Original subtitles

With the support of the National Film Institute Hungary

the Ministry of Defence and the Hungarian Defence Forces

Szupermodern Filmstúdió presents

8 August 2021, Kabul, Afghanistan

US PEACEKEEPERS WERE WITHDRAWN FROM THE COUNTRY OVERNIGHT,

LEAVING A HUGE VOID BEHIND

THE TALIBAN IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO RAID KABUL,

FORCING THOUSANDS OF AFGHANS TO FLEE

THE ONLY WAY OUT OF CERTAIN DEATH IS THE AIRPORT

Up!

Let’s go!

48 HOURS LATER

KECSKEMÉT AIR BASE

God be with you, boys!

KITES OVER KABUL

Our estimated time of arrival is 3pm.

The operation:

We will collect the civilians diverted to the airport

and transport them to safe Uzbekistan

where they will receive food and medical care.

We're saving everyone the State Department has listed.

How many people are we talking?

Right now, it's 200, but the list is growing.

For the Hungarians trapped in Kabul and their helpers,

we are the only hope.

- How long is the operation? - Two days.

Just touching the wall and coming back.

- Any questions? - Yes, who is this?

Ahmed, your substitute interpreter.

Greetings, everyone.

What happened to Reza?

He has appendicitis.

Great.

Can you at least speak Hungarian?

I know Afghan well, that’s what you need.

Szilveszter, look after him, he can’t be harmed.

Roger that, boss.

If you throw up on me, you're finished.

Can I see that list?

Calm down, Lieutenant, the Doctor's on it.

She'll be one of the first ones home.

What Doctor?

So, shall we place our bets?

Berti? Old lady?

I don't know how many you will save, but more than me.

You, grandmas’ favourite.

Reporting, Lieutenant.

Understood.

2 YEARS EARLIER

AFGHANISTAN, BAGHLAN PROVINCE

HUNGARIAN BASE

I'll shoot this in and then I'll pass the party on,

because I have to go pack.

Csámpi, you’re wanted by the Sergeant Major, I’d run!

There’s some dessert left. It’ll be thrown out if no one eats it.

Finally, someone got out of bed.

Bálint! Do you want in?

We have to finish, the sun's going down soon!

We bet with Szilveszter to see who could throw the most bags, but...

They can’t handle it.

We can't?

You’re panting.

Lieutenant!

Would you give the Major his bag?

What’s in it?

Ask him.

I threw like 300, how much did you throw, 50? Or 14?

If even that.

Lieutenant?

Oh, I was looking for you outside.

What do you think? How much will we shoot this spring?

I have to file the quarterly ammo requisition.

Ask the Taliban,

let them tell you how much they plan to attack.

Major, reporting for duty.

Come on in.

Good day! How are you?

I’m fine, thank you.

Eszter Takács.

Head of medical practice in Puli Khumri.

I work for the provincial relief organisation.

The Taliban do not look kindly on her work.

We're getting a major shipment of medicine this week.

They threatened me

to either give it to them or say goodbye to my practice.

Can you be more specific?

Someone who knows them has warned me not to distribute.

A friend to the Taliban?

He’s a local.

Served in the Afghan army in the winter against the Taliban.

Against them in the winter, with them in the summer.

The army gives them money and heated shelter.

Then, when the weather turns good,

they go back to the mountains and join the Taliban.

He wouldn't lie to me.

I saved his life.

You save Taliban?

Look, Doctor.

Naturally, we will provide protection for the duration of the distribution.

We prioritise the safety of our people.

Could you arrange a ride for me to Puli Khumri?

Has your taxi gone?

Of course, Lieutenant Kerekes will give you a lift.

Thank you for everything.

This came for you.

Is that supposed to be a Christmas tree?

The volunteer company is very creative.

Do volunteers also serve?

Area defence reservists, logisticians,

combat support, and us riflemen.

Petrov, we got a ride.

Roger that.

You would be better off handing over the medicine to a hospital.

Then they won't reach the people who need them the most.

You people sure like our flag.

You can see from the mountains that this is a Hungarian camp.

That’s the goal.

The star-spangled banner attracts the RPG.

