Original subtitles

Tamara, wait!

What did you tell the kids about me?

Just that you have another family.

I don't have another family, Leo. They are my family.

I didn't want you to hurt them even more.

-More than you have? -Valeria.

-Where's Isaac? -You can't just go looking for them.

-Valeria. -Isaac!

-It doesn't matter where Isaac is. -What do you mean, why does it matter?

I've been looking for them for two years! Following you! Here, to a country at war!

I brought them here to get them away from all of your bullshit.

They're happy here.

How can they be happy here without their mom?

They can't even say "Mom" or "Dad" here.

-If you try to take them by force… -Isaac!

…you'll ruin any chance you have of taking them legally.

There will be a trial in Jerusalem.

Yes, I know.

And I will fight for them.

This is our home, and this is what's best for the children.

The High Court will be deciding what's best for the children.

We found them.

NO ONE SAW US LEAVE

Did you ever have an orgasm with me?

Why're you asking me that?

It's what everyone's talking about.

Right? Women's liberation.

Answer me, Valeria.

I understand how angry you are with me.

And trust me, I didn't want you to find out like this.

Leo, would you stop that?

What do we do now?

Well, I think we should stay together until the kids are grown up.

This'll be traumatic for them. After all…

…it's their uncle.

Let's wait until after Tamara's birthday party.

Then we can think about what to do next.

Is that okay?

Are there any spoons left?

-Now it's your turn. -Yummy.

-There you go, Isaac. -All right…

I want to tell you two a secret. It's a big surprise.

Tomorrow we're leaving for Valle del Bravo,

to go to the cabin you love, okay?

It'll be just the three of us going because Mommy has other things to do.

So she can't come.

-Okay. -Okay? Sound good?

Is that all right? It's only for two days, okay?

You'll be back on Sunday.

I'm gonna miss you both so much.

Everything's ready to go.

The kids'll have breakfast, and then we'll leave.

You going somewhere?

Yeah.

I'd like to use the next couple of days

just to think.

You sure you don't want me to come too? I don't mind changing plans.

No, I prefer to be alone with the kids before we, uh…

I'll go and say bye to them.

But why can't you come too?

Because I have too much studying to do.

Mmmwah. All right! Go! Go!

Mommy.

I've never gone away without you.

It's only for two days, okay?

Give me a kiss.

No, we won't need to go to your house after all. She's leaving too.

No idea, probably with your husband.

Well, now you know what he's doing at that medical conference.

Okay, all right.

You'll bring it all here later?

Okay. Yeah.

Thanks.

You'll be a good girl, right? Okay, go on then.

-Be careful, Leo. Drive slowly, please. -Yeah.

Bye, my sweethearts!

I love you! Sit properly!

Tamara, sit properly.

Thank you, I appreciate that, really. Good.

We'll talk later. Bye now.

Sweetheart.

Hello, my sweet boy.

I hate you!

I don't want to see her.

-Isaac. -He doesn't want to see you.

Don't force him.

And you, beautiful?

Look how much you've grown.

You're such a big girl.

Do I have to stay, Leo?

I'd like you to, but it's okay if you don't want to.

You can do whatever you want, Tamara.

Tamara, wait!

Look who's here?

Josefina!

Yeah, Josefina.

-Josefina was with me the whole time. -Mmm.

So I could give her to you when I found you.

I didn't stop looking for you.

Not a single day.

What's that?

That is a little something I promised to give your brother.

His telescope.

Yes.

And this one's a gift for you.

Because I turned seven.

Yes! I know.

You can save it for another day.

That's too many gifts at once, Tamara.

Leo, is it okay if I take this one to Isaac?

Okay, go on.

You can see them as many times as you want until the trial starts.

Yusef can give you the kids' class schedule, their routine, so that

you can organize your visits.

You look different, Leo.

So do you.

Isaac didn't even want to talk to me.

Give him time.

We're coming back every day, and bit by bit, he'll come around.

What if he never forgives me?

Right now, the most important thing is getting ready for the trial.

Is it from the lady who came here?

Did she give it to you?

Who is she?

My mom.

Tamara! Isaac!

Aren't we going to Valle de Bravo?

Yeah, but I just had a better idea.

Why don't we

go on a longer, more exciting trip?

We could visit other countries,

go see the world, eat delicious treats.

I don't want any avocados.

You won't have to eat any avocados, sweetie.

We could get to go on an airplane.

We could go right now.

What about school?

Don't worry about school. I asked them already.

Is Mom coming?

Your mom is going to meet us there.

While we wait for her, maybe we can prepare her a little surprise.

Are we really going up in an airplane?

Yes, an enormous airplane

that will fly across the whole ocean.

-The Atlantic. -Exactly. Yes.

Sound good?

Leo and the kids must be on their way back from Valle right now.

I think you should tell Gabriela too.

They deserve to know.

Gaby?

Leo?

Gaby?

-That's it? -That's it. One suitcase for each of you.

There are clothes, toys, books, everything they'll need.

Okay.

