Original subtitles

Come on, Marian, we're here. Push!

One more time. Push!

Nino!

At 5:05 PM, little baby Nino was born.

Nino!

Stay away from the windows!

Stay away!

Yasmina, my little one.

My heart...

Amaya, breathe, darling. Yasmina is with us.

Yasmina!

You were born at 5:05 PM.

And I came a minute later, right behind you.

That day, not far from here,

a massacre occurred.

At that very moment,

the last section of the railway was destroyed.

And on that same day, a rocket was launched into space.

Today, a great page in Lebanese history is being written.

I hope this day will be remembered

as a spark of hope for our country.

I hope this small step for Lebanon,

which is a giant leap for the Arab world,

will mark the final breaths of this meaningless war.

From Beirut to the stars!

But we lost the stars.

Nino, enjoy!

Yasmina!

What are you saying, Yasmina?

Don't worry, Nino. It's just celebratory gunfire.

- Nino, the big boss! - Welcome, friends.

It's been a long time! Have you found a new place?

Two meatballs, two fries, and two cold drinks!

Our star architect.

We're using oak wood.

An Italian marble, stunning.

And bands that blow everything up.

The cost will be astronomical.

Divide his estimates by ten to get the real budget.

Shafiq is calling you to the kitchen.

...my famous chicken risotto.

But in reality, Samira was the one doing everything.

She had a special talent for making chicken risotto.

It was incredible!

But she let me take the credit.

And the kitchen, stainless steel. All stainless steel!

I even want the chef to be made of stainless steel.

Shafiq, every ten minutes you tell me five more!

Let Zehir come back, I'll settle the score!

Calm down, friend. You're shaking the building!

Calm down? Don't talk nonsense! I'll tear him to pieces.

It's just a simple plumbing job, not open-heart surgery!

He's very clever when it comes to getting money!

I have to go.

No way I'm letting you go, friend!

You're my comrade.

The kitchen is like a battlefield! And Leila is like a bulldozer!

You're not going anywhere! I found the girl of my dreams.

Yeah, that rare pearl. We know that story!

Look: she answers me immediately!

She doesn't care at all. Nino!

You don't need to knock like a madman!

Where's my knife?

Shafiq, resolve this. Who?

Look who finally showed up! Were you riding a donkey?

All of Beirut is blocked.

A minister is going to hell.

Damn you and that minister.

Is the stuff good?

Didn't you have a sex date to get to?

Shut up, that suits you better!

Your check, sir.

And don't smoke in here anymore!

I'm arriving, I'm parking.

Were they stars falling from the sky

with a gentle glow

that set hearts aflame

with their soft warmth...

What else happened?

What goddess of poetry and music bit you this early in the morning?

Today, two stars collide!

God take you and your damn stars!

I'm sick of your stars.

What are you doing?

And your rockets! Olga!

I'm fed up, Zakaria!

You idiot! Are you blind?

Where are you going? Can we help?

Hey! You asshole! Where are you going?

Were you looking for our office?

Abdullah.

The last thing we need is this idiot hitting us.

What are you looking at?

Sorry. It wasn't on purpose.

You knocked them all out, you bastard!

Take me to the hospital. Are you listening, Abdullah?!

Watch where you're going! What about you?

I'll call you later.

How are you? Fortunately, it's nothing serious!

How do you feel?

What time is your body scan? I'm fine. We can go.

I'm worried about the wrecked office!

It's not like that, Mom. What if you have internal bleeding?

Does it make a difference to you anyway? You're leaving me.

Abdullah... Please give me some water.

And he picks up the phone. If it were your own mother... I'm working, Mom.

I can prove it to you!

Can you confirm this severe accident to my girlfriend?

She doesn't believe me!

She's not my girlfriend yet, but she's close!

Ma'am, these flowers are for you.

I apologize for everything and wish you a speedy recovery.

What recovery?

I have a headache, maybe I have internal bleeding!

Are you really in pain?

I want to sue!

You look perfectly fine to me.

I'll drag you to court. You alcoholic addict!

Addict? I don't even know how to hold a cigarette!

I'll drag all of you to court!

With a starred dinner at Nino's.

Delicious food, great drinks... We'll settle this amicably.

You don't know Nino's?

Invite your lawyer to Guantanamo.

She has a headache.

Instead, look at our concept.

I told you I'm fine!

Friends, you're all invited to Nino's. Make some noise!

Wait...

Tell your insurance to call me. We'll reach an agreement.

- And that other form? - One moment, please.

By the way. "Fighting Corruption."

Anything else?

I need a confirmation.

My restaurant is always packed.

- Just so I can plan... - We'll see tomorrow.

Yes. Limited access to global markets.