They hate us less than the Americans.

Hence the beard?

No, that just looks good.

Save us from the arrows of the Hungarians, Lord.

You are not modest!

Put that on,

in case they blow up the gidran.

Are you ready?

Kolnay, this is Barabás.

we've left the Ground.

Over.

I wish us a safe and easy ride.

We’ll just drop the little lady off in Pul-i-Khumri and turn straight back.

Vigilance, boys!

Potential Redshirt on the horizon.

Uh-huh.

All clear. Over.

I feel like I’m on The Boys of Paul Street.

The Taliban are listening in on the radio.

Who are you?

I'm guessing Boka.

Kolnay.

I would have been surprised if you had said Nemecsek.

Nemecsek is our distress signal.

If someone says it, everyone knows they’re in trouble.

And you?

How long have you been here?

A year.

- And you're still so confiding? -I like Afghans.

They’re meek people.

Smoke. 9 o'clock, in 500 metres.

- Do we touch? - Well, it'll be close.

Report it!

We need to help.

Stay in the car.

They need care.

Hardly anymore. Stay in the car.

Don't get out of the car!

Everybody in position!

Mother!

Mother!

360!

Somebody help! Please, they cannot die.

Why were they killed?

This is not a fight.

This is a massacre.

Doctor! Get back in the vehicle.

I'll examine the children.

- They're fine. Get back in the car! - Just give me a minute.

- Now! - You don't have to worry about me.

Sorry, but that's not my problem.

I'm not risking my men's lives.

No better target than a stationary convoy.

Back on the vehicle!

In ten minutes, we will begin our descent to Kabul airport.

Once we land, we won't have much time.

Each plane can stay on the concrete of the airport

for a maximum of thirty minutes with the engine running.

How qualified are the airport service staff?

What kind of staff?

There is no one there, no mechanics,

hardly any air traffic controllers,

so what is broken down is left for the Taliban.

Okay, let's go over it again.

Sergeant?

The logistics section sets up a command post on the runway

and build a shelter for the evacuees.

And why not the airport lounge?

Because it’s locked. It had been hit, it’s a collapse hazard.

Snipers, Lieutenant?

We’ll set up a checkpoint at the North Gate for the lift.

We'll start the operation within 60 minutes.

Once you got them, screening and inspection,

then off to the runway.

Reservists?

We'll supply the evacuated civilians and load them on the Airbuses.

Sergeant Major, you're coming to inspect, aren't you?

Boys.

It's every man for himself in Kabul.

No law, no order.

What there is is chaos and a sea of people fleeing.

There is a crowd of tens of thousands of people trying to get into the airport,

and they’ll do anything to get in.

But we can only take those on the list.

Hungarians, Europeans,

Afghans working for the European embassy and their families.

And boys, you know me.

We're not going home until we have everyone on the list.

Any questions?

Then load your weapons and prepare for landing.

Woah!

Take a deep breath!

Focus!

At first, it's perfectly natural.

Don't worry, you’ll enjoy it the second time.

Stop!

Adjust your equipment!

This 20-metre concrete is ours until everybody's on the plane.

We set up base here.

We’ll bring the civilians here and take them to the plane from here.

Relax, these are the guards at the gate.

They’re shooting into the air, it only lands here.

And you could use a Kevlar.

Lieutenant!

Go.

Head for the North Gate.

Commander?

I want a secure line to the operations centre.

Commander?

Don’t you have business at the gate?

I can’t wear that outfit.

I’ve only ever been a delegation interpreter.

So why did you come?

They promised to get my sister out in exchange.

It’s better if they see that you’re with us,

otherwise you’ll be in trouble.

I still can’t wear that.

And I can't get into a firefight.

I have a paper.

Look!

No one can oblige me.

Is this Pastu?

Okay, the uniform is not compulsory, but the job is. Go!

Szilveszter!

Catch up with Bálint and the rest!

Honolulu Star,

Dirty Fred here.

Colonel?

BUDAPEST, OPERATIONS CENTRE

Fred, this is Honolulu Star,

come in.

The invisible legion has reached the Isles of Bliss.

