Original subtitles

-[suspenseful music playing] -[crow cawing]

IN THE FORESTS OF HUNGARY

SEVENTEEN YEARS EARLIER

[panting]

[dogs barking in distance]

[grunting]

[distant gunfire]

[in Hungarian] Here!

[indistinct chatter in distance]

[panting]

[grunting]

Bury it.

What are you waiting for?

We're doing this for our brothers and sisters, for our friends.

For the ones he executed.

Our crown will remain here forever, so no Austrian can ever wear it again.

And one day, we'll take back what is rightfully ours.

[dramatic music playing]

[music intensifies]

[music ends]

[theme music playing]

THE EMPRESS

[theme music fades]

BUDA - KINGDOM OF HUNGARY

[Ida] Your Majesty, all the guests have arrived.

Saxony has been invaded by Prussia.

We are at war now, Ida.

The Emperor is already on his way to the front.

Would you prefer to make your excuses?

Not at all. I must speak to Deák and his delegation immediately.

Before we join the other guests.

[Ida] Of course.

Thank you.

[footsteps receding]

[classical music playing faintly]

-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.

[in Hungarian] Ferencz Deák.

Finally I get to meet the man

in whom all of Hungary has placed its hope.

Hungary needs more than just me to keep hope alive.

[Elisabeth] I have read about your modesty.

[in English] Your Hungarian is truly excellent, Your Majesty.

And now, may I introduce my closest associates?

-[in Hungarian] Kálmán Tisza. -Your Majesty.

[Deák] József Eötvös.

-Your Majesty. -And Gyula Andrássy.

[solemn music playing]

[in English] Your Majesty.

Take a seat.

Gentlemen.

As you know, several days ago, war was declared against our empire.

The Prussians are on the verge of crossing over the border

that we all share.

[inhales deeply]

And we do regret that it has come to this.

Our empire can win.

If we combine our forces.

Already there are over 70,000 Hungarian soldiers

serving in the Austrian army.

What else could the Emperor want?

That we should not only die for him, but that we should do so with a smile.

We are aware of contact between Hungary and the Prussians.

It is not forbidden for us to meet with Prussian ambassadors, Your Majesty.

Bismarck is scouring Europe to find people who will join with him out of discontent.

You will fight for a nation that is a stranger?

We should instead die for an Austrian Empire

that has for years done nothing but oppress and crush us?

-Majesty, may I… -If I…

understand you correctly, Your Majesty,

you are only here because you suddenly need the Hungarians

for the supremacy of your empire.

And not out of conviction.

I… I have been working on an agreement between Hungary and Vienna for years.

You know that.

[in Hungarian] I have heard enough.

[Deák in English] We really are very grateful to you

for everything you have accomplished for us with the Emperor in recent months.

But…

[sighs] …there is still a long road ahead.

If you guarantee me Hungary's loyalty,

if you promise me that no soldier will defect to the Prussians,

I promise you self-government for Hungary.

And yet we want more.

[tense music playing]

If you get your constitution back,

will you still accept being governed from Vienna?

And by a Habsburg?

We will carefully consider it.

Thank you.

Then let us not keep our guests waiting any longer.

[lively classical music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

[in Hungarian] Her Majesty the Empress!

-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.

Shall we open the dance, honourable party leader?

Yes, of course, Your Majesty.

[classical Hungarian music playing]

[people murmuring]

[in English] No Viennese waltz?

From now on, only your music.

[music intensifies]

[music turns lively]

[music slows down]

[lively music resumes]

Don't be too proud to seize this chance, Count Andrássy.

And what chance is that?

One that is for the good of Hungary.

Just because you are wearing that dress

doesn't mean that you know what is good for Hungary.

[dramatic music playing]

[breathing heavily]

[music fades]

[soldier] Attention!

The Emperor writes that they are holding the line at Königgrätz,

but he expects the next Prussian advance at any moment.

Yes, I hear the Prussian army is proceeding with great determination.

That's because the new bolt-action rifle builds up their confidence.

Some more tea?

The Emperor gained experience as a field general in the last war.

We can trust him.

Königgrätz is but 150 miles from here.

What if the Prussians march on Vienna?

You can run away if you like, Mr von Rechberg,

if your nerves can't take the strain.

-You as well, Schmerling. -No.

I will be staying here, Your Imperial Highness.

And what is the provision in the event that the Emperor,

God forbid, does not come back to us?

Have you just announced the Emperor as deceased?

No. No.

Please forgive me.

But since Maximilian of Mexico is no longer available for succession,

who would succeed him?

Yes, well, you are not in line.

No, of course not.

