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*

Mr. Aris ?

The doctor is waiting to see you.

Hello, Michael.

Hello, how are you ?

Good... Please, take a seat.

Thank you.

It's always very difficult to predict the progress

of something like this.

It could be as little as five months

or as long as five years,

enough time for you to put your affairs in order, I hope.

Would you like me to ask the nurse to arrange

for your wife to come and collect you ?

My wife ?

Would that she could.

She lives in Burma now, you see.

( Michael ) Good morning.

( students ) Good morning.

( Michael ) Could we pass these around, please ?

Thank you, thank you.

Today I thought we might talk about how the Bhutanese people

have always placed great emphasis on family loyalty,

the bonds of community,

and respect for their elders.

*

( doorbell chiming )

Bloody rain.

Yes, come in.

So it's definitely cancer then ?

Mmmm.

Prostate cancer, as a matter of fact.

And did they give you any indication

as to how long before...

In anything from a few months to five years.

Good God, Michael.

No, no, I could achieve a lot in five years.

And what about Suu ?

Surely she'll want to return to Oxford when she hears this.

Anthony, you know as well as I do

if she ever leaves Burma,

they will never allow her to return.

What about you, Michael ?

You haven't seen her for three years.

She's your wife, for God's sake.

She's the mother of your children.

Surely the military would roll out the red carpet

if she asked to be allowed to come home.

She can't possibly walk away now.

Too much blood has been spilled.

Countless lives have been lost.

Michael. Millions upon millions of people

are counting on her.

Well, whatever happens Anthony,

you must promise me you'll keep an eye out for the boys.

Of course, of course.

You can count on me 100%, you know that.

Yes.

*

Hello, darling. Hello, angel.

How's the book going ?

Slowly.

That smells good.

We're having Burmese tonight.

All right.

( giggling )

Stop it.

Did you think of a title ?

Yes.

Well, it's original, it's--

There's a storm coming.

Hi, Mum, hi, Dad.

Hello, did you have a good day ?

It's okay day.

I'm starving, though.

Supper's at seven.

Do you have much homework ?

It's all done.

Kim.

Well, almost.

You'd better get started then.

Hi Dad. Hello Alex.

Hi, Mom.

( man ) Meanwhile, in Burma today,

violence has erupted on the streets of Rangoon...

Suu ? Hmm ?

...an incident in which students were mown down

by the authorities.

Eyewitnesses at the incident claimed

that hundreds of students taking part

in a peaceful demonstration at Inyar Lake,

were shot and killed by soldiers at point black range,

many more protestors sustained serious injuries.

They are demanding an end

to the military dictatorship

that has ruled the country with an iron fist

since a coup in 1962.

Burma's government is known as one of the world's

most oppressive and secretive regimes,

but despite the authorities' determined attempts

to crush this uprising,

it appears that the student's movement

is rapidly gaining massive popular support.

( woman ) Meanwhile, back in Britain...

( telephone ringing )

Hello.

( voices talking on phone )

My mother's had a stroke.

I'll sort you out a flight.

Be good, won't you ?

Help Daddy around the house.

It will be hard for me to get to a phone,

so don't worry if it's a while before you hear from me.

How long are you going to be away ?

A week...

or maybe two.

( door closing )

( Michael) Right, that's it.

Come on, come on, we're very late.

Come on, rush.

Come on, no time, okay... bye.

Bon voyage, I love you.

Driver, please hurry, please, please, please.

I love you. Bye.

Bye.

*

Uncle Leo. You are as beautiful as ever.

Did you hear... the whole uproar started

after our General in his great wisdom,

decided to ban any denomination that wasn't

a multiple of nine.

Well, nine is his lucky number.

The universities can't provide lunch anymore.

That's why the students have taken to the streets.

All this just because of the superstitious whims

of a madman.

Call me if you need me.

I will.

Thank you for everything, Uncle Leo.

Suu !

Suu !

Mum.

How are you feeling ?

Tired.

*

( doctor speaking Burmese )

Did you hear about the massacre ?

Yes.

The riots, it made headline news across the world.

What's my little boys doing ?

Not so little these days.

*

( Michael ) That's it, come on.

There's no need for that.

Come on, have a good day.

Don't be silly... come on, have a good day.

Bye. Okay, off you go.

And Kim, put your collar down.

( Kim ) Yeah. Yes, okay.

Goodbye. Goodbye, Dad.

