Original subtitles

I love you! I love you!

I love you! I love you!

-Come quick, Sylvie got a letter! -Again? She's so lucky.

As usual!

Do you think he'll ever come back? -No, why?

Because he loves her.

If he really loved her he would never have gone so far away just for money.

Quick, there she is!

-Well? -What's he say?

-Has he struck it rich? -Is he coming back?

I don't dare to read it...

-I'm scared. -What for?

Sylvie, dearest...

My love...

Shut up. Sylvie, what's he say?

-Dear Sylvie... -I told you so.

Everything is bigger here: the sky, rivers, waterfalls, forests.

In the street, all you see are Cadillacs and Mustangs.

Oil runs like a river here.

From the Atlantic to the Pacific, and the Great lakes to the Arctic,

Labrador and its gold mines, and the millions and millions of tons

of asbestos, steel and paper pulp.

Everything is possible here.

Everything's bigger, stronger, more powerful.

But when the lights go down...

And the streets empty out,

I just keep hanging around,

Rather than going through the door...

the door of my hotel.

The elevator lifts me gently

up to the 20th floor,

and when I slip the key

into the golden lock

of my hotel room...

I feel a pain in my heart.

Nothing else matters.

Nothing else exists.

Not Labrador or its gold mines,

the Pacific, the Atlantic,

the oceans, the continents,

cities, rivers, forests, crowds.

Nothing else matters...

Nothing else exists...

but me.

Now there is only you,

and my arms searching for you,

and my body and heart...

crying out to you.

There's nothing else but you:

your hands, your soft belly,

your eyes, your arms, your neck...

And my heart opens up.

It's night.

Another night without you.

Nothing else matters.

Nothing else exists.

Not Labrador or its gold mines,

the Pacific, the Atlantic,

the oceans, the continents,

cities, rivers, forests, crowds...

Nothing else matters.

Nothing else exists...

...but you.

Only you, lost in my arms.

Your trembling lips, your smile.

While gently inside you, gently,

and then harder...

Excuse me.

No, I'm an American. From Kansas City.

Kansas City? Charlie Parker!

You know Charlie Parker?

My fiancee's crazy about Charlie Parker.

He's gone to Canada to get rich.

Oh yes, I understand. -Really?

So, you have news? -He misses me like crazy!

He's coming back, then? -Not yet.

What if I dropped everything and went to join him?

So far away?

The American says that I shouldn't hesitate.

What American?

That one!

Anybody here? -Nope.

Jeanne what's wrong?

Americans all look alike.

So Sylvie, any news?

Yes. He says that over there anything is possible.

Dad always says you can start a new life over there, right mom?

Oh, life's the same everywhere. -Maybe...

Pardon me, I'd like to know... -Jeanne!

It was wonderful yesterday! Everybody cried. What a wedding.

Really! Is anybody working here?

-Finally! -It's already after 10!

-I was going to leave!

-But I don't have the keys -Just what we needed!

I wanted to go home for lunch...

-Look at my hair! -And mine, I had the flu...

-Look! My roots are showing. -And mine!

-They're fine -It's not so bad

So? How was it yesterday?

Wonderful! She was magnificent.

But so pale... As white as cream cheese!

-Who's that? -Sonia, the shampoo girl.

-Wonderful! -Poor thing...

-Who'd she marry? -Jean-Francois, the hairdresser.

-Who'll be next? -Mado!

Don't wait too long Mado.

-Best to marry young. -Especially these days.

-Mado! -Pascale!

-Don't look, stop torturing yourself. -I know, I can't help it.

-He won't respect you. -Why? Did he say something to you?

Not to me. We don't talk anymore.

We used to... Before Lili.

Come on.

She's waiting, Robert my dear.

-She wants you. -Robert has all the luck.

Your mommy's calling...

I like my parents, I love them so much,

but sometimes I'd like a little accident...

Then I could just stay in my bed,

All day and night with Lili!

I love my shop, how romantic...

but sometime's I'd like a little accident.

I'm a real lover, a purebred.

All day and night with Lili!

Just a little accident.

A little accident.

Just a little accident.

Hello, sir.

Say, could I get a shave here?

-But sir, this is a salon for women!

I understand but you know, this is my first day in Europe.

My electric razor isn't working...

-Ok, I'll ask. -Thank you.

-I'd say cut it.

-So she married a hairdresser?

-A shave... -I'll go ask...

-Will they open their own salon?

-What about their honeymoon?

-They have to save money first. -Oh, honeymoons aren't so expensive!

-We cycled to Mont St. Michel for ours, we were so happy.

-Happiness, happiness, who knows what it means anymore?

Don't you think all that is just hype?

-There's a guy who wants a shave. -For real?

Mado, what'll we do?

Make up your minds he's waiting.

Listen, Lili's not here, can't you take care of it?

I'm not in charge here!

All right, then. Well do it!

It's ok, come with me.

-Did you see her at the marriage? -She can't take her eyes off him.

-And he doesn't know she exists! -He knows, alright.

But he doesn't care!

-Who are they talking about? -Mado.

Who does she love?

The boy from the other shop but he loves Lili.

And who's Lili?

She runs the salon. She's Mr. Jean's girl.

He's a big-time gangster, he owns half the town!

-Poor Mr. Jean. -I see, Lili must be very beautiful.

Lili? She has no heart! No heart!

