Original subtitles

Toomas. Toomas.

Toomas. Toomas.

Toomas.

IN THE NAME OF HONOR

SORRU VILLAGE, TARTU COUNTY, PROVINCE OF LIVONIA, 1917

Johannes! Hello, brother!

Toomas.

I was speechless at first.

Your message was forwarded here.

If you had not left me directions I would never have found this path.

-Sure, sure, yes. -Brother.

Damn.

What do you have here?

Volatile times, yeah.

At least it seems like a good place to paint.

Yes.

Maybe you can do some of the other work that's needed here.

I need some help with construction.

Oh, no, no, no.

Look at these hands.

I need to protect them; they're not mine.

They're borrowed from the muses.

Liis.

Hello, Liis.

There's a room for you.

There's a room for me.

-A room, yes. -I have a room in this swamp.

A whole room!

I had it prepared, yes.

What are you, Tuks?

Are you trained or a total mutt?

Aha, a purebred, yes?

But something went a little wrong, yeah?

Wait, Liis.

It's unnecessary, Toomas.

Okay then, Mrs. Haava.

Thank you, Liis.

Gone. Huh?

Gone like the wind.

You learned that in Paris?

Yes, this and a lot more.

So our father's farm has been sold now?

I guess you didn't choose the buyers carefully.

Well, I got a job offer here a year ago.

-At the swamp? -At the manor.

To build a mill.

I thought that you...

Wouldn't come back from Paris?

It was a good offer.

This place here...

It was a good deal.

So, what about Liis?

Was she a good deal as well?

I needed help at the farm.

Liis was of a suitable age.

You've got everything arranged nicely then?

New farm, new job, a wife of the right age.

But the children...

where are the children?

There's a lot of work.

It'll be easier during the war without children.

A good deal.

I'm trying to be economical.

Another mouth to feed in a time like this?

Do you want to kick him out?

Not that.

If only he'd help with the work, damn it...

Liis!

Liis!

I'm going to the marsh to find a good view.

The evening is supposed to be nice in the marsh.

Don't get lost in the marsh.

I found my way here from across the world, I won't get lost here.

Mr. Swindler.

Damn it.

You keep stepping on me, damn it!

Get up yourself!

Get on your feet, you idiot!

I'll drop you into the bog,

and you can drink there to the end of time,

as much as you want.

Why are you spying on me?

Spying?

You were there when I was swimming.

You men think that everything is yours to stare at and grab.

Sorry, I don't usually harass young women.

I'm an artist. I came to sketch.

Toomas Haava.

I got lost.

May I ask what you're doing here?

I live here.

Aha!

Very interesting.

Perhaps you can show me the way?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Sorry.

I didn't catch it before, what was your name?

Why do you need to know my name?

So I can thank you for your guidance.

There's no need to thank me.

Right.

It's strange to thank everyone all the time.

Helping someone, that should be natural.

I'm actually here looking for nature, forests, or people worth painting.

Would you be okay with me painting you?

Don't worry, I saw someone earlier, walking in the marsh.

Come! Come!

My path is this way, you go that way.

Go now, trouble is coming!

Go!

Bastards!

I want to eat.

Where's the food?

You sit here all day...

When a man comes home from work...

I didn't know, dear Jakup, if or when you would come.

Are you trying to starve me?

Do you want me to die?

You're throwing pieces of meat to the dogs when I'm out.

But a man doesn't deserve any food.

The food will be ready right away.

Everything has been arranged at the church.

Father has also given his blessing, you can be bolder now.

Jakup!

What's a stranger doing here?

I got lost.

I'm from near Sorru.

Haava farm.

I see.

So a Sorru gentleman has come to the swamp?

Yes.

We're kind to strangers here.

We show them which way to go.

So Sorru is that way?

That way is the manor.

Sorru is that way.

Aha.

-Thanks. -You're welcome.

Thank you.

I was worried that you'd stay in the swamp all night.