Goodbye.

( door slamming )

What are you doing ?

They're looking for students, we'd better go.

Hold on... she can't leave in this condition.

She should stay here.

Yes.

Wait, wait... don't do anything hasty.

Calm down first.

I suggest we take her back to bed

and then go down to see what's happening.

( people groaning and moaning )

Oh !

*

( protesters shouting )

( gunfire, screaming )

( gunfire )

( woman ) Violence has once again erupted on the streets of Rangoon,

when new demonstrations were met with wave after wave

of reprisals.

This morning, soldiers opened fire on protesting students

close to Rangoon General Hospital,

killing and injuring many.

A curfew has once again been reintroduced.

( phone ringing )

Hello ? ( Suu ) Mikey.

Suu, darling, how are you ?

It's so good to hear your voice.

You, too... You, too.

You managed to dodge the bullets then ?

Despite myself, I was beginning to worry.

I'm sorry, I couldn't get away until now.

Don't worry. And I've been missing you all so much.

Yes, me too... Of course.

How's your mother ?

The doctors have said there's nothing more they can do,

so, I'm going to take her home.

Oh, I'm sorry, Suu, of course, of course.

But so many other things are happening,

I hardly know where to begin and I--

( static )

Hello ? Hello ?

Hello-- I've lost you, can you hear me ?

Hello ?

Hello ? Oh, hello.

I can hear you again.

Are the boys all right ?

Oh, the boys are in fine form.

Well, they're already in bed,

but you mustn't worry about them.

Will you tell Alex many happy returns of the day ?

Yes, of course. That I'll make it up to him when I...

( static )

Hello ? ... as soon as I come home.

Of course, darling.

So we're trying to organize the visas.

We hope to join you just as soon as possible.

( static, phone cutting off )

Mikey ? Oh goodness, this is useless.

Hello... Suu ?

Oh... dear.

*

( woman speaking Burmese )

I'm happy to be home.

So am I.

Daw Suu, my name's Nita May

and I have a message from your husband.

He wanted me to tell you that their visas

have finally come through

and that they will arrive at the end of the week.

Thank you.

There is so much to discuss.

Let's start then.

Leo.

So happy to see you.

It is good to have you back.

C'mon, let's go... Please, after you.

Mummy, mummy.

Mummy. Oh !

( laughing )

Oh !

I've missed you, hmmmm...

( laughing )

You better be prepared for complete chaos.

Oh ?

Come on, come on.

Wow.

( woman speaking Burmese )

Mon Mon !

How are you ?

Lovely to see you.

Ah !

Tom. Dr. Aris.

Hello.

How do you do ?

You're looking shell shocked, doctor.

Well, I suppose I had taken it for granted,

Suu was leading a solitary life,

quietly nursing her mother.

Not all historians get to be a part of history in the making.

You must enjoy your ringside seat.

Please let me know if you need anything.

Oh, thank you, I will.

( knocking )

Michael.

I'm glad you're here.

( Michael ) Down, down, down, down.

A little further, a little further.

Okay, stop, stop, stop.

There you go... step away, step away.

( man speaking Burmese )

( Michael ) What does he say ?

He's saying...

the public discontent with government's policies

can no longer be ignored.

And that because he's not totally free of responsibility,

for the events of the past few months,

and because he's getting on now,

he's go-- He's going to resign.

There will now be a referendum on Burma's political future.

Hello.

Hello ?

Mum.

Some men from Rangoon University want to speak to you.

They said it's...

urgent.

Madam, my colleagues and I are academics

from the history faculty,

and we believe you are the only person

who can lead Burma into democracy now.

As the daughter of Aung San,

the people will automatically unite behind.

Your father fought and won independence for Burma.

Here is an opportunity to finish what he began.

Let's seize this opportunity.

Quite apart from having no relevant experience,

as you can see...

my hands are more than full.

May I ask that you take some time to consider ?

*

( speaking Burmese )

( speaking Burmese )

( speaking Burmese )

( whispering )

( protesters shouting )

Madam, we will have to continue on foot.

All right.

Let's go.

Michael !

Stop the car... Stop, stop !

( Kim ) Dad !

Boys, come on. ( Alex ) Dad !

Keep up.

Suu !

Suu !

Dad, we're coming !

Dad, we're gonna get some food.

What ? We're gonna go get some food.

( Michael ) Okay, but don't go too far.

