Original subtitles

BLUE SUMMER

THE SLAP

Luisa.

Are you washing the car now?

Yes, we have time. Where's Javi?

Who knows. What do you want him for?

I thought that he should come with us.

Mr. Achilles is very meticulous. He looks at every detail.

And a well-raised boy accompanying

his parents would inspire some... respect.

Yes, I want him to come with us.

It's up to you. But he won't take it very well. He has other plans.

Plans... I'm doing business. That's a plan too, right?

Listen, guys.

Do you know the legend of Oz?

- No, I don't. - Neither do I.

What is it?

It's a legend about the origin of the world.

And what existed before the world?

- Nothing. - Or everything.

What do you mean, Bea?

It's very simple. There was no world, but there was God.

- Do you understand anything, Pi? - I don't.

Let me tell you the legend. And please don't interrupt me.

It says that God existed.

- Always? - Shut up.

And God created things constantly, because that was always his joy.

And he made millions of worlds, all wonderful and different,

floating in space like soap bubbles.

The stars and planets.

Shut up you too. We all get it.

But, suddenly, God decided to rest. He took a deep breath, so to speak,

to contemplate all he had done.

And then he cried. - Why?

The legend doesn't say why.

- I know why God cried. - Why?

- Because he was alone. - What nonsense.

Although the legend doesn't explain,

I think what Desi said could be a good reason.

But let's continue, okay?

It turns out that God cried and shed one single tear.

And that tear fell upon Earth and formed the sea.

And on the bitter sea, born from his grief, God wanted to bring joy.

And thus he created a big and beautiful island, full of sweet fruit.

And mixing the soil with the sea water, he created a man and a woman.

No, it wasn't like that. God created first Adam and then took his rib...

- Cut it out, sprout! - I'm not reading the Bible.

I'm telling you the legend of Oz. And if you don't like it I'll stop.

Don't pay attention to him. Go on.

It turns out that man and that woman loved each other a lot.

Time went by and that couple gave rise to a tribe.

A large human family. And God told himself:

"I'm the father of all those creatures.

I'm going to reveal myself to them and they'll rejoice from my presence."

But you know what happened?

Every men or women who met God and saw his face,

would die of terror. - Why?

Because he was too big and got them terrorized.

One single tear of him made the sea.

Some people would close their eyes

and run away when they noticed his presence, to avoid dying.

Why didn't he make men and women

bigger so they wouldn't fear him?

The legend doesn't say and I don't know how to answer either,

but I'd think he made them matching the world.

Fish are born at the sea

and live in it, so they can't be bigger than the sea itself.

- Sure. - And then what happened?

I mean, how was the issue solved?

The legend says that since God wanted to be near them, he became invisible.

He hid to prevent scaring them.

But if he was so huge, where could he hide?

- In the heart of every man and woman. - I don't understand it.

- Every legend has its mysteries. - What else?

The story ends saying that while God was hiding, he said:

"I'll talk to those who want to talk to me.

But I'll speak to each one with its own voice,

so they won't be afraid of me."

And from then on, all men and women of the island of Oz

felt something big and mysterious growing up inside them,

which responded when they asked. - What was it?

- Their conscience. - Conscience?

And they lived happily ever after.

Where is that island of Oz?

In the South Pacific. But it's too small to appear in the maps.

Or it appears as a small... - Fly's shit.

- That's right. - Do I also have it inside me?

- A conscience? - Yes.

Of course, silly, but a midget's conscience.

- Look, they're there. - Yes, I've seen them.

- Javi. - Javi, your father.

What a hassle...

- Has anything happened? - It happens you must come with us.

- But why? - Because our friends are expecting us.

But, Dad, please. I had planed to see the Balandro regatta with them.

Forget about Balandro and come. They're waiting for us.

Half an hour driving around to find him.

We finally find him and now he's in a bad mood.

It's normal, Javier. The boy doesn't even know where we're going.

And you're very stressed. - Am I stressed?

And haven't I said where we're going? Well, I say it now.

