Original subtitles

"humanity had the bullet go in one ear and out the other."- Karl Kraus.

(mumbling)

Friedrich Thun, 27 years, actor. Married, Roman Catholic, have not served.

I play Sgt. Meserve.

Hartmund Becker, 31, actor. Married, one son. Ich bin ein Berliner.

Protestant, seceded from church, have not served.

I play Corporal Clark.

Wolfgang Fischer, 28, Roman Catholic, amateur, autodidact, virgin.

Unmarried, have not served. I play Private Rafe.

Ewald Prechtl, 23, actor, single, Protestant, have not served.

Thank God. I play Private Diaz.

Michael Verhoeven, 31, actor, doctor of medicine, married...

...Roman Catholic, seceded from church. Sergeant of the replacement reserve...

...have not served. I play Private Erickson.

(mumbling)

Eva Mattes, 16 years old, schoolgirl, Catholic. I play Mao.

Thank you.

Two/seven, the second. Please.

Very slowly, very slowly.

This film is set in Vietnam. It is a true story.

1966. On the brink of war. Irrelevant.

In the Bon Song Valley. We do not know exactly where that is.

Vietnam is far away.

Once again.

You must keep the style a bit more, don't get so private.

This film is set in Vietnam. It is a true story.

1966. On the brink of war. Irrelevant.

In the Bon Song Valley. We do not know exactly where that is.

Vietnam is far away.

Our film plays in Germany. That's closer.

We have recreated the scenes in Bavarian.

A Bavarian Vientnamplay, this is something for the heart.

Bavaria is beautiful.

You will like our Vietnam.

...Wardrobe.

(mumbling)

Whoms this one?

Four dollars fifty.

I have to pull in my stomach again.

In the army they really have no clue about washing shirts.

One of the uniforms is yours. It says: Rowan.

Maxi, where is the uniform? Do we have a uniform?

Well, then put on one of those.

Where are my boots? Maxi, where are my boots?

You had the high boots at the rehearsal as well.

I had very little ones.

You had very high ones all the time.

Yes, but...

(everybody talking at once)

To whom do these belong?

I need shoes.

Maxi, Maxi, can someone please organize shoelaces?

IMAGINATION

So you know. We are going to build a resistance base here. Hurry up.

Hello. Hello. Hello! Nobody answers. Hello. Autumn crocus. Hello.

Why does he need to phone now, as we roll out the barbed wire?

He could help as well.

Rafe, aren't you in the mood?

Very much. But I have stung myself.

He is wrecking my nerves with his funny accent.

Immigrant stays immigrant.

What is our mission? Rafe?

To build a base. - A resistance base. What does that mean for us?

I did not ask you. Diaz!

The defense of the bases one and two get flanked with fire support.

How exactly does that work, Rafe?

By building a base.

Autumn crocus, please report. Yes, autumn crocus. Jackson?

Yeah hi, coucoo here. How you are? Whats going on? Nothing?

Same here. Have you? Us too.

I hope they keep to the truce, the communist pigs.

Alright. I'll get back to you. Bye Jackson. Over.

Why are we actually doing this, Rafe?

Now that he has finished he could help out.

Why are we building the barricades Rafe?

I'm wondering also. Especially as there is a truce over Easter.

Corporal Clarke. What? Justification for the barricades? Think.

You should know that. You people are the armored infantry.

Clarke. Help the others. Here is the second barrier. go.

Don't overwork yourself.

Caution. From here to the forest everything is contaminated with mines and wire.

Seriously? Mines?

You have to imagine. That's why I mention it. The Vietcong is capable of anything.

This profession takes a little imagination.

I have an imagination.

Yeah, but a sick one.

I'm not there.

Cuckoo. Hello autumn crocus. Hi Jackson. what's happening? Waiting? Yes, us too.

ARSONIST

Diaz, keep going. First you dig my hole.

No looking, shoveling.

Corporal Clarke, everybody digs his own hole. That's how it works here.

Did you say something? Corporal Clarke, get to your place.

Why so official all of a sudden?

He thinks because he is from the far north...

I've been here since elementary school.

Only an arsonist smokes here.

The littlest puff of smoke, and we are betrayed.

