Original subtitles

When we scrutinize, with gratitude...

the highly satisfactory condition of the country's finances...

and We recognize that Our present wealth derives...

from the fruits yielded up by Our property in the East Indies...

We do not hold lightly Our calling...

to further the well-being of these Our colonial possessions.

The sacrifices needed of Us to maintain Our authority over them...

We will not make grudgingly.

Address from the Throne by William III, King of the Netherlands.

Damn.

Blast.

Look where you're going, you clod.

Fusilier. Pick up that rifle.

Shut up, Golliwog.

Get that cleaned.

Now watch your step.

No more nonsense now.

Get a move on, Pantang.

Come on, Pantang.

Hurry Sa�djah. Father is waiting. - Yes, Mother.

Want some? There is enough.

Pantang is the most beautiful buffalo in the village.

They say he can't plough straight.

But he is double-crowned.

Does he have magic powers?

I made this for you myself.

It's beautiful. Very beautiful.

All quiet? - We're seeing to that.

Morning. Busy? - It's the coffee harvest time.

There goes a small fortune, you mogul. - Poor beggar.

Goodbye. - See you.

Are you afraid of the soldiers? - No, Father.

No need to be.

Look at your brother. He's not afraid.

A tiger.

Sa�djah, hurry.

Sa�djah, run quickly. Run.

There was a tiger. But Pantang killed him.

Sa�djah, what happened?

Suddenly there was a tiger.

But Pantang killed him. There you are: he's double-crowned.

I'll use the best herbs to cure you.

Call him King of the Sawahs.

No, Hero is a better name. That sounds much better.

The Regent is displeased.

You have not paid him tribute.

The tribute he is due.

All we have is chickens and rice.

Chickens? Rice?

You call that a tribute?

Do you mean to insult the Regent?

Your Highness, we have nothing else.

We have no money.

Is that so?

What about that animal?

Your Highness, without my buffalo...

I cannot plough the sawahs.

Do you want to make the Regent ashamed of his subjects?

Hand over that buffalo. And quickly.

Sa�djah.

Come back, Pantang. Come back. Come back.

God...

in His infinite wisdom...

has granted to a country...

small in size...

but mighty in the knowledge of God...

power over the inhabitants of those far-away lands...

that they may be saved by the Holy Gospel.

That they may be saved...

from the torments of Hell.

Dear brethren...

Let me list our obligations...

towards the millions and millions of God's lost sheep...

who dwell on the islands in the Indian Ocean.

In the first place...

we must give generously to the Missionary Societies.

We must contribute to the Bible Fellowships...

that they may distribute Bibles on Java.

And thirdly...

we must compose sermons and songs...

which our soldiers and sailors...

can recite to the people of Java.

Because, beloved brethren...

God is a God of love.

And that is why Holland was chosen...

to save those poor souls from damnation.

What is it you want?

I took you for a former schoolmate.

Coffee.

I am a coffee broker.

Last.

I've made a mistake. Last wasn't the name.

Beg pardon. The name is Drystubble. Batavus Drystubble.

Last & Co is the name of the firm. Coffee Brokers.

Drystubble. Don't you recognize me?

Look closely.

We were at school together.

I once rescued you from a fight at the fun fair.

I don't believe so. - Of course it's true.

I'm Havelaar. Max Havelaar.

Yes, I see...

What time is it? I must get to the Bourse. I mean, home.

I have no watch... nowadays.

Oh, I see. Farewell.

I've been in the East Indies. I'm married and I have children.

I cannot give my wife and children what they need.

Give it to me, darling.

So I wanted to ask you something. I've been writing since I was a boy.

Every day. Essays, poetry.

It's worth reading what I write.

I want to be read.

But I can't afford to pay for the printing.

So that's why...

Would you stand surety for me with a publisher?

Me? A book?

You may choose which essays you like.

All that nonsense... Poetry...

Coffee. It's also about coffee.

Bastiaans, take this.

I'll see what I can do. About coffee?

Good old Drystubble. I knew you would help me.

If you let me go, I can start reading. - Of course.

I'll call on you in a few days.

So there you are? How was the sermon?

Hello, Papa.

You smell all fresh from the cold.

I'm thinking of publishing a book...

Writing a book. About the coffee culture.

But Batavus...

Go away. Go away.

I've collected facts that are important for coffee brokers.

What concerns coffee brokers, could concern shipping firms.

The Merchant Navy, the Ministry of Finance.

Pastry cooks, wholesalers, butchers, parsons.

And shareholders of the Dutch Trading Society. Everyone in fact.

And why not... the King.

Yes, the King especially.

Batavus, how clumsy you are. Look at it. All over the floor.

