Original subtitles

This bastard has stolen my victory!

I don't want to win like that, you hear!

You can keep pretending, I know you didn't pass out!

You took a dive! Who paid you? Who?

You're talking nonsense, Macauret.

The straight you threw at him could've killed an ox.

An ox, maybe. But not him. There's something fishy going on!

Winning isn't enough? What more do you want? His life?

Don't push me, old man! I'm not letting it go!

I'm an athlete. I want a real fight!

I'll fight you outside and there, you won't be showing off!

How could you lose to this has-been?

I took his fist in the face. That's usually how it goes.

Tell me one thing, please.

Is it true or not? What Macauret was saying?

It's true. I waited for the right time and I took a dive.

Why did you do it? They offered you money?

- What do you think? - Well?

I've had it with boxing. What I want is to play the violin.

Two or three times a week would give me a boost.

Have you seen your mitts?

- Jacky! - What's going on?

Boxing Baby wants to learn the violin.

- Alright, settle down... - It's ridiculous.

Excuse me.

Are you back for the violin?

Do you know how to play?

Did you break the bank?

Jacky agrees with me. You need rest, no training this Sunday.

- Total freedom? - With some conditions.

I have a project for you.

It was too good to be true. What kind of project?

Something down-to-earth. I rented you a whore.

Did someone give you a loan, dad?

Hey Ginette!

You're good, Gégé?

Hello, my dear. How are you?

I'm fine, Gégé.

- You've suited up I see! - Yeah!

- Where are you off to? - Getting married again, huh?

- Let us know if you get married again. - You got it, Gégé.

Maurice!

Don't hang around, Maurice! Meet me at the "Brazza"!

- Hello, Maurice. - How is it going?

- Hello, my dear. - How are you?

- Fine. And you? - I'm fine.

- Hey! Good morning! - Morning.

- You could've come down earlier. - My father's waiting for me.

- Why aren't you wearing a nice suit? - Cause I don't have one.

- Are things good in college? - Yeah, when I can be there.

- Say, what's he saying to Manu? - Don't pretend to be deaf!

The rest of the time, I'm helping my parents at the store. How about you?

I box, like my father.

- I want to be world champion. - So gets his revenge on life?

- Your words. - Hey wait!

Wait up! I have to talk to you!

I don't have time. I'm in a rush.

Marcel!

Maurice. Meet Nora.

Go get them!

I had known Maurice for a long time.

Almost since childhood. His, of course

because I'd rather forget mine.

I don't like misery even if I wallow in it sometimes out of necessity,

to learn something from life.

Marcel had sent him to Cameroon for training.

4 or 5 years. I can't remember.

When he came back, he had a small accent and muscles of steel.

I told myself: "This kid will be my opportunity."

Hit him a little!

If you hit like that, you won't even crush a pot of yoghurt!

Now you've gone too far the other way!

Save yourself for the fights, Maurice!

Here, you hone your craft. Nothing more!

Still, it doesn't mean you're here to play the violin!

- What was that about the violin? - Stupid shit.

Keep laughing if you want to lose your teeth.

- What was that about the violin? - Stupid shit.

Don't look so proud, Marcel.

Training is not where he needs to act tough.

What matters is that he knows how and does it.

So, did he fuck the whore?

No, but there's time still.

You need to knock. I could be naked.

You came out of your mother's belly ass first.

We could only see your balls and the doctor said, "at least, it's a boy!"

I turned around, stuck my head through and he said "this kid will be smart."

It's in the bag, Maurice! Faragüss will manage you.

The guy who organizes the Euro championship?

- Where did he see me box? - Nowhere.

Jacky mentioned you. His words carry weight!

Where was he when you got hit in the kidney?

Did his words carry weight with the lawyer then? How much did you get?

Forget it, dad.

A violin is beautiful. It looks like a woman's body.

Smooth like my skin,

like the skin of all women.

- Don't you think? - Did he also pay you to spy on me?

To find out if you like women.

I don't believe you. He's not that stupid.

Come to my place. We'll prove it to him.

It would only prove something to me. Understood?

Understood. Let's have a drink between friends then.

I have a bachelor pad close from here on a barge.

If it's on a barge, it changes everything.

- What are you looking at? - The container.

I used to come here with my friends from the neighborhood.

The cops would chase us and kick our asses.

Is that your barge?

No, it's a little further. There's no light here anymore.

I'm a bit scared at night. I'm glad you're here.

You don't like boxing, huh?

Have you ever seen old boxers?

- I don't have time to think about that. - Well, I do.

I liked it at first, because of the lights,

the crowd and how they looked at me.

Your father is making you do it?

He'd like me to succeed where he failed.

- I loathe boxing. - Me too. But he doesn't.

Everyone gives importance to what they love.

Or it's the opposite.

When one loves something, it gains importance. But I don't care.

You understand?

Even a woman, with some effort, can understand that.

Meet Vénus. He's my only friend.

No thanks.

- Never? - Never.

Talk to me some more. I like listening to you.

No one's ever said that to me.

The girls don't ask me anything. They don't need me to pay them.

They sleep with your muscles, not with you.

And you father thought you were a virgin!

You two never talk?

We have nothing to say to each other.

We all have a lot to say.

But sometimes, we've never learned how.

So we keep it all to ourselves and it can hurt a lot.

Don't you love your father?

I didn't say that. He's my father. I love him as he is.

- What is it? - Probably a rat.

Sooner or later, you'll have to talk with your dear father

if you want to get out of boxing.

Has my father already paid you?

Did he tell you if we'd see each other again?

No.

Stay.

Come.

I knew it! You bitch!

Stop! Stop it!

Stop! Stop!

You want some of it too?

