Original subtitles

You'll be gone a year.

If you come back at all.

It's probably long enough to find a white fiancé.

Please recharge your phone credit.

It's a goddamn lottery.

The UNDP can't audit every one of their projects.

It's just our bad fucking luck.

Hold on.

Nok?

Yeah? Come on, let's go.

It's okay, it's okay... okay?

Ana's cousin?

Yeah?

Are you Ana's cousin?

Come on, let's go.

Come on.

Can you call the...

The New York attorney. Yeah.

Come on, let's go.

Is the food all gone?

I haven't eaten since last night.

You know how the connection is.

Sweet dreams.

We've been making these calls for five years...

Did you hear screaming last night?

You'll get used to it.

When the madame starts hurting herself again...

...be careful she doesn't blame it on you.

She's here to work for us.

She can sleep outside with the rest of the help.

I've never met her.

I don't even know how we're related.

Please stop yelling.

I haven't even started yelling yet.

Can you just stop?

Of course, I can.

I heard you cross the room.

Let the maid clear the dishes.

I didn't bring you from your village to do housework.

Sit down.

Come clear the table!

Am I here because you hurt yourself?

Why would you say that?

Your arm is bruised.

It's all right, madame...

I'm here now so I can help you.

Being alone like you... must be really difficult.

I can help myself.

I never asked for you to be here.

Your family sent you here because they needed cash.

Isn't that right?

Can I eat with you?

Isn't your dinner on the table, miss?

I didn't give you permission to leave the table.

Your call credit is insufficient...

God, she just stares at you.

I can't believe your husband is letting her live in the house.

Come on. Let's go get coffee.

We have coffee here.

I'm not asking because I actually want a cup of coffee.

You should try getting some fresh air.

Let's go get coffee.

Can I help you with anything?

Didn't the madame say you weren't here to do housework?

The madame told me I could take 10,000 for phone credit.

Here's your coffee.

Save your money. I'm paying today.

I want to go home.

Have your coffee first and then I'll take you back to your cave.

I want to go now.

Do you sell phone credit?

How much do you want?

The 10,000 card.

Mother!

Don't let her bother you. She's so old.

Is there a card for 5,000?

Sure.

Do you want to buy lottery numbers, miss?

Well?.. How many numbers?

It's just me, madame.

Of course, it is.

The maid said you took the money I left for shopping.

I just took ten for phone credit.

And where's the rest of it?

I left 100,000 kip.

I only took ten.

So you stole ten.

I didn't even spend it all.

Here's five back.

I didn't ask for change.

I asked if you stole the money.

I didn't steal it.

Why don't you ask your maid where the rest of the money went?

Nok! Come back here!

Nok!

What did you do, madame?

...three... six, four...

Three...

...six...

...four.

Good morning.

Is Ana here?

She's upstairs.

Ok...

Since you weren't here, we covered her medical expenses.

You don't have to pay. You can just take her to the private clinic.

He said that we have insurance.

I know.

But Ana prefers her Lao doctor.

Isn't that right, dear?

Yes.

Fine. Thank you.

Thank you.

We're family, you know.

Lately, Ana's condition...

...doesn't seem to be improving.

I'm very concerned about it.

You can imagine how dangerous it is for her to stay alone.

That's why we brought her cousin to help her, isn't it?

He said that I'm not alone anymore.

I know...

I just wish we could make Ana more comfortable here.

Our house isn't appropriate for a blind girl.

The stairs are so steep.

The bathroom floor is so slippery.

But to fix it,

We'd have to remodel the house.

That's what you want?

Right?

Always this same shit.

They asked for money and I gave them money.

Why are you so angry at me?

You treat my parents like beggars.

I wasn't born from a rock.

You made them lose face.

Don't give me that rock bullshit.

Loud mouth.

What did you just say?

They cut my pay because of you.

You can spend time with your mother

but please don't neglect the help.

They stop working if you leave them

for more than a couple of days.

Then why don't you fire them?

I dealt with them already, they are not happy that...

Ana!

You never asked how I hurt my hand.

What?

You never asked how I hurt my hand.

Or did you just decide,

That I hurt myself to get attention?

Well... did you?

Are you all right, madame?

Oh... It's just you, Nok.