Why would she need a heart? -If I had her face...

-And her body... -I'd have everything I wanted!

Mr. Jean for example. -Or my own salon!

Or Robert Schwartz!

Ooh, that's mean!

Lili's a real beauty!

A real bitch, you mean!

I guess he's just too good for us...

too tall, too rich, too elegant.

But what's she got that you don't?

And she's older, much older than me.

She's not gentle or shy at all,

She's just rotten, she's a punk.

A real tigress who rolls her hips.

Oh Lili, Lili, She took him away from us.

I'm madly in love with him.

She's playing the same concert, all about her dear Robert.

She's lost in that world of hers, when she ought to go to war.

And grab a lightning- grab a lightning rod.

Deep in the night, pressed against me,

you drown yourself in my perfume.

You knock your strong, trembling body

against my hot, white lips.

And in the greenhouse around me,

I feel your heat rise inside me.

It shoots through me like a rocket.

Oh Lili, Lili, you took him away from me.

I'm madly in love with him.

She's playing the same concert, all about her dear Robert.

She's lost in that world of hers, when she ought to go to war.

And grab a lightning- grab a lightning rod.

Deep in the night, I make things right.

You're holding me close from behind.

Then lost and quiet, like a child,

you close your eyes...

You cry out "I love you! I love you!"

But in the light of day you don't see me.

You only see or think of her.

Oh Lili, Lili, you took him away from me.

I'm madly in love with him.

This way, sir.

What should i do with my...?

-Curls. Your French is very good.

Rare for an American.

I was a G.I. here during the war. I met a Polish girl,

but I didn't speak Polish.

So we spoke French together,

Very poorly.

-It has to be a little old-fashioned. -Beautiful!

-It won't be so old-fashioned on me. -Adorable!

-Gorgeous, sublime! -Exquisite!

-Airy. -We call those sunray pleats.

-You'll be the belle of the ball!

-Who was that? -Who? The lady with the dress?

That's Mrs. Schwartz.

And you, do you have a boyfriend?

Me? No, not really.

I love somebody, but he doesn't love me.

How do you know?

He never talks to me.

Sometimes when you really love someone, you can't find the words.

Especially when you're young.

-Do you really think so? -Yes, I know it.

It's 11:30, here she is! Lili's coming!

Lili, Lili, Lili...

Here she is, watch out, here she comes.

Hi.

Stop running after her like a dog in heat.

What do you know? You don't understand.

Showing up for work at 11:30, strutting in like a queen,

with red nails... shameless...

-She's not like that! -Oh really?

And the way she wiggles her ass in front of everyone?

And Mr. Jean, what do you think he is for her?

He's a friend, he just helps her out.

A friend. And you think she just likes you for your eyes, perhaps?

Why not, feelings exist you know.

Feelings. Did you hear that? Jeanne, Lili's crazy about him!

That's not what I said!

You're so incredibly naive.

-And you're not? -Less than you think, pal.

And I can tell you one thing... that girl, she's using you, that's all!

-Like she uses Mr. Jean... the poor man.

Using me? I can barely buy cigarettes with what I earn here.

She'll find a way, nothing can stop her. I know her type.

You're just jealous, 'cause you're old! And she's beautiful.

-Don't talk like that to your father.

I hate you!

-You see this beige outfit?

This one here. Do you have the same model without a collar?

My neck's so short.

Where did you get an idea like that? Let's see...

-What's your size? -40

I know what you're going through. I went through the same thing.

Really Dad?

-Try this one.

I once met a woman... She was mysterious, beautiful, captivating.

She had me on a string, I was crazy for her.

I would have done anything for her.

-Before you met Mom? -Of course it was before!

She was a temptress, an impossible woman.

But what a beauty, what passion!

-And then? -And then?

And then... I married your mother!

An extraordinary woman. She put my life back in order.

We'll work well together the rest of our lives.

A real love marriage.

That's how you have to live, my son.

The rest is bullshit. And it's dangerous, to boot.

It's for my niece's wedding. They're from the countryside.

And you know what? My husband can't stand them.

But it's my family, my sister.

He hates my sister... -As long as he loves you!

Could you help me, please?

Excuse me.

Is this grey suit linen?

Yes it is.

Jeanne.

Jeanne.

Would you like to try it on? I think it's your size.

I'll try it on.

-Very dangerous. -Dangerous?

You can't think, can't sleep. You can't tell day from night.

It's like a tropical fever. Sometimes you never recover.

It's not like that with Lili, with her I feel like a man.

A man...

I know the feeling. That's how it starts, and then...

You've got to forget about her!

I can't.

I want her! I can't forget about her.

-Sure you can. I forgot. Who doesn't forget? We all forget.

Nothing fits! It's too tight at the hips.

It's made for a skinny boy!

But it looks great on you...

-How does this look?

It fits you like a glove.

Yes, my darling.

I know you don't... Excuse me, sir.

You don't want to hear what I'm telling you, but...

-But the shirt, maybe my husband can help choose one?

No. Don't bother. I'll take the suit.

Nothing fits, and it's all too expensive!

What will I wear for my niece's wedding?

I can't decide without my husband!

So change husbands.

At your age I was already married. I had responsibilities.

I know, I've heard all this a billion times already!

When you're married, you'Il have your own apartment,

and your own car. You'll help us run the store.

If only we could get rid of her!