We're going to a very important person's home. He's very influential.

His name is Mr. Achilles Wilton. And we must be friendly

and make a good impression to

Mr. Achilles and the whole Wilton family.

Because there's money involved.

And before getting off, change your shirt. Here is a clean one.

Mr. Achilles is a multimillionaire. Do you know what that means?

An opportunity to make good business with him.

What were you doing there with that painter lady?

I asked you a question, Javi.

- Talking, that's what we were doing. - I imagine. But talking about what?

Answer Javi. Don't make me angry. When I ask you a question, answer me.

- About God. - Jesus!

- What? About God? - Yes, God.

Have you heard?

We were talking about God's existence.

Javi, you attend a good school. Don't they teach there about God?

In the catechism I studied everything was very clear,

Yes mom. So clear that if you think about it,

you don't understand anything. - But...

All right, family. Let's change the subject, okay?

How about some music? That's it.

I don't know how to answer that question.

Because... I've never talked about it with anyone

and there are many things that I don't understand.

Me neither.

That means you're growing up. I think it might be it.

When we're children,

everything seems clear and understandable.

We ask a question and we get an answer.

But as we grow older,

the questions become more difficult to answer.

Maybe... Who knows... intelligence allows us to pose certain questions,

but not to answer them.

Let's see. Arabs have a religion, Jews have another one,

we have ours and protestants theirs. That's also very confusing.

Let's see, you all come from different cities; however, you're all here.

That means you've taken different paths.

I'd even say that you, I mean

your parents, have used different brands of cars.

But they all served their purpose of bringing you here where you wanted.

That means one thing.

- What? - That there are roads.

Yes, that too. All roads...

are valid and the important thing is to get closer.

And that can be done by car or by foot; on a road or a country track.

- Get closer to what? - To others. Remember Oz legend.

God's in everyone. In the heart of every human being.

What are you doing?

Well, I'm getting closer to you.

- It's not the same thing. - What a spoiler.

Don't joke, Pancho.

I fully agree with you, Mr. Achilles.

Don't call me Mr. Achilles. it sounds like a joke.

I repeat then, I think you're right Mr. Wilton.

A tower of glazed red brick in the middle of the housing complex

will give more personality to the whole site. It will make it unique.

- Carola Rose. - Excuse me? what did you say?

Carola Rose. It's a flower variety that my daughter has improved.

She dedicated the flower to me and I'd like its color for the tower.

It'll be my farewell. Farewell from life.

Don't say that, Mr. Wilton. You're very resilient.

You still have a lot of life.

With due modesty, because I can't compare myself to your father in law,

I identify a lot with him.

And it must be because we belong to the same human kind.

The fait maison kind.

Dad doesn't speak French.

I mean Mr. Wilton that we belong to the self-made kind of people.

Oh, yes? We should have done a little better then, because you...

aren't very handsome, are you?

Carola Rose.

I don't know how to express the feeling

that your flowers give me, Mrs. Wilton.

To say that they're wonderful wouldn't mean anything.

Do you like Mrs. Wilton's flowers?

Do you like them? Say something.

It doesn't smell.

Children... always very demanding. You can't have it all.

You know, in botany improving the image

sometimes means losing some aroma.

But you must certainly be bored with our conversation.

The girls are in the pool. Why don't you go with them?

I don't like the smell of chlorine.

Dear, your son is... how should I say... smell oriented.

His main sense must be the smell. And he's very demanding.

He doesn't like my flowers, because they lack aroma.

And he might not like my daughter because she smells of chlorine.

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know your daughter was there.

If you excuse me, I'll go and smell her.

Be careful with this boy, dear.

My instinct tells me that he'll be a rebel.

As you know... boys are much more difficult than girls.

Let's go to the greenhouse. I'll show you a carnivorous plant.

- Hi. - Hi.

My name is Javier, or Javi, as you prefer.

I'm Rita and these are my friends. Don't you go into the pool?

- I don't like chlorine. I prefer the sea. - Why?

