Original subtitles

THE SNAKE GOD

The plane's waiting at Chico. You'll get there by helicopter

- See down there? - Where?

Three quarters of the population live there

- But they're just shacks - Look...

My factory's over there

Directed by

The sea's there, beyond the trees, you can walk there

Areal Planter's Punch

It's good

Have you looked around?

Not yet

That's only part of the estate

It's all ours?

It's all yours... if you play your cards fight

Blackmailer

Be careful, the sun burns more when it's behind the clouds

But it's so mild

- Want to bet? If I touch... - Ouch!

You see? It burns

Alright Bernard, don't be mean

There's the sort of beach you see in your dreams

Yes, It's beautiful, they call it Beach of the Black Rock

Let's swim there...

it looks wonderful - No...

There's much better beaches

That island over there...

Or that one...

No, that one. It's all made of coral

Beautiful

Look over there

- Look... - Where?

Those two

- Can't you see them? - No, I'm too far away

Come on, one eye each

- You have to be wild to be so happy - Not really...

She has a degree. Was a teacher

- You know her? - She was my secretary

And she left because you hit on her

She just didn't want to work in an office anymore

She's right, better to make love on the beach

Not that I'm complaining, Bernard

Strange, I feel like I've seen that beach before

Maybe in a dream

Who can fathom dreams?

Maybe it reminds you of somewhere in Italy

- Have you ever been there? - No

It's not 20 years ago when you could sit and wait for the money to come in

If the Fruit Union stops buying we'll have to export to Europe

Paola... and maybe import a wife...

That I have to leave at home because I'm always on the move

Or we'll have to throw all the fruit into the sea

There, I fixed it

Thanks

Luis, I want to swim to that beach

No, ma'am, it's dangerous, there's sharks there

Do you mind me joining you?

No, but you scared me with that thing

It's the first time I used it

I can believe that... You're Bernard Lucas' wife aren't you?

Paola - and you're Stella Bernard told me about you

- Did he tell you I'm mad? - No, quiet

But I know you because I spied on you

When?... Was it yesterday?

Yes!

He's a nice guy but a bit stupid, like all Capricorns with Saturn rising

- And what's your sign? - Aquarius

A good sign... What time were you born?

I'm not sure, I think it was at night

Let me see your hand. No, the other one...

That's weird

It's hard to make out

But I'm lucky, right?

I don't know. But I can see you're the sensitive type

I read palms to know the person

I'm just interested in other people, that's all

I should tell you I'm very fickle

Oh, really?

I married one man while still engaged to another

It happens

One day I told him I loved another, just to see

You know what he said? "But we're so good together"

That made me realise what kind of boyfriend I had

And so I decided to marry Bernard

He's young, Tony?

Yes, but Capricorn with Saturn rising...

What a strange place, no people anywhere

Like another world... a desert

People come but seem to leave no trace

What do you think?

Beautiful... fabulous

- Are these from Italy? - Yes, want to try?

Yes, of course

- Let's try out each others! - Sure, why not...

- Great! You look like a local - Really?

- Just one thing - What?

- Pull up your hair - Yes

- Like that? - Perfect

What are you doing?

Now we just need a newspaper

Just you wait and see

A newspaper...?

What for?

This is for the bun

A pin here... and you're all done

You know Stella I've never had a friend like you

Now hold still

Done! Very pretty

You're dressed just like a Creole going to a carnival ball

You're crazy

- Look at Stella in my dress - Looks great on her

You should keep it, if Paola's OK, it suits you

I'm so happy we met. I was starting to get bored

Bernard's always so busy

Well, I was bored too. And I'm happy to be your guide

Fort Boca Chica, it beat even Francis Drake

Come with me to the Black Rock

No, you shouldn't go there. Nobody goes

It's the realm of zombies

Of what?

Zombies, the living dead

You believe in ghosts?

Zombies aren't ghosts

They are dead but live on without a soul

They see, touch, walk but they are dead

Slaves of Djamballa

Who's that?

The God of our ancient religion

And you believe these fairy tales?

Religious belief is not a fairy tale

It's faith, like Madonna for example, she's a virgin and yet had a son

These zombies with this Djamballa, they're at the Black Rock?

Yes, at least so people say

How can a teacher believe all this?

Being educated doesn't mean I stop believing

Although many clever people believe in God only when it suits them

The more you two tried to scare me off

The more I wanted to go to Black Rock

If you'd told me about the snakes I'd never have bothered

You didn't have to go

Anyway, there are no big snakes there

Really?... So what did I see?

It wasn't a snake, a real snake

It was Djamballa, the God

Come on, don't make me laugh

There are things... things a European can't understand

I told you not to go there

We must go to Sebastian, the Witchman

Who's that then, another snake?

Well you two? Nothing to say?