And non-compliance with international law.

Shafiq? You underestimate "compliance".

I see messy potatoes. A complete mess.

Do you realize the magnitude of the disaster?

One second, Essam.

Activation of a stimulant after harvest

And support for high-potential sectors.

And all these so-called post-hub structures...

We don't want to waste the whole night on this. Not tonight, friend.

One second, Essam.

Anything else?

Are you okay? Sorry, I had to take that call.

By the way, I'm still waiting for an answer about tomorrow's reservation.

One second, kid.

Hello, Yasmina?

Yes, Essam.

Okay, Shafiq, great.

What's this 'Fontana di Hummus' supposed to be?

Italian-style hummus.

A little creativity is the spice, it's fantastic.

Hummus is hummus. Why give it Italian nationality?

We make magic.

Order with confidence.

I'll start with this...

Kofta alla... Pol... Polpet or polpette?

Kofta alla polpette, a real explosion of flavor in your mouth.

It's spicy, right?

Not at all. Make it really spicy.

Very spicy. You know what?

Bring us the whole menu.

Ah, finally! This is the soul of this restaurant!

And for this young lady?

A salad, please.

What kind of salad?

It doesn't matter. A vegetarian salad.

Our vegetarian dishes are the star tonight.

Ravioli alla Manti. Like ravioli, but the Lebanese version.

How about a simple lettuce?

Forget it. It's only Manti and Polpette here.

So international!

You'll regret it deeply. No problem.

List of material damages.

I thought we were doing this together.

This way was simpler and more efficient.

Four pages, front and back?

And since we're here, why don't you give us a pedicure too?

Is anyone there?

Why are you looking at her?

I'm not looking at her.

We were supposed to spend the evening together.

I went to a lot of trouble to be here.

Take a pill, will you?

You're really weird, man. Today was our day off.

Damn it, now I have to eat the whole menu.

Who are these idiots? Do you want me to go to jail?

Get this baby out of me.

Hang in there, honey, we're here.

We? What exactly are you doing?

They're tearing me apart and you're eating baklava.

Are you serving them top-shelf drinks?

Hide. My wife's lost it.

What the hell are you doing?

One of them wants spicy food. There's enough spice in the food.

If you add more, he'll lose his mind.

Just serve it like that. Not tonight, please.

I destroyed their office.

Who's the boss? Let me do my job.

Even if he wants trash, I'll serve it to him. Then give him the trash.

Tonight, put aside your cooking principles.

Only three drops!

Tell him to come to the kitchen, I'll see him myself! He's eating the food, damn it!

Leila, it's ready!

I already have to put up with my wife, who doesn't even acknowledge me!

Just take it to her like that, it's all I have left!

Your knife is on the floor. Where?

I told you no, you bastard!

It's not worth it, man!

Either you stay in this kitchen or I do!

It was just a little bit.

I'm leaving, you piece of trash!

Get lost, you and your crummy restaurant!

And for this gentleman,

Alapulpetta meatballs.

Very spicy.

Grouper, beetroot puree, and virgin sauce.

Labneh with freekeh. Ravioli Alamanati.

Vegetarian.

Not for you.

For you, a lettuce. Very fresh.

It was simpler and more efficient this way.

Bring fried potatoes for the whole table.

Excuse me, ma'am, but the pasta is on the table.

Pasta and potatoes? Wow, what an overdose of carbs!

It's the chef's recipe.

What about the salt?

I've never seen a restaurant with neither salt nor pepper.

I apologize again for your presence.

The chef is very careful about balancing the flavors.

I tasted it.

It needs seasoning.

You heard him. Go get it.

Hey, chef! Mr. Piercing!

Hurry up, bring the salt and pepper!

If you want trouble, I'm leaving right now.

Good evening. Is there a problem?

Are you the chef? Yes, I am.

Do I look like a falafel eater?

We're out of salt and pepper.

Don't even think about it. The seasoning is perfect.

You don't like it? You can throw it out.

Are you serious? Bring the damn salt!

He tasted it. It needs salt and pepper.

It's not my fault if his taste buds are on strike.

We're your guests. Bring the salt.

I wouldn't bring it even if I died.

Excuse me? Get back to your kitchen, now!

Abdullah... Sorry, ma'am. This guy's completely nuts.

You want salt, asshole?

At your service!

...where we ate raw meat,

which my mother prepared with love.

A real feast!

Nino and Tony, you're both out of class.

- But, teacher... - Not another word, Tony.

Fouad, is this essay yours or your mother's?

Go back to your seat.

Yasmina, it's your turn!

Faster.

My father and I went to the Corniche.

We ate pistachio ice cream.

