Original subtitles

THE GREEN YEARS

Screenplay PAULO ROCHA

The first time I saw Lisbon, I thought to myself:

This city is like a broad that has to be handled with great care.

Don't hurry it, don't fondle her too soon...

Better take it slowly, eyes wide open and without smelly feet.

Better remember, above all, that you were born in a backwards village,

and you need to learn to hang on.

Almost all my neighbors were run out of the city.

They came out here in such a rush,

that they settled next to the first stone wall they saw.

Actually, my home isn't any palace either.

But that's because I'm cautious.

I'm in no hurry to find a better place.

I've never liked to rush.

My neighbors must find me suspicious

because they've never heard me say I'm down and out.

Serves them right. They only know how to complain about each other.

In the city they still say: 'There's another country hick'.

But someone who works in construction like me

knows who the hicks are and who makes the rules.

There's none like a hick to know how to fool city people.

Ram...

Are you going to pick up the boy?

Yes. He's arriving on the afternoon train.

- Have to go. - I'll be here till eight.

If you're thinking of exploiting the boy, I've got you figured out.

This city has devoured many, but hasn't laid a band on me.

I wouldn't be easily taken.

If they're hungry, let them eat the local brand.

If the boy can handle it, at least he won't be another miserable soul.

That won't help out the others, but he'll be one less sucker.

Listen, Joaquim, I'm leaving the bike in the patio until tonight.

Afonso...

Have a seat.

Let's bet a bite.

I can't. I have to go to Rossio station to pick up my nephew.

Sit down and have a beer.

Well...

- What time is he coming? - On the 6:22 train.

You still have half an hour then.

Director of photography

music

subtitles by Helen Simas and Ana de Freitas

a film by

Please sir... Could you tell me where this street is?

Yes.

- If you please then... - Come with me.

I'll see that you'll get used to it.

Lisbon is a beautiful city.

You'll like it...

This is a paradise.

You'll see.

I was younger than you when I came here.

You don't know how often I had the wool pulled over my eyes!

When the poor start tricking each other,

it's a sad case.

You're about to learn a lot!

When I came to Lisbon, it wasn't this hectic,

with all the buses and subway.

Mind you, the streets were nothing to play around then wind.

There were those horse buggies... those carriages,

often with two or three teams of horses,

driven by people who began the day drinking champagne.

By late afternoon... Oh, those devils!

But this is Mr Ram's shop.

Yes. He's out, but he'll be back.

He'll be back in an hour.

An hour?

Yes, more or less.

I'm the new worker. Foreman Afonso's nephew.

Ah yes...

- Can I leave my bags here, please? - Of course.

My god!

I've been going fishing on Sundays since I was 15.

Every Sunday?

Almost. When the tide is good, I never pass it up.

For me, a Sunday without soccer is like a day without sun.

I've been up and down Portugal, chasing after my team.

I've never liked ball games.

Take a few greens. You don't have to spend your Sunday broke.

I'm taking off so I can get a seat.

Standing at ball games is only for the players.

There's Julio 'Potatoes'.

We have a potato here.

Make us a doll.

Don't push.

You think it's just for you, huh?

- Have you got the knife? - Here it is.

What are going to make?

Wait a minute. You'll see.

- It's for me. - It's for me! I gave him the potato.

Go pick some weeds.

Here.

Looks like your aunt's face.

- What aunt? - Aunt Madalena.

- Are you leaving? - Give it to me.

It's for me.

It's cute.

It's for me!

- Your mission must be to scare people. - They didn't get wet inside.

They'd dry, anyway. My boss needs the other pair first.

Does your boss have her shoes repaired by the dozen?

- You think 3 pairs is a lot? - Yes.

If you could see the shows she has!

Then it's not urgent.

This pair is, she needs them Thursday.

What's she doing Thursday?

You think I keep track of everywhere she goes?

I can barely keep track of myself, always rushing around.

And where are you headed now?

Now I'm headed in the wrong direction. I was going to your shop.

Careful, don't go to the wrong address.

What about my shoes?

Something terrible happened.

They changed into boots.

I'll start on them this afternoon.

What about the shoes with the broken heel? Are they ready?

Don't get upset. They're almost ready.

They were almost ready the day before yesterday!

- You always say almost. - Don't worry.

Julio will take them still today.

