Original subtitles

DOLLS & ANGELS

My sister Chirine is like a star.

Her attitude, manners and walk,

all get her noticed.

She's very beautiful

and she knows it.

Her arrogance is graceful,

classy, icy.

Only 17, my sister looks older.

At 14, she sprouted up.

At 14, everything shattered.

My father hasn't spoken to her since.

She's used to others' looks.

She ignores their opinion. Only my father's gaze mattered to her.

But my father's gaze had broken her.

This sudden change ate Chirine up inside.

It laid her low.

She didn't understand.

She wasn't his baby now.

She was no longer his darling, no longer his favorite.

He became distant.

Even if her face still had the innocence of childhood,

above a woman's body it became intolerable.

Insufferable. Unbearable.

Short of breath, my father couldn't speak to her like before.

More?

Just a bit.

There's a new building site up north.

I'll be away three months.

What?

You've only been back a week.

Three months is a long time.

- When do you leave? - In two days.

I just found out.

We have to see Inès' teachers.

It would be good if they saw you for once.

I have no choice.

We can't rot away here.

You don't want to buy that house?

I don't want to go on paying rent with nothing to show for it.

You know how it works.

Why are you pissing me off? It's my problem.

Can I enroll for taekwondo?

No.

Never.

Your mother should never have agreed.

Since when do girls fight?

Your father's right.

Be like Chirine.

Be a real young woman.

Chirine's not the best example.

In two years, I turn 18 and I'll do as I want!

What kind of daughters have I got?

One dresses God knows how...

You want to fight...

When I get back, I'll sort this out,

believe me!

I didn't say you could go!

I don't give a damn!

Open this door!

I'll break it down!

Open it or I'll smash it down!

Open this door or you're going to regret it!

I'll break it down!

Open it right now!

I don't believe this.

Come here!

Stop!

I hate it when you come between me and the kids!

You destroy everything I set up!

I'll soon put you off fighting.

I'll show you all who's in charge here!

Simon Lavier: boss of the Preview ad agency.

My first problem,

my first subconscious rebellion was with a doll.

I was 9 when my father gave us two Barbie dolls.

Chirine was over the moon.

She was fascinated. She kissed him like a lover.

With a happy and proud look,

he welcomed her with joy.

I was warier. I took a close look at the doll.

To see how it was put together.

To see how it worked.

To understand the fascination, the idea of a doll.

So I carefully took it apart.

I understood everything.

Iran to my father to explain what went on inside a doll,

to explain how it worked,

to explain the idea behind it.

Father stared in rage at my broken doll.

He wouldn't listen to a word.

He sat down with Chirine and her intact doll on his lap.

That day, I was through with dolls.

I was 13 when she became the doll my father gave us.

That year, my father stopped liking dolls,

didn't like his daughter as a doll

and didn't like the woman Chirine had become.

This is the site number.

I'll call you.

I don't suppose your father gets a goodbye kiss?

You had better obey your mom.

Right, I'm going.

Tell her goodbye.

I don't have time.

He knows you saw the doctor?

- You didn't tell him? - It's nothing.

A cracked rib?

The doctor said it will soon mend.

Maybe he'll think things over while he's away.

He never used to be like this.

He works too hard. I don't work and we need money.

Why don't you work? I just don't!

Your father sees to money and I see to you.

That sucks.

Lya...

You can't keep clashing with him.

But he's losing it!

Look at me! I should be at taekwondo!

Enough! Don't start with that again!

You're so beautiful!

- They're so long. - They're fake.

Don't touch. I just did them.

Don't you have a class?

My math teacher is sick.

I'm going to Gisèle's.

Don't be back too late.

Don't worry.

Kissy-kissy.

Excuse me...

I've seen you before.

I'm an agent. Alex Duccas.

Are you a model?

Why?

I need a girl with a face like yours.

You're of mixed race?

I'm French. My folks are Kabylian Algerians.

That explains it.

Can I buy you a drink?

Sorry, not now.

Call me.

I'm on the level. You're different.