When I heard the bombs, I asked him:

'Why do wars exist?' He couldn't answer.

I asked: 'Where do we go after we die?'

- To the island. - He couldn't answer.

I asked: 'How was I born?'

On the island!

Nino, be quiet!

He couldn't answer.

I read in a book

that the father sleeps on the mother and moves in all directions...

Yasmina? Go to the corner of the classroom!

- I haven't finished yet. - Go to the corner of the classroom!

On the island! Everything's on the island!

On the island! On the island!

I told you to go to the corner of the classroom!

Come on, get up.

Rude, ill-mannered child!

Why do I have to exhaust myself for you all?

Go to the corner of the classroom!

You too, come on!

- What did I do? - Go to the corner with her.

Are you proud of yourselves? Now we're going to write a spelling test.

No!

Yes, we are!

What are you doing here? Just in case you forgot again.

Stop messing around, Bashar. Don't make a fool of yourself!

...and he never does his homework!

On top of everything else, he's clowning around. Here!

Nino!

Yasmina?

What you said in class was wrong.

What did I say?

That's not how you make babies. How then?

My dad told me:

Mom drinks wine,

he gives her a good massage,

and there you go. That's how it's done.

But no! Mom lies down, Dad gets on top of her.

They do it ten times...

And that's how you get a baby.

I saw Mom and Dad do it,

but they didn't have a baby.

They did it ten times? Much more than that.

But you don't have a father or a mother.

Of course I do.

They're on the island.

What island?

The island, where...

Are you hurt?

It's just a small scratch.

Does it hurt?

A little.

Are you feeling better?

Yes, thank you.

Do you want this?

Thank you.

Here's the island.

The sea...

They seem happy together.

If you had to bring back either your father

or your mother... which would you choose?

What would you do if you were me?

- Both. - See?

I wanted to see if you had anything else on your mind.

Close your eyes.

Hold me tight, because the train is taking off.

Faster and faster.

The train left Beirut,

went up into the sky and touched the stars.

Far, far away from Lebanon.

We've arrived at the island.

What do you see, Nino?

Do you see your parents?

My parents are there too, peaceful, under a tree.

Happy, truly happy.

Everything is so beautiful here.

Did you really think you could get away with it?

- Definitely. - Go on, try.

- You're not going to end up well! - Oh, so you want to play it that way?

Great! You shouldn't be afraid of getting dirty.

- Four eggs. - No, you need five.

No, four.

- But Dad puts in five. - Four.

Now we're in control!

Good?

Trust your instincts.

You'll see, your inner voice is never wrong.

Enough. That's great.

Dad puts in the milk first, then adds the flour,

a ton of it!

Enough, enough, enough.

He puts in way more.

Okay, my little one.

Come on, let's turn it on.

Not you.

This weekend, we're going to set up camp in the mountains.

Auntie's up there with Rani and Sola.

Grandma's there too.

There's a trampoline.

A big garden.

Rico, the dog.

I never promised you the stars...

Yasmina, come see!

Your favorite contestant might win!

I never promised you the stars...

Sir! Ma'am! You left this.

Thank you, son. Throw it away.

Don't listen to him!

This is for you. Take good care of it.

That's enough!

And keep your eye on the stars.

Zakaria! You're exhausting me.

One, two, three!

One more time!

Well?

Did you choose your mother or your father?

I'm not choosing.

I'd rather go to the island.

Do you want to come?

I can't.

Why?

Grandpa told me, 'Only when your time comes.'

When do I have to choose? This Friday.

I think I'll run away and not choose.

Do you want to come with me?

I can't.

So, I'm going alone?

Don't go, I love you!

What about me do you love? My parents love me too, but they force it.

Your smile.

Your hair.

How you participate in class.

Everything about you.

My hair isn't anything special.

It is.

It's very long and messy.

It looks like spaghetti.

Anyway, I love you.

So... are you my boyfriend?

And you're my girlfriend?

Okay.

Come on, let's go together!

We can run away forever.

Okay, I'll come with you.

Promise?

We'll meet at 11 PM.

Okay. But where?

On the train.

Yasmina.

Come on, honey, we have to go.

Yasmina, open the door.

Yasmina, why is the door closed?

Go! Leave her there.

Please, not war. Not war...

Yasmina!

Mom!

Yasmina, honey, are you okay?

It's just fireworks, honey. It's not war.

It's cold, honey. Let's go inside.

Mom.

Thirteen plates.

Five chairs. Four tables.

I'll deduct this from what your mother owes me.

Three tables.

Okay, three tables.

What are you doing tonight?

I'm going back to work.

Where did you disappear to?

Did you get on the wrong train?

After my parents divorced, we moved.

I changed schools.

And tomorrow night?