I came in the rain to get that message!

What do you want?

I came to deliver these shoes, but I'm not sure this is the place.

Is there another maid here called Ilda?

Yes, there is, I'm sure this is the place.

I recognize those shoes, they should have been here a long time ago.

It's me again.

And these too.

But these were fixed yesterday!

Look at the left heel.

Look at the fine job you did. It didn't last a day.

It's not my fault your boss dances the fandango.

They just don't know how to make shoes in Lisbon.

Here. I bought them last week.

Come inside. We'll fix it in a second.

Sit here. There's a little space here for you.

If it's expensive, I don't want it.

Are you in such a need of dough?

You can't spend everything on good times. You have to save some for us.

You cost an arm and a leg.

I know very well what my boss spends here.

We only want her legs. She can keep her arms.

- And for you, it's free. - Don't do me any favors.

You do us a favor sitting here next to us.

- Are you still afraid of doors? - Afraid of doors?

It's done!

He had himself a scare the other day.

- Bye, Mr Raul, and thank you. - At your service.

Always at your service.

Now I must go to... to...

- to Cidade de Manchester Street. - It's down there.

Not knowing is like not seeing.

Tomorrow is my day off. I'm always waiting for Sundays.

- You're free on Sundays? - Almost always.

My bosses like to go out for rides.

I have the day off, I just have no money.

My sister is sick. I've sent almost all my money to my mother.

Last Sunday, I just wandered around.

A man without money is like a car without gas.

Go to the airport. It's a nice walk and doesn't cost anything.

- Have you been there? - No, I haven't.

It's worth it.

Well... bye.

I've got things to do.

Come on!

Hold on, bud.

You'll scare them away.

There's a couple of love-birds... Damn!

What did they want?

People should mind their own business.

I agree.

They'll probably follow us now.

We'll see.

Come on.

Then your father...

My father...!

Hadn't we planned on going to the airport?

Wait a minute.

Give me your hand.

There's nothing strange about my father. If you want, I'll tell you.

You don't like to talk about these things, do you?

I'm that way too.

I wouldn't mind talking to you.

When I found out my nephew was dating a maid,

it was like seeing the sun rise.

Something that happens everyday, isn't it?

To maids and to nephews.

But when you become a man, it's a different kind of romance.

The kind that forces you to straighten out your life,

to the point that others can't mess up.

Hello, Raul.

- Working on Sunday? - I have to finish an urgent order.

Watch out, boy. Others always want something urgent from us.

Your apprentice here is very absent-minded, huh?

He came here to work thinking it was a week day.

It was urgent.

Sure. When it's urgent, it's urgent.

Is it almost done?

- Is it almost done? - Almost.

Give it to me, I'll finish it.

- Is that your girl? - She sure is.

I'm going to a game this afternoon, but I'm free until then.

- I can invite you both to have lunch. - I'd say that's a good idea.

Pretty sleek!

Sleek enough to take for a ride.

Uncle, this is Ilda.

I suggested we have lunch across the river, but he's afraid you don't want to.

I'd love to! Ever since I came to Lisbon, I haven't crossed it.

Let's go then. I'll show you some things on the way.

I'll get my coat.

First thing I want to show you is 20 steps away.

1... 2... 3...

What is this?

This is to look at.

Take a good look and then I'll explain it to you.

What do you think?

What would you like?

All this was made by yours truly.

Guess how much a wall like this cost.

It was expensive, I'm sure.

Hello, my friend Julio.

Could I go up and show my nephew the view? He's Julio too.

From there, they set off for the Discoveries.

- Look over there! - It's St Jorge Castle.

Man!

This is high!

People look like ants from up here.

This is Lisbon.

And there's more than what you see here.

In our neighborhood, there are taller buildings.

Our neighborhood!

In my neighborhood, buildings crumble with a donkey's kick.

But sometimes, before going to bed,

I look at the buildings in Ilda's neighborhood from my window,

and wonder what those people pay to be there.

They pay more for place to sleep than to eat.

Some people throw themselves off of here.

I've been in more places than I can remember.

Spain, France, Germany...

I know a guy from Almada who was in Germany washing cars.

- He made more than an engineer. - Of course.

Have you never been abroad?

- Can you get a job that easily? - Not quite.

It depends. Is it for you?

