Original subtitles

The rain never stops.

Where did it come from?

Monsoon season.

No, no.

Cropaceous.

Well, the rain never stops.

Not so long ago, we were praying for it.

Two, three months.

Seems a lifetime.

It's done now, dear.

In a proper hospital.

In a city.

With a thought.

Beginning of December.

Oh, yes.

I'd just come back after a week's leave.

Breakfast in bed, I'd promised myself.

And a whole week of doing nothing.

What happened?

Nothing. I was bored to death.

Wouldn't mind a bit of boredom here.

That one needs an empty mind and a full stomach.

Did you see how much she... Marion did.

All prisoners get the same ration, so no extra for sickbay.

Lucy gave us the beans.

Ten tiny plants that might or might not make it like us.

I'd prefer to bury, bury even on the mainland with the right foodstuffs.

Here.

Oh, look.

First I must give away my veil, and now look at my hem.

I'm a cutting short.

Well, that's much better than it went back in the mud.

Come on.

It will become a dress.

That's awful.

It is... It is unsettling.

Oh, thank you.

But maybe it's good for one to be so exposed.

I may tell you, Sally, that the habit, our uniform, is the only part of a nun

that most people see.

Like when I was pregnant.

I sort of disappeared.

It was most unnerving.

For me, it is a protection.

Well, surely not from us.

So, up with the hem and welcome to the world.

One was always part of the world.

Though sometimes, sometimes I did forget.

Sure you can spare it. What is it you British always say? Fair chance for all?

No, not me, ducky.

If you British were more cooperative with... We might not have had our

cut. I say, your optimism does you credit.

I know. I am the temp's throat.

Aren't we all?

I must admit it is a bit ludicrous.

Well, if it's any comfort, the guards have had their rations cut as well.

Even Yamushi's pretending he's lost his appetite.

Mind you, I don't think he's well.

That's the first good news I've heard in a month. I hope, Christina, you are not

being friendly.

Pardon?

With the enemy.

Intimacy.

Like them, I could mention.

I work in the office, that's all.

Stealing paper for your tanko times.

I'm not that... See, there's another bloody meeting.

There's no need for swearing.

And move on.

I asked you constantly.

Yeah, I can't say I'm exactly over the moon.

It's all right when we first thought of it. But what with hardly any food and

extra work.

If you ask me, it's just another excuse for the goody -goodies to balk us about.

Not to mention our dear sister.

Oh, revolution in the Dutch, right?

I am glad to say that the Fenmyers have never been in the rents. And what is

more, they do not take kindly to being ordered about.

It's my belief that the Ulrich are planning a fuss.

Hello. Hello, hello, hello.

Can't stand the bickering.

Coming like that.

That one mayor is so bloody snob. Yeah, finally made it with the norm. See

leaders, see leaders, and see leaders the other.

This camp.

It's like Dennis used to say.

All generals and no bodies.

Yeah.

Except for the likes of us.

An army marches on its stomach.

So where's Howard?

I'd expect him to live on his own, not let alone work.

There was another death, yes, a bit.

Anyone we know?

Dutch.

Stomach ulcer went septic and... Can't go on. Don't you believe it?

We'll plod away, looking forward to the next of nothings.

We'll parcel here, Nick fight there.

Oh, Dottie, why can't you say nothing?

Have another let's pretend?

This time next year, you'll see, you'll be home.

What home?

No husband, no kids.

This year, I suppose I'll have a sort of family Christmas.

My first, really.

With Dad at the boozer, me mum buggered off, leaving me, me gran and me kid

sister all wee out of ball, I can tell.

There you are.

There I said I'd be.

As always.

That is for me.

Very nice.

About the order of the cattle.

Forced into it, though I might have been, I always thought that I was in

of entertainment.

And I had always thought that it did not include a religious festival. I could

be wrong, of course.

Happens to us all.

Come on, you lot. We haven't got all night. And for heaven's sake, try and...

Show some enthusiasm.

God knows I'm trying to.

Christmas is a province of the church and not of someone who has never once

attended a service.

It is a festival of good fellowship as well.

Let us pray so.

So... To hell with Christmas.

Ah, come on. At least there's something to look forward to.

Out in the real world, perhaps.