Would that have been so bad?

One less mouth to feed.

Breakfast is ready.

Liis!

Liis!

I could still paint you.

I'll take your painting to Paris

and everyone can see the kind of muses we have here.

I doubt I'll be much competition for them.

I saw her last night in the swamp.

A mythical creature.

That would be Wildcat.

-Wildcat? -Hilda.

Wildcat.

An interesting name.

Be careful with her, she has multiple admirers.

One of them is very dangerous.

Big and simple-minded.

Simple-minded...

They say he drowned the old baron in the swamp.

Good morning, brother!

I said "good morning" to you.

Good morning.

Let's go to the village.

I'll show you around.

The area by the pub and the station?

Yes, and the mill construction site.

That's the only work to be had during the war.

Right. Come hell or high water, you'll find a dry patch of land to plow.

I'm building the mill for the manor.

It's a big undertaking, not some fantasy.

Your mill sounds like quite an intrigue.

Even the Eiffel Tower pales in comparison.

Here is my porridge à la carte.

I don't think so.

This isn't Paris.

First, we'll go to the manor.

The baroness is expecting you.

Well, well.

You want to show me off, dear brother.

I mentioned that you were coming.

The baroness was interested.

She was widowed recently, she must need some entertainment.

Brother, I'm a serious artist, not a court jester.

But I don't mind wealthy widows, anyway.

She just wants to hear about Paris.

The baroness is a lady.

Quite a few things scraped together here.

Unbelievable!

Hello, madam. Hello, sir.

Good day, Toomas.

Good day, dear...

Mrs. Lilit Martinson-Lilienfeld.

What a name.

What a pleasure.

It's an honor to meet people of the world here.

Oh you... I'm just a simple Estonian.

But for the last five or even six years,

I have indeed been in Paris.

Modesty.

Imagine, I'm trying to live in this swamp as if it were Paris.

Perhaps Mr. Toomas will help us make things more authentic

with some good advice.

I don't know. I already started collecting swamp shoes

to get used to the marsh life.

Be careful.

The swamp life might get to you.

There are all sorts of fumes here.

Brother Johannes has surely bored you to death with his talk of mills.

Let's go talk purely about art.

Alright, but even art depends on mills.

Charming!

Oh, it is beautiful here.

Of course I'm sad when the poor children can't eat.

But we helped to collect...

things and food here.

-That's very nice of you. -Yes.

War! And what's going on in Petrograd is unheard of.

A temporary government?

It's unfortunately certain that the world is changing.

It's so nice that you understand.

Has the art scene been paralyzed as well?

Well, actually, many things happening in art are quite revolutionary.

Mr. Matisse, Picasso...

Awful revolutionaries.

Especially that Lenin.

But fortunately we are protected, as we're loyal to the Tsar.

You're not worried about a German invasion?

Toomas, I'm not afraid of any invasions.

Some think I'm the invader here.

Vassily, the dessert table!

Tell me, what's fashionable in Paris now?

Your brother won't even tell me about Sorru.

Well, fashionable in Paris...

Soup kitchen lines and rags.

I wish things would get even worse there,

so we could catch up faster.

Toomas, what are you looking for here?

Let's say...

Inspiration?

Very good!

In that case, I'm ordering a portrait.

You'll paint me a large equestrian portrait.

On a white horse!

Like Empress Catherine!

I can't let you sit in that swamp.

You belong in a studio.

At your service, gladly.

Oh, wonderful.

Long live art!

Are you sure about the baroness's portrait?

Why not?

Are you afraid I'll make more from it than you will from your mill?

No, it's not that.

It just seems like a big undertaking.

Don't you worry about my skills.

Where to now?

I feel like having a drink.

We were supposed to go to the mill.

The war is taking away all the workers.

It's all work, work, work.

Tell me, when was the baroness widowed?

What happened to the baron?

They say all sorts of things.

Those stories are just idle chatter.

