Original subtitles

A film by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro.

This 4K restoration has been supervised

by Jean-Pierre Jeunet at L'Image Retrouvée.

To meet the creative wishes

of cinematographer Darius Khondji on the film's first release,

the 35mm interpositive was given a specific photochemical treatment.

Today's digital technology enabled us to work directly with the 35mm negative

and restore the original image by optimising colour grading, contrast

and by harmonising the grain.

This project was carried out by the Studio Canal team,

Sophie Boyer and Jean-Pierre Boiget, with the support of the CNC.

2 pounds. Nice and fatty.

It's shoulder, right?

The Kube brothers' usual. Tell me about it!

How much?

2 measures.

Ah, Mr Interligator!

- How's your wife? - Poorly.

- Roger, your muffler. - I've got it.

Butcher,

I think you've got a customer coming.

- Who's next? - I am.

- That for me? - At your service.

Put it on my bill.

We know where she keeps her bill alright!

Your turn.

Carburetor's acting up again.

That'll cost you...

The ride, plus the luggage...

How're you paying?

Lentils?

It's all I've got.

Listen, those shoes would do the trick.

Closed. That's all today.

I didn't come for that.

Anyway, I don't eat meat.

- I came about the ad. - What ad?

In the paper.

What paper?

"The Hard Times"

Look".

"Light building maintenance, odd jobs.

"Room and board, southern exposure."

It's the right place, number 12921?

Here or there, this is nowhere.

There's no neighbour hassle.

And no visitors.

Well... I must have made a mistake.

Not so fast! If I've got you right, you're looking for work?

Come here.

Turn around.

Pardon?

Turn around!

What do you weigh?

137, 140... Why?

You're no heavyweight. I've got work

- but it takes muscle. - No problem!

I'm a butcher but I don't mince words.

At first view you're not the man for the job.

You don't have the bones, the chest...

I'll try you out

but you'll have to bust ass!

What a stroke of luck.

- Thanks. - Come on.

So what does the work involve?

Light building maintenance, odd jobs.

Room and board, southern exposure.

Like in the ad?

How about that? Just like the ad.

Watch it, there's a loose step. You'll fix it with the rest:

paint, electricity, cleaning...

The works!

You'll like it here.

And there's no neighbours opposite.

Hang the key there.

I'll let you get settled.

Thanks.

How're things in town?

Terrible.

With rationing, people'd eat their shoes. It's touchy.

They have no smarts.

It's a mess. And till things grow back...

They'll never grow back.

You're no optimist.

Get that into your skull, for Christ sake!

Your hair isn't growing back.

Same difference.

Can't we open the window for five minutes.

I like the smell of glue.

It smells like fish. It brings back memories.

What do you think of the new guy?

You deaf?

He's skinny.

Thinking about her again?

They say she hears voices now.

Is it too much effort to put that closer?

Hi!

Forget it, she's as deaf as a post.

If she gets lost we'll find her.

Go back home, there's nothing left.

I'm telling you there's nothing left.

You finished?

Don't stay up there. Fix the 3rd floor bulb.

- Hi, Butcher! - Hi, Postman!

- Got a parcel for your daughter. - She's here.

- Watch the step. - Mind your business!

Go for it, Marcel! Grab it!

I've got it!

Throw it here!

Postal Administration!

Article 12:

"You have 20 seconds to scatter and return to your domiciles."

Now!

You have no kids to feed.

That means kids to feed.

Can't you read, idiot?

- “Julie Clapet." - He's a friend.

A friend?

Here, Julie...

Sign here, Julie.

I call you Julie because I like you. But I won't rush you.

See you soon, Julie.

Here... For the ad.

At your service.

That new guy looks weird.

- An ex-circus man. - The circus?

It must be the nibbles. That's why they...

Would you care to taste them?

Yes, I'd love to.

Then 7pm at my place, time to prepare.

- Is he after her? - After who?

Your girl. She's sure cute. She needs someone...

She's got me! Understand?

By the way, I've got news.

They shot one two days ago. A superb 30-yard moving target.

- No body? - They cart their dead away.

Vermin! They say they even eat money.

Got to get rid of them for good, see?

Those seed-eating faggots! They'll get it alright!

