Original subtitles

Hey Alilo! You have a good trip?

Hello Cousin! It was okay. I got a little sick on the boat.

And then the train kept on stopping around Lyon!

I hardly recognized you! Man, you've changed!

You tool Classy! Just like an American!

Hey!

Cousin, I have a big problem!

I lost an address. On the train or the boat...

We'll find it. Don't worry.

Mokrane! Please! I must call my boss in Algiers.

Don't call me Mokrane! Be nice. Everyone calls me Mok here.

It's simpler. Call me Mok.

Hey, Alilo, there's a booth...

Give me a coin. I don't have any money from France.

We use cards here!

Here!

It goes in there.

Okay. Dial 19...

213...

And you dial 2 for Algiers.

HELLO!!

Look, I lost the paper with the address and the phone number.

I can't get the valise.

I can't... I lost...

The boss isn't there? In Morocco?

For five days? And me? What do I do?

See if you can find me the number with the address.

I don't know. I've got nothing. I get it today. I come back tomorrow.

I'll get by? That's all you know to say?

Like your mother! Scumbag!

Thanks a lot! Thanks, thanks.

So? What's up?

I'm screwed. It's the end of the world... for me!

Let's gal You'll explain.

We'll take the bus. The metro's a hassle.

Shit! You on holiday or what?

Wait! Calm down. I explain.

I'm in France for to work. You know it, trabendo?

Who's he?

Trabendo! Is business!

You buy, you sell. Easy! Much movement...

What you can't buy Algeria you buy Paris. Bring back on quiet to sell

in Algeria. Understand? The boss,

in Algiers, give me money for boat, ticket for train.

Me, I come here.

I get bag now waiting. I go back to him.

He sells it there with merchandise in his stores.

My boss is very big man. He has bags come from all over the world.

He trusts me. This is my first time for deluxe dresses.

Like donkey I lose address. So I explain you.

HEY COUSIN!

Well, here we are. This is what I call home.

What I You live here?

Yeah, here. Yeah. Why? Something wrong?

This, my man, is a class neighborhood. Everyone wants to live here.

Hello Mr Vincent.

Never mind. It's usually quieter.

She's gonna fall, land on him. You'll see.

Hey Isaac.

Hey! How ya feeling?

Isaac's a Shakespearean actor. He studied acting in London.

Watch out for the hole.

Just like Algiers.

Hey Abidjan.

Hey show-off.

- You're not afraid? - Of what?

- Blacks! - What are you, a racist?

Those blacks, they do import-export. They're neighbors.

Watch the steps. There's no electricity.

No fear. I'm used to it.

In Algiers there's no light in my building, and nothing to hold on.

An old man came from the country and took a dive. From third floor!

Luckily, his burnoose worked like a parachute.

He fell softly...

Fuck! More ads.

He's an American novelist. He's here for inspiration.

We've got artists and thinkers in this neighborhood.

The 18th, it's a really integrated neighborhood.

This is Paris' future!

That crib is where a great Japanese pianist lives. Yashimata.

She's on tour in Australia.

I gotta listen to my messages. My manager should've called.

Jerome's a great guy.

He handles Johnny, Sardou, Patrick Bruel and loads of others.

He saw me and something clicked! What a break!

He's a beauty, huh? His name's Nobody.

- Nobody? - Yup. That's what he's called.

Above all, don't give him any grub. He's got special shit.

Cut that out! You wanna traumatize him?

Damn machine is totally shot!

It's getting dark.

Wanna eat out or stay here?

As you like.

Out, maybe. That would be nice.

Great. That's settled, then. We'll eat here.

I've got some good pasta and a dynamite sauce.

I got you bananas as a treat.

So you like music, huh? But what do you do for job?

I'm hittin' out to make it as a singer.

And thanks to Jerome it's gonna take off!

In a year I'll be on the charts!

I'm using de La Fontaine's poetry.

The ant and the grasshopper?

I learned that in school! He's got the cheese in his mouth...

Fuckin' useless! You kill me!

That's 'The Fox and the Crow.'

The bananas are a little tired, maybe?

Ah, this one's okay.

- Some good spaghetti! - What are you doing?

You should wait until all water is boil. Then you throw macaroni in. Not you...

Hey! It's my recipe.

This is spaghetti, and I'm preparing it Thai style.

Mokrane. Please, Mok. Mok, wake up.

What? What is it?

I'm gonna die. I'm so...

You're dying? What kinda shit is this?

What's wrong? What's wrong? Tell me.

Is it your stomach? Is that it?

Stop howling, You'll wake all the neighbors. Sit there.

- I don't want to die. - You won't die! Don't move.

Don't move! I'm calling 911.

Don't move!

Hello, Emergency? It's for my cousin from Algeria... His stomach hurts...

Really, I think you've lost it, eating a dozen bananas.

I thought it was eleven. Mokrane, I promise I thought I must die.

I saw cancer. In front of me I saw men with no head... I thought I must to die.

You're not cool, man. You're ruining my rep in the hood!

I spoke to the doctor. You're on a diet.

Hey! It's serious, man. From today on, it's rice only.

I'll eat rice the rest of my life, okay.

I can't even bear a photo of a banana.

Sure! So you say.

- Look! I phone a call. - Do it fast, okay?

Wow! Look, someone left his card!

Dream on. If it's there, it's because it's used up.

Here!

