Original subtitles

To our fathers

Isabelle?

Usually there was a shouting match at departure time.

But this year, nothing.

So it had to be good between mom and dad.

Are we there yet?

Now don't start.

Don't upset your father. He's driving.

I feel sick.

Me too. Besides, dad is smoking.

That, plus the smell of leather...

And you, stop fidgeting.

Stop it, or I'll bang your heads together.

Is that clear?

It starts well, Brittany.

The best holidays of our lives

Is Brittany nice?

They're not very smart, they are farmers.

There is nothing to do there.

Are there ruins?

No, my Bibou.

I called uncle François,

granny's brother.

There's a house for rent,

next to hers.

Mom chose to go on holiday in Brittany.

My father, a French Algerian Jew,

had married a Catholic Breton,

born in a village called Le Rocher Abraham (Abraham's Rock).

We wondered why.

Maybe your mother is Jewish.

Abraham's Rock, that's not a Catholic name.

You too granny.

As if I didn't have enough misfortune in my life.

That's uncle François, kids.

How are you?

Oh, kids! Shit!

Where should we park?

Park your car a little further.

Claude, please make an effort.

I already did by coming.

Really? What to tell the children?

I don't know, Isabelle.

"I don't know". That's really your problem.

When we know how to make choices, we become adults.

Oh, that's easy.

No. It's not easy.

I preferred when we had a row. I felt that it still mattered.

Listen, Isabelle, I drove. I'm exhausted.

I'm tired too, if you want to know. Even humiliated.

Ah, uncle.

How are you?

Is it always hot like this?

Oh well, no no! It's even disturbing.

Dufour's father said there will be a drought.

He never saw one here before.

If we have to listen to him, we haven't made it yet.

He lost his head. He drinks so much.

He never drank a glass of water.

I have to take care of the bikes again?

And who is this Dufour?

A farmer.

When I saw him, he just got married.

With Germaine.

She's not very beautiful, but she is spirited.

She has 3 kids.

Mr. Guilois and son. He is the owner...

and also the mayor of Rocher.

Oh yeah. This is not a village, it's a zoo.

Very funny.

If you want us to find ourselves again, start being humble.

Hello. Claude Attia.

- Hello, ma'am. - Pleased.

We are happy to be here. It looks pretty.

I rent your house for 2,000 francs per year, for 5 years, right?

Yes.

Wouldn't it be easier, if I bought it?

But no.

We're not in need of money.

Not. That's not at all what I meant.

I can afford it, I can make you a good offer.

Claude, that's not the way here.

Not the way. Money is the same here as elsewhere.

Frankly, who would buy your house?

It's not really that new.

I make you a gift, with this proposal.

Marcel!

Marcel! Marcel!

- You make me feel ashamed. - What? What's the matter?

If you wanted to impress me, you failed.

I didn't say that I don't like pancakes either.

Anyway, don't worry, they'll come back.

I don't give a fuck about their redneck house.

I'm really sorry.

Will we stay?

I hope not. There's no sea.

Madam!

I'm sorry.

I respect your family, your brother is an old friend...

but your son has manners...

What do you expect, he's just a man.

And what about your manners, you think you're any better,

renting out this hen house? I am disappointed.

When I saw you, I thought:

"There is one who has style, for a farmer."

You act all high and mighty.

Okay, the hen-house is rented.

Looks like we have a deal.

We stay.

See mum, we'll be fine here.

Huh?

I'm glad to be here. Did you see, it's cheap.

It's quite expensive.

Guilois' son is not stupid, to rent you his shed.

Only you would rent such a thing.

Mom, sometimes just pretend to be happy.

What shall we tell our friends?

We'll tell them we were at the sea.

We need to find a postcard with the sea.

The whole village knows you have arrived.

They are way ahead.

- It's strange to be here. - Stranger to come back.

- Etienne greets you. - "Etienne"?

- Victorine's son. - Oh, the little fat one?

You gotta be spoiled, to be called Victorine.

You played with him. He's a sailor.

- I remember. He was drooling. - It runs in the family.

- They were never very clever. - Mother.

I was hardly there and already he wanted to buy my house.

What manners are that?

It was written on his papers: he was born in Algeria.

- So he's an Arab? - But no!

I was in Algeria too. He's a Jew. He has the accent.

The war, I would have gone as well.

What do you mean, accent?

You can understand, but you have to listen hard.

They haven't been in a French school.

They haven't been taught properly.

The Jews love to buy houses. They love to buy.

They tricked me!

There they are! Claude! Kids!

How are you?

- You're beautiful. - You too. I love your cut.

- Not too tired? - A little.

- I'm glad you're here. - Me too.

- Hello, Bernadette. - How are you?

- You look lovely. - Thank you.

And there are the puppies!

They're coming.

Hello!

Did you see the roof of Jacky's car?

- What did he do? - Ask him what happened.

What the hell did you do, Jacky?

I was behind Bernard.

At one point, he went under a bridge...

and because he passed,

I thought that I could too.

But you had the bikes on the roof. Idiot!

Jacky, what!

- How are you, Marie-Jeanne? - Fine.

Say, you packed light this year, Jacky.

- I didn't bring the washing machine. - Adventure, right.

But I took the fridge.

- Is there electricity here? - Of course.

- Because I took the transformer. - You're a genius, Jacky.

- Do you want help? - No.

What?

Nothing. Your Mezuzah is pretty.