Goddamnit!

- Who is he? - My husband.

Hey Claude!

Hey Dominique! Don't stay out in the cold.

What will it be, champ?

- 3 kilos of endives. - You're having guests?

The Minister of Sports and all his gang?

- I got you cream puffs. - Thanks.

I wouldn't train that hard if I were you.

You look really tired.

- I'm talking to you, Maurice! - I'm listening.

They won't believe you! They won't believe you!

In these parts, there's no self-defense, only murders!

I'll go to the cops and tell them the truth.

He's not even listening to me.

Too big for your boots? Or is it that chick?

- What chick? - The one your father...

- He borrowed some money to pay her. - He came to you for this?

1000 bucks. I hope it was worth it.

Here. I put some herbs too.

- Cash or on your tab? - Whatever.

Piss off!

What's wrong? You're scared?

It's because you lost to that asshole?

You know very well I don't give a shit.

Yeah, right. So you say. Come by the house!

Kadir will be happy to see you.

No boxing talk, alright?

You got it.

They won't believe you!

In these parts, there's no self-defense, only murders!

He has a restaurant with his brother. He's rich, very rich!

They'll think we killed him for the money!

You don't understand a word I'm telling you! Not one word!

Very rich! They'll think we killed him for the money!

- Where are you going? - To tell the truth to the cops.

They won't believe you!

In these parts, there's no self-defense, only murders!

Listen to me! I'll go to the cops and tell them everything. Got it?

I'm sleeping with your father.

I've been his mistress for a year.

You're lying. I don't know why but you are.

I'm not a whore, you know.

I'm doing this to make him happy.

My father can't do anything anymore.

His dick doesn't work. He only uses it to piss.

You don't want me to tell you what we do together,

do you?

It smells good. Is that my steak?

Did you win the lottery to buy this meat?

If you call my pension the lottery.

So?

How was it with the whore?

Etienne's money was well spent.

This idiot's got a big mouth!

Enough with this type of gifts, ok?

I don't see why if it boosts your spirit.

I fuck when I want to, not on command. So enough!

Don't talk to me like that!

- I'm your father. - And I'm your son!

- I'm not a cripple yet. - I know that.

I've banged dozens of chicks since I was 16.

I didn't need your help.

Maurice!

- Spend the night with me. - Get out of here!

THE NOVEL OF MAURICE

I could tell something was bothering him.

He was letting off steam.

He was getting drunk on sweat and anger.

I couldn't tell why his return to the gym was giving him so much energy.

I'd have been surprised if someone had told me

how the events of the day would change Maurice's life, and mine.

Maurice!

Come here. Let me introduce you to Mr. Faragüss.

- You're a light heavyweight? - No.

I like it when it burns.

Until the day you'll find yourself all white. That'll be quite the sight!

When taken too hot, the shower turns the muscles and the brain soft;

the brain which is not a muscle.

You surprised me earlier.

Tinès is no joke.

- I got lucky. - Not the time to be modest!

You'll soon be of age. Have I got that right?

This Christmas.

There'll be two reasons to celebrate.

I'll take care of everything, alright?

I'm not sure.

Let me know when you are.

Great job...

Nice going! You fucked me!

That's not happening either.

- Hey! - Hey!

You could stop at least!

I can't. My father's waiting for me.

He's not. He asked me to tell you he's at the cemetery.

- At the cemetery? - Yeah.

In front of your family vault, since you've got one.

- What's that supposed to mean? - Just that ours is right there.

It leaves us alone during the holidays but after that...

You're pushing it.

You're as blind as my father.

Ciao, Maurice. Take care.

Why are we here?

I feel bad for having been so distant with you.

I've always been proud of this family vault.

Told myself if you became champion, journalists could come here one day.

Wouldn't want them to get the wrong idea about the family.

What would they be doing here?

Even if they don't come, it'll be my spot later and I care about it.

If you ever get a lot of money, I'll ask you for a favor.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

To bring my folks back to their native land

but Germaine and I are from here, so we'll stay.

- I hope you'll do the same. - Give me some time, will you?

Let's get out of here. They've seen enough of us.

Dad, there's something I need to tell you.

I want to stop boxing.

It was a waste of time to send you in Cameroon for training then.

That said, I suspected as much.

You've been selfish since you were a kid

even though I just want what's good for you.

You were born with gifts but you don't know how to take advantage of them.

You're not made for these pussy jobs; musician, clockmaker...

Why not play the bass drum while you're at it!

An athlete! There, you can crush everyone.

Only, you don't want to.

And I don't have a say anymore since you're gonna be of age.

I'll just have wasted my savings.

I didn't ask for anything.

I just wanted to tell myself that

family is all that matters when you need help.

Whatever you've done. Whatever you do.

It's a great place to remind it to you.

Hey boy!

Detective Riffard.

What nonsense has my father been up to?

You were with Mrs. Mouche last Sunday, weren't you?

Mouche? The whore?

Doesn't seem like she's a whore.

You're not gonna believe me. She was a gift from my father.

Thank you.

You're confirming what the whole neighborhood's been telling me.

Then, why are you asking?

Boy, an investigation is first and foremost

made of verifications and corroborations.

Did a man come by when you were at her place?

I have to confess, I didn't really want to bang her.

Don't tell my father. It would hurt his feelings.

He did this cause he wants me to be world champion.

- Win the Euro championship at least. - And then?

We were watching TV and some guy came,

talking about the divorce. A bit too loudly.

I got up. He became reasonable at once.

- And then? - I left.

- What about him? - He left at the same time.

And did you see Mrs. Mouche again?

Only yesterday. She needed money.

So did I so it put her off.

That guy was her husband, buddy!