Okay, quickly. Yeah?

And what do I do with this?

A pain up the...

Zoubir! Yes, it's me...

What?

He's not back yet? And how do I do now? How?

Ah, work it out! Again, work it out! Great! You're a champion problem solver!

The boss, he doesn't return, and I'm stuck. Cousin Mokrane, I'm in shit.

Mokl I want you to call me Mok.

All right!

Okay. I gotta split to see my shrink. I've got an appointment.

I'm in analysis!

Get your analysis. I'll go to Barbes. There's action there.

What action?

The young from Algiers! I'll go see how it is.

I find one I know. I talk with him, calm.

Rachid?

Hey Alilo! How are you, my brother?

Okay!

Hey bandit! So you left too?

I'm just passing through. Business.

Were the kids telling the truth? You 'crossed over'?

I figured they transferred you...

You're crazy! I've been here for six months now.

I'd rather sell this stuff all day

than have my throat slit like a sheep or get a bullet in the head.

You deserted.

Think what you want. Come on! Let's get a cold drink.

You know me, Alilo!

When I was a cop, did I ever hurt anyone?

Well! In fact, yeah. In October...

Yeah, October.

During the riots! It was my job!

We couldn't let kids burn Bab-el-Oued.

But I was straight. I didn't work any scams like some.

Scam or no scam, you're here now!

And who's the Red Cross?

Joel

Joe, could you see to your clients and let us talk?

Yeah. I'll do that.

So what are you doing? You legal?

This summer, God willing, I go to Canada. It looks easier there.

I'll get a yellow card. There's plenty of refugees there.

They're all there.

And why are you here?

Business!

Business!

Just for three days.

Meanwhile... Want any jewelry? I got only good stuff.

None of that here!

Take care, man. If you get caught, Rachid...

Let me show you something. See this?

Any time I get stopped for my ID I put this on, and I pass for a Jew.

They don't even dream I'm Algerian.

You're a demon.

And all our house in it great perplexity

yet did not this cruel-hearted cur shed a tear.

He is a stone, a very pebble stone,

and has no more pity in him than a dog.

Don't give up! Fight on!

Feeling.

Feeling!

So you fried potatoes...

Yeah.

The city mt deserts his comrade following...

Wait, let me have...

No! You're on brown rice.

So. You say your pal's

a dealer and an illegal in Barbes. Is that it?

I saw him. He used to mess me around because he was a serious cop.

Serious! Serious! They're all rotten!

Rotten! I saw that film!

It's not about a film.

It's about all those creeps coming from that hole...

who'll create problems for us...

What problems?

All the same, I don't give a shit! Yeah! I'm French.

I got to phone a call.

I don't believe it! It's worse than a disease!

- Hey! Where you going? - I'll be back!

Fuck! Bruno! We've got a...

Leave him to me. I'll take care of him. What's wrong...

Faggot!

Relax...

- Fatoumata, what's in this? - Lots of good stuff.

Here, drink this. It'll make you feel better.

Don't worry, it's nothing. Anyway, you've got a strong stomach.

Fucking neighborhood! Shittier and Shittier!

It's lucky we were around!

It could been a lot worse. Because those guys are nasty bastards!

You're right, Isaac.

We better stick together.

That's for sure!

All right, all right.

- My cuz is a rock... - Anyway, his luck didn't hold...

It's OK. He's learning about Paris.

You wanna call the cops?

That won't do any good. They never bother anyway.

It's nice, huh?

My stomach hurts. All night I thought it'd burst.

It's nothing! You'll see. It'll get better.

I'm gonna show you the hip side of Paris. Come on!

It's about babes!

You know, girls!

Sit down in front of any cafe... Bum!

For real? They come over and talk?

Of course!

They just gotta see you got some style.

- Just show you're on top of it. - On top of what?

You're gonna burn me out! Explaining everything!

Open your eyes and learn!

Look at this magnificence! The Opera of the Bastille.

A temple of music. Like the rock palaces Bercy or the Zenith.

I gotta be cooled out today because tonight...

Hey baby! Call me tonight on my portable!

- You know her? - Sure I do. She's a girlfriend.

Move your ass. They drive like maniacs here.

- What about tonight? - My concert out in Aubervilliers.

A really important test... It'll be a rough night,

with them just waiting for me to screw up.

- You're singing? - Affirmative, cousin.

I'm singing, and you're gonna be knocked out.

Come on!

Paris is like that. You gotta be quick.

Oh fuck! Shit! They're undercover cops, those two guys...

So. We did nothing. What's up?

Yeah, but they can be mean. Make like you're innocent.

Salaam aleikam.

So they answered in Arab?

Shit! You're not supposed to show them!

How do I know? It just came out.

Once upon a time, upon a time, the city rut invited the country rut...

and in a very polite way...

What's so funny?

No, it's good. Your song's good!

Shit! I'm nervous.

It better work.

Jerome's counting on me.

They're paying you for singing? Or nothing.

No man! They're not paying.

What it's about is doing well!

That, my man, is what counts in a career!

Come on. We gotta get moving or we'll get there late.

I'm gonna stay here.

I'm gonna watch my favorite TV show I like best.

You watch that stupidity...

You're nuts! You ever see it? You didn't see

when the Algiers guy found his brother in Paris, sleeping in a box

and his mom in Marseilles working in McDonald's.