I was hungry, so I came down to eat.

My husband loves me.

Doesn't he?

I guess so.

He buys you nice things.

What are you looking at?

Could you pour me a glass of water?

Sometimes, I think I see things in the shadows.

Your water.

Let me see.

Does it still hurt?

It still hurts.

As I lose my vision,

My brain fills in images from my old memories.

That's ridiculous.

I've never heard of anything like that.

It's what our doctor told Jakob.

Doctors don't know everything.

A woman in my village was attacked by a demon and the doctors-

Stop.

I don't care about the monsters you think live in the jungle.

Give me your hand.

The sting means it's healing.

It's better than the chemicals your husband's doctor gave you.

Thank you, little sister.

When you repeat the numbers...

What do they mean?

What numbers?

Did you tell her where the bank is?

I did.

Send the money to your family and come right back.

It's just over the corner there.

Look at me.

I know it's bright. Try to relax.

What can I get you?

I'll have what they're having.

Thanks.

Hello.

Want to play lottery?

I'll take three numbers for 5,000.

Three, six, four.

Thank you, miss.

What is this muck on your hand?

It's natural. To help with the healing.

Well, it's given you an infection.

I'll clean and dress it again for you.

I can't judge the rate of decline exactly.

Since she's missed so many appointments.

I'm actually at this moment more concerned about her mental health.

If you could prescribe something...

I don't know... Prozac? Zoloft? Fuck... Lithium?

You might be able to find those pills in Thailand, but-

So.. and how do I set up an appointment for her in Thailand?

Through you?

Are you okay?

Come on, girls. Let's go.

In a couple of months they're going to send someone from the UNDP to audit everything.

And the solar installation will fall apart.

And I will lose my company.

I'm sure you'll find another job.

Shit.

I'll be blacklisted from NGO work forever.

You can always work for my father.

Where? At his little shop?

How would I even pay our rent?

Ana...

We're going to have to leave Laos.

No.

I can't go back to Europe. That's why I ended up here.

And if I can't work here, then we have to move somewhere I can work.

I'm not going.

Hello...

Sorry... already married. Move along.

That's your problem.

She was asking about me, wasn't she?

Right... Okay, Get us another beer.

You want another beer?

Hang on a second.

That's your other beer. Time to get you home.

What the hell, Kenji?

- More fucking Estonian again. - Get us another beer.

Give me the keys. Really? You're gonna...

Where are your fucking keys?

All right, let's go. Let's go. I'll get you home.

I told you, I don't have any money yet.

Don't be so annoying.

What's wrong with this thing?

This goes here... not over there.

How many fucking times do I have to tell you to stop rearranging shit?

My wife can only get around if things stay in the same place!

You Lao chicks dig smartphones, right?

Here...

Angry birds.

Don't get too attached.

Jakob!

It's an eight hour drive, man. We gotta go!

Sister?

Are you awake?

I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing today.

...you're listening to Capital Radio, Vientiane....

... and coming up in just a moment...

...we'll announce the numbers for last night's lucky lottery draw...

...but first, a word from our sponsors...

I heard you washing clothes.

Why aren't you using the machine?

Are you their new maid?

No.

I'm from Talart village. Have you ever been there?

I don't care where you're from.

I can tell you're not from here by your accent, you know.

Be quiet.

...three...

...six...

...four.

You like playing lottery?

No.

This was the first time. I just won.

Are you okay, grandmother?

I can't understand you.

Don't worry, miss.

You can't cross the street alone. You'll get hit.

Come back to your chair.

I have winning numbers.

Can I get my money from you?

I just sell the tickets. The office is in town.

Can I walk there?

Just take a tuktuk.

Good morning.

Are you here to collect your winnings?

2,500,000 kip total.

Have a nice day.

Excuse me. I'd like to look at a phone.

We don't sell cheap counterfeits here.

Everything here is authentic.

Do they talk to you?

What do they say?

Do they tell you how they died?

I can help you.

Don't ask me to bring the monks.

I wasn't going to.

If I don't look them in the eyes,

They don't seem to notice me.

Maybe I could help you with that.

Why the sudden interest in taking English classes?

We're moving overseas.

When?

After Jakob closes his company.