Just think of what we could do with her floor space.

We'd have this whole end of the Golden Fleece.

Space is the key to expansion, and expansion is everything!

If you don't grow you die!

If only Mr. Jean would cede his lease to us...

We could move our current stock over there.

We'd expand the sportswear department.

We'd branch out into seasonal fashions,

bathing suits, ladies' lingerie...

Nothing but the best.

What about Lili?

You'll forget about her and get married.

Why can't I marry her?

-Robert... -Why not?

That's my name. Eli. It's me.

Thank you. Goodbye

Goodbye. Thank you.

-Want me to keep a lookout? -Would you?

Robert Camembert, so green...

Lili tri-lili mi mi!

-Hi Mado, hi girls. -Behave.

But, what have you done to my forehead and my eyebrows?

-And your nose, your mouth? -Oh, my mouth...

Did you get the bills?

It's outrageous. We'll die.

-Oh, I don't deal with that, Jean does.

I was waiting for you all morning.

Not here!

I've got to See you alone!

Well, here I am, alone. Everybody's alone in this life.

Tonight?

-What will your parents say? -Who cares about them?

Bite me!

You want me to?

Mr. Jean!

You have to go.

Go now, darling.

-Tonight? -Yes, tonight.

-You forgot your change! -Keep it.

Where have you been?

What's wrong?

If you let him know you love him, it's all fucked.

It's all fucked anyway.

-Don't say that. -Shoot!

If you love him too, why are you helping me?

Because I know what it's like.

Don't touch me like that, A man of your age...

I love you.

Love, love, that's not all there is to life...

What else?

-You crack me up. -Don't laugh.

I can't even laugh, anymore.

What about all your dirty deals? Is that love?

I've had it with this joint.

Cooped up in here all day with this parade of ugly hags.

What kind of a life is that?

-You wanted this place. -Not anymore.

With your job, you can come and go, meet new people...

I have to stay here and say, "Hello, Mrs. So-and-so"

always the same thing,

Hundreds of times a day. I can't breathe!

I'm not happy, either.

No? Why not? What's missing in your life?

Nothing.

So, where will we go, tonight? Chez Olympe?

I can't tonight.

Why not?

I already told my wife I was going to Munich.

I don't feel so hot. I've got a headache.

Are you sick?

You really don't know much about women, do you?

-I never see you anymore. -But you're seeing me now.

Knock it off!

You know what I mean.

Is that all I'm good for?

You used to want to see me more.

Now I'm working, it tires me out.

I feel old.

This air conditioner's so noisy... I'm sweating like a pig.

Get out of here, you scare the customers.

I scare them?

Look, these came this morning.

Love letters!

Utility bills, telephone bills, tax bills...

So, I'll see you tonight?

I already told you... No.

I've decided to sell this joint.

A woman like you shouldn't have to work.

I have money, you know.

I don't need anything.

-Fine. -Wait a minute, let's talk it over...

Tonight.

Go on, now. Go.

See you tonight. At Olympe's.

-Goodbye Mr. Jean. -Goodbye.

-Look at him. -He looks so sad...

But you see everything!

Yes, but with beautiful legs like yours...

I would never wear this.

I know what a woman should wear to please a man.

Maybe I don't want to please anybody!

Robert, I have to talk to you.

I can't see you tonight.

But you have to!

Do I?

-I have to see you tonight. -I'm busy.

Doing what?

There's no hurry. You'll see me tomorrow.

-It's Mr. Jean? -That's none of your business.

Alright. Is it money you need?

Stop it, sweetheart.

Why not? Mr. Jean...

He's just using you. He'll never marry you. But I can.

You want to marry me?

Don't laugh.

Robert Camembert, so green, Lili tri-lili mi mi!

-What's wrong? -Nothing!

-What did she come here for? -None of your business.

Stop acting like a child. Why can't you marry a nice girl?

Someone you can settle down with, instead of that...

Fine! You want me to get married? I'll get married...

Right away, too!

Watch out! Watch out!

Potato sack! Potato sack!

Robert awakes! Robert awakes!

He looks just like his dad. He looks like his daddy.

It's Robert!

-Mado. -Robert.

-Not very intimate here is it? -No, not really.

Had your break yet ?

Nope.

-Want to have a drink with me? -I'd like that.

-Lili, can I take my break? -Sure!

How's business in the salon?

Fine. We're really busy.

I watch you all the time, you know.

-Through the shop window. -I know! Me too...

An apple juice.

-A coke. -A coke for me too!

Two cokes.

Is something wrong?

Have some coffee.

My stomach's tied up in knots. I can't drink anything.

-What happened? -Something incredible.

-A woman! -A woman I just met.

You're in love with her.

-I'd almost managed to forget her. -But not completely.

It would have been better if I'd completely forgotten her.

Why's that...

I know it's not easy.

That's for sure.

I'll manage somehow...

But not on my own.

-I've never really loved. -Never?

-Only once, when I was young. -Her too?

-But I never told her... -That you loved her!

-Then she disappeared. -And you never found her?

-Never.

-And since then... -You've been alone.

Sylvie!

A coffee!

-A nice girl... -Lili.

No, not Lili.

I may be a loner but I'm never alone.

I love women. I need them.

I need their company. I need to make them happy.

-Me too... -It's never enough.

Someone new always comes along, and I think, "maybe this time..."

