Original subtitles

"The Devil's Games"

"Fantastic stories from the 1800's"

Let's try pulling it.

We'll never finish here.

Pull.

I've never seen a plant so stuck to the earth.

Come on.

I can't do it.

Sounds like metal. -Let's dig some more.

My God, there's a body. -Heavens above.

Leave it, let's go. -What shall we do?

What's all the fuss? -There's a dead body.

What are you saying? -Yes, I saw a hand.

We'd better call a priest.

No, don't touch it.

What could it be?

It's an antique.

We've found an antique.

A statue...

A bronze statue. Look, it's intact.

It's intact. It seems like...

It seems like the earth wanted to preserve it.

THE VENUS OF ILLE

Slowly. Go slowly.

Slowly, slowly.

Let go.

Watch out. -Don't touch it, it's an idol.

His poor leg is like a pole in a vineyard.

Giovanni is still bedridden...

...and the doctor says he'll never be able to walk like he used to.

It's shorter than a palm. Poor man.

That idol has ruined his entire life.

It had to happen to him. It's a pity, a real pity...

He was our champion. After Lord Alfonso...

No one could play tennis like him.

What a drop shot. Mr Alfonso is a real champion.

Good morning, sir.

Good morning. -Hurry up with that bread, you.

Light the fire. -It needs more wood.

Then get some. -Okay, I'll go.

What's all this confusion, Maria?

Who knows what will happen on the day of my wedding?

Your father is expecting a guest. An outsider, a Parisian.

Yes, a Parisian. How about that!

An antiques expert. A stone collector.

I'll leave this...

...and take this. -Come on, let me pass.

Here...

This is where they found the idol.

A real naked beauty, only covered by a veil...

To my great delight.

I would've recognised her myself, had she been the virgin Mary.

Mr Payhorrade says it's an idol from Pagan times...

That's like saying it's from the time of Charlemagne.

You haven't seen it yet, but I have...

There little to laugh about. She looks at you with those eyes...

One minute it's gold, the next it's as dark as the earth.

If it's made of bronze then it's Greek. -Right, Greek...

Mr Payhorrade says it's Greek. He certainly knows about these things...

But you should see its face. What a face.

Giovanni was right, saying its face was very ominous.

His entire life was ruined by her.

Who is she?

That's lady Clara. Alfonso's fiancé.

They'll be married in a few days. He knows how to choose them...

If you knew how rich she is, Alfonso is really lucky.

Is that Ille? -Yes...

We'll be there before nightfall.

With these roads we've always remained a forgotten corner of the village...

You should get to know our province.

You have no idea of all the things I can show you...

Phoenician monuments, Byzantine...

Even Greek and Roman monuments.

Would you like some chicken? Some pigeon?

Some goat? Or some pig?

Or would you prefer some pickled anchovies to whet your appetite?

No, just some chicken. Thank you.

Don't stand on ceremonies. -As I was saying...

The wine... His cup is empty.

As I was saying, you'll see everything, and I will be your guide.

We won't leave a stone unturned. You'll see...

You'll see how many surprises our land will produce...

Our region is full of history. It's just that...

...the educated ones have forgotten.

You can make some great drawings, and with the sea (?) history of art.

...with my modest help. I hope (?) ...

...every now and then, of your relations. -Why certainly.

With all the nuisance I'll cause.

I get the impression I've arrived at the least opportune moment.

But don't worry yourselves, I'll do my research alone.

Alone? No...

It will be a joy for me to be your guide, you just have to wait three days...

Only three days. The time it takes for Alfonso's wedding.

Won't you try it? It's our speciality.

No, thank you. I really can't.

The wedding is the day after tomorrow. It will be a simple ceremony...

The bride is still mourning the death of her aunt...

So, no party, no dance. It's a pity, because...

You could've seen the Catalan ladies dancing, they're very gracious.

Who knows? Perhaps you feel you must avoid Alfonso.

He made the right choice. His wife is rich and beautiful...

As soon as I'm free we'll get started.

Forgive me if I'm boring you with the details of our provincial wedding...

For a Parisian satiated with festivities.

No, it will be a pleasure. -Would you like some more pigeon?

Or some stew? It's made with cheese...

Perhaps a dessert?

You won't go back home and tell them we starved you.

I've never eaten so much in all my life. -I'll show you something tomorrow.

A surprise out of the ordinary.

I think I can guess. The statue, the Venus...

Right? -You already know.

Yes.

It's a Venus.

Tomorrow, when the sun is up, you'll be able to see it clearly.

Then, you can tell me if I should consider it...

...a masterpiece. -Masterpiece?

That masterpiece destroyed Giovanni's leg.

No, if my Venus broke one of my legs I wouldn't blame her...

"Injured by Venus." Who hasn't been wounded by Venus?

It's a nice watch, where did you buy it?

I didn't buy it, it's a gift. A gift from Venus.