No sign of pirates.

We’re starting the operation. Over.

Let's go! Hurry up!

Don’t lag behind! Everybody on the bus!

Hello?

Hello!

What do they want?

They want to exchange flashers. As a memory.

The party’s just starting, bro!

Oh my God, where did we come to?

Welcome, enjoy yourselves!

Long live the last arrivals!

I hate the raviolis.

You’re gonna have to behave now.

Because everyone will be at the gate.

Not just the Italians. Everyone you hate.

You better not be right.

It’s all like some kind of fucked-up relay jamboree.

Yeah, except everyone is leaving but us.

What sounds like a shot is a shot!

Keep your helmet on at all times!

If we're moving, we're moving in formation!

Keep up the pace!

Szilveszter and the interpreter have arrived.

Attention to all units: Red alert!

The airport has gone to alert level 4!

No one is allowed in, only after the enhanced screening.

Milos! Barbie! We’re falling out!

How do we find them here?

Look for the tricolour.

They were advised to tie on something red, white and green.

There’s one!

Fish them out!

Hungarians! Hungarians, come on!

Come to us!

There’s the woman! Lift her out!

Cover me! I’ll go get them.

You’re in the way, man!

Thank Heavens!

God sent you all. We thought we were finished.

- Do you speak Hungarian? - A little. We work at the embassy.

How long have you been waiting?

Three days.

Come, please.

You have to be inspected.

Everything will be alright from now on.

Please, please,

my brother is still in the crowd.

He won’t be notified.

Abdul.

He’s not on the list.

Please, please, if the Taliban get him, he’ll be tortured.

I’m sorry, we can’t do anything. Go!

Please, no! Please!

- We can’t save everyone. - I know.

But this list?

Drops in the sea.

200 names are 200 lives.

Think about that.

We will not let anyone in! Nobody gets in here!

2 YEARS EARLIER

Barabás, Kolnay here.

We’ve got the Botanical Garden up ahead.

I’m not authorising the distribution until we’ve assessed the site.

- Over. - Copy that.

The Mitsu on the corner has its rear hanging down.

Over.

It is sat down.

VBIED?

Car bomber in the middle of nowhere?

Still, let’s be on the lookout.

PULI KHUMRI, BAGHLAN PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN, 22 DECEMBER

We'll be done in two or three hours.

Stay alert, boys!

Chief of Police Safi.

Good friend of the Major.

He can barely hold that grenade launcher.

Around here, a great warrior has a great big pencil.

You again, Lieutenant?

Doctor. Salem alaykum.

We’ll screen the building first.

Look through everything.

A stuck drawer, a full chamber pot, everything.

Got gloves?

A monitor without a computer?

Gift of the West.

A nice gesture though.

Bálint!

Must be Safi’s business.

Is he transporting opium among the medicine?

As long as we have a common enemy, NATO will close its eyes.

If they want to blow something up, they don’t plan to do it in the building.

We’ll screen everyone who comes in for a donation.

Sorry, you can’t.

You don’t know these people.

If they are being groped by armed men, they won’t come anymore.

Not to mention women.

Do you know what they’d get at home

when they find out that a man has frisked them?

Let's do it!

That's why we're here.

Let them in! Let them come!

Come on people, nice and orderly,

there’s a package for everyone, don’t push around!

Go to the gidrans!

VBIED!

Out of here!

Stay in cover!

Boka! Csónakos!

We're under attack!

Request immediate assistance!

Peace, give me your papers!

There’s only two names.

Dirty Fred, Jimmy Ears here. Come in.

Old interpreter. With a wife plus two.

But his children are not on the list.

Request permission to let them in. Over.

General! You have a call!

Mr. Vanek, Jimmy here. Come in.

How’s the shelter?

Mr. Vanek here.

It’s coming together, but needs prettifying.

It’ll be ready in about an hour.

It wouldn’t hurt to wear that uniform.

Come on, we have a lot of names left on that list!

What about the Doctor? When is she coming?

The State Department says today.

She better hurry.

2 YEARS EARLIER

Don’t move!

What happened?

Your shoulder is full of splinters.

Stay with me! Look at me!