What can I tell my parents?

Plus my dad just left on a job.

I'll do the same as usual.

I'll call them, leave them my number

and tell them we're revising for our exams.

My dad's away all the time too

with his factory in Korea.

What's this?

The card of some guy I met outside.

An agent, he said.

He thinks I'm a model.

Yeah?

The way you look that's easy to believe.

Gonna call him?

The card looks serious.

I think so too.

But I want to think it over first.

Yeah, Dad.

You know, Thursday evening...

Dinner with Nathalie...

I won't be able to make it.

What? Come on...

Calm down, ok! No way.

Of course I'm going to my class.

What?

The school called you?

Of course.

I'm studying right now.

I'll try to work something out

for Thursday evening.

Love you!

The school called my dad.

They think I'm forging his signature.

If mine finds out, I've had it.

We need to catch up on the last few classes.

That's easy for you. You always manage...

get a headache just thinking of it.

Can you sleep at my place Thursday?

I'm having dinner with my new step-mom.

- I don't want to be alone. - Gisèle, c'mon. Thursday's impossible.

I can only go out Saturdays. Even Friday might be tough.

I don't get it.

These aren't ordinary girls.

I don't feel it.

We've used super models and stars for ten years now.

It works.

We've been doing it too long. I'm bored.

All these girls come from the same mold.

The same look, the same expression...

They don't talk to me.

They talk to people, in figures.

With our ad budget, thank God they talk to people.

Like I said, I want a new image.

Who with?

Not actresses or super models.

Surely you don't want some low-class girl as the face

of a new luxury perfume?

Actually, I do.

I want a low-class girl.

I want a face that won't bore me.

We can find it.

Yeah? Where?

You'll manage.

That's what you're paid for.

Right, I have a meeting. See you later.

It's the right decision.

I was worried you...

you wouldn't call.

First names?

Sure!

So, no agent?

No, I don't have one.

I'm not a model but I'd like to know about it.

Not all models are alike.

Some do shows, others do magazines.

You're too short for the shows.

That's ok, you're ideal for photos.

I can get you onto the market.

Ads for perfumes, cosmetics...

Body shots.

You wear clothes well. That's good for mags.

You're an agent for models?

I play the field.

I organize events too.

I arrange studio photo shoots.

I throw parties for VIPs too.

I know the ins and outs of show-biz.

Chirine...

I'm on the level.

I can make you a star.

Model's a good start.

No, Chirine,

with me, model means star.

You need a bigger ego.

For now, it's too small for a star.

We need to build up your image.

When you turn up,

people have to notice you.

Ok,

you're pretty.

Beautiful even.

But you need more to be someone.

You have to have all the right words,

lines that you always use

so that people can identify you, even with their eyes closed.

They have to say,

"That's Chirine."

Not just anyone.

Not like the others.

You need a trick,

something to charm people,

a real personality.

You'll need humor,

lots of humor.

Even...

suggestive humor...

People like that.

They like a little lewdness.

An open mind counts.

It flatters everyone.

If you want this,

you mustn't be too vulgar,

or just a little bit,

just to arouse people's interest.

I hope you're not shocked.

It's for your sake.

I'm not making this up.

That's how it goes.

I'm telling you for your sake.

I respect you, see.

Remember, Chirine,

if I take you on,

all that will follow.

You need to be ready.

I'm ready for it.

Lya!

The taekwondo instructor said hi.

He says it's dumb to quit before a championship.

Ask your dad again.

It's boring as hell without you.

It's no use. I tried everything I could.

My dad won't even talk about it anymore.

You can come hang out with me instead!

How's school?

Same as usual.

Lya,

your sister Chirine's getting worse.

I saw her yesterday and she walked right by me.

Same here.

Her ladyship goes to school in Paris now.

That's my mom, I have to go.

See you!

It's a blast doing sport again.

You bet.

Got some invitations that Chirine had to a club.

The Star Club...

No shit?

Know it?

No, but I love the name already!

We're too young to get in.

It can work with the right gear.

