Original subtitles

Mr. Minister,

representatives,

and honorable colleagues,

never before has an African been president

of our chamber of commerce.

We must take back what is ours,

what is ours by right.

We must control our industry, our commerce,

and our culture.

In short, we must take our destiny into our own hands.

Before our people,

we must show we're as capable

as other peoples in the world.

We are businessmen!

We must take over management of all businesses,

including the banks.

There's no turning back now.

This is the culmination of our struggle for true independence.

This is an historic day.

It is a victory

for our people.

It is the sons of the people who now lead the people

on behalf of the people.

We choose socialism,

the only true socialism,

African socialism.

Socialism on a human scale.

Our independence is complete.

Mr. Minister,

representatives

and honorable colleagues,

our revolutionary efforts have not been in vain.

Taking over this chamber of commerce

is sanctioned by an official text written by our illustrious guide,

the father of our nation.

We must band together in a spirit of solidarity,

because our enemies have not disarmed.

Gentlemen,

to seal this memorable date,

we are invited to the wedding celebration

of our honorable colleague El Hadji Abdou Kader Beye,

who is taking his third wife today.

Well, modernity mustn't make us lose our Africanity!

Well said!

Long live Africanity!

El Hadji, you have the floor.

Gentlemen, by this time,

the religious ceremony has ended.

Forgive me, Mr. President,

Mr. Minister,

representatives and honorable colleagues.

I am again married out of duty.

I ask you all to do me the honor

of attending the festivities this evening.

I guarantee you that nothing will be lacking.

Mr. Minister, representatives and honorable colleagues,

this meeting is adjourned.

These are wedding gifts from the new in-laws.

- A TV set. - That's the thing now.

The key to a Citroën DS.

Very popular.

She's of noble lineage. I'm not surprised.

This box is full of gold.

That's the tradition.

Mother, I don't approve of Papa taking a third wife.

Did you really say you approve?

Rama, I don't approve either,

if you really want my opinion.

- Then get a divorce. - A divorce? God forbid!

Who would marry me then?

I'd be lucky to be some man's third or fourth wife.

Where would I go?

I don't know what you're scared of.

This house is yours.

Everything here is yours. It's all in your name.

Nothing here is Papa's.

That's true.

But you know we owe all this to your father.

Now that we're being tested,

the honorable thing is to show some resilience.

I know you're my mother,

but we're very different.

I know for sure I'll never share my husband

with another woman.

Hello, everyone.

Hello, Rama.

Still playing around with your language transcriptions?

- Adja. - Yes.

How are you?

I'm fine.

Are you ready?

We've been waiting for you.

I'll be right out.

I'm not going.

You know I do have to go.

It's the custom to attend these ceremonies.

It's the honorable thing for me to do.

All men are the same.

They're all bastards.

Who are bastards?

Men.

Why are they bastards?

A man with two wives is a liar and a hypocrite.

With three, he's even worse.

Say that again!

A man with two wives is a liar and a hypocrite.

With three, he's even worse.

El Hadji, let's go.

Never forget I'm still in charge in this house!

If you don't like it, take your revolution elsewhere!

You hear me?

Let's go.

It is people like your father,

who kicked out the colonizers and liberated this country,

polygamy is part of our religious heritage.

Let's go. We'll be late.

Mama, Papa's here with his first wife.

Don't shout. I heard you.

Adja, get out of the car,

and come say hi to Oumy.

You're at her front door.

It doesn't cost you anything.

Have you really forgotten?

Remember this.

As your first wife,

I'm Oumy's senior.

Remember that from now on.

Say hello for me.

- Hello, children. - Hello, Papa.

- Where's your mother? - Upstairs.

Papa, could you help me out? I'm broke.

- How much you need? - A thousand francs.

Thanks.

Hey, little one.

Come in.

You all ready?

Who's in the Mercedes with you?

Hey, don't sit on that.

Who's in the car?

- Adja Awa. - Adja Awa?

- She's waiting for us. - Can't she come in?

She prefers to wait.

Tell her to come in.

Mariem!

Yes, Mama?

Go tell your aunt to come in.

Tell her I'm in the shower.

I'm sure she talked you into taking a third wife

just to annoy me.

Well, we'll just see!

You big fat pushover!

She's just jealous...

because I'm younger.

It's nothing but spite and jealousy.

She got you to take a third wife.

Well, you'll both regret it!