'On the Unnaturalness of Schools'. I want to read this, Papa.

What a strange title: 'On Chastity as an Invention'.

And this: 'On the Immorality of Marriage'.

That's not suitable for little girls. Go upstairs, to bed.

But I'm helping you. - Go upstairs, Marie.

'On the Right to Revolt against Oppression'.

'On Pedantry'. For you, Papa.

'On Slavery in Europe'.

'On the Beauty of the Women of N�mes and Arles'.

'On Parental Authority'. - That's not suitable for you.

'On Prostitution in Marriage'.

On prostitution in marriage?

I'm not reading such filth. I don't want to have it in the house.

Such filth.

'On Coffee-growing in Menado'.

'On the Price of Java Coffee'.

'On the crimes of the Europeans outside Europe'.

'On the Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Society'.

You ask too much from your people.

Too many taxes.

Too many buffaloes.

Too much work.

Do I ask more from my people...

than the Dutch do?

The people work for me. That is true.

But for you they build prisons.

And they construct roads for you.

They work in the coffee plantations.

And in your sugar plantations. And what do they get for it?

They get nothing at all from the Dutch.

That's different.

Of course it is.

I am warning you.

They're from Batavia.

They are on tour now...

and they would like to perform for Your Excellency.

I am honoured that you, who is called my "younger brother"...

should take such pains to entertain me.

My son-in-law knew they were here on their tour.

It was his idea to have them perform here.

Beautiful. Very beautiful.

Would Your Excellency like to see some more?

Or would you like to compliment one of them after the meal?

Alone. - Me?

Me alone? - Yes.

No.

No, really.

The girls will be too tired.

They're too tired.

Tuan.

Tuan.

Pierre. Pierre.

What's the matter?

What's wrong?

Did it come on suddenly, Madam?

Were you there when it started?

No, he was dining with the Regent.

He had matters of importance to discuss.

He was ill when he came home.

Come in.

I heard Slotering has been taken ill.

Come, Duclari. Not so serious.

Well, doctor?

It's very serious. I had warned your husband earlier.

What for? - His liver. It's a serious case.

Call your children in.

Damn nuisance.

Terrible.

Calm down.

The papers. - It's all right.

The papers...

The papers.

Calm down.

Hold him down. He mustn't get out of bed.

The papers... - Calm now, Sir.

Hold him.

For God's sake.

Doctor, give him something. Laudanum. Opium.

How could he swallow it?

Sir. Mr Slotering.

Doctor.

Oh, God.

Fetch some water. The Tuan must be washed.

Our condolences, madam.

What did he die of? - His liver.

An acute liver abscess.

That's not true.

He's had a diseased liver for years.

That's what you say. - Exactly.

And that's what I'll write down in my report.

You went riding with him only yesterday.

You're the boss now. - Yes, it's tiresome.

Yes, come and join the party.

There's enough for everybody.

Everybody.

His Lordship doesn't fancy it.

But you do, right?

Sweet tooth.

Fall into line.

Present arms.

Thank you, lieutenant.

Good morning, Your Excellency.

Had a nice stroll?

Splendid.

Like every morning.

I shall miss it.

Coffee may be served now.

Anything special today?

The Trading Society pushed it through.

Corrections from the Auditor's Office.

And then... the Assistant-Resident of Lebak died a week ago.

Oh dear. Just suddenly?

Acute liver abscess. There you are, the doctor's certificate.

Tragic, isn't it?

Did he have any family? - Just a native wife.

Sad for her five children.

And a sixth on the way.

This forces us to find a successor.

Any suggestions, gentlemen?

No, go on, De Waal. Go on.

I think Your Excellency should consider appointing Havelaar.

He's an extremely able civil servant.

He has been 13 years in the service and occupied responsible posts.

And he is related to Mr De Waal. - That's beside the point.

He was not trained for internal government.

Lebak is a difficult, poor spot.

Havelaar is due for promotion. - Not Lebak. He doesn't belong there.

He is not a proper official.

And he doesn't keep his distance from the black riff-raff.

I don't think we agree on the matter, Mr Hendrickx.

Horrible beasts.

They're fighting over the garbage.

Shall I shoot at them? You can watch them eat each other.

No, don't do it, Max.

Poor creatures. It wouldn't amuse me.

Papa, can we go and play?

With the dog.

Look.

One, two...

Bring it here. Good dog.

Your turn. Get the ball.

Papa, my turn. - Yes, throw the ball.

What are you doing? Watch it. - Hold him back.

He's going to drown.

My little dog...

Don't cry darling. He can swim. He'll swim until he reaches land.

You mustn't lie. - Max, what are you doing?

Max, don't be silly. Take care.

The sharks.

Captain.