I got into an over-18 party

by dressing up like a real hot bitch!

What if your sister sees you there?

If she left the invitations around, she's not going.

Let's go. It's ages since I went wild in a club.

And the way your sister is, the place must be good.

You said it.

I get the thigh now?

It's time for a change.

Can I still go tonight?

Mom?

I don't like to decide without your dad here.

Chirine's out too. You can't both be out all night.

I knew it.

You told me it was ok.

That's enough!

Sleep at Marie's another time.

Sure.

Goddam slut, ain't you got a home?

Screw you.

- It'll be wild. - She's here.

You're going like that?

- Wow, not bad! - Excellent!

Not bad!

But lose the pants.

I like the street style.

Looks good, huh?

Flashy enough to make sure we won't get thrown out.

You look like a young Chirine.

Shit, you aren't in heels!

We'll never get in.

I knew I'd forgotten something.

At least your feet won't hurt.

Got cash for a cab home?

Yeah, no problem.

Gimme some.

I wanna have fun tonight!

I'll do you.

Let's try this...

It's not too showy?

No.

I look like a clown?

You're shitting me, Lya?

Don't listen to her!

Lya hates make-up.

I swear it's good.

All right.

If we don't get in, it'll be because of you and your sneakers.

Move it.

Want a drink?

Are you ok?

Here's my number.

I'll find my friends.

Where were you?

You marrying him or what?

Gimme a break!

Hey, relax, doll.

You're too uptight.

What's up with you?

Who are these tramps?

Let me see some ID. You're kinda young.

- Let go! - Move it!

It's ok!

Real girls don't fight.

We're too good for jerks like you!

C'mon, forget it.

We've humiliated them. These guys are hypocrites!

It's good doing sport again.

Isn't Mom here?

She's at the market with Inès.

Who said you could take my dress?

You messed it up, acting like scum.

Shame on you, fighting like an animal.

The scum are your guys.

Leave my pals out of this.

I want my dress good as new.

Why do you care about it?

Your Chanel jacket cost a bomb, you have Dior stuff...

You can get more from the guys you hang out with.

What's up with you?

Why are you like this now?

You do this weird shift for him?

You don't know how a woman works.

You know plenty!

You'll regret that!

What's up?

C'mon, tell me!

Fuck...

Enough with the clients!

People get the wrong idea.

This kind of stuff wasn't planned.

What are you saying?

Don't I take care of you?

We're in the business.

You know how it goes even though no one says so.

You think I enjoy it?

All the girls in the mags have done it.

Even though they never say so.

That's how it goes.

Not all of them, that's a lot.

Nearly all of them, ok.

They don't brag but I know.

And not just girls. It's the same for guys.

I'm doing all I can for you, ok.

I can't believe...

What?

When you were nice to that guy, you got a shoot.

And the mag's out tomorrow.

What? It's because of that guy last night?

I set him straight, ok.

He won't say you sleep around. I'll watch out for you.

He was high. He was totally wasted.

He called me to apologize.

He knows the way it goes

and saw you were special.

He'll hire you, it'll work out.

I can't do this anymore. It's not right!

It gets me mad too.

But it'll change. Know why?

I was at the Preview agency.

I couldn't get to see Simon Lavier.

But I gave his assistant your photos.

I said I'd send more soon.

You have to trust me.

I'm fond of you.

We'll wear them in private.

Just for us.

It'll make us stronger.

And then...

We'll marry for real.

That's a sort of promise, ok?

Just a second...

Come here.

I'll call you.

What's up?

You went out last night anyway?

Why won't you listen to us?

Why can't you behave?

Why do you do this?

You think it's easy for me?

How can I say it, Mom?

I can't listen to you.

I can't be what you are now.

I love you, Mom, but I won't be like you.

I can't accept the way my father treats you.

I know all you can do is obey

but I don't want your fear.

I have to fight, it's vital.

I have to speak out.

I'd rather die than not do it.

Mom, you deserve a medal.

I've never seen a woman know such suffering before.