If the Prussians march on Vienna,

I will stand before these walls

and be sure to defend what this family has built here.

To the point where I can stand no more.

[exhales]

[children screaming]

[man in Spanish] What mischief are you all up to now?

[woman] Be careful, children.

[man 2] Corn leaves! Take your corn leaf!

MATEHUALA - MEXICAN EMPIRE

[indistinct chatter]

Look, they're coming.

Here they come!

-It's the Emperor! -I don't see anything.

The carriage is arriving.

[man 3] He's being escorted here.

Let’s have a look at what’s happening.

[breathes nervously]

[people murmuring]

[people in Spanish] Long live Maximilian! Hurrah! Hurrah!

Long live Maximilian!

Hurrah!

Long live the Emperor! Long live Maximilian!

Long live the Empress!

Long live Maximilian!

Long live the Emperor!

[crying]

Thank you!

-Thank you! Thank you! -[people] Hurrah!

Thank you, Your Majesty, for all you and the Empress have done for the farmers.

We are no longer slaves.

The pleasure is mine!

Thank you!

[people cheering]

Thank you!

[soldier] In honour…

of His Majesty, Emperor Maximilian I

and Her Majesty, Empress Maria Carlotta!

[people gasp, murmur]

-Can you read it? -Is it Juárez?

[man 1] Is it Maximilian?

[woman] Is it the president?

RISE UP! DOWN WITH THE EMPEROR!

[man 2] It's Juárez's head.

Soldier, take that down! Immediately.

Let's go. Move!

Thank you. Thank you. Long live Mexico!

-[woman 1] Long live Mexico! -[woman 2] Maximiliano!

[man] Long live Mexico!

-[in English] Your Majesty? -Read it out, José.

"Mexico belongs to the Mexicans."

"Down with the Emperor."

"Long live the Republic."

"Long live its president, Benito Juárez."

[dramatic music playing]

[breathes deeply]

[people cheering]

[coachman in Spanish] Gee up! Go!

[in English] I had assumed the rebels were no match at all for Napoleon's army.

We have the area up to here firmly under our control,

but the fight to completely crush the resistance

is likely to take a little longer.

No.

I want the fight against the rebels to end.

What do you mean, Majesty?

Release all of Juárez's followers.

No torture and no escalation.

Napoleon has called for the putting to death

of anyone who has any connection to Juárez.

I won't hear of it. I want to show understanding for these men.

Understanding for the rebels?

The Mexicans had a republic before I came.

And also a president.

Benito Juárez.

The rebels call it a republic.

And we call it a jungle.

I value Napoleon's help.

Yet it is my empire now.

And I will do things my way.

[coachman in Spanish] Gee up! Gee up!

[music fades]

[bell rings]

[door opens]

[footsteps approaching]

Your Majesty, Count Andrássy.

Your Majesty.

I appreciate you coming, Count Andrássy.

It is my pleasure.

You treated me rather dismissively in front of your men.

Your Majesty, not in the slightest.

Advancing negotiations is my aim.

-Why are you making things so difficult? -[laughs]

I beg your pardon. I didn't realise you were having any difficulties.

What do you want from me?

Your support.

To enable us to reach an agreement.

We won't promise anything

until we know whether you are able to keep your promise to Hungary.

The Emperor is not here.

The Emperor is fighting a war.

And he will agree to it.

Your husband.

Yes, my husband.

[exhales]

Why is it you reject me now?

Because I believe that Habsburg and its Empress

are seeking comfort

and not a way forward for my people.

I would like you to leave, Count Andrássy.

Or am I mistaken?

I bid you good day.

I devoted myself to Hungary.

Every day.

And every night in my bed, I have thought of you.

[gentle music playing]

[bell rings]

[whispers] Come and see me.

Your Majesty, your tea.

[Elisabeth] Thank you.

The Count was just going.

Your Majesty.

[footsteps receding]

[lively string music playing]

[birds chirping]

[Marie] The rebels are outnumbered, Maximilian.

Yet most people welcomed us with open arms.

But most is not all.

-[Marie] What do you plan to do? -[baby babbling]

I have written to the North Americans again.

President Johnson.

Another letter? What use is that?

We already have enemies within. We cannot afford more at our border.

The Americans conquered a new continent

to avoid having emperors like they do in Europe.

But we are not like that.

The Americans need to see that.

One day, you'll realise most people can't love you like me.

-Mmm. -[Marie chuckles softly]

[Maximilian] Never.

José?

[José] Your Majesty.

I want to meet him.

Benito Juárez.

[Marie] No, Maximilian.

Nobody knows where he is. He's gone underground.

Then find out how I can find him.

Trust me.

I have a plan.