No. I'm already settled.

My nephew there is at the right age to think about that.

He sure is. But for us...

When you are used to boiled codfish

nothing can take its place.

Well...

Let me see if the others are still around.

They're over there.

That's not them.

Júlio!

Did you call?

- You think I want to be taken? - What about lunch?

We'll have lunch over there.

This is good for the view or to fool foreigners.

Well... Aren't we better off here?

- We're almost on top of each other. - Don't you like it?

When we crossed back over, the water seemed even smoother.

I was really sorry when the trip was over.

Well, I'm not sorry I have to go to bed. Do you mind waiting up for them?

Go ahead. I'll stay up.

Good evening.

Ilda, put these flowers in some water. Don't forget.

This headache is making me so dizzy.

I told you not to stay in the sun so long.

Do you want something to eat?

Not at all. I'll take a Saridon and go to bed.

Ilda, bring me the pills from the nightstand.

That's not good for you on an empty stomach.

Empty stomach! We finished dinner an hour ago.

- Oh, you're in here. - I came for the pills.

Bring a glass of water, please, while I undress.

- You stayed in the sun too long, madam? - Yes...

- You also got burned. - It's from crossing the river.

- So you crossed the river? - Yes, I did, madam.

With the young shoemaker, I'm sure.

With him and his uncle, who Julio is staying with.

Do you remember I told you he lived down there

on the other side of the road?

No, I don't, but you probably told me.

His uncle... his name is Afonso...

showed us around the city.

Then he took us to have lunch across the river

to that place called... I don't remember.

- Be very careful with the boys in Lisbon. - This one is not from Lisbon.

Till last month he had never been here, except for passing through.

He'll learn quickly from the others.

- How old is he? - He's 19, madam.

So young, my girl! Younger than you.

But at least one is sincere at his age.

- Do you like him? - Yes, I do, madam.

Anyway, you must be careful.

And don't be in a hurry to fall in love.

You have time. Plenty of time.

Come in.

Come on in.

They always go out on Sundays and never return till midnight.

Sit down.

- You look like a scarecrow. - Let's go.

Today we'll stay here. I have a surprise for you.

But first, let's drink something, OK?

Do you prefer tea or coffee?

I'm going to give you something...

It's something special.

Do you like it?

It's bitter. What is it?

My boss brings it from England when he goes there.

It's a tea from China.

Is it from China or England?

England. He flies there quite often.

He goes and comes in a few hours.

I still haven't been to the airport.

What does your boss do?

He's an engineer.

By the way, I have something to tell you.

I found out he's fooling around with his cousin.

Who's his cousin?

She's a student and is living here. I've told you about her.

A few days ago, when I was coming from madam's room...

Poor thing, she had an awful headache...

I was coming down the hall, and saw him hugging his cousin.

- Did they see you? - They're a fine pair!

No, I left immediately.

They're a fine pair!

And her! I've never liked that woman.

"Oh Ilda!"

- She's a bitch. - What were they doing?

Praying, what do you think?

I liked madam the minute I saw her.

But the other one, I can't stand her!

Doesn't she mind that her husband is fooling with his cousin?

Have you finished? Come here, I want to show you something.

I told you I had a surprise for you.

- Here are madam's lodgings. - Her what?

Rooms, closets, all that.

Look...

This is a shoe store!

Didn't I tell you that she had enough shoes for a whole regiment?

Come on.

- She sleeps here. - And her husband?

He does too.

I don't think he deserves a woman like her.

Or any.

He doesn't deserve a lady.

He should have a woman who'd treat him rougher.

If she were like some others

she'd sure have him by the collar and he wouldn't do what he does.

Sit down there.

Wait a minute.

I'm the same size as my boss. Shoes and everything.

These shoes should be worn with dresses that are...

low-cut.

She wore this one to a wedding once.

- Her wedding? - Don't be silly!

You know... Ladies wear different clothes according to the time of the day.

I mean, if they go to a party or something.

That's why they need so many dresses and shoes.

Not because of greed, but that's the way it is.

Now close your eyes.

Don't open them till I tell you.

OK. Open them.

Sandals with diamonds and everything.

It was love

That left the same way it came

Our being together

Consumed us with heat...

There was no relief

No before or after

It was a secret

For none to hear

It was deceiving

And frightened us

It was death laughing

At our green years

It was a time that dried

The flower that was yet to be...