Oh, okay. We're in Brittany.

Hey puppies!

Your mother-in-law looks happy to be here.

She's having a hell of a time, but she keeps it inside.

Puppies, come here!

Here, Simon. These are stink bombs.

To wake up Jacky, when he's having a nap.

Oh no. Don't!

Make sure you only use them for Jacky's room.

Only Jacky's room.

But no!

- This is to wake your father. - Don't mess about. He'll do it.

Thank you Bernard.

I haven't finished. Here. This is for you too.

Thank you, Bernard.

- It hasn't changed? - Not at all.

- And the people? - Britons.

This is not an adjective. As you'll find out.

Men, we'll prepare an omelet.

We miss salt, pepper...

All the basics. We need to do shopping.

- Where can we get it? - In Pondemer.

Now this is enough. What are we doing here?

He's right, Claude. Brittany, really.

We're just concerned.

I thought that right in the drought,

a region which is a bit wet...

It's quite smart.

Stop taking us for idiots. So what?

- So what? - What are we doing here?

- This is Isabelle's idea. - Ah!

Yeah, you're right.

That's good. You must alternate: one time you, one time she.

Why is it called Abraham's Rock?

Well... I did ask, no one can give an answer.

I think that before, there had to be a big rock here.

- Yeah. - That must be it, yes.

I'm happy to go to the rednecks.

Who taught you that word?

It was Dad. He says that all Britons are rednecks.

But then granny is a redneck.

And we, we are half rednecks.

Where are you going, kids?

Sorry, we are French. We don't speak Breton.

He's French he says.

- We're going to the Dufour farm. - Ah, Dufour.

- To buy eggs. - To buy eggs!

We are French, he said.

My word, we are French too.

You must be François' nephews.

Dufour, that's me.

Come join us then. I'll drive you.

We are French, he said.

What language is that?

(Heavy dialect)

In God's name.

Tell Yannick to put the tractor in the shed.

Yannick!

Yannick, dammit!

Where is he?

What do you kids want?

Hello!

We want eggs, my good lady.

"My good lady". Come with me, kid.

Girls! Come. It's time to milk the cows.

My name is Marie-France.

Simon.

Are you married?

But no!

And do you have a lover?

No.

Would you be mine?

Marie-France, god dammit! Now come!

I'm coming, Dad.

Yes, I will. But don't tell anyone!

Oh good God, how clean.

Under the dust we suspect there's metal.

- There was never anyone. - We're the first guests.

It makes you want to move here.

You never got bored when you were little?

No, never. And there were other children.

And otherwise, with Claude?

He says I'm not going with the time.

And what's that, "the time"?

That he came to Brittany is because he understood what's at stake.

- Did you talk? - We 're not talking anymore.

Jacky thought it was a joke, when I spoke about Brittany.

Hey, girls,

Etienne's arriving.

- Already? - Yes, he's helping François.

I told him you're here.

He was always so clingy.

- You know him? - Yes.

- Short, fat and drooling. - That's promising.

Hello.

Ah, there he is.

Hi.

You haven't changed.

You neither.

You got bad memory.

No, but...

And... "you're gonna what?"

Uh, sorry.

Excuse me.

I'm fine and I'm a sailor.

Is that it?

Don't you introduce me?

Ah. Yes, of course.

- Bernadette, Marie-Jeanne. - Hello.

Nice to meet you.

If you need something,

don't hesitate. I'm easy to find.

Bye.

Bye.

Short, fat and drooling?

It's not a village, it's a booby-trap.

Anyway, he's not the one drooling.

Nicole!

I'm coming.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello. What do you want to drink?

Nothing. We came to buy...

I'm not surprised.

The business is not for sale.

No. We just want...

to buy salt and pepper.

- I'm Isabelle's husband. - We know.

You're staying long?

For the holidays. Just for a month.

Oh, anyway.

You know, we have nothing against foreigners.

But we are French.

Yes. That's what they said.

If they are afraid, it's because you're Jewish.

We never saw Jews. But during the war, we saw the Germans.

And they were looking for Jews.

Now they're afraid to see Krautes.

I serve you no more. You're drunk as a skunk.

Excuse him. He's harmless. Have a drink, it's on me.

Well okay. We're on holiday.

That stuff smells good, It makes me hungry.

What is this thing?

- A pebble may be. - But no, it's a cracker.

It's great to dunk in your coffee, but without butter.

- Otherwise, it draws eyes. - Draws eyes?

Yeah, like spots in the coffee.

Ah yes.

You are wrong. This is really good.

- Can I make a call? - Yes.

To Paris?

- Yes. - Then dial 16, then 1,

then your number. Come with me.

You're calling your mistress, Jacky?

No. I'd never do that to my Louloute. I'm calling my mother.

"I'd never do that to my Louloute".

Hop-la!

Lawyer?

You got problems?

Not yet.

What is she doing there?

She's the KGB of the village.

Hello, Mom?

It's nice. It is a bit hot, but that's okay.

Your meter is not near.

We're not often calling to Paris.

I'm not 21 anymore.

Bring this to the women. We'll stop by at François.

- Okay. - Thanks, Jacky.

See you.

You know, Claude, I'm also a lawyer.

If you have a problem, you can tell me.

And with me, you won't get a bill.

That's nice, but it's not what you think.

Yes, of course.

- You slept with her? - Why do you say that?

When we hesitate to call a woman,

it's either to leave her or to be with her.