It must be out of our mind.

Well, it certainly helps.

Oh, shit!

Right, then. Due to an overwhelming majority, Sylvia and Gretchen have been

voted our cordon bleu cook.

Hooray! With the menu to include Gretchen's pancakes with her special

filling and Sylvia's inimitable marmalade pudding.

Hooray for Sylvia! As to the children's presents, I think we've got that in

hand, but I'm sure the children have got wind of something to remember deadly.

Hush, hush.

And if anyone's interested, I've got a sample peg doll and canoe.

Oh, and if any of you have any last -minute inspirations, oh, please,

share them with the rest of us.

I think that's all.

Oh, now, the day of the concert.

What about after our Christmas dinner?

At least we'd have some strength in. That is unthinkable. What Christmas

If you'd got here on time, you'd know we're saving up our rations.

Oh, is that what they're called?

There's no need to be fatuous.

Please, Miss, what does fatuous mean?

I really must protest at this irreverent attitude. You should be ashamed of

yourselves, all of you.

Considering what we are discussing is the celebration of our blessed Lord's

birthday, a time that should be set aside for prayer and rededication.

What about Big B, then? She's an atheist.

Quiet!

Quiet, everyone, and that does include you, Blanche.

Now, for those of other denominations, there will be the concert.

Devoted to cheap songs and cheaper jokes. That's hardly fair.

As a representative of the church, I must insist that we take a vote on

cancelling it. I can't.

And I think we should have a compromise. Say the carols in the afternoon and

then the concert in the evening when the children are in bed.

Yes. Yes.

Oh, well, it might... It might be a bit, um... Speak up, child.

Oh, sorry.

Well, wouldn't that be a bit exhausting?

And so say all of us.

Blanche!

Please continue.

Just thought it might be, that's all.

Can I make a suggestion?

Oh, we've never stopped you yet.

And you can be sure you'll never will.

What I propose is the concert on Christmas Eve and the carols on

So shall we take a vote on that, please? All those in favour?

Yes.

That's settled, then.

And if anyone hasn't done so, there is still time for them to volunteer their

party piece.

Yes, yes. Well, if there's nothing else... Yes, there is.

As you're well aware, we now have an outbreak of beriberi, for which we're

trying to grow beans.

Veins which contain vitamin B1 and could be a lifesaver.

So I beg everyone, no matter how hungry they may be, not to feel tempted to

acquire them.

As you know, they're the only source of B1 in the area, the only vegetable that

can cure this terrible disease. Indeed, according to the so -called Japanese

medical officer, if we propagate the beans that we have... I think you've got

the point.

Our doctor, she is not the woman

she once was.

Let your passing stool. Don't forget to use the bucket.

Fertiliser. And watch out for livestock.

Do you have to?

Someone has to cope with the basics.

Why not?

It is hardly the place for night that is.

You're all of a piece, aren't you?

What's that?

Oh, not a very pretty sight.

But then you should come out on the work parties sometimes.

Creepy crawlies, wee hairy monsters.

And I'm not referring to the nicks either.

Insects.

I wonder.

Where's the worker?

Isn't I keen?

What is inside the bucket?

Bugs, commandant.

Bugs?

That's right.

Fertilizer for our beans.

You may go.

That'll teach him to ask stupid questions.

Dr. Mason!

I've got the livestock.

There's no need to tell the world.

You can get on with it. Of course.

Oh, and guess what?

volunteers for the concert. Step this way. Must be them. Must be.

Come on, come on.

I can't wait to see their faces. Won't you tell them?

Mind, it was too far away to see anyone, clearly.

Oh, we wanted to tell you. Never mind, Debbie, it's the news that counts. And

you're sure they were natives? No, no, they were definitely white. Sitting out

the back of a truck. Did you hear them speak?

Too far away.

So they could have been Dutch. They could have been ours.

Oh, to think Peter might have been there.

Maybe I saw him and I didn't even know. Sally, try not to raise your hopes too

high. No, of course not.

I've just heard from the Dutch.

I'm so pleased for all of you. Oh, Sally.

I've lived a red cross. They should have insisted on getting news of these

prisoners through to us. I'm sure they tried.

I've just had a thought. Has anyone told Kate?

Who knows how Tom might be there?