The old baron was studying marsh plants.

He probably fell into a bog.

No one pushed him.

The baroness isn't to blame.

Well, well.

The baroness isn't just a lady, but a femme fatale.

Give me two.

Well, congratulations, there's a wedding coming, yes?

Innkeeper...

give the men a round for the engagement!

I'm not stingy.

Congratulations, Jakup,

you're getting a good man for your Wildcat.

Mr. Artist.

I suppose congratulations are in order.

The war has left some sour berries unpicked.

Good morning.

The food isn't as fancy as you're used to.

Ah no, in Paris you sometimes had to work just to get anything to eat.

Was it worth going there if it was that bad?

Tell me, what's going on at the Soo farm?

That Wildcat...

It seems she's having trouble with the groom.

Why do you care?

So I'm right then, yes?

Wildcat's drunken father promised her to Madjak.

That's all there is to it.

How can he do that against her will?

How would I know what that girl wants or what goes against her will?

Wait, Liis...

I'm just looking for a subject to paint.

You promised to paint the baroness.

You've got a great subject there.

Liis...

I think you're a little jealous.

I promised to paint you as well.

I don't have time to be jealous. I have to go to the market.

Wait!

Marta, don't skimp, damn it!

Greetings, what can I offer you?

-Hello. -Hello.

-Please try some fresh smoked meat! -Oh, no thanks.

Very good meat.

Is it? What's your name?

Maie.

Oh, very nice, Maie.

Here, look at this!

Gone.

Disappeared.

-How much is this? -Only a few kopeks.

-Here you go. -Thank you so much.

Well hello, hello.

Nice view.

Stop!

-Who are you? -Jannu.

Why are you spying on me?

Me?

Yes, you.

You were at the swamp house too, weren't you?

Or were you spying on the girl instead?

I don't spy.

I am Wildcat's...

-Boyfriend? -Mhm.

So you're the one who isn't dangerous?

I love Hilda.

What Madjak is doing isn't right.

If you love the girl, then intervene.

-Madjak... -Yes?

God help us!

You love her, but you'd let her be taken away?

You have to fight for love.

If that's the story, I'll go marry her myself.

Hello, madam.

Good day, I'm glad I caught you here.

Likewise.

I would like to ask you, Mr. Toomas, to come to the manor for a meeting.

We'll organize a nice reception for you at the harvest party.

It would be a great honor.

And to discuss the portrait further.

Yes, my thoughts exactly.

I've already ordered the canvas from Tartu.

Four cubits?

Six.

The more the better.

And my riding costume is being chosen.

Riding costume?

Of course.

We talked about it.

It'll be an equestrian portrait.

Ah, of course. So be it.

I'll turn the manor into a Parisian studio.

You'll feel more at home there.

Excellent.

Have a nice day!

You don't have to hide the thread.

I can help you fix your shirt, if you'd like.

You're busy enough with Johannes.

And you with Wildcat and the baroness.

Yes, exactly.

Can you let me off near that road?

Toomas.

I have to go.

Don't get involved.

Toomas, it's just your vanity.

Vanity?

You think so, but you know nothing about me.

Hilda!

Are you lost again?

Sorry, but it seems you are the one in need of guidance.

Guidance?

Hilda, I can see that things aren't right.

You need protection.

Hilda.

I need to know more about everything.

Perhaps then I can think of something.

Hilda!

Come here!

-Into the boat? -Come on!

Come!

Hurry!

Why can't we just talk to Madjak?

He'll shoot you when he's like this.

Hilda!

Hilda!

He threatened to kill you too.

-Me? -When you were at the house.

I told him that you promised to protect me.

That you know what's going on and how to deal with people like him.

Was I wrong?

No, no, you weren't.

Thank you, Toomas...

He seemed quite polite.

Don't believe his politeness.

He's clever.

Perhaps you're afraid of him too?

Everyone is.

No one is up for it. All men are cowardly.

