Original subtitles

Hey Teddy!

Hey man

How's it going?

International or domestic?

International. I'm going to America

What time do you land?

I think about midday international time. So that's 2pm our time

If I can get a green card I can try and get you a visa and you can join me

Our future will be better

I'm at the airport

Where are you?

OK. See you in there

Crazy. Middle East

Teddy

It's clean enough

Come play cards

Nah

Not for me anymore

Oh come on

You were more fun when you were a mini-van boy

Since owning the taxi you've become boring

Taxi?

Get in. Everyone out

I'm out of here. See you around

Fere!

I've found you. Come quietly

What do you want?

Get away from us

Take a walk

You ran away for this?

I'll give you what you want

Now get in the car

Like last time? Forget it

This is my girl

I'll get you ten girls. But this one is mine

You girls are all the same. I don't need his help to get girls

There's plenty of them around

Get off me! I'll never go back to you

Leave me alone! Let me work

Hey leave it man

It's none of your business boy. Get away from here

Let me go!

Take your hands off her

I'd watch what you say. You don't know who you're talking to

What's going on here?

Nothing. Just a misunderstanding. We were just leaving

No we're not. Get away from me. I'm not leaving with him. I need a taxi

Where do you want to go? I'll take you

Anywhere. Away from him

I think it's time you left

You've made a big mistake kid

It's OK. He's gone. Let's go

Who was that guy?

Someone from my past

Why was he hassling you like that?

He thinks he owns me

He's crazy. What's he doing?

Look, I need to know who I'm dealing with

He's my sort of ex

He was going to arrange for me to get away from this life

Is he dangerous?

I don't know

Maybe

Get down

He's gone

Look, I don't know what trouble you're in

But you're safe now

Are you sure you don't want me to drop you home?

This is fine

Thanks for helping me

Here, take it

Thankyou so much

Give me your number, in case I get into more trouble

My child. It's good to see you

You're becoming a regular in church, it seems

When I saw you in the crowd I felt very happy

Of course Abba. I told you I would

Your mother would be proud

How is your work?

It's going well Abba

I've managed to rent my own house

It's just one room, but at least it's a home

I am happy for you. You're doing well

But you must not let your old ways come back and ruin things

I wont Abba

I promise you

I am so grateful for everything you have done for me

The taxi has changed my life

You must respect what has been given to you

I do Abba

I am a new man

Time is the evidence of that, my child

You will see I have changed. For good

I'm kidding

I have faith in you

Here Abba

Soon enough the taxi will be yours

See you next week

You got here quick

Are you in trouble again?

Not this time

I need to ask you a favour

Can I use your taxi?

I can't spend the night with him

OK. Get in

Don't look at me

Just drive

You can rest here for as long as you need

Ambo water

You're back

I knew you'd come back

I'm not back

I just can't be at home right now

Let me get you a drink

Another glass

I'm not drinking

Too bad

I'll have one for you

You need to lighten up man

Stress will kill you more than this

I'm not stressed Haile

I'm just thinking

Alright, what about then?

It doesn't matter

Just wondering if my past is coming back to me

What? You're not drinking

So you're alright

Not that past

My mother

She can't come back man

She's gone

Forget it. You wouldn't understand

Hold on. Your old friend…

...knows a thing about life

Tell me what's up

Listen Haile

Life was going great

I haven't been drinking or chewing khat for months

I'm renting my own house now

I'm going to own the taxi soon

So, who is she then?

She's like my mother

Listen, I'll tell you something

A woman is a woman

And a mother is a mother

What are you talking about?

Have a drink man

One wont hurt

I don't want one

I've got to get out of here

Life is...

Where shall I drop you?

Anywhere's fine

You've done enough

I'm hungry

If you have time let's have breakfast together

I don't want to eat

Just coffee

Thanks for letting me stay

No worries

I had to help you

Why?

Why are you so nice to me?

I have my reasons

No one ever looks out for me

They just see me as a...

Why do you live this life?

