Original subtitles

The Wind Journeys

Where are you going?

Off to play the accordion?

Is it me you're after?

Where are you going?

To play in some village?

Is that really the Devil's accordion?

Good morning.

Are you Ignacio Carrillo?

I work for the Mayor's office in Chimichagua.

The Mayor is holding a party.

He'd like you to entertain his guests.

I don't play.

But it's for the Mayor.

It pays well.

I said I don't play. So don't insist.

I've come all this way for nothing?

Go back where you came from.

You don't know what you're missing.

Who are you?

Fermin.

Fermin Morales.

The son of Luchito Morales?

Yes.

What do you want?

To go with you.

If you don't mind.

To come with me?

What for?

Who lived here?

The accordion's owner.

Where is he?

He's gone.

To Taroa, in the region of La Guajira.

Why are you looking for him?

To return the accordion.

You'll go all the way to Taroa?

I don't have enough money.

I could haul sacks in the market.

To earn enough for the trip...

if you let me come with you.

You, work?

Hauling sacks?

You wouldn't earn your lunch.

The only way to make money

is this.

You really want to come to Taroa?

Any idea how far it is?

You don't want me to come?

Can you hunt?

- Yes. - And cook?

Sure.

Then go hunt a rabbit. I'm hungry.

Still feeling peckish. Aren't you?

Those rabbits sure looked tasty.

A pity they can't be caught by day, by chasing them.

But as a good hunter, you know that.

I can learn...

if I'm taught.

It's simple.

Simple as lying.

You want me to teach you, eh?

Let's see what you can do.

Well?

Give me that!

It's not for you.

What is it?

Listen.

To have is to lose

My grandpa used to say

His only cow was eaten

By a vulture one day...

Good day.

And to you, my friend.

Where are you headed?

We're driving cattle from Chiriguana to El Paso.

And you?

To Guajira.

Guajira? On that donkey?

What for?

To keep a promise.

A promise?

A promise is a promise.

Got any food to spare?

We don't have much, but...

What's your name?

Ignacio.

Ignacio Carrillo?

Boys! It's the troubadour.

Stay with us a while.

We'd be only too happy.

Sure we've got food for you. Join us tonight.

How about it?

To play us a little tune.

I don't play anymore.

What? Aren't you the troubadour?

Yes, but I play no more.

Treat us to a little tune

and we'll feed you.

In other words, no music, no food.

Well then, no food.

What an old grouch!

Who does he think he is?

He'd let the kid die of hunger.

Sirs, forgive him.

He's in mourning.

For who?

His wife just died.

You were sure hungry, kid.

Yeah, he was starving.

You guys play well.

We play to keep the cows happy!

Ever play in contests?

No, we're just cowhands.

But some around here really get off on it.

I too would rather be a musician than a cowhand.

Speaking of music,

there's a duel soon in Becerril.

For the feast of Our Lady.

An accordion duel in Becerril?

Yes, for the Candlemas feast.

The winner gets 50 pesos.

You look on form.

We're going to Becerril, right?

To take part in the duel?

Just to see who's there.

My father was from there.

Luchito Morales?

No, my real father.

He was a troubadour, like you.

He came to the village for a fiesta.

Got my mother pregnant and left.

Then Luchito married my mum and gave me his name.

My real father is another.

And you want to be like him?

No.

I want to be like you.

I was just like him...

going from party to party,

from woman to woman.

I have children I don't even know about.

Is that the life you want?

You can't even play the accordion.

So why don't you teach me?

Teach me. I can learn.

It can't be taught.

You have it, or you don't.

And you don't.

Anyway, who said I have something to teach you?

My mother.

When she saw you leaving, she told me to follow you,

that you could teach me.

I told everyone I'd return

as a great accordionist.

I don't care if I have it or not.

I can't go back like this.

You tell me yes

You shun fate

You tell me no

Death is undone

To soothe my pain

To change my lot

To soothe my pain

To avoid death

To soothe my pain

To avoid death...