I know that people also pee in the sea, but it's bigger, you know.

What a rude thing you've just said. - You're right, Rita. You're rude.

Come on, come on, come on.

You didn't get mad, did you? It was just a joke.

Of course not, girls. One must be able to take a joke.

It gets gross after the war.

Did you like it? I know a lot more.

But... Is that possible?

Excuse me. Is anything wrong?

- Yes, your son. - My son what?

He's an exhibitionist.

Damn.

What are you saying?.

Your son, madam, took off his clothes in front of the girls.

Javi. You know what you've done to me?

Well, boy. You told me what happened but that's not what's bothering you.

Is there anything else orbiting around your head?

I've told you my father hit me. Do you think that's right?

Look, Javi. I don't wanna tell you if it's right or wrong.

That's between you and your father.

I don't wanna interfere giving my opinion. That wouldn't be fine.

It's something you'll have to settle between the two of you.

The event itself is not important. The cause of the problem are

hurt feelings. Yours and your fathers.

I'm sure that your father

is not proud of what he did.

That's what I'd like you to understand.

He says all the time that I'm a man and a man should not be hit,

when he can't defend himself.

At that moment, your father didn't see you as a man.

Just as his son. A child.

One of the hardest things for parents

is to accept... well, to realize that their children grow every day.

They're both going to understand it now.

What you are you plotting there, my friend? Come on, tell me.

This must remain between us. Nobody can know it. Especially my father.

I'm running away from home. They'll never see me again.

That's a very serious decision, my friend.

But I'll do it.

Oh boy, you put me in a complicated situation.

I can't approve that. - No need. I've made up my mind.

Oh, what a damn world. Each one carries his problems on his back.

Let's see boy. What do you want from me?

Why are you telling me all this if you've already made up your mind?

Well... I need money, And I thought that you...

What? Money?

I don't want you to give me money. I just want you to lend me some,

to buy a ticket and leave. I'll work somewhere.

Washing dishes or whatever and I'll pay you with the first money I earn.

Javi, son. Don't you see you're getting me into trouble?

I must account for my actions.

When your parents get help and they find you,

and it becomes clear that it was Chanquete who gave money to the boy,

Poor Chanquete will be in a bad situation.

I'll never say it was you who gave me the money, I swear.

Anyway, I'll know it, which is worse.

Your parents will come to me asking about you.

I'll see them devastated and I'll have to lie to them.

And I don't like to lie. I've never done it.

Not even for a friend?

If someone knows I don't like to lie and asks me to lie,

can I call him my friend?

Tell the truth then.

Didn't you once say that it doesn't matter what others think of us,

but what we think of ourselves?

You're smart, Javi. You got me into my own trap.

Well, forget it. I'll manage alone.

Wait, young man. Wait a moment.

Come with me.

Look at that rock. Here are five thousand pesetas.

I won't lend you or give you this money,

but it can be yours if you earn it.

- How? - How? The way it's always earned.

Honestly and with effort. - What do I have to do?

You must be patient and endure a little.

I don't understand.

Look. This money will be here. It's mine and I do what I want with it.

You now know where it is and can take it whenever you want.

But just one thing. You must make an effort to earn it.

- I told you I'd do whatever it takes. - I'm getting there.

I know that you're not in the mood to go back home tonight,

but you will do it. - No.

Just for tonight. So you can reflect and see your parents.

And if tomorrow you still want to go away,

come here, take the money without giving any explanations

and do with it whatever you want.

But just one thing: if you take the money

before tomorrow morning,

it'll be stolen money.

If you do what I'm asking you to do,

you can come and get it because it's yours. You earned it. Understood?

I can't go home tonight. I don't want to.

In that case steal from Chanquete. It's easy. It's your choice.

- Chanquete, where are you going? - I'm going fishing?

- With two rods? - Sometimes I even take three.

- Can I go with you? - Okay, if you want.

Yes, yes, laugh. You find it amusing because

you were not ridiculed as I was.

And I told him: "we must try to make the Wiltons like us."

And then my Javi strips down.