Well, anyway.

Yes.

The woman you see every day...

has more merit than the one you see once.

Verse 4, Book 2...

Thou shalt not covet...

The house of your neighbor. Yeah.

Well, it happens, Bernard.

You keep quiet, eh?

You make me upset.

Oh, come on.

What brings you here?

Well, actually, it was for inviting you for dinner.

And to get a shot of cider. The best.

Who told you that?

Firmin.

That darn Firmin...

He uses my cellar keys when I turn my back.

Well, he's harmless.

This lounge is my wife's room.

It's nice.

It's really shiny.

Yes. You can see your reflection in the furniture, it's so clean.

My wife wanted a lounge like people in the city.

What city does he mean?

We only use it when people visit.

This room is a dead part of the house, you see.

I must say that my wife is proud.

Where's your wife?

She left 2 months ago to set up a marriage bureau in Rennes.

She was fed up with the countryside.

When you say "left", she left for good?

- She comes home in the weekends. - Ah.

Sometimes.

3 generations of excavating granite and I couldn't take it.

The oil crisis, the new charges...

However, my granite is good.

And the worst...

is that I have to sell the house,

because it's owned by the company.

As my mother used to say:

"When there is no more oats, the horses fight".

What are you waiting for?

- I'm not going to take him in my arms. - Of course.

Be careful! Be careful!!

I hope you have lots of omelet,

because I brought a big eater.

Of course there is.

I present Uncle François.

Good evening.

Never mind, there are only fools here.

Jacky, pour François champagne.

Welcome François.

Don't drink too much. You're too old for that.

Grandma, there's no age for getting drunk.

I'm not interested in staying sober.

Take it easy, my Louloute.

You got more to drink, Jacky?

There's nothing more. I drank it all.

Yeah!

It's good to have a woman.

If my father sleeps with my mother, it's not for pleasure.

It's to make a little brother, to herd the cows in the field.

THEY WEAR ROUND HATS LONG LIVE BRITTANY

THEY WEAR ROUND HATS LONG LIVE THE BRETON

Did we made a mistake in the lyrics?

- The children are asleep. - Super.

Bernadette, honey, where are you?

You have to find me.

Wait till I catch you.

I'm well hidden.

I'll find you.

What you gonna do, for Uncle François?

- You want me to do what? - Help him.

I'm not going to crack stone.

I screwed up, but don't deserve the penal colony.

Did you see, tonight? We cannot leave him like that.

Can't he do something else?

There's nothing else to do here.

You're a peasant or a quarry man.

We're a family of granite producers.

Stop it.

Damn.

They wear round hats, long live the Breton.

I'm sure these are the right lyrics.

He's a pain in the ass, Bernard.

That's not true!

Yeah, yeah. It's okay.

Don't bother to say thank you.

- Bernard? - What?

You're a pain in the ass.

You'll see, some mornings we'll make at least 10 francs. For sure.

The Parisians know how to play marbles?

There a Porgo is worth three glass beads.

You think he'll recognize me?

Is there someone? Lucien?

I'm little Isabelle.

Oh, Isabelle.

Germaine! Look who's here!

Do you remember?

Of course I remember.

We don't forget the prettiest girl in the village.

Hello, ma'am.

This is my husband, my friends.

- Hello. - Hello.

(incomprehensible)

Yeah.

Come inside and drink a glass of cider.

We can't refuse that. A glass of cider, right.

With pleasure. So, how's it going?

Not very good.

With the drought, we'll lose everything.

The military helps the farmers.

For us, nothing.

We don't need the military, we need water.

No water, no crops. No crop, no hay...

No hay.

No hay, no food for the animals.

I understood nothing.

In the end you have to sort it out yourself.

Right.

What?

We could help them.

We're not going to help one every day.

It's not that complicated to help them.

What, "not that complicated?"

I don't really feel like I'm on holiday.

Come on, time to go.

You were right. It's not complicated.

Oh, okay, Claude. I have a bad back, too.

This is not a job, it's a punishment.

I'm sure Isabelle did it on purpose.

Hey Bernard, it's easier to be a lawyer.

...And a cat.

- Listen to that, Sardou in Breton... - Delpech, I would rather think.

I love it.

They don't have the ear.

It's by Aznavour.

Lyrics by Pierre Philippe. "A homo, as they say."

- It's supernatural. - Don't try to understand.

Look, there's René.

I'd like to have them over at my place for a couple of days.

No problem, but send them back at the end of the week.

As soon as they're done, I'll bring them back.

Is this about us?

I'm going.

I'll go to my sister, in the south.

Besides, I want a big mama.

They are casual, the Britons.

This is not a holiday.

Let's have a drink and do nothing.

July 14.

- What are you doing on July 14? - The 14th?

- Yes. - Nothing.

There's a party at the Rock. No need for two parties.

They may not be sailors, but they don't lose their bearings.

Hey! This is not the break.

There's still another field to do.

Yes. Yes.

Let's go.

We do like we said?

What did we say?

Well, for the wedding.

My father had called this tree: "Apple tree of freedom".

The adults left their last worries there.

It was an apple tree for cider, apples with a sour taste.

It was forbidden to eat them.

They had to have a sacred taste.

Oh fuck. You're an idiot! You know that makes me...

Stop it!

He does that to me. Is he stupid or what?

They're under the apple tree, they're messing around.

They're like kids, when they are together.