But you were smoking before! I did not. Not you, the Sergeant.

Before was before and now is now.

And the Sergeant is the Sergeant. Here's some gum. It's good for your teeth.

Merci colleague.

Do you have a piece of gum for me too? Not anymore.

What do you mean? Before was before and now is now.

MAN AND NATURE

What are we waiting for? �For time to pass.

Save your stupid jokes Rafe. Yes sir.

Do you think this is funny? I didn't even laugh!

I know a joke. You heard what the Sergant said earlier.

So how does is go?

A man goes to heaven. St. Peter says: If you can look at a naked woman without dirty thoughts...

...then you may enter. But if you have dirty thoughts, then a hole in the clouds will open...

...and you will fall down. Alright, says the man and St. Peter lets a naked woman appear.

The man looks at the woman, she has big tits, and boom, a hole in the clouds opens up...

...and St. Peter falls through. Quiet! I can hear something.

Men, time for a little camouflage. Get out of the holes. Correct camouflage. Move!

I want to know why we should camouflage now. What nonsense.

So that nobody can see our heads. You idiot.

The camouflage should produce a harmonious image of man and nature.

Correct.

Like this?

Do you know what this is, Rafe? Crop damage.

Not anymore.

Losses in the case of a tank attack are much lower if you are buried and camouflaged properly.

Do you know the factor. Clarke. Of course, the factor of loss.

It can be calculated. Of course, there is a mathematical formula.

Do you know the formula? Me? - Yes. - No.

Rafe, how about you? - Me again?

Three percent per enemy tank. Diaz has been paying attention.

So: A company of 100 men gets run over by four enemy tanks.

That is, three by four, means 12 dead and wounded.

But if the company is dug in and camouflaged then the factor is only one percent. That means among 100 men...

Only four dead and wounded. There, you can see the difference.

So if four tanks attacked us five there would not be even one fatality? - Quite right.

Four divided by 20 is a fifth. That's less than half a person.

Nowadays you can calculate everything, my dear.

EASTER WALK

Say, Clark, have you ever heard somebody whistle in combat?

No. During the truce though.

Corporal Clarke, stop the whistling immediately.

Sorry Sergeant. I was lost in thought. Such a thing does not exist for us.

Cuckoo, Cuckoo. Whom are you searching for? Donald Duck? That's not us. We are the Cuckoo.

No problem. You're welcome. Over. Wrong number.

Now is not the time to eat or drink, Private Rafe. - I only smelled it.

It's windy.

It's beautiful here.

The tea stinks something terrible again. As if someone pissed in it. I think it was the cook.

The crocuses are already in blossom. Have blossomed. Don't break your tongue.

You could have just had coffee, like me. The primroses are late this year.

I've seen a daphne though. He's getting on my nerves.

You can tell straight away where he comes from. You need an eye for nature.

A brother of mine is in the Alpine Club. Immigrant stays Immigrant.

Are you crazy Erickson? What are you doing? Nothing. Camouflage.

This is a part of the camouflage, isn't it? How do you think you're talking to me?

I mean, that's regulations Sergeant. Blackening the face? I decide the regulations round here.

Get ready.

Whole group up!

Get in line!

Enemy aircraft! Gas contermination! Gas masks on!

Clarke, stay in position! The others activate area recon. Rifle down. Left. March.

Autumn crocus. Hello. Hi Jackson.

What's wrong with you? Keep running!

C'EST SI BON

The gas contamination was a bunch of crap. You've been rushing us � for what?

In this war, there is no situation that there is not.

Then why is there an Easter truce?

Nobody knows the enemy's intentions.

The Viet Cong is capable of anything.

Do you think that the Viet Cong agreed to the ceasefire out of charity?

The Vietcong has its reasons.

(Cards banter)

What comic strip are you reading Erickson?

What do you think I'm reading? A book.

Is it a love story? Depends on the way you look at it Corporal.

(More cards banter)

Crazy filthy pigs.

Let's fire them up. Clark, request reinforcement.

Autumn crocus, Damn autumn crocus. Cuckoo here, Jackson, we're under attack.

We need cover. What? A Mistake? Are you crazy? It was our troops.