He wants me to practice my English...

...so I can take care of myself.

It's a cat!

It's so cute.

Sorry, sister?

They drew a cat on my coffee.

That's why it cost so much.

How do I drink it without ruining the cat?

Just stir it up and drink it.

I have to go to the bathroom.

Don't stand on the toilet seat.

It's a nice restaurant. Don't make it look cheap.

Okay.

Don't be such a bitch, Mimi.

I know a housewife who just moved back from America with her husband.

What a shame. So rich. But what an old man.

She'd tutor you in English... Ana?

Don't look at them, sister...

Just look at me.

Can you help me to the stairs?

Of course.

I still can't believe it.

They put that cute cat on my coffee.

I'll be up in a second, okay?

Are you okay?

The maid moved my furniture again.

Hold on, okay?

I don't know how many times...

...I've told my stupid maid to stop moving things...

Nok?

Sister?

Nine...

...two...

...three.

I'm here now, sister.

Go see to the madame.

She's hurt herself.

Did the madame trip over the furniture again?

You moved it on purpose.

If you say so.

Go upstairs and move it back. Now.

What a shame, it's past work hours.

I'm not allowed in the house after eight.

Come upstairs now.

Or I'll tell her what you did.

Really?

And then, we could discuss your new phone.

After the talk her husband and I had about missing money...

I'm sure the madame would be interested in how you paid for it.

We're interested.

How many years did you live abroad?

Almost three years.

So...

...how did you convince your husband to bring you back?

I got pregnant.

Oh.

If your husband is a good man...

...he'll understand.

He should want you to be happy.

I told him I was returning to Laos.

To raise my baby near my mother.

And that he could come with us if he loved us.

In the end, he followed us back.

Is he happy?

I'm happy.

Well, let's continue.

I think I've seen that old woman before.

Maybe from the market.

That's so strange.

I've felt so alone since I started losing my sight.

One morning, I woke up...

...and the entire world was closing in around me.

In my village, we believe that when you lose one sense...

...you sometimes gain another.

Some people can see things others can't see.

Or they can hear messages that others can't hear.

You're the first person to listen to me, little sister.

Where's your mother?

She had a stroke.

You once said that I was repeating numbers.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

What do you think the numbers are?

Do you remember what you were saying?

No.

Do you think the numbers mean something?

I feel like they must.

Why else would the spirits make the effort to contact me?

Then why can't you remember the messages?

I don't know.

Maybe...

...the messages aren't meant for me.

Good night.

Thank you, dear sister.

Hey...

Darling...

I'm so happy to see you...

Another winning ticket?

You must be very lucky.

Five million today.

Don't forget to go give alms at the temple for good karma.

Do you know where I could buy a nice purse?

- Yeah. - Where?

What can I get for you?

This is for you.

What's this for? I've got nothing worth that much money.

I'm sorry your mother died.

I wanted to leave an offering.

What are you saying?

My mother isn't dead. She's just in the hospital.

Take your damn money back.

Are we celebrating something tonight?

Did you solve your work problem?

No...

It's actually worse.

We will be lucky if we don't end up in a prison.

Hey, I don't want to talk about it tonight.

Look at you...

I've been gone a month and you're happier than I've seen you in a year.

Nok and I came to an understanding.

Good.

Trouble swallowing? You must miss the foreign food.

Is that a new dress?

Yes.

My sister bought it for me.

I like it.

It's pretty.

You should wear it out to the clubs with us one night.

You could meet a white guy.

They like to buy you drinks, or sometimes, they give you money.

I already have a boyfriend.

What would I do?

Just leave him.

Come find a white boyfriend.

That's probably what your sister did.

A big house and a car.

And he probably gives her money.

It's must be nice.

Do you want to come out with us?

No.

Why not?

I need you here with me.

It's just one night. All the other maids are-

You're not a maid.

Hey, why don't you let her go out with her friends?

Nok came to earn money for her family.

Not to go out partying.

Sister, I never go out-

I take you out all the time.

Shh... darling.

Finish your dinner.

How long will it take the bank to transfer it?

I don't know.

I'll send it tomorrow.

I promise.

Is it everything they owe you?

And a little extra.

I'll send it in the morning.