What will you do back in Hungary?

Waiting for them to send me back.

Duty first?

And you?

Why did you get a contract in hell?

Everything will be okay.

Everyone must leave the hospital!

KABUL, SARDAR MOHAMMAD DAWOOD KHAN HOSPITAL

Hi, Fariha. How are you?

Erik!

We need a coded satellite line to Bukhara.

- We'll set up a date with Airbus. - You got it, Lieutenant-Colonel.

Jimmy Ears, Dirty Fred here.

Old people, women, children, it's too long a walk through the runway.

In this heat, they're going to pass out one by one.

Get me a vehicle.

Let’s take the ZiL.

Little Red Riding Hood.

Her rear is prettier.

Let’s take the ZiL.

There’s no lock on it.

Command it!

No one’s going to believe me.

Eszter!

Are you taking this load?

Erik, I need a line. I have to make a call.

Reception is shit, the mountains are shading.

HQ asked for a few hours to stabilize the line.

I'm calling nearby. Calling Kabul.

Hello!

HSH Khan Hospital. What extension would you like?

Is there something wrong?

Who are you?

Mulla Omid?

Dáulát Ali?

Dadullah Nazari? Where are they?

Hands up!

We’re looking for President Ashraf Ghani’s men.

They’re not here.

Really?

Because this list was given to us at reception.

Real, I assume, because I had to cut off a hand for it.

Fariha Sadat?

Interesting,

half a year ago every other man

worked for the president.

And now there is no one in town who knows him.

There are only patients here,

mostly old people and children.

You look like a decent man,

I don’t want to hurt you.

If you voluntarily hand over the American henchmen,

no one will get hurt.

Otherwise…

So?

This is just a stupid T-shirt!

That’s it, buddy!

You can do it!

You’re halfway man, you can do it.

I bet he’ll fall.

How many do you think he’ll drag with him?

I’d put my money on the ladder falling first.

So a man gets on that plane in three minutes.

Congratulations.

This is going to be dead slow.

Lieutenant-Colonel!

How are we doing?

Third of the list, but 134 still out there.

Sergeant Major!

The Afghans are saying the Taliban invaded the Daut Khan Hospital.

And the Doctor?

We have no contact with her,

but the Americans say she got off the bus at the last minute.

We can only save those who want to be saved.

- Could I go get her? - No way.

No coalition soldier is allowed to leave the Kabul Airport.

That’s the Taliban’s condition

in exchange for not shooting down our planes.

And if she’s been harmed?

I’m not going to risk the safety of my soldiers

for someone who thinks she’s Mother Theresa.

You've been up for 48 hours.

Rest, you'll be on duty in four hours.

- I'm not tired. - It wasn't a suggestion!

Stop! Get off the bike!

I said get off!

Give me your papers!

Dad!

Sorry for asking, but… who’s this Doctor of yours?

I don't eavesdrop, but I'm not deaf.

What do you call it?

Girlfriend?

Not girlfriend.

It's not easy with women, I know.

My father has four wives.

They all yell, they all fight.

I was happy when I left.

Do you know how I came to Hungary?

No, but I suppose you'll tell me anyway.

Math scholarship.

Congratulations.

Yeah, not for me. For my buddy Ahmed.

Only he was broke. No money.

In exchange, my dad gives him four goats,

I get a scholarship.

So your name isn’t Ahmed?

Khalil.

And Khalil, did you graduate from university?

Almost.

If it wasn’t for that damn mathematics.

But at least I'm in Europe.

But tell me,

is this Doctor a good woman?

You'd better get some rest.

Our shift starts soon.

2 YEARS EARLIER KABUL, S.M.D. KHAN HOSPITAL

Am I bothering you?

Come on in.

You don't even look so bad.

I've got more bandages on than skin.

Thanks for what you did for me.

I got this out of you in Puli Khumri.

A piece from the RPG.

No armour will blow twice.

You don’t have to believe in that, just...

keep it on you, still works.

That damn pickup.

How did I miss it?

Well…

Even handsome men don't always have good luck.

Handsome?

We'll come back to that.

When you come home,

I'll buy you a nice broth.