-It's him! -It's her...

And you pretend it's true.

Pretend?

You pretend to believe, pretend you're happy.

Then one day your past comes rushing back, just like that.

-Just like that? -Yes. And there she is.

In front of you. It's a miracle.

And suddenly, everything seems possible.

A life you never lived.

-Never. -Alas!

But it's too late! You feel too old!

You think, "There's my work after all..."

Don't say that! Take me, for example.

I thought my life was simple.

On one side my son Joel, and my job on the other.

-I gave up thinking about love. -No...

-Well, I tried.

Then one day I looked up... and I saw him.

-Who? -Him!

Him! He looked at me, with his deep dark eyes, and then...

-And then? -I couldn't say a word.

My knees turned to jelly. He ordered a sandwich.

My heart was beating. I didn't dare to look.

I gave him a yogurt instead. -Then what?

-He was engaged to his neighbor. -So he broke up with her?

No, he married her!

- Then he told her it was over... - Over? Just after the wedding?

But I didn't want to steal him, not at all.

-Why not? -Just because.

But he left her anyway. I didn't mind being poor...

But he wanted the best for me.

So he left. Far, far away. Across the ocean.

-It's not that far. -No.

Once he's made it rich he'll come back,

and we'Il buy a big restaurant. A real one, like the Coupole.

I know the Coupole!

We'll be together, day and night.

Day and night... That'll be wonderful

Yes, wonderful.

I need somebody I can talk to.

Yeah, I know: Lili, Lili.

No, not Lili.

Sylvie, I'm engaged!

I'm engaged! I'm engaged!

How wonderful!

Congratulations!

Darling.

Here comes our Romeo...

and his Juliet.

Romeo and Juliet,

Trumpets blow.

Aren't they so cute together in their cocoon?

They're taking the plunge.

That Romeo of the Trousers,

and Juliet of Oblivion.

So nervous, she...

buys it... blindly...

Who knows why? I'm worried about her.

Innocent... Unaware....

We'll have dinner tonight. Someplace nice.

-What's gotten into you? -You wanted me to get married!

See? Mado's dream has finally come true.

You might be right. Maybe everything is still possible.

Her father hates seeing her in jeans all the time.

If she's going to start going on dates, she needs to dress up...

Nobody goes on dates, anymore. And I hate dressing up!

I have a little red dress I can show you,

very comfortable, very discrete.

-But I'll look like a tomato! -Not at all.

The color suits you, try it on.

No, I don't want to.

Eli, I'm delighted that you're here, but I'm busy right now.

Jeanne, we're really together again, after all these years. How many?

Thirty years...

It seems more like 130!

I let you slip away once, I won't do it again.

I didn't slip away, I left because...

You'd shared your apartment with me for so many months...

I was so weak, you took such good care of me.

I loved you.

Nobody could've loved me then.

-I did. -You were very devoted.

You were so timid, so frail,

but I was afraid of you, afraid you'd leave if I told you I loved you.

You told me that your heart was dead.

That the camps had killed all feeling in you.

I thought that in time you'd recover.

And then I'd ask you to marry me.

Eli...

Remember the lady downstairs who always sang out of tune?

I don't know if it was out of tune, It did me good to listen.

-It's lovely. -Are you kidding? It's stinks!

Remember that night, I was leaving for work,

and you said, "I feel better now,

"it's time I left..."

I was so happy you felt better.

-You'll get used to it.

All night long I thought about what I'd say,

how I'd ask you to marry me.

When I came home, the table was set,

there was a cake and flowers but you were gone.

I waited and waited.

Oh Eli, I had no idea. If I'd only known...

It makes me look fat! Everyone will laugh at me.

If I'd only known...

You must be married now with children?

No, I never married.

Eli, what can I say?

-I don't get it. It's so feminine...

I hate it!

I hate red, I hate dresses, I hate everything, and I hate you!

But Mrs, the dress is practically destroyed...

Never mind that, It's not important.

To me it's very important! I really shouldn't be talking to you now.

Not now, we'll see each other another time.

-Tomorrow. Where? -Here...

I don't want to lose you.

-But 30 years have gone by, I'm married! -It doesn't matter.

See you tomorrow.

-Excuse me, are you still open? -Yes.

I'd like to see your three-piece suits please.

-It's raining! -It's raining.

-Just look at them, just look at them. -It's raining.

I just love the rain!

-Did you see that one? -Did you see this one?

-What lovely legs she's got. -What lovely legs she's got.

I don't like that!

Did you see that one?

-What lovely eyes she has. -Such fiery eyes!

I don't like that!

When I hear the rain...

My heart starts to beat.

I feel like I might burst!

It's raining!

I'm sweating here in the mall...

the air conditioner is broken.

I'd love to feel the rain falling...

on my face and neck,

on my shoulders and down my back.

I'd like to see the sky,

the sky all filled with clouds.

Hear car horns honking in the street.

-When I hear the rain... -My heart starts to beat!

I feel like I might burst...

It's raining...

It's raining!

Robert, what have you gotten yourself into?

You don't love that girl. That poor little Mado.

You'll kill her. Ruin her life.

You'll break her heart.

It was your idea!

He's furious!

I don't get it.

How could he choose this girl he's never been out with,

and propose to her like that?

-Where's the romance? -You told him to be sensible.

Sure! Like we were.

But we had a real romance, too. Didn't we?