THE ENEMY CONSPIRES

- Bye, Butcher. - Bye, Postman.

Think it's for tonight?

I hope so.

Goddarn butcher!

I know he won't do it tonight.

He dawdles just to piss me off.

It works!

What's he waiting for?

For the new guy to escape in a garbage can, too?

How long did he last?

A week.

Not counting the bouillon.

A week!

We finished the last chunk two days ago.

I'm hungry!

I have a pit inside!

A fucking hell of a pit!

My dear Hercules...

Every man for himself...

- It's me. - Hi.

Come in.

Please, come in.

- This is for you. - Thanks.

Sit down.

Did you paint this?

Yes... It's nothing much.

I made tea.

- Shall I pour it? - Yes, please.

I hope you don't find me too forward.

Not at all. Why should I?

A girl invites you to her home... A bit improper perhaps...

Well, actually...

I wanted to thank you for this morning.

Thank me for what?

Rescuing my package on the stairs.

I was moved by your gesture.

It's only natural.

But usually people only think of themselves

these days.

It's normal.

They have nothing.

I'm glad they like me.

They're very kind.

Things are fine with your dad, too.

I believe he thinks I'm a nice guy.

Why not try gourmet cheese spread?

- That's new! - And it's handy.

They talk to me about you.

Who?

The voices in my head.

Of course, the voices.

What do they say?

Let me think...

They talk in such a way...

Do they talk about love?

"Robert is a pervert, an ass-wipe, a panty-eater." See?

But that's not true!

Aurore, you're missing something hilarious!

Anyway, I have no choice. Here... Tomorrow at 11 sharp.

Ring! Don't let me down.

"Ass-wipe“?

Move out? What for? I've just moved in.

This place isn't that great.

It's unsanitary, the walls are crumbling, it leaks...

- Maybe you don't like me? - Me?

You act like you want me to leave.

On the contrary!

That's not what I meant.

It does that sometimes.

Did I hurt you?

I'm alright.

We really clashed.

I'm so clumsy.

Don't budge.

I'm as blind as a mole.

Everything's foggy.

I could get lost in it.

I break things so I always buy two.

You play the cello.

I play music, too.

Wait, I'll be back.

Shit, not again!

What're you doing?

- I wanted a bath. - Again?

So! You sharpen your knives enough!

- A musical saw! - It has a nice sound.

Sit down.

- I used to play with the doctor. - Doctor?

Livingstone.

Dr Livingstone.

He was my partner.

It's rusted since he's gone.

Where did he go?

He disappeared after a show.

We only found his carcass.

They ate him.

Can you imagine? They ate him!

That night, I lost everything. So the first ad I saw...

And here I am.

I must tell you something.

Listen...

Do you know that tune?

It was his favourite.

Notice how the nights are clear?

We're entering the Virgo age. My sign.

- Really? - Sure. Virgo, ascendant Leo.

Cut it out, not everyone's Gorilla, ascendant Bulldozer.

I'm in luck, there's lots in store: "Get ready, the wind's shifting."

You'd like to pack up and leave, right?

You wouldn't get far. It's worse out there.

They draw straws.

It'd be a shame to see those hams go.

And those little sucklings...

Don't joke about that, I hate it.

You're better off here.

At least we've got a system...

Those helpers you ice are drawing straws, too.

That's Fate!

And you can't help Fate.

Just like you said:

the Wind's shifting.

Everyone's gonna get it.

Mr Louison, I'm not supposed to tell you,

but...

what happened to your friend happens here.

It takes place at night on the stairs.

That's why no one goes out.

And my father...

SLEEPING HERBS

- Hello.

- I'm here for the springs. - Come in.

This is an antique. It's seen a lot of use.

What's the problem?

It squeaks. That's a pain.

Could you bounce a bit so I can see?

- I can't see anything. - It's mostly when we're two.

Let's try.

As I thought: 2nd spring to the right.

Come, Aurore...

Come, Aurore...

We are here...

to help you...

Come...

Come...

Freed from life...

Come with us, Aurore...

COME TOMORROW AT 11 O'CLOCK. RING LOUDLY!

Rotten world...

That should do it.

- Here. - Thanks.

What are Troglodists?

Outlaws. It's the big story, but no one sees them.

Tales to keep people busy.