You've been up, down, flat out, on your belly, your back,

your face bruised,

hiding in the bathroom, bloody at the sink,

your scalp split, your mouth slack,

the iron plate-stand in your hand to defend yourself,

gripping the table, dragged along,

a hole in your hair, a clump in my father's hand,

rage rising, knees bloody, pleading, begging.

Bravery at a price,

priceless suffering, tough motherhood,

persevering, defending, sparing the other lives.

A mother above all.

Dad doesn't mind beating you up, he never figures out why.

A man doesn't.

Exhausted, worn out now,

you struggle to keep silent.

The image of peace and joy you have to present

is something you can't take. You've always denied it, never confessed

but I hear your heart's cries.

So this was your life?

No one's bothered you live this way?

As if your life was so cheap, so unyielding,

you could die in this incomprehension,

die in silence, die to general indifference,

die with the idea that you and others will always submit.

A tough discovery but Mom, even with your mouth shut,

your looks, mug and face are marked by your past!

Pain and suffering crease your brow!

You don't need to say it!

I'm your witness, not your accomplice!

I won't be father's supporting player!

Alone, he can think he's innocent.

He can persuade himself it's not his fault!

I can't swallow it. I won't play along!

I'll remind him. I'll make sure. Mom, I love you.

I love you.

You had a nightmare.

I screamed? Did I wake you?

You even talked.

What did I say?

I forget now.

Try going back to sleep.

No. Why are you going out so early?

I'm stifling here.

Who is it?

Me.

Come in.

Chirine, are we poor?

Why do you ask?

I was watching TV with Lya

and she said people in the projects like us burn cars

because they're sick of being poor.

It's true, we're a new kid of poor people.

All the same,

if we were poor

we wouldn't have a shower, toilets, hot water

and food. Why say that?

We're not rich.

What's being rich like?

Not like us.

I've seen real rich people.

They're not like dad, eaten up by credit payments.

He works like 10 and his pay will never go up.

He'll never be rich.

You can't be rich here.

We'll never be rich. That's what the project's for.

That's not a nice thing to say.

Reality is what's not nice, not me.

Why do you like doing this job?

It's not really a job yet but it will be.

Don't mention the photos, ok?

- Especially to Dad. - Why?

They'll be our secret

until my photo's on a billboard

and that way Dad will have to look at me.

Will he stop looking at me too when I grow up?

What's wrong?

Ok? Fine. And you?

You're a pro?

What?

I mean

the way you fight. Taekwondo, right?

I used to train.

Then I quit.

Why?

It's too complicated.

Live around here?

Yeah, just round the corner. And you?

No, near Sartrouville.

You often go to clubs?

No, when we met, it was my first time.

I had an older pal to help me get in

but I never expected it to work.

The bouncers didn't notice.

That's what made me laugh when I saw you.

Can I have some?

Yeah, sure.

What's wrong, Mom?

Your dad fell from some scaffolding.

He's in the hospital.

What?

They called to say it happened a few days ago.

He didn't let us know in case we worried.

I couldn't see him.

They're bringing him home.

He landed on his back. He can't walk anymore.

- He's paralyzed? - No.

Well...

They didn't say.

They just said...

they don't know when he'll walk.

I'm going to bed.

Want some breakfast?

I just want coffee.

Want something to eat with it?

I know if I'm hungry or not.

Ok...

I was just asking.

It won't be easy.

With the shit he's given us, he's worried we'll get revenge.

He can't be easy in his mind.

You bet.

We have to forgive.

After everything he's done to you?

What can I do? Leave him? Break this family up?

Loads of couples split up. Just get divorced.

No, Chirine.

I don't destroy!

I'll keep this family together!

He wasn't like this before. Life's been hard on him.

It was different for you, unlike Lya.

He adored you, never hit you.

You'll always be his favorite.

He'll change.

That's all too easy.

It won't stop if we don't react. I won't forget.

Sometimes, you have to. You only live once.

If you don't give any love, life's as ugly and dry as death.

Sorry, Mom, I'm too weak.