We could have some fun too, right?

- Good idea. - Yes.

With me he's always a kid.

At least you don't get bored.

I love to be bored, doing nothing...

Only he's a hyperactive person.

Well, we're going to have a smoke.

Why, are you bored?

If it was just that.

Everything revolves around his world.

Then obviously, when you're not going in the same direction...

Still, I married him with his bad temper.

I used to like it. Now it's no longer fun.

I didn't know he was capable of destroying everything.

I gave myself this holiday to think it over.

Think about it. And about the children.

You're right.

Jacky doesn't ask himself questions,

so no need to find an answer.

Granite is my life.

No other material reflects like this, when the sun rises.

I started all the quarries. I know them inside out...

Every vein, every nerve...

Their density, strength, everything.

I know them inside out.

- Really inside out? - I'm telling you.

The vendors will want to have you.

There are no vendors here. No need.

- What do you mean "no vendors"? - What's the point?

The customers get it when they need it.

Are you upset?

No. I even think I found the solution.

Really? You know nothing about quarries...

- and in 3 days, you have the solution? - Now listen François.

I know nothing about granite.

But I am a good salesman.

Stop extracting your granite. Sell it.

To sell it you need to extract it.

Extracting and selling are two professions.

That's good for Paris. Not here.

You really know all the quarries? You know all the customers?

All.

- So place yourself in the middle. - Of what?

In business, you can't learn the trade, you make the trade.

Take how?

Bibou, go play on the swing.

Not alone.

- A couple needs "anatomy". - What's that?

It's when you want to be alone to kiss.

Get lost!

I built it.

This was my first feeling of freedom.

I felt like being in the movies, being the hero.

What am I supposed to tell him?

That you have a big order, that you can't provide.

I have no big orders. I have to tell the truth.

We are there to tempt.

Before, there were buyers and sellers.

Now there's a third character, that's you, the intermediary.

They should understand that.

I don't want to lie.

You want her to come back?

So...

Is it a legend?

"A legend"?

That you, the Jews...

Ah...

The business sense, François,

is a story of decision, not religion.

- Like being happy, you know. - And are you happy?

Good. Let's not mix everything up.

It's hot here. Whew.

We could have gone to the Apple tree of freedom.

It's too hot. It is better here.

This is really well made.

Look, it even has doors that open.

Is it far to Lanhélin?

5 kilometers. Why?

There is a pancake cafe which is also a nightclub.

No need to get upset.

There is nobody to baby sit.

And in the village?

Come on, you. Go find someone, since you speak their language.

Jacky!

Jacky!

Oh! Nice.

Too many jokes arrive at the same time.

- Hello. - Good evening.

I present you Véronique.

She's my daughter. She's staying with me for a few days.

So I can't go with you to the dance in Lanhélin.

Oh no.

You're too old for those places.

- Hello, my dear. - You're okay, auntie?

I won't be the nanny every night.

- Come with us, the two of you. - That would be nice.

I would love to.

Okay, if she wants.

- Children, say hello to Véro. - Hi, kids.

- I bet you're Bibou. - Yes.

And you are Simon.

I am your cousin. I could baby sit you while your parents go out.

Yes, that would be nice.

You're too cute, Simon.

Now this feels like holidays.

And if you're hungry, you can eat pancakes.

Yes, of course.

Aren't you going?

- I'll see her another day. - And I have to think of Véro.

What more do you need.

A daughter, it's a worry.

A worry that lasts 20 years.

Do you have worries? Because I'm doing great.

- Where's Isa? - She's over there.

- I'm stupid, eh? - Yes.

Can you be quiet!

I'm sorry. I didn't want to bother!

It's here! Pondemer!

CROISSANTS! CROISSANTS!

CROISSANTS! CROISSANTS!

CROISSANTS!

Shhh, don't make noise.

And chocolate croissants!

Oh, a bike.

I'll take the yellow one.

Ah, a bike.

And here's Poulidor slowing down at the finish line.

He will take the lead.

Poulidor did it on purpose?

No, it's not a big deal.

That's if the Glasgow blokes had been blind drunk...

Like us.

Right, Saint-Etienne would be champion.

Those guys.

- Hey, Claude? - Yes?

Aren't cows stupid, eh?

At break-time.

- They're not very brave, this morning. - Oh no.

And stop singing of Souchon, I don't like it.

You have good ears.

You have good ears.

Yes.

Yes. Coming.

- Hello Madeleine. - Hello.

They are in Dufour's field.

Oh, parsley.

I've always loved you, Madeleine.

Before, during and after the war.

- During the war, you were ten. - Ten.

You were small.

- Ten. - Go. I'll close the door.

- You're beautiful, Madeleine. - Thank you, Firmin.

I love you!

Hello Firmin.

Wonderful car.

- Hello. - You take the rest.

Oh yes, beautiful car.

Wonderful car.

Simone Veil was whistled at when presenting her abortion law.

That's normal, there're only men in the Assembly.

I am against.

It's a sacred step for women's right.

It has nothing to do with rights.

It's perhaps because I can't have children.

And girls who are raped?

They can allow abortion after rape,

but it would still be punishable.

But to trivialize it, no.

It sounds like a plea of your husband.

No, he's in favor.

I don't see how people can go in such a debate.

You can't prevent a girl from having an abortion.

Better if it's legal.

What do you think, Marie-Jeanne?

I got an abortion.

In Belgium, two years ago.