Help. Help. Hurry up.

Help. Get my husband back. Hurry up.

Change tack. Turn.

Hurry.

Hurry up.

We can't go faster. - We won't make it.

Do something. Turn the boat.

He's got it.

Pull. Pull.

Why do you do things like that? It's irresponsible.

Darling, all's well that ends well. - You were just showing off.

Look how happy Maxie is. - The sharks could have killed you.

Me? Dead? No.

I have too much to do in the Indies. I have an important mission.

Yes, but do the sharks know that?

Here. Share this among your men. They deserve it. They helped a lot.

What are you giving? We can't afford that much.

For my life?

Have you seen her before?

They all look the same to me. - You're not using your eyes.

Can you do nothing right, you monkeys? Hurry up a bit.

Goddammit. A whole bale of coffee down the bloody drain.

Lazy monkeys. Clear off, you sod.

Sweep the coffee up into the bag and sew it up again.

Fetch a basket. Sweep up the coffee.

Listen. Look at me.

Listen, all of you. And look at me, for Christ's sake.

That bale is now worth only half as much.

You'll have to pay me the difference.

Everybody has to pay. Each of you.

Do you understand?

Yes?

Get on with your job and quickly.

That'll teach them.

Nothing would go right in this country if it weren't for us.

They're like children. No sense of responsibility.

Boy. Fill me up.

Mr Havelaar.

Thanks a lot.

Sir is inspecting.

Sir...

Well, well. Look at that.

Now, now.

You're not her sort, see?

Too slippery.

Who does that bitch think she is? The effrontery.

She's not making a fool of me.

How could you do that, Sir?

Us whites should stick together. - That's right.

We must stick together. But you're humiliating me...

in front of those... brown monkeys.

Don't ever say that again.

Bastard. Traitor. - Tut tut, lieutenant.

Surely you won't fight in front of them?

Monkey-lover.

You want to settle this as gentlemen? Fine. The European way.

When and where you like.

You know the rules. Where are your seconds?

I didn't want to wake them at this ungodly hour...

just because two clods don't know how to behave towards the locals.

Well?

Come on. Don't you dare?

The rules are as follows.

The first who wounds his opponent and draws blood...

will know that his opponent considers the matter as settled.

Ready?

Go.

Not been to the barber lately, lieutenant?

Let me help you.

Lieutenant.

Hush. I'll help you. Is it bad?

Sit down. Stay calm.

Doctor, quick.

Take it easy. Keep calm.

The doctor will help you. Hush, hush.

Quiet. Keep calm.

Stay calm. It's getting less already.

Help me, Tuan. Help me. I've been treated unjustly, Tuan.

Silence. Are you out of your minds? Each one in turn.

I'm sorry I'm late.

Late?

I've sorted them all out.

Grievances, tax cases.

Police matters, transactions and excise.

Tuan, I've come to seek justice. Justice for my child.

You have always been just. I come to seek justice for my child.

Tine.

Max, what's happened? You're hurt.

Let me... - Pussy, nothing's the matter.

Look, read this.

Read it.

From the Governor-General.

What does it say?

I've been promoted.

Max, I knew my brother-in-law would put in a good word.

You could be wrong. The Governor doesn't believe in nepotism.

Of course not. Where are we going? - Java.

Lebak.

A poor region.

Poverty-stricken.

There is no trade.

No agriculture.

There's nothing. - That's why.

We'll have only your salary, no bonus from the Trading Society.

We may have to live frugally for a year or two.

But why do you think he picked me? - It's the system. It is your turn.

Lebak is the trickiest posting on Java. This is a test.

If I manage to put things right there, all doors will open to me.

The Council of the Indies.

And eventually Governor-General.

Do you think so? - Absolutely.

And think what I can do then.

No, I've been selected.

The Governor has great things in mind for me.

You'll see.

Present... arms.

My Napoleon...

Good to see you again.

Glad to have you back on Java.

Ladies and gentlemen.

The Governor-General.

This way.

Our brother-in-law.

How are you? Pleased to see you before you travel to Lebak.

How are you?

My wife would like to meet you. Would you follow me?

Allow me to introduce Mrs Havelaar.

Mr Havelaar, the new Assistant-Resident of Lebak.

Lost your way? Go downstairs. The commandant will show you.

Commandant? - That way, Mr Havelaar.

Splendid, isn't it?

Splendid.

That's what I'll miss most of all.

The garden.

Indeed.

Fascinating.

This is very kind of you, but your guests will miss you...

Ah, there are so many more important matters, Mr Havelaar.

Care for a walk?

If it's not too tiring for you.

So you are poor Slotering's successor.

Tragic case.

So young.

And his poor children. - And then his wife, a native.