Your Majesty.

Is she here again?

Yes, Your Majesty.

I am sorry to disturb you with this.

It is the third time this week.

So arrest her this time.

At once, Your Majesty.

[Maximilian] No.

I will talk to her. I want to hear what she wants from us.

What do you expect her to say to you?

What can I do for you?

I just want to see him one more time, sir.

My son.

[Maximilian] Señora.

What would that change, though?

I beg you, Majesty.

[Maximilian] I am sorry.

You gave up your rights to him.

We gave you a generous reward.

I was not the one who made that decision.

It was my husband.

I had no say in it.

[sobbing]

[baby crying]

I want to see him, please.

Just for a couple of minutes.

[in Spanish] I beg you, Your Majesty, please.

[in English] No, you cannot. Now stop it.

[in Spanish] Do you know what the strongest love in the world is?

A mother's love.

That love lasts forever.

[sombre music playing]

[in English] I don't want you to come here again, girl.

[in Spanish] He is my son! And he will never be yours.

Just like this will never be your country!

But the sun will shine on Mexico again!

[horse nickering]

-[rein whips] -[horse neighing]

[dramatic music playing]

[coachman cueing]

[music fades]

Were you waiting here for long?

Four years, three months, and twelve days.

[laughs]

The road ends there.

But we must walk a little further.

I trust you like walking.

It is through the forest, Majesty.

Through the forest?

Yes, it would be good to walk.

[gentle music playing]

What do you have in your saddlebag?

You walk briskly.

You do not.

[gentle music continues]

Is something wrong?

I hope you don't plan to kill me here.

We're close now.

[birds chirping]

Is it yours?

The land and this part of the forest belong to my family.

I often came here with my father in the summer.

To hunt. Or just to be close to nature.

Are you hungry?

No man has cooked for me before.

Except for the 20 chefs at Schönbrunn.

[both chuckle]

Did your father teach you all of these things?

Yes.

What the earth can provide for you to eat, and how to get it.

As well as how to survive when almost nothing is left.

And you?

Where do you come from?

From a village in Bayern.

My parents gave up on me from a young age.

Because you were different.

That is what I heard.

I often didn't understand the rules.

Nor did I.

What is it?

What are we doing here?

[chuckles softly]

Eating.

[gentle music playing]

[breathes nervously]

[breathing nervously]

[gasps]

[breathing heavily]

[music intensifies]

[stirring music playing]

[wind chimes tinkling]

[crickets chirping]

[Andrássy] They will be searching for you.

[Elisabeth] I left Ida a message to let her know.

You did what?

I can trust Ida.

[music ends]

What happened here?

The war.

And what does this star represent?

How long do I have you for?

An hour?

Or a day?

Or even longer?

When do I need to leave by?

Not until the springtime.

At Easter, I am hosting my family here,

so then I would have to hide you away behind the stove over there.

[both chuckle]

Well?

You have me now.

[invigorating string music playing]

[coachman in Spanish] Go! Gee up!

[whistles]

[horse snorting]

[dogs barking in distance]

[in Spanish] I have come to speak to Benito Juárez.

[tense music playing]

He's already left.

[Maximilian laughs]

[breathes deeply]

I am willing to wait for him.

Well, you'll be waiting forever.

[men laughing]

[laughs]

[in English] I think we should leave, Your Majesty.

[in Spanish] Tell Juárez I don't want to be his enemy.

I want to make him an offer.

I want to ask him if he would be interested in being my prime minister.

An alliance.

For Mexico.

[inhales sharply] Leave.

Belgium and France have promised me more soldiers and weapons.

I can keep fighting indefinitely.

But Juárez cannot.

If you don't want an emperor, so be it.

But we must all make sacrifices for Mexico.

Tell him that.

I am his only chance.

[dramatic music playing]

[man in English] President Juárez!

[horse neighing]

[indistinct chatter]

Sure is an honour to meet you.

Thank you, sir.

Please.

Warmest regards from Washington from our President Johnson.

We hate to see you fine people suffering.

That is very generous, Captain.

Well, we fight for democracy wherever needed.

Yeah.

God bless the United States of America.

Amen.

[in Spanish] Comrades, no.

The United States is not helping us out of love for their neighbour.

They don't want kings or emperors, much less next door.

They want us to do the dirty work for them.

-Very well. -[rebels agreeing]

Let them think we're donkeys.

We'll use their weapons.

But we'll only fight for ourselves.

For what belongs to us.

For the Republic!

For Mexico!

-Long live the Republic! Long live Mexico! -[all] Hurrah! Hurrah!

-Long live the Republic! -[gun fires]

Damn all others! Long live Mexico!