I'm working tomorrow too.

All day? What do you do?

I'm a consultant. We're working on a project for the government.

Lebanon 2025: Prospects and Economic Outlook.

Can you say that slower?

I didn't understand a word.

This is crazy. Not at all.

They'll just use our report for a photo op,

then it'll just gather dust in a drawer.

You're here just in time.

I'm looking for a consultant.

We have big projects.

Nino on ice, Nino on water...

Are you aware the country is collapsing?

And we're heading straight for a wall?

Where do you live?

I live here with you, in this present moment.

Are you one of those

who spit on this country and run away?

More than those who never lie to themselves.

Yes, Issam, I'm coming.

Tomorrow we have guests for an engagement party.

The bride-to-be is vegetarian.

You have to come. There'll be plenty of lettuce and tomatoes.

Don't waste my time. I'm really busy.

Do you order a lot of food for your office? I can bring it myself.

Or do I have to "accidentally" show up at your mother's again?

Goodbye, Nino.

...incentive measures for low-income households,

...and at the same time, the tax on deposit interest...

...a clear and explicit veto by the Minister of Finance.

They're screwing us.

I know, but we'd better cut this.

- Why do we always have to appease them? - That's our job, Yasmina.

This is just goodbye, my brothers

This is just goodbye

Yes, we will see each other again, my brothers

This is just goodbye

Cheer Yasmina on!

She ran away. It's a dream!

Don't you move from your spot!

I wish you the best.

Who's going to keep us up till 2 AM?

Shall we move on to the cake?

Don't be too hard on them there!

Hello?

Nino?

- Yasmina? - Did you call me?

Sorry, I think my cell phone is glitching.

- Oh, okay. Goodbye. - Wait!

Tonight, you were paired with table number 7.

- Nino... - Change of tactics. Now you're at table 8.

Shafiq is driving me crazy...

Nabil! You never shut up.

Strange.

But everything is ready: your table is full of heavenly vegetables...

Bring the cash box, damn it!

Where do we go? The whole route is blocked.

What idiot parked double?

We'll take a taxi.

Nino! What's going on?

Come here, kids!

Hurry up, come on!

Come on, move it!

Let me breathe, thanks.

Slow down! I said slow down!

Get in, Nino. Get in or get out!

- Go! - Drive to the hospital!

- Which hospital? - The one for giving birth, think about it!

Go on.

Yasmina, the hospital is at the end of this street.

- Open the window. Breathe in, breathe out. - Stop playing with the buttons!

Shafiq, you're blinding me, turn it off! - And calm down a bit.

Pull yourself together. Take a deep breath.

You're not going to give birth in the car, calm down.

- I'm at my wit's end. - It's not our first time.

It smells like onions, for God's sake!

- Damn the onions! They were left on the stove. - Shafiq, shut up!

Alright. Not another word. Absolute silence.

I wish you'd just shut your mouth so he can drive.

What did you eat?

- Man, you're kidding! - We just needed the smell of vomit.

I expected to be embarrassed, - but not this much!

- What did you eat? - Caviar roe.

- But why? - It was the bride and groom's special order.

It was the worst idea ever...

Can you come tonight, yes or no?

You should have said so from the start!

Okay, friend, no problem.

Damn it, I'm a disaster. What do I do now?

Gilbert, my friend, you're the only one who can get me out of this mess.

At the restaurant... We have a big engagement party.

This is the best word-of-mouth advertising.

I have no one tonight. I'm begging you, come help me.

I'll pay you double! Like a king.

Okay, double of half.

Just help me, friend. Please.

Didn't it occur to you that a pregnant woman would eventually give birth?

Was I supposed to predict she'd give birth right here?

She shouldn't have been working in the first place!

Gilbert, I see you're online. Answer me.

Shafiq isn't around, you can do whatever you want with his knives.

Get up and come.

You're so stupid, Nino!

Event planning! What could possibly go wrong?

You're so hyper, I'm getting dizzy. Is your whole life just this?

Move it. You can see I'm late.

I can help you.

What?

Tie your hair back. My customers don't want to find hair in their food.

Your rings too.

Look.

Take some walnuts. Crush them gently.

Didn't you have anything more interesting to ask me?

What's wrong? You wanted to help.

Okay.

Mix them with dried fruit.

That bastard Shafi...

You know I'd go back to that train station for a whole month?

Why did you choose your mother?

So what happened to your father?

I didn't choose either of them.

I went to my mother. My father went to Germany.

He started a new family there.

Have you ever been in love...

After me?

What kind of question is that?

How many times?

Do you want to count?

Hurry up a bit!

Listen carefully.

Chicken risotto,

our specialty. We put our heart into it.