On the edge of divorce indeed.

He went missing last Sunday and the trail went cold at her place.

Could she have killed him?

I don't know about that.

I would have decked this guy easily on the ring

but a woman couldn't.

You're a good guy!

You're not doping, I hope?

Do strawberries count?

You're a champion!

THE DEAD GUY SAYS HELLO

Goddammit! someone's stolen Mouche's body.

Listen. Pretend I'm not here.

My husband's brother came this morning

I told him he came by but didn't stay long.

I'm scared, Maurice! This guy had beady eyes.

I'm leaving.

- Where? - Far away.

In Australia, some place no one will follow me.

- Why not the Gobi Desert? - Why not? Don't know the place.

I was just saying. Don't get upset.

- Are you really scared? - More than that, Maurice.

- More than that. - You shouldn't.

This dead guy is on me. I want you to know that.

[Singing the French version of O Christmas Tree]

- Mr. Caron, please. Over here! - Rudy! Rudy!

- A few words please, Rudy! - Please, Mr. Caron! Over here!

Fuck me. I knew it.

Mr. Faragüss, what will be your next fight?

You're not pointing the camera at the right target!

The man of the hour is Maurice Maïeux!

You're gonna see the difference.

You'll show them who you are. And not in front of idiots.

Let's drink to his maturity and his entry into professionalism!

Go do your job, gentlemen!

We're here with Mr. Faragüss...

Good evening, Jacky. You know my friend Caron.

Sure, I know him well.

So, aren't you taking part in the libations?

Oh you know, I'm more comfortable at the gym.

Marcel, did you expect such quick success?

I always did.

- How do you explain it? - His intelligence, mostly.

When he was born, he came out

of his mother's belly ass first...

...we could only see the balls so the doctor said "at least, it's a boy!"

- Are you happy? - Very happy.

- Ready for a good party? - I love it. I love to party.

It's kind of dead now.

- I go where the party is. - Roland, music!

Work on your footwork instead of showing off.

Looks like you're about to tango on the ring.

- You're talking like Jacky now? - Where is he? - I don't know.

- A strawberry milk or an orange juice. - We're out of strawberry milk.

- Hey asshole! Remember me? - Just by the sound of your voice.

You're the guy who thinks he's Tyson but speaks like Madonna!

Did I tell you you're gonna lose to me in the semi-final?

- You have your suitcase? - When I'm done with you, you won't fit in it!

- Why are you asking? - I want you to leave it to me in you will.

You won't need it in your wheelchair.

Settle down! Can't be impatient like that, Macauret!

You'll have your revenge, but only on the ring

because there I won't have to step in.

- Alright? - What are you doing here?

You should know that a police officer can,

in some special cases, do without an invite.

No one had seen anything.

He had very casually picked the ring up.

I was pretty sure I recognized the initials.

H.M. Henri Mouche, the man gone missing.

Everything led me to believe that the missing man was in fact dead.

And that from now on, Maurice would be definitively linked to that woman.

Ladies and gentlemen! This is the rematch between

Maurice Maïeux aka Boxing Baby and Macauret!

Get up, Maurice! Get up!

1...2...

Fight!

I think he needs to train harder.

He put his back into it this time. Your son has done it

and the title can't escape him.

Among applause and booing, Boxing Baby's victory is final!

Marcel Maïeux celebrates his son's victory with solemn emotion.

Perhaps Macauret's bloody face brings his memory back to 15 years ago,

to this fight whose outcome left Marcel crippled for life.

Bitterness and incredulity don't seem to leave room to the expected enthusiasm

that such a triumph should bring about. In Bagneux, they...

He's not here.

I know. I'm not here to see him.

Have we met?

Leave them alone!

Especially the old man. He doesn't have all his head.

Too much unhappiness. Too much happiness.

Let him decide for himself.

It wouldn't surprise me if you were some kind of snake.

You say a couple words in a room and the light gets switched on in another.

Do you want to talk about Maurice?

Don't push it!

I'm telling you. The less they see you, the better they'll be.

And what if I had something important to tell them?

Such as?

That they're wrong about me, even if I say stupid things.

The old man is losing it.

And if it was really important, you wouldn't have hesitated.

You're even more beautiful than they say.

Heart attack. He almost died.

- I'll take care of the family. - Cocaine?

Among other things and a bit of doping.

But that's not what knocked him to the ground.

You were magnificent.

Your father was tired and went to bed. You should watch over him.

Don't forget you're a public figure now.

You'll write up a nice, tear-jerking article for us.

I'll give you the lead. George! On my tab.

"Give me the lead"? What for? So I can feel more of a fraud?

I'm already scared that the garbagemen might load me up as it is!

- What are you talking about? - Just nonsense.

Telling myself a story. But one day, I'll eventually write it.

Bagneux-les-Flots... To see the sea again.

Don't you want to see the sea, Maurice? Don't you?

Talk to me about your fight. And don't forget a detail!

- Weren't you there? - Of course he was, but he lived it from the outside

whereas you'll tell him the story from the inside.

You understand?

Hey!

Good morning, Maurice!

- Hey, Maurice! - Hey!

Can't you get your clothes on, dad?

No, I can't.

I tried and I fell. No more strength.

No more will.

Well...

- Leave me be! - You too!

A future world champion doesn't need a knackered father like you.

Weren't you happy that I won?

- Without that... - Come on, lift yours arms up.

- Will you make me a cup of coffee? - A strong one?

- Have you heard about the whore? - No, give me your foot.

I know how to pick them.

She could be the one who killed her husband.

You might be in trouble.

- Don't worry about it. - We have boxing but she's alone.

Completely alone.

Can you imagine what you'd have left if you'd given up?