-Long live Mexico! -[rebels cheering]

Let's go! Let's go!

[music box tinkling]

[baby snoring]

[snoring]

[breathes deeply]

-[birds chirping] -[water burbling]

[wind chimes tinkling]

[floorboards creaking]

[inhales deeply]

I must go now.

[exhales]

Wait.

Don't look at me that way.

I cannot be here.

But you do remember

what you promised us.

A promise for Hungary.

Why are you saying that now?

As if I would ever forget.

[exhales]

Good.

I just wanted to be sure.

Are you using me?

I am not your enemy, but you make me feel like I am.

-Don't do that. -What am I doing?

Do not play the victim.

I am not playing anything.

[breathes deeply]

[breathing angrily]

You are the enemy!

My countrymen fought hard for our freedom.

But you, your empire, was too powerful.

Yes, I'm aware.

The war was over.

The revolution was over.

We had surrendered to Austria.

But what did he do then?

He had them all, every one, hanged.

Your husband.

[pensive music playing]

-Franz was only 18. -[scoffs]

-He's not the same man as he was. -Is he not? Oh yes, he is.

He will never give us back our freedom.

It is not who he is.

You want revenge?

He deserves nothing less.

I knew you were passing through.

That night in Venice.

I thought perhaps I could get to know you.

And persuade you to help us.

But I never thought…

[melancholy music playing]

…that one day I would actually fall in love with you.

[music turns romantic]

[horse snorts]

[door opens]

[Ida] Your Majesty.

[door closes]

I am so glad that you are here.

[music fades]

Are you all right?

[breathes deeply]

Did you inform anyone of my absence?

No, Your Majesty, of course not.

[inhales deeply]

[Elisabeth exhales]

Were you with Count Andrássy all this time?

Yes.

The whole night?

But what if somebody discovers it?

It is only you who knows.

You won't get into trouble for it.

Andrássy will get hanged for this.

We wanted to help Hungary, together.

-That is what you said. -And we are so going to.

Why are you doing this, then?

For me and my people, it is the fight of our lives.

Do you want to risk everything?

You are worshipped by the Hungarians.

-Must he worship you too? -That is enough.

I am sorry.

[sombre music playing]

-[thunder rumbling] -[rain pattering]

Your Majesty.

Here they come.

[carriages approaching]

AFTER THE BATTLE OF KÖNIGGRÄTZ

[coachman] Halt.

-[coachman cueing horses] -[horses neighing]

[soldier] Out of the carriages!

[thunder rumbling]

Your Majesty.

Majesty.

Prime Minister.

Gentlemen, you have won this war.

I will now surrender.

As you must, my dear friend.

But I do offer my apologies.

What terms do you offer, though?

Saxony, Hesse, and Württemberg. All now belong to Prussia.

Please.

Do not do this.

It is not the solution. I beg you.

It is not for you to control them. These countries are free.

[chuckles]

I doubt the Saxons would wish to become yours, if they had a say.

Do you give the Hungarians one?

That is how it is in a strong empire.

Like wedlock.

Not all parties have a say.

[Wilhelm] If you don't agree, Franz,

then by Christmas, Schönbrunn will be mine.

Our army is unbeatable, as you've seen.

In two days' time, we could be in Vienna.

You are quite right, Your Majesty, but let us not be greedy.

For the German Empire, we shall take what is right.

Yes, but how long will it remain that way?

[sombre music playing]

Remember this, Wilhelm.

To be a powerful man,

you should be a good one too.

[bird calling]

[Marie] Maximilian!

[birds calling]

Maximilian!

Where is he?

Where is our son?

He wasn't our son.

What have you done?

-I gave him back to her. -How could you do that?

[sighs]

I'll go and get him.

Marie, no!

He belongs with his mother.

It was the right thing to do.

Ah, so that's it.

A mother who cannot let her son go.

That is what this is all about.

I want my own child as much as you do, Marie.

You think being a mother is my motivation?

It is because we need an heir to the throne.

So the people can see that there is a future here.

[breathes deeply]

We can have a child, Marie.

Or at least you can have one.

No, Maxi.

What do you think I am?

We could withstand it together, I know.

Because I love you enough.

Do you love me enough?

[man] You sent for me, Your Majesty?

Smissen.

Come on in.

May I offer you something?

Have you ever had Mezcal?

No, Your Majesty.

Sit yourself down.

I do not drink.

Ah.

Well, today you might.

I will just put it here, hmm?

[exhales]

To the Belgians,

my incredible wife,

and to you, Smissen.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Do you have a family?

No.

It is 15 years now that I have served Belgium.

I understand.