You seem to be on good terms with the natives.

I try to be just. That isn't always appreciated.

But I can't change the way in which I serve.

Yes, yes...

I respect that.

It's not right that Europe gets all the profit and the natives nothing.

They are people just like us.

With the same abilities and the same destination.

We're not the only ones to blame.

Their own Regents are guilty, too.

Here, on Java...

there are sometimes famines.

Lebak is a difficult posting.

You had the Regent of Kendal banished?

I see you've read the reports.

He was exploiting them. That's a pity.

Let's go on.

There remains a lot to be done.

I'll be retiring in a few months' time.

It's a pity that the post road doesn't come as far as this.

Thousands died in the construction. - But the road got there.

A remarkable achievement.

I admire...

...the maker.

We're stuck.

Tuan, the carriage is stuck. - Go get some help over there.

Hey, come this way.

Quickly. This way.

Where are you going?

I saw some refugees. Fifty or so. They went that way, away from Lebak.

That's terrible, Sir. - There are two sides to everything.

People from Lebak are going to another region...

where there's more work.

They're more respected there.

Useful.

A corpse.

A corpse... fancy that.

Murdered.

Isn't it driftwood?

Lt is so peaceful here.

Who'd want to commit murder?

I greet Raden Adhipatti.

Hasn't that lunatic turned up yet?

Where's your uniform?

Are you mad? Havelaar is your boss, not mine.

There they are.

My regards.

I greet Raden Adhipatti.

I am delighted to meet the Resident.

Tuan Havelaar, this is the Regent of Lebak.

Tuan Regent, I am angry with you...

for coming all this way just for me. Taking all that trouble.

I wished to make friends quickly...

with the new Assistant-Resident.

But a man of your rank...

and of your age.

And on horseback, too.

Where duty is concerned I am still swift and strong.

Tuan Adhipatti is very... - There are limits.

Conscientious. - Fine.

You'll come back with us in the coach? - Of course.

After you, Madam.

Pleased to meet you. - It's mutual.

Make room for Raden Adhipatti...

and the Controller.

Is the Regent always so conscientious?

He's a tough old bird and wants to make a good impression.

I've heard many things in his favour.

Are those his relatives? What a lot. - He has to support them all.

We must be considerate with him.

I look forward to us working together. So it's a poor region?

Splendid. - Why splendid?

That means we can do a lot for them. I hope to stay here long.

Come along.

Sir.

This is the Chief of Police.

Max, look.

What a beautiful house. And look at the garden.

Just right for you, being outside.

Shall we go and get ready for taking the oath?

Then I can get back to Serang.

Ceremonial dress required.

I'm very busy, you see.

Come darling. Let's get changed.

Max, it'll look beautiful with the new furniture from Batavia.

But first...

my uniform, for the oath.

Just leave it there.

Mind dear, don't cut yourself.

Thank you.

Good afternoon.

Who are you? - Tine, my uniform.

Are you going to the Regent? To dine?

Will you be alone there?

No, there is a whole party of us. It's an official function.

Oh, that's better.

Madam.

Who are you?

I live on your land.

I am the wife of Mr Slotering.

In the name of His Majesty the King.

The Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies is pleased to announce...

the appointment as Assistant-Resident of Lebak of...

M. Havelaar.

He is to be shown the honour and respect...

which is fitting to his position.

I swear obedience and loyalty...

to His Majesty, the King of the Netherlands.

I shall unquestioningly obey all laws and decisions passed...

and those yet to be passed.

I swear.

And I promise to protect the native population...

from suppression, exploitation, and extortion.

I swear.

So truly help me God Almighty.

Can I go to Papa?

What's the matter, Tuan Demang?

Your son is double-crowned. Only kings' sons are double-crowned.

He is obviously destined to accomplish great things.

I am sorry, Sir. - I am so very busy, Madam.

I am leaving. You will always be welcome at my house.

And we shall keep in touch in writing of course.

Raise your head.

You've worked much too hard today.

It's such a responsibility.

How's Maxie? - Sleeping like a prince.

Like a King's son.

There goes the watchman.

The mosquitoes live by the water in the ravine, behind the rose bushes.

You've already inspected everything? - For Maxie.

Coming?

No.

I've got Slotering's papers on my desk to read.

The papers he was working on when he died.

Don't work too late.

Tuan Raden Djaksa.

You must have something important to tell me...

or you wouldn't have come here at this hour.

You are working on poor Tuan Slotering's papers?

They talk of extortion.

Extortion and murder, committed by the chiefs.

If Tuan so wishes, I can supply witnesses.

What about the Regent?

I appreciate your conscientiousness.

But I don't want to know what happened in the past.

What happens from now on, that is my responsibility.

