All language subtitles for the.pianists.choice.2025.720p.web.H264-FULCRUM

THE PIANIST CHOICE

Freddy, play a little longer.

I need it tonight.

Why, man?

I buried my mother this morning.

Go to the piano.

Play something for her.

It'll do her good up there.

It's Chopin. He plays it well.

We want to dance.

Come on, come on.

You can't dance to that.

Come on, come on.

But sir.

Chopin here is a provocation?

Did you hear Freddy?

I wanted to please my mother.

You played with spirit.

You reminded me of...

François Touraine's play,
before the war.

You are...

François Touraine, yes.

I saw you at Gavot.

Another one, but for the young lady.

- Is it whisky?
- Don't worry.

The first person to import it
to France was my father.

You think it was a good idea?

But of course it's a good idea.

I want to flood France
with this beverage.

The party's to win over the buyers.

Come on, only serve whiskey.

You spread the word
to your colleagues.

Finished with the champagne.

Whisky, whisky, whisky.

Follow me, ladies.

Here, put that there.

Flowers, put them over there.

Go and get me another
bottle of whiskey.

What are you doing?
We're not allowed to be here.

Ah, tell me,

the pianist you've hired isn't
going to play only classical music.

- I'll go and see.
- Thank you.

Miss, do you have any more
lively music for the evening?

If it's Charleston that you want,
I don't know

if your children will appreciate it.

What are they doing there?

They should be in bed.

They've been listening to me happily.

Here I am.

Don't look at me like that.

You know very well where I come from.

I can't sleep anymore.

And if you're unlucky enough
to find that

you can no longer
practice your art, play.

Play, even for yourself.

Well, tonight they let me play.

In memory of Mom.

You won't believe this.

Chopin.

Yes.

Our Chopin in a jazz club.

Do you think he would have liked it?

Someone recognized me.
Her name is Annette.

She was studying musicology.

She wanted to know me.

How I lived through the war.

I told you I couldn't hold my liquor.

But then, whisky...

You'll have to tell your father.

No, no, it'll hurt his feelings.

- That's a good idea.
- Be careful!

If you fall,
I won't be able save you.

- But I can swim.
- Really?

Good, I forgot.

One question.

That's all you have, questions?

Some questions.

- How do you go about...
- Playing the piano?

You have to learn.

Come next to me.

What's your name?

François.

I waited until everyone
to leave before...

Yes, I understand.

Here.

Put your hand there.

François.

That's the C.

Give it a try.

François, are you still there?

I thought you were asleep.

Excuse me, miss,
but he's usually asleep by now.

Come on, I hope
you didn't wake your sister.

Go upstairs to bed.

Were you teaching François to play?

Did he ask you?

How could he and his sister
learn to play the piano?

Classes.

So, classes for both of us.

Can you start on Monday?
That'd be great.

This piano will finally
serve a purpose.

These years without working,
being called a traitor.

Why didn't you fight back?

Why?

Maybe I was a little.

We're not a bit.

You're either a traitor
or you're not.

Listen carefully.

You're going to tell me
what I'm playing.

I'd say Chopin's Concerto Number Two.

Well done.

- You played it in the past.
- Yes.

I always had it in my program.

For what reasons?

Just one more question! Come on.

- Farewell.
- Touraine!

We didn't come to this dock
by chance.

Looking for something here?

At this hour?

What can we hope to find here.

A soul?

You're too romantic.

Well, farewell.

Touraine.

Touraine!

I don't care
if he can play the piano.

B, G, remains flexible.

He's not here to make music.

But you don't have the right,
you're just selfish.

I didn't make children
to become street performers.

At some point, that's enough.

I've just had a word with my wife.

Yes, you spoke very loudly
and it disrupted the class.

Sometimes I raise my voice a bit
to make myself understood.

She said our son would be
musically gifted and that his lessons

- could last until the age of...
- 18-20 years.

But why so much?

You don't want to make
my son a pianist?

You don't learn accounting
from Mozart and Chopin.

Mozart died broke, I believe.

Yes, but Mozart or Chopin
allow us to develop

- a form of sensitivity.
- Sensitivity?

Sensiblerie, yes!

How will he use this in business?

I'm planning for my son?

Because you see, my son
is going to succeed me.

On the contrary, it has to leather up
and toughen up.

And why?

But to face the competition.

I didn't study business
and believe me, I missed it.

Did you really really miss it?