Everyone cried, cried,

even the guy who... who presented... He wanted himself to cry too.

They do miracles there.

Miracles, my dick!

Anyway, tonight there's nothing on 'Missing.' Nothing at all.

All right! Let's hear a big hand for Bush Broadcasting!

And now in the song category,

here's Mok The Ghost, the 'phantom from the grave, '

doing some rap-fusion based on La Fontaine's poetry!

That's right, La Fontaine's poetry! So, let's give him a big hand!

Once upon a time the city mt invited the country rut

very politely indeed, to share the Ortolans' leftovers.

Dinner was served on a Turkish rug. Just imagine

the lives they led, these two friends. The lives they led...

Not worth it! Not worth it!

Get off the stage!

This isn't grammar school!

Shut your face! You shithead! Twisted...

Really Mok, it was world champ!

It's not matter they didn't get it. It's them the animals.

I know all that slime who were whistling at me.

Motherfuckers!

They were there just to sabotage me. Just think I.

Because I left the projects.

You used to live here?

Yeah! I pissed away twenty years of my life. Luckily I was able to split.

And your folks, Aunt Aldjia and Uncle Mohand?

They're still here.

In Courtiliéres.

Those run-down projects. You know, they repaint them

but that don't change shit. Ten days there and you flip out.

I should go. Say hello for my mom.

Drop it. They're in Z City.

Z City?

Yeah man, Z City. Asleep.

It's getting real heavy trying to explain things to you.

Every line, every word that I pronounce.

I am speaking French, right?

OK. Tomorrow if you like, you bring me if you want to...

Listen to me! I'm already wired enough, like this. I'm upset.

So be a nice guy and give me some space!

You think they need to have you see them?

Your Uncle Mohand's was laid off three years ago.

And don't ask what laid off means!

I didn't ask.

Meaning, he doesn't work any more.

Meaning, he stumbled around until he got welfare.

You don't get it?

So much the better.

My brother Said,

he's in the can

and my brother Reda, he's zoned out on smack.

I don't know if he'll cash his check from AIDS or an overdose.

And your Aunt Aldjia, my mother, the poor woman...

She lives on coffee grains, half crazy with all this shit around her.

You know my sister Malika.

Well, you don't know her now. She's on the game. For four years now.

Yeah, working the main drags.

So you dig, when you talk to me about the family...

you're fucking my head, man.

It's due to them I'm in analysis.

I'm sorry. This is really painful. It's...

It's okay.

I'm sure it's rough in Algiers.

- Me, I don't talk about it. - And why not?

Because. Me, I don't talk about that. You don't talk family. OK. That's it.

You see Laurence?

No, she hasn't been in. But Isaac was looking for you ten minutes ago.

I don't give a fuck about Isaac.

I understood what you said about your family. And it hurt.

But you know, things are even worse in Algiers. You know,

you don't even know what will happen the tomorrow.

You wake up, you don't know. You carry all your money, it disappears like that!

We don't live. Life's impossible.

Now even more so, the dead, the fear.

Five years now I want to marry. I can't.

I have no money, no apartment, nothing.

You've got a babe, all the same, right? A fiance, right?

Not really like that. I watch her window.

We only touch with our eyes. From window to window.

I swear I'll send my mother one day. She asks... and I'll marry.

Ever talk to her?

You're crazy! If I talk her and she talk me, is over. I can't marry her.

Why?

If she talks me, she's like a street walker.

Come on, even flowers get hungry. A little cake just for a snack...

You're hiding, but I see you behind the curtains.

Be nice to me. Let's have dinner. Be nice.

Champion, Mr Vincent!

Open the window for me!

Egotist!

- Other booths... - I want here! Because I want!

Here? There're booths all over!

I live here I phone here.

- You trying to break the phone? - It won't work.

Give it to me! I collect...

I got a collection!

Here.

Wait! Come here.

- It's empty? - Of course!

Not possible make it work?

- Make what work? - To rig it?

No way. It's electronic.

Get outta here!

Excuse me, please...

I'm looking for the Courtail Projects... Courtiliéres...

- Courtiliéres? - Yes, that's it.

It's that way. Go left for 200 yards,

then left again, go for about 500 yards

to the traffic circle. Take the second right for about 300 yards

to the underpass. Take the underpass

and you come to the metro station. And you're facing the projects.

You should've taken the metro, cousin! It's direct to Courtiliéres.

You shouldn't take the train.

Your box is a bit bent.

Hey Mister! Excuse me...

- Fraternity Street? - Fraternity?

That is the Courtiliéres?

Yeah, that's it. Fraternity's the first left.

First...

Come along with me. Visiting someone?

Yeah! Your box is bent.

No it's not! Yours is.

Uncle! How are you? It's Alilo, Aunt Fatma's son. From Algiers...

You recognize me?

And howl do!

Alilo!

This is a surprise! Come in, my son. Come in!

Uncle Mohand, with that, can you get Algeria?

Ah yes... These days everyone's on cable here.

We don't watch anything else.

Everything's the opposite. In Algeria no one wants to watch Algerian TV.

They watch only French.

That's life.

So you're living at Mokrane's place? The hoodlum!

All right! He's okay...

He's okay!

We haven't seen him in two years.

Don't talk about him.

Uncle Mohand. Being laid off isn't too rough?

Laid off?

It means you're not working.

Not working. Of course I'm not working!