What-

You stole the money I had hidden under my pillow.

I didn't know you had money.

How would you even have money?

Give it back, or-

Or what?

Or you'll tell the madame that I'm a thief?

Or maybe you'll hit me again?

I didn't think so.

After our last visit, I contacted a specialist in Bangkok.

He's interested in your wife's condition.

Oh, that's good news!

The treatment might be expensive.

I don't care.

Jakob.

I don't care how expensive it is...

He says that it's fine.

I'll have you sign this consent to perform some preliminary tests.

What type of tests?

She'll do all the tests...

Shouldn't we ask what the tests are-

Where do I sign?

It's okay, it's okay...

Clean up the dishes.

It's not my job.

Well it's your job tonight.

I'll check the gate and be right back.

Okay.

It's already so late.

Why couldn't you just let me go out?

How were you going to pay for it?

What happened to you?

I needed you today.

Then why did you leave me home alone?

Come on. Let's go to sleep.

Good night.

So...

Here you are...

So, when the auditor arrives, we'll take him out to the site.

and if he doesn't seem... "convinced" then I'll make him an offer.

You want to bribe the UNDP?

Obviously I don't.

Hopefully they won't be looking too closely...

But if not...

I'll need to clear fifty thousand dollars off the books. Just in case.

Fifty thousand is more than the real fucking German panels cost.

Hey... calm down.

The auditor doesn't arrive for another two months...

It's enough time for us to doctor the accounting.

No!

I'm the accountant.

I have copies of the books...

The real fucking books...

And if you decide to fucking bribe the UN...

I'm giving them everything.

Not just this job, but all the jobs.

You fucking won't.

Try me.

We've given three years to your company.

We're not getting blacklisted because you cut corners

on a pretty fucking straightforward project.

We cut corners...

We.

All of us.

You're actually going to do that?

Cheers, little sister.

Nok!

Move.

You're in my way.

Don't count the bodies before the war is over.

Don't give me that Asian bullshit.

It means-

I don't give a fuck what it means! Just tell me what you're trying to say.

I'm going to bed.

Jakob is taking me to a Bangkok doctor for my eyes.

That's a good thing, isn't it?

They don't know why I'm blind.

They just keep doing tests.

It's a waste of money.

I don't want to burden my husband with medical expenses.

If he really closes his company

We'll regret spending money looking for a cure.

Aren't we going to Europe?

I was born in this city.

I grew up here.

We're going to stay right here.

Everything will stay exactly as it is.

Okay.

Don't worry.

I can convince my husband.

Hello?

Where's the money?

You promised to send it.

I know. Just wait a little while.

You can't believe how disappointed your family is.

What am I supposed to do?

Do something.

We've barely got two fish between us.

Just be patient.

I have a plan to send extra money.

Nok?

Is that you?

If you need to tell me something, just tell me.

I'm not afraid of you.

I'll listen.

I'll listen.

Mother?

Four...

...seven...

...zero.

Four, seven, zero...

Close your eyes. I'm here now.

Don't look at it.

It's over now.

Mom?

Why didn't you answer your phone? I've been calling all day.

No, mom. I don't need anything.

I just wanted to make sure you were all right.

Nothing's happened, right?

All right.

I'll come over on Saturday.

Dad?

Slow down, I can't understand you.

Nobody could remember the license plate number.

Witnesses say the truck didn't even slow down.

I'm at the hospital with my father now.

Her skull is fractured.

She's functionally brain damaged.

I'll leave you alone with her.

Thank you, doctor.

Ana. You knew this was going to happen, didn't you?

That's why you called.

I didn't know.

I thought I saw her.

She was covered in blood.

But it was hours before I called her.

I didn't think anything would actually happen.

Did she say anything to you?

Did she have a message?

Nok?

It was just numbers.

What day is it? Are the lottery tables out today?

Dad. This isn't the time to think about the lottery.

Ana, if we win...

...we can afford better medical care for your mother.

Nok.

Go buy a ticket for me... Hurry.

Four, seven, zero.

Your mother was always worried about you.

Dad...

I think I'm pregnant.

Does your husband know?

It's not the right time to tell him.

His work has been so stressful.

And your mother...

...did you tell her?

I never had the chance.

She must have known.