I have to think about what to do.

I know what to do.

Madjak must die.

Hilda!

Kill him!

-Toomas, kill... -Hilda.

A human life isn't a candle that you can just blow out recklessly.

-It is written... -I don't care what's written.

Kill him, Toomas.

I'll think of something, I promise.

What will happen to you now?

Maybe he won't hit me before the wedding if he thinks I've agreed to it.

But this wedding isn't happening anyway.

Your delicate hands are needed now.

Come, push the block underneath.

Use your hands.

Brother, tell me,

what kind of man is that Madjak?

Madjak is the baroness's stableman.

Why do you care about him?

He's harassing the people at the swamp house.

That isn't right.

Another family's business is not our concern.

A girl is in danger, she needs protection.

Since when do you care about others?

Suddenly you're the great protector.

Fine, I'll go myself then and talk to the baroness about her stableman.

At least she'll listen to me.

No, you are not going to cause trouble.

My work is already hard enough.

And then you come with your games.

Hard with your work?

A great injustice is right in front of you.

Johannes, you're like a horse with blinders.

Tell me, what are you working for?

You shut up, damn it.

You've always evaded work.

Yes, I have evaded work.

The man comes from Paris,

dances around, screws everything up,

and then goes back to his easy life.

Is that right?

I'm not from Paris.

Liis.

Liis.

You could smile a little for the portrait.

You're out looking for smiles in the marsh.

That woman needs help.

What about me?

Do I not need help?

Or Johannes?

Or maybe you're the one who needs help?

We all need help.

And you'll help?

You're running from one woman to the next.

You're only painting me to get practice for the baroness's portrait.

-Liis. -What else do you gain from it?

I don't need to gain anything.

Want me to cancel the baroness's painting?

Just like that, gone.

An equestrian portrait isn't my style.

It's very difficult to depict a horse.

It thrashes its head and tail.

Why did you really come here?

You need to get ready.

It's not proper to be late for the manor party.

Let's continue tomorrow.

You can stretch.

Be that as it may, but try to be respectful.

I live by my heart, not by the strength of my back.

I'll say it plainly, Toomas.

If the mill job disappears,

then everything will have been for nothing.

Selling father's farm, being here with Liis...

Maybe you should paint that portrait after all.

It's a party.

I want my bride.

First the wedding.

Then the girl.

So be it.

Hilda!

Hilda!

Hello, Miss.

Hello, Mr. Toomas.

Let's start the party!

Perfect.

The canvas has arrived from Tartu.

We can start working right away.

Very nice, but there's one thing...

-A thing? -Yes.

Vassily, champagne!

A thing?

Yes, so before we start...

I'd like to...

Or is our Toomas interested in Wildcat now?

That dirty swamp girl.

Actually, I wanted to talk about her.

-Although from a different angle. -Toomas.

Tell me, rather, is everything here correct?

Paris pales in comparison.

Flatterer!

Watch where you're going, you blind fool!

Now I have to change my outfit!

-Sorry! -Shut up, you damn animal!

The old baron's family ruled here for generations.

Slaves cleared and drained the swamp.

They hunted.

Why did the old baron's ancestors come to this swampy land?

There must have been better places then.

A slave does things the easy way.

A nobleman sees a challenge in difficulty.

You've been here for so long, you consider yourself a nobleman.

I've lived here for 50 years.

The exact same life as the baron.

I maintain consistency here.

Consistency?

-Okay. -Yes.

This lady of low birth came here a year before the baron died.

-She was only after his fortune. -Mhm.

There are even rumors that she had your noble baron killed.

Noble?

You serfs don't understand what 'noble' means.

You're afraid to live as much as you are afraid to die.

And so you need a party, yes?

I... am not afraid to die.

You talk about Paris.

You were suffering in the gutters there, but all of a sudden you're an artist.

How dare you!

You're patching your fool's costume here.

Clowns like you...

Where did you steal that suit from?