I retired three months ago!

And Aunt Aldjia? How's she?

Aldjia? She's all right.

- All right? - Of course she's all right!

In fact, very very well.

You'll see for yourself. Hey! Hair and all... very classy.

She's sleeping?

What do you mean, sleeping? Huh? It's noon!

Well, I...

Here!

Here she is, your Aunt Aldjia. You were worried...

- You recognize me? - Me, not recognize my sister's son!

Sit down!

How are you?

And the family? They all right?

Thanks be to God.

And how are you?

Me? I'm really okay.

Very very well.

Just a little fatter because I still eat too much cake.

My health's good, thanks to God.

I'm really happy. Are you here to immigrate?

Only that I come three days. I'm at Mokrane's.

There's shit...

There's shit all over. Be careful.

The other day, almost I walk on it.

Here we are. Come on.

What? They put a mosque here?

You know, it's our group that does everything.

They cleaned it all up, arranged everything...

Before, there was drugs, drinking...

Filth.

You'll see how nice it is.

Hey! Who's that one over there?

That's Fouzi, the imam! He's from Algiers.

- That's an imam? - Yes, that's the imam.

Oh boy! I know that one. If I tell you what he did...

Nona. Twelve hundred...

Thanks. See you later.

Hey Claude. How you doing?

You got balls! Now you're gonna make me happy and fuck off.

Don't talk shit! I gotta bet.

Two-bit little shit! You don't pay up and you wanna bet?

Look! I feel lucky today. I even consulted my horoscope.

I'm sure Nana's gonna win.

Don't fuck with me. Lay 500 on me, dammit!

I said I'd pay up by the weekend.

You damn well better!

Fuck, Claudel Show some confidence, will ya?

Get outta here!

You're lucky I'm busy. Or I'd bust your face.

Throw him out! Out!

What an asshole!

Hey Mokrane! How you feeling my man?

That business I told you about is on. At Father Nemo's, the Oasis.

Count on me. I'll be there.

Look, Gontran... You don't maybe have a little advance? To pay for the suit?

Along with the color TV you already got.

You're too much. I get you on a dynamite scam and you fuck with me.

Go on, piss off.

Piss off.

Hey Laurence!

You're nuts to be here. Claude's raving.

Yeah, yeah. I know! We talked it out.

Look, you absolutely have to lay 500 on me.

I'm sure Nana's gonna win. He'll rip apart...

You're setting me up for trouble...

Come on, Laurence. You're not his slave, are you?

You're free, right?

Right. To pay for your bets?

Just this one time.

Here. Shit!

Thanks Laurence.

You know I love you.

We gonna hook up?

I got my cousin at my place. But if you want,

right after the match, behind the rails. Okay?

- You want some more? - No thanks. Saha!

- Come on! - No, really. I've had three servings.

- You'll get fat like your aunt. - It's champion, but...

He's skinny, like a bird.

And the twins, Said and Reda? How are they?

Oh no! Don't start again...

I'm sorry I

I don't want to upset you. What...

It's nothing. She just worries...

That's normal. I can understand.

Since Reda left for America, it's been too much for her.

- America? - Yes. In New York.

First Said goes to the army and then Reda to America.

So home feels a little empty.

They're not on...

On what?

Nothing!

...Is the last one left standing!

Come on Nono!

Gimme some smokes. I'm out.

What was he telling you, that asshole?

- Who are you talking about? - Mokl.

He was asking for some tips on the fighters.

Eat him up!

Don't wander off. We're invited to Max's tonight.

Fucking cripple!

What have I done for Chrissake!

It's normal they leave. That's men...

And what's Reda doing in America?

He's in America to make movies.

But for the time being, he's working in a restaurant.

You know, I think he's going to marry a theater actress.

Sharon Stone.

I think I know... the Rolling Stones?

Malika! This is your cousin Alilo.

Hi. How are you?

Happy to meet her.

You've never met?

The couscous is still hot...

No thanks.

- Finished? - No, I just have ten minutes.

To shower and redo my makeup.

I didn't get one client all morning. It's hell.

You know, some days she has fifty clients!

It used to be better on the Boulevard de L'Opera.

Now she gets lots of work in St Denis.

A lot of Arabs from back home. They're complicated.

Ah well! Now you're going to have a good coffee.

No, Auntie. I've got to go.

No. You drink your coffee calmly

and Malika will take you back by car.

This job is really physically demanding.

Physically?

Sure! You work with your body.

And you're not ashamed doing this?

Not anymore!

In the beginning, yeah. People in the projects mocked me.

That's over! They're used to it now.

Sometimes I even give them a ride...

Come here, look! I'll show you my motor.

So, what you think of that?

Classy, huh?

- What is it? - Isn't it a beauty?

Well, it's my taxi!

You drive taxi?

Yes! What did you think I did?

My God, thank you! I swear.

What's wrong? What is it?

Nothing! It's okay, it's okay.

- Okay. Where can I drop you off? - Barbés.

Are we finished with the bullshit?

It's that lame, Nona. See how he fought?

I'm not talking about fighting.

It's your debts. It's getting scary.

Look, Laurence, you know damned well I'm doing this all for Roger.

Leave Roger out of this. He just needs some rest. That's all.

My head turns turns but I don't know why Mok never tells me the truth.

You mustn't be angry with him. The poor thing.

What! Poor thing!