What do you mean?

It's not cold out.

-Hello. -Hello Mr. Jean.

Have you seen the bills?

They've gone up again. Not to mention heating costs!

More profit for the Americans, more losses for us.

It pays to advertise.

Unemployment... Nobody's buying anymore.

The Franc is weak, it's a vicious circle.

Advertising and marketing.

How's business for you?

-Robert, are you coming? -No, I have some work to finish up.

Don't forget to lock up.

Goodbye, Mr. Jean.

Wait for me, I'll go get the car.

Oh, this display!

No wonder business is so lousy!

It'll pick up again, It always does.

I guess so.

Could I show you something?

After you.

Isn't it lovely?

It's magnificent!

I hope it's not too luxurious, I don't want to make her uncomfortable.

-She'll love it. -Think so?

She was so upset this morning.

I wanted to cheer her up.

It's hard for her, working in that shop.

Oh, she's very good at her job.

You think?

You should see her: she's so patient, and has such good taste.

She's always frank with her customers.

I'm sure that... deep down, Lili is sincere.

Yes, I think so too.

She's very sincere. I should go meet her at the restaurant.

-Goodbye Mr Jean. Goodbye, Mrs Schwartz, thank you.

-Have a nice evening. -Have a nice evening. Thank you.

Excuse me, excuse me, but can I talk to you a minute?

-Yes. -I've got to talk to someone.

It's about Lili.

I don't understand her.

She knows I'll give her anything she wants.

I don't ask for much.

Just a little love...

Because I love her! More than anyone!

I never cheated on my wife before, never!

This is all new for me.

They say I'm a tough customer, even a crook!

I know, I know, I'm not deaf.

A real bastard.

But since I met Lili I'm not the same man.

I found out I had a heart.

That I could suffer.

Waiting for hours by the phone...

Waiting for a loving word, a tender glance.

I feel like I'm on fire.

It's like a fever.

Nothing matters anymore: my wife, my kids, my business.

I just don't care. She's all that counts.

She's so frail, so delicate.

Maybe I scare her. Yes! But...

I'm also scared of her.

Hey, Robert!

Congratulations on your engagement.

Mado's just what you need.

-It's your fault... -You're still mad at me?

I thought you had a date.

I've still got time.

I forgot my purse.

-Hungry? -Yes! I'm starved.

And I'm late for dinner! Bye.

So you won't have dinner with me?

But you're seeing Mado!

And I've got business of my own...

Don't forget: Business is business!

Go out the other door. You never know...

The next day...

I need to calm down my heart, I need to calm down my heart...

I need to calm down my heart.

Last night, in a state,

I was awake all night.

Alongside my husband,

who had fallen asleep.

His body against mine,

not a doubt in his mind.

And when the day had come,

there he was, leaving the room...

His bare feet brushing against

the soft, red carpet.

In a gentle breath,

I whispered to him:

Lock me away, in your embrace.

Don't leave me, don't go away.

Tie me down to the bed,

I won't make a sound.

I beg you, hold on to me!

But I said it too soft.

Then the door slammed shut.

He was already gone.

And now I'm here alone,

thinking only of Eli.

I'm getting short of breath,

And I feel like making love.

I'm getting short of breath,

And I feel like making love.

-Morning, Mrs. Schwartz! -Hello! I'm crazy...

Another one?

So did you see the Virgin Mary?

The woman of stone has lost her head.

Let yourself go.

The Devil's there, and there she is,

our Saint Teresa of Avila.

I want to be beautiful today!

-Did you hear about Mado? -She's engaged to Robert!

-About time too! -They're getting married this summer.

It's wonderful!

-She's so happy -So are we

So am I.

And Lili?

Don't worry about Lili...

-How'd it go last night with Robert? -What'd he say?

-What did you do? -What did you eat?

-Was it expensive? -Was there champagne?

-I'm so happy! -So am I.

Jeanne!

Where have you been? I was afraid that...

You look... you look so...

You look wonderful. But it's not you.

I thought of you all night long.

-Not right now... -We can go anywhere in the world.

Start a new life! We're free and our hearts are young.

-You can't deny our love... -I have to open the shop.

But Jeanne, we have to talk.

Later on.

At noon. I'll come back at noon

Everything will work out.

Isn't it wonderful about Mado and Robert?

Yes. But I have to talk to you.

What's wrong?

Last night after everyone left,

I came back to get my purse...

I didn't want to tell anyone, Mado's my best friend...

But I'm so scared.

You poor thing.

Lili and Robert were together...

Last night. I saw them.

Don't tell anyone else.

Don't worry, I'll take care of it.

-What's up, Mom? -What are you doing there?

-Nothing. -Come inside.

But there are no customers.

-Where's your father? -At Sylvie's.

This is gonna hurt, because you did wrong,

This is gonna hurt, big guy.

You're really less than zero.

His mama's golden boy, unbelievable.

You shouldn't trouble a loving mother...

-Something happened last night... -What? Robert?

Robert and Lili.

-A Schweppes, 2 cokes, an orange juice and a compote.

So I sent him into the shop.

What should we do?

Things seem to be going well with your long lost love?

Yes, but it's all so sudden...

-How's your boyfriend? -Another letter.

I left Montreal. I'm heading towards the dams.

Maybe there I'll have a better chance...

The city behind me fades, trembles, and disappears.