( Kim ) We'll be back.

( Michael ) Just stay right there... If we lose you--

It may be a little late to be saying this,

but you realize I've never actually

spoken in public before.

And there's no time like the present.

We'll be watching from the side.

*

( cheering )

( cheering )

( cheering )

( cheering )

( cheering )

( cheering )

*

( cheering and clapping )

( man ) Aung San...

Aung San Suu Kyi...

the daughter of General Aung San,

until now an Oxford housewife and mother of two,

emerged today as Burma's bright new hope for the future.

( people chattering )

It was incredible, huh ?

Yes.. Yes, indeed.

However, a quarter of a century of brutal oppression,

will not be undone in one day.

There is still a great deal to do.

Glory to the Raj.

Used to house a staff of 80 Brits

before Ne Win had them all kicked out.

Okay, here we are.

Wonderful.

*

I think we should go.

No, there's time for a few more.

*

Thank you, Tom, thank you.

You're welcome.

What's wrong, Kim ?

You already missed Alex's birthday.

And now you're going to miss mine.

It's too dangerous for you to remain here.

And I'd never forgive myself if anything

happened to either of you.

Anyway, a new term is beginning.

You both need to be there when it does.

Come here.

Please.

Try to be brave for me, hmm ?

Look after your brother.

I will.

And you: I want you to write to me every day.

Bye, May May.

Be strong. We will.

I love you. ( Kim and Alex ) Love you, too.

( Kim ) Bye.

( shouting in Burmese )

Positions please.

No, I think you should be on the end...

One, two, three.

( shouting )

( man ) We have to unify all minorities,

but Rijina is in the middle of the mountains.

Democracy will only work if we include everybody.

*

( man ) They're coming, they're coming !

( Suu ) Please, put your gun down.

( Michael ) Suu, I think we should leave.

No, no, no, please put your gun down, put it down.

We shall not respond with violence

under any circumstances.

( banging )

Dr. Aris, your visa is canceled.

You are to come with us to the airport.

Do I have time to pack ?

One minute.

Now, you have a very busy schedule.

You're gonna have to pace yourself.

Make sure you eat well and get good rest

whenever you can, okay ?

We'll be back.

Let's go !

*

*

I'll try another one.

( band playing traditional music )

( doorbell )

Ah, Lucinda, my savior.

Come in, come in, dear.

Anthony's still here ?

No, no, he just left.

( cheering )

*

( cheering )

( cheering )

( cheering )

No lumps. It needs more oats.

No, a little salt.

There.

There we are.

Here.

Looks good.

*

( man ) The arrangements for the funeral of Dhaw Khin Kyi,

the widow of Burma's great national hero, Aung San,

were conducted in lavish style.

While the authorities sought to prevent

civil servants from attending the funeral,

locking some in their offices and refusing sick leave

the gathering was the largest in Burma since the coup.

At least 100,000 people surrounded the coffin

on its procession to a burial...

( woman reporting news in Burmese )

*

Thank you.

You have been a very dutiful daughter.

Your father would be proud.

And now your duty is completed.

You will understandably be eager to get home again.

As soon as you're packed and ready,

our limousine will take you to the airport.

That won't be necessary, General Nyunt.

For the time being my duty remains here in Burma.

There is an election to be fought.

What about those young boys of yours ?

They will be missing their mother.

Well, the sooner these elections come,

the sooner I can rejoin them.

Perhaps on your return, you could urge General Ne Win

to make haste.

( shouting )

( clapping )

( clapping )

The soldiers, they look very serious.

We should come back some other day.

No.

Just ignore them.

We will continue in a calm and orderly fashion.

Stay here first.

It's time to go, we have to go.

All right.

Ahhhhh!

( laughing and applauding )

Whoo !

( speaking in Burmese )

*

( cymbals crashing )

( clapping )

( man ) In an unprecedented escalation of intimidation,

Aung San Suu Kyi narrowly escaped being shot

by the military yesterday

while out campaigning in the province of Danubyu.

*

Jesus Christ, Suu.

( cheering )

*

A good day, today...

isn't it ?

Very good.

Daw Suu, Daw Suu !

Everywhere we went today,

they were picking people up and taking them away.

Where are they taking them ?

Some of them were taken as forced laborers at the borders,

carrying weapons and drugs through the jungle

on the account of the generals.

And the others ?