Who's this?

No one.

I was throwing them out.

What do you see in her?

Seen her for real?

This photo's not a pro job.

Exactly.

The photo's bad, the light sucks but she's perfect.

Where's she from?

I didn't see her. How did she get to you?

The envelope was on Julie's desk.

It's weird.

Know an agent called Alex Duccas?

Never heard of him,

neither around nor in an agency.

Try to find out.

Sure, I'll see to it.

Look, Simon...

I know it's tough for you right now.

Since your divorce,

things can't be easy.

But do me a favor: think things over

before you make a decision.

We need

a star for this perfume, someone really big.

You know, it's not too late...

My mind's made up. We'll do a photo test.

My decision is final and I haven't felt this good in ages.

Good evening.

Good evening.

You liked "Green Snake"?

I loved it!

This is a special edition.

One of Tsui Hark's first.

This is my favorite.

I got it in the Paris Chinatown. It's great for imports.

- You have the whole set? - Yeah.

C'mon, it's upstairs.

Are your folks here?

No, they get home late. They work at the airport.

Here!

I've seen all these.

My taekwondo teacher had them.

Yeah?

- I've seen this one. - What're you doing?

This one too.

Stop, not that one!

I saw it three times!

- Same here. Three times. - Stop it!

You stop it!

It's such a big deal for them.

Your uncle calls it a jewel?

He told my dad that.

He told him to watch us,

to save the jewel that boys would take.

He said boys were thieves

who robbed girls to take their virginity

and that his daughters would be spoiled.

Spoiled how?

He says that's a girl's sole value.

I didn't agree. For me, love is what counts

and that's why I first did it.

But I was even more disgusted after.

Why?

I met a guy three months ago but we weren't a good match.

I'm really glad I didn't marry him.

Your dad thinks like your uncle?

No, but he doesn't agree with all this and you can't fool him.

Not on that level.

In any case,

I'm glad I lost my virginity with you.

You could say hello. I'm not dead yet.

Where's Chirine?

No idea. I have homework.

Wait. Write a letter for me.

Can't you write it yourself?

Ok...

"I'm going to ask for a divorce.

"I'm sick of how you treat me.

"I'm not a dog.

"You've refused to sleep with me for years.

"I don't know why.

"Well, I do.

"We've fought..."

What's up? Go on, keep writing.

Where was I?

"You got my back up at times. I couldn't help it.

"But it was only to make you understand.

"It was only to make you understand.

"But you never listen to me.

"You always answer back.

"And so I was forced to...

"You can't kick up a fuss over some unfortunate gesture.

"Some unfortunate gesture...

"Anyhow, I can't take any more

"and I prefer to get divorced

"because I don't want your pity

"now I can't walk no more...

"Because

"I don't want your pity

"now I can't walk no more.

"I love you."

That's it?

Yeah, it's not a poem.

You'll read that to your mother.

Mom!

Go on,

give me a laugh.

All right.

"I'm asking for a divorce. I'm sick of how you treat me.

"I'm not a dog.

You've refused to sleep with me for years.

"We've fought..." It's true

"you got my back up

"but it was only to make you understand.

"But you never listen to me.

"You always answer back..."

Put it in the trash!

What's wrong?

It's Dad.

He told me he'd kill himself because Mom wants a divorce.

She said that now he can't move,

she's free and rid of him.

She can dance all she wants.

You know he's lying again.

He's made me write that letter for years.

He wants to divorce but it's a show.

He'll never do it. He's too cheap and a divorce costs money.

He'd be lost without Mom.

Now he can't move, he's worse.

Soon, like me and like Chirine, you'll write his letters.

Why did you say he should be like he was before?

He used to talk to Chirine.

He would laugh with us.

He's changed.

Why did he say she can dance all she wants?

Dad met Mom in a nightclub.

She liked to dance. So did he.

He told me Mom is the best!

He'll never find one like her!

He'll give you his act one day.

What's his act?

It's when he plays a part.

I know...

You're Mom, I'm Dad.

They're in a nightclub.