I left Montreal without finding work...

And it's already night. the countryside flashes by,

I'm blinded by the lights.

It's always a little further to go, "55" is my road.

I wandered all over the city.

I met businessmen, tycoons and secretaries,

But there was nothing for me there.

I'd go to the Far East for you.

I'd seek the rising sun, and sell gold and saffron.

I can see us hand in hand in our grand restaurant.

I hear the music there:

A long, warm slow-dance.

I'll shower you with riches, Make you forget those sandwiches.

I've got five dollars to my name,

And a hangover that won't go away.

I left Montreal, without finding work...

Pascal saw them in the store...

Damn that Robert !

-Llli slept with Robert. -No way!

-Lili slept with Robert!

Lili slept with Robert!

Lili slept with Robert!

-Did you hear???

-Did you hear? -How could they?

-Poor Mado... -It was too good to be true!

-Men are all pigs! -Men are men.

-My husband did it once. -Mine too, twice!

-Poor Mado! -Poor Mado!

She's losing her head, and her scissors.

She's begging for crumbs... oh, tremolo!

She's so chicken, down in the sink,

blindly getting all jumbled up.

she's losing her head, and her curlers.

She's begging for crumbs... her wash and set!

She's just chicken, he's a greenhorn,

Without looking, he'll cut your hair dry, that guy.

Stop crying and put white makeup on,

and act strong, Rantanplan.

Throw that clown out on his ass, Use him as your toy, for laughs.

Shove him in a hole, like a grumpy old owl.

The fountains are all in Rome...

We prefer the desert,

the Sahara desert!

She's losing her head he's her darling.

She's begging for crumbs, Oh what a mess!

She's a chicken, she's gone cuckoo,

without looking, cock-a-doodle-doo!

She's losing her head, and her rollers.

She's begging for crumbs... from that idiot!

She's a chicken, He's a macho.

Without looking... HARAKIRI!

When your thoughts get dark, don't show a sign.

Make yourself punk! Rock, new wave!

eyeliner and mascara, act out, don't cry anymore,

Make him drool, that big fool.

Have some fun my little dove.

Go and get your mind off it.

Boys are all so stupid!

She's losing her head, and her curlers.

She's begging for crumbs... her wash and set!

She's so chicken, he's a greenhorn,

Without looking, he'll cut your hair dry, that guy.

She's losing her head, he's her darling.

She's begging for crumbs... Oh what a mess!

She's so chicken, she's gone cuckoo,

without looking, cock-a-doodle-doo

She's losing her head, and her rollers.

She's begging for crumbs, from that idiot...

-What did you say? -Nothing. Ask Charlotte.

Ask Pascale.

-It's nothing, really. -What is it? Tell me!

Oh, it's just a stupid rumor. about Lili.

What about Lili?

She wants Robert back. She tried to seduce him.

But it didn't work, he turned her down.

He refused to invite her to the wedding.

Now she hates him!

-You're the one he loves, remember? -Everybody knows that!

I have to talk to you. I'm so scared. Robert...

-Is everything ok?

No... I'm really worried.

There's no need to worry.

Believe in your love, everything will be fine.

I've never stopped thinking about you.

Day after day, all these years.

That's hundreds of thousands of days.

I wrote you a letter,

to our old address.

I hoped you'd get it somehow.

And so many times, when the phone rang at night,

I thought, "It's her!"

If only it had been you.

One time I followed a woman down the street,

because she looked like you. It drove me crazy!

And now it's really true.

It's really you Jeanne.

No Eli.

I dreamt so often of sleeping next to you. Your body...

was so thin, so strangely arousing, but we never did.

Now we can go away, start all over again.

What about my husband, and my son?

Jeanne, listen, my love, my darling...

What am I doing here?

My keys... I left my keys in the door!

Mr. Jean!

You look awfully pale.

Have you lost weight? You look good, of course...

But it could be a sign of something.

-Of what? -You never know.

The director of my bank just found out he has a bleeding ulcer.

You've probably got too much on your mind.

Problems, worries...

My wife and I were just talking about you.

About how much your shop must be costing you.

The losses you must have every month!

Of course, money means nothing someone like you. But still...

While what we need is space.

I was thinking if we could double our floor space,

we could turn our store to something fantastic!

I can just see it now.

We'd give you a good price for your lease.

We could pay in cash.

But Lili loves her salon.

Of course she does. It's a lovely salon.

You're such a generous man, so modern.

-Modern? -Oh yes.

Your attitude, your tolerance,

the way you let Lili lead her own life.

You don't seem to mind last night, for instance.

-Last night? -Yes, last night.

These things don't bother you,

It would drive me crazy. I'd be furious!

But you're so trusting...

What about last night?

Someone caught Lili and Robert alone together in the store.

We've forbidden him to see her again.

She's not the right kind of girl for our son.

Children are so difficult, these days.

Society is going down the tubes!

She's not right for your son? She's not right for your son?

It's all lies! Lies!

I thought he knew. I really thought he knew.

You were right to tell him.

Do you think so?

Better now than later.

Hello, Mr Jean.

Do you love me?

What d'you think? Of course I love you.

-How much? -How much what?

-Tell me! -Talking about it will spoil it...

You're tired, darling. Let's go have a drink.

I have the impression you love someone else.

Anyway that's what people say.

People talk such nonsense!

They're jealous of us.