At that moment, I saw the Carola Rose collapse over my head.

I don't know how I didn't crushed him against the floor as a rabbit.

What rose did you say?

The Carola Rose, damn it. A tower of glazed brick being constructed by

that wind eater... Achilles. That Wilton. Motherfucker.

Look at things from the bright side, Javier. You're a lucky guy.

- Lucky? Did you say lucky? - Yes I did.

I think you don't understand anything. I live from glazed brick. Got it?

I represent a brick factory.

If I sign the Carola Rose deal, it amounts to one million.

And the boy goes and does that strip tease to his granddaughter.

And the Carola Rose is gone. I don't see any luck there.

Lucky the dog's ass.

Listen, Javier, your luck is to have a son that you probably don't deserve.

Don't defile him. - What?

Yes, right now you don't see it because you only see...

a list of losses and gains.

But you cannot look at your son.

so you don't see how admirable your son is. He did what he had to do.

He behaved in a simple but firm way.

He has a clean character, without any hypocrisy or servility.

Where you see profit, he just sees people.

And if he finds them false or ridiculous, he doesn't accept them;

that seems fine to me.

If your son worried about your glazed bricks,

he'd be a monster.

Sure, It's easy to talk like that when you have another profession.

But I work on commissions. And to get any...

I have to flatter my potential customers.

Thanks to that my son lives well,

attends a good school and can afford some luxuries.

He could have helped me once... Anyway, it's over.

The worst part is what's left. A bad taste in the mouth.

Because I love my son, Agustin. You know that.

Sure, man. Nobody doubts it.

At his age, I went through rough times.

I already worked, you know. I learned from life.

Life, with all its pitfalls, was my real school.

I learned to adapt to the situation

in order to survive.

And I'd liked my son to learn from me.

To learn what?

Just that. Certain attitude and some tricks to survive in the world.

Well, you mean to survive in your world.

Hey, cut it out; don't start. I know your ideas and I don't share them.

There' s only one world; this one, formed by all of us in all countries.

Humanity is the same everywhere.

We're just a bunch of opportunists. The ones who are ready succeed

and the rest fail, that's it.

And you brought me here to tell me all of this?

No.

I hit my son. - What?

I couldn't contain myself.

When I saw him naked sunbathing on the grass,

I couldn't contain and slapped him with all my strength.

And he didn't react; he didn't cry or protest.

He just looked at me with contempt.

I know that the thin thread that connected us has been broken.

I know people so I know that's true.

Since then, he hasn't said a single word.

I brought you here to make you a favor.

I know that you don't have those problems as a father,

but if you don't have them today, you might have them later.

Even if you're a better father than I.

Don't say nonsense. You're drinking too much.

I'm no better father than you or anyone else.

I just try to treat my children as best as I know or as I can.

As anybody else does, I suppose. As yourself.

Come on, let's go. - No, no. Wait, sorry.

Let's sit down at that table. I'm waiting for that Chanquete.

Chanquete? What do you want from him?

I want to ask him... Haven't you noticed?

My son, your daughter and two or three more have formed a tight gang.

Well, that's natural and a good thing, I think.

Yes, of course, but what's not so natural

is that the group has become like a family and they even got parents.

Don't tell me you haven't noticed it.

Yes, you mean the sailor and that painter,

what's her name? - Julia.

And by the way, she's not bad at all, eh?

- Come on, go ahead. - Don't tell me you don't...?

Yes, man, yes.

Well, coming back to my point,

the kids have taken refuge in that strange couple.

And that doesn't seem normal to me. I want to ask this guy

why do the boys go to them when they have a problem

or need something or just for fun,

instead of coming to us who are their real parents.

Yes. I have also wondered about that sometime.

Come on, all go down.

- This is mine. - I like this one better.

- This is mine. - Leave me alone.

- You stepped on me. - Come on, Pi.

Hands behind your back, come on.

Tito, keep your hands on your back,

or we'll tie them up.

Is everyone ready?

On the count of three, each one tries to eat theirs.