Your success proves otherwise.

That's kind of you.

But he will have the difficult task
of leading our stores to excellence.

Sir, music is an uplifting medium.

Yes, allow me to prefer the elevation

provided by business schools.

I don't think you understand me.

- Music helps you become...
- Nothing.

That's it.

That's just the way it is.

I don't mind Thérèse

continuing piano studies.

Which is perfectly normal,
since she's a woman.

Exactly.

As for François,
instead of his sensitivity,

we're going to teach
him how to fight.

Nothing beats sport for that.

Sport, nothing but sport.

- But I love the piano.
- You keep quiet.

When he's like that,
you can't hold him back.

I agree that you should
continue Therese's lessons.

The sound of the piano
is very much at home in this house.

I don't think the
neighbors like Chopin.

My interpretation, perhaps.

I'll tell them you taught
me to play like that.

You know that Chopin
can play at any time.

Did you follow me?

I thought croissants,

like before the war.

- Were your ration cards enough?
- Not at all.

It's the local baker.
He was delivering a hotel,

I convinced him that

he'd be better appreciated
by a penniless student.

The baker has a heart.

It's hot.

This way, come in.

I made it stronger.

It'll do us good.

Real coffee?

- Yes, it's from the restaurant.
- Which restaurant?

Where I work.

I play background piano
at the Closerie des Lilas.

I'm lucky, they
don't know who I am.

- Her name is Rachel.
- Is she your teacher?

François, let's head to the club.

Put on your jacket.

It's fencing today.

Yes, yes, I think so.

What do you mean, you think?
Come on, let's go.

I've got friends
playing at the club.

I must see them.

I'll take this opportunity
to check your progress.

Are you happy?

So, are you coming?

Where is she now?

Everywhere.

Mademoiselle.

Can you hear him?

He's been hiding for months
to attend my classes for Thérèse.

François was born for music.

He just needs to hear a tune
once to repeat it accurately.

We call it the absolute ear.

And Thérèse, the absolute ear too?

I get it. She hasn't...

Just say it.

We won't get anywhere with her.

Your husband is wrong.

- François is the one to support.
- Yes.

Come on, we've got no time to lose.

I won't do it again.
Don't tell Dad.

We won't tell your father.

We need to think
about what to do next

to that talent you seem to have.

Don't wait up,
I'll be back with my friends.

Yes, madame.

- Good morning, madame.
- Hello, Rachel.

- Hello, François.
- Hello.

Enter.

So listen carefully, François.

We're going to make you lie
to your father.

Don't make that face.

I know, it's not right, but for once,
you won't be punished.

So here's what you have to do.

You will go to the club as usual.

- Thank you.
- My pleasure, sir.

And as soon as the driver has left,

you will run for your piano lessons.

Did you understand?

Well done, you haven't lost your way.

I would never get lost.

Come on, let's get to work.

Calm down.

Take a breath and listen to me.

But tell me, did this ploy
really work?

Five years.

- Take this to the kitchen, Clotilde.
- Yes, ma'am.

But you're not at your office?

What are you doing?

My accounts.

But why?

That.

Whisky.

I bet big on it.

My American
suppliers went bankrupt.

All of them, one after the other.

I paid for goods
that I will never see.

But this isn't the first time
you've had financial issues.

Even in your father's day, I...

Yes, but times have changed.

In Europe, we thought we were safe
from the crisis of '29.

All in all, it's here.

Late, but it's here.

I have to pay my employees,
I don't know how to do it.

Save money.

Let's sell the mansion
and we won't need the club.

And Thérèse, music,
it's not her strong point.

You have nothing
to reproach yourselves for.

Except maybe
for François's piano lessons.

Did you know about this?

It's the driver.

No, Thérèse.

Unable to keep a secret...

The piano.

I hope at least that it will be
of some use to him.

Marie-Christine.

You've always done as you please,
but I think you were right.

Please, close the door properly.

By taking his own life,

my father brought
the Touraine dynasty to an end.

My mother was horrified to
discover the extent of the debts.

The sale of our townhouse
was not enough.

We were ruined.

My mother no longer knew
how to bring us up.

and Therese was sent
to live in the country.

And you?

Your mother can't put you up
in the maid's room that we lent her.

And I don't want you
to give up the piano.

So, you know this apartment,
now it's your home.

We're going to live there together.

But how?

It's very small here.

When you grow up where you did,
everything feels very small.