You tell me yes

You tell me yes

You shun fate

You tell me no

Death is undone

To soothe my pain

To change my lot

To soothe my pain

To avoid death

To soothe my pain

To avoid death...

Tell me yes

Tell me no...

Okay, right. Let's clear the decks.

The moment we've been waiting for.

Ladies and gents,

tonight, as every year,

for the Candlemas feast of Our Lady,

we bring you the Becerril accordion duel!

Please!

It's my pleasure to present last year's winner,

the young Meyo Castro from Villanueva.

"Amor Amor."

Playing "Amor Amor"!

Okay, take it easy.

You all know the score.

Young Meyo here will play "Amor Amor."

Whoever thinks he can better him

must step forward and prove it.

And win the 50 pesos courtesy of the Mayor!

Go for it, Meyo!

The motto of Meyo Castro

Is if you want you can

So I play to please you

Ladies, I'm your man

It's the Amor Amor

The love of fun and laughter

When I'm celebrating

Death can wait till after

To the sound of my accordion

A rhyme rises from within

And now I need a contender

To show him who will win

It's the Amor Amor

The love of fun and laughter

When I'm celebrating

Death can wait till after

So then, let's hear you

If you say you're number one

Before I send you clucking

Back to the chicken run!

It's the Amor Amor

The love of fun and laughter

When I'm celebrating

Death can wait till after

I'm a fighting rooster

I'm no wooden head

Whoever wants to try me

I swear I'll knock him dead

Your tongue, it likes to wag

But that...

My name's Efrain Hernandez

And, sonny, I can jive

You think you're Mr. Big

But your daddy has arrived

My only father was Hector

He too played accordion

But even in his footsteps

I'm the new generation

My verses are so pretty

Back and forth they sound

My heel makes its mark

Before it hits the ground

It's the Amor Amor, the love of fun and laughter

When I'm celebrating

Death can wait till after

My playing, it is powerful

My songs are never fleeting

So if you mess with me

Get ready for a beating

And so he turns to threats

And so he turns to threats

He's spoiling for a fight

Little Meyo, what a laugh

He couldn't hurt a mite

Listen to what I tell you

Listen good and choose

The One who watches over me

Never lets me lose...

Sorcery.

See that claw on his necklace?

It's a talisman.

He's using sorcery.

I am a man of courage

And I make it very clear

I'm left with no contender

Just like last year...

Why don't you challenge him?

You can beat him.

Here, I call the shots

Morning, noon and night

No one can defeat me

I'm king, it's only right...

Go on.

I don't need excuses

My skill sets the pace

If another wants to face me

I'll put him in his place

It's the Amor Amor

The love of fun and laughter

When I'm celebrating

Death can wait till after...

It stinks of sorcery in here.

But this beats all.

So, let's see.

Merengue, boys!

What my mind does hatch

I for you sing with joy

But little Meyo, the poor boy

Now he's met his match...

My mind, it never rests

I tell you from the heart

Prepare to bite the dirt

As here stands the best

I always sing with feeling

Clear sighted is my soul

If victory is your goal

Die in your own deceiving

No one beats my game

I too sing with emotion

I'm under no illusion

I revel in my fame

Boundless is my memory

I sing both night and day

Your fame will fade away

Once I end your sorcery...

Go, Ignacio!

Listen to the melody

That my verses play

I have no need of sorcery

Because talent is my trade

My wish has been fulfilled

You're singing to my tune

That talent that you claim

I'll stomp it in the ground

That's what you think

But I will prove to you

That no one walks on...

I make myself respected

My singing rules you well

So now go straight to hell

Where you are expected

And if you try me again

I'll give you such a beating

My talent is untiring

Like my inspiration

So get upon your knees

And beg forgiveness, please!

Where to now?

Eat in peace.

Why did you want to stop playing?

It's not me who plays.

It's the accordion.

I can't control it.