If any of the chiefs commit errors I shall talk to them.

In Celebes and Sumatra I have put down rebellions...

by the power of my word.

Trust me.

How are Slotering's reports?

It's more serious than I thought.

Tuan Raden Adhipatti, Regent of Bantan-Kidul.

Raden Demang, you who are chief of the district.

Raden Djaksa, you who are chief of police.

All you Radens, Mantries and all you chiefs...

in the department of Bantan-Kidul.

I greet you with joy.

I know...

that many of you are great in wisdom and in goodness of heart.

I hope to add to my knowledge from yours.

I have read much that is good about Bantan-Kidul.

Your people own rice-fields in the valleys...

and sawahs in the mountains.

And you all wish to live in peace.

Yet I have observed that your people live in poverty.

Therefore I am glad that God has sent me...

to an area where there is much work to do.

Other people do not understand why this area lives in poverty.

For we have enough farming land in our country...

and there is no lack of rain.

In many places the soil is soft and fertile...

and only wants one grain of corn to produce a bushel.

Yet we are poor.

But not because God has punished us with calamities.

We cannot say: 'Lt has been God's will.'

Chiefs of Lebak.

Our land is poor...

because we have committed so many errors.

That is why our people are leaving this land...

to seek work in Tjikandi...

Bolang, Krawang and Batavia.

That is why our people have taken to the seas...

and go to the Lampongs in Sumatra.

They fight with Kris, knife and gun.

And they die a miserable death there...

because there is a government in power...

that stamps out rebellions.

That's made them uncomfortable.

They're not drinking tea. - There is an abuse of authority here.

Did you know that the Regent makes people work his sawahs for nothing?

You should have known.

The Regent treats his people as serfs, more than is legally allowed.

Did you know?

Why have you done nothing to stop it?

Nobody told me to.

You're a decent man, Verbrugge.

But you are scared.

The King is just.

But he is far away.

The Governor-General is just, but he is far away.

The Resident is just.

But he, too, is far away.

Who shall punish those who sell the law for gold?

Those who steal the pauper's buffalo?

Those who sell the harvest of the starving?

I would like to live among you on good terms.

Consider me your friend...

I will be merciful to those who have strayed...

for I myself often stray.

But I set my face against negligence.

Extortion and oppression...

I will not even mention.

Such things shall not come about, isn't that right, Tuan Adhipatti?

No, Tuan Assistant-Resident.

These things shall not come about in Lebak.

Well, gentlemen, chiefs of Bantan-Kidul.

Let us rejoice in the poverty of our region.

For it means there is fine work for us to do.

Could I request an advance from Tuan Assistant-Resident...

on the taxes I have not yet received?

Your Highness knows that that is impossible.

Don't be so difficult, Verbrugge. - It's against the regulations.

I'll pay it out of my own pocket.

We'll live a bit more economically.

He had no right to that advance. - Ah, 'right, right'.

The Regent has hundreds of relatives who claim their rights from him.

They eat him out of house and home so he extorts his people.

From necessity.

If we paid the chiefs properly, they wouldn't steal from the poor.

The new Assistant-Resident...

spoke strongly to the chiefs, I heard.

And he warned them.

Just words, fine talk.

Good day.

You are very far from home.

Why aren't you working like the others?

And why carry a dagger among friends?

My buffalo died and I shall barter this Kris for a new buffalo.

It's a beautiful Kris.

An old one.

Is it a sacred heirloom?

Without my buffalo I can't work and then I can't pay my taxes.

Did your buffalo die?

Yes, Tuan.

Recently?

Yes, Tuan.

Before or after my speech to the chiefs of Lebak?

Before. Long before.

Why should I tell the truth?

Nothing ever changes anyway.

Now, look at this.

Real Dutch cauliflower.

To our dinner. With real Dutch cauliflower.

The cauliflower is all we've got. And an omelette for dessert.

We're economising.

A sweet omelette. Do you have sugar or shall I send for some?

I have some. From Mrs Slotering.

A frugal meal. But surely you will supplement it with a story.

Yes, tell us a story, Sir. Tell us a good story.

Do, Max. You do that so well.

Next time you are in France...

go to Arles.

Or N�mes.

Just go to Arles?

We're on Java, Max.

In Lebak. - Six thousand miles away.

Anyway...

In Arles I saw the most beautiful thing I know.

Nothing...

is as beautiful...

as a beautiful woman.

What delights other people, always disappoints me.

Niagara, Schaffhausen, Tondano.

So boring.

Old buildings, sculptures, paintings.

Boring. They stand still. They are dead.

Nature, hunger, thoughts and feelings, they move.

That's why a living, beautiful woman...

is almost the ideal.