The old dried-up fish! Who does she think she is?

Are you done complaining?

What if I am?

I'm warning you.

I don't want any arguing here or there!

Mark my words.

Oh, is that so?

Is that all you have to say?

You big fat pushover!

I'm sure she's the one behind this third marriage.

Your new wife is no different from the rest of us.

You think she's better than us?

Her slit is vertical like every other woman's!

Come in.

She prefers to stay in the car.

Fine. Let her.

No one's gonna stop me from being there.

I'm going there whether you like it or not.

Now fork over some money,

since you're spending so lavishly on others.

That's not enough. More.

More!

You useless pushover!

Any woman can have her way with you.

Get up! Let's go.

It's neither her allotted turn with you nor mine.

Who gets to sit in the back with you?

- You look worried over here. - How are you?

- What's wrong? - Business. What else?

The party's jumping, with women galore!

Sure, but you know how business is.

What is this business of yours?

I'm working on a deal involving tourism.

Sounds interesting!

I'm looking for someone to handle it.

How much would you pay me?

Ten percent.

- How much do you want? - I'll do it for 15.

Fifteen percent?

Okay, 15 percent.

- Word of honor? - Yes.

And how will you pay?

- By check. - No! I never leave a paper trail.

Cash only.

I'll bring you the file tomorrow.

Together with the "you know what"?

Pick up that coin! It didn't roll far.

Go on!

Papa, someone already got it.

Adja Astou! How are you ladies?

Fine, thanks. And you?

- How's the family? - Fine.

I'm so happy you've come,

on this memorable day in my niece's life.

She's your little sister now. I entrust her to you.

I'm sure you'll guide her as she follows behind you.

Well said!

That trust is very important.

We women must unite as one.

And if she follows in my footsteps as I've followed in Adja's,

she'll be fine.

This big day has been the talk of the town!

This is from me.

Generous as always.

Please come inside.

Have a seat.

Make yourselves at home.

This night is all for you.

Adja.

What are we sitting here for?

You ask too many questions.

You know very well we're waiting for El Hadji's third wife to arrive.

And what do you think of this third wife?

You really do ask a lot of questions.

You know I never join in the fray.

Remember that when El Hadji married you,

I was already his wife,

and I just steeled my heart with resilience.

Now that it's your turn to have a younger sister,

follow my example and show some patience.

Patience? At a time like this?

- Patience doesn't kill... - Patience until when?

...or I'd have been long dead by now.

My friends, you're sitting here so quietly.

You're hardly doing anything.

What's wrong, Adja?

The festivities are for you...

yet you're not mingling or having anything to drink.

For you, my dear friend.

I just want you to enjoy yourselves.

Here you are, sweetie.

Oh, my, my!

I'm not your rival.

She is.

No need to ask a blind man to close his eyes.

El Hadji, take off your pants and put this on.

Then sit on this mortar

with the pestle between your legs.

You're kidding me!

You realize I already have two wives, right?

And no one's ever asked me to do anything like that!

I won't be made a laughingstock

with this hocus-pocus.

But it's a tradition

we've inherited from our ancestors.

Just do it.

Absolutely not!

I won't do it!

That's a bunch of nonsense!

Sit on a mortar and straddle the pestle?

No! I refuse!

Fine! Put on airs as if you're European.

You're neither fish nor fowl, but suit yourself.

I'm going home.

- It's late. - Already?

We're not needed here.

Keep me company a while.

You should know when you're not welcome.

You should pay me frequent visits.

I'm senior to you, you know.

Don't leave me here alone.

Say hello to your kids.

Everyone's in a hurry these days!

Madame Beye, may I?

Ah, Mr. President.

Such a beautiful creature all alone. What a pity!

I wonder where Adja Astou is.

- Hello, my friend! - How are you?

- Fine, madame! - Have a seat.

I didn't know about the wedding, but I brought a gift.

Very nice of you.

Were you vacationing in Switzerland or Spain?

I never go to Spain anymore.

You run into Negroes everywhere.

Negritude gets around.

This niece of yours is a real beauty.

- I say your niece is a beauty. - Of course!

- Look at her lovely hair. - And such a pretty mouth.

She has a sensuous little mouth.

I'll give her a Mercedes!

I'll give you a villa for weekends.

How do you say "weekend" in English?

Excuse me, MC.

Let me have a cigar, please.