I'd have you.

- Dad, I could work part-time to help... - No!

You have to focus on the championship.

Claude asked me to do some accounting.

His guy left and he'll even pay me off the books.

Where did you meet Nora?

At George's. He showed her to me. She was getting drunk.

She wasn't laughing when I told her what I needed her for.

She looked at me with her lights eyes and told me

with a smile it was perfect timing cause she was out of work.

Kind of a sad smile.

Is it true that she's your mistress?

Watch it! Saying stuff like that about me is lousy!

I'm repeating what she said.

If she was my mistress, I would never have passed her off to you.

And you're well aware of my situation when it comes to these things.

I hope we won't have to mention that again.

Why did she lie to me?

The truth? What's the point of me telling you the truth?

You cops are always the one deciding anyway,

what's true and what isn't.

He was here. Now he's not.

That's the truth!

He was here when it suited him, when he wanted to fuck me.

I'm a woman of love. Did you get that?

A whore, as they say.

I get laid with whoever I want, and trust me that's not a figure of speech.

Butchers, dropouts, plumbers, poets, boxers, even cops!

In plain clothes or in uniform.

Maybe he was fed up.

What would you have done, Detective?

Would you have stayed, waiting for your turn?

Look! Look closely!

These are the lips of a whore!

The face of a whore! The shoulders of a whore!

My breasts too. The breasts of a whore!

The ass of a whore! A real ass that moves, rolls and spins like a windmill!

Do you have something against my ass, Detective?

I never loved him.

I hope with all my heart that they don't find him.

And I'll tell you one thing, Detective,

I hope he's dead, that he's been killed.

And if you manage to find the murderer, bring him to me.

Because I'd like to thank him before you throw him in jail.

In my own way.

It'll be my last wish.

You'll have to leave the boxer alone, Mrs. Mouche

or should I already say "Widow Mouche"?

Leave the ironing.

Get some fresh air. I'll take care of the rest.

- You can barely stand. - Put me in a home, why don't you!

Come on! Go!

You're completely crazy asking me to come with what's going on!

Did you miss me? Is that why you're here even if it puts us at risk?

Answer me! I dare you!

You're really something! You must have known my dad and I would talk.

Oh, it's only that.

I don't have a choice, Maurice.

You could've understood that without trying to hold me accountable.

I did time five years ago. Henri got me out of trouble,

married me and I've always been scared of cops!

I didn't think it through and I lied.

I needed you to help me. I really regret it.

You've been drinking.

When I drink, I can stop thinking. It makes me all warm right here.

I'm scared, I'm ashamed.

I want to die.

- Did the cops come around? - Oh yeah.

Yes, they came around.

Not that nice with me by the way, but I didn't say anything.

It's a good thing we rolled Henri in the rug.

All that blood...

- They didn't find anything. - Did they mention me?

2 or 3 times, I don't remember.

They don't care about us. I know they're looking elsewhere.

Someone put an envelope in the locker room. A message about Mouche.

Why would I do that?

I know it's not you but look!

The glasses...How awful!

We can't be seen together anymore, Nora.

Who's sending you these nasty things? And why? You have no money, nothing!

They might want someone else.

- Like what? - I have no idea.

You're only thinking of leaving.

- You're scared too. - No, I'm not.

Come here.

Come.

Come closer to me, on me.

I won't know if I love you until I feel you inside me.

I have to know if I love you. It would change everything.

I don't need it to know.

You know, you shouldn't feel bad about my husband; he was a bastard.

I'm sure he's burning in hell. Unless he's bribed the devil.

Don't try to see me again.

It's better for me and even more so for you.

I'm nothing. That's what you think, don't you?

You're right. I am nothing.

Deep down, you hate me.

I wish I did. It would be easier.

It would change everything.

I'll tell him immediately. Yes, you can count on me.

The cop wants to see you.

My boss would like to have a word with you. Do you mind?

No. Any news?

My boss thought your fight was amazing

but it's too bad the other guy was coked up.

A bit of a fake victory.

What does that have to do with Mouche's disappearance?

Nothing, but by watching your boxing, I studied you way of doing things.

You wait for your opponent, watch him from a distance.

It feels like nothing's happening and bam! You strike in half a sec.

It's like us cops. We pretend we're not looking.

How long have you been boxing for real?

Only a few fights. It makes no difference to me.

I've been impressed by no one thus far

but they say Tardifre will change that.

Have you ever seen him fight?

I don't like to watch fights. It does my head in.

You're good! Trust me, you'll go far if you continue.

- Thank you ma'am. - Don't bother, she's deaf.

Since she never says a word, I live a peaceful life with her.

She's my mother.

- Where's yours? - She died giving birth to me.

Might be better, if you don't mind me saying.

It's different for me. I've never been able to leave her.

You have your father and boxing.

Not sure your mother would have liked to see you get hit for fun.

I'm not sure either.

Looking at you on the ring, one can see you're free,

free in front of your opponent.

You can see it in your eyes too.

"You can hit", they say.

"Go ahead! Hit!"

"I don't have anything to prove to anyone!"

"Screw you guys!"

That's exactly it.

"Screw you guys."

"Screw you guys."

Riffard.

If you please.

Listen, it's the first record of your neighborhood buddies.

I really am a public figure now, aren't I?

We know lots of things about you.

Your tastes, your friends, your lovers...

Riffard knows even more.

Yes, but I'm from your race. I am your brother.

And I'm willing to do anything if someone's bothering you.

The monster is going to throw us a jealous fit.

No one better at hiding in plain sight.

Cold as ice on the outside, burning with fire on the inside.

Say Maurice, what do you think of Mrs. Mouche?

Nothing.