Goodnight, and please excuse us...

Your room is through here.

The room on the right is reserved for the future bride.

Please, please...

The newlyweds must be isolated.

You at one end of the house, and them at the other.

It's this one, right? -Yes.

As you can see I made sure you had the same comforts you have in the capital.

I hope it's to your liking. It's the comfiest bed in the house...

...and if you ever need anything, this is the bell.

Yes, it's all here, I really thought of everything.

Apple juice.

It helps with digestion and sleep.

A good rest is the best thing, great discoveries await us tomorrow.

Good night. -Good night.

Good night.

Come here. -No.

Come on! -No, I'll wait here for you.

What are you scared of? Come and see it as well.

Come on.

Did you see? I touched it, I won the bet.

I don't have the courage. -Go on, try.

Are you crazy? I'm not touching it, it's bad luck.

I don't like its air of superiority.

Let me say goodnight to it.

It threw it back at me. -Run away.

Alfonso.

Alfonso.

On your feet.

These slobs from the capital.

It's 9:00 Come on...

Too much sleep is bad for you. -Good morning.

I've been up since six, I came up three times.

I approached quietly, on the tips of my toes...

I put my ear to the door, and nothing, not even a breath.

Knock before you enter. -Good morning.

You slept well, right?

Time is of the essence. Hurry up, Maria.

Drink that mug of chocolate from Barcelona before it gets cold.

Here's your breakfast. -Hurry up and eat, then get dressed.

I don't if it was the journey, the wine or your bed...

It's been years since I slept so well.

But you haven't seen my Venus, and it's too late to see it this morning.

We're waiting for (?) For the wedding contract...

You'll come with us.

Mother first...

Then the groom...

..and then the guest. -After you.

No, please.

And last, the father. Let's go.

Matthew...

I advise you to look that way.

Do you see it? It's her...

My Venus.

What do you think? -It's amazing...

A wonderful piece. -I'm so happy.

Wasn't I right to talk about a discovery?

If you only you knew how hard it is to live amongst ignorant people...

Superstitious people.

They aren't capable of appreciating such a work of art.

As you know, statues should be seen close up.

Yes, yes. I know...

My Venus will stay close to me, (?) surprises...

It's not just any Venus.

Today you'll also see my bride close up. But don't touch her...

She may not be as beautiful as Venus, but she's not made of bronze...

Mine is gold.

All gold. -Yes, Alfonso is right...

She's very rich. Her aunt left her a fortune.

The same cannot be said of your Venus.

Matthew.

Clara will be here soon. Know anything about jewellery?

A little.

This is the ring I'll give her tomorrow. What do you think?

It seems like an appropriate gift for a wedding.

There's a Latin inscription on it.

"Always with you" Nice.

It belonged to my great grandmother...

I added the diamonds, what do you think?

Do you like it? -Sure, it's a lovely ring...

...but I think those diamonds have taken away some of its character.

They're worth around 2000 Francs, I think she'll be happy when she knows.

I prefer the one on your other finger. -This one?

Yes, it's simpler. -It would be nice...

It was a gift from a woman I met in Paris last year.

I really enjoyed myself there. Excuse me.

Congratulations. -Congratulations, Clara.

Matthew.

What are you doing there all alone? Let me introduce you to the bride.

I would've chosen another day but Payhorrade wanted it like this...

There was nothing I could do. -But it's a shame he chose Friday.

Friday is the day dedicated to Venus, the god of love...

It's the best day for a wedding.

Matthew, come and meet my wife.

Clara, this is our friend Matthew, a highly educated lover of antiques.

Not only antiques, but of all beautiful things.

This is a compliment, very good.

Enchanted.

That isn't how you kiss the bride.

Are you still working?

Continue, I don't want to disturb you with my presence.

No.

No, it's not that...

I can't get the expression right.

Look closely at the lines...

The smile at the corners of her mouth...

The eyes staring into space...

(?) All progressively contracted.

It's as if the artist wanted to represent the wickedness.

There's something...

...ferocious in this Venus.

If a woman like this ever existed I pity her lovers...

She would've broken their hearts. -I was sure you'd have noticed this.

Have you seen the inscription?

"Watched by those who love you."

Perhaps this Venus was dedicated to a woman who had suffered for love.

Don't you think so? -I think it was an afterthought...

It was added later.

Perhaps it's a warning.

It might mean...

"Watch out. Be careful if Venus loves you."

Forgive me, but I prefer my version.

I won't take up any more of your time. Continue, continue.

Come and give me a hand. -Yes, but let's hurry...

The room must be ready by tonight.

Maria.

You still haven't polished these, we need to put the candles in.

Here are the candles. -Hurry up.

Thank you. -There are three dozen...

Count them. -Yes, don't worry.

Let me see.

What's wrong?

It's covered in marks. What are you doing?

They need to be cleaned. -Okay, I'll take care of them.