Help yourself. Matches?

No, thanks.

My friend, how do you say "weekend" in English?

It's the same word. "Weekend."

Mr. Minister! After you.

After you, Mr. Representative.

No, you represent the government.

And you, the people!

Then I'll just wait.

We'll both wait.

Mr. President, where's El Hadji?

Probably off in some corner with his wife.

Dupont-Durand, it's late. Almost 4:00 a.m.

Time to go home.

As you wish, Mr. President.

Fine.

Greetings, honorable colleagues!

Hello, El Hadji.

You have everything you need?

Couldn't be better.

I'm very happy.

Time for you to retire with your bride.

I brought you something.

Take this five minutes before riding into battle.

I don't need that stuff.

Listen,

I have something better.

It comes from Banjul.

Takes effect immediately.

Take it.

I don't believe in those things. It's ridiculous!

But I'll try it just to make you happy.

I'll let you know how it works.

I'll look forward to your report!

Just one word of advice.

Take it easy!

Go slowly! She's a virgin!

Mr. President,

you forget that my first wife was a virgin,

as was my second.

And so is my third.

Funny guy!

We'll just see how funny I am in the morning!

Let us know how it goes.

You can count on me.

Good luck!

Good night.

We'll be taking our leave too.

El Hadji, undress in there, then come back out.

I call upon all our ancestors

to bless and protect you.

I thank Allah you've reached your wedding night,

with your chastity and honor intact.

You sought no suitors nor accepted any.

And now know you're a married woman.

N'Gone,

you've made me very happy today.

May you be as happy in your marriage.

But keep in mind,

you have a husband now,

and the husband is master.

So I advise you,

do not run or resist or tremble in fear tonight.

Be available to him at all times, and don't cry out.

All your elders are here, and we're all proud of you.

Be brave and always available to him,

with no arguments.

Now get in bed.

El Hadji, we're ready and waiting.

I'm still a virgin.

He couldn't perform.

- What happened? - Nothing.

I couldn't perform.

All night with a girl like this, and not a muscle stirs?

El Hadji, go get some help.

I brought you this pure maiden,

and here you are like wet, crumpled paper.

Why are you sitting there?

Go get some help!

What good is just sitting there?

You have to admit I warned you.

I told you last night

to sit on that mortar

and straddle the pestle.

But you said, "I already have two wives."

You should have known that those desperate wives of yours

wouldn't let you lie with a young virgin.

People like you reject our traditions.

You act like Europeans, and end up being neither fish nor fowl!

Smells awful in here!

Ma'am, would you buy a Kàddu?

- How much? - Fifty francs.

It's in our native language.

Love your language, love yourself.

These women with their foul-smelling water!

You can't breathe in here!

Now, my letter.

Good morning, boss.

Good morning, boss.

Congratulations on your wedding!

It was the most beautiful ceremony of the year.

Thank you.

Please call the president. I need to see him here right away.

Yes, sir.

Jealousy looks down

On another's good fortune

But no one can curse those blessed by God

Better to add kindling to God's fire

Than to try to put it out

Even time has a master

Dupont-Durand, wait for me here.

Yes, Mr. President.

Good morning, miss.

Madame.

Excuse me, madame. Is your boss in?

He's expecting you.

Thank you. So charming!

Come in!

I see the potion worked. You haven't even changed clothes.

That's not it.

I couldn't get it up. Nothing!

Say what?

I couldn't get it up.

This morning the girl's aunt says I have the xala.

Shit!

That's why I need you.

Who did this to you?

To help a man is better Than letting him wander in tears

Better to help a man than to make him cry

Mr. President, can't we get rid of that human rubbish?

That is not our independence.

Get me Amath, please.

Amath?

It's the president here.

I'm at El Hadji's office.

Could you send a patrol car here?

To get rid of this human rubbish.

Yes, the beggars.

It's bad for tourism.

Very good.

Thanks.

Yes, I'll wait here. Bye.

That's done. Let's hope they send them far away.

Thanks.

Whom do you suspect?

One of your wives?

But which one? Why?

They have all they need.

Tell me what to do.

El Hadji,

I'll trust you with this because we're old friends.

This is a secret.

I have a very good marabout.

We can go see him if you like.

But he charges a lot.

Money is no object.

I want to be a man again!

Give me a minute to get rid of my adviser.

Dupont-Durand, you may go now.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Be back at the office in an hour.