I think she's a bitch.

She's got something to do with her husband going missing.

So let us know if she ever tries to contact you, alright?

- Ok... - I'm counting on you.

Tell me if the cops are bothering you and I'll take care of it.

So far, it's only tea and biscuits.

One thing you need to get into your head.

You're not going to become a champion,

you are a champion. You follow?

- Doing my best... - Maurice!

Don't take it wrong, Mr. Faragüss. He's always been a joker.

I like it, Marcel. I like it.

Especially in a boxer who will rise to the highest level.

- What's the highest level for you? - The world championship.

- You see, Maurice! - George, give him his strawberry milk.

Your old man was right all along!

Nothing's done yet, dad.

The time of losers is over with. I'm gonna fight real boxers now.

Don't worry. I know who the tough guys are.

We'll give you an easy one to start things off.

- Hey Philippe! Come over here! - Yes, sir.

Raclan will take care of it.

"Boxing Baby" is out.

We'll find a nickname that better reflects your talent.

I want everyone tomorrow to know who is Maurice Maïeux

and the danger he represents. No legend, the truth will be enough.

- Got it? - Consider it done.

But you have to trust me completely.

I'd like to, Mr. Faragüss. I'm not against the idea.

But if I find out that a single fight is fixed, you'll never see me again.

I'll leave winning just for the sake of winning to the assholes.

Write this out, Raclan! That's the quote of a champion!

Can you see the headline?

"I'll leave winning just for the sake of winning to the assholes."

Signed...you'll find the name.

I like your ideas, Maurice.

You're a good guy, in every way.

Wonder Boy!

- What? - Wonder Boy, for the nickname.

Wonder Boy. It came to me just like that

and soon the nickname had travelled all around the world.

People shouted it from city to city, from country to country.

Maurice had accepted it with a sense of inevitability, the same way

he had accepted boxing and its victories; without any real enthusiasm.

He had become a professional, a winning machine.

We never heard talk of playing the violin anymore.

His rise warmed hearts or served people's interests.

Faragüss was shining. He had his champion.

I helped the best I could with my articles.

The months went by.

Maurice did what was expected of him

but from time to time, he was daydreaming,

leaving the ring and the world for another place, whose face I now knew.

My dear Nora, It's been 7 months since you told me

you needed to feel me inside you. I think about it all the time.

I'll have Bastien give you this letter tonight when he gets in Paris.

I was afraid to write to you. The cops are always calling me.

I don't know what it means but I don't care.

You're the only thing that matters.

I strongly focus before each fight

until I can see you. That way, I can win. I love you.

You know what?

I want to do fun and silly things.

Do you hear the bells?

You see, Maurice. I thought we should put flowers, not only for

my parents or your mother, but for all the misery of the world.

Have you been drinking?

Man isn't good, Maurice.

Sometimes, the bad deed of the one

can lead to the damnation of the many.

Do you ever think about that at night?

During the night, I sleep.

That's good. Let's go to the service.

[Singing the French version of Nearer, My God, to Thee]

Our daughter's got a beautiful voice, huh?

Mouche! Mouche...

It's impossible!

Pray if you think it's a ghost.

Pray hard and it will disappear.

It was a beautiful service and I think she sang well.

We'll know for sure if it's a provocation.

Stay here! I don't want to hear about this whore anymore!

My buddies are making fun of me since her husband disappeared.

He didn't. He's right there.

- You can see him? - As clear as I can see you.

Let's get out of here!

Mr. Maïeux! Mr. Maïeux!

Leave that girl in her shit.

She's a human being, like us.

Not like us, Maurice. She's white.

Mr. Maïeux.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

Let me introduce my brother-in-law, Paul Mouche.

- There's really a resemblance. - Right?

It's shocking when you're not expecting it.

- What do you do? - I work in a funeral parlor.

Goodbye, Mr. Maïeux. See you soon.

You've seen everything. No need to call you then.

The captain's right! You're a good guy!

So, I have to be the one coming to you to say hello now?

Calm down, I wasn't here. I came back yesterday.

You've had a nice journey, Maurice.

You did! So, I'll be straight with you.

I might be a thief and a cheapskate,

but If you win against Barret, I'll give you 20k.

- In exchange for what? - Nothing.

You'll be able to afford that violin,

but let that Nora go, alright?

We have the cops sniffing around.

And that's not good for business.

That's not the only problem. What about the developers in the neighborhood?

Ain't that's something! Your voice is trembling.

You're not even looking me in the eyes.

You're in love, huh? He's in love.

So is that true, Maurice? You're addicted to that chick?

Give me break, dad. Can't you see I can't do anything about it?

I have to speak to Maurice. Can you tell him?

- Is it that important? - Depends for whom.

We won't let ourselves be pushed around.

What the fuck are they hoping for?

Maybe a hand. A famous guy who would help us.

What can I do for them? Give out a press statement?

There are squats here and they're happy that way. It's not my thing, Manu.

I know, your thing is Nora.

Always the same. You have boxing, you prefer the violin.

And I can't really compete with that girl.

I've already told you. You're like a sister to me.

We grew up together.

- Are you sleeping with her? - No.

Not even?

Then, I really can't compete.

When I think about what's about to fall on your head, my poor Maurice...

If you have something to say, say it or...

Or what? Fine, but a piece of advice before I go.

Fuck her, forget her. You're not focused, it's not good for boxing.

We all want you to win in the neighborhood.

You're our only chance.

Goddamnit! They're all pains in the ass!

I'm not Christ! I live my life the way I want it and I'll fuck whoever I want!

It won't bring you luck!

THREATS OF EXPULSIONS, SEIZURES, POWER CUTS. CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES.