The haves and the have -nots.

Mind, they don't know.

They can hope.

I suppose I'm lucky.

Never having had an oar.

At least, not because you're native.

Christ, he's off again!

That is not how we rehearsed it. Now, once more from the beginning, and pay

attention.

We are the little goody -goody.

Eh?

Hard at it, as usual.

Not to mention, we're up the issue.

They're not the opposition. They're just another part of the festivities. And it

is better than doing nothing.

Like some I could mention.

Oh, yes.

One little bit of power and you are all the same, you pompous cow.

So that's why you got sloppy at the meeting? That's right.

It's bad enough with the nips running us without you lot having a go too.

But that's all you've got to say.

I think I'm going to get on.

You and me both.

All right.

Our work partner saw some men this morning.

White.

Maybe even Bernard.

So aren't you the lucky one?

Blanche! Come back!

The sick list, Commandant.

And Mrs. Jefferson requests an interview.

Interview? Mrs. Jefferson wants to see you.

Ah. Thank you, Commandant.

Malaria, dysentery, injuries, very, very tumor.

Let us hope the beans will make a cure.

It was very kind of you to give them.

It is Imperial Japanese armies that is kind. Our Emperor... Doing the Lambert

Walk. Aye!

Forgive me, Commandant.

The prisoners, they are practicing for the Christmas concert.

At their work, of course.

In Japan, also much laughter.

It is not forbidden.

You'll find us all doing the Lambert Walk.

Aye! What is this Lambert Walk?

Walk? Fun?

London's a place in the poor part of London.

So what is this oil?

Well, just fun.

Fun? It is common, and much too common for our concert, if I may say so. You

not. What are you going to the life of with? Being in the choir?

I perform solo.

I might have guessed.

Although I sing very well, I also have a supreme talent for doing tricks.

Oh, really?

My ayatollah.

Legs of the nations.

Opna. And eggs from behind ears.

We will be popular.

Oh.

Are you all right?

My legs are not quite over.

I thought you were walking rather heavily.

Are you surprised when I'm always given the heaviest buckets?

Oh, I can't have too much.

Oh, damn.

I've forgotten.

Ten years, that's what I've given to be son of this place.

Damn, this is mighty.

I'll give it for a proper smoke.

Oh, lost your touch with the guards, have you?

No, I haven't.

I haven't received a cigarette from Russians yet, that's all. Well, that's

story. Hey.

Sorry.

Sylvia, how do you feel like swelling the course?

Perhaps not.

Oh, I'd only known what I was taking on. You'd have done what I did. I'm not

that irresponsible.

All of a sudden.

I have nine.

No one's off to see.

Oh, that reminds me.

Mrs. Metro -Goldwyn has a talent for tricks.

Tell us something new.

Oh, no, but these are magic tricks.

I'm not joking.

Oh, blush.

I knew she was a witch. I just knew it.

No, go with your mum. She is bastard.

Just when I decided to slip a note in the prison asking if Tom was there.

I don't know too much, Joyce. Funny thing, but he looked jolly put out. Or

rather... shifty.

It was a bit odd. He wouldn't even look me in the eye. He just shouted. He was

much too busy to send presents to the men's camp and offered me these.

Here, for the children.

Marion, I'm sure something's going on. Extra calls on the field telephone and

then there is this map.

Of the island?

I think so.

But every time I get close, they roll it up.

I'm planning something extra for Christmas.

I wouldn't bank on it. And yesterday,

I think I overheard something about an extra journey for the truck.

Oh, gosh.

Gosh, what?

No, it can't be. No, it can't possibly be. Oh, look, come on. Make up your

What? They're planning to bring the men here for a visit.

Oh, why the truck?

Because it'll all be clean and dressed.

Net propaganda.

Exactly. Even so, I don't think they'd put themselves out that much. Yes, it is

Christmas. And, you know, I remember Daddy telling me once about when he was

the trenches in France.

First World War.

The ceasefire.

Everyone meeting in no man's land.

And exchanging presents.

It would be the best present of all.

Jade? Come on. It's part of her sickness.

Berry Berry has that effect on some people.

Beatrice. What do you say I'm busy?

Only a moment.

Get on with it.

I want you to borrow the scissor for a minute.