Caramelized onions.

We spread them evenly over the chicken.

Then it's time for your mixture.

- A pinch... - Where?

Gently, but with confidence. Just enough.

Idiot...

It should be fine.

Come on, get in the middle!

I hate weddings.

For your information, this isn't even a wedding.

I hate engagements.

Tell me something you're interested in outside of work.

What's your little secret dream?

To have some kind of eco-lodge in the mountains.

To live in nature, and get away from the world's chaos.

Really?

You know you'd have to interact with guests there?

You'll need a Nino by your side.

- No? Introvert, I feel it. - You're drunk, Nino.

Your eyes...

...melt me like an idiot.

Look at these idiots parking on the sidewalk.

So we have the right to get on their car hoods.

Get up!

Get off the cars! Bastards!

Here it comes!

Hold me tight,

the train is flying.

Destination: Island.

The train left Beirut.

Far, far away from Lebanon.

We've arrived at the island.

So, when are we getting married?

Idiot.

I like it when you call me an idiot.

I'm leaving.

I'm leaving the country, going to Germany.

- Do you have insurance there? - Yes, with the company.

- Don't forget Xanax. - No, I won't need it.

Your passport? You don't need that either?

Did you take...? Mom.

I took everything, okay?

Stop it, please. Okay, I won't say anything.

What is this doing here?

Hello.

Did you come to level this building this time?

I was supposed to drive you. I said 'maybe'.

Let's just end it here. No fuss.

Without all the usual drama.

The plane won't wait!

Okay.

How about some music?

Are you ditching me to go see your father?

Keep your eyes on the road, Abdullah.

What a pain!

Leave us alone!

I never promised you the stars...

Get lost, or I'll send Abdullah after you!

I'm ready, boss.

Step on it, Abdullah!

She's completely crazy!

My eyes were on the road, ma'am.

I glanced in the side mirror. Saw the guy coming.

What's wrong with you?

If you find each other once, you'll find each other again!

God willing, Grandpa. Maybe when I'm your age.

Pull yourself together, my Nino!

He's not the first to leave you, and he won't be the last!

Yasmina is different.

Yasmina, Jasmine...

Did you see your mother-in-law, that annoying woman?

Oh... if you get involved in these things, you'll never be free.

Nino. Get up, we have work to do.

Shafiq, table 12! That lady is very angry.

Hang in there, she'll be here soon! They're leaving.

Shafiq?

I'll go kill myself, okay?

Okay. And close the door behind you when you leave!

I'm drying my caviar.

No, Grandpa, I didn't want to kill myself.

Damn the day I saw you again, you bastard...

I've been begging for two years to be sent to Germany.

Want me to give you a ride to the airport?

You and your stupid jokes!

I'll make you understand!

With that foul mouth of yours!

With your stupid catchphrases!

If you knew how much I hate you...

Yasmina?

Don't worry.

I don't want you to die.

Say hello.

I don't want to lose you. Not now, not ever again.

I died a long time ago.

Everything I live now is just a bonus.

How was it?

Last night? I still get goosebumps.

You didn't like it? Idiot.

The accident. What happened?

You don't have to go back there. I understand.

I don't remember much.

There was just shooting, everywhere.

...celebrations in the streets of Beirut.

Like shooting stars.

Khalil!

Like a 'pssssh' sound.

That was almost all of it.

Why do you keep talking about death?

I love you.

Yes?

I love you too.

Looking for something?

Yes, but I don't know what.

So, Yasmina? Love letters?

Put them down.

Put them down!

Stop this nonsense.

You'll have a great time in prison.

What are you hiding?

I write letters I never send.

Happy now?

It's a bit strange.

Why write them if you're never going to send them?

There's always something that needs to change.

I rewrite the letter a hundred times.

When it's finished,

I realize I'm over it.

Are you writing to your father?

Leave me alone.

Say hello to little Rose!

This is little Rose! Hello, Yasmina!

Put your hand behind her head, honey.

Who made her cry?

It was me again, sorry.

Shall we draw a flower?

I haven't drawn one in 10 years.

Since my last pregnancy test.

Leila! Rose is crying.

She's either hungry or has colic, there's no other reason.

Have you ever regretted having a child?

Did you wish for it this afternoon?

Does it sound like a dream? Chasing a toddler and eating cold food for the rest of your life?

Kids really mess things up. But regret? No.

My regret is having children too soon.

Their slogan was:

"Have kids early, you have your whole life ahead of you."

Nobody tells you that you'll spend all your energy on it.

Then you don't have the energy for anything else.

You raise kids and everyone leaves you alone.

They say, 'We're here.'

But the minute you look up, they're gone.

They used to say, 'It takes a village to raise a child'...