EUROPEAN BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL WONDERBOY/BARRET

He'll be all yours after the win. Right now, he needs to focus.

Please, be nice! Please, get out of here!

Let's go to the car!

Hey! Relax, but not too much.

Don't worry. It'll be fine.

Maurice! Maurice!

Maurice!

Don't worry, I'll bring your father!

But you must really clear your head!

How are you feeling, champ? Feeling fine?

My father asked me that 10 times this morning.

Money's great, huh?

Depends how you spend it.

Funny.

I have nothing against you

and I won't as long as you don't go at Faragüss.

- Why the fuck would I do that? - Just a warning.

Don't break my balls with your jealousy.

Understood? You care about him for the money or because he's good in bed?

Don't try to get it, Champ. It's easier than you think.

It's not about taste or morals. It's a matter of availability.

I'm not available.

Your whore, still?

[Inaudible]

SEMI-FINAL OF THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

She had dared. She had come to face all these people

without wondering if the captain closing the case wasn't in fact a trap.

Her arrival in the arena caused neither jeering nor applause

Only looks. Looks that felt like defeat.

Nora seemed sure of herself.

Without provocation, she wore on her face

the air of an unflinching youth in her heart,

because she knew she was loved and in love herself.

Jacky, Faragüss and Marcel felt dispossessed.

You made me happy, son! I will never forget it!

Stop being so serious, dad. Relax.

- Say, Mr. Faragüss? - What can I do for you, champ?

Spending some money.

How can you think of that after such a beautiful fight?

That's just it, it gave me ideas. I'm talking to Mr. Faragüss.

Jacky and you no longer have anything to do with it.

Oh yeah?

Remember, I'm the one taking the punches! And I'm an adult now!

Bravo! You're aggressive. Keep going like that.

Your aggressiveness will help you win against opponents better than you.

As for money, I can get...

10 or 15k from the sponsors if you win.

That'll do.

Not a word about it though because you're not supposed to get anything.

I promise.

Jacky! From now on, Caron will take care of the kid in between fights.

You'll still be in his corner.

Ciao bello! Ciao tutti!

- But, Mr. Faragüss, you... - I'm not the one who came to you!

You little bitch!

Can't you see that this bastard is gonna hold you by the balls

and do whatever he wants with your career?

I always knew he'd try to turn us against each other

but I never thought you would play along in his little game!

- You've got no gratitude! - Calm down, Jacky!

- We'll talk to Faragüss... - He won't even listen to you!

Never has a champion gotten any money before the title! Never!

- He's paying to own you! - I'm not a whore.

- His little game makes me laugh. - Laugh while you still can!

Faragüss isn't a bad guy but he's only the middleman.

Quite powerful but he's only following orders

and I know how to get in the middle of it.

Goddamnit, Jacky! The Maïeux aren't lackeys and I've proven it, haven't I?

You did? You really don't have a great memory, huh?

Sure, you can show off your dignity!

Don't make me say it! I'm not in the mood today.

Leave us.

You're not gonna fight after such a beautiful victory, are you?

Marcel, please!

Say, champ!

One of your buddies, a Bastien, is asking if you'd forgotten

about lunch at his place this Sunday. - I did indeed.

You shouldn't have been the one talking money with Faragüss!

That's my job!

You should stay in the dark. It helps you stay free.

15k...

That's nothing! I would have gotten you 150k if you'd trusted me.

That's the problem, Jacky. I don't trust you anymore.

I've never had money and Faragüss can get it.

It's as simple as that.

Ok...

I'm just gonna tell you one thing.

If you let Caron fuck me over, you'll get an unpleasant surprise.

I've got nothing to lose.

Because if you dump me, I'll have nothing left in my life.

Hello!

What did you bring these for?

- I don't come that often. - You can say that again!

Bastien's right when he says you're a bad friend! Bastien!

This lunch wasn't planned.

That's between you and him. I don't really care. Bastien!

I had some cheap sweaters for you!

Half wool, half synthetic. Your dad has more holes than fabric in his shirts.

He should have invested.

- You don't have them anymore? - No, it was a good deal.

I gave a whole stock to your neighborhood buddies.

Come here. I have a surprise for you.

No, you're not gonna trick me into it. I don't have any money!

You'll like it. It's in my bedroom.

And take you time, nothing's ready yet!

Even if you're not buying, it'll still be a feast for the eyes.

- Did the cops follow you? - How should I know?

God! You're so beautiful!

I had almost forgotten.

Come here, I'll refresh your memory.

Come!

I can't stay here anymore. Let's leave together.

- Where? - To the Gobi Desert.

The cops, the neighbors...It's like the whole world has something against me.

- I don't. I love you. And you? - What about me?

You told me "I have to feel you inside me for a long time."

That's true, but until Henri's body is found, I won't be relaxed.

- Have they sent you anything else? - No.

Find him, so he disappears for good!

Now that I'm with you, I'll stop boxing.

Don't be stupid.

I'm done with things I don't like!

I want to live with you and make love to you whenever I want.

- Do I have a say in it? - No, I love you too much.

I'll be selfish.

- And how will we live? - Like that!

You need to win the title, Maurice.

If you become European champion, you'll do whatever you want.

I've been sweating on the ring for three years.

That's over now. Come here!

Aren't you under contract with Faragüss?

Probably.

They won't let you go then.

Fight to earn your freedom. To make me proud.

- Proud? - Yes.

- Did you feel me this time? - Yes, I love you. I'm sure now.

I love you because you're far from it all, different and pure.

I am completely and totally yours.

I will win then.

I forbid you to go with this whore!

- You can't. I'm an adult! - An adult? Kids your age still

got milk coming out their noses. In my days, you had to be 21!