You're a bunch of idiots. Over.

They've mistaken us for a Viet Cong unit, the morons. Don't shit your pants. You're still alive.

A VICTORY

How shall I play? Any crap, I don't care.

Hey, no showing. Come on play. Once there was a king...

You idiot, that's not what i showed.

What did you mean?

An acorn. That would have been enough.

That' s not an acorn. - Is it a king? Closer.

You're dumber than celibacy. Do you think you're beautiful with your communist beard?

Stop fighting. It's just a game. But if he's that stupid...

Let's play the aunt, very elegant. A beard is unsoldierly.

Because you haven't got one. A beard is effeminate.

Ki has a beard. Who? General Ki. Because he's a Chinese.

You won.

Still reading Erickson?

As you can see, Corporal.

The man doesn't know how to occupy himself.

AT HIS OWN REQUEST

Where did you get the oranges from Sergeant?

Why, don't you have any? - No.

There have only been apples today.

But you can see that I've got an orange.

Hello Cuckoo, Autumn Crocus here. Ups, opposite. Hello Jackson. What's going on? Nothing? Same here.

Waiting? Us too. By the way, how's your sister? What was her name again?

Yeah. Marilyn. Is she still that fat? Say hello. Ok, bye Jackson. Over.

What's with your beard Rafe? Nothing special.

But you're not even a hippie. Never said I was.

But you look like one. You must have a reason.

One has a beard because he thinks he has a baby face, the other because he thinks, 'that would look good'.

Yes. Yes what? It does look good.

The eggs are good. just like at home.

A bit too soft for my taste.

Private Rafe, you will immediately shave your stupid beard.

You're wrong, i won't.

My father, he's always eaten pickled eggs. With oil and vinegar.

You are going report tomorrow morning after the washing Rafe. Without beard.

Don't kid yourself. He thinks he's something special.

I just do this as long as I have to. Once the shitty war is over, I won't hear no more from the military.

Do you think i want to end up like you, after seven years?

Eight years. Doesn't matter. Once this is over, I'm going back to my workshop.

Do you think being a mechanic's so great? Better than being a soldier.

What do you say, Diaz? I say nothing.

Eight years and you're only a Corporal. Because he can't remember the ranking system.

The other day he called the Captain 'Lieutenant' - he thought that was higher than a Captain!

Rafe, hand me your knife.

I won't do you harm.

Clarke, Diaz, hold Rafe.

Corporal Clarke, the Private 'first class' Rafe wishes to be shaved.

No way. you're all crazy.

At his own request.

It's not sharp enough, it's rubbish.

Take Erickson's. It's sharp. Stop, please!

Erickson, your knife. I don't lend things. Erickson, deliver the knife immediately!

Erickson, hand your knife over to Corporal Clark.

You can keep it, I request a new one. No, Erickson. - We'll see.

You just don't know what's good for you.

She's spying around here. We've got something to play with. Go get her Diaz.

Fuck off with the knife, I'm not touching it anymore.

Here, you got your knife, give it a grind, it's rubbish.

MAO

This area is no access, miss.

Really? You know that, don't you? - No. Come with me, over here.

There was no barrier. - Over there, to the Sergeant.

There was no barricade, everything was open.

Sergeant. I deliver the suspect. Suspicious. Why are you laughing?

Because he said suspicious. What is your name?

I went to Pu Ne, because of milk. Name!

Pan Ti Mao. She's called Mao, that's killing me. Silence.

Mao, who owns the bike? It belongs to my mother, but I use it also.

Haven't you noticed that this is a combat zone here?

You have been spying. - Spying? Why? Clarke, take over the interrogation of the spy.

Me? - Yes. - All right.

Name? - Pan Ti Mao. It's killing me. We know that already.

But he asked me. Age? 16. No, 15. Now what?

I'm going to be 16 on October 12th. A very young spy.

So 15. Don't answer so sloppily. I went for milk to Pu Ni.

What else shall I ask her? Ask her for her name.

Who is your boss? My mom has ... So it is the mother. What is your mothers name?

Pan Ti Lok. But that is nonsense. Where do you live? What? Ka Tung.

So it does not matter to you that you are entering American Territorry. - No.