They say it's the Schwartz boy...

The Schwartz boy?!

He just fantasizes about me!

Fantasizes? Is that all?

What do you think?

What do I need a boy for when I have a man?

A man who knows about heartbreak,

about fear, money and feelings...

the pangs an empty stomach makes,

hard liquor and the smell of death,

blind rage and breathless nights,

who's outgrown all his bitterness,

and only thinks of my happiness.

He dares to cry in our embrace,

without the dark to hide his face.

What a man.

He just needs to comb his hair a little.

Come here.

How could you believe such a thing?

It's been so long since we... since you wanted to...

That's just how it is, I have a problem.

I don't feel pleasure anymore.

You'll have to be patient,

wait for it to get better, and love me a lot.

Rub my chest.

It feels so good.

That's good.

It's driving me crazy, I need so much love.

I wish this moment would keep going forever,

and never end.

Don't stop.

Do I disgust you?

You know, it's being in here all day long...

in this hot, smelly place, full of hair clippings,

water gurgling down the drains, gossip day in and day out...

Sometimes I get so fucking sick of it.

I want to live!

-Lili, have you got any change? -Yeah, I think so!

I'm sorry...

I wanted to talk to you, but it can wait.

I'd better lock the door, people can come in.

It doesn't matter.

Come away with me. Now.

I can't.

Why not?

Because I'm old.

My hair is grey.

No it's not.

Yes it is!

Can't you see? I'm old.

No, no, you're young.

We can be happy together It's not too late !

But I am happy, I am happy!

My husband is a good man.

We work together. I love him, he loves me.

The love you're talking about is for the young...

My heart was never young

Please, please...

Mr. Schwartz! Come quickly!

I have to go! Right now.

Mr. Jean's smashing everything!

-Stop him! -Don't interfere!

That's right, she deserved it!

Shutting away a beautiful woman like that in a salon all day...

Especially with today's inflation!

-And interest rates going up! -And the government falling!

He's trashing the place!

-Such a handsome man. -And so strong!

-He's doing it out of despair. -It's his revenge.

-For what? -He never really felt loved.

It's his mother's fault.

He's got a gun! He'll kill her!

He's pointing it at himself!

-He'll kill himself! -Mado, come here.

-The poor man... -He looks so hopeless.

Just look at him.

She could have loved him a little...

-He didn't ask for much. -I'd be happy to!

Come away with me, now. It's our last chance.

Let her through.

I don't care who you are just get me away from here!

FUCK!

What a day.

What's the matter?

Hold me!

Three months later...

-Anyone over here? -No. And you?

No one.

It's not like it was before.

It's the end of the month, everyone's broke.

But it's Saturday! They could at least window-shop.

Otherwise, what are we here for? Nothing.

Maybe they went to the countryside.

The countryside? They could at least go to the beach.

Maybe they do go to the beach.

I want an orange juice!

-An orange juice. -Me too!

2 orange juices, please.

I don't want it anymore.

You ordered it, now drink it.

I want a Coke.

-What? -I want a Coke.

No, no Coke.

Go on, drink it. Drink it, sweetheart.

Ok.

-He was married? -Was? He still is.

We don't see him anymore since the Schwartzes bought Lili's salon.

-What a fiasco. -They took away her livelihood.

And broke the poor man's heart.

And Mado? She must be in seventh heaven!

-The wedding's tomorrow. -And Lili?

No news.

Any news from Lili?

No. And I don't care.

I'm marrying Mado tomorrow, and I'm very happy.

It doesn't matter.

Really. Everything's great.

You're gonna be rich, very rich.

Don't laugh - times are hard and it's more risky with two shops.

But I don't regret a thing, and I'm not the only one having trouble.

-It's the same for everyone. -If that makes you feel better...

There have always been crises,

You just have to hold on. The strong survive and the weak fall.

It's the law of nature. I'm going to grow and grow!

I'll never stop. All that matters is space and expansion!

If I could buy this whole fucking mall I would!

You have to hold on and prepare for better times.

Then one day the bad years will be over.

And anyway women will always buy dresses...

They can't go around naked, can they?

-Mr Robert, come quick! A lady brought back a dress.

She says it shrank in the wash and changed color!

Well don't broadcast it!

So Robert, I see you took over Lili's salon.

So Sonia, how's married life? And business?

Don't leave the shop.

Sonia! What a nice surprise.

How's married life?

Well it's alright, but the pay's lousy.

So I thought I'd come back work at the salon.

Can't you open your own place with Jean-Francois?

Rents are too high. So Jean-Francois got his old job back.

And you?

I'm marrying Robert tomorrow.

That's the way to do it! He already has his own shop.

The shop...? I'll go see my clients.

-It really shrank!

Here's your money back, go spend it somewhere else.

There you go. Goodbye.

-I can't close it! -Let me help...

-You're so good at that. -If you knew how happy I am!

We've bought everything already: sheets, silver, everything!

And my in-laws are so nice.

-And Robert! -What about him?

When he kisses me... He's so wonderful!

And I'm out of the salon!

No more standing there all day, smiling at those customers.

I couldn't do it anymore! Never again.

I'll have 2 kids, no more.

-A boy and a girl. -Of course!

But I'm so afraid...

-What are you afraid of? -I don't know!

Careful, that's silk crepe!

I'll see if my dress is ready.