Hi, darlin'!

Can I buy you a drink?

You're beautiful tonight.

Can I buy you a drink?

You're very, very beautiful.

There's no right way round.

Is it new?

Yeah, I like it. It's a new direction.

It frees my mind. I let the shape and colors guide me.

It opens up all kinds of questions.

That's not so bad.

I was at the library and I saw this wild art book

about the surrealists.

What are they?

Well, one guy put a john in an art gallery

and said it was art for him.

Bullshit.

It's not bullshit.

The guy was thinking way ahead.

After all, what is art?

Hi, girls!

Angel, from the home.

Hi.

Ok?

It's really great to meet you. Marie's told me about you.

You just got out?

No, I left just after Marie but I had to go into detox.

I'm fine now. I'm on anti-depressants.

Marie told me about you and I wished I'd met you before.

Feel like telling us about it?

Sure, I'm over it now.

I really hit the jackpot.

I met a smooth talker of a guy.

I was 13, he was 18. He was my first guy.

I thought we were both in love but I hadn't realized who he was.

Dumped my friends.

I ended up like girls I criticized.

I went through the whole system.

After three years, I was a junkie turning tricks on the beltway.

That girl was me before.

Now I know how to speak out, I'm a new woman.

Fuck! I can't even cry out now!

I'm sick of it, I'm stifling,

I feel cramped.

I can't take what they throw at us.

This world sucks,

this world stinks.

Everyone acts as if they can't see,

can't feel, can't hear

or think, like in a game.

I want to blow all this shit sky high.

Fuck, Dad, what did you do to make Chirine run to the first man?

Why did you reject her?

Why turn her away when she became a woman?

Your crap mentality. Because of you, I saw.

Why was I at that fucking club?

And in that restroom?

Why did I dance with girls I can never respect?

Skeletons with silicone tits and lips, a fake sexual freedom

that's an illusion of choice, desire and nature.

Not even real hookers,

just fake whores for fake guys.

A developing breed.

All those bitches after jerks with money

to satisfy their every whim.

A donkey looking for a clown who'll shut her mouth for money.

Find a dumb jerk looking for a fucking doll.

You'll see, she's a great girl.

Ok?

Fine.

I have a table for three, if you want.

Some other time. I have a table for two.

Fine... I'll call you.

Bye.

Simon...

Did you get my messages?

You're hardly ever at the agency lately.

I've been very busy.

Chirine, meet Mr. Picaux, my colleague.

Chirine? Pretty name!

I love those southern names.

Is it Muslim?

Right...

I'll be going.

Enjoy your evening.

I'm sorry.

Ignore him, he's tactless.

I've been asked that 100 times.

"You're Muslim.

"I love couscous, belly dancing, tagines...

Imagine me doing that.

"Jean-Pierre, I love Camembert."

I'm tired of the same lines.

I was born in France, like my parents.

And I don't mention the land of Camembert...

which is mine too

when I hear a French name.

I don't need to be reminded of my roots.

I know where I'm from. My parents made sure of that.

That man...

I know how he sees me.

He has a fantasized image.

I see loads of guys like him.

He thinks I'm ashamed but he has the hang-up.

I'm at ease with it and hang out with people I like.

I think people will realize that.

Your physique is what bothered him.

He reminded you

to make you think you have a problem with it.

It doesn't matter.

I can live with it. I don't care.

It's a while since I was here.

I forgot he hangs out here.

I haven't been here since my divorce.

I got divorced a year ago.

It wasn't too tough?

Things are better now.

My ex-wife and I are still friends.

Have you...

been the agency boss long?

You can call me Simon.

Yes, I know the fashion world.

But I do other stuff.

Right now, a Spanish phone company

that wants to expand to France.

How about you?

You plan to keep working as a model?

Yeah.

This whole world fascinates me.

I've been to fashion shows, I love photo shoots...

In theory, the photos will be ready next week.

We're due to meet next month.

The deciders will make their choice

and start the perfume campaign in three months.

Chirine...

Are you ok?