Intended. Have you been paid? 60 cents.

By the Viet Cong? - From my mother. My little brother is at home. With a fever.

What do you live off? Off my apprenticeship. I mean, I am an apprentice. At a tailor shop.

Where? In Mi To. That's a few miles away from Ka Tung. Do you read Russian newspapers?

Has your dad been killed in action?

No, he's at home. He collects waste paper for the Red Cross. So newspapers after all, Russian ones?

I do not know. He lost an arm. - What's your father's name? I got to go now. Name of the father?

Lao Pan Ti. What names. Ha, I am going to collapse!

Rafe, continue the interrogation. For God's sake, yes Sergeant.

So then let's confiscate the espionage tool. Diaz! Immediately take the vehicle.

Shall I? Yes. Where to? Over there.

I have already been held up in Pu Ni. By whom?

By the farmer from whom I get milk. I ate a meat soup there. Because they just have been butchering.

Are you a communist? Me? Nonsense.

Religion? - Yes. - Which? - Catholic of course. Do you go to the church? - On Sundays? - Yes, Sundays.

Yes, I go with my little brother who has a fever.

Therefore your parents do not go to the church.

The church has been bombed five times already.

And always rebuilt - With American money. - Yes.

So your parents don't go? Ma does.

The father is a communist. A communist communist pig. No.

But he does not go to church. No. You see.

He went yesterday. - Why?

Due to Easter Sunday. So nobody realizes that he is a communist, that's why he went.

I'd like to go home now please. And today he doesn't go.

But he works today. When was your last confession?

On Friday. What did you confess?

I won't tell. Let's see about that.

Have you been searching for treasure? You can search for it here, too.

Then you'll have something else to confess?

Just go home and don't worry. Everything's fine.

Sit down, Erickson.

So what was it, that you confessed?

But you are not allowed to tell. If you're not a spy then you have no secrets. - No.

Start. - What? - Confessing. Why do you ask me about confessing so much?

So, first? - Praying: I prayed sloppily. I have prayed just in part, or I did not pray at all.

Next. Second: Holy names. I have taken Holy names in vain.

Third: Sundays and holidays: I have missed a church service, I have been unattentive at church.

Fourth: parents and superiors: I have been disobedient.

Fifth: killing. - Fifth: killing. I have to leave this one out, I never killed anyone.

Have you never killed a chicken? We don't have chickens.

Or a rabbit or something. We don't have rabbits.

Six: chastity: I have had unchaste thoughts.

I have committed adultery. Alone and with others.

What does that mean: committed adultery?

Seven: foreign ownership. Eight: Wife and honor. Do you have a boyfriend?

No. Not at the moment. Why not? He has another.

And you? Do it yourself? What? Do you jerk off?

If you admit it, you can go.

When did you do it for the first time?

At the fourth class elementary school.

And the last time? Yesterday.

Good girl.

My little brother has started school this year.

Next. - What? Confessing sins.

Nine: I ate meat on Friday.

Ten: main sins: I have been vain, I been lazy, I have been arrogant.

I have been unfriendly. lord have mercy on a poor sinner.

The milk was for my little brother.

MANUEL DIAZ

No, no. Let me go. If you let me do you, I didn't see anything.

Come on, there's no sense in resistance. Don't be so stubborn. Let me go!

If you let him do you, he didn't see anything.

This is a combat-zone, no one can hear you.

Please do not, i want to go home. This is not funny anymore.

Hey, what are you doing there. Get off my radio equipment.

Don't worry Clarke, I won't steal anything.

If the Communist refuses I have to file a report.

Hello Sir, Diaz talking, i want to report that we've caught a spy.

Yeah, hi. Cuckoo. No, nothing Cuckoo, everything alright Sir, sorry. Goodbye Sir.

You idiot, unable to phone. No tragedy, what did the Lieutenant say?

We should hold the spy. Anyway. And?

If you don't make a drama and let Diaz do you, then he'll let you escape, won't you Diaz?

Then you can escape us. Come on, it doesn't hurt.

Ouch, the bitch scratched me. Diaz hurry up before they come and get her.

Shut the fuck up, stupid bird.