A typical Capricorn statement!

- You lose, I'm Aquarius. - Really?

The sign of the future.

The future...

It's soon history around here.

It's so easy to miss a step.

Don't worry about me.

You little brats, give those back!

Quit sneering or I'll whack you one!

I'll beat one with the other!

Give them back! I won't stand for it!

Nice work! How on earth

will I get it down?

This is a job for the Australian!

Australian?

The Australian.

That's some tool!

The Australian is nothing without its master.

How about that!

So, Tapioca, you find a job?

No, not yet.

That's bad news. Your bill's running up.

Not to mention the rent.

I'm in a bit of a fix. But this might interest you.

- Have a look. - Black market?

You're a louse!

But take a look.

What's that?

A rat-call. That's the female cry. It attracts males.

Useless. There are no rats left. And that?

A bullshit detector.

Try it.

Try what?

Give me some bullshit. Come on!

I can't do it on cue.

Life is beautiful.

That detector's bullshit. Turn it off!

We can't hear a thing. Look...

If you can't pay up we'll have to find a way.

Fast. Otherwise you'll wind up hooked to me.

Very funny!

What about that clown? He's been here long enough.

The whole building's on edge.

Don't care. He'll re-do the ceilings.

Meanwhile he takes root and we wither away.

I have mouths to feed.

I bet! The granny's, for instance.

Yes... Why do you mention her?

I know why.

What do you mean?

Want to pay up? Give up granny.

- Tonight. - Take it easy.

- She's one of us. The rules say... - Rules?

Age limit's a rule, too. Very soon...

- she'll be too tough. - That's my mother-in-law!

Take Mrs Interligator.

- That's what she wants! - Cut it out!

- It'll do her a favour! - Please...

Interligator needs his wife.

And he's a good tenant. He pays!

The damn rich always manage.

Your debts leave you no choice. Need I insist?

It's you, Julie...

You scared me.

Counting your money again?

Yes. Tell me...

It's rare to see you here.

That's nice of you.

So... Like your gift?

It must've cost you.

Well, yes...

Anything to make you happy.

You've loved candy since you were little.

But I don't like it anymore.

Let him go.

You always ask that.

It's the same thing every time.

Not this time.

This time's different? Look at you. I know his game.

Making your head spin with his puppy eyes, his dreams...

- There's no room for dreams. - Stop with the knife!

It's a tough world and I didn't make it.

You hate my trade but it's an art like any other.

Let him go.

And you'll go with him? You wouldn't last two weeks.

- And I won't lose you. - You lost me long ago.

TROGLODISM: AN UNDERGROUND ORGANIZATION?

Hi, girl.

Guess what? We'll play a game.

I scare you, you scream and the clown upstairs

runs down to your rescue.

Shall we start?

What's wrong?

Don't just stare!

Scream, dammit!

You come from the NE. Sector

just to bug us about Mr Whosit's troubles?

- Mr Louison. - Don't know him!

No more names or IDs. We're at war.

You're with the outlaws! He's Rolls. I'm January.

Voltange, Rolan, Tourneur, Milan, Trap,

Pank, Fox, Paumeau.

We watch out for moles from up there.

You could be one.

It's the truth!

Truth? You a Surfacer talk about truth?

Know what this is?

- Look! - The shirt of our brother, Matt.

Shot point blank like a rabbit.

That's the truth!

Live game, that's what we are.

- And you're mad predators! - I'm not, I swear.

- A Meatsucker! - What?

Is that how you talk to ladies in your rat hole?

Careful!

In God's name!

Tell Calamity Jane to straighten out or all hell will break loose.

Got it.

There's a month's harvest there. Plus the risks involved.

- Matt dies for that. - Tell her.

Corn!

There's plenty in my building.

30 huge bags in my father's basement.

- What's Whosit look like? - His name's Louison.

The guy we're supposed to grab.

May I help you?

No... It's just an old coffee grinder.

Coffee? Lucky for some!

So we went out for a walk last night?

A long one, too!

There's a ruckus, there are screams...

This place is really hopping!

Your dad may work at night, but still!

Oh, Julie.

You okay?

Sorry, I was rehearsing a new number.

Wait!

Here...

Didn't you hear anything last night?

After your herbs, you kidding?

