Original subtitles

Previously on We Were the Lucky Ones...

Genek, tell me, are things getting worse?

A little. It'll pass. Radom is not Germany.

Who knows? Maybe I'll come give you some competition in Paris.

Come.

So, the new boarder just happens to be an eligible handsome architect?

The Führer isn't just targeting German-speaking territories anymore.

We could be next.

I'm leaving. We're being sent east to Lvov.

- Now? - Yes.

The Germans are coming.

What do you want me to do?

- Don't go. - I don't have a choice.

We could have left.

No, this is our home.

I'm going to Lvov. I need to be with Jakob.

Will you come with me?

Tomek will be waiting on the edge of town.

Follow his lead.

He has made the trip to Lvov many times since the occupation.

He's confident. You can trust him.

You can trust him because he gets our horse and wagon for his trouble.

Mila... enough.

I can only imagine how excited your sister is to finally have you there.

Anna's promised me a hero's welcome.

Our daughters together again... what could be better than that?

It's wonderful.

Avoid showing your papers if you can. They will know in an instant

- you don't have permission to leave. - I know.

There are multiple layers of fabric to obscure some of the heavier items,

but... the zloty can be easily reached through the pockets.

- It's too much. - Halina.

- It's too much. - There is no point in you going

without money to make it past the checkpoints.

Thank you.

It's time.

- Hug Jakob and Genek for me. - I will.

Perhaps I can look for a job for you.

Get us an apartment. Send money back for the trip.

You would not have to worry so much about Felicia under the Soviets.

You think I can risk a 10-day journey through Nazi checkpoints with a baby?

You smuggle her into a factory every day.

Where the foreman turns a blind eye and the women are kind.

Who will protect us on the road?

Checkpoint.

- Bella? - Yeah?

First checkpoint.

We are going to Lvov because we have a sick mother there.

We need a story?

Just let me do the talking.

Halt!

Papiere.

Papiere.

Baby kommt bald. Mein Mann in Lvov.

Baby kommt bald. Mein Mann in Lvov.

What-What does that mean?

Changed the story a bit. I thought this one was more effective.

The letters have become

a form of torture.

Jakob can write?

- Yes, he can write. - Sorry.

He's always been the least articulate Kurc.

Mm, only because the rest of you give him no room to speak.

You have a point. - Mm.

Adam's letters have been...

they... they err on the practical side.

Mm, so he's measured. That can be a very attractive quality.

Mmm, yes, but the most romantic thing

I've ever heard him say was about a building.

No.

If only he could just describe my body

- in the same architectural terms. Halina.

We didn't part on the best terms.

Perhaps he's angry with me.

- I wouldn't blame him. - Oh, I'm sure he's not.

And what could be more romantic

than a daring escape through enemy territory

to come and find him in Lvov?

I'm not exactly coming to find him.

- You're not?

You make it all sound a bit silly.

I don't mean to.

I'm going for work to save some money for my family.

Me too. That doesn't mean I can't be happy to be with Jakob.

Yes, but we're not all lovesick, Bella.

Right...

silly me.

- No?

- No? No, no, no, no?

These young women I work with, they're hopeless.

Cecilia cut her thumb

because she could not stop staring at the boy in the kitchen.

"Is he looking at me, Nechuma? Don't let him see you looking."

Uh, I remember when you used to look at me like that.

Cecilia reminds me a bit of Halina.

- They must be nearing Lvov now. Mm.

Probably tired of sleeping in that wagon.

- Probably desperate for a bath. - I hope she smells like a cow.

Mila!

- What do you-- - Shh.

Evictions?

Could be deportations.

That's unlikely.

Is it? Do you know?

Get her out of the apartment. Now!

If it is an eviction, you need my help.

- And if it isn't an eviction? - It's an eviction.

Shh! Get her out now!

You can't possibly carry everything yourself.

Go to the Jewish Quarter. Isaac's apartment.

He won't mind. We'll meet you there.

Oh!

Oh, Lily.

We are not sure what is happening,

but if you'd be willing to keep some belongings for when we return--

I-- - Stairwell's empty.

- Go quickly. Go, go, go. - I could take Felicia's things.

We will bring a little later. Go.

Mwah. Mwah!

Go.

Get the money. I'll pack the jewelry.

No, we prioritize what can be bartered.