I spend all my time on the internet:

'Is it normal for my baby to do this?'

A bunch of strangers come to help you.

You don't know if they really know or if they're just making it up.

And that 'life coach' who got her degree two hours ago,

tells you, 'You can do it!'

Leila! The baby's choking! Please, look!

I'll go see what's happening.

Happy birthday, darling. Happy birthday, my love.

We agreed no gifts!

This isn't just any gift.

Ever since we were seven,

I've felt this love and waited for this day

to stand before you and ask you to marry me.

Okay, get up.

Congratulations!

Yeah!

Another one bites the dust. It's over.

Cake!

What's your problem?

We've been together for six months.

What do you mean by that?

We've been together for six months.

My parents got married after two months.

I don't see a problem. It took my parents 15 years.

They tore each other apart and all the damage fell on me.

Yasmina, I love you. I would never do that to you.

You're worrying for nothing. How can you be so sure?

Yasmina, what am I supposed to understand right now?

Are you saying...

You don't see a future for us together?

Is that what you got from that?

I don't understand anything, Yasmina. It's all so vague.

Why are you in such a hurry?

You always have one foot in and one foot out.

Do you know what the real problem is?

I'm crazy about you. But you?

You don't know what it means to be loved.

What are we doing right now?

You want to break up, right? I didn't say that...

Well, what are you saying then?

Come on, explain it. As if I'm a complete idiot.

In simple words.

I don't want a baby, Nino.

You really can't...

And my period is late.

It's not unusual, darling. You're not a Swiss watch.

It's not the end of the world.

I took a test.

So what happened? Boy or girl?

Can you stop being so insensitive?

Okay. Tell me more...

I took the test three times.

Yasmina, are you serious?

A baby?

Why didn't you tell me sooner?

Okay, fine. We won't argue about this.

Yasmina, I...

I see everything with you.

I dream of this family life with you.

But I don't.

You've built up an image of me that's far from reality.

If you looked a little deeper, I'm not sure you'd still love me.

Besides, I don't want to bring a child into this world

and ruin their life too.

You're the one who has to decide, darling.

Your father and I can't decide for you.

If I die, will you stop fighting?

I love you.

I love your smile.

I love how unpredictable you are.

I love your stubbornness, that you make your own decisions freely.

I love how you silence me.

How you calm me down.

I didn't fall in love with an imaginary version of you.

I love you just the way you are.

With or without a child.

For Nino, my island

This is the second time I'm writing this letter.

What's the point of talking? You don't understand me.

I'm not like you.

I don't think like you.

Still, I wish I were like you.

I can't stand the world we live in anymore.

I can't stand the place that destroyed my family.

Walking in our streets, with this constant fear that they might explode in my face.

When I see our forests turn to ash, I burn with anger.

When I see the country brought to its knees

And our lives stolen by the banks.

I can't live the same fate as our parents anymore.

Tell me. Do you want to have a child in a world like this?

Hello.

What did you dream about?

I dreamed I found an envelope.

I opened it.

- And guess what I found inside? - What?

Another envelope.

- And what was inside that? - What?

- A smaller envelope. - Oh my God.

And it kept repeating.

And then you woke me up, before I could find the letter.

What day was it in your dream?

Thursday.

Are you sure?

I'm sure. Thursday is the worst day for dreams.

Why?

Just because. It's the rule.

So, what do we do? We stay in bed.

Aml, explain to Mom!

Tell her Dad's right.

Are you done? I'm late for school.

I'm late for school.

Finish your toothbrushing, and Mom, get dressed!

What's wrong, Mom?

Nothing, sweetie.

Unprecedented restrictions have been imposed by Lebanese banks,

trapping depositors who can't withdraw their savings.

Zakaria, Grand Master! Tell me about your latest invention?

First of all, a kofta kebab.

No kofta. Meat prices have skyrocketed.

But I can offer you the dish of the day.

Don't do her homework for her.

So?

Did it work out? Deputy Director Yasmina?

No.

They're closing the Beirut office.

Are you okay? Not really.

I'll go talk to Amer.

If I defend myself well, they'll send me to Dubai.

Don't even talk about it, sweetie. Three hours!

Three hours in line at the bank for this. Barely enough for breakfast cereal!

I'm going home. I'll think about it.

And don't buy Aml a burger.

You're right, restaurants have meat hanging everywhere.

What's this new batch? Even my chickens won't touch it.

I only accept cash.

What cash? The kind in my Swiss account?

My bank doesn't accept checks. Have a good trip, Godspeed.

Shafiq?

I have an idea, friend.

How do we go vegan? Cut out meat entirely.

It saves money.

No more worrying about price fluctuations.