Was it Jacky's?

Jacky is my home port.

I was 16 when I left home.

Jacky has always been there, whatever I do, even without him.

What is it?

- Oh, Firmin! - Go Bibou, go!

But what are you doing?

Leave him.

Mom!

Come on, Firmin.

- And you couldn't find another? - Oh yes.

I won't last all holiday.

Next time warn us before he comes.

What would you have done?

We would have worked things out.

- What's that noise? - Mom! Mom!

Bibou! Bibou!

Van Impe would beat Poulidor,

the drought hit the headlines,

and I tasted the red and sweet lips of Marie-France.

I like that. Look.

Mom!

Yes?

- Can you give me some money? - To do what?

- To get a present. - There are no shops here.

They sell gifts at the cafe.

- Bring your father's wallet. - Okay.

It's for Marie-France. Dufour's daughter.

Ah yes. She's adorable.

No.

Here.

Thank you.

So...

I'll give you this. Here.

Thank you.

- Bring me the change! - Promised.

Regnier, Helena. Esquire Member of the Bar of Paris

What's up?

You see, I didn't know what her name was.

You promise to kiss her on the mouth your whole life?

Yes.

Simon, do you promise not to look at Véronique anymore?

Yes.

Do you promise not to leave me on top of the swing no more?

Fine, Bibou.

You are bound by ropes...

- Joined. - Okay, joined in marriage.

YEAH!

When he said yes, I thought I was going to faint.

- 8 shipments during 6 months! - This is huge.

They can hear you all over the village.

- What are you celebrating? - The end of worries.

With just one bottle?

I propose a toast to François’ new career.

The end of one and start of another.

I don't understand.

It's about the granite quarry and his new career.

Okay. Forget it.

Great!

And your wife?

Leave her at Rennes in her marriage bureau.

Otherwise I can't go with you to Lanhélin anymore.

Yeah.

Lucien! What is a marriage bureau?

A shop with women. For those looking for a woman.

A farm with females.

"Female".

Starving women, they say.

Oh for God's sake! Oh, that's what I need!

There are hundreds.

Hundreds?

Brunettes, blondes, redheads,

small, big, tall...

Oh God, shit!

You can choose.

Oh God, shit!

You got to choose.

But watch it. There are some criteria.

What's that, "criteria"?

Granite tradesmen, the women won't go near them.

As a farmer, on the other hand, you have every chance.

Females?

- Yes, full of females. - "Full of females".

200 girls for one guy.

Oh! 1000, 2000.

3000, if you want.

They are there, everywhere.

For God's sake!

There's some music, and there's dance...

My mother says that you become Jewish when you marry a Jew.

- So what? - How does it feel, to be a Jew?

- Does it sting? - You'll see.

How does it feel, to be a Jew?

I still have no answer.

Anyway, in the middle of Brittany, in 1976,

it meant nothing else than being different.

And I hated being different.

What do you mean, you married Simon?

These are kids' games.

Here you don't just get married like that.

You'd better listen to Claude.

Since he takes care of François, business is good.

Not like over here. Oh no!

Hello.

Hello.

Hello, Nicole.

Hello, Claude.

Can I please get some cigarettes?

Please. A little drink?

Not. But I'll be back later.

- Claude? - Yes?

Do you have an idea for my milk?

Like what?

The time we spend milking, it's hard keeping up with demand.

You start chasing me with your problems.

I'm on holidays, I'm not Abbe Pierre.

His son can keep dreaming. He'll never get my daughter.

Lucien, I think I have an idea.

Ah?

What did you say?

That you should keep your mouth shut.

Here's a new order.

I don't know how the song ends.

I didn't know it had a name.

It was the song of happiness.

On an old lover composer.

Remember that slow dance, ten years ago?

Already 10 years.

You wanted to marry me.

What a strange idea.

You were not even 15.

- Hello. - Hello. Marcel Guilois.

I'll go get her.

Granny, it's for you. A Mr. Guilois.

Stop calling me "granny". I have a first name.

I forgot granny had a first name.

- But yes. - Hey, this is grannie's summer.

- Is it true what he said, Bibou? - What did he say?

That you didn't want to look at me at the window,

the night you met your cousin Véronique.

- He said that? - Yes.

That's why he's not here.

I discovered girls and their labyrinths.

A foretaste of everything. A foretaste of me, too.

- Jacky, it's for you. - Er, the phone.

Heavy terrain today at Auteuil.

- Where did you find it? - I bought it.

- You tell me. - Yeah.

Hello?

Yes, Mom, it's me.

Yes, I know, it's the 3rd time.

- 5.3! - Bravo! She broke the record!

- Yes! - Good!

A kiss, Mom.

- Wait, we'll start over. - Really?

- Ah yes. - Yes, very good.

- What are the rules again? - I don't remember.

Bowling and Brittany, That sounds wrong.

We'll have to measure that one.

If you want to go out tonight, feel free.

- You're okay with that? - Oh yes.

Mom, put your hat on. The sun is burning.

I'll look after the children. Feel free, I said.

Granny isn't that boring.

- Who's that singing? - Dave.

I don't know him.

- You want my opinion? - No.

A guy who sings like a girl, I don't believe it one second.

I'll sink his boat.

That will never work. Dave, it doesn't mean anything.

Can we have an intelligent conversation?

No. What did you say about Dave?

I'd like to see Lucien sing it.

Ah yes.