That's no art with a young girl. I am very glad that this is no art.

Mama!

RAFE

Nice, you did good girl. You may go now.

We are going to tell the patrol that you escaped.

Take your bike and get out.

I'm not stupid. Diaz might let her go, but why should I let her. First I'm going to fuck her too.

Stop fooling around.

Equal rights for everybody. We're a democratic country.

Here you got some rope.

Now be quiet, nobody will hurt you. You're going to attract spectators.

You always hear how poor Vietnam's population is, and yet this girl has a gold tooth.

Yes, neat.

Keep breathing, be careful not to choke.

Look away, you irritate me.

You'll manage.

I'm curious if she'll confess to this also.

Stop laughing, otherwise I won't manage.

Pull yourself together.

Don't worry mao. I'm going to report all of them. I'm going to tell the company commander tonight.

Nobody 's going to believe you.

Let's see about that.

Better think twice.

You don't want to make yourself unhappy.

Don't worry Meserve, he wouldn't dare.

Are you done yet? Shut up, you're distracting me.

Do not let him escape.

Have you stumbled?

That's what you get for running away, cowardly bastard.

RALPH CLARK

Takes off his boots. Then take off your smelly socks too!

Mama!

Don't move, you're going to hurt yourself.

Nothing to be proud of here.

We're at war, my dear.

That means nothing.

The war brutalizes. Everyone knows that.

Then why did you enlist voluntarily?

For freedom, you idiot.

I'd prefer to be at home, just like you would.

See, now you like it.

TONI MESERVE

These are special pussy willows, they're made of napalm.

I don't understand.

Don't you think you can get away with this. I'll take you all to a military tribunal.

Erickson, your turn.

Undress him.

I am gonna report you all. - You can report yourself. He doesn't fancy her.

He's probably a little kinky. - Bastards!

You don't even have a hard on but you'll get there. It is resurrection day.

He probably wants to see her naked. - Undress her Diaz.

You pigs. - The pig vomits, did you see? - Put it in. Yes, but how? - It'll work out somehow. Hurry up Clark.

So let him out again. As it's for free, he can't ask for more.

SVEN ERIKSSON

So now you can beat it.

She lost a shoe.

Come on Mao. Come with me. I'm going to report this.

Erickson, back to your position in the trenches.

Come on Mao, I need you as a witness.

She's not moving anymore.

Erickson, to the trenches, that's a command.

Shut the fuck up

Be quiet. There's something wrong with her.

Is she breathing?

Yes, I think so.

Get up, you gotta come. Come with me, I need a witness.

She's dead. - No.

Hey Mao, say something.

Clark are you crazy?

There, you have your witness.

The bitch is trying to get away.

But I stabbed her several times.

Erickson's running away! Shoot him!

He tries to get up there.

Killed in action. Report of loss.

Shit.

MATTER OF HONOR

First of all they've got to prove it.

They don't even have the time for that.

Right here, here.

She does indeed have a gold tooth. She can't use it anymore anyway.

But don't let anybody see the tooth.

Matter of honor.

JUSTICE

Sugar? - Yes.

You are a sweetie.

Nice. Coffee must be hot.

If it's not hot there's no proper aroma.

There's been an earthquake in Greece. What do you want from the Captain?

Greece is simply uncivilized.

And the Russians will invade it sooner or later anyway, you'll see.

What do you want from the Captain?

See, now I got heartburn again. It's the coffee. I can't stommach it, because of the heart.

The most important thing in life is health, you'll notice that.

What starsign are you?

Leo?

Come in Erickson.

Where's the bike?

I've left it behind.

Have a shot, for the excitement. - Thanx.

Let go Rowen, I'll do it myself.

Also a shot, Riley? - Yes captain.

Suddenly? Surprising. Normally you're so disciplined.

In battle yes, but in private less so.

What about you, Erickson?

No thanks. - Come on, don't be a bore. No thanks.

Cheers gentlemen. - Cheers captain.

No point in standing on just one leg. Isn't it?

So. Cheers. - Cheers Captain.

Good. - Nice drop.

Have you thought about what you're saying? Yes.

Why are you so obsessed with an indictment?

I've reported them and it's your duty to pass the report on.