And fabric. All the fabric we can carry.

Open up!

You have 30 minutes to gather your belongings.

Thirty minutes?

But is it possible for a little more time?

The furniture stays.

- Wrong way, Sol. - I will be headed that way soon enough.

Bruno!

Hey, Bruno.

- An eviction? - It is.

Well, I know you have your deliveries, uh, but can I borrow your wagon for an hour?

Um... 50?

- Two hundred. - Bruno.

I can drive around the corner and get 300 from one of your neighbors.

Bella, I could have a conversation with your stomach.

Sorry.

- Please, can we just-- - Not an option.

You know that's not a real baby, right?

Halt!

Raus.

Schnell!

My sister-in-law is going to Lvov to have her baby soon.

Ausweis.

I, of course, can, can offer you, um, some money.

Nach hause gehen.

I'm, I'm sorry, I don't speak German.

Jude.

We have to go back.

Um... I understand.

Um, but we have money.

We can offer you some--

Um...

I--

Okay.

Okay. I-It-It's all okay.

Please, sir.

O-Our mistake.

We'll go back.

We'll go back.

We'll go back.

Funf minuten. Schnell.

The cart is full. We don't... we don't have time.

They will be eating here.

Pack, pack it up. Pack it up.

At least they won't eat from your mother's plates.

No. No, no, no, no, no.

- We have enough.

Food is more important than china.

Meet me in the hallway.

My parents made me get Felicia out. They, they suggested we meet here.

Right here... I'm glad they thought of me.

You're always welcome.

A bit cramped these days. Our family just arrived from Krakow.

Are they staying with you?

Where else?

Um...

I'm sure my parents will arrive soon, and we will make a plan.

- You haven't secured a place yet?

We make camp until tomorrow.

Maybe new guards. Or we find a different route.

We won't make it through.

We can't go back. We're too close.

Quiet, girl.

Halina, please, listen to me.

He's taking us into the woods!

Halina! Halina!

Halina!

- We're off the road.

Run!

Please!

He loses the horse and wagon if we don't get to Lvov!

He wouldn't! Wait, Halina!

I mean no harm! Please!

Please!

What can't! Halina?

Stay there! Stay there!

I didn't mean to scare you.

I... I wanted to make sure we were clear of the guards.

We must find another way through.

It would be a mistake. They are getting more aggressive.

You have a job to do.

If you take us back, you'll get nothing for your trouble.

I will not risk my life or yours.

It's seven days back to Radom. We don't have enough food.

We can forage, search for food along the way.

What do you want? I'll-I'll give you whatever I have.

- I don't want anything. - Give him the zloty. All of it.

- I'll make more. I'll pay you back. - No, he doesn't, he doesn't want money.

But we can't go back.

I don't think we have a choice.

How close are we?

The distance isn't the problem.

Is it possible on foot?

Tell me.

We are a kilometer or two from the border

between German and Soviet territory.

The area is heavily patrolled.

Wait until dark, stay close to the river,

you might be able to slip through on foot.

If you make it across to the Soviet side, you can meet up with the main road,

- travel more freely. - If we make it across, Bella.

Bella, this is, this is, this is madness.

- Please. - It is, it is. I-I don't recommend it.

It's only a kilometer. That's nothing.

Will you mark me the route?

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

I'm no good to, to anyone if I am dead.

You should, you should go back with Tomek.

- I can't leave you alone! - You got me out of Radom.

- Please, please. - I couldn't have done this without you.

Bella, please, reconsider. Think of, of Jakob. Think of Jakob.

I am thinking of Jakob.

I know that everyone thinks we're ridiculous...

but he can't do this without me. I can't do it without him.

I need to get to Lvov.

I think Addy would've happily swapped you out for one of us.

He was a good friend.

Have you heard from him?

The last letter that got through

said he had been enlisted in France, a Polish unit.

The military?

It's hard to imagine.

Stomping around in the mud, sleeping on the ground.

- He's always so well-groomed.

And Selim?

No news, I think, is positive.

It just means a question of patience, time.

Are you really such an optimist?

You always struck me as moodier than that.

I never thought I struck you as much of anything.

She seems comfy.

Why don't you take my bed?

Get some rest.

Take your bed on the men's side of the apartment?

Your mother would have my head.

What do those rules matter now?