So, now this here is our empire.

Mexico.

Yes, Majesty.

But this empire is still young and vulnerable.

It requires an heir to the throne.

So the people see our family will survive when I am dead and gone.

Yes. Of course, Your Majesty.

I cannot give the Empress a child.

An earlier illness.

-I am sorry. -Yes.

[pensive music playing]

[bottle thuds on table]

Marie wants to have a child of her own.

And I want to make that possible.

Will you do our empire this service?

I believe in God, Majesty, and it's immoral.

Oh, but not if I ask you to do it!

Or is it?

No, I cannot. It wouldn't be right, Your Majesty.

Yes. That is why you should do this. As a man of principle.

I am sorry that I cannot help you.

I bid you good night.

She actually requested you for this.

Would you like more candles or fewer?

It depends on whether you want to be able to see the General well.

No, do not cry.

It is only five minutes to endure.

Just think of something else.

What is a brief moment with this man

compared to the future you will create?

[knocking on door]

Majesty.

For tonight, Marie.

I am Alfred.

[kicks table]

[breathing heavily]

[tense music playing]

[glass thuds on table]

[laughs]

[kicks table]

Get your act together, Maxi.

[breathing heavily]

Forgive me, Your Majesty, I have news from your homeland.

[Maximilian] What has happened?

The Prussians have won the war.

Napoleon will need his troops to counter the Prussians.

Is something troubling you, Your Majesty?

[inhales deeply]

I'm sorry.

You could pretend I'm someone else.

I do not mind.

[exhales]

Who do you think of when you…

use your imagination?

There must surely be someone.

I think…

of you.

Do you?

[sighs]

I love you.

I have ever since I first saw you in Brussels.

I was new at the palace.

Your brothers were so… [inhales sharply]

…malicious and repulsive.

-Forgive my candour. -You're right.

It was bad there.

That court

was an ugly world.

Only you shone brightly.

And since then you have thought of me?

Then it is time, Alfred, to make all your dreams come true.

[inhales deeply]

[exhales nervously]

[dramatic music playing]

[Maximilian] Let me pass!

Marie?

Marie?

Please don't do it.

-[grunts] Please, Marie! -Your Majesty!

It is almost over.

[music fades]

[in Hungarian] We will load the rest tomorrow morning.

Thank you.

[in English] Your Majesty!

The Count is here.

Shall I ask him to come in?

Yes.

[Elisabeth] It is too dangerous for you to have come alone.

You should not have done that.

[Andrássy] I am not here to stop you.

You cannot be stopped.

[melancholy music playing]

Will I see you again?

Yes, you will see me again.

Yes, but will I kiss you again?

I will wait for you.

At the cabin.

And then you will stay for a night.

Or even longer.

In another life somewhere.

In another life somewhere.

[Sophie] And you are certain this is true?

Are you sure that we can trust this informant?

Of course we have been watching Count Andrássy.

But did she not know that?

It says here they were together for two days.

[sighs]

Nobody can learn of this affair.

We have just lost a war.

If we want to preserve this empire, the Emperor needs Elisabeth by his side.

[sombre music playing]

[footman] Your Majesty.

I am sorry.

[music fades]

[Sophie] The Prussians will attack the French next.

We should immediately review and renew the treaty with Napoleon.

Franz?

Franz.

It is a dark day, but all hope is not lost.

The Hungarians remained loyal

without us having to pay a particularly high price.

I will agree to Buda's requests.

Self-government, a constitution.

Let us not decide on such a day.

I have already taken my decision.

If you make these concessions to them now,

then Hungary will demand outright independence.

And then we will lose half of our empire.

Then perhaps it should be that way.

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers have died.

Under my rule.

I cannot go to war again in my life.

There will always be more soldiers.

Our empire was built by people born to offer up their lives for the realm.

Yet if you cut off a part of our empire, it will not grow back.

It'll bleed to death.

We must do what is right for the people of the country.

And not for the might of this family.

Elisabeth was right.

Do you think she will ever forgive you for your betrayal if you do that for her?

You are such an idiot, Franz!

I did not think you would understand this, Mother.

The Empress is the only one fighting for something out of human conviction.

She is fighting for the Hungarians

because she shares one of their beds, Franz.

Don't be ridiculous.

The report is locked in my bureau.

Count Andrássy.

And, if you are honest, you suspected it last year.

The letters, the new reader, the enthusiasm for everything Hungarian.

I wanted to spare you the truth, but our empire comes first.

You lost Elisabeth a long time ago. Don't you dare lose Habsburg now too.

[sombre music playing]

[breathing shakily]

[sobbing]

[music continues]

[music ends]