but amongst people!

And I’ll sleep peacefully.

Not like a hero, but like a man.

Go and bury him even next to Stephen the Great, for all I care.

We'll bury him together.

I'm going to the front line.

-You're not going anywhere. -I'll go to another base.

After we deal with this man!

-Who do you think you are? -I'm bonkers!

...ELCOME

What are you doing?

I'm guarding your buddy.

Where is Vasea?

You don't work on the hills, do you, Dimon?

It's none of your business.

Well, it worries me.

You ride the tractor all day, using up the fuel of the kolkhoz.

While everybody is working.

Yeah, man.

Especially you.

By the way, I am preparing for tomorrow.

I am changing the national flag...

We’re independent now, man.

Petrica, did I ask you anything?

I’m not interested.

You’re not interested in anything.

Nothing...

What do you have there?

Dude, get outta here!

And with your cross guard your people.

Bless this Mercedes.

Sanctify it with holy water.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Good afternoon.

Bless this Mercedes.

Sanctify it with holy water.

In the name of the Father, the Son

and the Holy Spirit.

Father...

We need to talk.

Lord, have mercy...

It's very urgent, Father.

I found a body.

Did someone light a candle?

I don't know, Father.

He's burned like charcoal, poor thing. I found him at the end of the village.

So why did you bring him to the church?

To give him a burial... Christian-like.

Lord, have mercy!

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Take him to the hospital, to confirm his death.

To confirm, what? He's dead, come with me and you'll see.

Vasile. This man might have taken his own life, Vasile.

They don't go through the church.

Go to the hospital,

get a paper with his name, year of birth,

stating that he had a peaceful death.

What peaceful death? He died in the war.

How do you know, Vasile?

Father, on the muffler as well, please.

-Bless this Mercedes... -Listen, shell shock victim...

Let the man do his job.

With holy water...

I'll crush that bell on your head.

This is not the place.

I'm asking you nicely.

You’re all ready to destroy,

but when it comes to building God's temple, no one is around!

Bless this Mercedes. And sanctify it with holy water.

If I get you this medical certificate,

will you bury him?

Vasile, it's not me who buries people. It's their families and relatives.

Just as it should be. With all things.

They didn't need a church for 50 years,

but now that they’re struggling they're all faithful.

Father.

We'll also sanctify the trailer today.

Will do. I don't see why not.

Any luck?

Get in the tractor.

Fifty boxes of stew.

Thirty with buckwheat.

Mh-mm.

And...

Twenty bags with clothes.

The rest are for the next village.

Mh-mm. Sign here.

Come on, close your eyes, you'll also get a couple...

Here.

Natalia Andreevna!

Good afternoon.

Did those supplies arrive?

They did, but there's not much.

Wait for your turn.

Wait again?

Vasea, I asked you to concrete these walls a bit.

I build, I don't cover concrete.

I got twenty tons of cement and if the inventory comes, what will I say?

I found a body on the hills.

Big deal.

I need a document to bury him.

And I need a document that shows where the construction supplies are.

You'll show them your house.

Vasea...

I'll complain to the mayor.

You'll show them his house, too.

You know what? Don't be so witty, they also saw your barn.

It could've been ours, if you’d waited for me.

Please don't start on Afghanistan again, I'm sick and tired of it.

You said you were going to war...

I was... but I'm back already.

Anyway, nobody's shooting, it’s all calm, you needn’t worry.

But on our way to the front line, we found a body.

What did you find?

Don't worry. He was already dead. We just have to bury him.

What are you doing here?

-Shouldn't you be at the tobacco farm? -I got a certificate.

I'm going to the city.

Will you give me this death certificate or not?

I deal with the sick, not the dead.

Natalia Adreevna!

-I have to do the district report. -Coming!

Go to Borea at the police station and tell him to give you a document.

-The priest said to get the papers here. -You'll get them at the police station!

And by tonight I need everything to be done here.

You said we'd go together to the city.

Come with me. Will you?

Bear with me, while I deal with this man.

Then I'll go to the front line.

Folks...

Starting today, you don't need to go to the district.

You have everything here.

Just look.

And here.

And here, and there.

PRODUCTS FOR EVERYBODY

You can also come inside.

I even have things from across the border.

Vasilica...