( exploding )

( laughing )

We should write to the UN and Amnesty International,

and tell them exactly how the Burmese people

are being treated by the military.

Yes.

Pen and paper, please.

Okay.

( Suu ) "My darling, as you may have heard,

"every day brings new atrocities,

"committed by a regime who will clearly stop at nothing

"in order to try to hang on to power,

"but there can be no turning back now

"and as my father once advised:

"'continue to expect the best while preparing for the worst.'

"So darling, please, I beg you,

try your best not to worry."

Morning, Dad.

Your mother sends her love.

How is she ?

Still busy.

I hope she'll be rewarded one day for what she's doing.

Good afternoon. Afternoon.

You'd like to go through ? Thank you.

Professor Finnie.

Forgive me, forgive me, sorry.

Sorry to trouble you... my name is Dr. Michael Aris.

I am married to Aung San... Of course, of course.

I've been watching your wife's progress

with tremendous admiration.

I'm sorry to trouble you,

but I believe you have some influence

with the Nobel Peace Prize Committee

and I was wondering if you would be willing to forward her name ?

It is difficult to envisage a stronger contender.

Anything that raises her international profile

at the moment will afford some measure of protection.

As you can imagine, the issue of Suu's safety

weighs heavily on me at the moment.

Look, if you have some kind of CV,

I'll certainly ensure it's seen by Vaclav Havel

and his committee.

Well, that would be tremendously helpful.

You see, I'm haunted by the fear that her luck

is about to run out any day now.

Let me see what I can do.

Thank you, sir, thank you.

Thank you.

Karma !

Just the man I was looking for.

Follow me.

Dr. Aris, I've got to...

I'm going to need your help, Karma.

Instead of sitting around worrying about the dates

of these bloody elections,

I've hatched a little plan of action.

Now, somewhere here...

Somewhere are copies of all Suu's old essays.

There's one she wrote about her father.

Another on Burma under colonialism.

Now, you take a look at these.

See what you can dig out.

We're going to put together an application

for the Nobel committee on Suu's behalf.

That's brilliant.

Yes.

Right.

You get stuck in there and we'll see how we go.

Good.

Good man.

*

"It's not much use my saying to you "be careful,"

"but please be very judicious in everything you do.

"It's all a matter of timing.

"If I have any authority left at all

"as your very loving husband,

"please listen to me.

"Please be as gentle with yourself as I would be

if I were there."

( Kim ) Dad, Dad !

Ta da ! Careful.

Oh, goodness.

Well, well, well.

It looks like Christmas has come early.

*

Kim. Huh ?

For crying out loud, be careful.

All right, Mr. Perfect.

( phone ringing )

Hello ?

Yes.

What ?

Oh dear.

Yes.

I'm sorry.

Lucinda, I'll call you later.

Okay, dear... Bye bye.

Dad ?

That was your Aunt Lucinda on the phone.

I'm sorry to have to tell your grandfather has died.

And I shall have to go to Scotland

to organize the funeral.

My babies.

( shouting )

*

Good morning.

It's time to wake up.

Morning.

Sleep well ?

Now, I don't want you to be frightened,

but this morning we have woken to find the house

surrounded by soldiers.

Perhaps it will all come to nothing,

but in case I am arrested,

I have made arrangements for you both to be sent back to England.

So I want you to know that whatever happens,

you will be well taken care of.

All right ?

Yeah.

*

( soldiers shouting )

( shouting )

Yes, yes, I understand.

But are all the lines to Burma down,

or just this one ?

I see... Just this one.

Thank you.

*

( dogs barking )

Hey, stop.

( speaking in Burmese )

*

While you are in Rangoon, you are to abide

by the conditions under which your wife has been detained.

No contact with your embassy

or any person engaged in politics.

Is that understood ?

Yes.

Enjoy your stay.

What do you want, chocolate ?

We don't have any.

Boys.

Daddy ?

Where is everyone ?

Mummy is on hunger strike.

On hunger strike ?

Mikey... Mikey.

They arrived early in the morning and arrested

most of my colleagues.

Except for me.

I'm under house arrest.

So I've told them I have no intention of eating

until they take me to join them all in prison.

They cut the phone line...

With a pair of scissors.

I can't tell you how relieved I am

that you are here.

When did you last eat ?

About three days ago.

Four. Three.

Four. Three.

Shh.

Oh, I must say.

There's never a dull moment in this family.

What on earth am I going to do with you ?