It's only Mrs Slotering.

Why is she creeping about?

Strange.

When you've lost your husband and you're expecting a baby...

Pussy, ask her to come and eat here. - I've asked so often.

But she won't eat with us. She's afraid of all other people.

All the women in Arles were beautiful.

All.

But you couldn't fall in love with one...

because the next one would be even more admirable.

You lost your heart in Arles.

For a moment.

Because their features...

had such nobility...

that you felt ashamed you were made of flesh and blood.

That you weren't a spark, or a thought.

But God help us.

Then one of them blew her nose. - Oh, Max, you're spoiling it again.

She had a cold. - Impossible, with such a pretty nose.

Watchman.

Watchman, come quickly.

Watchman, where are you?

Seize that man. There he goes.

Don't let him get away.

Running amok? - Cook is with them.

Nonsense, they'd have run away.

She, afraid of other people?

What's the matter? Don't get so excited.

There was a strange man over there, by the kitchen.

Perhaps a pedlar selling vegetables or chickens.

Perhaps, yes. - No one to be seen, Madam.

That's different from pen-pushing. Isn't it, Verbrugge?

Such peace.

Not a soul about.

Ask where they are, Verbrugge.

Where has everybody gone? - Away, working for the Regent.

Well? - At the Regent's.

Why are these people working here and not in the fields as they should?

The Regent? Has he a right to extra working days?

Put a stop to it, then.

Well?

All right, I'll do it myself.

Wait, Sir, wait. Calm down. Be careful how you treat the Regent.

Why are the people...

Why are so many people employed cutting the grass...

without my permission?

I gave them orders. That is the custom.

Mr Havelaar, your predecessors always allowed it.

You have no right to make them cut the grass in your garden.

That's why their rice fields are neglected.

That is why there is hunger in Lebak.

Send them home, please.

I will, if you insist. But it is too late by now anyway.

If I send them away now they can't work at home any more.

Hadn't I better let them finish the job here?

Send those people away. - Yes, but...

Send them away.

I am waiting here until you do.

Tuan Assistant-Resident has an announcement to make.

It is an important announcement.

Tuan Assistant-Resident says you are not obliged...

to do this work for the Regent.

You may go home.

My turn.

I'm winning. Watch it.

I'm not afraid.

I'm winning anyway.

Now I'll send it flying to the moon.

There.

Are you crying because you're losing?

Come and we'll play another game.

Is Maxie angry because he can't win?

Go and see.

Inah, what's the matter?

What's the matter?

Anything wrong? What is it? - A snake.

Snakes.

And another one. - Quick, hurry up.

Tuan.

Tuan.

All those snakes here. Where have they all come from?

From the ravine, Djaksa.

It's full of weeds there. They feel at home in weeds.

Is Maxie really all right? - When I think about it...

Suppose I offer 25 cents for every dead snake?

We couldn't afford it. Tomorrow they'd bring you a thousand.

You'd better not use the garden anymore.

You'd better stay indoors. And Maxie, too.

You come with me now.

What are all those people doing here?

They've come to tidy up your garden.

But I didn't ask for them.

The Regent sent them.

He heard about the snakes.

I cannot afford to pay them.

I will not take advantage of them.

Let them be sent back home again.

Wrinkles.

Wily old bird, the Regent.

I did right.

Of course.

Good morning, Tuan Regent.

Tuan Regent, it looks as though you are expecting...

a large number of guests.

My nephew, the Regent of Bandung, is bringing a hundred servants.

And the Regent of Tjandjur is coming with his staff...

and an orchestra and dancers.

They have a share in the profits of the coffee.

They are rich.

It wouldn't disturb me if they carried on working.

Not at all. Would it disturb you?

When I was on leave in Holland...

I once treated all the orphans of Amsterdam to a day out.

Costly. That was very costly.

I'd like to help you financially to pay for their visit.

Only in the form of a loan to be paid back later.

All right. It is a loan.

I understand your position. I, too, have relatives to support.

That is costly. Incredibly costly.

No Assistant-Resident has ever spoken to me like this before.

Not ever.

I shall have the money sent.

May I also have sixty men for the grass? That is customary.

You may.

A loan for the Regent.

Indeed, Sir.

I can't let him be without money. - Of course not.

He won't accept a gift.

Only a loan. - Pride, Sir.

His family is living off him.

Poor fellow.

Trying to buy himself out.

Peace cannot be bought.

Go on. Keep trying.

Father, is our buffalo...

Right?

Tuan Demang, what are you doing?

I am buying buffaloes, Tuan.

For money?

Without compulsion? - Of course, Tuan.

Ask anyone and they'll confirm it.

You have all heard...

that I promised to protect you.