How dare you?

Go back to Paris and take this goose with you.

There you are, Mr. Artist.

Let's go this way.

What do you think?

Is it big enough?

Can you fit the horse, or should I order a bigger one?

No, this one is good.

I've chosen the horse.

It'll be my Ashvan, but I wasn't sure about my own outfit.

I would like your help.

You're still the artist, and I'm just the material in your hands.

Go on, go on!

Which of these would fulfil its purpose?

They're all very pretty.

Or this? This dress?

This one too.

I know.

But what if I were naked on the horse?

Wouldn't that be both bold and regal?

Naked?

Yes.

I have nothing to be ashamed of.

My skin is more regal than any dress.

I don't...

Dear Mr. Artist,

would you be so kind as to paint a nude equestrian portrait of me?

Don't be so tense.

Relax.

A French studio must always have space for...

...a little opium. Don't you think?

I mean...

I wanted to talk about your stableman.

Madjak.

Before we get started with the work...

Drink.

It's relaxing. Can you feel it?

Artists use things like these.

I wanted to tell you...

Wait.

Try to enjoy it a little.

We can start working right away.

Today, we get acquainted with the material.

We need to prime first.

Of course, you know what to do, Mr. Artist.

Prime, paint.

Love me, Toomas.

What a brute!

What's bothering you?

Talk to me, talk to me!

Talk to me!

You're not leaving like this!

You hear me? Come back!

You'll regret it if you leave now!

Brunot.

Leave me alone.

Mr. Artist.

You came to teach us ignorant folk.

You don't know how things work here.

Leave the girl alone.

Or else?

Hilda.

Kill him, Toomas.

You were passed out by the road.

That monster is going to steal her soul.

And he'll make Jakup drink himself to death.

Madjak went to the pub with Father.

They won't be back until the sun is high.

-And when they are, then... -The wedding is on Sunday.

He's arranged everything with the church.

I promised to help.

No one can help us, Toomas.

I can.

Madjak is stronger than everyone.

You talk about what is written, but he's just going to laugh at that.

No, no.

I have to do something.

-I can't do this anymore. -Toomas.

Hilda.

I'll think of something.

I have to get you out of here.

To home!

Thanks.

This won't end until the girl is in the bog.

Or Madjak disappears himself.

Then Madjak should disappear.

Oh, silky fingers.

Foolish artist.

Mr. Artist.

You're going to leave the girl alone and get out of that hut.

Has the gentleman gone crazy?

Stop!

-Shoot. -Stop!

Shoot.

You wanted to kill me?

Now I have the right to end your life.

Oh God, what have I done?

What did I do?

You did everything right.

What's going to happen to Hilda now?

Don't worry.

He's going to the pub to lick his wounds.

Toomas!

-Toomas! -Hilda!

-Toomas, are you okay? -Yes.

You're so brave, thank you!

Jannu! Jannu!

What do we do now?

Talk to me, what will we do now?

You have to get out of the swamp house.

It's dangerous there.

Come to Sorru. I'll talk to Liis.

I'll talk. Calm down.

That damn shepherd boy. I'll kill him.

And I don't need that damn girl anyway.

That artist can have her if he wants.

What are you talking about? The girl has been promised to you.

She doesn't want me. She can go to hell.

That's not right.

I don't have to ask anyone.

You're no man at all, Madjak.

You've gone soft.

What am I to do with a stableman like that?

This girl has betrayed you

and laughed at you in front of everyone.

She deserves a harsh punishment.

The harshest.

Pull yourself together, Madjak!

I'm telling you, that man is out for blood.

Hilda has to come here with her mother.

At least until the situation is resolved.

You have to talk to Johannes about this.

But he goes straight from the mill to the pub now, not home.

Liis, you understand that we must help.

Can you help me talk to Johannes?

You're fooling yourself, Toomas.

You don't want to help her, you want her.

No, no, it's not like that.

It's not like that.