But there is room.

Don't worry.

I haven't had time to find you
a real bed, but we'll manage.

Will I be allowed to see my mother?

A fashion house has just hired her.

- You can see her whenever you want.
- And you?

I'll be like a second mother to you.

The one who'll push you to excel

and graduate
with honors. Promise?

I promise.

But why does music
require so much work?

To avoid the wrong note.

Our task is to avoid them.

It awakens the composer of the work!

He is dead.

A composer never dies
as long as he is played.

And he is watching us.

Our mission is not to betray him.

We'll play a four-handed game.

Don't keep your sadness to yourself.

I know a place where
we can have some fun.

Want to?

My daughter wanted the piano.

We prefer the violin.

How can you take the piano with you
when the Cossacks come to pogrom you?

You know what "Pogrom" is?

No?

So you don't know anything?

- Are you Jewish?
- What am I?

He's going to hurt her.

Don't worry, my Rachelle, she
knows how to defend herself.

But no, she's going to fall now.

Don't worry, I'm telling you.

That's how it is, our local dance.

Why don't you dance anymore?

It's late, he needs to rest.

- Is he Jewish?
- No, he's a goy.

You're just like his mother.

He's a good boy.

I was starting to have fun.

How happy they are.

And sad too.

You can be happy and sad?

Yes, like music.

Come on.

I like to come here after classes
that tire me out or concerts.

All by yourself?

It relaxes me.

I'm going to tell you a story.

One day, on a riverbank,

some boatmen found behind a tree

a woman with a baby
that she was hiding.

Moved by the baby's cries,

they promised to take them to Paris.

They landed here,
one night in secret.

Here?

But you knew these people?

The baby was me and the woman, Momé.

Your mother?

Momé, she's not my mother.

My parents were massacred in Russia.

She took me with her
when we had to flee.

- Why flee?
- We have always fled.

We.

We had to leave Russia.

Because of the Cossacks?

Did she tell you?

Why do you always have to run?

And what are you running away from?

I think it's time for you
to go to bed.

I think you're fleeing yourself.

You don't answer?

It's my turn to ask you a question.

Is the cossak more of a music lover
than a Nazi?

Don't say anything,
I'm not expecting an answer.

- Thanks again for the croissants.
- But...

Add more emphasis.

But what...

What is this left hand?

Chopin didn't compose
just for your left hand.

Look, your right hand,
it's racing across the keyboard.

Use your left hand.

What's wrong?
Why are you laughing?

Your left breast is as pretty
as the right one.

I forbid you.

Excuse me, I...

I can't keep you.

We'll find you a room.

François.

What did I say?

Thanks for everything.

Marguerite and François
should be thanked.

So?

Who do I kiss first?

Rachel.

François?

Excuse me, I...

I thought you were giving lessons.

They were canceled,
you couldn't have known.

Sorry.

- A dancer from the Conservatory.
- A dancer?

It's none of my business.

And I wanted to tell you
some good news.

Why don't you get dressed?

Listen carefully.

Marguerite Lent
recommended you to Paul Paray.

The great orchestra conductor?

- What an honor!
- His pianist has fallen ill.

She told him about you
and your first prize to replace him.

- The repertoire?
- Chopin.

- Easy!
- Pretentious.

You have 5 minutes
to prepare properly,

because if you are good...

No, if you are exceptional,

you'll be selected as second pianist
for all the concerts.

No, you have to thank Marguerite.

Maybe that way, you'll be able
to make a living from your art

and find you a room where
you can see all the dancers you want.

If you tell me that it went badly
and that he won't keep you.

I'll throw myself
into the saddle.

Listen.

He played the first violin,

I wait, with a heavy heart.

Rachel?

- What are you doing?
- Nothing.

Well, I was going to...

I was going to get some...

I'll go.

Come on.

Now that your career is launched,
you no longer need me.

- After what happened?
- Nothing happened.

Oh really?

Nothing happened on that bed?

Look at me.

I have the feeling of having

ruined something.

- The wrong note.
- I didn't hear anything.

I'm a man and you're a woman.

A woman I love.

That's what binds us. Music.

Listen.

This is how I would feel if
one day we no longer lived together.

It's easy to use
Chopin to speak for you.

I have his permission,
I'm the one who plays best.

Did he tell you that?

You told me.

It's Chopin, I'm kissing.

- But he has to know.
- He knows.

He tells you to enjoy
what's happening to us.