What's your plan? Zucchini instead of sausages?

Get out.

The space will explode.

The sky will shine.

Flames will engulf the whole earth.

Two stars collided.

Our country will be reborn from its ashes

and illuminate the whole world.

What did you do to your hair?

Did you fight with your hairdresser?

Honey?

Prepare yourself for a crazy idea.

We need you as a vegan consultant for Nino's restaurant.

I'm not in the mood. Wait.

We're working on the menu,

we need a real partner.

Do you know where this idea will take off?

In Dubai.

Can you see the stars in Dubai?

You can't see anything in Dubai.

The buildings are too tall.

You can barely see the sky.

Then I don't want to go there. Well, tell that to your mother.

You can see stars everywhere.

Besides, they light up at night.

The smallest pebble in the world.

But how do I throw it? I'll win.

Go on, throw it.

Look!

He didn't throw it. There it is!

It's in your hand!

You hid it.

Okay, let's get down to business.

It didn't go far.

Still!

When I was your age,

and everything went dark,

I'd go out on the balcony and watch.

I knew the ones with lights on were stealing power!

Mom!

Don't worry, sweetie.

It's just the sonic boom, honey, not an Israeli bombing.

Are you okay?

Okay, that's completely clean.

What are you thinking about?

About my 8 out of 20, Aml.

You know, I was a disaster in math.

In English and history, too...

But not her.

I even got a 5 out of 20 in sports.

It's becoming uninhabitable here. And it gets worse every day.

With this, you'll lose the restaurant.

Don't worry. We'll manage.

Your mindset is a disease.

Before my daughter catches it, see a doctor.

That's a new one: my daughter, your daughter.

She's our daughter, Yasmina.

Fine. Stay in your little Neverland.

I want to apply for a transfer to Dubai.

Okay, fine.

What do you mean, 'fine'?

It's not a problem.

Are you giving me the green light?

Don't tell me you were waiting for my green light.

You'll do what you want anyway.

And our daughter's passport?

I'll sort it out.

You'll sort it out...

That's a good joke.

Endless lines, and then like a miracle, a passport!

Yes. I'll be there at 2 AM, like everyone else.

What are you going to do with my grandfather?

Your grandfather?

First, go see him. Your grandfather.

No, honey. You mustn't smile.

They'll reject the photo.

If you smile, they won't accept the photo.

Pretend you're doing math with Grandma Emaye.

Come on, look at the camera.

Amal, stop it!

Dad's the one who makes me laugh.

Get out. Did you rat me out?

Get out and stop messing around!

Be serious with Mom, Amal.

Look at the lens, sweetie. Do it for Mom.

Or do it for me.

Amal, that's enough! We've been here for an hour!

Passports are finished! Come back tomorrow!

We've been here for three days!

I've been awake since 1 AM!

Has he eaten anything?

Nothing at all?

Grandpa, it's Nino.

Khalil...

Do you want to play the piano?

Come on, get up. Everyone's asking about you.

Stop these games.

Dad!

Your father left a long time ago.

Hello, Grandpa. Come in, don't be afraid.

Grandpa!

Grandpa, can you hear me?

Don't shout, sweetie. Sit next to him.

He doesn't even know we're here.

Yes, he does. He can feel our presence.

He senses your presence.

Do you want to say something to him?

Do you want to kiss his cheek?

Why was he so yellow?

I thought he was going to throw up.

No, he's not like that.

Yes, he is.

How does he eat? Who cooks for him?

The same nurse you saw.

What if he needs help when he's in the bathroom?

What if he chokes?

I go see him every day, dear.

You wanted to see him.

To play with him. Not to see him like this...

- What do you want to do? - I want to be alone.

Are you happy now?

He needs to see his grandfather.

I spoke to the Saudi office by phone.

Your transfer is confirmed, Yasmina.

You're flying to Dubai

Where you'll head up account management for DU.

Let's see what you can do, Amal!

Will you open the door for us?

- I don't have the key. - I do!

I knew you were behind this.

Come on.

We'll start here, with the entrance hall.

Grandfather Antoine will be set up there.

And this is the guest bathroom for VIPs.

If someone needs the toilet, they'll run straight here!

- And that room? - That's Amal's room.

- And the next room? - Ours.

- My room is bigger! - Now, towards the living room.

No! Who put the sofa here?

We have to move it. Help me.

Boss, where should we put it?

- Mom, it's so heavy! - Over there.

Because you love a fireplace, I built you one.

- It's beautiful, but there's no wood. - Knock on wood, honey. We'll get some.

The terrace!

The air is a bit polluted. I'll fix it.

I'll go down and get it all. And it'll be fine.

See how beautiful it is?