He thinks I'm a donkey or something.

That's not it, Alilo.

The problem is in Mok's own head.

Anyway, what's he up to?

I don't know, singing with animals. I don't know.

He says bad things about you. About everyone. He thinks...

- Like what? - You not okay, the family not okay...

He's not okay, but he doesn't want to understand.

Malika, I'm very happy I saw everyone,

and it's a pleasure I see everyone do well. Hamdoulah!

Give Mok a kiss for me. And don't forget!

Be patient with him. He's a little strange, but not mean.

Good-bye.

Alilo! Wait! I've got a letter for Mok.

I think it's important.

From the central office of the police. A summons.

Tell him he better see what it's about.

- I hope he's not messed up with some... - See, you're not scared.

Salaam aleikam.

Joe. How are you?

Say, have you seen Rachid?

Rachid got pulled in by the cops.

They caught him with a bag of Taiwan Rolexes.

The fool! Illegal and he plays the fool!

It's no joke these days.

I warned him. They'll send him back home. You'll see.

You don't do that shit?

God save me! Never! I don't go near that.

Can I make phone quick Algiers?

To call Rachid? No! Business for me. Don't worry.

Careful, okay?

If they send him there, he'll understand, Rachid.

That's for sure. It's not easy...

Zoubir! It's me!

Is the boss back?

What?

Listen to me Zoubir!

If I want, I call ten, a hundred, a thousand, a hundred thousand times.

It's my business.

That's right!

I see! I'll work it out again. Fine!

Mule-headed.

How much for the phone? It's okay. Never mind.

Hello!

- Some bananas. - A kilogram?

No, two just.

- Okay? Are they good? - Yeahhh. Very good.

- There you are. Two francs, eighty. - How much?

A pound of grapes.

Hello!

You doing okay?

- Wait. Let me pay. - Nine, sixty. Thanks.

- How are you? - I'm fine. And you?

Yeah! You shopping?

A bit. I'm buying for the house! With...

- Would you like I can carry that? - That's very kind. Thanks.

- Hold on. I still have to get some fish. - I come with you?

- Sol How's the stomach? - How's your head?

- You want to give me the evil eye. - Your stomach...

What are those little bags?

That's a real mystery. I never understood.

Because Mok say export-import or something.

I don't know. What can go in a small bag?

A dress or pants can't go in.

Maybe bottles of perfume, I think. Yes?

- I don't know. - Jewelry!

- Like I said, it's a real mystery. - Rolex!

Doing okay, Mr Cousteau?

You too, you not eaten yet.

Okay, I'll give you something. Mok, he give you only dust.

The bastard!

Enjoy your meal.

- Who is it? - Isaac.

- Mok's not around? - No, he went out.

I got a reading to get into the conservatory. Can I take a tie?

- Sure, if he likes. - No problem.

- He told you? - Sure. No problem. He's cool.

- Oh yeah! - Everything's here.

My happiness is here... The ties are here.

You go look or I'll burn the food.

No problem! Thanks. This is damned nice...

Just what I wanted...

That's it!

A yellow jacket...

A tie!

A hat...

Wonderful...

You'll see, I'll pass that reading. I just have to.

- That smells good. What is it? - Chuktchuka! Here, taste!

No, I... Well, to make you happy...

That's good. Enjoy your meal, good ministers.

O rage! O despair! Age, my old enemy!

Haven't I been through too much to merit this infamy,

cleansed through the works of war, to see so many laurels fade in a day?

Okay. Thanks for the clothes. Tell Mok I'll bring them back after the reading.

- Yes! Bring back the clothes. - No problem! Thanks.

Oh rage against friends...

Fuck! It smells burnt here!

What is this shit?

Chuktchuka! Burnt beyond recognition...

My pan's a train wreck... Alilo!

You've cremated... Like burned it!

Fuck! He's blocked up the sink!

What did you do to the fish? Lumps of bread!

I'm sorry I I made for you, but I sleep...

Rig ht! I sleep!

Right. I sleep!

That's right! Better you should learn to speak.

Right, I sleep... Right! And what is...

- I go saw family... - What family?

Our family. Everyone, your father, mother. They're okay.

What you tell isn't true. So there.

Learn to speak... Your sister give me that. It's important, the police.

You think I'm a donkey. You think I see nothing. You play with my head.

You want go crazy with me? I go crazy with you!

I'm fed up.

Look! This isn't the moment. They're pushing me...

You're the one who pushes.

Look, I'm gonna cop a quick shower.

Tonight we boogie! It's gonna be dynamite...

A fiesta.

You'll see. We'll have a ball.

I want to stay here. I'm watching TV.

It's like you're glued to that TV.

Tonight, no TV.

Cremated, burned! There!

Fuck, it's nine. We're ultra late.

The metro's a pain in the ass! Come on, this way.

Shit! It's not here!

I don't believe it!

Okay, there it is. Go to the corner and see if any heat's coming.

Heat?

- Yeah! Cops, like, the law... - For what?

Don't you see we don't have a helmet?

- Is this your scooter? - No, it's a girlfriend's.

I've got a big hog.

Let me know when!

Come on! There's no law! Come on!

You really have a real bike?

Sure, that's what I told you.

Mok, I dream about one day riding a big bike.

But you are riding a big bike. You are riding a big bike.

You're late. Asshole.

Someone committed suicide on the metro tracks.