A pot a night, as you prescribed.

I'll bring you more, you're almost out.

You should drink some, you look overwrought.

Cheer up, she died a natural death.

Come on.

Still...

I'd have liked to say goodbye.

We'll do that right now.

My poor Robert...

What made you rush out onto the stairs at night?

I did it for Aurore. I wanted to save her.

She wasn't the one who screamed.

Anyway... Here.

Still, I did it for her.

Besides, the butcher was very decent. He apologized.

Invite you to dinner? Well, I haven't much...

Fine! We'll feel lighter.

- 9pm, right? - Sharp! I'm very punctual.

Rather rare for a girl, no?

You're rather a rare girl.

I owe you a lot, you know.

- Did you forgive? - Livingstone?

One must always forgive.

Depends. It's not always possible.

Don't say that.

No one's entirely evil. It's circumstances.

Or they don't realize they've done wrong.

Sector 36, division 5,

Wriggler's Avenue.

What did she say?

The girl!

Sector 3/4, 69 degrees North-East.

Albumen Square. Here!

Let's go!

Scout to Sauce-Master...

Heading to target, 69 degrees North-East.

Sauce-Master to Scout...

Read you, roger.

Watch your steaks, guys!

Again? Shoot!

It's rather quiet.

No, not father's clubs!

Yes, your father's clubs!

See who's on TV tonight?

I don't have a TV.

Look, it's your next customer, isn't it?

I'll be damned!

Say, I've got to take off.

No offence but allow me the right

to come back tonight

to speak to your daughter.

Dangerous, what's that? Audacious, we're that!

Courageous, I'll take three!

Generous, U, U, U, and me!

Scout to Sauce-Master...

Corn located at site.

I repeat, corn located at site.

Proceeding with mission phase B. Target: Louison.

I repeat, target: Louison.

An ambush!

Aurore, what's wrong now?

Georges...

Throw in your apron?

Now I've heard it all!

It's been on my mind.

We're ageing.

I'm losing my touch. And so many victims...

- I feel sorry for them. - Sorry?

That's not like you at all.

No one's entirely evil. It's circumstance.

Or you don't realize you've done wrong.

Some say you have to forgive. You forgive me?

An old bastard like you?

- You bet! - You're a doll.

The guys you iced wouldn't forgive you.

You'd have to twist their arms.

If only Julie would forgive me.

Have you asked her?

She'll never do it.

But you're her father.

She won't even talk to me.

Want me to see her?

I could talk to her.

She only thinks about that Louison.

He's not a bad guy after all.

By the way, he's on TV tonight.

Why don't you go tell him?

I bet he doesn't even know. He's in the clouds...

Really, you should eat something.

Not hungry.

Fox...

You've been hiding things, you're on TV tonight.

How about that? Livingstone!

The Criekville Casino!

I recall we had a hit with the Tica-Tica walk.

Tica-Tica what?

Oh, shit!

That's your new number?

Let me explain...

Sorry to disturb you!

I goofed again.

He has clown shoes alright.

Mission accomplished. Call in the others.

Quiet down!

Artichoke soufflé:

preparation, H minus 35 minutes.

Simmer the snipers. Cover them for 15 minutes.

I repeat, 15 minutes.

H minus 20 minutes.

I repeat, H minus 20 minutes.

THE CIRCUS STARS

Julie! I didn't think you'd come.

- It's nice of you... - I'll have a cup of tea.

Pardon?

I'll have a cup of tea.

A cup of tea.

You'll have...

I'll have one, too.

Yes, a nice cup of tea.

Aurore...

Come watch, it's captivating.

Come...

Aurore...

Come...

- Your eyes... - I got contact lenses.

They'll make us laugh and cry, Stan and Livingstone!

You didn't tell me.

Julie...

Livingstone.

Livingstone... Julie.

What a pain!

- It's the antenna, pop! - What a drag!

- It's the antenna. - Go straighten it.

In this storm? No way!

Bastard!

It's the antenna, with the wind.

Aurore...

Come...

It's so much better here with us...

Come back!

I can't hear you.

Come back!

Go inside, Julie.

Watch out!

Mr Louison?

To the right!

More!

Perfect!

Perfect!

Leave it there!

No more Robert...

I fell.