I have no choice

Life is hard

But there's always another way

You're young

You're...

...beautiful

There's always another way, if you try

It's not as easy as that

I hate the work

I hate how people judge the job

But for one split second

I feel expensive and important

That moment makes me feel alive

It might seem easy

But I know how it ends

I want it to end

That's why I want to leave the country. I could earn a fortune abroad

There's more important things in life than money

There is a better way

Is there?

Get out

What? It's that guy

It's Marcos

What's going on?

Get out of my taxi!

What are you doing?

Last chance! Come back

I told you. Never!

Bitch!

What is going on? Why did he do that?

He's getting back at me

It's got nothing to do with me!

I need my taxi back

What am I going to do now?

Don't worry. We'll find a way

That's easy for you to say

I lose everything if I don't get it back

I know it's important to you

Are you joking? It's my life!

It means the same to me as your body does to you

I should never have got involved

You made this happen

It's not my fault. I didn't steal it

How do I know you didn't steal it together?

Listen, I might be desperate

But I'm not a thief

Well you're going to get it back for me

How am I meant to do that?

You're not leaving my sight until I get my taxi back

Why is every man trying to control me?

I don't need you

Just my taxi back. Come on

How can I be sure what you say happened?

You don't have any evidence or witnesses

Do you have a conflict with this man?

Fere is running from him. He's trying to get her back

We need to investigate this man and find sufficient proof

OK inspector. How long will it take?

I desperately need my taxi back

We'll call you in a few days with any progress

But we need to find the evidence

OK. Thankyou

Send Fere in

We're going to find this Marcos guy tomorrow

I'm not going back to him

Listen, you got me into this

So you can get me out of it

I have no power over him

I'm a poor girl, I don't even have a home

I sleep in a different client's house every night

But even that is better than going back to him

You got my taxi stolen and you're not going to help me?

I'm sorry I got you involved

But it wasn't my choice

You don't know what a bastard he is

Well he chased us and stole my taxi. So I have a pretty good idea

That's nothing compared to what he did to me

All I wanted was to get away from this life

One night I was working and he found me

He told me he could get me to Dubai

I knew he was a bad guy but he could have got me away from this

You don't know what kind of time I spent with him

Every night I spent with him was painful

I lost my dignity

Why didn't he send you?

Then none of this would have happened

He wanted me for himself

It was my choice to help you

But I do need my taxi back

At least help me get it back

You need to show me where he lives

Are you going to force me to go back to him?

I wont. I promise

But I can't get it back without you

OK. I'll show you

We'll get it back together

This is it

He can't know I'm here. I'm going to stay here

What?

There's nothing to see here. Get back inside

What do you want?

I need to speak to Marcos

Who are you? Get out of here

It's urgent I speak to him

He's not going to talk to you

He's busy. Get out of here

Get inside. I'll deal with this kid

Little taxi boy. I've been expecting you

Listen Marcos

I don't want any trouble

There's been a misunderstanding

Everything seems clear to me

Fere means nothing to me

I don't even know her

I'm a poor little taxi boy

I just need my taxi back. Please

Whatever the issue is, it's not my problem

You got involved when you interfered in my business

I gave her a better life than the other girls

And she ran away to a taxi boy

The ungrateful bitch

She's not in a relationship with me

You think I want that shit Lada?

It's simple boy

Get her to come back

And you can have the taxi

If you don't want it just give it back

Or I'll get you arrested

Oh really? I don't think so

You think I can't get a girl?

This house is full of them

They all want me

Who is she to refuse me?

She's mine

Bring her back

What can we do now?

I could go back to him?

I can't let that happen

So what else can we do?

If we can find where he's hiding it we can tell the police

Wait. Does he have another house or office?

He has a garage somewhere. He uses it as an office sometimes

But none of us ever went there

Let's follow him

What if he sees us?

Don't worry we'll be careful. You're safe with me

We don't have a car now remember

My friend has a motorbike

We can borrow it

We've been waiting all day

Maybe he's not coming?