I'm not obligated to do anything my friend. Remember that.

I understand you. You're a young, clever lad and it doesn't suit you if cruelties like this happen.

That's quite alright. But you forget one thing. We defend the freedom of this country.

And the entire liberal democratic human rights. And for this defense, we make the greatest sacrifices.

Just consider the innumerable sufferings of American soldiers for the Vietnamese Nation.

You are going to realize that such a story should not be exaggerated.

I am going to court-martial all of them.

But where is the gain of that, man?

Well, they should get court-martialled, they should be condemned.

But it's quite likely that they will be released in no time.

And now I ask you one thing: how can I protect you then?

How shall I, protect you, Erickson from the vengeance of these men?

You've got no answer to that, have you?

Riley, Sgt Meserve is one of your unit, isn't he? What kind of man is he?

Sir, I want to say something to the young man.

I once had a similar problem, Erickson. That was at home in Virginia.

But then I gave up. Because that's how the system works.

And you would have to change the system.

Look, and in war, there's even more of a system.

Riley. I asked you about Sergeant Meserve.

The character and courage of Sergeant Meserve is among the best I know.

He's definitely one of the best fighters I've ever seen.

A first-class soldier who has never made a mistake and who has followed every order without complaint.

He has volunteered for the army and for Vietnam.

Grade as a soldier, in my opinion: "outstanding".

Sir, if I may be permitted to remark: Sergeant Meserve has five medals...

...and has been proposed for the bronze star.

Besides that he was part of the Parade at the inaugaral ceremony of the President Johnson.

There you go. The Sergeant's a fine lad.

A vile pig is what he is.

Shut up you silly boy, you silly boy, you!

I am allowed to say what I think.

Like hell you are. You are soldier. I demand decent language. We are at war!

And remember Erickson...

Let me do it Luitennant. - Sorry, Sir.

Maybe it's punishment enough that nobody can free Sergeant Meserve...

...and the others of their unquestionable guilt.

They need to carry that burden.

Terrible air in here.

Erickson, you represent the American nation.

Everything you do, you do on behalf of the American people, that's the way it is.

We are not here voluntarily. We have a task. A difficult one.

What do you want? With something like this you damage the cause of peace.

The American campaign for peace and freedom in the Western world.

Can we open the window a little? - Get yourself together!

You can be happy if I don't punish you just for leaving your unit.

Well, you had to get that off your chest. You've done that, but now enough is enough.

The matter remains between us, and that's it.

You just have to practice a little generosity. That's part of being a soldier.

At some point I'll have a heart to heart with them.

I feel sick. - Lieutenant Riley, get Erickson back to his unit.

And remember something else please: this murder did not happen in the United States...

...but outside of civilization. Namely, on the battlefield.

Open the window, Rowen.

IT IS GETTING SERIOUS

(Cards banter)

Where have you been, Erickson?

Taking a dump. - Took him quite some time.

Cuckoo. Hi Jackson. What? Nothing? Tomorrow it will be serious again.

Who knows what advantages the Communists got from the truce. At Christmas it was the same. You'll see.

With us?

Everything O. K.

Over.

About three weeks later, Erickson confided to the chaplain, Gerald Kirk.

The priest filed a complaint with the Army Criminal Investigation.

A trial was held against Clark, Meserve, Diaz, and Rafe at Camp Ratclife.

The defense accused Erickson of cowardice and fear. And of lacking a sense of humor.

Four independent courts in March 1967 ruled the following sentences:

Clark, rape and murder: forced labor, life sentence.

Meserve, negligent homicide: forced labor, 10 years.

Diaz, rape: forced labour, 15 years.

Rafe, rape and manslaughter: forced labor, 8 years.

All four were demoted to common soldiers and dishonorably discharged from the army.

The sentences were changed later.

Clark: 20 years instead of a life-sentence.

Meserve: 8 years instead of 10.

Diaz: acquitted on a technicality.

Rafe: 4 years instead of 8.

In 1968 there was a new criminal mitigation for clark. 8 years instead of 20.

In 1969 Rafe is pardoned and admitted once more into the army.

A conditional suspended sentence for Clark and Meserve is at this time undecided.