It seems to bring luck, touching a sailor's tassel.

It only brings trouble.

Why? Did you ever try?

No, never.

You?

Dance.

Stop, Jacky. They did nothing to you.

My feet swell up.

- Put your shoes back on. - It's disgusting.

- I assure you, look. - Go sit somewhere else.

I haven't seen Isa for a while.

Hey! Do you think they sell crackers here?

Where's Isa?

She went to the parking lot, Etienne too.

Being dumb, yes.

While some rejuvenated...

others played they were older.

Simon, will you give me some candy?

- Go away. - Don't be so selfish.

Go away, Bibou. I'm busy.

Véro is too big for you.

It'll never work with her. She likes older guys.

Also I'll go back to Paris at the end of the holidays.

That was my tragedy:

to understand that everything comes to an end, even childhood.

Great. You pouted the whole way.

You yelled at me and you want me to smile?

Stop it, you two.

Bernadette, this is none of your business.

Sorry, we're all under the same roof.

This is also my friend, right? I care for the people I like.

I don't expect to be paid to help others.

What do you mean by that?

No. Don't get excited.

Jacky, digests your crackers and leave us in peace.

Did Etienne upset you?

Just by chance.

What's he got to do with it?

As soon as we have a little fun, it's a scandal.

There are some limits to fun, right?

Next time, you'll read us the rules.

Let's go, girls.

Why were you talking to Etienne, before?

Shut up, Jacky.

I'm living with the times.

How's that? Does it bring luck?

To touch a sailor's tassel brings luck.

Shut up, you'll wake up the kids.

Take off the covers. They'll die of heat.

Where are they?

Simon!

Bibou!

Simon!

- They're not here. - I see they aren't here.

- Bibou! - Simon!

- Simon! - Bibou! Children!

But where are they?

Simon!

Since you're here, for God's sake,

I feel like I'm 20.

I'm ready to leave everything and go wherever you want to go.

Yes. But my dear Marcel, we're not 20 anymore.

And then my past, it's too heavy.

I'll let you forget the past.

Bibou!

Simon! Bibou!

Children!

Oh no! What did they do?

Simon! Bibou!

Go to bed!

We were worried.

You'll see, Simon.

This is my fault.

My granny saved me that evening.

Bibou, you bastard! You're really a bastard.

Mom! Simon still wets the bed

Bibou, I'll kill you!

Legally, there's no problem?

No.

That's just what I thought.

Michel, send out only one letter per week and we're good.

Thank you.

- This is a true vocation. - Goodbye.

The next.

Bernard, how many S's, in "vocation"?

No, it's a C.

Ah. Anyway, I don't care. I never use the word.

This is perfect.

The next one.

Go ahead.

Hop, hop. Please wait.

- I'm Poulidor. - No, that's me.

Nobody wants to be Eddy Merckx?

- He's a Belgian. - Poulidor is Breton.

- That's not true. - His accent is from Paris.

Poulidor, he's a Breton.

- He's Parisian. - Breton.

Parisian! - BRETON!

I never checked but I'm sure he's not a Breton.

It's a miracle. I don't know which way to turn any more.

I'll be richer than the mayor of Saint-Pierre.

That way, you'll be able to set up a "Lions Club" with Dufour.

Why do you say that?

Come on, I'll take you. You'll see.

Lucien, you remember what I told you about the milk?

That's it, I found the idea: your electric milker.

With this you'll succeed. You must decide now.

Yes. It's a matter of decision.

- Now what? - Well, the decision Lucien.

Lucien has to take out money. That's the reality.

He understands nothing. Lucien:

to make money, you need money.

Hello, Mr. Guilois.

I've come to ask for an audience with your mother.

"Audience"? Yes.

Mom!

Mom!

- Please wait. I'll go get her. - But of course.

Mom, it's for you. It's Mr. Guilois.

- Mom, he's waiting. - Let him wait.

He's brought up well, this Mr. Guilois.

It always ends in bed.

We wish you well.

The village will talk about it.

What bad language.

Mom, he's waiting, it's hot. He is no spring chicken, either.

Why care what others say.

Enjoy life. Have fun.

Look, there's Gary Cooper.

How are you, Mr. Guilois?

Hello.

You're in luck,

- I want to ask you a delicate question. - Go ahead.

It's about the size of dowry for my mother-in-law.

Ah.

Since she lives in Paris, she lives high off the hog.

I mean, basically through my wallet.

I wanted to make sure...

Without being rich, I did accumulate a small savings,

which will allow me to meet her needs.

Ah.

I'm not talking about the 2000 hectares which my son exploits for me,

nor the 5000 animals of the cooperative,

nor some farms that I rent...

Come on, shoo.

It's a full house with aces, Guilois..

We count on your honesty, Mr. Guilois.

Jacky!

That's nice, but it's a bit much.

I came to ask for the first dance at the ball on July 24.

- Will you be there? - Certainly!

I believe there will be no competition.

My father had advised everyone that year.

The village made a technological leap.

Okay. It was not the NASA, but enough to be proud.

Nadine. Where's Nicole?

She sprained her ankle yesterday,

when she activated the phone meter.

- Oh no! - The competition won't forgive.

In the meantime, we don't see François anymore.

There's no young people coming here. They all go to Combourg.

Why don't you sell coffee for 10 cents?

"10 cents"? Oh!

Yes, when school's out, just for 2 hours...