I'm doing all I can so you're not alone, but I exist too!

I'm going to tell you one thing you must not forget.

I love this woman. She's my woman.

Don't come between us!

There's already plenty of people between the two of you!

The brother, the husband, the cops and all the guys she's fucked!

Don't talk to me like that!

Don't make me walk out that door. If I do, I'm never coming back!

Leave that bitch where she is.

She killed her husband.

You got proof? Tell me so I can have a laugh.

Give me you word right now that you won't see her again.

Or else, I'll beat the shit out of you. Because you're a murderer too!

I don't want to hit a cripple.

I'll kill that bitch! I'll kill her!

The European title? You can shove it!

Come back!

Annie!

Emmanuelle!

Annie!

Annie!

Let him go!

I didn't take you for a vigilante.

They were hitting children and Manu.

If you want to be a great champion, you should focus.

The media will have a field day tomorrow!

The hero of the people. The Zorro of boxing. Come on then!

- Where are you taking me? - To see Faragüss.

- Why the ambush? - Not an ambush.

It's a gift. Guess what, we like you!

For instance, we won't bother you anymore with Mouche's disappearance.

No body, no murder. So, we're dropping it.

- Why are you telling me? - So you're aware.

So you can put your mind at ease and focus only on boxing.

Come on, get in.

Have a cigar, Riffard. I know you like them.

Thank you. - Hello?

No, I want the boss. Yes, right now!

I don't care about his meeting.

Bring out the strawberries for the hero!

Champagne?

Gilbert? Yes.

You heard already? Good!

Stop it!

Use Raclan, he writes well.

He'll do a press release.

"Robin of the Hood". Something like that,

to get the tears flowing.

Zola? Why not, it's tried and true. Ciao!

Now, you're going to prove yourself worthy of everything I'm doing for you.

Intensive training. I want you to destroy that Tardifre.

How's that investigation going, Detective?

It's not. Have you seen Mouche since the service?

No, I don't spend time with whores.

If Marcel had not tried to play Santa, I would never have met her.

Would have been better. Chicks can ruin conditioning.

They suck you dry.

The Danaids's barrel.

Besides, some of them think that the dicks refill as fast as a fountain pen.

Why? Don't they?

Yes.

It's really a shame that young girl's death.

Useless sacrifice.

They'll have a few days before expulsion thanks to your intervention

- And your articles. - I'm not the hero. You are.

Don't do too much. Think of your dad.

Did you see him hunched over his vault, waiting for someone to open it for him?

- I'm talking about his accident. - I know, he was unlucky.

Unlucky? They put him on the ring with a killer.

- He didn't liked fixed fights either. - Was it Faragüss?

His bosses. Faragüss is just the middleman.

- Who then? - We don't know. We never see them.

That's also why the investigation about Mouche is dragging on.

Dead or alive, Henri is important.

- We're going to Nora's? - Yeah.

- Should I leave you to it? - You can come if you don't plan to say

the same bullshit as my father and Jacky.

How does it end between Nora and me in you novel?

Not there yet! Right now, you're becoming world champion.

When hell freezes over!

Goddamnit! She cleared off. I'm sure you know something!

- Who told her to leave? - Might have been her decision.

It's not possible.

Let them deal with it, since they control everything.

I want Nora or I'm not boxing this Sunday.

Don't get it the wrong way around. Fight and the miracle will happen.

She'll come back. You won't remember she even left.

You don't get it. These idiots don't get it at all...

I can't live without her anymore.

All the more so! Use your pain, your anger, your hatred! And win!

I had lied of course, for his own sake.

One always lies for someone's sake.

I knew the truth about Nora's departure but I couldn't say it

without shattering Maurice's relations to women and boxing.

He had to win. For himself and for Nora.

My fate was decided. I wasn't at risk anymore.

Left! Left! Left!

Plexus!

Enough, Jacky.

Left! Left! Left! Left!

Left-right! Left-right!

Left-right! Plexus!

1...2...3...4...5...6...7...

You're not with Jacky!

1...2...3...4

Faster!

He's not going to be good. He's going to be the best!

Fuck...Fuck...

Always the same with those crooks.

First, Marcel. Now, Maurice.

But not this time!

Maurice Maïeux, 6'3'', 230 pounds and not quite 20 years old yet

is of Cameroonian descent, like another of our great champions, Yannik Noah.

Born in Bagneux, the young Maurice, son of the heavyweight Marcel Maïeux,

whose tragic journey we won't mention here today...

...Marcel went back to his roots to receive specific training,

at the end of which he came back to successfully start his career,

with a series of sensational wins in the amateur heavyweight division.

...with a record of 12 wins by knockout and only 1 loss.

No one's forgotten the incredible semi-final, when our young Wonder Boy

showed against the powerful Barret a formidable energy!

He is managed by Rudy Faragüss, brilliant talent scout

Rudy Faragüss never stopped believing in Maurice.

He's really in great shape.

Here in Bruxelles,

there's no doubt in anyone's mind about this fight's outcome.

Maurice Maïeux is at the top of his game,

trained by Alfred Caron whose rigor is...

...this superb athlete from Norway,

6'3" and 240 pounds with a similar prestigious record.

After a rise full of hard work and cautiousness...

You've put him on his back foot. Keep doing what I told you.

Fuck Caron!

Wonder Boy! Wonder Boy! Wonder Boy!

...able to compete with him in terms of power and popularity.

Incredible atmosphere here in Bruxelles. The coaches are in their corners.

The atmosphere is getting crazier! The fight resumes! Third round!

Of course, Tardifre is trying to clinch. That's his strategy.

The referee steps in.

Careful, Maurice, careful! Yes! Yes! Careful!