Get them new toys in France when they start asking questions.

Okay, yeah.

Leo. Everything will be all right.

Dad'll be here soon with the plane tickets. Then leave right away.

Yup, yeah.

-I'll miss you so much. -Me too.

-I'll go say bye to the kids. -Okay.

You really like living here, don't you?

Can I braid your hair?

Let's see.

So, can you tell me…

what you remember from Mexico?

Uh… Angelina,

the food that she made and her songs.

You know, Angelina still remembers you too, every day?

And she misses you too, so much.

Do you remember your grandparents?

I think I do.

They're named Moishe and Ana.

Want to see photos?

Okay.

Do you remember this?

It was your birthday. Look how pretty you are.

Who's she?

-Angelina? -Yeah.

Look.

Grandma Ana?

Mm-hm.

And here?

-Grandpa Moishe. -Yes.

We need to go over there, it's the alarm.

Okay, Isaac.

Valeria, you and the kids stay here, I have to go to the men's shelter.

It's only a few hours, a day at most.

You'll be fine, okay? Stay here with your mom and sister.

-Go on now, go. -Isaac, come on.

All right, Tamara.

Come closer, Tamara.

Mommy, I'm really scared.

You're scared, my love?

No, no, don't worry. Don't worry. Nothing will happen to us here.

Isaac.

I want to apologize to you.

I'm so sorry that I was away from you for such a long time.

Forgive me?

You can rest now.

I'll take care of you.

Tamara and Isaac at the beach.

Tamara, Isaac.

How are you?

-You all right? -We're fine.

-Yeah. -You can follow Esther.

Everything's okay. No one died or was injured in the area.

It's all under control, but you're gonna have to leave so we can count residents.

They're not staying here. They're coming with me.

-It's not allowed. -I don't care what's allowed.

-They're coming with me. -You can't take them and you can't stay.

Don't cause more trouble.

Say goodbye and go.

Kids.

I'll see you tomorrow, okay?

I love you.

We have drafted a document detailing the ways

in which Leo put his children at risk.

From his escape from France to his getaway in Italy.

In full awareness that he was being tracked by Interpol.

Also his stay in South Africa.

There's evidence that the children were repeatedly in danger.

But it's also important to talk about his alcoholism.

Leo isn't an alcoholic.

Sometimes he drinks too much, but he's not an alcoholic.

This, by definition, Mrs. Valeria, is an alcoholic.

Leo and Samuel set about, um,

spreading the rumor that you were crazy.

And that you were dangerous for your children.

Now it is your turn to do whatever it takes to recover them.

But that would be stooping to his level.

One more thing, Mrs. Valeria.

I recommend that your partner returns to Mexico.

The judges won't like his presence.

What did they say?

They want me to say Leo is an alcoholic.

But Leo isn't an alcoholic.

The lawyer also said the best thing you can do is go back to Mexico.

What are we doing out here?

I need to tell you something.

What?

Tomorrow I have to go away for a few days.

Where?

Remember when I said your mom didn't want to see you anymore?

I said that in South Africa.

Well, I lied.

The truth is she never stopped looking for you.

What happened was…

I was very angry with her.

How come?

Because she fell in love with someone else.

With who?

Your Uncle Carlos.

Is that why you have to go away tomorrow?

Do you know what a trial is?

When two people both really want the same thing

and they can't reach an agreement,

a group of men get together and they decide which of the two is right.

Your mom wants to be with you.

And so do I.

So, right now, a group of men is getting together,

and they're going to decide what's going to happen with you two.

I don't want to go away.

I want to go live with Mommy.

It's all right.

I just need you to remember one thing.

Once those men have decided,

I will come back.

And it's very important that you know,

no matter what happens…

I love you.

I love you with all my heart.

And that will never change.

Come here.

Mr. Saltzman?

Give him some room, please!

Let us through! Let us through, please!

Moishe.

Come.

Valeria.

I told the children the truth.

Which one?

Your truth?

The truth.

That you never stopped looking for them.

Leo.

I said you're an alcoholic in my testimony.

Yes, I know.

It was the only thing I could do.

And I know you were in the hospital.

That you lost a child with Carlos.

I'm very sorry.

I mean it.

I was waiting for you out front.

No need for that.

Good morning.

In the name of the State of Israel, this court convenes today

to give its verdict in the case presented by Valeria Goldberg

against Leo Saltzman,

in the Goldberg-Saltzman file,

both being Mexican citizens.

It is important to remember that our legal system

is based on justice,

on fairness, and on factual evidence.

Facts speak for themselves.

Since Israel is a country that does not grant extradition,

it is hereby determined that Leo Saltzman,

along with his children, Tamara and Isaac,

shall all return to Mexico by their own means

and allow Mexican courts of law to settle the custody matter.

However, in an effort to minimize any additional trauma

to the children,

they'll be granted permission to stay here in the Ein Tamar kibbutz

until the current school year is complete.

Mr. Saltzman!

Do your children know what is happening between you?

The worst part is over now, honey.

In two months, your children will be with you.