You'll see, they'll stay a while.

- That's the American way. - Exactly.

Well then, if it's American...

I like Americans.

My father had invented happy hour.

He had introduced the wolf into the sheepfold,

because 20 years later the village would belong to the English.

- Daddy! - Yes, darlings?

- Dad, it's incredible. - I would tell it.

Okay.

Tell me, my Bibou.

None of the village children have ever seen the sea.

What do you mean?

It's true, Dad. Never.

- Is the beach far from here? - No, 25 km.

Yeah. 25.

- Are you sure about that? - Yes, sure.

You can never do enough for children.

It's the right thing to do.

I feels good, this thing.

A jellyfish!

- They have these animals in Brittany? - No.

Jellyfish are dangerous.

You see, we did well to bring him.

- Jacky, when did you get that? - During the war in Algeria.

Did you fight?

You killed people?

Help! Help!

Help!

What are you doing? You play for fish?

Damn.

Stop saying "damn", Claude. Damn, these are kids.

Bibou and I were happy with our bright idea.

We were the children of the hero.

He had gathered all the children of the village,

organized a great day and had saved a life.

We were very proud.

I swam, what, 100 meters to go...

Earlier, it was 50.

What? Did you measure it yourself?

Good. Come on Nadine, a drink on the house.

At the end of the evening, he had saved a dozen.

And though I was there, he told it so well that I believed it myself.

Hero of cafe Pondemer, hero of the whole world.

If possible, he would've been elected mayor on the spot.

I was the son of the hero.

Not only I took advantage.

It was a bit like we had saved the child.

I swam 1 km to save him.

But you can't swim.

No need when you're a man.

No. I work at Renault, I stay at Renault.

- It's going well? - Super.

No, Jacky. Cut the carrots smaller.

Didn't I tell you!

- No, you didn't. - 20 times.

- Like this. - Okay.

Looking for a treasure or something? Look, like this.

"Looking for a treasure".

Yeah, he's good.

Can I take the grapes?

"Aha'l'm."

It's "leha'I'm", François.

Leha'l'm.

- Okay. Cheers. - Cheers.

There's more.

You see, we did it for 800.

Sorry. Hop.

Careful, it's hot.

He's going to ask you something.

I hope for the hand of my mother-in-law.

That’s what he'll ask.

- I bet you a fiver. - Whatever you want.

I'll get the wine.

I have the honor to request...

for the hand of your mother-in-law.

The... who's hand?

- Do I have to repeat...? - No, no, no.

No, excuse me... Just now...

No, now.

I don't know.

What should I answer? You spoke to her?

- Before consuming... - What?

...it seems to be a good thing...

not to stray from protocol.

That's why I was anxious to inform you.

You did well.

Huh? Didn't he do well, François?

- You mustn't make fun. - No. But that's normal.

You see.

What are you doing here?

Hush! You're crazy, if someone comes...

I really had to come.

It doesn't make sense. I'm sorry.

Why? It's just a kiss.

No. I don't think so.

I leave at the end of the month.

I'll spend the winter in the Caribbean.

Come with me, Isabelle.

But what should I do there?

There's a second place, it's for you.

But I'm not a sailor, I'm not...

I'm not looking for a team member.

Me neither.

But then to kiss...

I'm sorry, Etienne.

It's not you that I kiss,

it's freedom.

Isa?

Where were you?

I went on a boat ride.

So what?

Well, I can't swim.

Good. Who pays his debts gets rich.

- That's good. - Yes.

Why don't you put it into the pool.

Where were you?

I was... Do you still need a lawyer?

"Regnier, Helena. Esquire."

Oh, fuck!

Do you have my card? I've been looking for 10 days.

She's is a lawyer.

She wants us to be partners.

I told myself to think about it.

You can't be counted on.

- Don't get angry. - Wait...

- You found her. - Yes.

- Right, Claude? - Of course.

But she's right. No need to get upset.

Okay. Shall we have a drink?

People's House

If François’ new activity prospered,

he still had to save his house, taken in the previous bankruptcy.

My father had proposed to buy it back for him.

The first auction was set at 25,000 francs.

The sale is open.

I kindly request you to light the first candle.

They have Hanukkah in July?

Please, the second candle.

Impeccable.

Third candle, please.

If nobody makes a higher bid before the 3rd candle goes out,

I declare the bidding is for the gentleman.

Listen to the silence.

I declare the bid.

Attention, Attention, "Tira la chèvre", raffle.

It's the first time I see Dufour's mother without her buckets.

Does it remind you of something, all of this?

If my father was still alive, he'd say that "it's from the heart."

You never talk about him.

I miss him.

That's enough for me.

You never talk about yourself, either.

I'm a lawyer, I spend my time talking.

I'm not talking about that.

Well... okay. That's fine. There's a time for everything.

Now, I prefer to listen.

Bernard?

Yes?

I'm your friend.

What's up?

Nothing, What do you want me to say?

That my wife can't give me a child...

Damn.

Anyway, your children are a bit mine.

So...

You see, in the end it's better when you don't talk.

- Hello! Hello! - Hello! Hello!

Hello, this is Lucien Dufour.

Yeah.

And Firmin. Oh! It burns, it burns...

Tonight a big party on the village square.

Shoot the goat...

and a raffle...

And especially,

come in large numbers.

Slowly Bibou. If you force them, they don't like it.

Woman are complicated.

You should go step by step.