I committed suicide too.

And you're risking suicide some day. Who's that?

My cousin. In from Algiers.

Come on. I'll introduce you to your wife and future father-in-law.

- You're the son-in-law? - Yup.

This isn't a funeral. Try to look happy.

I'm very happy. I'm very very happy-

Yeah. That's it.

Well, kiss her if you're happy. Act natural. There might be some cops here.

Come on. We'll do the photos and the henna.

Henna?

Photographer!

- Sit! - Thank you sir.

Hey you! I'm not paying you to put us to sleep. Music! Heat it up!

So, cousin. Can I phone a call here?

Just local calls.

- Is there any couscous? - After the henna.

See if there's any soda around. I'm here.

Sol You're gonna be head of a family! How does it feel, asshole?

She looks pretty hot, big Zubida. She's got it where she needs it!

Could I have the money, please?

Money!

Always money!

You'll get the rest at the ceremony.

And don't be late, asshole.

Or I'll have Athos eat your balls.

It's his favorite dessert.

Athos!

See you at town hall tomorrow.

Come on. Let's go. Let's split.

A paper wedding! For twenty thousand francs.

So she, you don't love.

Not at all.

Fat girl needs papers. So her father springs for it

and I cop the bread for playing the groom. Dig?

You know the father?

Course not! Best you forget. Drop it.

I got it! I watch father all night. I ask where I saw him.

You know who is father? Yes or no?

He worked in government. I saw him on TV. In the papers, all over.

He stole bread and left.

- Yeah? - Yeah!

Okay, tomorrow, I promise. At town hall

I'm gonna ask for a pay raise from that creep.

It's not possible!

It's not real! Everything's not real!

Zoubir? It's me.

What?

Oh, he's back?

World champ!

Put him on.

Yes, boss!

I'm sorry I Did Zoubir tell you for...

I'm sorry. I know.

No, I didn't do right.

What I You've lost faith.

Give me the address. I go right now for bag, I go now for it.

And tomorrow morning, first thing, the bag is in Algiers, like already there.

I'm writing. Mr Maurice... Yes! I know.

Stop screaming on me! I'm not a slave.

Excuse me.

Where's the St Denis station?

All the way?

I go that way, all the way?

Okay, thanks.

Excuse me. You're Mr Maurice?

No. Hey Maurice!

Hello Mr Maurice!

Mr Belaid is sent me. For to take bag.

So it's you!

I've been waiting five days. What happened to you?

I lost the address.

Or you got lost in Paris?

No! It's true I lost address.

Only today I could call Algiers. I get address and here I am.

Mr Belaid does as he likes. It's not my problem.

The bag is there, waiting patiently for you.

- You look out of breath. - I ran!

Sit down. Take a chair.

- You want a tea? - Thank you Mr Maurice.

It's good when you're hot.

Tell me what's happening back home. Catastrophic, eh?

Yes, catastrophic! The dead, one by one.

You know, I'm here thirty years now,

but every time something happens there, it's like a dagger in my heart.

You never returned?

But when I'm homesick

I've got this. You know that music?

Of course I know I.

With that music I can travel far.

I'm in Soustara Plaza.

I go down the Street of the Lyre,

to Government Plaza,

I take Bab el-Oued Street.

Avenue of the Marne, Avenue of Bouzareah

and the Three Clocks.

I smell the mint,

the chorba,

the coriander.

Mr Maurice! It's sure that you, you know La Fontaine.

La Fontaine?

Women's ready-to-wear?

No! No!

La Fontaine, the one he wrote little songs for animals.

He's smart. He talks with animals

and with us.

- The wolf and the lamb! - That's it!

I know it.

You know, I'll never return to Algiers.

But every Saturday I go to temple and pray for peace there.

In my opinion,

they've massacred Algeria.

Okay. Now you go. Take the bag. Go on!

The grasshopper, after a summer of song, was unprepared when the cold wind blew.

That you, Alilo?

- You got it? - Yeah!

That's for you for costs when I'm here.

- Here! I want to be straight! - Put it away.

Wow! They're beautiful.

This is worth ten thou!

You know, that in Algiers, girls go crazy.

They love the colors. Sells like pancakes.

I saw Mr Maurice!

He's Jew from Algiers. Very nice. We had good talk.

Too bad I go. I like you meet him.

- You leave when? - Tomorrow.

Oh no! You staying tomorrow.

We having a party. We're going to a karaoke bar.

You know, the boss already bawled me out.

I'll stay with you a day more.

Say, could you do me a little favor?

- How about taking a little walk? - Why?

I'm waiting on someone.

It's too cold outdoors!

Be nice, like.

I'll loan you my jacket. It's warm.

It's warm.

Figures.

Come in! Come in! The best show in Paris! It's all new!

It's just come out!

Brought here from New York! Welcome to Paradise!

Natasha's waiting for you!

Don't be afraid! Welcome to the sexual kingdom.

You did right to come in.

I've got something great for you!

Something brand new. It comes from America.

There's only two of them in Paris!

Usually you only watch.

Now you can touch!

Twenty francs and you can pet. Real petting with a real woman!

Devilish, isn't it?

You never saw the Drag Queen?

- Is there music too? - Yeah, that's it. It's like a disco.

You make up your mind yet?

- You're good for 200. - No, you said 20!

Okay! But I'm warning you. It'll be shorter.