*

( man ) Fears are growing about the fate of the British academi

Dr. Michael Aris, who vanished nearly two weeks ago.

He has not been seen since arriving in Rangoon,

to visit his wife Aung San Suu Kyi.

Despite urgent requests from the Foreign Office

for clarification,

the Burmese authorities have so far refused to provide

any information about his well being or whereabouts.

A British embassy official said that their only information...

( speaking Burmese )

Now listen, Suu.

If you die, the boys lose their mother

and your people their best defender.

Can I try something ?

What ?

Sit.

Stand.

I wish to put a proposition to you.

It has been 12 days since my wife has eaten,

( translating into Burmese ) and I must impress upon you

how very rapidly her health is declining.

She is prepared to abandon her hunger strike,

if you will offer her a firm assurance,

that her colleagues will be well treated.

I cannot emphasize enough the grave danger she is in.

She will not survive more than a day or two.

I ask you to consider very carefully,

the public consequences if you fail to act promptly.

*

Madam.

The authorities wish to assure you

that no harm will come to your colleagues.

All right ?

*

( dogs barking )

( playing piano )

It's called music.

Well, this has been one of the most bizarre few weeks

of my entire life.

Thank you, for everything.

I couldn't have got through this without you.

It's going to seem quiet when you're gone.

I know.

I'll continue to play merry hell behind the scenes.

Let's pray this limbo is short lived.

I'll be fine, Mikey.

Please don't worry.

The boys must be your first concern now.

I know, I know.

Go.

Go.

*

( woman ) The Burmese authorities have finally announced

that elections will be held in May.

However, Aung San Suu Kyi has been disqualified

from putting her name forward as an electoral candidate,

on the basis of an obscure law

prohibiting anyone married to a foreigner

from becoming Burmese president.

Yes, yes.

I understand.

Very well.

Goodbye.

That was the most offhand of calls.

Who was it ? The Embassy.

They simply said the boys are no longer eligible

for Burmese citizenship.

They will therefore canceling their passports

with immediate effect.

It beggars belief, really it does.

Well, they've obviously decided keeping the children from Suu

is the most effective way of breaking her spirit.

At least they've finally announced the elections.

Let's wait and see what emerges from that.

Hopefully, hopefully everything is about to be resolved.

Yes, hope.

How we all cling to hope.

( man ) This is a day few people in Burma ever expected to witness.

Across the country there have been remarkable scenes,

as thousands of people excitedly queue

in order to cast their vote

in the first election for 40 years,

and here live is the first estimated tally.

Aung San Suu Kyi, 392 seats.

The Burmese Military, 10 seats.

( cheering )

Oh, my goodness, boys.

What fabulous news.

( woman ) In Burma an extraordinary landslide victory

for Aung San Suu Kyi and her party

the National League for Democracy.

In a country where public gatherings of more than

five people are banned,

The National League of Democracy look set

to be celebrating until well into the night.

Ma Suu, Ma Suu.

Aung San Suu Kyi !

( man ) Aung San Suu Kyi !

Aung San Suu Kyi !

Aung San Suu Kyi !

Aung San Suu Kyi !

Phone !

( phone ringing )

( man ) Aung San Suu Kyi !

( crowd ) Aung San Suu Kyi !

( speaking Burmese )

Hey !

I just want to go and talk to them.

Don't be ridiculous.

I will just go and speak to them.

You're not going to shoot anybody.

( speaking Burmese )

( machine gun firing )

*

( machine gun blasting )

( shouting in Burmese )

Take a seat, Dr. Aris.

Now that the elections are out of the way,

I am pleased to say I have some good news for you.

It seems the authorities are finally willing

to come to an arrangement.

If you were to write a letter to your wife,

encouraging her to come home to Oxford

at her earliest convenience,

they would see no problem in allowing you to fly out.

Hmm.

I see.

Well, since I haven't the slightest intention,

of ever making such a request of my wife,

I shall bid you goodbye.

Those ruthless, conniving bastards.

If they think I'm going to take this lying down,

they've got another thing coming.

Let's go.

*

( man ) Despite their resounding defeat at the polls,

there is still no sign that the Burmese military

will release Aung San Suu Kyi

to take up her elected role as the new Prime Minister.

Instead she remains under lock and key,

while leading members of her party,

the National League of Democracy,

are arrested one by one.

Now the monks have taken to the streets to protest,

and the monasteries are being stormed by soldiers.