Nobody need be afraid to answer this question honestly:

Are you selling your buffaloes freely?

You. You bartered your father's Kris for a buffalo.

Are you also selling your buffalo to the Demang?

Yes, Tuan.

For how much?

Where is the money?

Show me the money.

I don't see any money.

Where is it?

I have no money.

But if the Demang says he will pay. I believe his word of honour.

Anyone not willing to sell his buffalo...

can tell me so now.

This instant.

This instant.

Hurry up. Get undressed. Undress.

Undress.

Hurry up, you dog.

You feel sorry?

For the Regent.

And for the people.

If we paid the Regent more...

the people wouldn't be exploited.

Whatever they say.

How can you stop it?

With gentleness.

Gentleness.

Tuan Djaksa.

Are you alone?

In the night?

In the ravine there are people from Badur.

There are some people in the ravine with grievances.

Be careful.

Where are they?

What have you come for?

The Demang has had all the buffaloes slaughtered.

Why not? He paid for them.

He paid nothing. He just took them, all.

Why haven't more people come to complain?

Because their clothes were taken. That's why they couldn't come.

The buffaloes were slaughtered for the Regent's guests.

Bring them along to testify.

They have to make a statement.

We'll record it all.

Testify?

Against the Demang and the Regent, Tuan?

We are afraid.

There's no need to be afraid.

I promised solemnly that I would protect you.

Nothing can happen to you.

Now, will you testify?

Later, Tuan, if you wish it.

All right. Later.

I will speak to the Regent.

I definitely will.

Gently.

Get off the steps.

I want money for my buffalo.

Here.

What's happening? - He's come about his buffalo.

Good, tea. Coming, Verbrugge? - I'd like to finish this, Sir.

Mrs Slotering.

You'll take a cup of tea with us?

No, Tuan. Really, thank you. It's impossible. I'd rather stay here.

Come along.

Always sitting in the corner.

All you can see here is the kitchen.

Papa.

Come on. It'll be nice.

Pussy, looks good. I've got an appetite.

Do sit down, please.

What's on the table?

I may choose. - Which one do you want?

That one? You shall have it.

With a fork.

I was wondering: Why do you never use our kitchen?

There is room enough. - Please, Tuan Havelaar.

It's so difficult. They're always busy here.

An invitation from the Regent.

He's giving a dinner for his guests.

Ceremonial dress.

You must not go, Tuan.

Why not? Lt is an official dinner.

Do not go, Tuan.

Why not?

They say that you are looking for people to testify against the Regent.

That's gossip. People will talk.

My husband did that, too. You do know, don't you?

Yes, I have read his reports.

He was poisoned by the Demang and the Regent.

He died of a liver abscess. - A liver abscess? Impossible.

He'd been out riding that afternoon.

But that's a very serious matter.

You should have told the Resident.

The Resident and the Regent?

I am afraid of the Regent.

Was Slotering poisoned?

Answer me, Verbrugge.

He would have been poisoned if he had stayed longer.

So it's true that there is corruption in Lebak?

Well?

I daren't...

Then write down that you dare not.

Why daren't you speak up, Verbrugge?

Why so half-hearted?

ls it because you have to support your sisters in Batavia?

Yes.

Write that down, too.

You go in with Babu now.

Pussy, darling.

I'm filing an official complaint against the Regent.

Should you, Max? Can you?

I have evidence. Verbrugge almost admitted it.

Slotering was poisoned because of it. - Poisoned.

Yes. We are in danger as long as the Regent is a free man.

Go with Maxie to Batavia until it is all over.

Then you'll be all alone here.

I won't go, Max.

I refuse.

I share everything with you.

Arles.

Now what do they want? The buffaloes are all gone.

There he goes. Hurry.

To the river.

You go that way, we this way.

On foot now.

Heathens. - There he is.

Spread out.

Someone for the Assistant-Resident. - I'll call him.

Did you come here on your own?

Yes, Tuan.

There was a pool of blood...

They threw him in de river.

Good day, Raden Adhipatti.

Good day.

If I had known that Tuan Resident was coming...

I just dropped in. It is not an official visit.

I came here because I wanted to ask you something.

Tuan Adhipatti...

do you have any grievances against the new Assistant-Resident?

I have nothing against him. I swear it.

Could it be, Tuan...

that you would be pleased with a sum of money?

Put it down here.

Wait.

I'll give you a hand.

That should go there.

Sir.

The Resident from Serang is here. -I know.

Did you know? - Yes, it is important.

Would you come into the office? -Why not here?

It is a service matter, he said.

Sorry, Pussy.

Put it against the wall.

Confidential. Urgent.

Mr Havelaar has requested me to disinter his predecessor's body.