Very well.

Sir, buy Kàddu for just 50 francs!

I have no time for your paper, kid.

Someone picked my pocket.

While I was watching the incident over there,

they took all the money I had.

Every last bit.

You have to admit that's awful.

Listen, I write stories in my paper to inform everyone.

Tell me what happened,

and I'll let all of Senegal know about it.

Very well.

With the drought of recent years,

farming has been difficult.

Sometimes we'd reap a tiny bit, other times nothing.

From the meager harvest we sold this year,

the people of my village sent me here

to buy food supplies for the year.

They sent me here to buy rice

and tomato sauce.

That's the money that was stolen.

Isn't that sad?

I have nothing left! Nothing!

TAILOR

Who is it? Come in.

Oh, it's you, Mother.

Sit down.

We haven't chatted since Papa's wedding.

Were there lots of people?

Yes.

With the fortune your father spent,

there was quite a crowd.

Oumy must have been fuming.

Not really. We went together.

I haven't seen Papa since he slapped me.

You shouldn't have spoken to him like that.

He's very busy these days.

He has a lot on his mind.

Yes, I've noticed.

- You know what people are saying? - What?

There are rumors that Papa has the xala.

The xala?

What should I do?

Mother, did you put the curse on him?

Me?

I swear it wasn't me. I wouldn't even know how.

Then talk to him about it.

I couldn't do that.

Then what if I do?

You really are shameless.

How could you talk to your father about his xala?

I've never heard of such a thing.

- So that's settled? - Yes.

And give me a receipt.

Sweetie, when are you coming by for some tea?

One of these days.

That would be nice. Thank you.

You live with your serpent.

You cross paths with it every morning.

I want to be cured.

That's why I'm here.

I'll pay any price you ask.

The president knows me well.

I'm a man of my word.

It's true.

You're both my friends.

You must help him.

You don't know who I am, but your friend does.

I'm without equal in these parts.

I'll give you...

this bottle.

Wash your whole body with this medicinal water.

Wet all your face when you visit the young lady.

Wear this on your right arm.

Wear this around your waist.

You see this?

Listen carefully.

When you visit the young lady,

hold this between your teeth...

as you crawl to her.

Crawl! You understand?

Help! Help!

Help! Help!

Good morning.

- How did you sleep? - Fine, and you?

Not well at all.

What happened?

As I lay in bed, I heard my niece scream.

I thought it had finally happened,

but this morning her husband said he couldn't perform.

There are no real men these days.

I didn't sleep a wink.

A girl like that could excite a dead man.

It's true!

Wait here, you.

I'm here for just two reasons,

my family and my entire household.

The electricity bill is unpaid,

the maid's threatening to quit,

the grocer is after me every day,

and the water bill's unpaid.

I need money for all that.

I think your third wife is bad luck for you.

That's not enough.

Otherwise you wouldn't be neglecting us.

Oumy, please lift this curse.

I'll divorce my third wife and give you whatever you want.

A car, a villa,

vacations in Europe.

Come back down to earth!

What's wrong with you?

A third wife isn't worth all this!

You're too old for a young chick.

You'll come to regret this.

Have you looked in a mirror lately?

You're thin as a rail.

You should see a doctor.

But let me tell you something.

I don't care.

You reap what you sow.

I want to see you at my house tonight.

I intend to make full use of my turn.

And you know how wild I can be.

Your honeymoon's over.

I'll see you at my house tonight.

You mighty of this world Should be like a mother cat

Her eyes and heart working together

When there's no milk She still finds food for her little ones

Her noble heart always on the lookout

A proverb says That losing a child at birth

Is preferable to raising a useless child

Mister, you should go back home,

and tell all those people waiting for you

that the money was stolen.

Gentlemen,

if you knew the living conditions there,

you'd never tell me that.

With the drought,

the little we got from our meager harvest

was slated for food supplies.

I was sent to the city with that money,

and now it's been stolen.

I can't go back home. They'd never believe me.

If you don't go back,

they'll die waiting and hoping, and you'll be responsible.

Their hope in my return will help them survive.

But I could never face them with the bad news.

We're all just farmers back home.

Here in the city, you have plenty to eat.

Look at this bread!

Back home,

our bread is all white and shriveled.

Is it mud bread?

No, it's not mud bread.

Hey, here is your money.

Just coins. I have no bills.