Oh, Pascale, I'm not finished yet,

but you'll look lovely tomorrow at the wedding.

Mado's so happy! It's a real love marriage.

And when will it be your turn?

Love isn't for me.

It's been so long Lili! What became of you?

-What have you been up to? -Not much...

I was the mistress of that American I left with.

But it didn't last. He was so sad!

Something was tormenting him.

I need life and laughter...

And I couldn't forget Robert.

-Jeanne, I want to see him.

-He's getting married tomorrow. -I don't care, I have to see him.

Help me.

-What about Mado? No, I can't... -Jeanne, please!

If he loves Mado nothing will happen.

But if he loves me... then he loves me.

You're a woman Jeanne, I'm sure you understand.

-He'll make you miserable. -I know!

Loving him is hell.

He's a coward, selfish, stupid, weak-willed...

But he's the one I need. With the others I feel trapped.

And you know me...

I need sunlight, I need happiness!

And he's so young.

Love only brings misery! And Mado...

She'll be even more miserable with him than you.

Wait in front of the movie theater.

She still loves him!

Watch the store, I'll be right back!

Jeanne! What is it?

Lili's back!

-Where is she?

At the movie theater. Go tell Robert!

Poor Mado. Cover for me?

Not now, Robert.

Go pick up my gown at the dressmaker's.

-What happened? -Nothing!

What?

Mado and Robert are together, kissing!

We'd better warn Lili.

The movie theater's a bad idea, not romantic enough.

Then what?

We should lure them into the basement!

You're right! They'll fall into each other's arms.

It cant fail!

Any news from Canada?

He's working on the dam. He hates it.

-So he'll come back? -That's what he says.

Aren't you glad?

I'm not sure anymore, I've waited so long...

Lili has disappeared.

Where's Lili?

Over there.

No, over there!

What about Robert? And Mado? And the customers!

-Sylvie! -Mado! Where's Robert?

He went to pick up my gown.

Quick, get me a lemonade, I'm dying of thirst!

-Mrs? -Yes?

I like this shirt.

-But that fabric! Worse than a bag. -And it shrinks in the wash too!

I'll try it on anyway.

She'll have to try it on so we can make the alterations.

Go get Mado, please.

But I'm tied up with a customer, she's so difficult!

Go get Mado, I'll take care of it.

Something wrong?

It's too small!

But it's one size fits all...

Well, not me!

They're wearing them small this year.

It's you?

Who else?

You're here?

That's right.

What a surprise.

Isn't it.

I...

You came back. I thought I'd never see you again!

Oh Lili, Lili I love you!

Robert! Robert my love! I've lost him...

She's the one he loved. He'd hold it against you his whole life.

I know! But I hoped... I love him so much!

But you would have suffered even more.

Now, you'll cry for a day or two,

If you'd married him, you'd have cried for your entire life.

I'd rather suffer than be so unhappy!

Now it's over. Everything! I want to die!

Everybody's coming tomorrow.

The presents... I'll have to return the presents!

I loved him so much! He would have loved me too.

He already did a little.

Otherwise he wouldn't have kissed me, or caressed me.

I can't believe it!

It was all for nothing.

That's not true.

No love ever means nothing. No love is ever lost.

He touched your heart, and your heart will touch others.

All the loves, all the dreams, all the hopes in the world,

they all live on somewhere.

You'll meet a man who loves you, who you love, it can't be any other way.

You'll work together, and maybe,

you'll have your own business.

It will be lovely, there will be no more injustice,

no more evil in the world.

It'll work out, you'll be happy, we'll all be happy.

On Sunday you'll go to the beach, to Knokke or Oostende,

And you'll walk together come hell or high water.

It's inevitable.

This crisis can't last forever, and as long as there's food to eat...

Otherwise, something horrible will happen again,

and this time no one will be spared.

But that won't ever happen again. Never again.

We'll make it through. In life, everything works out.

-You really believe that? -Of course I do!

Definitely.

-Lili's Back!

-She's with Robert! -Poor Mado...

It's all over now,

Like I said, I felt it.

I could already see myself

holding them tight in my arms...

brown-haired children with big soft eyes

in the shops of the Golden Fleece.

Lili and him,

Can't do a thing, they're together...

But if love came my way, and said to leave the Golden Fleece,

Me too, I'd go away, I'd drop it all, burn it all down,

I'd pull away down the street, go all the way to Moscow,

give up the gold of the Golden Fleece, because love is better than it all!

Mado's having dinner with us tonight.

Oh, this display...

This is Eli Jackson.

I've told you about him. My husband.

My wife.

Well, see you around.

See you.

Everybody's married. And now Robert's going to marry Lili.

No he won't.

They'll spend a few weeks together...

A month at most.

Then they'll get tired of each other.

Lili will cheat on Robert?

Or he'll cheat on her. Who knows?

He'll come back to the shop, Work hard, settle down.

Maybe he'll marry me?

You'll have met someone else by then.

I'II never love again!

that's what you say now.

You'II see how fickle the heart is. It has to love somebody.

It's like dresses, Mado. You see one you've got to have,

but maybe it's too expensive.

Or it's beautiful but poorly made.

Or maybe it's well-made, and not too expensive,

and it looks wonderful,

but not on you. Not at all.

So you have to choose another.

You can't run around naked in the street.

If people did that, we'd be out of business!

Subtitles: smldy