Go on. Don't be afraid, this is paradise.

See you later.

Stop!

Madame!

- What is this shit? Shut up! - My hand.

I said the token was for a minute, not two hours.

What's this madness? Where do you think you are?

Go on! Get a move on. Pay up and take off.

Get this clown outta here.

Go on! Go on!

What are you thinking about?

Nothing.

It's all muddled up inside my head.

Take me along! I want to go with you.

You've gotta be patient.

I got to put things in order.

With Roger?

You know that I love you.

I want to go with you. I'll take you along. I promise!

We'll leave all this.

It's just my cousin. He can wait.

Hold on! He won't stop.

Okay! There you are.

- That you, Alilo? - It's Claude. Open up!

My things!

Coming, coming!

Hey Claude.

Today's Monday. That ring a bell?

In bed already?

Nah, it's my cousin. He's catchin' a snooze.

Look, Claude. I gotta tell you. I've got a problem.

I don't have the bread.

How's that?

You don't have my bread? You fucking with me?

You come and hassle me when I'm working,

"Loan me some! Nono's gonna win! Nono's gonna win!"

I'll help myself.

I swear, I don't have your bread.

What's this?

My cousin's rags.

Hey, this is some merchandise!

He a cross-d resser?

Don't touch that, please.

Fancy shit.

No! It's all imitation.

Imitations. Well, I'll just take the bag.

This doesn't cover it all. So don't play the fool.

That's my cousin's bag. You can't do that. Look, really.

Right. Because you can be trusted!

Okay, I leave you to your love life.

Think I don't know I The crib stinks of pussy.

Not the bag! What am I gonna tell him?

You give me my dough, I give you your bag. So long asshole!

What are you doing with my bag?

Go ask your cousin.

I'm asking you. What are you doing with that bag?

What is this? You looking for a kick in the balls?

That bag, it's not leaving here!

Shit kicker! You broke my tooth!

I think you're crazy, you! I think you're sick in the head!

Why did you give my bag to that other bastard! This is too much!

- Who is this guy? - My cousin, Alilo.

Fuck it! I didn't give him your bag. I swear it. He took it by force.

This is all an act. Always you cry. Always.

Why didn't you give money from wedding? Why?

Now you finish your act. You got your bag back!

If you give him something, give your money!

You know, I got the money, but I promised it to someone.

I got a friend who's dying. And I don't give a fuck about your bag.

If you not my cousin, I break your face.

Stop it!

Go ahead, then! Hit me!

Like that, cousin? You fuck me around since I'm here.

Never the truth. Just bluffing. Always zigzagging.

But it's the truth! Fuck! The motherfucker won't believe me!

It's not true! He's a total liar. He lies on family, on me, on everyone.

All his head is bent.

That's enough. Let's calm down and discuss it.

He's insulting me!

Just what do you know about me? Really, man.

I can't stand looking at your mug anymore. You make me wanna puke.

That's your act again!

I'll go get him!

No.

Let him go.

He'll calm down and come back.

You know, he told you the truth. Claude did take it, the bag.

What'll I do? I don't know.

Mok's a good guy.

If he gets out of this mess, he could do a lot.

What mess?

The fire at the club. He didn't tell you about it?

One night

we wanted to go to a club.

Mok, Roger, his best friend, and me.

The bouncer...

Bouncer?

The guy at the door.

He wouldn't let Mok in.

Roger got angry. It degenerated into a brawl.

He got beat up by the bouncer.

That drove him crazy.

He came back with a gasoline can.

He emptied it in front of the door to the club... and lit it.

Mok and I could do nothing.

We get chased by a cop car.

We get stuck against a wall.

And Roger's paralyzed.

He's my brother.

Mok and me, we didn't... In fact, yeah, Mok's in the shit.

He's gotta go back on trial.

And obviously, just when he's trying to get his papers.

Then the jerk does a paper marriage, using fake papers.

O rage! O despair!

Age, my old enemy!

Haven't I been through too much to merit this infamy,

cleansed through the works of war, to see so many laurels fade in a day?

You okay Mok?

You got insomnia? Don't catch bronchitis.

Wake up.

How come you didn't sleep over there? It would've been better.

I want you to excuse me for yesterday. I got too upset.

No big deal. It's already forgotten.

I'm going skating!

It's Zen.

Fatoumata!

- You okay? - I'm okay! And you?

Yes, okay! I'm telling you, because...

You come with us.

We make party because I go to Algiers.

Mokrane said tonight we go there to a karakory.

We're going to sing to laugh.

I'd like that a lot,

to go with you. Okay then! Fine.

What are you up to? Want a cup of tea?

I can't.

I get train ticket. I go tomorrow to Algiers.

Okay, then, see you tonight.

- Tonight! - Tonight for sure!

World champ.

The grasshopper, after summer of song, was unprepared when the cold wind blew.

Not even a little bit of fly or larvae...

He went and cried famine

at the door of his neighbor the ant

begging to borrow some grain to survive

until the spring comes. 'I'll pay you for it," he said,

"before August. On my word as an animal, interest and principal."

Great! It's him who wrote all the songs.

Lyrics and all?

He works with a machine, and with Mr La Fontaine for the lyrics.

I like it a lot.

Why the other day you were crying?

- Because I lost someone. - What? Someone is died?

No.

I lost my fiancee.

- Abdulah left me. - Who's that?