( giving orders in Burmese )

( man ) Let me assure you, Dr. Aris,

that behind the scenes we are doing everything possible.

However, it is our point of view that extending

economic sanctions against Burma,

would only play into the hands of Beijing.

They would seize this as an opportunity

to tighten their economic stranglehold on Rangoon.

Now, forgive me, I have a very important meeting to get to,

and I wish you all the best of luck, sir.

( sighing )

*

( phone ringing )

Hello. ( Finnie ) Good morning, Dr. Aris.

Professor Finnie.

How are you ?

I've known better days.

Well, I very much hope I am ringing with news

that will cheer you.

Oh ?

The joy and pride I and our children feel at this moment,

is marked by sadness and continuing apprehension.

I am not sure if the Nobel Peace Prize has ever been given

to someone in a situation of such extreme isolation before.

It has certainly never been given to a woman

in that condition.

Suu is now in the third year of her political detention

at the hands of Burma's military rulers

and we her family,

are denied any contact with her whatsoever,

and know nothing of her condition

except that she is quite alone.

Selfishly I also hope,

that our family's situation will be eased somewha

as a result of this supreme gesture of recognition

for her moral and physical courage,

and that we may at last be allowed to pay her visits again.

We miss her very much.

( man ) From the press conference given by Dr. Michael Aris...

I miss you, too.

You know, one of us is going to have to make a speech

at the actual prize ceremony.

Any takers ?

I think if your mother still has access to a radio,

it would mean a great deal to her if it was one of you.

I'll do it.

Good, good man.

*

( applauding )

( woman ) And now, live from Oslo,

the BBC World Service brings you the Nobel Peace--

( gasping )

I now call upon Michael, Alexander and Kim Aris

to come forward to receive the gold medal and the diploma,

on behalf of their wife and mother,

the Nobel Prize Laureate 1991, Aung San Suu Kyi.

( applauding )

*

( man ) Now it is the turn of the young Alexander Aris,

eldest son of Aung San Suu Kyi

to take to the podium to make a speech.

( Alex ) I stand before you here today--

Alex !

-- to accept on behalf of my mother, Aung San Suu Kyi,

this greatest of prizes,

the Nobel Prize for Peace.

Because circumstances do not permit my mother

to be here in person,

I will do my best to convey the sentiments

I believe she would express.

We must remember that the lonely struggle

taking place in a heavily guarded compound in Rangoon,

is part of the much larger struggle worldwide,

for the emancipation

of the human spirit

from political tyranny

and psychological subjection.

The lessons of the past will not be forgotten

but it is our hope for the future that we celebrate today.

( applauding )

*

( applauding )

Well, those old generals can't cling on

for much longer after this.

It's just a matter of time in my opinion.

Yes, I certainly hope so.

We'll just have to wait and see how things unwind.

The military move in mysterious ways.

Your mother would be very proud of you, young man.

Thank you.

Well done.

Oh, yes, thank you.

Yes.

No, no, no, no, no.

No, no.

Well, why not ?

Okay.

To Suu.

Mum. Mum.

Kim, take off your shoes.

I don't want any mud in the house.

Dinner is at 7:30 tonight, a little later.

Uncle Anthony's coming around.

What's wrong ?

I miss Mum.

*

( chatting in Burmese )

"The art of people is a true mirror of their minds."

A-ha.

Is that a new face I spy ?

What's your name ?

Do you speak English ?

So what's your name ?

Arun.

Arun.

Come here, let me show you something.

It's all right, I won't bite.

Come.

"You may not think about politics,

but politics thinks about you."

Those were my father's words.

Something for you to think about while you stand there.

Your Grace, it's very kind of you

to find the time to see me, thank you.

My dear Michael, there is not a day

when I don't think of Suu.

I wonder what more we could be doing.

I'm rather hoping you bring me good news of some kind.

Well, no, I regret to say

things are moving extremely slowly.

The fact of the matter is that the generals are clearly

indifferent to American and European disapproval.

So without Asia coming on board,

I fail to see how we are going to make much headway.

No time like the present !

Excuse me.

My friend, hello there.

I wish I could have your time for a quick word.

It's nice to see you again.

The Pan-Asiatic Association

has carefully considered your request to join our association.

And on a whole, we are inclined to accept it.

I'm delighted.

We should make a toast.

However, though America and Europe are in many ways

our competitors,

we are nonetheless reliant on their good will.