Stop asking yourself
all these questions, please.

Come.

It gives him so much pleasure
when you play it.

Thank you.

Come over here where
no one can hear us.

If you wanted to be discreet,
it's not in this café

that you had to give me appointment.

I told you here so you can see them.

They're all very worried.

There are serious things happening

in Germany for the Jews.

Dangerous, dangerous.

We are quiet here

France is not Germany.

Your grandfather, who is in heaven,

he said: "Woe to the wicked.

Woe to the wicked".

Problems are going to happen here.

He wouldn't agree to me staying.

Where will you go?

To Palestine.

It's our home.

All our cousins are already settled.

I'm going to join them.

So you're coming with me.

I'm not leaving you here.

No, but I can't.

Why?

You're not married,
you have no children.

And there's François.

But he's grown up now.

He will soon take over
from Rubinstein, you told me.

He can live without you.

What, no?

Don't tell me that...

You want to make your own misfortune.

That's right.

You want to be unhappy all your life?

My daughter!

I talk too much, I talk too much.

Give me a hug.

Kiss me.

I love you...

I'm going to miss you so much.

Were you sleeping?

It's midnight.

Sorry.

I've found somewhere to stay.

A friend is giving me his room
until I find something better.

I'll get my stuff.

Momé has gone.

Once again, she must flee.

What?

The Cossacks,

the...

- Didn't you follow her?
- No.

Don't touch me.

- I'm scared.
- Of what?

For you.

I knew I'd find you here.

So, this piece of music?

I'm playing it better than before.

I didn't notice.

So, who is the biggest

music lover, a Cossack or a Nazi?

I think you're being humorous

- to avoid...
- Avoid what?

This life of constraints and work,
is it to end up here?

Don't you have any other plans?

Your Chopin?

Yes.

With him, I don't need words.

You are a man of music.

Not words.

Sorry.

You can't understand me.

She took everything from me.

You're destroying yourself, François.

Have a good night.

I didn't know you were there.

Did you see the concert?

Did you like Prokofiev?

He conducts wonderfully.

He came to the rehearsal
before leaving for Russia.

He is a living genius,
but Stalin is ruining his life.

I think I can finally consider
a career as a soloist.

Paray encourages me.

- Your mother?
- She moved out.

Therese'll live with her.

What's wrong?

Are you sick?

Come.

Your beautiful blue eyes,

the gray wrasses, even black.

Is it Momé's departure?

No, I...

I can't go on.

I've ruined something.

Stop, it's starting again.

Shut up, stop.

You make our relationship unbearable.

Let's love each other.

Look at me.

Look, I can't take it anymore.

Please, I can't take it anymore...

What are you doing here?

- What's going on?
- Good evening, Thérèse.

- Can I come in?
- Yes.

You don't say anything.

I...

I can't manage, I...

Do you want something to drink?

I have some of Dad's whisky.

I saved it from disaster.

No, I don't like alcohol.

François.

What you've just told me.

You and Rachel...

It's not true?

- It's the whisky.
- I've hardly drunk any.

What?

Are you afraid because
I'm younger than her?

No.

No, what bothers me is...

It's that she's not like us.

But how are we?

We're like everyone else
in the world, but she...

But she's Jewish.

Doesn't it bother you?

Doesn't being stupid bother you?

I may be stupid, but I'm not Jewish.

François!

You can't live
with this woman who...

is like your mother.

- You don't sleep with your mother.
- Please do not fight.

He insulted me.

I'll leave you with your son,
your genius.

What's going on?

I don't know.

She tells me that Dad's
whiskey would help me calm

a pain rising up inside me.

Alcohol has never cured
a wounded soul.

No, Touraine, you're a little late,
I think, on the first chord.

We'll start again. Bar 263.

What's the matter today,
my dear Touraine?

You can tell me anything.

Excuse me, I can't do it.

I'm worried.

I have no news.

Can I be excused? I'm sorry.

Let's have a break.

She's not here.

I haven't seen her
for two or three days.

I can hear her. I
think she's here.

Rachel!

Why do they do that? Why?

One more day, she was dead.

Don't talk to her,
she needs to sleep.

Why?

You should have talked
to me about keeping it.

But what can come from us?

Except for the music.

We live only for it.

Our love exists only for the music,
is that it?

Silence, let her sleep.

I've come to pick up
some sheet music.

I didn't think there'd be
anyone else here.