That's why I have to return it.

See those mountains?

Sierra de Perija.

That's where we're headed.

What for?

Only one man can fix the accordion.

Why do you live here?

It's the only land the bank doesn't want.

Know the story of that accordion?

They say it's bewitched.

No.

Not bewitched.

The tale of that there instrument

is that Guerra, Ignacio's master...

won a duel with the devil.

The devil, to get his revenge,

put a curse on it.

Whoever plays it

is doomed to be a troubadour.

Wandering, playing and singing,

till the day they die.

Ignacio got married and swore he'd stop playing.

But now look at him.

It is said

that the only one who can undo the curse,

is Master Guerra.

Did you play it?

Did you play it?

Still believe that shit? At your age!

What's so funny?

Gave the kid a swig of your lousy moonshine?

No, but I've a nice drop here freshly brewed.

Here, try some.

I've quit drinking. And it looks awful.

Sure you have!

Come on! What's got into you?

You'll have some?

Sure.

It's good.

So, Nine,

can you fix it or not?

It is damaged.

And even if I can, it won't sound the same.

If I were you, I'd get another.

That's the one I need.

What for?

To return it to its owner.

Don't tell me Guerra is still alive?

That old goat is still on the go?

Christ!

How the hell does he do it?

Mother always told you

not to hang around with that guy.

She knew you'd wind up tangled in his web.

What?

You're brothers?

You didn't know?

You hadn't told him?

Christ!

With my family, who needs enemies!

How's Ana Luz?

Ana Luz is dead.

How long since you last met?

Eight years.

He's always lived here?

He was never very sociable.

Is that an accordion we hear?

Maybe those cowhands from El Paso.

Could be.

The accordion was meant to be played solo.

Other instruments can play chords or bass.

But only the accordion can do it alone.

Alone, like we who play it.

So, Nine, could you fix it?

Your accordion's fixed, little brother.

But stay a while.

Have a drink with me...

before you leave to never return.

We've a chance to make some money.

They're holding a festival

to celebrate the Vallenato legend.

They've been talking about it all year.

Well, well.

Already Good Friday?

Been a long time on the road...

Who are they?

Ignorant superstitious people.

They believe that if today they kill a certain bird

they'll become drummers overnight.

They're hunting the guatapana, the drummer-bird.

My sad note comes to tell your soul

What my heart truly feels

I grow impatient, I lose control

Sad and crazy for your love

I can't live without you

My heart is in despair

No longer let it suffer

It hurts me when it cries

You will be to blame

If you let it die

You will be to blame

If you let it die...

That group's really good.

Isn't that Emiliano Zuleta?

All the best are here.

What does the winner get?

He's crowned King of Vallenato.

- And no money? - Sure.

How much?

A thousand pesos.

A thousand pesos. Wow!

Good evening.

Are you Ignacio Carrillo?

Yes.

No accompanists?

No.

Okay, follow me.

This is Ignacio Carrillo, the lead accordionist.

My pleasure. Alvaro, on guacharaca.

No, I don't play with him.

What?

I don't play with him.

Why not? You know the deal.

He has a problem with my cousin.

Until it's solved, I won't play with him.

Is that true?

Got anybody else?

No, he's the only drummer.

If you don't find another fast, you're out.

- How fast? - You're on next.

I'll play.

Let me play.

Think this is a game?

It's the guatapana rhythm, right?

Let me play...

or we'll never get to Master Guerra.

I can do it.

Our turn, let's go.

Next up in our accordion contest,

as part of this first festival,

please welcome, Ignacio Carrillo,

all the way from Majagual, Sucre.

Come watch from the balcony.

Ignacio, let's go.

We're on.

Change of plan.

Just play along.

Oh, little horse

Of wood so fine

Ever since childhood

Sweet joy of mine

You were my first toy

You watched me grow, remembering the boy

Oh, little horse

Of wood so fine

You are my present and past

Returning in time

You are my honey, my delight

I feel reborn when you are in my sight

I'd give the sun to my little horse

To my little horse I'd give the sea

For my little horse I have a treasure

In Rio de Oro, my little horse

My little horse...