- Modu? - Yes, boss?

I lay awake all last night

thinking about the marabout you said I should see.

I no longer believe in those marabouts, you know.

You can believe in this one, boss.

He's the marabout of my village.

He's worked miracles.

He's a holy man.

I trust you. Let's go.

You won't regret it, boss.

I can cure you easily.

You can get rid of these.

But I warn you,

what one hand removes, the other can restore.

- Modu. - Yes, boss?

- Modu, I'm a man again! - Really?

Look!

- You know what this is? - Yes, I get them from VIPs like you.

I'll be in Dakar in a few days.

I used to live there.

Take it to any bank there.

You'll be paid right away.

I'm a man of my word.

Don't forget, what one hand removes, the other can restore.

- You needn't worry. - Good.

Goodbye.

There's a married woman Out looking for lovers

That's just not right

Princess, don't worry Your reputation is safe

Greetings.

Hello.

- My wish has been granted. - Thank God!

I'm a man again.

The timing's a bit awkward.

- How are you? - Fine.

- Your wife has her period. - What?

- You tell him. - It started last night.

Where have you been in those filthy clothes?

For goodness' sake!

Come on in.

Speaking.

Your Excellency!

How are you?

Just fine.

I have Kebe and the minister here.

The same problem.

El Hadji's checks with insufficient funds.

I also received...

a notice from the director of the National Grain Board.

Would you hold a moment?

Gentlemen, I have His Excellency on the line.

He's in the same situation as you.

Banks are refusing him working capital.

He wants a meeting right now.

- By all means! - Why not?

We agree entirely.

You agree?

Your Excellency, it's agreed.

The meeting will be held immediately.

Thanks, and have a good day.

Gentlemen, it's settled.

You'll receive a summons.

Have a good day.

How are you?

What happened there?

The cops did that.

- Where are the others? - The others?

I think they're on their way.

Hello, ma'am.

Hello, Mr. Fall.

What's going on? The place is empty.

Orders have been delayed a bit.

- Not for long, I hope? - Just a few days.

I need my supplies.

Listen, are the rumors true?

That your boss took a third wife, but can't get it up anymore?

I know nothing about that, and your order's not in yet.

Don't be mad. You're my friend.

Anything in the storeroom?

Just empty barrels.

Come see me and I'll give you a good job. Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

You're unbelievable! I'm a married woman!

So? I have two wives.

You can have two husbands!

Hands off! The storeroom's that way.

Come show me.

You know the way. You're here often enough.

Not even crumbs in there?

Nothing.

Rama! Sit down, my child.

Thanks.

- How are you doing? - Fine.

Is school going well?

I'm doing my best.

Glad to hear it.

How's business?

Okay, okay.

Thank God.

Let's have something to wet our whistle.

Drink, my child.

Papa, I don't drink imported water.

You know it's my favorite beverage.

I drink at least two quarts a day.

- Everything okay at home? - Yes.

Did your mother send you?

No.

I came on my own.

I'm old enough now to understand certain things.

What are you talking about? What things?

I can tell Mother's suffering.

That's why I'm here.

Is she sick?

No, not physically.

Papa, forgive me,

but remember Mother is your first wife.

I know, my child.

Tell her I'll come by.

I can't do that.

She doesn't know I'm here.

Tell me something.

Why do you always answer in Wolof when I speak to you in French?

Have a good day, Papa.

What about you, child?

You need anything?

Papa,

the only thing I need is to see Mother happy.

Have a good day.

- El Hadji! - Mr. Fall!

- How are you? - No complaints.

What's going on? Your store's empty.

Come back in a few days.

You know me!

I get all my merchandise from Europe.

Italy, Luxembourg, Benelux,

England, West Germany...

I deal with the entire Common Market.

Even my drinking water comes from there.

I know, but I need a lot of rice and tomato sauce.

Huge quantities.

I know what you need.

Just give me a little down payment now,

and pay the balance on delivery.

No, I hand over the money when you hand over the goods.

I have the money on me right now.

You're being very ungrateful.

You've forgotten how I sold you

my entire quota of rice under the table.

And I paid you in full on the spot.

You took your third wife with that money, right?

That's none of your business.

It's my marriage, and I'll deal with the consequences.

Mr. Fall, you've always trusted me.

I need you to lend me this money.

I have pressing expenses.

In business, we Moors go by the maxim,

"Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."