With that dog.

Hold it steady.

This is the last one. -Hurry up with the pasta.

187, 188...

It will be a meal we'll remember for many years, I've never seen so many people.

This is nothing...

We stayed up for two days and nights when Payhorrade got married.

But those were different times. -Let's get a move on...

Let's see to it that we only spend one night on our feet.

Matthew.

Always drawing.

Would you paint a portrait of my wife as well?

The game is in my honour. My honour...

I'd like to play and I can't even watch.

Who cares? Let's watch...

Women take ages getting ready.

They're Aragonite muleteers. I know them.

They're good but I could beat them.

What are you doing?

Come on.

Run for the ball, don't wait for it.

I've told you a hundred times; you have to attack the ball.

Alfonso.

Wait.

Hurry up.

What's going on?

Did you see him? He's playing on his wedding day.

Let's go.

Come on. -I'm coming.

Alfonso.

Hurry up.

Alfonso.

I'm sorry. -It was a good game, congratulations.

We'll play again. -Congratulations.

Get a move on. -I won't get married next time.

Thanks.

Hurry up. -I'm coming.

Wait for me, I'm coming as well.

I can't see.

The first one I get.

Don't run away.

Run, run. I'll get you eventually.

Got you.

I'll make up some story to tell Clara this time.

Keep those hands tied up, at least until tonight.

I won't just need my hands, right Clara?

Don't run away.

Alfonso, isn't one enough?

You seem offended.

Why have you married him? -Pardon?

I don't understand you.

Why have you chosen a man like Alfonso?

I mean to say, someone so different to you.

You are delicate...

Sensible...

Him. -Look at him.

Look closely...

Because I like him.

Will you really paint my portrait? -Who told you?

Alfonso.

No... I don't think I can do it.

There's something strange about you, something I don't understand...

No, I'll never paint your portrait. -Why?

I'm not such a difficult subject. What's wrong with me?

I don't know why...

I don't know. I can't keep you still...

You change in front of my eyes.

You are...

...two people. -You're so complicated.

This is why I love Alfonso. Excuse me.

What a fool. Did you see?

I forgot the ring on the finger of that damned statue...

If my mother found out, it would be a tragedy.

Why don't you send someone to get it.

No, my servant is in Ille.

I don't trust these ones, 2000 Francs worth of diamonds.

They'd call me the husband of the statue...

No, I'd better not. I gave Clara the ring you liked...

I'm pretty sure the diamonds are safe. I'm scared of where they are myself.

It's the best wine in the region.

Here it is. I got it.

Here it is.

Her chastity belt. -Where's Alfonso?

Silence.

Friends...

What's happening to me? Perhaps the wine's making me see double.

It's true.

There are two Venus' here.

Two Venus' under my roof.

One of them I found under ground like a truffle...

And the other one came from the skies...

...and she's shared her belt with us.

My son, here we are.

You must choose between the Greek Venus and the Catalan Venus.

You have chosen the Catalan one, you chose well..

Really well, son. I congratulate you.

The Greek Venus is black, the Catalan Venus is white.

The Greek Venus is cold.

What's wrong?

I tried to remove the ring from that damned statue...

I pulled with all my strength..

But she squeezed my hand.

She won't let me have the ring. -What are you saying?

I tell you it squeezed my hand.

Believe me, it squeezed it with force. As if it were...

As if it were my wife.

Please...

Go and see. I don't have the courage.

Matthew.

What are you doing here?

I...

Here?

I was...

I came out to get some air. Then...

I wandered for a long time.

I didn't think I'd find you here.

You shouldn't be here.

What is it with you?

It doesn't seem like you.

Poor Matthew...

You're always there asking who I am.

Here I am. Perhaps you can't see me?

Isn't it me? Aren't I enough?

Don't you like me?

What were you looking for in the garden?

Alfonso... -What did Alfonso tell you?

Nothing...

He didn't tell me anything.

You're also just like the others...

You don't know how to sacrifice yourself for love.

Poor Matthew.

You're always there asking who I am.

You're also just like the others...

You don't know how to sacrifice yourself for love.

Alfonso.

Alfonso.

Clara.

I'm here.

What is it? What's going on?

Come here.

My God.

My Alfonso.

My boy.

Alfonso.

How?

How did it happen?

Why?

"The disaster that befell us, as you remember..."

"...has not spared lady Payhorrade. The poor woman couldn't take the pain..."

"...and she left us suddenly."

"Since that night, lady Clara seems to have lost all sense of reason..."

"...and she refuses to remember anything about what happened."

"Mr Payhorrade asks you to accept his art collection as a donation..."

"Everything, except the Greek bronze statue..."

"Presumably from the first century A.D. A representation of Venus..."

"The statue is no longer in Mr Payhorrade's collection..."

"It was donated to a local church, and melted down to make new bell."

Sub [rarelust]