The democratic process takes time.

It is not something you achieve overnight.

We understand.

That's why we think a gesture from you will be appropriate.

What kind of gesture ?

Ma Suu.

Madam, your restricted residence is at an end.

You are now free to come and go as you please.

*

( phone ringing )

Yes, hello, hello ?

Mikey !

Suu ?

Suu, is that you ? You may not believe this,

but I'm calling you from the British embassy.

I'm free !

What ? Tell the boys

I'm free again.

I can't believe what I'm hearing !

And all my colleagues have been freed, too.

If I get my skates on,

we might even be able to be with you as early as tomorrow.

Yes, tomorrow will be a big day.

Oh, it will be a wonderful day.

And I'm hoping I'll be hosting the first reunion

meeting of the NLD.

One of the happiest days of my life.

Hopefully, it will be tomorrow morning.

I'll call the airport first thing.

With the time difference, it may be the day after,

but we'll see you very soon.

Yes... because Mikey, the fight goes on !

What goes on ?

The fight goes on !

*

Suu !

Suu !

*

I don't think I have seen you looking quite so radiant.

I am so happy you're here.

Hello, mum.

Alexander, oh God !

Where's my little boy gone ?

Kim !

It's so wonderful to see you all here.

( man ) Daw Suu, we need to go.

Hoke ket.

I just need to finish this quickly.

Okay. All right ?

You carry on, you carry on.

*

Dad.

Yes, yes.

There you are.

I've been looking everywhere for you.

Oh, you know me, I'm never very far.

You have no idea how long I've waited

to hold you in my arms again.

Oh, Mikey.

I have to keep pinching myself.

I used to think about you all,

and try to picture what you would be doing,

and often I talked to you.

Sometimes out loud.

You would always be reassuring.

And reminded me of your unwavering love.

Well...

I suppose you know the world is now united

in declaring you a saint ?

I don't care much for that cult of personality,

as you know.

And anyway, a saint is only a sinner

who keeps on trying.

Well, what are your sinful qualities ?

Can you really have forgotten ?

My terrible temper for one.

My impatience for another.

And I'm stubborn.

I know.

Well, I've certainly read some wonderful

descriptions of you.

"The Female Mandela."

"The Star of Burma."

My favorite was on the front page of The Times

before we left London

There was a picture of you, a beautiful picture of you,

and beneath it said, "The Steel Orchid."

Is that how you see me ?

Well, seeing you isn't something I've done

very much of recently.

Michael...

if you should ever wish to be free...

To start again.

I want you to know that I will understand completely.

Look.

I won't deny this prolonged separation

has been very hard,

not just for me, for the boys, too,

but I want to make something clear.

Throughout everything, from the very beginning,

we have always shared a common dream for Burma.

And far from being an obstacle,

I have always considered it to be the very thing

that bound us.

You really must be the most indulgent husband

that ever lived.

Awww !

That was the last time I saw her.

Since then it's been one refusal after another.

I could fill in one of these bloody forms

in my sleep now.

Oh, thank you. You're welcome.

Does Suu know about the diagnosis yet ?

Oh, for Christ's sake, Michael,

you are going to have to tell her.

All in good time, Anthony.

All in good time.

And how exactly are you proposing to break the news ?

*

( phone ringing )

Hello ?

Mikey.

Oh, Suu.

How wonderful.

At last.

What a tonic to hear your voice.

How are you, darling ?

You received my letter then ?

I'm still trying to take it in.

Yes, of course, of course.

Well, the good news is--

The good news is I fully intend to fight it all the way.

And nothing will boost me quite like coming to see you.

And if all goes well with the visa,

and I rather think this might be

the ammunition that could make them relent once and for all,

there is every chance we might be able to see each other

in time for my birthday.

We could celebrate together.

All right.

Yes.

So courage, Suu.

Courage.

Be of good cheer.

Hello... are you still there ?

Yes, I'm still here.

Yes, good.

An old student of mine, a former monk named Karma,

has agreed to accompany me.

Oh, good.

Yes.

Take good care, darling.

All very soon.

It won't be long.

And Suu ? ( phone goes dead )

Suu ? Hello ?

*

Mr. Gordon... Shh.

Suu...

Suu.

Mr. Gordon, we have to explore every conceivable way

of putting pressure on the authorities.

I gather from Anthony that a lobbying campaign

is already well underway.