The healer I work for. Or who I used to work for. As that's over now.

And that's it. We were together a year.

A year and two weeks.

And last week he had his wife come, without warning me.

He brought her from Guinea.

And that's it. The next day it was finished with me.

It's not easy, but...

It's hard for me to manage, sometimes.

Life's like that.

They're really good.

Yeah! Champ!

And you. What are you doing in Paris?

Me, I'm running here and there.

I should be leaving tomorrow. I want to go...

and I don't want to.

In my head...

I don't know.

I understand.

What a town, Paris isl I love it.

I saw nothing of Paris. I saw nothing. I only work everyday, here, there.

Eiffel Tower I didn't see.

It's not too late. We can go if you like.

Really?

- You and me? - Yes! Now!

We going to see the Tower?

Do we go? Come on.

- You leaving with her? - She say we take short walk.

And you're not afraid? Here.

- What's that? - Gum! They always like it.

It's beautiful!

I like a lot water like this. In Algiers always I walk next to sea.

It smells good.

I stroll.

We could walk along the other bank. You want to?

- We can go there? - There are steps under the bridge.

- Come on! - Do we go?

- Look! It's smaller than on TV. - It's you who's grown.

The Eiffel Tower!

It is big! Look!

- I think something is moving. - It's the elevator.

If we make little shop there, it goes champion.

Promise! People go up, go down. We bring merchandise to third floor.

And we sell one by one. No?

You, you get on first floor and me on the third floor and we send.

Round trip, right?

What time's your train tomorrow?

At three. I take train, go to Marseilles, sleep there.

And the boat after, direct until Algiers.

- Want some gum? - Yes, please.

What's this?

What is this, Alilo?

What's wrong?

Is this your gum?

I swear it's not me. It's Mok who...

First time I've seen a come-on like that.

You see how quiet it is here at night? And the neighborhood's going to vanish.

Why?

Everything's going to be demolished. Then there'll be new buildings,

but where do we go?

Mok he tell me this is neighborhood of future of Paris.

Mok dreams while he's awake. This is the Moskova, poverty-stricken.

It's like where I live.

So you really have to leave?

Have to! And with the bag. I can't...

It's better if I didn't know you...

You know, I wanted to tell you...

I'm happy to have met you. Alilo...

And...

And I really had a lovely evening.

Me too.

And you helped me forget for a moment.

Thanks very much.

Well! I want to wish a good trip and a happy return home!

Me too.

No! I mean, thanks very much.

Take care!

Fuck me! A bomber's flying around in my head. Oh, fuck me!

Oh, my head!

I don't believe it!

My head's gonna explode.

You mixed too much drink. You...

Drink some olive oil. After, that's it!

It's not that, Alilo! It's spinning, I swear!

Fucking hangover!

No more drinking. That's it.

OK, let's go to the train.

No, stay! I'll say good-bye. That's it. Come on.

I don't want... Stay and sleep. Stay... Rest.

Why? Are you messed up about leaving? That it?

No. It's not that.

So tell me, then. It's Fatoumata!

No! That's it! Come on. Good-bye.

Tell Laurence I said good-bye.

And you too, good-bye.

Hey Alilo! Write me when you get there!

Be cool, there in Algiers!

And come back to see me. Because I ain't ready to set foot in your shithole,

what with all that's going on there.

Ladies and gentlemen! In the interest of your security,

French Rail asks you not to leave any object or baggage unattended.

We ask you to alert us if you see any unaccompanied baggage.

It's true. You camel

I wanted to see you before you left!

Last night we said good-bye, just like that.

I'm very happy!

Very happy. I'm very happy.

I really wanted to see you again.

You know...

Last night...

Well, I wanted you to stay.

I want to stay too, but I think

fate, he doesn't want that.

Last night I dreamed that you stayed with me.

I'm very happy!

You know...

I want to tell you something.

I can't.

It's okay. I understand.

What?

Me tool.

What?

You're in love, and so am I.

I'm ashamed.

Will you come back?

Yes!

And there, I think of you all the time.

And if you give me your address, I write you everyday letters.

I'm very happy!

Mr Mokrane Bensalem?

Yes. That's me.

Police.

We've got an order here for an immediate deportation.

So get dressed, pick up your things, put them in a bag and follow us.

Deportation? But that's... What is this?

You know what it is.

Your plane leaves in an hour, so get moving. Come on.

But I was born here. I'm... I'm French.

- Is that it, then? - Yeah, it'll do.

Wait!

It's not worth answering. You're not here, anymore.

Come on, let's go.

Hi! You've reached Mok's place.

"He who travels fur respects his mount...

"Nothing is gained by rushing. One must leave on time..."

I'm not here, but don't worry. I'll be back right away.

In the meantime, if you have a message, please leave it after the beep.

Hey, ciao!

Hello Mokrane! It's me.

Answer me, just a second.

I know you're asleep. But I want to talk. It's very serious.

It's very very serious. The police, they exploded the bag.

Impossible I go back to Algiers. If I arrive without bag, boss cut my throat.

I want to tell you... Fatoumata came to see me. I'm with her.

She told me I stay in Paris with her a while if I want.

Listen to me, I want to tell you truth.

I think I'm in love with her.

I'll see you in a little while. Okay?

Hey Cousin!

Subtitles: David Aronson.

Subtitling by TITRA-FILM Paris