We invest in tourism, dollars will pour in.

A hashtag here, a namaste there.

The hipsters from Beirut will definitely come.

Look how green and beautiful it is!

Isn't it?

You know what? See that garden over there?

The vegetable garden? Start digging. Come on.

How do we buy the land?

The owner is willing to take Nino's restaurant

in exchange for Yasmina's property.

We just pay the difference.

He'll accept a check for 30 percent of its value.

A golden opportunity!

All our money is tied up in the bank.

Then we'd better use it!

You want to sell Nino's restaurant?

You have to move forward in life. You taught me that!

I won't let you sell your parents' restaurant.

I got an offer from Dubai.

- Between us, did you like the house? - Yes.

It'll be beautiful.

It'll take time, but we'll build it together.

This will be our little surprise for Mom.

It's full.

It's about to be an hour. Come on out.

Can we talk?

I don't want to force you.

I can go, and you can stay.

I'll send you cash dollars.

And when you're ready, you'll come to me.

Lots of couples do that.

And what about Omol?

She's coming with me.

And to think, I thought nothing could ever tear us apart again.

Why is there traffic here?

Damn it, someone's dying! The road is closed, I'm sorry!

Turn on that damn siren!

It's on full blast!

Damn it! Do I really have to do this myself?

Why did you close this damn road?

Get out of the way!

Whose orders are you following?

Someone's dying!

This is your Excellency's escort caravan. Screw your damn caravan!

And your cheap tribal chief!

Traitors, sellouts, thugs!

Grandpa?

Yes?

When are Mom and Dad coming back from the hospital?

They're not at the hospital anymore.

Where are they?

Somewhere.

The most beautiful place in the world.

On that island.

Without a single shot fired.

Without a war.

Without missiles.

And they have electricity all night.

Take Omol. Go to your mother's for a few days.

When did you get the plane tickets?

On the way to the funeral, or on the way back?

Trash, Nino.

Mom is dead too.

Come on, dear.

You need to give Nino some time.

Like when you gave Dad some time?

If you're here to make me into a monster, I don't have the patience for it.

Here.

Okay, the eggs.

Dad leaves them on the table.

We're not in a restaurant. Don't worry.

- Dad doesn't use brown sugar. - Grandma doesn't have white sugar.

And brown sugar is healthier.

- Your cake will be ruined. - Not at all.

- You forgot the baking powder. - It's not in the recipe!

- Dad always adds it! - Do you want to fix it yourself?

When is Dad coming back?

Shafiq, it's your job to talk to him.

I'm supposed to go first again, right?

Nino, we're leaving.

The restaurant is still open.

We're going to Saudi Arabia.

I hope it's for a pilgrimage?

There's work there.

What is he saying?

We found work there.

I didn't know you were looking for work, Shafiq.

I have three children.

If that's not a good reason to pop a champagne, then what is!

Our best wine. That's it!

Now that you're leaving, pack your things and get out.

Shafiq. Take your things and go about your business.

It's over.

- Dad! - The pan, Nino.

I've told you a hundred times, son, 'Don't pick it up bare-handed.'

Show me.

It'll be fine.

Calm down.

Amal!

Amal...

How do we know if Amal is still alive?

I raise my hand, then let it go.

If it falls,

it means she's... alive.

If it stays in the air, she's completely dead.

I don't want to leave either.

But I tell myself: This is a new adventure.

A home here, a home there.

Friends here, friends there.

A telescope here and one there.

When things get better, we'll go back to Beirut.

What do you think?

It's natural to be sad.

Do you know what I used to do when I was upset?

If you want to know, blink.

I started writing letters.

To you.

To Mom.

To my father.

Word by word, the pain lessened.

Yeah. I never sent them.

Do you want to try?

Third attempt to write this letter.

I'm terrified.

I never imagined us with a child.

If you could immerse yourself for just one day in my childhood,

you'd understand what I don't want to bring into our future.

I have a deep hatred for people, their relationships,

and myself.

That was my only truth.

A world that has nothing beautiful left to offer.

Until I met you.

I was drowning in my own anger.

You saw it and told me:

'I was made for you.' Something stirred in my heart.

Everywhere I look, I see most people

spend their lives with the wrong person.

Why should it be any different for me?

You told me:

“Don’t worry.”

Think about it for a second.

You were born at 5:06 PM.

And I, one minute earlier.

No matter how the world turns,

everything conspires to bring us back together.

Even if we're apart for 20 years.

Even if the entire universe separates us.

You can always take the first train

and join me on the island.

Our island.

What does that island look like?

Yasmina...

Don't worry.

Hold me tight,

because the train is taking off.

Faster and faster every moment.

We've arrived at the island.

To Luca