I'll take you up on that offer, only it won't be now.

I can't reopen my practice.

But I got a job offer from the hospital.

Well, that's great news.

Congratulations.

Duty comes first.

Rest time’s over.

Let’s get back.

Who are they?

Come on, unload everything!

I don’t to want be stranded here!

That's a lot of equipment.

Big tents, extra supplies.

Why do we need all this?

Because we'll be here for a while.

They got word of our mission.

In coordination with the HQ, we’ll have to rescue others.

Not just Hungarians and Afghans.

Austrians, Swiss, Dutch too.

What's the new number?

390?

- How many days to rescue that many? - About three.

But the real question is, will the airport still be standing?

What is this?

The Taliban giving a rendezvous to the Afghan national army.

We don’t have much time left.

For more people we need a bigger shelter.

Sergeant Flórián,

let’s use what we got.

And by the time Airbus 2 lands, we need a ladder that can handle more.

Let’s go!

Hungarian tricolour on your side, ten metres away.

Roger, we're on it.

I really need a ride, Buffalo.

We’re on our way!

What are you doing here? Show your papers!

Get out!

Attention! You must leave!

We have an order from the Minister of War, get out of this canal!

Do you hear me? Move! Get out of the canal!

They’re very much in command.

Balint, watch out for them!

This is your last warning! Leave!

What the hell is this?

Tear gas! Move! Move!

Pass him along! Save him!

At least let him pass through!

Sergeant! Back to your place!

You’re getting yourself into trouble!

Thank you! At least he got through,

thanks for saving him!

Withing five minutes, we’re shooting tear gas again!

Save yourselves until you can!

You violated the order and thus risked the success of the mission.

This happened for the last time

or you’re flying home on the next plane, do you understand?

Understood, Lieutenant Colonel.

Alright.

Breathe out the tear gas and take this child

and put him on the next plane.

We'll find an aid organisation for him in Bukhara.

He’ll be taken care of.

Yes, Lieautentant Colonel.

Thank you.

You’re dismissed.

Hey!

Hey!

We’re bringing people in, not drive them away!

Translate!

He says they must dissipate.

This is the order.

Whose order?

Fariha, sweetheart!

Listen to me.

I can’t go with you just yet.

Why not?

Because I would put you in danger.

But you have to go.

If you're not coming along, I'm not going!

But you must sweetheart.

Have they gone mad?

If they lock it, hundreds will die!

You are cowards, not Afghans!

You are the rags of the invaders,

make this place more beautiful

by getting out of our country while you still can!

Leave, get out!

Disperse, this is a work area!

Nemecsek!

Nemecsek!

Nemecsek!

Come on, let’s go.

Nemecsek!

Nemecsek!

Dirty Fred,

Jimmy Ears here.

The Grand Hotel got closed.

Come in.

We have orders to use arms! Last call.

Get out of here, of we will shoot! I repeat, we will shoot!

Should I report it to headquarters?

Not yet.

We’ll continue the operation.

We’ll solve this. You go find the Doc.

- It’s found another one. - Show her.

Negative. Next.

The drone flies on.

They couldn’t have got far.

No.

Only he can sense that he’s fucked.

Lieutenant-Colonel!

Please.

Alright.

Berti, Flórián and Szilveszter will go with you.

But spring at it during the day is suicide.

It gets dark in an hour.

Until then, no one is going anywhere.

Erik, I need a line to the centre at home.

They need to authorise the expansion of the operating area.

This is the locked West Gate of the airport.

It was a cargo gate during construction.

Now it’s out of use.

That’s a stroll!

With frantic Taliban and ten thousand refugees.

Okay.

Let’s go through it one more time.

Sergeant?

Phase one is the covert approach of the object.

Berti, phase two?

We penetrate it and destroy the enemy.

Phase three?

We find Blondie and get her out safely.

We'll get her out, don't worry. The best ones are going to get her.

And you'll be there too.

The gate is guarded.

What now?

Good day to you.

Hello.

How can I help you?

Translate.

I have orders to take over the custody of the gate.

Give him your paper.

Your paper.

How did you know he wouldn't understand?