El Hadji Abdou Kader Beye?

Thanks. You can go.

Come back a week from today.

The president has summoned me.

Very well. See you later.

- Goodbye now. - Goodbye.

Mr. President, why am I the subject of a special meeting?

Sit down, El Hadji, and calm down.

How is the xala?

All gone.

I'm very happy for you.

El Hadji, you're causing your colleagues great problems.

- What problems? - Calm down and listen.

I've summoned the others.

It's preferable that you attend the meeting.

But as your friend,

I advise you to go see the bank manager.

I'll call and tell him you're coming.

Go on now. Hurry.

- See you later. - Thanks.

Come in.

- How are you, my friend? - Hello, Coz.

- How are things? - Fine, thanks.

Sit down. I'll be right with you.

Yes, Mr. President. I understand.

He just walked in.

Thanks and goodbye.

My dear El Hadji, how are things?

The president just called to say you'd be coming.

That's why I'm here.

I'll turn off the AC.

No, I'm used to it. I couldn't sleep without it.

Like all of us!

So, what can I do for you?

Coz, I need 500,000 francs

in working capital.

I have plans here for expanding in the neighborhood.

I have a file as well, on you.

Just what happened to the National Grain Board's 100 tons of rice?

Where's that money?

Look at my project.

It's rock-solid.

I want to set up stores,

in every neighborhood.

I need an advance.

Buddy,

you're living beyond your means.

I've been sick.

Your xala?

That's all over with! It's like this now!

Coz,

trust me.

I have a head for business and I'm a member of the chamber.

You know that.

Yes, but I must speak frankly.

I have to talk to my boss about this.

Call me the day after tomorrow.

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

- I know you get things done. - Call me the day after tomorrow.

If you put in a good word, it's a done deal.

Thanks for coming.

By the way, your wedding celebration was a great success.

Congratulations.

Thanks.

Greetings, honorable colleagues.

Is everyone here?

Looks like it.

Then we can begin.

There's just one point on today's agenda,

the matter of El Hadji.

Mr. President?

You have the floor, Kebe.

Your Excellency...

Mr. Representative

and honorable colleagues,

we must have the courage to approach this objectively.

El Hadji

has abused our honor as businessmen.

Thanks to him,

our members have endured insults for weeks.

We've been accused of being feudal,

negligent, fraudulent and incompetent.

Banks are refusing us credit...

working capital and flexibility.

Not content to drag us through the mud,

he passes bad checks too.

What did he do with those 100 tons of rice?

He sold it,

and used the money to take a third wife.

Silence!

I insist he be kicked out of this group and prosecuted!

Anything else to add before El Hadji speaks?

El Hadji, you have the floor.

Dear colleagues and friends...

- "Friends"! - Why not?

I'd like to know

what's so shocking about my behavior.

It seems I'm the black sheep of the family.

What am I accused of?

What are we, anyway?

Just pathetic messenger boys, less than flunkies,

redistributing the scraps that others deign to hand down to us.

We're the country hicks of the business world!

I protest, Mr. President!

Calm down, gentlemen.

Let's not forget we're businessmen. We're not babies!

Let's be calm and dignified about this.

El Hadji thinks we're still a colony.

We run this country now!

We're your collaborators now, big mouth!

Mr. President, I'd like to speak in Wolof.

Point of order!

Speak in French, buddy.

The official language is French.

Racist!

Sectarian! Reactionary!

Let's act civilized, gentlemen. Calm down.

El Hadji, you may speak,

but in French.

Even insults shall be in the purest francophone tradition.

Hear! Hear!

Thank you, Mr. President.

Each of us present here

is a dirty dog!

I repeat, a dirty dog!

Worse than me, if that's possible.

We're all crabs in the same basket.

We've all passed...

bad checks.

Silence!

We've all been in on rice trafficking.

As for the drought,

we've all misappropriated goods destined for the needy.

The army

and even the security forces

are on our payroll.

This is too much!

Let's calm down and listen to him.

Democracy,

equality, justice,

are words we're too greedy to know the meaning of.

And here in this room...

these very people seated here listening to me,

these witch-doctors-to-be who know nothing about business...

dare to shout from the rooftops,

about an injustice that we all practice.

Silence, gentlemen!

Let's not forget we're businessmen!

We're not babies! Go on.

I'm done. Thank you, Mr. President.

At least admit that there's democracy here.