One.. - Hi, Javi.

- Hello. - Hang an apple for Javi.

Okay, you're still on time. Would you like to play?

No, I'd rather watch.

Where have you been, man?

I've been fishing with Chanquete.

Well, let's go on then.

Is everyone ready? I'll count to three.

One, two, three. Come on, get them.

Come on. You put that hand down.

Come on, without cheating.

Come on, no cheating.

Bea, you really can't do it, can you?

Come on, Go Tito.

Pancho, you got it. I also know that shoulder trick.

But Pi. What are you doing?

Good afternoon. Hi Frasco.

What do you think?

Save two for me and keep the rest for you.

They asked for you. They've waited for you some time.

- Good afternoon, Chanquete. - Good afternoon to you too.

- I'm Javi's father. - Yes, I know.

By the way, Javi... - What?

He's a good boy. A great guy.

You can't imagine what he's done to me.

If you were thrown dressed into a pool by some spoiled girls,

what would you do?

See? He already knows it. The boy has already told him.

- Hello. - Hello.

- He's told you, hasn't he? - Yes, we went fishing.

And two friends on a boat, tell each other something while waiting.

Do you like to fish? - I don't know, I've never tried it.

Ask Javi to teach you. He knows how to do it.

My son teaching me?

Are you one of those who think they can't learn anything from their sons?

Well, goodbye, I'm in a hurry.

- Bye. - So long.

There you have the answer to your questions.

It's very simple; go fishing.

Now me. Let's see if you can guess this one.

What can you always have in your pocket, even when it's torn?

Come on, you. And you, monkey.

Come on, smart guy. You don't know anything.

The answer is a hole, you morons.

- That was bad. - Pathetic.

Now you, Bea.

- What would you give me if I guess? - A caramel, dear.

Let's see.

Yes or no? Can you marry the mother in law of your brother's wife?

Come on. Come on, you clever guys.

The mother in law of...

Quiet, Julia. Let the clever ones try.

Yes or no? Nobody knows?

I have no idea.

The answer is no. The mother in law of your brother's wife is your mom.

It's complicated, but it's right.

We won, silly boys. 5 to 1.

Because this guessing game is a chick's game.

Why don't we ask geography questions?

Boo. Don't be so boring.

His father bought him an encyclopedia.

With pedals?

Come on guys, it's time for each owl to go to his own tree.

Why can't we stay a little longer? We both haven't said our riddles.

Tomorrow will be another day. I have a date...

at 9 and I still have to go get ready.

A date? With whom?

It's a secret. Maybe it's business.

Or maybe with someone interesting?

Perhaps, but it's my business. So keep it secret and be quiet.

Goodbye, pack of beasts. See you tomorrow.

We'll also leave, right Bea? We must eat early to go to the movies.

But they're showing the same film as yesterday.

I'm also going to the movies; I haven't seen it.

And you? - No, I'm not going.

Besides, I have no money

and I don't want to ask anything from my parents.

I have a few bucks. I can invite you if you'd like.

No. I'm not in the mood for a musical either.

Invite me, man.

All right, but didn't you say you have already watched it?

So what? If you're all going, I won't stay here alone.

Bye then. See you soon in the cinema.

Bye.

I'm splitting too, man. Are you coming or staying?

I'll go, and you?

I'll stay a bit, to see if Julia gives me a cigarette.

I feel like smoking before going home.

- Okay. Goodbye. - Bye.

- Javi. - Hi.

- Do you need anything? - No.

Well, would you give me one of your cigarettes? The smooth ones.

I've told you that I don't feed your addiction.

It's the last one I'll ask you.

You'll never have to give me anything ever again.

What do you mean with ever again?

It sounds a bit strange. Explain yourself.

Nothing, forget it.

What's wrong? If you don't want to talk about it don't do it,

but don't tell me there's nothing wrong.

I notice that you're worried.

It's something stupid. See you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow.

Or some other time.

Listen, Javi. If it helps you, remember the legend of Oz.