58% of Afghan soldiers don't read Pashto.

That's a good chance, isn't it?

Am I the only one reading the analyst reports?

Let's get this operation started.

Colonel, you need to see this.

It's live.

I want direct contact to Herceg immediately.

Fred, this is Honolulu Star.

Why do I have to hear about the end of the evacuation on TV? Come in..

They've closed the North Gate.

But nothing's over.

We got ourselves another one.

Notify everyone about the new checkpoint.

You can start making phone calls.

Yes, new entry point…

Get off the runway! You have nothing to do here!

You’re obstructing air traffic!

What are they doing?

They’re herding them alright!

Khalil?

Khalil?

Khalil!

Rahma!

Rahma!

Khalil!

Dirty Fred, Stripling here.

They’re progressing at a good pace,

they'll be at the house at about 2:00 a.m. What's the situation there?

Looks like word of our gate got around.

We have 42 names left on the list.

No more rotating shifts.

Everyone works until all of our people are safe.

There better not be any dogs.

Come on, bring the hostages, we can’t leave anybody!

Let's go!

Let's go!

Wait.

There should be three. I’ve seen them.

One vest is missing.

Report it to the boss.

Stripling, this is Hocks.

Jimmy’s got a fan.

It's all going to be all right.

Let's go.

The date will be at yours.

Dirty Fred, Stripling here.

Roger that, Erik. Over and out.

Possible suicide bomber at the gate.

Erik is now informing the airport guards.

Copy that.

If there's an explosion and the crowd breaks out,

nobody goes home.

It's a cargo gate.

They've built bends in the corridor to protection against car bombers.

He wouldn't try it with a vehicle because of the crowd.

If there is an assassin, he will arrive on foot.

If we could push people back between the concrete walls

and let them through one by one,

we could filter him out.

Let's try that.

I'm going in!

I'll cover you!

Petrov would be done by now.

Everybody all right?

Call for air support!

Stripling, Vanek here.

We're surrounded, we can’t get back!

We’re fighting for as long as we can! Over!

Retreat to the house!

I'll cover you!

They better see us!

Block the door!

Clear!

Five minutes!

They’re gathering.

Fló, check the roof.

In case we get separated, stay with Szilveszter.

He's got something under his clothes.

Have you got something on you?

Pull your clothes apart!

Do you hear me?

If you want to come in, do what you’re told!

Come on!

Don’t you hear?

Lift up your clothes!

Higher!

Higher!

Clear! He can keep moving.

Sorry, guys, this guy scared me shitless,

I haven’t slept in a while.

What's up?

The soldiers are exhausted, we caught a fake cripple, two passed out,

and five are still missing from the list, but otherwise all is well.

Any word on the assassin?

Nothing so far.

Then let's get those five out before all of Kabul falls on us.

- How much ammo do we have left? - I'm out.

Three on full.

I've got two more.

Watch all directions.

They might hit us from the side.

One minute.

Let’s go.

I'm ok.

The 225 has arrived.

Berti, Szilveszter,

you go.

Throw the smoke and we'll follow you.

Let's go!

Let them have it!

Let's do this!

How's this thing going to land?

It won’t!

Come on!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Done.

Lieutenant-Colonel, they were the last ones on the list.

I await your orders to close the gate.

Granted.

Come on, boys!

Move out!

Please, open it! Don’t leave us here to die!

Erik, we’ve got our last refugee.

We've started withdrawal.

You can start the engines.

In the name of the Afghan army, don’t you dare come further!

You cannot enter the airport’s territory!

We’re warning everybody, we’re going to shoot!

Kerosene!

We have an order to stop the crowd.

Arms at the ready! Light the kerosene!

You okay?

No!

Get to the truck!

Now let’s go home, boys!

Come on, come on, come on!

Ahmed, come on!

Don’t come nearer!

We have an order to use weapons!

Come on, get your stuff together!

Airport security here:

Warning! Full evacuation!

Everyone leave the airport!

Immediate evacuation!

Honolulu Star,

Dirty Fred here.

Jackpot!

I repeat, jackpot.

We have everyone on the list.

We're done,

over.