Mr. Saltzman! Do you think you'll get a different decision in Mexico?

Mr. Saltzman! Do you think you'll get a different decision in Mexico?

I managed to delay the children's return

to give us time to make a plan.

Plan what exactly?

You didn't hear what they said back there?

The kids and I have to return to Mexico.

We're going to be judged in Mexico, under Mexican jurisdiction.

Don't talk to me like that.

After all, nothing is decided until we're done with the trial in Mexico.

What hotel are you staying at?

I thought I'd stay with you at the kibbutz.

-I want to see my grandchildren. -I don't want you to.

I don't want you to talk to them.

They have been kept away from all of this and that won't change.

The King David, please.

-My friend. -My friend.

It's so good to see you.

-Welcome back. -Huh. Yeah.

Ah. There they are.

And so, what did you tell them?

That we're going to be a little while in Mexico.

-Okay. -We'll be back soon.

Yes.

I am going to get full custody of the kids.

We'll be back. This is our home.

You know our doors are always open for you, Leo.

-You know this. -Yes.

Travel safe.

-See you soon. -Okay. See you soon.

Tamara, Isaac.

You have to take care of Josefina.

Keep her until I come back.

-Okay? -Okay.

It is coming my way

I cannot hide

Every drop of my sweat

And every hair on my neck

Is starting It's already here

Who'd have thought

That you were gonna be my sadness

Do you remember these drawings?

Who'd have thought

That you're gonna be the calm

That crushes me

Only you and I

Only you and I

I spent the whole day yesterday buying them toys and new clothes.

You won't believe how big the kids got, just enormous.

Something wrong?

Yes. Your parents are downstairs with Elías.

What happened?

They left the kibbutz early, three weeks before school ended.

My people followed them to the airport and saw them board a flight to Mexico.

So they're here now?

Elías went to wait for their flight to arrive

but they didn't come out at the arrivals gate.

It's been 48 hours and we haven't located the children or Leo.

They're not at any of the Saltzman's addresses.

-This can't be happening all over again. -We're going to find them.

They can't be that stupid. The trial's only a few weeks away.

Interpol's put an arrest warrant out for Leo.

Don't worry honey, they have nowhere to run.

Hello?

-I'll be the dragon this time. -No! It's my turn!

Hey.

Hm.

Leave that. I'll finish it. Go take a shower.

How are you?

How do you think?

Dad wanted me to come instead, because he's being followed.

It's better if he stays away for a while.

I got everything. Bread, vegetables, some comics for Isaac even. Bananas.

Tell me if there's anything else. Anything at all. I can come tomorrow too.

What if what I need to get out of here?

I don't know what I'm supposed to tell the kids?

Don't worry. There are only two weeks before the trial starts.

You really don't realize this is over, do you?

Samuel's crazy if he thinks this is how we'll win at trial.

Everything Dad's doing is to make sure you keep your kids.

You're not listening to me. I don't want to keep living like this.

Like a hostage.

-Whose hostage? -Samuel's.

I don't want my kids to live like this either.

Alone, running away.

Hidden away and stuck here.

It's my turn!

Leo, win the trial, and you three will go back to Israel.

Hm?

Hello.

Here's a list of what we need.

I'll go play with them for a while. Take a shower.

Don't break a window.

You'll see. Come give me a hug.

Hello. How's the prettiest girl in the world? And you?

-Hi. -Are you letting her play?

-Yeah! -No, he's not.

He's not? Oh, really?

Tamara.

Yes?

-I'm with a patient. -A man called.

He saw the children going into a house in Las Lomas.

He gave me the address.

It might be a false lead.

Samuel!

Samuel!

Samuel!

Where are the kids?

I haven't known anything for months.

Samuel won't tell me anything. And I stopped asking.

They're our grandchildren.

Galya, our children.

The Samuel I used to know doesn't exist anymore.

Peace be with you.

It's best if you wait in the car until I say it's okay to come in.

-What are you drawing? -Some flowers.

-Flowers. -I'm drawing the bear.

-This one? -Mm-hm.

It's really good.

Don't be afraid.

We're gonna be all right.

I want to see Valeria.

I'll only give the kids to her.

He wants to talk to you.

-Wait for me here? -Sure.

Come here.

That's right.

I already told them they have to go with you.

And that I'll be fine.

And they don't have to worry about anything.

Right?

Their suitcases are there, I packed all their things.

Okay.

Go with your mom.

It's all right.

Go with her.

Everything's gonna be fine.

Come here.

We're going home.

Yeah.

Yeah, let's go.

ISAAC AND TAMARA DIDN'T SEE LEO AGAIN UNTIL 20 YEARS LATER.

VALERIA AND CARLOS WERE TOGETHER FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES

UNTIL CARLOS'S DEATH IN 1997.

TAMARA IS A WRITER.

IN 2020, SHE PUBLISHED THE NOVEL NO ONE SAW US LEAVE,

BASED ON THE JOURNEY THAT KEPT HER AWAY FROM HER MOTHER FOR YEARS.