It's to do the hair of my red doll. No, you cannot. And don't bother me with

trivialities. It's not trivial. It's for the children.

In case you're unaware of it, haven't had much fun. My God. They need

We all need something. Yes. Like medicines and anesthetics and morphine,

mention food.

Tell me something.

Look at that.

It's not just rice there, you know, it's protein.

It's cooked insects and maggots and anything else I've managed to lay my

on.

I think the doctor would like some tea.

Yes, of course.

Leave me alone.

Here, I'll have a try.

Now, for the last time, you'll stay like that if you don't attend. Now, have a

care. One, two.

It's too dry.

Eh? The leaf is too dry.

I was not always a nun, you know.

You smoked?

No, but my father did and my brothers.

The guards have still not received their cigarettes?

No.

Only a little tobacco, which they're keeping for themselves.

Much good it'll do them without the fag papers.

They have no papers?

No, not even in the parcels.

Our parcels? Red Cross?

right? And before you run to the commandant, most of the stuff's gone.

We don't fancy they've hidden to sell in the village.

What kind of things?

Tea, things of cocoa, yeast tablets, stuff.

Makes me sick.

It would be good to have such things.

Don't think I haven't tried.

Now that we're starving, we know they can get anything for a bowl of rice.

shock you. Oh, my dear.

Nothing is forever.

Death is.

Your little Violet.

She might have suffered terribly. There are worse things than death.

Yeah, life.

If it's any comfort.

I too was once as despairing as you.

Still am sometimes.

They are very beautiful flowers.

All flowers are.

I

beg

your pardon.

No, it is nothing.

Something to do with us. But everything will do with us. Yes, only a prisoner.

No, Smith.

Into line, quick.

Hurry, prisoners into line.

It is very, very easy, not?

A bad mayor cannot be lied to.

Might be.

Tenko! Doctor, Tenko!

I don't understand.

What's going on?

I don't know, but it all looks very official.

Isn't that the vote?

You have now been in camp ten months.

You have learned to obedience of prisoners and of first -class women.

Discipline is good.

War is well.

Enemy free before superior Japan forces. Oh, don't get on with it.

Prisoners, we now move to a new camp.

Oh, no.

One of our conquerors.

Moved very thick by truck.

Another thing. Carried by prisoner.

Can't bear it. You march to New Camp.

Morning. Day after tomorrow.

Walking fast.

We shouldn't have told them so soon.

What does it matter?

So much for growing beans.

It's a new camp. We never know.

It might be much better.

Those who arrive alive.

Bigger. More organised.

And then again, it might not.

Now, just think. For the first time, we'll all be going outside.

We'll have a long walk to somewhere new.

Make some flowers.

And perhaps some fruit. We might be allowed to pick some.

And when we get there, there'll be lots of new friends to play with.

That's right, isn't it?

I expect so.

Just think of that long.

And that's about all we can do.

So, head covering for everyone.

All sandals to be repaired.

Water to be carried in whatever containers you can find.

And the strongest women to carry the stretchers.

Any questions?

What about food?

I'm sure there would be some. However, I think we ought to take our saved -up

ration. Oh, no, please. Can't we still have our Christmas dinner?

She has a point.

The children will be so looking forward to it. It would be unforgivable to

disappoint them.

If we had it tomorrow evening, we'd be stronger for the journey.

There is that, I suppose.

Well, what do you all feel?

We should take him along.

Oh, shut up. Let him have his dinner, eh? What does everyone think? In which

case, Christmas dinner it is.

Why don't we do the lot?

Give him something really to remember, including the concert.

Oh, we can't. We're not ready. You're right. Have you seen the call?

It doesn't matter what we're like. It's the occasion that counts.

I'll put him right to a penny worth, just to try it can be done. Oh, about

too. Well, I'm quite sure we'll all do our very best.

After all, who knows what lies ahead?

In the circumstances, I think we should give the children all the joy of which

we are capable, including the concert.

And now, I suggest we pray for the gift of fortitude.

How clever of you, Mrs. Harris, to keep this Bible by her when the search was

on.

I am afflicted very much.

Quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.

The wicked have laid a snare for thee, yet I erred not from thy precepts.

Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage forever, for they are the

of my heart.