- What about? - God's in the hearts of men.

Why do I keep drinking?

You're so funny sometimes.

You've already taken your sleeping pills, haven't you?

This is my pill. Do you get it?

I had a strong headache, Javier.

And my soul is aching and I'm overcoming it.

I know he won't return home. I know it. When you slapped him...

Are you going to start again?

He might not come tonight or tomorrow or the day after.

Until hunger strikes and he gets tired of wandering around.

He will then return. I'm telling you.

You don't know what you're saying.

Leave me alone then.

What I won't do is to go out looking for him or call the police.

You don't know your son. My God, he's just like you.

I wished he was. We wouldn't have any problems then.

He's as proud as you. And if he leaves, he won't return.

I know Javi. I know him much better than you.

At least, while he was young he was at my side.

- While you... - While I what?

Say it. I've never been with him, right?

And why? Because we always needed money.

And we get the money from my work.

Money. I'm sick of hearing that word.

You hold on to it as something sacred. Money justifies everything.

Including not living.

Living... Haven't you and your son lived well?

I give blood in my work.

I have no spare time, working 24 hours all year long.

I even work while I'm sleeping.

And all for what?

So my wife and my son can have everything they want.

You know what, Javier?

Perhaps Javi and I need less things

and a little more affection, intimacy. At least Javi.

I know I have put some tenderness deep inside his soul.

He'll always carry that inside and it'll make him a good man.

He'll forget my annoyances, the silly advice given to an only child.

But he will never come to know the best part in his father.

Your confidence in life, your fighting spirit.

Anyway... all the good things in you.

This is not the time to tell you compliments.

Your son will never get to know that, because of your lack of attention.

If Javi returns, I mean, when he returns...

I won't know how to tell him those things.

Your presence and your company will be enough.

Those are things that can't be explained with words.

You have to be very close to him.

I want to tell you something.

I really love my son. A lot.

Sometimes I feel a strong desire to embrace him, to cuddle him.

And I refrain, it's because I don't want him to become soft; spoiled.

But I'd like to tell you something.

If Javi was in danger and I had to give my life in exchange for his,

I'd do it cheerfully. Happy. Quite happy to save him.

I think that's the most a father can do for a son, isn't it?

- Can I come in? - Come on in, the door's open.

Hi, Chanquete.

Ah, it's you. Hi, Javi. Do you smell burnt bacon?

I've just burned my fingers.

Your money. Thank you very much.

Your welcome, man. Anytime.

- Would you like a cup of coffee? - No.

Chanquete... I wanted to ask you a favor.

As long as it's no money, boy.

I must tell you; had you left with the 5 grand, I'd had crumbled.

Can I borrow one of your fishing rods?

A rod? Choose any you want.

Ah, the best one. And this kid seemed stupid.

You see, my father wants me to teach him how to fish.

He knows someone who has a motor boat and he borrowed it for today.

He's waiting for me at the harbor. Do you think he'll learn in one day?

He's never seen a hook in his life.

Why not? It's just a matter of having a good teacher.

But... anyway, let God decide.

Is anything wrong?

You know, beginners are usually a little clumsy.

Tell him to take good care of it, because that's a fine rod.

Don't worry man. He'll learn using mine and I'll fish with yours.

That's better.

Chanquete, my father told me that you are one of a kind.

And I also think the same.

Listen boy. Things are fine as they are.

There's no need for explanations among friends.

That's the best thing about friendship, don't you think?

Why don't you come fishing with us?

With you? Today? Impossible.

I'm sorry, but I have to take care of several matters.

Another day. The three of us will go some day but today I can't.

- Promise? - I give you my word.

And have fun fishing, boy.

- Hurry up. - Bye.

Look. Javi is there with his father.

Where will they go in that boat?

They're going fishing. They have fishing rods.

Will they go looking for the Island of Oz?

I think Javi was the one who better understood the legend.

About the conscience?

And about seeing God in other people?

Who knows. He might be trying it with his father.

We are grateful to the population of Nerja for all their cooperation.