We have to wait

I hadn't finished

You have now

Where's he going?

He's recruiting more girls

Take your pick

Enough. That's it

It means that much to them?

They can send money back

And their families can move away from here

It sounds too easy

This must be it

Come on then

Over here! I've found the taxi

Let's get out of here

We found it! We have our evidence

Let's come back tomorrow with the police

You know...

...you remind me of someone

Is she as pretty as me?

She was

Oh sorry. Who was she?

It doesn't matter

This city is changing quickly

But it doesn't work. It's broken

Everywhere's broken

But here in the mountains...

...there's something special

It's old fashioned

I want modern life

Are you sure?

You think modern life will make you happy?

What's going to make me happy in this life?

One more beer

We can't afford it

Maybe old fashioned life...

...isn't so bad

I'm going to wash my hands

What's her name?

Fere is beautiful. She knows how to jump

She catches the proud lion

He's laughing without understanding

My brother, he knows the wax but he doesn't know the gold

Sorry but we have no money. That was wonderful though

No worries

Teddy. I got you covered

What's the price of love?

Love is...today

You never know what you've lost...

...until you got it again

Hurry up. The band have already started

We have to go to the police early tomorrow. You're not tired?

We're celebrating. So I'm not going to be tired

We have to see the sunrise together

I don't like dancing. I want to see you dance

I know the perfect place for right now

It's beautiful up there. Trust me

OK. Let's go

I told you

Very much

That's where I grew up...

...with my mother

I grew up everywhere

What's she like?

She was as pretty as you

Is she the one I remind you of?

More than you can imagine

She died when I was 15

I'm sorry

Growing up without a mother must have been difficult?

It was difficult growing up with her

Why?

She was just like you

I used to come up here...

...when she had a man in the house

We were poor

But she dreamed of being rich

A few years before she died

She left me...

...to work in the Middle East

Who took care of you? What about your father?

Father?

She never knew who my father was

She left me with my Abba at the church

He was more like a parent to me than her

How did she die?

She came back after a year

She was never the same after

She was broken

She lived at the church

You see...

...her work made her sick

She died within a year

How did you deal with that so young?

Abba got me through it

I hated her growing up

So I used to steal money from her

And drink and chew khat

I practically lived on the streets

Abba told me...

...that if I straighten myself out

He could borrow money from the church and buy me a taxi

So he bought the taxi and gave it to me

I have to pay it off in instalments every week

Otherwise he'll take it back

I can't let him down

That's why it means so much to me

So you see...

...I do know how this ends

Don't be like my mother

You can still change

And we have each other now

Yes we do. I want to change

Let's get back to town and get the taxi back

Today is a new day

What do you want?

It's OK

I told you to wait outside

What's going on here?

He says you have his taxi

It was here!

He thinks I have his taxi?

Where is it? It was there!

I don't know what these people are talking about. I'm a decent man

Where have you put it?

What?

The taxi

He's moved it

You assured me you had evidence

It was here. We saw it

Where have you taken it?

When did you see it?

Last night

It was you last night

I heard something

I didn't sleep all night because of that

You should have called me last night

Why did you wait until the morning?

Are you sure you saw it here?

Of course we saw it

You know it was here!

Where's my taxi?

Calm down

The point is he stole it

You can't go around breaking into private property

He's a thief! And a criminal

I'm warning you! Stop that immediately

You're making my job more difficult

Please inspector help us

We saw the taxi here. We know he has it

Enough!

If you don't solve this peacefully I'm going to arrest you

Right that's it!

Are you going to let him try and hit me on my own property?

Now get out!

It's OK. We're leaving

The taxi's gone. It's over

There's nothing we can do

What am I going to do?

We're in this together remember

But what I am going to tell Abba?

How can I pay him?

I can't lose him

He's my only family

It's not your fault

I know

You're all the same

Take this. It's all I have

At least you can give it to your Abba

I was trying to save for Dubai

That would have taken forever

But that's not important anymore

It's not much, but I hope it can help

I need to see Abba

I want to come

You have to wear this

My child, she seems like a nice girl

She tries to be

But...