Do you like it?

Look here, Vasilica. There you go. Look.

A present from Gicusor.

Just like that! Whoa.

And he's gone! Look how happy the boy is.

Folks, you won't regret it. You won't be sorry you bought it.

Petrica!

Petrica!

What?

What kind of Deputy Mayor do you want to be,

if you don't even know what a tricolor is?

We haven't got any other, Mihail Gheorci.

It’s none of my business and I don't care.

If Anatol Vasilevici comes and we don't have the tricolor,

we're both screwed, Petrea!

I don’t care if you dig it up!

On Independence Day, I need a tricolor.

You’re all so used to it...

The Mayor has to solve everything.

Work hard if you want a good life!

Listen, Dima.

A few words.

I'll give you a bottle of vodka for all this tobacco and the blue coat.

A full case.

What if I only take the coat?

POLICE

Come on, I'll even give you this one. It's good in the rain.

What are you doing, Petea?

I'm working. For the good of the nation.

Why didn't you fix the monument?

Who's replacing Borea?

Borea’s here.

Isn't he in the field?

He came back last night. He's home.

Come on.

So, are we switching?

Hey, Dima.

Dude, I'll give you a full case, but tonight.

Look, I'll give this as a deposit, if you want.

What does he want?

Ask him.

What do you want, Petea?

He said he'd give me this tobacco and the coat for a full case of liquor.

Are you that stupid?

I was just kidding. Aren’t I allowed?

Are you interested in something, Petrica?

How much is this suit?

Take a look at him.

Sprinkle him with alcohol and check the leaves.

Good afternoon.

Hello.

Where is Boris Niculaici?

Go look in the backyard.

Good day.

Godspeed, Boris Niculaici!

Oh...

Vasiok!

God help us!

Grab it by the legs.

Come on. Let's turn it.

Here.

It needs shaving while it's still warm.

Are you having a feast, Boris Niculaici?

My girl's getting married.

-Seriously? -Yes.

-I didn’t hear about it. -Well.

Neither did I until last week.

Because of this war...

you don't even have time to keep your kids in check.

Peace.

May God forgive you.

I wonder what your name was.

Grisa.

Stiopa.

Or Ion?

What's your deal up there?

Up where?

The front line.

Up there...

Great sorrow, Vasiok. A great sorrow.

Young lads are dying.

A lad...

Died right in my arms, poor thing.

He wasn't even eighteen years old. Like my daughter.

Poor lad.

How are these poor kids guilty?

That's true. The government is to blame.

The government is to blame.

And yet, the young ones are dying.

Boris Niculaici?

I found a body on the hills.

Really?

And why did you come to me?

We have to bury him.

And?

Do you need a shovel?

May God forgive you, dear Ion.

And please forgive us, as well.

What took you so long?

-Give him to me. -What for?

-Get on with it! -Be careful, you'll break him.

For Christ’s sake.

You're a policeman. Do your job!

Why won't you leave me alone?

Huh?

Who knows what dead Cossack you found.

I need a form, Boris Niculaici!

We don't fill in forms right now.

We just don't!

You wanna be a hero?

Take a rifle and let's go to the war.

-I'm not interested in that. -And I'm not interested in your dead man!

I have a wedding to plan!

Not a funeral!

Who's the most important here? The Mayor?!

Take it to him! Not in my courtyard!

Good afternoon.

Go make yourselves useful.

Listen, Borea. Don't give the neighbors the satisfaction.

Get into the kitchen, now!

Vasea.

I'm asking you nicely.

Leave my courtyard.

I won't leave.

Calm this shithead down, unless you want to be locked up for a fortnight.

Is there really no way to sort this out, Boris Niculaici?

He was a human being, after all.

Holy mackerel!

What are you doing?

Reading.

Smartass.

What's up with you, Petrica?

Isn't this how deputy mayors dress?

Go prepare two songs for the holiday.

Patriotic ones?

How should I know which ones are patriotic now?

Yes.

Yes, Boris Niculaici.

What kind of songs, Mihail Gheorci?

That's not my problem.

Work hard if you want a good life!

Mihail Gheorci!

What?

Go to Borea, the policeman's home!

What does he want?

I think someone important came from the capital. Some kind of hero.

I didn't understand, they were all yelling.