He just spent the morning in discussions with

both Desmond Tutu and the White House when we talked.

I want to assure you Suu,

none of us has any intention of resting,

until Michael's visa is confirmed.

Thank you.

Yes.

Thank you.

*

( coughing )

No, no, no, no, no.

You are your own worst enemy.

Please, Michael.

I beg you, go back to bed.

It's nearly midnight.

I know, I know.

Ten minutes, Karma, just give me ten minutes.

There is a mountain of unanswered correspondence

to deal with.

It can't wait any longer.

Who'll supervise my students when I'm gone ?

There are people who depend on me.

I can't just be lolling around in bed all day and night.

Please, please.

I'll go back to bed in ten minutes.

You promise ?

I promise.

See you tomorrow.

Good night.

( coughing )

( phone ringing )

Hello ?

Mikey.

Oh, Suu.

How are you ?

Have you heard anything yet ?

Quickly, before they cut the line.

Yes.

I just need to know.

Is there any sign at all that they will let you come ?

Yes.

Any day now.

I promise you.

Not long now.

I've been wondering.

What ?

Should I...

Do you think I should come and see you ?

No, no, no, no, no.

Darling, you are not even to consider it.

We didn't come all this way just to fall

in the final furlong.

We are being helped at the very highest level now.

There's every reason...

( phone goes dead )

Mikey ?

Hi, Dad.

That was your mother.

She said to send you her love.

Madam...

the general has considered your letter very carefully.

And he asked me to inform you that, unfortunately,

the authorities simply do not have the resource

to deal with your husband's medical needs.

No one is asking you to do that.

I understand the Norwegian government

has offered a plane with private equipment.

And the Dalai Lama one of his own doctors

to attend to Michael while he is here.

Of course a wife would wish to be with her husband

at such a time.

I am here to offer you a seat on the next flight home.

You could be with Dr. Aris by this time tomorrow.

But then you would never let me return.

You are free to choose, Madam.

Your husband and children.

Or your country.

Now, what kind of freedom is that ?

*

( airplane roaring )

( Michael coughing )

Another refusal.

And all the while, time slipping through my fingers.

I'm simply not ready to go yet,

do you hear me ?

And what's to become of Kim ?

And Alex ?

Michael, take some deep breaths...

Oh, no. Come on.

No. Come on, come on.

Come on. Bloody...

Oh, God.

I feel like I'm losing my mind.

Michael, please, calm yourself.

Calm yourself.

Hi, Dad.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I'm so sick of being sick.

( phone ringing )

Allo ?

Who's speaking, please ?

I'm the maid, madam.

I'd like to talk to my husband, please.

He had a very bad night

and they decided he'd be more comfortable at the hospice.

They left a number.

His friend, Karma.

Do you want the number ?

Uh, yes.

Yes, please.

( cell phone ringing )

Hello ?

Karma ?

Madam, I'm afraid the news is not good.

Michael is in the hospice now.

He is slipping away very fast.

There must be something more we can do.

There must be something.

They've explored every avenue.

I'm sorry.

( phone going dead ) Hello ?

What-- Karma ?

Hello ?

( phone ringing )

( Kim ) Hello ?

Karma ?

Hi, Mum.

Kim.

He doesn't have much time left.

But I can't.

My hands are tied.

I'm sorry. I know.

But he's dying.

Please, try to understand.

Kim.

It would be the end of everything your father

and I fought for for so long.

( phone going dead ) Hello ?

Kim ?

Kim ?

No.

( crying )

Mum sends her love.

*

Karma ?

Yes ?

You know it's my birthday tomorrow.

Yes, I know.

A fitting time...

for me to take my final bow, I think.

( man ) The husband of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi

has died of cancer on his 53rd birthday.

Dr. Aris, an Oxford University academic,

was prevented from seeing his wife,

with whom he had two sons, for the past three years.

Mikey !

Mikey !

Mikey !

Mikey !

Mikey !

*

( man ) Aung San Suu Kyi !

( crowd ) Aung San Suu Kyi !

Aung San Suu Kyi !

Aung San Suu Kyi !

( man ) Aung San Suu Kyi !

Aung San Suu Kyi !

Aung San Suu Kyi !

Aung San Suu Kyi !

Aung San Suu Kyi !

Aung San Suu Kyi !

( man ) Aung San Suu Kyi !

Aung San Suu Kyi !

( applauding )

*

*