Chopin. Sad.

I'm sorry for the repetition.

Listen, François, we're alone.

Can you tell me
what is on your mind?

The woman I love does not love me.

I must leave Paris,
without wasting time.

Leave Paris?

Without wasting time?

There is a solution.

The Berlin Philharmonic
is looking for a pianist.

Berlin?

Maestro Furtwangler.

It is said that at the moment,
Hitler and his Nazi party...

You can go there without fear.

I know Furtwangler.

He will know how to
protect the Philharmonie.

And keep it away from
all kinds of pressure.

He is a friend.

I can recommend you if you like.

Would you do it?

Regretfully, because I care
about you and your talent.

And do I have a choice?

- What's your issue with the Jews?
- Nothing.

Black people have triumphed
in our Olympic Games.

This clearly shows that we have
nothing against races and religions.

What you are telling me here,
it is propaganda.

No?

You're telling me
the Jews are liked here

with their shops
smeared with insults.

Yet they are Germans too,
aren't they?

I am a driver for the Philharmonie.

I don't get involved in politics.

We lost an hour at customs
to get me to admit that

I'm not Jewish and I'm not
replacing a German musician.

And now, we are late.

Maestro Furtwangler
will probably get angry.

Touraine, I was
impatiently awaiting you.

Sorry, Maestro, for being late.

It's not like me at all.
It's at customs.

Ask that gentleman.

At customs it was complicated.

They don't let Jewish musicians pass.

And they mistook Touraine for a Jew.

But not all musicians are Jewish.

It's my turn to be sorry.

Our customs officers obey the rules.

At the moment, the rules...

I understand your delay.

We here have a break
that is likely to last.

You see?

These gentlemen are
questioning my first violin.

The last Jewish musician
I can still get to work.

Why me?

Sorry.

- I'm replacing a Jew?
- Yes.

We have to obey Hitler's orders.

He doesn't want any more
Jews, not even in orchestras.

His henchmen are threatening me.

If I don't replace Léo right away.

- By what right?
- The right.

You come from a country
where that word still has meaning.

The law here is Hitler.

Hitler, all-powerful,
who writes it day by day.

Listen, Paray assured
me that our politicians...

The politicians?

The politicians,
they want peace at any cost.

And for that,
they lose their honor.

They don't see
that Hitler is manipulating them.

- He wants war?
- Yes.

He is not the only one.

See that young man over there?

His name is Karajan.

He's a conductor.

He joined the Nazi party
in 1933 to further his career.

Not me.

He's waiting for me to be dismissed.

Take your stuff.

- Leo.
- Herr Furtwangler.

I will never find
another violinist like you.

But of course I know some.

Unfortunately, all Jews.

Good luck, Léo.

Thanks.

You are replacing Fegustein.

I know your reputation.

The orchestra will appreciate you.

- Good luck.
- Wait, it's not possible,

Furtwangler will be able to...

He has already done a lot.

- Furtwangler is going to call you.
- He already has.

I replied that you have spoken
from the heart.

He said he got threats to his family.

Fortunately, this will not
happen in France.

Thanks to the Popular Front.

Do you think they will be able
to fight against fascism?

That's what we elected them for.

We must remain above politics.

We are vigilant artists,
but artists nonetheless.

When there are conflicts,
even artists are not spared.

In 1914, you yourself endured
four years of captivity in Germany.

I had a detuned fortepiano
that resonated in my head every day.

Torture.

No, nothing compared to what
some of my friends went through.

See that woman walking ahead?

She's in charge of culture
in the Communist Party.

She asked for the participation
of the orchestra for the celebration

of their journal L'Humanité.

She told me I don't have it.

- Tell her I'm waiting upstairs.
- Yes, Maestro.

Greetings, comrade.

- I thought you were in Berlin.
- No, I fled Berlin.

It honors you.

There, I understood
Momé's intuitions.

- They're worse than the Cossacks.
- The solution is Stalin.

No, he's a Cossack too.

No time to chat,
I have an appointment.

With Paul Paray, yes.

He's waiting for you upstairs.

And us?

You mean you?

- He takes you back?
- He replaced me.

And you, did you replace me too?

You cured yourself of me
by living alone.

I wandered, it's true.

Until the party accepted me
and gave me a mission, I wrote you.

Bringing music
to the working class, I understand.

But us, you and me.

I only exist for the causes
that I defend.