But what?

Is it serious?

I don't know what to think

She's...

...like my mother

You must learn from your past

Are you strong enough to be with this girl?

Did she choose this life...

...to help other people?

Or to ruin yours?

Everything is going well for you

Have you thought about leaving your past behind you?

My brother is a priest in Bahir Dar

I have spoken with him about you

You could start a new life there

He can look after you

Thank you Abba, but I can't leave

Why Thedoros?

I need to be here

Is there anything you want to tell me?

Nothing Abba

Have a good day, my child

See you next week

If God helps me

What can I get you?

What have you got? - Meat

How much is half a kilo? - 70 Birr

2 Fanta

Are you awake?

I hope not. Maybe it's a nightmare

Are you hungry?

I don't want to be awake

It will be better tomorrow

Try and sleep

Where have you been?

Earning us money

Why do you do this to me?

We need food

I got food

I asked my neighbour

We can't live like that

We need money. I did it for us

For us?

The first thing you do when things get tough is go fuck another man for cash?

How is that for us?

What else am I meant to do?

There's always another way

We're meant to be in this together

We are

You call that together?

I thought you wanted to change?

I do

More than anything

I can't look at you

Listen

I had this life when you met me remember

I know

At least I made us some money

I don't want your dirty money

You're just a fucking prostitute!

You're back so soon

Abba, I'm in trouble

I need to tell you something

Please get up my child

What's troubling you?

The taxi. It was stolen

How did this happen?

It's not my fault. It's the girl

You must take responsibility for your own life

I do Abba

I was trying to help her

You can't blame someone else for your own mistakes

I'm not. I didn't do anything

I just got involved with the wrong people

Thedoros, it's never your fault is it?

You always surround yourself with the wrong people

What do you expect?

You could have made something of yourself

But now you've thrown it away

I didn't throw it away, Abba

Some guy stole it right in front of me

These are your old ways again

You haven't changed

I thought you had become a man

I was mistaken

Please Abba

Please help me Abba

If you lead yourself into temptation then how can I help you?

How can I live?

How can I pay you?

I don't want to lose you

Maybe you weren't strong enough to be given the taxi

I was. I am so grateful

You've disrespected the church

You've disrespected me

And you've disrespected your mother

That was your last chance

I've taken my hand away from you

Now you must help yourself

Go to Hell!

Is that Teddy?

Over there

It's him

Come over

Look who's back

Sit

I knew Teddy would be back

And he brought khat

I thought you'd become too big for us?

Didn't your Abba warn you about us?

Khat's no good, huh?

Ignore them Teddy. They're just messing

You've finally come to your senses

Shame man

I heard about your trouble

Maybe you weren't cut out for the job

First rule of being a taxi driver...

...don't lose your taxi

Especially by another man's girl

She took him for a ride...literally

Taxi

Find another one. We're busy

That's your job?

Winner!

You know Teddy...

...maybe all you're good for...

...is being a fucking mini-van boy

What are you doing?!

That's my money you idiot!

You better not come round here no more

My only friend...

...the end

What happened to you?

You should see the other guy

I knew she was trouble

I've lost everything

I'm sure the taxi will turn up somewhere

I didn't lose the key

The taxi is my life

Life has a funny way of surprising you

Nothing surprises me anymore

I was born into this life

And I'll die this life

Listen

You make your own life Teddy

There's no fate, just your character

And character is something you learn

You're still learning my friend

I was born to a prostitute

And I'm in love with a prostitute

They both fucked me

That's my fate

Character is fate

What do you know?

You're just a drunk old man

Listen

You think this is the solution?

This is the cause

My mother's dead

My love is dead

Both are dead to me

Life is...

...somewhere

Dead people

What's going on?

Obviously this is more important to you than her

What?

You're a poor little taxi boy

So the taxi is better for you

She's back with Marcos

They always choose him

What have you done to her?