So, Mihail Gheorci, am I coming with you?

I need songs for the holiday, Petrica!

Right.

What are you looking at?

Haven't you seen a suit before?

Songs for the holiday...

So, what?

Where’s the hero?

Ah!

You should've cleaned it up, so I could taste the pork...

-But in this case... -That's not a pig.

What's wrong with you, Mihail Gheorci?

What are you...?

Who's this?

We found him outside the village.

One of ours?

He was on our land.

Come on.

How can they know...?

You find out who he is!

-Yeah, I'll drop everything and... -And what's the problem?

We have to bury him.

Fine.

Tomorrow at sunrise, we'll bury him.

We need a divine service.

We'll do it!

Properly.

Oh!

Take him away and...

We’re not taking him, Borea.

We'll all deal with this.

Mihail Gheorci, I can't.

I have a wedding in two days.

The whole village is coming. I can't.

Borea, I have the Independence in two days.

And they’re coming from the district to control us.

And you’ll be responsible up there with me, Borea.

Mihail Gheorci, a few words.

Mihail Gheorci.

I have to set up the tent.

-Let those two... -Borea...

If the holiday goes well, good times await us, Borea.

Anatol Vasilevici told me.

Listen.

Do you know what I think?

What?

We have to get him a suit.

Like all the dead.

If he's not married,

he should be dressed like a groom, with a corsage.

I'm telling you, Mihail Gheorci,

the Church teaches one better than school does.

And heals better than a hospital does.

That's right, Father.

The way the church looks

says a lot about the village.

And about the Mayor.

We don't know if he's unmarried,

or he’s a man in all his glory.

We know he’s a fighter.

He was a soldier.

Then let's dress Ion

in your uniform.

Dress who?

Look at these walls.

That's not bad, Father.

Everyone is giving money to the villages destroyed by the war.

Especially the Americans...

And they'll want to help an Orthodox church?

-They're all Baptist and all kinds of... God forbid! -They will.

To them everybody's good.

The black ones, the white ones.

They’re all for... what was the word...

Democracy!

Freedom...

How can I give him my uniform?

You said yourself you want to burn it.

And you won't need it?

He needs it more.

I don't have time to wait for charity from the Americans.

I'll do the service only if you promise to paint the church walls.

Where would I get oil paint, Father?

From your home.

It's getting sealed,

the hole of God's servant.

In the name of the Father,

the Son,

and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Dear God, forgive his sins.

Those intended...

... and those unintended.

In the name of the Father,

the Son,

and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Throw some dirt.

Well...

Thank God.

I can't believe it.

Listen, Dima.

Give me that coat.

So he’ll be warm in his next life.

Well, take it, Petrica.

It's in the back.

Thanks a lot.

Okay, I’m going.

-Petrica! -Yes?

Wait until we finish and we'll have some wine.

Oh, I can't, guys. I'm in a big hurry.

Thank you, then.

Go on...

and fix the monument.

Godspeed, guys.

God bless.

Father, can you drive me to the village center?

Come on, you push.

A little more.

Come on! Come on, Petrica!

I would've gotten there faster by foot.

The only priest in three villages and look at the junk I’m driving.

-Come on, a bit more! -“Come on". It's easy to say "come on".

Petrica...

You need to talk about this at the Council.

Father, maybe you'll get out and help me.

The village buying a car for the priest... Have you ever seen anything like it?

Hey! What about me?

Are you waiting for an invitation?

Devil of a priest.

Listen to what I say.

They're helping us...

because they need us.

Yeah, like the Americans need us.

They, do, Vasea. They need us.

Because we have everything.

Our soil is the best.

Seriously.

Our soil is the most expensive in the world.

Do you know how much a kilo of black soil costs there?

How much?

A lot.

I don't know how much in dollars, but I know it's a lot.

And the Russians need us.

The Russians need everybody.

It's not about black soil here.

It's about power.

It's about the Americans and the Russians.

And we're like this...

a battlefield.

I'm wasting my breath on you. You're too short-sighted.

Mihail Gheorci, come drink some wine for the soul.

Dig him up.

Dig him up right now!

What's up with you, Mihail Gheorci?

Pick up the shovel, Vasea!

You have no idea who you buried here.

Let the man rest in peace. He gave his life for the likes of you!