Even until the end.

Amen.

Amen.

So if you are agreeable, we would like permission, Commandant,

to celebrate Christmas this evening.

Saving the children's presents until we leave.

It will keep them occupied on the journey.

And our red tablecloth, might we borrow it back?

I know we may not send presents to the men's camp, but it would mean so much to

us if we knew if any of our relatives are there before we go.

Your husband, he was in Singapore, yes?

I don't think he's there.

But it's for the others that I ask.

Ah, like a good leader, we must think of one's men.

One's women.

I will try.

Thank you.

Thank you, Commandant.

You will give me the names.

There will be no camp work today.

Prisoners, go.

We don't know.

If he's telling the truth, there is another country.

Tomorrow could be our last day anyway.

When I decide to muck in, mucking is what I'll do. Okay.

I don't think that's possible. Not a word I understand.

But your legs.

Are swollen.

I can do magic in any position, even sitting down.

Much the silver implies it. My brains are not in my ankles.

How is she? I am not deaf, besides what does she know.

Very little.

I shall perform at the concert, come what may.

You can do your worst.

I would not dare.

You may not know this, Nellie, but an ancestor of my husband lost the whole

battle. He was so determined, he failed to notice it.

My dear, the beans are not yet grown.

Anything's better than nothing.

No peeping, you little rascals. I can see you.

Shall I take the pictures down?

No, I will do that.

May I ask you a question?

Will you be coming with us?

I do not know.

I wait for my orders.

You may join your friends.

Thank you, Commandant.

Have you not forgotten something?

Your paper.

Take it and go.

Welcome to my feast.

Christmas dinner.

I have my public to think of.

Put it down there.

I have a new extra for the performance.

No less than I deserve.

I must

congratulate you on that make -up you've got.

Poor old van there.

It was the least I could do.

And congrats to you, by the way, for the pudding.

It ought to be painted.

Ash Burton's marmalade pudding. It certainly has a ring. Make your fortune

we get back home, Ed.

You stay.

There are ten bottles of yeast tablets.

Do you hear me? Ten bottles.

Vitamin B, Beatrice.

The guards did not have cigarette paper.

The fine papers of the Bible were most acceptable.

Cut to the proper size, the guards could not tell the difference.

No need for that.

There is work to do, an example to be set.

I shall expect you in your right mind tomorrow.

special surprise, a song that you have never heard before.

There's a lot of noise out there.

My dog's got no nose.

Your dog's got no nose. My dog's got no nose.

How does he smell?

I'll give ten years a bit out of it.

I'm not so sure now.

All right for the youngster.

I'm too old for this kind of paper.

Not you.

I'm thinking.

This time last year, my brother and I in a yacht club.

How he enjoyed his horses' necks.

Did anything happen?

Nice knowing you.

The list of men, Christmas!

It's outside the cookhouse.

Bernard. He's alive.

Bernard's alive.

My dad is a prisoner. He's not dead.

Oh, God.

They might build another camp.

Maybe they forgot his name. You know what the Japs are like. Yes, I do.

You wanted to see me, Mrs. Jefferson?

Yes, Commandant.

The prisoners would like to know if that's the complete list.

It is.

There is much sorrow.

It is sometimes better not to know.

Commandant, how far will we be going? It will be good for children to see birds.

Many flowers of special interest also.

You are thinking it will be good to go outside the compound.

You have been here for ten months.

We'd like to know where we're going. Within compound, all are prisoners.

Those who are guarded and those who guard.

It is the same outside.

All world is compound.

Just less noticeable.

It is still so.

Goodbye, Prisoner Jefferson.

Goodbye.

Commandant Yamaguchi.

Sister Maria has put a bucket of water in the lorry.

Remember what it looked like before we built it?

It's been so long ago.

So many faces gone.

So full of ghosts.

Will they ever know?

Who?

Who will ever know?

People who come after.

One could say that of anyone.

We all, my dear Beatrice, stand on the shoulders of the dead.

What they have given us, what they have done.

That's not a good that does us here.

Remember, if you are obedient...

Your conquerors will be good to you.

And you will be happy.

Imperial Japanese army is fair and wise.

May you travel well.

We can do this, baby!

Well, my dear, shall we go? Why not?