She showed me her panties and she doesn't want to kiss me.

She showed you her panties?

Yes. Little boats, lace on the outside, horizontal stripes.

My favorite.

Page 217 of "La Redoute". (= a clothing catalog)

The Rabbi said: "You could make a fortune".

And Kavveto: "I know, but he wants to be a lawyer".

Guilois, he isn't afraid of anything.

Yes. You see, I can't understand...

how you can fall in love with a mother-in-law.

She's family?

Jacky, we're worried more and more.

Yes, it's true.

- What's up? - You're getting more and more stupid.

You had your hours. Now you're stupid all the time.

You're exaggerating. In the morning, it's okay.

In the morning I sleep. For me, he's stupid all the time.

- Are you serious, guys? - Yes.

Oh damn, you're assholes.

For 10 seconds, you made me doubt.

Go, the 17.

The 3.

Even Bibou had it made.

This summer of 1976, a sweet mad wind hovered in the village.

A forbidden perfume which everyone breathed with delight.

- Will you remember it? - Of course he'll remember.

Who is it?

Berthe?

Why did you come?

I'm coming home.

- Who is Berthe? - The wife of François.

- Of the marriage bureau? - Yes.

The mother-in-law is fine.

The village feast brings back memories.

Memories?

She doesn't care about the flag.

Pardon?

Well, during the war.

We had the Krauts, even if there were not many.

You say "the Germans". The Krauts were the Nazis.

We were forced to remove all signs in the village.

Because Roche they liked,

but Abraham they didn't like.

Go play.

She lived here during the war?

She lived here for a while. And not alone.

You'd better leave the table.

Yeah. That's for sure.

She slept with a German.

Now leave.

But everyone knows.

Without François, she would have been shaven.

I'm nice, but you shouldn't bother my friends.

I wanted to do that 30 years ago.

Damn, Claude! You're as thickheaded as a Breton.

What did he say?

That you're head is like granite.

It's not a ball if there isn't a fight. He's a bastard.

- Dad? - Yes, darling?

Is it wrong to love a German?

During the war, Dufour's mother had found some milk for you.

A German wanted to take it.

Because I refused, he wanted to stab me with his bayonet.

And there, an officer,

a handsome man,

he put himself between the bayonet and me.

Did you love him?

Even if it was wrong.

He was a nice German...

who saw that your granny was very nice,

and they fell in love.

Anyway, when you're in love,

you're accountable to nobody.

And you, when you grow up... Don't hurry up too much.

You too, you will fall in love.

And that day, don't let anyone tell you what to do.

Okay.

I love you, son.

Go play.

The problem is that I love her.

She's a kid. She can't help it.

The main thing is, that she goes on believing that I don't know.

It's like you. Sometimes you take me for a fool,

but it makes me feel good to see you laugh.

Anyway, I have you as friends.

Stop it. Here, dry yourself.

Don't cry, Jacky.

- We adore you. - We certainly love you.

Yes, we love you.

That guy is just stupid.

Did he try the Caribbean trick on you too?

- I don't know where it is. - Too far for us.

He doesn't need a sailboat, but a freighter.

I can't go on. I stop.

- You're okay, Isa? - Yes, I'm fine.

My mother still wonders...

how my father had slipped this appointment in her pocket.

Claude?

You know, I had the choice. Open that door or not.

I knew that I would find anxiety, betrayal...

Still I opened it.

If I agreed to endure the worst that night,

it's because I wanted to understand...

Why it was not me who was in bed with you.

There.

That I brought you here,

it's so you understand where I come from,

so that you don't make more mistakes.

Isabelle?

I'm not sure how to tell you...

Okay. The business card...

Stop. Shh, I know.

I'm sorry.

I'm a child who failed to grow up.

So...

I just came to understand that freedom...

sometimes means to say "no".

I've chosen, Isabelle. I've chosen you.

I also choose you.

And they call me the Oriental.

Brown with a fatal look.

- What grade you're in? - 5th.

What's the name of your school?

Saint Marie.

So then you're a Chouan.

Chouan, Breton, Parisian, Blackfoot or Jewish...

There were no more differences, only similarities.

That night, Brittany was French,

and Abraham necessarily had to stay here. In Brittany.

It's perhaps in Brittany that the sea opened to Moses.

And nevertheless, I don't hurt nobody

I was nicknamed The Oriental

And they call me The Oriental

Brown with a fatal look

And they call me The Oriental

Because I'm sentimental

And nevertheless, I don't hurt nobody

I was nicknamed The Oriental

And nevertheless, I don't hurt nobody

I was nicknamed The Oriental.

Bernadette, I love you!

Not used much, eh?

No, not used much.

They're quite damaged.

Yes, quite damaged.

I'll drive.

No, my Louloute. You can't.

But you know, you don't have a license.

You're not funny.

They all came to say goodbye, as to one of their own.

Come back soon.

- As soon as I can. - Thank you.

- Goodbye, Lucien. - Goodbye, Claude.

My father never told me what was said, but I have an idea.

It's called Abraham's Rock...

because this land is yours forever.

Thank you.

He, who was always so talkative, couldn't utter a word.

I think he didn't know how to start the car.

I love you. I love you.

I love you, Madeleine.

Safe trip.

My childhood is linked to this Rock,

to these immortals who populate my memories.

And to Marie-France, whom I never stopped loving.

English translation by Subransu with help from VitaminSea

The best holidays of our lives