To have the Demang of Parang-Kudjang imprisoned.

And to depose the Regent and keep him here under arrest.

Why did you not discourage your superior...

from sending this letter?

Because... I knew nothing about it.

Come now, an official protest. - Really, I didn't.

Was there no discussion between you? -No Sir, honestly.

I have kept Controller Verbrugge out of this.

Sir.

A sworn statement...

that the doctor found no poison in Mr Slotering's body.

Of course not. It's so subtle that a European can't find it.

If you twist it that way.

What do you accuse the Regent of?

The peasants are forced to work for him for nothing.

Well, that's the local custom.

They'd be ashamed if they didn't. - He kills their cattle without paying.

It makes them happy to help feed his family.

Are they happy as well to be murdered?

That is a grave accusation.

I can prove it.

I have a witness.

Good.

We'll bring him before the Regent. - The witness?

But she'll be...

No, I give my word of honour.

Resident, I have sworn to protect the people.

I am bringing a complaint against the Regent and the Demang.

I'll produce witnesses, but I'm not bringing them before the Regent.

My word of honour means nothing to you?

I request you to withdraw this complaint.

Resident, I will not.

I will not do that.

There once was a man...

who hewed stone from the rock.

It was heavy work.

And he laboured hard.

But his earnings were little.

And he was not satisfied.

And?

What is the Resident going to do?

He will do nothing at all.

It is a now a matter for the Governor-General.

He'll see that I'm right.

I'm convinced he will.

Is it safe?

Biscuits in cans from Batavia. And the sugar is always kept locked.

It's cheap, anyway.

That's how we pay off our debts.

Soon you'll be made Resident.

I don't want to leave Lebak.

It's a sick place.

Has been for years.

But you can also help them if you're Governor-General.

Dear Max.

Damn.

Have they got to starve that long?

Do you know what they're eating? Sand.

Sand.

Could you eat sand?

Sand?

When people say, later on...

that so many mothers died...

and that I was to blame...

you will know what I suffered.

Will he be in his office? - Not at this hour.

Is the Tuan here?

Good morning.

I came to congratulate you on your promotion.

And I add my congratulations.

You mean you didn't know? It was in the paper.

Assistant-Resident in Ngawi. That'll cost you a dinner.

If you'd read the official mail first, before you saw the newspaper...

you would have known that the Resident won the case.

That the Regent is innocent.

And that I'm dismissed with ignominy. - You don't deserve that.

And as a sop they are offering me Ngawi.

Manipulation. Damned manipulation.

Half-heartedness.

Sir.

Sir... I am sorry.

RangkasBitung.

29 March 1856.

To the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies.

I had the honour to receive Your Excellency's letter...

of 23rd of this month, number 54.

I see no other way...

but to reply...

to the document...

by asking your Excellency...

if you would...

discharge me...

honourably...

from the service.

Max Havelaar.

Thank God...

that you can be yourself at last.

That at last, you will be yourself.

Goodbye.

Thank you for everything.

Where are we going?

To Bogor, to the Governor-General's palace.

He is an honest man.

He must have been badly advised.

I shall speak to him.

And he will do the right thing to Lebak.

The Tuan speaks so well. I cannot...

I want to act.

I want to look for my friends.

They are in the Lampongs.

There is a Government in power...

that is stamping out the rebellion.

I have nothing to give them. - They're coming to see you.

Where is Adinda?

Fire.

Steady.

Aim. Fire.

Quick march.

Hey, get off.

Go away. Move.

Do you have permission? - It's in order.

Have you come for an audience? - His Excellency knows all about it.

Your name?

Havelaar.

Show the gentleman in.

Right here.

To the left.

Left here.

De Waal. Thank God you're here.

I thought I'd never get to see him.

Havelaar. What brings you here? - Justice.

I'm seeking justice. I was dismissed. - You resigned.

Yes, yes. But His Excellency will rescind that.

I stood up for the natives. He thinks the same way.

They are people. He said that to me himself.

He has whitlow on his foot. He can't see anyone.

He'll see me. For ten minutes. Half an hour.

He won't even receive the Director of Finances.

But human lives are at stake.

Rebellion. Hunger.

Theft, murder. - He is busy.

In a few hours he'll be leaving for Holland.

Listen.

Listen to me.

Listen to me.

Out here...

thirty million natives...

are being abused...

exploited...

starved and murdered.

And all in your name.

In your name.

Exploited and abused. In your name.

Almighty God, be merciful.

Bless us with abundance

and let Thy shining light

illumine us and make us prosper.

Let everyone who will

learn to walk this earth

along Thy paths or righteousness.

And let the blind heathen

now shut out from God's sight

find salvation in Thee.