Why else would she give you the numbers?

He's here.

Your husband's here.

...and now the moment you've been waiting for...

...the winning lottery numbers are, four, seven, zero...

...one more time, that's four, seven, zero...

...congratulations to all our winners...

My mother was still alive when I had my vision.

She probably hadn't even left the house.

That day...

Maybe they're warnings.

I tried and tried to call her.

But in the end...

...what good did it do?

And the message...

It meant nothing.

Yes... yeah.

Excellent.

I'll call my travel agent now. We'll fly down this afternoon.

Yeah... So we can be in your office tomorrow morning.

No, no, no, no... right now it's okay.

Thanks. Yeah... bye.

Sorry...

Did I wake you?

I just got a call from Bangkok...

They've analyzed your test results and...

They're ready to take your case.

Aren't you excited?

This is good news, darling.

I know...

Have your girl help you pack while I book our flights, okay?

Okay.

Good.

Come on.

I'm going to go into town.

I'll find my own way back home.

Downtown lottery office.

Hello?

What? I can't hear you.

What are you doing? Why is it so loud?

Your parents are having a party.

The whole village is here.

Where did they get the money for a party?

I don't know... I'm so drunk... Cheers! Cheers-

Aren't you getting out?

Just take me back home.

Darling, this blond is perfect for you.

It's one of the most popular colors.

Really?

I want this color for myself.

You're going to look so hot.

Slut.

Who's that? Your new best friend?

God, no. It's Ana's servant.

Have her come introduce herself.

Invite her over for a toast.

Anyway, cheers!

Why wouldn't you just pour the whole glass?

And bring me some ice.

Of course.

Hey...

You're looking good, you skinny little thing.

What about I buy you a drink, sweetheart?

Yeah? Okay.

Okay...

Come over here for... meet my friends...

We're from Australia. Maybe you can sit at our table?

Come back to our hotel later? Yeah?

Okay!

Can you get her something fancy please?

Little sister! Sabaidee... - Sabaidee...

So good to see you.

What're you doing man?

Sorry, buddy, I know this girl. It's all good.

I just bought her a fucking drink.

You bought her a drink? So fucking what?

And that entitles you to what?

- Nok? Nok, come on... - No, no... Just chill out.

Back off! Back off!

You shouldn't let guys buy you drinks in a place like this...

You know that right, little sister?

You didn't understand a word I just said, did you?

Okay!

Come on.

Careful! Are you okay?

Okay.

Do you want to come inside?

I don't think that would be a good idea.

And that would be a worse idea.

Good night, little sister.

Goodbye.

Are you hungover, little sister?

Your family called while I was in Bangkok.

Do you know how expensive a call like that is?

They haven't received a single kip from the money we've paid you.

You should be ashamed.

I had them pay you directly so that you wouldn't lose face.

I was taking care of it.

You were supposed to support your family.

Instead, you stole from them to go drinking.

I'll see you in a couple weeks.

I love you.

Don't be too hard on her.

She's young.

Okay.

Where did you get the money for the dress?

And the phone?

How did you buy that?

You stole from me.

I didn't steal from you.

I won the lottery.

How?

You know how I did it.

I used your numbers.

I thought the numbers didn't mean anything.

They do.

I didn't want you to know.

I gave your father the wrong numbers.

You know...

I had to borrow money from my husband for my mother's cremation.

You're in my debt.

You already took my money.

That wasn't your money.

You didn't earn it.

What about you?

What have you done?

Did you earn your money?

Go to your room and pack your things.

Let's be clear about our relationship.

You'll do your job until you pay off your debt.

But I want you out of my house.

Congratulations.

My house is for family only.

You can sleep outside with the rest of the help.

An angel fallen from heaven.

Serves her right.

Go check on her, girl.

Isn't that why you're here?

The door's locked. You can't use it.

The help has to walk around from outside.

Go on... Out and around.

Shit.

What is she saying?

Take me to the airport.

Did you bring food?

Come here.

Go get more beer.

And get change. I know how much shit costs.

Go on... Don't just stare.

The customer you're trying to reach is out of the service area...

What the fuck is this?

It doesn't help to yell.

What the hell happened here?

It's not like they understand.

Tell them to pack up and leave.