You got to speak freely,

you scoundrel!

Gentlemen,

let's take a vote.

Councillor...

walk around and pick up the ballots.

We'll now count the votes.

"Kick him out."

"Out."

"Out."

"Out."

"Out."

Finally!

Look at this.

Take a good look. My talisman is real!

But your only talisman

is your modern technical know-how.

Gentlemen,

allow me to introduce Mr. Thieli,

the newest member of our group.

Welcome, Mr. Thieli.

Have a seat.

Come here.

Take this.

You got it?

Don't leave any of your stuff behind.

He won't find me waiting around,

like some kind of slave.

Careful with the TV.

Don't break it!

Don't put the chair on that.

Get in.

Catch.

El Hadji Abdou Kader Beye?

That's me.

- Would you please sign here? - Sign what?

Mr. El Hadji Abdou Kader Beye,

before three witnesses, I hereby certify

this seizure in the name of the National Grain Board.

All your material possessions and legal tender are to be confiscated.

Officer, bring him a chair.

Take the keys to the Mercedes.

- Miss. - Madame.

Forgive me.

Please gather your things and hand over the keys.

Officer,

pull down the grating.

- Can you drive a Mercedes? - No, sir.

You?

Life is but a puddle

On a hot summer day

It's gone by evening

Keep a pet camel in your room And you'll soon be sleeping outside

Be like the lion

Who doesn't shy away From what it sets its sights on

Losing a child at birth

Is better than raising a useless child

Good luck.

You recognize me?

You know who I am?

I warned you,

what one hand removes, the other can restore.

Boss, you recognize that man?

It's Sérigne Mada, the marabout.

Boss, he's put the xala back on you.

Hello.

Is that Modu?

What's going on?

I don't know if you heard,

but my boss had the xala.

Sérigne Mada cured him of it,

but he wasn't paid,

so he put the xala back on him.

Modu,

Sérigne Mada is a man of his word.

But the xala is nothing.

I can cure it without charging him a thing.

I'm really surprised.

I want nothing from him, but he must do as I say.

You can really cure him?

I think so, God willing.

You know where to find me.

- Take care. - Thank you, sir!

When you get there, tell El Hadji we're returning his gifts.

He can have the villa back too.

If one can't handle a young woman, then let her go.

I'll tell him, God willing.

Be like the brave lion

And act with honor

A lion has the courage of its decisions

You mighty of this world

Don't act like the evil gecko

Follow behind and he'll tell you Not to step on his tail

Walk by his side And he'll say you're not his equal

Walk in front and he'll say You're chasing away his bugs

Help! Help!

Let me go!

You mighty of this world

Don't humiliate or ridicule others

What's this? A robbery?

Robbery?

You have nothing I need.

This is revenge.

Revenge for what?

I'll call security.

If you want to become a man again, you'll do no such thing.

Nothing!

El Hadji, you recognize me?

I don't know you.

I've never seen you before.

And yet our story goes back a long time.

Before you married your first wife here,

you were the cause of my misfortune.

- It's true! - You cheated us out of our inheritance.

You falsified our names

and seized our properties.

And I ended up in prison.

I too am of the Beye family.

The time for revenge has come.

I cursed you with the xala.

The marabout told you so.

Understand?

So if you want to be cured,

strip naked in front of everyone, and we'll all vomit our bile on you.

Go on.

Do as I say.

It's true.

To lose your possessions, your wife

and your manhood

is painful.

But losing your manhood is the worst.

So strip naked and climb up here.

You'll regain your manhood and your peace of mind.

That's my advice to you.

Let's go before he calls the police.

Don't worry.

We're El Hadji's guests.

He claims he wants his manhood back.

What's going on here?

Nothing, Officer.

My father has guests.

We got word there was a rebellion here.

See for yourself. They're my guests.

These people aren't wanted in this neighborhood.

But we respect private property.

You heard what he said.

Now leave.

Get out.

There'll be no spitting or vomiting on anyone.

Leave now or I'll call the police back.

Go on! Out!

Madame Adja...

how little you know about life.

Don't you realize prisoners are better off than peasants?

It's true.

Better off than fishermen and workers?

Prisoners receive food and lodging and medicine

and yet pay no taxes.

El Hadji, decide!

Strip naked in front of everyone.

Go on.

Turn around.

Let everyone see you.

You stole everything my father owned.

It was bound to come back to get you.