Today, I have a cause to defend

and neither Nazis nor you
will stop me.

Follow the music to the end.

Love it as it loves you.

I'm starting to feel

something, it's true.

The softness of your skin.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Don't say you are starting
to love me too.

I don't want you to forget that.

Rachel.

Even if they say that time erases?

Do I want it?

Live from the Radio Paris studios,

as part of our classical evenings,

the talented Touraine

has just performed
a ballad for us by Chopin,

and I think he's ready
to play us a nocturne.

Dear listeners, we are obliged
to interrupt this concert.

A dispatch has just informed me
that Germany has invaded Poland.

We can announce that
we are heading for war.

I will hand over to our
journalist friends for more details.

- Hello.
- Hello.

- Is Rachel here?
- The former tenant?

She hasn't lived
here for a long time.

In fact, I will leave soon too.

We've just been mobilized.

It's war, my friend.

I agree it's difficult
to expel good pupils

but what they want to put in place,
is an opportunity for us.

- It's our life...
- I saw them in Berlin, the Nazis.

Believe me, you didn't wait long
to imitate them.

The management is forcing us
to expel all the Jewish pupils.

Not that we want it.

Is it really that hard
to behave with dignity?

We are more dignified than Paul Paray,
who fled to Monaco.

He could afford it, he has
connections over there, right?

But there, he hires
the Jewish musicians

who had to flee.

You hear that?

And you, what are you doing?

Allegiance to Petain.

Like Cortot, your beloved.

Mom, what are you doing here?

They're arresting the Jews.

But don't worry,
I've hidden Rachel.

What do you mean?
Have you seen her?

She wanted to join the resistance.

And then, after the anti-Jewish laws,

she found herself
with nothing to live on,

so she came to see me
in the shop for help.

Why haven't you told me?

Because she begged me
never to mention it to you.

Okay, let's go.

It's over there, at the end.

No, she's not there anymore.

My God.

I chased her away, your friend.

Do you seriously think, Mrs. Touraine,
that your job here is to save Jews,

when our clientele is now German.

Where is she?

Only her God knows.

Did you see that?

Come on, here you go.

Come on, come on.

Go ahead.

Here.

Please, where are you taking them?

Are you Jewish? No?

- So move along.
- Aren't you ashamed?

You're the French police.

Move along.

- Come on. Let's go see Thérèse.
- What for?

She found work at the PPF.

Doriot's party?

- Collaborators?
- Don't look at me like that.

I didn't tell you because I'm ashamed.

No more questions, she might be able
to help us. Come on.

The French police who rid us
of all this scum Judeo-Masonic,

I would not have believed it.

François? Mom,
you finally said that...

- We didn't come to talk about you.
- I knew it.

- What's the matter with you?
- Rachel?

- She's disappeared.
- Rachel?

She must have been taken
on the buses to Drancy.

That's where they were parked.

It's the roundup that the Germans
were asking for.

You're embarrassing me.

- Let's go.
- No, but where do you want to go?

You think you'll find her like that?

Leave it to me.

Thanks to my work here,
I've made connections.

Otto Habetz, the ambassador.

He's the one organizing the raids.
Wait for me here.

Do you really think
we can trust her?

Why did you leave Berlin

when the best orchestra in the world
and the greatest conductor

was going to hire you.

Your sister and her party
are our allies and we love artists.

And it is why we will bring out
your Rachel of Drancy.

But nothing in this world is free.

Of course.

We will do what is necessary.

- But how will we know?
- Your sister will be our contact.

Don't worry, Touraine,
it will be quick.

- We can count on you, I'm sure of it.
- Yes.

Yes, please call the head
of Drancy internment camp.

Stay where you are.

Which one is yours?
The one on the left.

- Can I talk to her?
- No.

Only the right to see her.

- Please, I would just like to...
- Leave now.

We have done
what you asked of us, Touraine.

Now it's up to you to
honor our agreements.

What have they done wrong?

They're Jewish.

Rachel!

No, no, no.

I forbid you to shoot!

Come on Touraine,
learn to be responsible.

The life of your Rachel
hinges on your good behavior.

No, no, no.

It really isn't enough.

Make the crescendo louder.

Please.

I am Karajan.

It is a great honor that you
do us by coming back here.

You know, you only have admirers
among the members of the orchestra.

Thank you.

- And Maestro Führtewengler?
- He's still there.

I know the admiration
you have for him.

Don't worry, the
Philharmonie is still his home.