Like an autumn

That took the place of spring

You wanted me to learn to dance.

- If I step on you, it's your fault. - My fault?

You look very pretty.

They say I look like my mother, but she was prettier.

If you could see her picture in my room, you'd never say I was pretty.

If she's very pretty, I'll say she looks like you.

I can't get it right. I keep stepping on you. Let's rest.

No, we have to learn it. Look at their feet.

It's hard, until you get the knack of it.

Your partner is the one who pays.

Does your head hurt?

Ever since I got up. I don't know why.

It might be my teeth.

I've rinsed my mouth with brandy, to no avail.

You didn't tell me...

Why would I?

Talking about it wouldn't cure it.

I don't know what's with my hair today! I look like an old hag!

Nonsense!

But you, you're Pretty-

And you look older!

- Do you I look older to you?! - No!

But you'd like this: The look of a real woman!

A real woman?

There's a pharmacy over there. Why don't you take a pill?

I had thought of that, but I didn't know what to take.

Tell the pharmacist your head hurls and he'll know what to give you.

Good idea.

Was I wrong in saying Leonard was your fiancée?

No, I'm just sorry it's not true.

I don't know what's wrong with him today. He seems upset with me.

- It's all in your head. - No, it's true.

Don't worry.

Take a pill and in half an hour you'll be fine.

Thank you.

I'd go with you, but it's better not to leave the girls alone.

I'll manage.

Come on.

Who said you could dance with this girl?

Who else? She did.

I did, but not to dance like this.

- You had no right to ask her. - Really? And who are you?

I know what you need!

You've never had a serious slug!

It can really hurt!

Hello there.

How's it going?

Well... tonight we'll go out together.

Raul, give us two.

Is there anything new since I was here last?

The usual.

The usual isn't so bad.

Afonso!

Hi, guys!

Send a few beers over to that table.

If any "talent" shows up, send them over!

- Hi! - How are you?

If I hadn't showed up, you'd die of thirst.

So, you're leading the youngsters astray?

Guiding, man, I'm guiding him!

The boy is pretty good at downing them!

Are you in a hurry?

Take it easy.

You've got to go slowly here.

Everything's very slowly.

Another round, boss.

But in mugs, since you're treating.

Hey, there!

Boy, look at him go!

Hey, slow down. You're not at the fountain in your village.

Another one.

When you deal with kids...

But I had to get him away from his little maid.

You know what I mean.

If I hadn't stepped in, he'd have done something foolish, for sure.

Look at that! He consumes enough to fill a tank!

I've already told you to stop that.

Go to hell!

What?

God damn you! Stick to your own life. Leave me alone.

Even if you were my father, I wouldn't let you give me orders.

Listen... Are you stupid or what? You want me to slap you?

You're the one who's stupid. Don't touch me or else...

If you raise your voice again, I'll slug you instead.

Or do you think I'm just a kid?

What do you want?

Who let this one out of his cage?

Get out of here, idiot. Go take a walk.

Thanks. It was the only way to get rid of that pain in the neck.

That jerk wants to boss me around. He thinks he's my father!

He can boss his own kids around. If he doesn't have any, he can look for some.

Do you know what I'd like? To go away.

You know something?

As soon as you're born, everyone stands over you.

'Do this, do that'. They all want to give orders.

What I'd really like would be to go away, but I said the same back home...

I've come to Lisbon, and it's all the same...

Lisbon!

Where do you come from?

One day, I'll board a ship and sail off. But I'd like to take Ilda along.

Ilda...

Look, Englishmen!

What did you say?

Hello, Mr Afonso. Is Julio here?

No, he isn't.

We were to meet down there and he didn't show up.

You don't know where he went?

Young lady, you think I spend my life keeping track of the nuts around here?

If you want my advice, get lost.

Nuts are like mules.

You can't get too close or they'll kick you.

I've already told him he has to find another hotel at the end of the month.

No vacancy here anymore.

Do you wear things like this?

I had forgotten about that sweater.

It belonged to a 'guest' who didn't pay the bill.

Some guest!

She had room and board here

and then didn't want to pay up.

Still new, huh?

Better than its original owner. You can have it.

But who would want to pay to sleep in a place like this?