Why did you cut your payos?

My father was last seen reciting the Shema outside of the synagogue...

and then nothing.

He asked for God... and nothing.

"Dear Mother, I hope that my letters have reached you.

"The French Army has kept us moving.

"Exactly where, I am not at liberty to say.

"We hear that the Germans are closing in,

"and the few reports from Poland are horrendous.

"I understand the impossibility of getting home,

"but I will continue to search for any means of getting you all out.

"I know you will say that is madness,

"but all of Europe has gone mad.

"I promise I will not miss any opportunity that presents itself.

We will find a way to be together again."

Lose the basket and the bread.

We can divide up the provisions.

It's fine. I can manage.

If you were managing, you would be faster.

- Just let me carry it. - No, I'm not slowing us down.

- You are, in fact, slower than me.

- I told you you didn't have to come. - And leave you alone to die in the woods?

- That's not much of a choice.

Good God, I didn't force this on you.

You're so fucking arrogant.

- Bella! Bella, are you okay?

The camera.

Oh.

The only thing my stupid brother will be mad about is if you let this upset you.

- He doesn't care about his camera.

No... I'm an idiot.

And I'm arrogant.

This way! No, the river.

Are you okay?

Yes, are you okay?

We wait.

Yes, but for how long?

They've seen us. We're surrounded.

We wait.

But we are wet.

We won't last the night in this cold.

- We ask for help. What? No. They'll shoot us.

No, I-I think I heard a shout in Russian.

- It's the Red Army. - You can't be sure.

What if it's the Germans?

They're not going to kill two silly, young things who lost their way.

We smile. We ask for directions.

- A warm meal. - Halina, no.

- Yes. - No, no, no.

- Yes. - No, no.

Hello! We are here! We are allies!

Please, please don't shoot! I'm unarmed!

Please don't shoot me! Please don't shoot me!

Please, don't shoot! Don't shoot!

- Please! Friend-- friendly! - Please, we could use some help.

- We-We've run-run into some trouble

trying to get to our families in Lvov.

Perhaps we can bother you for a fire, a warm meal,

to-to point us in the right direction?

Come.

Do you hate me?

Never.

I really thought that we could make it.

- We will make it. Okay?

I'm so cold, I can't feel my face.

What if I lose my nose?

- I think you would look pretty funny. - That's reassuring.

At least you have true love.

- And if I lost my nose-- - Adam will still love you without a nose.

I'm not sure that what Adam and I have is...

the same as what you and Jakob have.

Oh.

It doesn't have to be the same.

Is it safe to sleep?

- I'll stay awake. - No, I'll stay awake.

- Do we have to disagree on everything? Probably.

Here, come here.

Leo! Leo!

I'm sorry.

'Scuse me.

'Scuse me.

Leo.

Leo.

- Sol. - I'm so glad to see you.

The last time must have been, uh--

Re-Remind me, when was it?

When I picked up that beautiful suit Nechuma made me for my campaign.

That's right. That's right. Well, it was nothing.

- We were happy to contribute. - You've always been generous.

Well, we try to be when we have the option.

I'm sorry about the evictions.

Yes, uh, yes, well, uh...

I-I assume the council might know about lodging.

- We are not the council anymore. - You're not?

We are, more or less, but under a different name.

The Judenrat.

Judenrat... Alright, alright, so

then the Judenrat can be of assistance?

Leo, I-I-I'm desperate here.

I've got a granddaughter. We need a home.

We are trying, Sol, but it's a mess.

They've brought in refugees from Krakow.

There are more Germans arriving by the day.

They've tasked us with making lists for everything.

- Apartments, work assignments. - Lists for the Germans?

Someone needs to advocate for our community.

We'd like to open a school for the children, if we can.

That's, Th-That's, That's wonderful, Leo. That's wonderful.

You have always had our best interests at heart.

Nechuma and I have always recognized that.

And, um...

we-we would like to recognize it again.

Uh, maybe, um, m-maybe a donation for your school,

or-or... whatever your current needs might be?

- Sol. - Thank you.

Yes.

I'm sorry, but our options were limited.

No... Do not apologize.

We will take care of their home.

Keep it company until they return.

And I packed my stationary.

We will write letters to them all.

Addy first. He's on the move, but he will

know to check back in Paris.

All he needs is an address...

and now we have one.