Don't get aggressive with me

I'm just the messenger

You stole my taxi

Well now I've brought it back

Forget her

She was just looking for money

She was a difficult one, you should be glad to be rid of her

You're right

She can be whatever she wants

Plenty more of them around

Come on then, I don't have long

What are you waiting for?

Don't touch me

Don't touch me? You don't order me!

You're mine remember

I can do whatever I want

I'll never be yours again

I didn't come back here for you. Or me

What?

You were lying just to get the taxi back for him

Now take off your clothes!

Bitch!

I need to speak to you urgently

I have nothing more to say to you

You have to come and see

You were right Abba. I can't escape my past

I want to leave town and go to Bahir Dar if that is still OK?

Of course. I will make the arrangements immediately

Abba you have done so much for me

You are like the father I never knew

I promised your mother I would look out for you

...until you became a man

I've been waiting a long time for this moment

Wait here a moment

Your mother left this with me

She gave it to me just before she died

What's all this money?

You gave it to me. But it was always yours

The taxi is yours Teddy

It always was

Read the letter

It will explain everything

You are always welcome here

God help you

You will always be my Abba

Open the door!

Let me out

Let me be free in this house

Don't make a big deal

Why are you making things difficult for all of us?

I'm not going to let him treat me like that

This is a small sacrifice for getting out of here

I don't want to leave my country

I now know what's important in life

Really?

What's that?

Love

Love?

What do you know about love?

Now I know about love and I want it

What's love got to do with it?

We're not in this world to love

We're here to make money

You're going to ruin everything for all the girls

Get in

Listen

Remember to do everything I taught you

Good job. Very beautiful

Thankyou

My son...

I wish you are reading this letter in a good time of your life

As mine is nearing the end

I will always be your mother

I love you more than you can imagine

I am sorry for the life I gave you

At the end of my life I did everything for you

During my time away from my beloved country and son

I saved the money to buy you the taxi

I told Abba to tell you the church bought it for you

It was the only way I knew you would not throw away the money

It was his idea to make you pay him every week. To save for the future

The girls flying tonight are...

My life was not what I wanted for you

I did what I had to do to give you what you needed

Please don't hate me for the way I made the money

I didn't know any other way

You were always smarter than me

You can have a life

Do something with it

I'm not going

Go

I don't want to

You're going

I need to make my money back on you

Are you going to force me?

You're no use to me anymore

You can't force me

Get out of here

Come on

I'm not going

You're leaving

I hope you don't hate me

Because of what I was

I am a woman

And a woman needs to be loved

Even if she is a prostitute

I hope you can forgive me and love me

I wish you a good life

It's so exciting

I can't wait to get there

What do you think it will be like?

We'll be rich. We can do anything there

Don't be naive

You know what we're going to do there, yeah?

We could be dancers, or waitresses or even maids. It doesn't matter

Call it what you want. It's all the same job

Wont you miss Ethiopia though?

For what?

We've got a new life in the modern world

Don't fool yourself

We'll make money

But we will miss home

Fere, you have to get ready

I told you, I'm not going

Are you going to sacrifice your life over this boy

You hardly know him

You don't understand

I understand Fere

You know Marcos wont let you be with the boy

You'll be stuck here

Is that what you want?

At least you can make money if you go

There's more important things in life than money

Look, if you lose this chance Marcos will never send you again

You'll regret it for the rest of your life

Believe me, you have to go

Fine. I'll go. I can't stay with that bastard anyway

Have a good life

Huh? You again

Where is she?

She's not here

Where's she gone?

You're too late

She flies to Dubai tonight

You wont see her again

The boss is shipping more cars

I'll be in touch

Good job - No problem

Hurry up

I'll start check-in. Send the rest through

I've lost my phone

It doesn't matter. Go

I'm not flying without it - Hurry up we're late

It fell out of my bag in the car

Fine. Get the rest of the girls

What? Look!

What's going on?

Get off me! - Bitch!

Get inside the airport!

I'm not going!

Get off me!