Yes, I'm ok.

It's good spending time with you.

I love her wedding dress. I wish I was her.

Marriage isn't what it's cracked up to be.

You won't marry again?

That's not what I meant. It isn't much for me.

For me, it's the proof he's with her.

- Incy, wincy spider... - Stop!

No, I'm not going to stop.

Give me your hand.

Just a bit of your hand. I want to nibble it.

This little bit here.

You can keep the starry bangle but I'm eating the hand.

Where are you going?

To see Marie.

At this time?

I used to have taekwondo now.

Answering back again?

It's true.

Go, but stop answering back.

I will, when you act like a real father.

Now you're stuck there, try using your brain.

It's great.

What do you want for your birthday?

Take me to the sea.

When shall we go?

It's different with Simon.

- The Dior collection? - Yeah.

Alex has had it at the Star Club.

Since you weren't there,

he spent all night thinking, without talking to anyone.

I'd never seen him like that.

All he did was drink, really knocking it back.

He was so wasted, he fought with a guy outside.

It got really bad.

The bouncers hit him

and called the cops.

He's mad because I ate alone with Simon

and didn't call after

to say how it went.

Was that planned?

He planned it alone, as usual.

The idea of telling him got me pissed.

And Simon doesn't seem so keen on Alex.

You want to dump Alex?

We'd have to be together to do that.

It's too weird.

I don't think things work the way he says.

For Alex, you're his girl.

He wants to make you his wife.

You're dating Simon? No.

It's weird the way he is.

Guys usually jump on me.

Simon didn't try. He avoided it.

- Is he gay? - No.

I don't think so.

He seems to like women.

I don't know what it is exactly.

Since I turned 14, I've never talk to a guy...

- Well, a man... - Just a second.

- All night? - Almost.

We talked until dawn,

then I came home.

He drove me back, then had to go away somewhere.

He hasn't called me since.

In any case,

it was too good to be true.

The deal won't work out.

They won't pick me for the perfume ad.

Oh, yeah?

Why not the Star Club?

Ok, we'll be right down.

It's Alex.

He's waiting with Sofiane.

The Star Club's a no-go apparently.

We're going to a soiree.

At whose place?

No idea.

Alex and I need to talk anyway.

Whose place is this?

Don't worry, they're good for you to know.

Alex, we need to talk.

It can wait, can't it?

Hi, how are you?

Great. Come in. Thanks.

Miss Chirine.

Thank you for being so beautiful.

Excuse me...

The décor is deadly.

Not just the décor.

Why are we here?

The art gallery owner,

the café boss and the antique dealer

are all fishy.

What's Alex up to?

I want to split. It's too weird.

Miss Chirine, champagne?

Go ahead. I need to smoke.

May I smoke?

Yeah.

I had no idea this would be such a blast.

Some cool guys are coming.

Can we change the music?

Medieval flute music freaks me out.

Alex tells me you're a model.

He has big plans for you.

Been doing this long?

Excuse me.

Let yourself go.

We just want some fun.

Sofiane said you were cool.

Relax...

Sofiane, make them stop!

Don't play hard to get tonight.

Leave her be.

Assholes!

Alex told us about you.

He said you were sweet.

Chirine, this sucks!

We play our part.

Assume what you are now.

Remember, I made you.

You weren't so fussy before. That ad guy gave you ideas?

Let's split, Gisèle.

Motherfucker!

What's going on? No violence. This is a decent neighborhood.

You touch me when my dad never did?

You hit me, you shit?

We all thought you agreed.

We can always pay you more, if you want.

Alex, do something!

I won't play your game anymore!

I won't let you take charge!

It's over!

I won't swallow your shit anymore!

C'mon, Chirine, let's get outta here!

You piece of shit!

C'mon, let's split!

We're outta here!

- C'mon. - Motherfucker!

He shouldn't have.

I'm not going to feel guilty because of his shit. Screw him!

I can't believe it.

The fuckwads...

How could I have been so dumb?

Cut it out.

No one could tell they'd do that.