A good round for Maurice. It feels like he can do it. Yes!

Uppercut! Maurice is...

Tardifre! Tardifre! Tardifre! Tardifre!

You lost before the fight even started. Could tell you didn't care.

Were you in my head, you idiot?

No need, there are attitudes one cannot mistake!

You're wrong, I wanted to win. Where the fuck is your boss?

If I'm to be dumped, might as well do it quickly.

You don't get it. If you'd won, you could have been free.

But now, he owns you.

Have you recovered, champ?

If you could see Tardifre's face. A real poster boy for a butcher shop.

- With the belt hanging on the hook? - It doesn't matter.

You're Maurice "Wonder Boy" Maïeux. A body, just a body.

Leave those thoughts in the locker room. Boxing is about technique.

Your body has to be the instrument, as if you were a violin.

I know very well I'm done.

Done? Wait to read Philippe's article!

- Six columns on the front page! - That was one hell of a fight.

You head wasn't right. It explains your momentary lapse in focus.

You're more popular than Tardifre! You've won over the crowd

and you've become a star.

Only, you'll have to do whatever Caron says.

He'll know how to get the best out of you.

I can't dump Jacky.

Friendship is beautiful, it's great but Jacky is a drunk,

a romantic. The exact opposite of what you need.

And my father?

Hiding out, he must be wallowing in despair.

Vittorio, take him to Jacky's.

You should be the one telling him.

It'll be better if it's coming from you.

It's open. Come in!

I was waiting for you.

I knew they'd send you to tell me I'm fired.

How brave of them!

What do you really think Jacky? I won't give up on you.

No? Like father, like son.

You'll prefer glory to friendship.

I'll get you money, Jacky.

I don't want your money. I don't give a fuck about your money!

I can live without it. I don't want to train losers!

I want to be the manager of a star!

It's a well-known fact that all men are traitors.

But not you! Because I won't let you!

You go back to Faragüss and you tell him you're staying with me.

It's as simple as that.

It's impossible, Jacky.

The only thing I can do is to give up on boxing.

I'm dying to, Jacky.

No, that's not going to happen.

And you're not dumping me either!

Otherwise, I'll call my associate. You know him, don't you?

Yes, you do!

He sent you his ring

and also his broken glasses.

So if you don't do what I say,

he'll reappear in the spotlight.

It won't look good.

Where did you find this, Jacky?

I was here with your father on that night.

I took him home, the apartment was empty

so we decided to go to the barge.

Just to pass the time.

And yeah, we saw you.

We saw you and Mouche, with the rug.

We followed you with the headlights turned off to the container.

You can imagine our surprise.

Did dad know about the ring?

No, I kept that to myself.

I thought that by seeing these little souvenirs, you'd have a shock.

Where did you put Mouche?

Ha ha! Think! Think!

Since you're a believer, why don't you ask God? Send him a fax!

- Where is Mouche? Where is he? - Stop it!

You son of a bitch!

I'll tell you. It's going to make you laugh!

He's in the vault! Your beautiful family vault!

Don't come closer or I'll bash your head in!

What about Nora?

Why don't you ask your daddy?

You're not gonna hit me, are you?

- Where is she? - I don't know!

Tell me where's Nora or I'll kill you!

Stop shouting! The neighbors!

Are you afraid for me or are you afraid that they'll see the real you?

You asshole! Talk!

- I gave her money so she'd clear off. - What did you say?

- You're just an evil rat! - And you're a murderer.

You're a murderer! You have the eyes of a murderer!

You're the one who killed Mouche!

I offered her money for your own good and she took it!

Isn't that proof enough?

Maurice!

I'm your father, Maurice!

Dad, listen to me closely because it's the last time I'll ever speak to you.

I'll get the body out of the family vault,

I'll burn it on a pile of garbage and I'll leave France with Nora.

I will find her!

You and that asshole Jacky have done all of this for nothing.

Goodbye, dad. Goodbye.

Hey champ!

Working out?

Why did you have to get him out of the vault?

- Great place for a dead guy. - Not this one, not in this vault

with my mother and my grandparents. - Ah, the blacks's pride!

- What did you want to do with it? - To embalm it.

You weren't smart. We were about to close the case.

I only had a tail on you out of professional conscience.

You'll get 10 years, and serve 7. Could be worse.

But you'll never get your rematch against Tardifre

and that fucking bothers me.

I never liked boxing.

You're not fooling anyone taking all the blame.

Does that chick really matter to you that much?

You've got it all wrong, Detective. She left without me.

I don't know where she is, or if she's even alive.

Is that right?

Come on, you have an hour.

You and me now.

Your father came.

He told me he saw you carry Henri's body in the container

and that he would call the cops if I didn't disappear.

- How much did he pay you? - Nothing!

Goddamnit! What an asshole!

We never know what makes people act.

Fear, interest, solitude, pain or jealousy.

Love.

You can't see it from the outside but inside, it takes a considerable space

It can destroy everything.

My dear Nora, I think about you often.

Here, life's not complicated. Time goes by very quickly.

The warden asked me to give boxing lessons.

Strangely, I realized I had missed boxing.

In exchange, they let me take violin lessons.

So I play it a little every day.

I read. I write to you.

And for the first time in my life, I feel free.

Finally.

The warden asked him to organize fights.

Strangely, it was boxing he had missed.

A young violin teacher comes twice a week.

Just for him. He plays it a little every day.

He reads. He writes. He practices.

And when he lovingly moves his bow, the violin wedged under his chin,

he daydreams once again.

The other place he's gone to doesn't have a face this time

and bears a name Maurice will probably never say again

and whose strange power he discovers for the first time:

Freedom.