Maybe not any men, but a few women would.

Well, not just anyone is allowed here.

This is off-limits for some.

Listen, you don't have to stay home today.

A whole Sunday inside, just because your boyfriend is acting like an idiot.

Why don't you come to the game with me?

You know what I'll do?

I'll visit my aunt, who's bedridden, and give her this sweater.

Poor thing! No amount of heat can warm her.

Why didn't you show up?

Are you mad about something I did?

Or is it your uncle?

What is this?

You'll break my nails! Your uncle gave it to me. Why?

Who said you could accept gifts from him?

Who said you could stick your nose into my life? Give it to me.

There. No more sweater.

Wrong. It's down here.

Let's see if you haven't forgotten.

Two portions of this...

- Two portions of this... - Two portions of this...

- Half a portion of this... - Half a portion of this...

- Ten drops of this... - Ten drops of this...

- Lemon and ice. - Lemon and ice.

Then you call an ambulance to take the guests away.

So you're taking a break and having a smoke?

They're all the same.

They think work can be done alone.

They're all fine boys!

Stupid ass! Is this how I told you to do this?

The following Sunday, they met again.

I'll never know the reason for what happened that night.

Not even if I live a thousand years.

To understand what happened that night,

I'd have to know what happened that afternoon.

I know they walked around. Nothing else.

When are you leaving your uncle's?

If it were up to me, I'd leave today.

- And where would you go? - Who knows?

You have to find a cheap room, while you still have enough time.

Or you'll have to grab the first one that comes up, and it'll be expensive.

Have you asked your boss when you'll get a raise?

Yes, but he didn't answer.

You can't go on doing a man's work and getting a kid's salary.

Show what you're worth,

or do you want to work for others all your life?

You know what I feel like doing? Going abroad.

Me too, but we can't go without anything to call our own.

Remember what your uncle says?

'Don't leave what you are without knowing where you go.'

See how he managed to fit in here. He just waited long enough.

My uncle! I hate him more each day.

- Still thinking about the sweater? - It's not that.

Every time I look at him,

I think if after what he's gone though, this is all he's become,

he would have been better off doing nothing.

You must remember your uncle was over 30 when he came to this city,

but you have a whole life in front of you.

You can work during the day and study at night.

If I were in your shoes, I'd show you.

Look at his face!

Jesus!

Sometimes I'm fed up with being a woman.

When my mother died, I was learning how to sew.

Then she died and that was that.

If I hadn't found this job as a maid, I'd have stayed at my godmother's,

and worked for nothing.

At least I get paid. But I won't do this my whole life.

I'd rather be worse off, but work for myself.

My mother used to say I had more skill than her,

and you can't imagine how talented she was!

With those hands, if she had come to the city at a young age,

she wouldn't have died poor.

If it hadn't been for that disease,

I'd have convinced her to come here.

We could have worked for a dressmaker

and I'd have learned and made money at the same time.

But I still haven't given up. I have talent and you'll see.

It's not that my uncle treats me bad. He wants me to make it in the city.

But the way he is! He treats everybody like a fool!

For him, the only man who isn't a fool is the one who makes fools out of others.

And if I don't do things the way he wants,

he calls me a jerk.

Where are we going now?

I don't care.

I just wanted to see the hospital close-up.

Now we'll go wherever you want.

- I don't want to go anywhere. - Then what do you want?

I want to marry you.

As fast as possible...

Just long enough to take care of the paperwork.

Marry?

In such a rush?

Where would we live?

You haven't been drafted yet.

I've thought of everything.

We'd find a room now.

That would be our only expense.

You'd eat at your boss's and I'd manage.

And when I'm drafted,

you could stay at their house

or in our room.

We'd get money for that somehow.

- It's not possible. - Why?

No, no. Not like that.

Why not?

It's not possible.

I couldn't.

No.

Aida!

Those people are from my village.

They came to say good bye to my cousin, who left today on a codfish boat.

Would you mind if I went with them to get some news from home?

Go ahead.

Good evening.

Could I talk with Ilda, please?

Ilda is busy. She has no time to talk right now.

You're Julio, aren't you?

Look, I don't let my girls talk to boys on the job.

It's over between us, madam.

I just came to return a picture before I leave.

You can be at ease. It won't take a minute.

Oh, ma'am!

THE END

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