That pervert...

who just wants to sink you

in the mire...

drag you in the sewer...

So it was you!

It was you, all along!

I swear, I'll explain.

Bastard!

- It comes from downstairs. - You'll hurt your leg, Robert!

Stop! Stop it!

Help!

You cram! Son of a bitch!

- I fell. - Yes, Aurore.

I wanted to stand on the chair.

- I fell. - Yes, Aurore.

Hey, the Troglos!

The Troglos are kidnapping someone!

Nice of you to make coffee.

Expecting company?

Undress.

Julie, quick!

Blew herself sky-high.

Took her husband with her.

Stop them, Robert!

What are you doing here?

Wipe that stuff off now

and go home immediately! Hear me?

Wipe it off!

And I'll skin you alive!

Wait, I'll get you!

I'll get you!

- Who goes there? - Snipers.

How did it go? Alright?

Everybody okay?

Hey, Tourneur, look what I found!

And the others?

Here they come.

How did it go?

They were all arms. A real joy-ride.

And we're all here.

Shit!

Where'd she come from?

- What on earth... - Shit!

So, that was the guy to grab?

That's the one you located?

Can you explain?

Wasn't that the plan?

"Albumen Square. Name: Louison."

Here, that's what it says.

It also says, "Sex: male.

"Shoes: clown." What's that?

We'd better check.

Sex: male!

- So? - Look in the package

and tell me if the sex is male.

Not my job. Mission Louison was the package. You got it.

Look, Louison is...

Is the sex in the package male or not?

Who knows?

Sorry Louison, it goes with the job.

I'm in a loony bin!

I've had it with this bullshit!

There's been a mistake, let me go!

That confirms it, it's female!

Cordon Bleu calling Onion Snipers...

Artichoke. ..

I repeat, Artichoke in immediate danger!

Cordon Bleu calling Onion Snipers...

Artichoke in immediate danger!

We'll pick 'em off like flies.

Must be cooking up there.

Count on those weirdo's.

They'll fix your buddy for good.

What do you say? We go?

Of course, we're going. All together.

- Doesn't she ever shut up? - They play too rough.

A contract is a contract.

Who's not in?

Rap, you come with me.

Milan, Fox, Tourneur, take the others.

- Move it! - What about me?

What about me?

What about me?

Don't forget me!

Bastards!

In case I don't come back.

Open up!

You dimwit, give up, we'll let you go.

Let me!

We won't touch you.

We forget the whole thing.

Alright?

I need my cleavers.

Right, the cleavers. We'll butcher him!

Think you're on a safari, bitch?

That's my wife!

No men or women now, only volunteers!

Precisely!

Obedient ones.

Touch one hair...

One hair on my daughter and I'll slice you up!

So... go get my cleavers. Hoof it!

Chop, chop!

Where are you?

Where are you?

It won't be long.

Julie, go away!

Go on!

It's me they're after.

Don't cry.

I'll manage.

- Don't cry. - It's my lenses.

What?

There's only one thing for it...

What are you up to?

- Move your ass! - I can't, I've gained weight.

Hang on, wait... Come back!

Tourneur, wait!

Shit, Tourneur's been hit!

Hey, Postman, thing's okay?

I got one. Come see.

Those monsters are everywhere.

They've lost one, they won't be back.

Good ol' Tourneur...

Hang on...

That lead weighs you down.

- No other damage? - You'll be okay.

We'll clear you out.

Let's go.

Hold on to me!

- Ready... - The water's running.

What the hell are they doing?

Stand back.

What are they up to?

Marcel!

You alright, Marcel?

Come on, get up.

Get up!

Follow me.

Careful!

About time.

Miss Plusse...

you're a dragonfly in mating season...

An old toad like me...

Beat it, old jerk, I'm busy!

Let the lady by!

One foot-bath to another, just my luck!

I despise you! I hate you!

This time you're done for, clown!

No more bullshit!

You're gonna sing my song!

Come down!

Move it!

- Take this. - You, here?

This is a job for the Australian.

Anyway, you come in handy.

Damn!

Goddarn Troglos!

Bastards... Julie!

My Julie!

It's your fault, you'll pay.

Have I got something here?

Answer me, meathead!

You...

tell me...

I'm not dreaming? I've got something, right?