He’s a separatist!

You shithead!

I've been lugging him around all day.

Let the separatists come and dig him up.

I've had enough.

Do you want shootings in our village, too?

If they find out, they'll be here in five minutes.

Five minutes!

I think he'll rest better on his land...

It’s our land!

What’s the difference?

Bring him to the village hall and we'll sort it out there.

Yeah!

Yes, Anatol Vasilievici.

I'll die if it's not him.

We found his burnt-out car not far from the village.

Anatol Vasilievici.

Send the guys before anyone finds out.

How's it going, my good man?

When is he coming?

Good.

I already sent them to dig him up.

I'm waiting.

Clava.

Clava!

Yes?

Go and get some sausage.

We're having some guests from the capital.

Ouch!

Have you heard the news, Mihail Gheorci?

I sure did.

I told them to dig him up.

I called the capital.

So they can come and take him.

You're such a moron.

What's wrong with you, Father?

Here they are.

What's up, Vasilica? You're here, too?

Hurry on home, Vasilica!

Good afternoon!

I’m the Mayor.

I can't believe how fast you got here. Come on in!

And I thought "Well..."

But look how fast. Come on!

Why did you stop? To the church, right away!

Construction workers...

Move, move, move!

Come on!

Clava!

Bring something for the boys.

Come on in. Don't be shy.

Take a seat.

Come on...

Come on, take them.

Sit down.

Come on, go on.

Let's sit at the table.

We need to...

wait a little bit.

The police officer and the boys are bringing him.

Clava!

Clava! Pick up the phone, Clava!

Clava!

Yes!

Yes, Anatol Vasilievici.

I'm with the guys right now.

What do you mean "what “guys"?

(in Russian) Comrade Mayor, what’s your name?

Mihail... Gheorci... Mandru.

Mihail Gheorci...

Your cognac is very good.

Do you know what you're facing for kidnapping that man?

Comrades...

-What are we even talking about? -Sit down!

Where is he?

Who?

The one the police officer is bringing.

Who is the police officer meant to bring?

(in Romanian) Why is the light off?

(in Russian) Maybe you know where the district police officer is?

The police officer?

He was in the tractor.

Mihail Gheorci...

The priest took him...

...to the church.

Thank you!

-Uh-uh. -Mh-mm.

God forbid they come here.

Father, what happened?

This is Smirnov!

Who?

Smirnov?

The leader?

The leader!

It can't be.

Why did we dig him up, then?

That dumb mayor called forces to come and take him. He wanted a medal for this!

How do you know this is Smirnov?

His burnt-out car was found not far from the village.

The car is there, but Smirnov...

isn't!

Now the KGB, or whoever the hell they are, are looking for him!

And what did we do wrong?

You brought him to the village, you sinners!

Here they are. They came.

Mother of God.

They’ll shoot me as well.

(in Russian) What are you doing, you heathens?

We're praying.

To whom?

To the Holy remains.

Whose remains are these?

I...

-I... -Ictirian!

To Saint Ictirian.

(in Romanian) In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Lord, have mercy.

I sprinkle this body...

...with wine and holy oil.

-In the name of the Father... -(in Russian) What kind of saint is this?

Our saint.

Listen, what does he cure?

(in Romanian) The head.

Officer!

Yes.

(in Russian) Get out.

(in Romanian) What's up, guys?

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Serves him right!

Bring the fuel.

Burned alive!

Maybe he'll get tired of land!

If I knew it was the devil...

Bring the fuel!

-Only ashes will remain of him! -Leave him alone.

-Give him to me. -I said, leave him alone.

-Give it to me, or it’ll get worse. -Step aside.

-Give him to me. Now. -Calm down.

Get out!

Get out of my church now, you evildoers!

-Leave him... -Give him to me!

Leave him, you moron!

Didn't you say we have to bury him humanely?

He started the war, man!

How do you know who started it?

You nutjob!

Can't you see how many of our people he killed?

People on their side also died.

What do you know about wars?

Because of such leaders, people die on the front line!

People are left crippled!

Kids without fathers!

And you want an apartment at their expense!

Goddamn hero.

(in Russian) I see you’re preparing for the holiday.

But why didn’t your repair the monument?

Or don't you honor heroes now?