You went away.

Liis.

But I came back.

Maybe I came back for you.

-Stop it. -Liis.

Going was a mistake.

-Liis. -We can't, we can't.

Toomas, Toomas, I want a child.

I want a child.

So you didn't come straight from Paris then?

At first, I wanted to stay there.

I even got myself the papers.

My friend Brunot helped.

But then they sent us to the frontlines.

I was sitting in a bomb crater there.

And then there was a gas attack.

My friend Brunot had been wounded.

The gas came so fast...

I could hear him screaming.

Am I a coward?

In war...

people act against their nature.

It's not the place for an artist.

Perhaps it is so.

Or maybe it's the one place where you can see your true self.

You see everything, sitting in that crater.

Who you are and who you're not.

Johannes, Johannes!

-Out of my way! -Listen to me, Johannes!

Damn it!

You come to destroy my home like this!

Destroy what? What do I have to destroy here?

You lick boots at the manor and sleep here.

Don't you talk to me like that, you bastard!

-Traitor! -I'm the traitor?

You sold my home.

You didn't think I'd come back. You were hoping I was dead!

Admit it, damn it!

Since our parents died, I've been a parent to you.

You ungrateful pup.

You've only ever thought of yourself. Always.

I had to leave so you could think more about yourself.

You're a tramp!

Yes, a tramp! I couldn't change your ways.

You don't know who I am.

You're a coward! Weak, yes, weak!

You're an animal for sale.

An animal for sale, that's what you are.

You're a slave!

Yes, yes, I am.

I am a slave.

And for what? Damn it.

I'm a broken clock.

I've painted myself into a corner here.

Johannes.

Johannes!

That Toomas is fake through and through.

Honestly, Hilda.

I couldn't help it.

When I saw him, I took a rock and...

He's cunning. He plays with all the women.

Go away, Jannu. You'll get hurt.

No one is waiting for you at that farm.

You're lying.

Well then, father-in-law.

It's time for some bloodletting.

I will commit this massacre with your blessing.

The wedding is on Sunday.

They're going to take my dear daughter away.

Here, go light a candle in the church.

Everything will sort itself out if I leave.

I'm ruining the natural balance of things.

If anything can be balanced here at all.

Johannes...

He'll forgive you.

But me?

Can I forgive myself?

Liis.

Okay, okay.

-I'll talk to Johannes. -No need.

He knows.

He knows who you are.

Who I am and who he is.

There's nothing to be done about that.

Yes.

Toomas!

Toomas!

Hilda is in trouble!

She ran to the swamp.

Madjak came to kill her.

Damn it!

Jannu!

What are you doing?

You said that you have to fight for love.

I'm fighting now!

I'm glad you understand that now, but you're fighting the wrong man.

Don't come closer!

Wildcat could die because of you.

-You're lying! -I'm not lying.

Don't come closer!

Jannu, stop it!

Hilda!

-It hurts! -Calm down!

Hilda!

Hilda!

Hilda!

-Mr. Artist. -Where is Hilda?

You rat!

Where is Wildcat?

You rat, I should've killed you immediately.

What did you do to her?

Die, you bastard!

Die!

Die! Die!

Help! Help!

Help!

Toomas, please!

Help me!

Toomas!

Toomas!

Toomas!

Toomas!

Toomas!

Toomas!

Wildcat will go to her relatives in Elva with Jannu and her mother.

The swamp is no place for a young girl.

There's a school in Elva as well.

And you?

Are you sure?

Yes, I'm going to Tartu.

I'll see what Konrad Magi thinks of my art.

Maybe I'll get lucky.

I'll start again.

Toomas.

I'm a country woman.

Stop. You're an endless secret.

And you're an eternal child.

I can use farm money to help with your studies.

Thank you.

We'll see what happens.

-There's a revolution in Russia. -Yes.

The Germans are near Riga already.

I guess they'll need a mill as well.

What do you have here?