I could sleep for a week.

How 'bout until dawn?

So?

You actually got the captain to lend you his typewriter?

He didn't know what it was for.

You lunatic.

- Let me see it.

It looks so real.

That is the point.

You should peddle your services.

I think the French army may notice a glut of demobilization papers.

- But I can do one for you.

I don't think the situation is as urgent for me [deep breath] as it is for you.

When will you use it?

When I figure out where it's safe for a Polish Jew to go next.

You may be waiting a while then.

Not if I can leave Europe.

Bella?

By all means, keep going, but could I please have a bath?

I cannot believe you were arrested by the Soviets and released.

Arrested feels like the wrong word.

What word would you use?

I don't know. It was a friendly arrest?

We peeled potatoes for a week. Bella made a friend. He helped us.

She asked him to make a case for our release... and he did.

That's, um-- I'm relieved.

The Soviets are... unpredictable.

Has it been alright for you?

It-It's better here, yeah. No question.

But they're not the Germans.

It's not so organized. It's [inhales] just, um...

- a different existence. - Hm.

Radom would break your heart.

I hate having to tell you this when you just got here.

What is it?

This arrived from Mother yesterday.

They were evicted.

Uh, she said they're fine.

They found a nice place in the Old Quarter.

They sounded cheerful enough.

Truthfully, my panic was for you.

The fact that her letter made it here faster than the two of you...

I-I thought you were both--

Everyone... is where they should be.

Okay?

She's asleep.

Jakob!

I ruined your camera.

Do you think I care?

- It's a part of you. - It's replaceable.

You aren't.

Together from now on...

- alright? - Mm, yes.

No matter what.

Mm, uh, I'm not sure if it was clear,

but... I want to marry you.

- It wasn't clear.

- I'm sorry.

Marry me?

Yes, yes.

I'll marry you. Mm.

- So, what is this place?

Adam told me it's been used as a safe house,

but abandoned for a while now.

Am I allowed to be happy that you're here?

Because I am, but... you look miserable.

Genek.

I just-- I c-- I cannot believe they were moved.

I have to find a job and send them money.

You will, but they'd want us to enjoy tonight.

They'd want us to make this... special for him.

- He's so pale. He almost glows.

Jakob... come, come.

- I need you to relax.

I don't know why I'm so nervous.

Well, your wedding is technically a criminal act.

Right, only that.

I cannot believe you found a rabbi to perform the ceremony.

Oh, I did nothing. It was all Adam.

I can't believe you're letting me wear this.

I can't believe it looks even better on you.

Stop... No, it doesn't.

I didn't think I'd be nervous.

It's your wedding. Of course, you're nervous.

How do you think Mama and Tata will feel?

Ecstatic. Your marriage is a long time coming.

We didn't mean to wait.

We just... we just always thought that there'd be time.

Time to get the jobs we wanted, time to try a new city.

I'm so happy, but...

but I-I always thought that...

- Bella, no. Hey, it's okay. - ...that it would be different.

I know.

I can't be sad. Not today.

You won't be because this union is blessed...

in every way.

Um... is that, uh--

- Peppercorn red.

Hello. Oh, come in, come in.

Oh, we are so grateful to have you.

It is my privilege.

In there you will find a nervous, sweaty groom.

I will do my best to make him more nervous.

Oh, Adam.

- I have missed you. - I have missed you, too.

I was surprised to find out you were in Lvov

- and hadn't come to see me yet.

It's, it's been so busy since I arrived.

The crazy lovebirds wanted to get married right away.

Pulling it all together was... a wild operation.

- Yes, I know. - Of course, you know.

You've... arranged most of it.

I am so happy to do it.

The-The others are waiting,

but we must properly catch up after.

Yes?

- Yes. - Yes. Okay.

Before we finish, I would like to add that,

even in the darkness, I see your love.

Inside, you are full,

and through your eyes, it shines.

You are married now. Mazel tov.

No, no, on your wedding night, a special musical guest.

Oh, no, no, no, no. I couldn't, I couldn't possibly.

Don't!

- What was that? We are okay!

Do you want to hear my favorite song, List?

- Oh, but of course! - Genek, shh!

- Genek, shh! - My name is Addy.

I don't care what the fuck your name is, you're gonna get us all arrested.