He lets me conduct a few
works from time to time.

This gives him time to rest,
but don't worry about him.

Even if he refuses
to do the Nazi salute,

he retains Hitler's esteem.

Come on, get to work.
Let's not waste time.

This evening, we are receiving
the party dignitaries.

It is a very warm welcome for you.

Maestro, I'm so sorry.

I thought I was playing
the third concerto.

Do you think I could take
a moment alone to rehearse the first?

Too bad.

Okay.

But don't delay the
rehearsal with the orchestra.

Beethoven must wait.

We will resume the rehearsal
in 15 minutes,

we will follow
with the brass instruments.

- So, Berlin?
- It stinks.

Don't ask me about mom.

She's ashamed of me,
doesn't want to see me.

She's gone to hide
in the countryside.

Obviously, you're still talking to me
because you need me for Rachel.

She's alive, your Rachel.

You can't see it,
but she is.

I've given 3 concerts for the Reich.

- That's enough.
- They want much more.

You scorned them in Berlin.
They hold a grudge, the devils.

I will continue to play
at their place, but on condition

they give me proof
that Rachel is alive, okay?

You hear me? That she's alive.

She's alive, I'm telling you.

They can't lie to me.

- You can believe me.
- Believe you?

And I have a choice.

Go back there and do your job
without thinking about anything.

They love the music
all the same, my friends.

They must be delighted
with you playing.

So far, have the Goebels
not bothered you?

Only because Rachel is there.

What?

But François...

Who will we have to apologize to?

- Where is she?
- Who?

- We liberated Paris. Where is she?
- Your Jewish woman?

She's dead, come on.
For a year, the poor fool.

I hated her.

When they told me she had fallen ill,
I did nothing to save her.

They exterminated
thousands of Jews, even more.

Why should Rachel escape this?

I have to save my own skin.

Stay here if you want,

but if I were you,
I'd go hide at mom's.

Of course, you didn't kill anyone.
You only played the piano.

Whereas me...

Goodbye, François.

What are you doing?

Stop, let go of me.

Can you hear me?

Let me go.

François?

What are you doing here?

This is so good.

I've hardly eaten anything
for a week.

I only traveled at night
so as not to be caught.

You will stay here
until we forget you.

But I'm warning you,
I've no more friends in the village.

They heard about you and Thérèse.

Where is she now?

Is she still alive?

Despite everything,
she is still my child.

Like you.

I'm the mother of the traitors.

You can't imagine
the number of resistants

who are holding back
from having me arrested.

They can't do anything.

I'm discreet, but you shouldn't
go out or play the piano.

How long?

François!

- François, stop it!
- I don't want to anymore.

It's been 6 months,
I feel like I live in a tomb.

People are going
to know you're there.

Good morning.

Master Thibault.

We are all court-appointed.

The Republic is back.

You're in luck.

There aren't many lawyers who'd agree
to defend someone like you.

Someone like me?

I'm not a collaborator, sir.

I tried to save
the woman I loved.

Yes, I saw it in the file.

Unfortunately, he lacks the
evidence for what you are saying.

How so? And my word?

Your word at the moment
is not worth much.

And don't count on
your former colleagues to come

and defend you
before the purge committee.

They are delighted
with what has happened to you.

Am I going to be shot?

Like my sister?

No.

We'll avoid death.

But not the ban on
performing on stage in France.

Fear nothing.

Cortot also played in Germany

and got only administrative penalties.

But you,

you played for Hitler.

Forced and compelled.

With Furtwangler, he wasn't a Nazi.

He kept his Philharmonic
until the end.

He called it internal emigration.

And me, all these years,
I've lived like that too.

Internal emigration will not be
enough to convince the judges.

And then your sister.

Your sister.

Her actions.

It's going to weigh
heavily in the balance.

She paid for her mistakes,
didn't she?

It won't help, though.

I'll do my best.

I have...

I heard you in
concert before the war.

I admired you.

That is why I agreed
to defend you.

It's a miracle.

A party comrade to whom,
it seems, you gave a letter

where you recorded
everything we experienced.

He sent the letter to the paper.
It cleared my name.

What should I do?

I have to meet this guy.
He was the last to see you.

Hello, Mr. Touraine.

He's back.

- Let's go celebrate.
- No, wait.

Sit down,
I have something to tell you.

I'm worried. What's going on?

Do you feel capable
of playing again with an orchestra?