Fucking ungrateful!

See? After years working here...

...they kicked us out like animals.

Watch your own back.

You deserve this.

Hey.

Come on inside.

Come!

Your eyes need to be kept clean.

Sorry.

The bandages need to be changed.

The doctor left very specific instructions.

Can she read Thai?

Do you read Thai?

Yes.

She has to clean each eye twice a day, everyday. Okay?

And then apply the medication.

Tell her to get her things. She's moving back into the house.

Hey, Ana... I have to leave in ten minutes to get the UNDP auditor to the site.

I don't have time for this fucking shit, please!

The surgeon said the operation was a success.

I'll have my sight back in a few weeks.

I'm happy for you, sister.

You'll move back inside to help me with my medication.

Since my husband has fired my maid,

...you'll work to pay off your debt.

Okay? Do we understand each other?

Good.

Once I can see, I'm sending you home.

You can't just send me home with nothing.

Of course, I can.

I don't want her... live in the house.

I don't feel safe with you locked inside alone.

What if you fall? What if you hurt yourself?

Hey... I'll be gone a week. Just enough time to

present the financial statements to the auditor.

Okay?

We'll be fine in Europe, won't we?

Of course.

We will.

Open the gate.

Who is this?

I want to speak to my boyfriend.

Who's calling?

Some girl.

What girl? Give me the phone.

If you want it, come get it.

Come on. Give it to me... Who is it?

I told you. It's just some girl.

You're such a cheater-

Nok?

Nok?

Did you notice?

I helped you move the furniture.

You thought you could just send me back to my village.

I want you out of my house now.

Okay.

Of course I'll go.

I just need another set of numbers first.

You took all my money...

...so there's not a lot to eat.

Maybe you've forgotten how little most people have.

Let's go upstairs.

Come eat with me.

Do you even know how to eat Lao food anymore?

My money is in my purse.

Just take it and leave.

I'm not a thief.

Consider it a gift.

I don't need your fucking pity.

Come and eat.

Even if I wanted to get you another set of numbers...

I don't think I could.

That's okay.

I can wait.

Since the doctor fixed my eyes...

...they haven't visited me.

I don't know what you want me to do.

Take off your bandages.

Take a damn look.

Don't worry.

I'll protect you, like I always do.

I need my medicine.

So go get it. It's there on the shelf.

I don't know where the shelf is.

How many days have we been sitting here like this?

I don't want to starve you or hurt you. I'm not here to make you suffer.

You know?

This is your own damn fault.

Call back, please...

Jakob.

Jakob. Call back.

Help. Help me, please.

I hear you, sister.

Jakob.

I just called you.

Four...

...two...

...seven.

She can't hurt us now.

I've locked her up.

It's going to be fine honey...

We're going to be okay.

Jakob.

Jakob.

Jakob.

Four...

...two...

...seven.

Four...

...two...

...seven.

Jakob.

Dammit.

Fuck.

Ana?

Ana...

Ana!

Jakob!

Hang on!

I'm coming!

Jakob?

Jakob!

Hello, madame.

It seems somebody has been helping you move the furniture around.

Who's out there? Open the door!

Help me, please!

Come this way.

Let me out!

I can pay you!

However much you want, I'll pay you!

You saw how she treated me!

She treated me like a dog!

I never treated you like a dog.

Didn't you?

You treated me like-

Shut up.

Please don't die.

Jakob?

Open your eyes.

You're going to be fine.

You can't die.

No.

You're going to be okay.

Stay with me.

Jakob.

You can let me go.

How could I let you go?

This wasn't me.

Your servants did this.

I could leave on the first bus out.

No.

I didn't hurt anybody.

That's right.

You didn't hurt anybody.

I didn't mean to.

Is that right?

How many days did you keep me locked up?

How long did you starve me?

I took you in.

I let you sleep in my home.

I loved and trusted you like you were my own sister.

I gave you everything you could have wanted.

You can let me go back to my village.

This really wasn't because of me.

Somebody will come.

When they do, I'm telling them everything.

We were sisters, weren't we?

We weren't.

If you won't let me go-

I'm pregnant.

What did you just say?

What are you looking at?

Tell me.

It's nothing...

...little sister.