There are lots of things that are best left alone

Only real scholars should investigate these so-called "primitive superstitions"

But I want to know

What is Djamballa? You must tell me

He's the master of us all- the God of love

Yes, all right

I'm sorry I didn't believe in this God and had to see it

And now he's seen you Paola, he wants you...

and Djamballa will get whatever he wants

Look, I respect all religions, but...

But only believe in your own God and your Latin Mass

God has always existed and exists everywhere

And you really believe this Sebastian can explain...

He can help you, if you believe

Believe in what?

I'll take you next time

Jamaica is beautiful but I'm too busy to show you around

I just don't want to be alone

Look, when I get back we'll take a week off on the boat

We'll sail round the Caribbean and have a great holiday

I promise. OK?

Bernard were you serious about zombies?

Well, they might exist or not, depends what you believe

But I have to go now

But what do you believe?

Wait here

- It's my friend who needs you - All fight, let's see

What is all this? Black magic?

No, black magic is a sin, it invokes the forces of evil

Tell me what you want, daughter

Love

You have to want it with all your might

You too

And now...

Take this, daughter...

This will make your lover never want to leave you... ever

Thank you

An amulet, you're lucky

I never get anything

Should we give something?

It's best I do it or he might get offended

Someone appeared to me, someone I'd never seen before

What can it mean?

The good spirits know the shape of destiny

The fate that binds and melts

But go... go now and take care of your friend

She's unhappy and is searching for something

Will she find it?

- Tell me about him - Who?

Your little Roman boy, what was he like?

Atypical Capricorn. When I told him I was getting married...

there were tears, lots of shouting

Finally it was he who insisted I do it. That he was prepared to let me go

And you thought...

No look, I love Bernard, it's not just his money

Don't you believe me?

Who's that crazy guy?

The village priest with his baby

Ah! Go to Hell!

- A priest and father of a child? - Father, where you taking it?

Maurillo says the sea has been bad could he keep it for a day...

And I thought why not, even if he isn't Christian

And then to Amparo's house. His son's got worms

But first, Dolores, who's about to give birth

This child travels more than I do and the damn car never works

What a guy

You know, you're strange people. Worship Jesus but believe all this magic

You really think they're so different Paola?

- Mrs Lucas...? - Yes

Mrs Lucas...

Sorry, there's a telex for you. Your husband had to go to Trinidad

- I came here to collect him - I phoned but you weren't there

- No, I'd left - Here

- Thank you - Good day

Come in if you want. Where's your husband?

He's been delayed. There was a telex at the airport

But you're going out

- Don't let me hold you up - It's not important

- Shall we go out together? - Yes

I'll get changed

What you're wearing looks great, keep it on

No, it's not right

Where were you going?

There was a ceremony

One of your rituals. Can't I come with you?

No, Paola, no...

But I want to come

No, it could be dangerous. Especially for a non believer

But I want to believe. You didn't understand...

...or want to believe the story of the snake

Nor that I would come with you to see Sebastian

Very well...

Do you want to change?

- Thanks, I'm too tired - Bye then

Take me to my house. It's up ahead

OK

Just tell me when to stop

We're here

I see him. He's still waiting. Waiting for you

I'm missing my husband

When's he back'?

I don't know, maybe tomorrow. He's sending me a telegram

Want a drink, papaya or guava?

Guava, thanks

Can't sleep in this heat

- Here - Thanks

The talisman from Sebastian didn't work

Give it time. Magic is not like miracles

I wonder who it was I saw

I was waiting for you

Why?

Because I was sure you'd come

What should I do?

Wait

How long?

Maybe never or maybe tomorrow...

God will draw you up into his great cloud

- You saw it, right Fidel? - It lit up the sky...

and the plane just exploded

- We found the body in the nets - What time was this explosion?

There was no explosion, just a great light

We'd just put down the nets, so around midnight

Yes, around midnight

There's food and drink, he's no longer with us but still continues to exist...

For you it's all so clear and simple, but I'm confused

Bye

Bye kids

Bye

I'm pleased I came to see you

You've not been out for 2 months You can't lock yourself up forever

Stella...! Wake up sleepy head

What's up? Let me sleep, I'm tired

No, you have to get up and get dressed

Why so lively this morning?

I've got a nice surprise and want your opinion

Negative...

- So, who it is? - Wait and see

Tony... Tony...!

Good flight?

Bit rough over the Atlantic

- You're good? - Fine. And you?

This is Stella, my best friend. And this is the famous Tony

- You guessed that, huh? - No...

Come on, it's a long drive

Damn, is this really your place? I feel rich just looking at it

Can I go in? Seems so beautiful

Please, bring the cases up and make us some drinks

Paola...?

- Yes? - We have to talk

- About what?

It's important. We must talk now. In private

Of course

- Tony? Yes?

Go with Dolores. Stella's just leaving

Okay, bye Stella

Tony has to leave this place

If you'd told me, I'd have warned you not to bring him here

I think you're being over dramatic. I know what I'm doing

You are not free to decide for yourself. You must know that

I don't know what you mean

How can you still not believe?