Why are you silent?

Nobody's here.

Deal with him.

Wait, wait, wait!

What's up, fellas?

We're not your fellas.

Supplying the army, I see.

Let me just make one call.

We'll sort everything out.

We'll sort it out in Tiraspol. Take him.

Go.

Fellas!

Let me make a call! What's the matter?

Raven, Raven, Pantera here. Do you copy?

Raven, Raven, Pantera here. The reception...

Raven, Raven, Pantera here. Can you hear me okay?

Yes, I can hear you fine.

Our station went offline. We couldn't contact you.

Reporting, we found him.

The detainee is in our car.

Roger that.

Yes, sir. I got it.

Yes, I’ll “get it done”.

Over and out.

Tomorrow is the holiday...

I have to prepare myself.

Me too. I have a wedding.

Come on...

Hey.

You're not getting in my car with him.

What will you do with him?

Go ahead, Boris Niculaici.

What should I do with you, Ion?

You gave your life for the homeland and there’s no one to bury you.

Yesterday, in Moscow, the presidents of Moldova and the Russian Federation,

Mircea Snegur and Boris Yeltsin,

in the presence of the self-proclaimed leader

of the Transnistrian Republic Igor Smirnov,

signed the Convention "On the principles of peaceful settlement

of the armed conflict in the Dniester region of the Republic of Moldova".

A Dniester Security Zone was created,

to be monitored by the 14th Russian Army.

(In Romanian) One, two, three. (In Russian) Seven, seven, seven.

Firstly, I want to congratulate you all

on this wonderful holiday

for which we are proud,

so to speak,

and which we were able to accomplish

in these troubled times, as they say.

I want to thank you all

for the support

that I received.

But...

duty calls.

And my duty

is to fulfil my position, my new position

of President... of the district.

And I thank you all.

You’ll always be in my heart.

Comrade Anatol Vasilevici! I began to think you weren't coming.

Mister Mihai...

“Comrades” are already in the past.

Yes, that's right.

Now... we're independent!

What did you do with him?

With whom?

With Ion.

What difference does it make?

And when do I get the job?

Yesterday.

When you called the capital.

Consider it yours...

And now I invite onstage

our fellow villager

Gheorghe Raileanu.

Misha...

You can't imagine the shit you got me into.

All the dogs in town laugh at me.

Hello, dear villagers.

I am glad to be...

Did you bury him?

Humanely?

In front of hardworking people

who can build an independent village.

People who no longer need to depend on anyone.

Who gave this moron the microphone?

The nation needs a new leader.

I will grow this village!

And I'll turn it into a slice of heaven!

And what about me?

Work hard if you want to a good life, Mihail Gheorci! Work hard!

After this solemn ceremony, I'll be waiting for you at my shop,

where you will all get a little help.

Stay healthy!

And be happy you’re independent!

Are you still going to the city?

I don't know.

Here.

The key to my apartment.

Where did you get it from?

Why do you care?

From the war.

From Afghanistan.

And why don't you live there?

I don't really like that noise.

And you need it more.

I can't afford it.

Go on, go ahead.

Well, go on.

Dim!

Do you still need the tractor?

It's yours.

So, you are going...

You didn’t stay at the front line?

I changed my mind.

Take it.

Have a place to live...

Where did you get it?

Vasea gave me the key.

I think you need it more.

Aren't you coming, too?

Are you still angry?

Where are those two going?

What do you want, Petea?

Nothing.

I just wanted to thank you for finishing the monument.

What now?

For filling in that hole.

Shithead.

And now, I call to the stage, the vocal ensemble, "The Smarandas".

THE MONUMENT OF THE UNKNOWN HERO

In Moldova's vineyards they always smile to the sun.

Golden apples! Come here, children, taste from our treasure!

Come on Belarusians, Cossacks and Tungusic,

the sweet grape is waiting for you.

We'll be brothers forever with Tartars and Uzbeks.

Tender and young rosebuds.

Who loves their country, plants trees and vines,

let the whole world hear about us.

We are hardworking and good helpers, Moldovans is our name!

Vasea gave me the key, but he didn’t tell me the address.

Are you serious?

Dima, are you kidding me?

Do you have shit for brains?

I’ll sort it out. Relax.

God, what have I gotten myself into?