Gisèle, I'm going home to sleep.

I need to go home.

You're sure?

This late?

You'll be ok?

I'll be fine.

Chirine...

I'm waiting outside Gisèle's.

Call me.

Chirine!

Chirine!

I need to talk to you! Call me!

Fucking hell!

- Are you crazy? - What's your problem?

You fucker!

Want another?

You like it?

Fucker!

Piece of shit!

Weren't you staying at Gisèle's?

Yes, but I decided to come home to sleep.

What's wrong, Chirine?

What's happened?

What's wrong?

Tell me what's wrong.

Chirine, talk to me.

What's wrong?

What is it?

Look...

She hasn't eaten for a week.

I'm sure it's not the flu.

She hardly talks to me now.

Something's wrong.

Gisèle!

I can't believe it.

I never thought I'd pass. My first success...

I'm so happy!

It's a miracle we passed!

I'm so glad you helped me revise for it!

- We have to celebrate. - Yeah, we will!

I'll call you to tell you when.

Ok. Lots of love.

Chirine?

It's Simon Lavier.

Simon...

How are you?

- I'm fine. And you? - I was away 4 months.

My Spanish trip took longer than expected.

I didn't dare

to call you.

True,

it's been 4 months now.

I thought you'd forgotten me.

Sorry to call back so late.

The photos are beautiful.

There's a meeting Thursday. Can you be there?

Thursday. Let me get the address.

Ten o'clock, at the Preview agency.

13, rue de l'Arquebusier.

All right.

See you Thursday.

See you then, Chirine.

Take care.

You too. Take care.

I don't believe this.

Test photos for a perfume campaign?

He should have done a new shoot for it.

He doesn't want to. She gave it all in these.

Look, there's something intense.

You bet she gave it all!

They're dating?

Of course.

Will he marry her?

No, he'll go for the fairytale angle.

He drags her out of the gutter, makes her name,

then marries her to recoup his investment.

It'll make him a romantic.

Marriage is a good idea. It'll make him respectable.

Socially, it's ideal for her.

Don't you think they might really be in love?

No, I don't buy that.

This idea of the blasé guy looking for true love is hip.

It's too easy.

It's a great birthday present. I'm happy.

It's your birthday today?

I'm a big girl now, I'm over age.

Look.

That'll soon be you there.

You chose the photo with the white sheet?

It's perfect for the perfume.

It's my favorite. I love it.

We should've come for your birthday 3 months ago.

I couldn't.

I'm glad to be here with you.

And you?

I'm so happy.

It's for your job?

No, this isn't my job.

These are plans.

Why do you keep doing this?

I'd have liked to do this.

I'll do the same.

Show me how you do it.

What's that look for?

He's going to live with her so maybe we'll see him a lot.

You never even said a word!

Why didn't she say what he was like?

It's not a surprise, it's a shock!

You think I didn't notice?

He's our age.

Plus he turns up in some fancy suit

thinking he can buy me, take my girl and marry her.

She was your little doll,

a princess who had to marry a rich man.

They never mentioned marriage. It's her business.

You've made her pay for being a woman.

So she picked a guy like him.

He gives her the love you took.

It's not possible.

Life passes and you learn nothing?

You've done enough damage.

It's time to make amends and lead this family!

The cakes look good.

Around this table.

I see my sisters,

my father and my mother together.

No one knows how to deal with this love that's so strong,

unwieldy, stifling, embarrassing

and so rooted within us.

A love never expressed,

unmanageable, incomprehensible, heart-breaking.

A strange sort of love buried within us

as we try to put the pieces together

and figure out where it all went wrong.

Why do you want to do that?

It's not a real job.

Because when I grow up, you won't look at me.

I'll have to do like Chirine so you'll see me.

Who told you that?

Chirine told me that.

You don't have to do a job you don't like.

You can choose any job

I'll be here to watch you grow.

I can do something else?

Yes. What would like to do?

I'd like to do what you wanted to do.

Design houses...

Architect. Is that right, Daddy?

That's right.