- Lower your voice. - Then I will go to my jail, singing!

- Mm!

I will come back for you when things are better, okay?

Both of you.

Mila, I can be more helpful to you somewhere with choices and jobs.

And boyfriends.

You really think I'm going because of a boyfriend?

It's not a crime. I like Adam.

A luxury, these days.

I'm alright.

Has something changed?

And forgive me for saying,

but this drink is strong, and...

nothing has changed for me.

Oh.

I'm sorry.

It-It's fine.

It's my fault.

N-No, you've, you've done nothing wrong.

Mm... I did leave.

Adam. Adam, you had to.

Staying, going, it-it-it would not have made a difference.

- I...

I'm just-- I'm not like them.

You don't have to be like them.

I-I came here to--

I, I-I need, I need to do something.

I want to do what you're doing.

- Halina, I am not sure-- - No, the-the safe house, the rabbi,

w-whatever it is that you're involved in, I-I want to be part of it.

We, we help in small ways.

- There's no one smaller than me.

What?

I... I will make the introductions.

We can be f-friends?

Of course.

Always.

"Dear Mother... 10 months with no news

"has been agony.

"After France fell to the Germans,

"I used my demobilization papers

"to get out of the army as quickly as possible.

"Life is not sustainable here.

"Jews in France are being stripped of their rights,

"rounded up, deported by the thousands.

"As I write this, I know what you would say.

"'Use your head. Get out while you can.'

"I cling to the hope that if I am able to secure a visa,

"and with it, a permanent address,

"I can put all my energy into tracking you down.

The question is, who will take me?"

I'm sorry, but there are no more visas available today.

- Please, please!

We've been here two days. Why do we wait?

Ma'am, I understand, but you're gonna have to go elsewhere.

Where?! Tell me where! Everywhere is closed!

We should consider Brazil again.

No, we waited there for 10 hours.

That was bad luck.

More like a shitty rumor.

I'm sorry, but, uh, are you referring to Ambassador Dantas?

Yeah.

I heard the same rumor, that he may be sympathetic.

Yes, but the problem is access.

No, the problem is President Vargas making nice with Hitler.

What incentive could Souza Dantas possibly have to let in Jews?

Humanity?

Don't pin your hopes on that.

Excuse me? Are you a guest here?

I'm waiting for a friend.

A friend you've been waiting for for two hours?

Uh, he's running late.

Ambassador Dantas!

- Monsieur. - Am-Am-Ambassador, please.

You need to leave right now.

It will only take a moment of your time.

How did you find where I live?

I ask a lot of questions. People seem to like talking to me.

Let's see if that's true.

My name is Addy Kurc.

I'm an electrical engineer.

I'd humbly like to offer my skills to your beautiful country.

If you're interested in applying for a visa,

you should visit the embassy.

I have. I've visited five times.

Not sure your embassy is interested in welcoming

people like myself.

- You're an engineer? - Electrical.

I repaired my first radio by instinct at age seven.

It wasn't long after that I made one by scratch.

I received my degree

from the Institut Polytechnique in Grenoble.

Before the war, I was employed at a firm in Paris.

I would not plead for entry to your country

without something to offer in return.

And, of course, if a fee... is required--

Stop. There's no need.

Where are you from?

Radom, Poland.

- Is your family still there? - Yes. Four siblings. My parents.

We were in... touch for a time, but the letters have...

stopped.

Rio de Janeiro is a world away.

I know.

Leave your passport with me. Come back here tomorrow.

- There is a ship leaving soon for Rio

from Marseille.

The Alsina.

I don't know when or if there will be another.

You should make sure you're on it.

Yes.

Thank you. Thank you.

- What is, what is this?

I have done... nothing wrong.

You are Genek Kurc?

What right do you have to pull me from my home in the middle of the night?

Confirm your name, Genek Kurc.

- Yes, I am Genek Kurc-- - And you are Polish?

No.

I mean, yes, I am from Poland.

Do you know what this is?

It's the lease I signed when I rented this apartment.

And this? What does this say?

It's asking the leaser to declare his citizenship.

And what did you declare?

Nothing... I must have missed it.

Or maybe you are too dumb to know that you are on Soviet soil.

I know which soil I'm on.

Genek Kurc... you have been deemed an enemy of the state.

You are under arrest. You must come with us now.