I'd give the sun to my little horse

To my little horse I'd give the sea

For my little horse, I have a treasure

In Rio de Oro, my little horse...

We didn't win anything?

No.

What do we do now?

Keep going.

So how did I play?

Terrible.

Who was that in the photo?

Your girl?

What's her name?

Juana.

Juana Caseyes? Memo's daughter?

You left her to follow me?

That was dumb.

She'll wait for me.

She swore she'd wait and marry me.

Know how long it took me to find a good woman?

Over 10 years.

And when I did find her...

the devil came and took her.

Is that the sea?

No.

It's the lagoon.

What do we do?

We cross it, no other choice.

Good morning.

Can I help?

Crossing the lagoon?

Only as far as El Morro.

Can you take us?

Sure.

Good morning.

A watermelon, please.

Cut to eat.

Can you play that thing?

Come, I need you to play.

Play where?

He who's left will pay.

Son of a bitch! Come!

Please don't pick a fight.

Well? Play!

What's that?

Enough.

Now it is time to be baptized

with the blood...

of the lizard.

What are they doing?

It's a baptism.

Receive this blood.

I want to see.

Stay here.

What do you want?

Baptize me.

I too play drums.

And who are you

to lay claim to the blood of the lizard?

I play the caja and the drum.

Baptize me.

Are you any good?

Show me.

It's not for just anybody.

Go on, play.

Play.

Get out of here!

He's useless. Can't even play.

Quiet!

Why did you put me down?

Why did you deny my talent?

Why didn't you teach me?

I know why.

Because you're a bitter old man

who hates those who play for love and not for money.

You swear to never play again, till they offer you money.

And then you claim it's the accordion that plays you.

Liar!

Know what? Keep your knowledge.

What I need, I'll learn myself.

Thanks a lot.

Go fuck yourself and your donkey!

Good evening, madam.

Good evening.

Know if they need a percussionist around here?

You're a percussionist?

Yes.

Don't look like one.

Madam, I'd play for food, anything.

Some guys from Guajira are due tonight.

They're coming to party. Their fiestas last for days.

You can wait here, if you like.

Can you feed me? I'll pay later.

Walked far in those shoes?

From Majagual.

Majagual, Sucre?

I'll give you some shoes I have.

Why all this way?

I don't know.

What are you waiting for?

Hold it!

We want you to play on a special accordion.

Play it, we want to hear it.

Madam.

Where did they get that accordion?

What accordion?

That one.

Stop!

You're useless. Put it down.

I don't know.

Next!

Could you find out?

Why don't you?

Help me, please.

Wait here, I'll go ask.

It belonged to some crazy old guy passing through.

They asked him to come play for them.

He got riled up.

He started a fight, so they took the accordion.

Is he your father?

Stop! You can't even play.

No.

Next!

Just some crazy old man.

Even worse! Gimme that thing!

Can't anyone here play this?

500 pesos to whoever can!

Here they come, once they smell money!

Help!

Help me!

Your father

is not dead,

but doesn't want to live.

He wants no more of life.

He wants to die.

Sir...

Sir!

I can play it.

I can play that accordion.

I know how to play that accordion.

If I play it well, can I have it?

Sell it to me.

If you want that accordion, fight him.

Me fight him?

He'll kill me.

Go get him.

Go on, hit him!

You'd get yourself killed for that accordion?

What if Master Guerra's not there?

I didn't come for him.

Then, let's go.

Taroa?

No one here.

Good evening.

We're looking for an old man called Guerra.

You've come to return the accordion?

Yes.

Come.

The master was sure you'd come.

He asked us not to bury him until you came,

even if it took years.

Master,

I've brought it back to you.

The Master's children?

All of them are his?

What now?

He left you a message.