Tony coming here was planned

- The Snake God is real - Why must you remind me...?

Of things I've tried to forget

I saw him

Who?

Him - Tony...

While Sebastian was doing the exorcism

I saw Tony... I now realise it was him

It was a warning

Maybe I was thinking of him...

and you read my thoughts. Sometimes it happens

You still don't want to believe

This isn't about Tony

I made it up, about the Snake God, because I was unhappy

Everything's fine now. Don't worry

Things seem simple for you now

- But keep that amulet with you - Of course. Bye

Tony, where are you?

I'm here, lost in your private Eden

Is it all yours?

Yes, you could fit my old apartment in this one room

Ah... the tiger's lair

The living room, very nice

Yes - and there's the bedroom

Ma'am... The drinks are served now

That'll be all now Manuelita

- I'm sorry - It's my fault... I'll be alright

Maybe later... Tomorrow

I really don't understand

You're just tired from the trip and I'm...

I just don't know

Hi

- Merry Christmas Paola - Hi

We should hurry or we'll miss the blessing of the Child

- Come Tony - Where to?

The Child is very fragile

You can all touch it children, don't worry, stay calm

- What are they doing? - Blessing it

- He's a nice guy - Yes

- Where's Paola? - She was here a minute ago

Where's the priest?

- I said where's the priest? - Home, he can't dance

- Where's his house? - Back there

Mrs. Lucas, may I offer you a drink?

No thanks, not for me

It's so hot...

and these drums are driving me crazy

It's the Tropics. You have to get used to it

They're good... good people

A little noisy, but today is Christmas so we're allowed to have fun

In this climate, if you don't drink...

Father, I...

Sorry, indigestion. Now, what was it?

Father, you remember the Christmas holiday in Italy?

I remember, it was so many years ago

I've been a missionary since before the war

so I don't remember much. I've been here five years

Good people, a little noisy, but good

And so poor...

But tell me what the problem is. Sure you don't want a drink?

It's just, everything here is so frantic, so profane...

Tell me the truth, Father does this seem like a religious festival?

Heavens, what a question

What do you mean by "religious festival"?

Father, when I was a child I was taught...

A bunch of crap...

I'm sorry ma'am but you must understand

sometimes we must unlearn what we think we know

God is with them, they love him, so it's their goddamn fight

All this existed before the church and maybe has more religion

- They really believe in their God - So why are you here?

So they forget the whites that were here before

who brought them here in chains

They are good people, a bit noisy, but good

Stella... what's going on? Where is Paola?

I don't know

Come...

Come on...

- Why did you bring me here? - It's your God, pray to him

Love... I know...

it means nothing to you

Two plus two equals four

Two plus two equals four

Four plus one equals five

Four plus one equals five

Again... two plus two equals four

Two plus two is four... Two plus two is four...

Five

- Makes four... - Five!

Evaristo, makes four

- Once more, two plus two is... - FOUR!

- Four plus one... - Is five

Very good

- Hi! - Hi Stella

- What's up, Tony? - Paola's gone out

I wanted to talk to you by myself

OK, I'm glad you've come. I want to talk to you too

Go do your homework now children. I'll see you tomorrow

Give me a minute

Hey, careful! Don't smash up the car

We can barely speak now

She's distant, like always thinking of something else

I've stopped pretending

She's changed

I need to know why

- You must tell me - I don't know anything

She loves you but you should leave here now

It would be best for Paola. And for you

But why? Tell me... why?

It's hard to explain, it's a feeling I have

Based on what? I've a right to know

Half the time, I feel like an intruder

Tell me, you're her friend

What I want to say you wouldn't understand

Things that...

But what things? If you don't tell me...

Tell, me, I won't be angry. I'm a modern guy, very civilized

No, it's nothing to do with that

That's precisely why I can't tell you

I'm sure you're civilized, very progressive

But do you know exactly what your civilization means?

- Well, yeah, of course - Look over there...

You see that building]? Pure Baroque architecture

That's all

That's what a refined civilized man like you sees

Nothing there to worry about

Perfect colonial style so well preserved for 3 centuries

Overlooking the fact that it was also the palace of the Inquisition

A few centuries ago men lived in that building...

religious custodians of the word, people just like you..

With the civilized habit of subjecting all who didn't think like them...

...and there were many who didn't...

to the most refined torture in the name of progress

Unable to accept that there could be any other God...

than one imposed by their established authority

You'd have to give up all you've been taught

to know what it is I am feeling

To understand it, unburdened by the guilt you carry

How could it be any other way?

You are a modern man, civilized above all else

If that was the lesson...

you're a good teacher. Congratulations

Maybe that's all I have to teach you

OK

Don't say any more. Let's go

Give me a light

Fate binds us and frees us because it expresses the will of God

I think I must...

I must accept and then...

by myself...

find out what's in me and around me

God is life

When the sea is stronger... abandon yourself to the waves

A master of Japanese floriculture would put it here...

You want some?

Let's all three drink together

THE END