- But when?
- Next week.

So?

- What do you think?
- So fast.

- Which repertoire?
- Whatever you want.

The Colonne Concerts are back.

I went to see them to tell them
that you're back on track too.

They know the pain of being
unjustly prevented from working.

They agree to be
at your service to help you.

If you feel up to it,
rehearsals can begin tomorrow.

Well?

You know your Chopin,
you played it to me.

- For you, not in public.
- And the restaurant isn't public?

No, but come on,
people come there to drink, to eat.

Do you really think I can?

Are you waiting
for her answer to decide?

No.

François, it's...

- Tell them it's agreed.
- Yes.

I'm going!

Stop.

I can't get anywhere.
That piano is cold.

Cold as death.

I'll come back when
you've changed it for me.

What's wrong with him now?

It's fatigue.

It all happened so fast.

He needs to pull himself together,
it's been 3 days.

And we are here for him,
for his return.

Let's go, it's okay.

Gentlemen,

you'll do me the favor of succeeding
your crescendo this time, okay?

I've played it 1,000 times.

Yes, but not with us.

And you'll do me the favor

of not showing
your powerlessness to us.

There you go.

Well done! Great.

Pathetic.

It's tiring.

- We are outdoing each other.
- It's for nothing.

- I think he's finished.
- He'll move more for himself.

Same.

Poor boy, the war
has made him unwell.

It's okay, it's okay.

I'm not drunk.

This conductor is incompetent

I want Paul Parey.

He's in America.

And luckily,
he doesn't see you like that.

Rachel, the truth is,
you need her gaze on you.

You don't want
to succeed without her.

And she's no longer there.

- I've tried everything.
- Yes?

- Everything, right up to...
- Right up to what?

- What, for example?
- The letter,

the one that allowed
your rehabilitation,

- the letter sent to the newspaper.
- Yes, Rachel's letter.

But I wrote it.

I wrote it and sent it
to the editor-in-chief,

pretending to be a party member.

So we cheated, we lied.

But no, I'm the only one responsible.

I just wanted to do something too
that you wouldn't be able to forget.

But what have you got
to be ashamed of?

Did you join the Nazi Party? No.

Did you swear allegiance to Pétain
like some of your colleagues? No.

But I played for those monsters.

You thought you were
saving Rachel, François.

With this fake, I tried
to repair an injustice.

And you were able to come
back, to be yourself again.

- You're there.
- Yes, who's there?

Who's there? Can you tell me?

I'm going to the countryside,
to my parents' house.

Recommendation from the doctor.

What do you mean?

Otherwise, I'll lose my baby.

Sorry?

I'm pregnant.

You haven't noticed anything?

You have to keep it. Please,
you have to keep it.

But of course, I'll keep it.

At least nine months in my belly.

Yes, it will be fine there.

I'm lost. I'm unable to...

You must settle your accounts
with the woman you're obsessed with.

Not with me.

If you drink and sleep
like that every day,

it's because, in truth,
you want to die.

Rachel.

Staying home will help you
to be again the Touraine we love.

It is the best solution.

She was right to leave,
I would have done the same.

Come.

We start again as before.

We start again from scratch.

Move them.

No, don't do it.

You interpret this
music as I would.

Then take my place.

Play.

- But where are you going?
- I'm going to see Dad.

By bike? In your condition.

I'm bored, Mom.

Here, some reading material
to keep you occupied.

Come on, give me that bike.

Attack.

- Not yet.
- No.

It's torture.

I've been working for months
to break my fingers.

But I don't suffer from it,

because it is in your love

that I find the strength
to surpass myself.

And then Paul Paray
came back from America.

He gave me an audition and I believe
he wants to give me another chance.

Maestro, the hospital called.

Has my wife given birth?

How is she? And the child?

It's a girl.

- Your wife calls her Rachel.
- Rachel?

I have to go and see her.

Where are you going?

- The audience is calling.
- To the hospital.

Anette has given birth.

A little girl!

It's wonderful, a little one.

Rachel. I have to go.

The audience is waiting.
You'll be playing for them.

For her and for all
the Rachels to come.

- Will you come with me?
- No, they want you.

Can I take her to the nursery?

- Won't the dad come?
- No.

He's playing tonight.

It's a shame she won't hear him.

He is also playing for her.

You have to give
all your love to music.

Only with music
can we conquer death.

Is that our job?

Our vocation on Earth.