All language subtitles for Erode il grande (Viktor Tourjansky_1959).RippedbyNefasto

Hear Ye!, men and women of Jerusalem!

Here the sentence of the grand Sanhedrin,
which has judged guilty of blasphemy

and rebellion Amir, son of Zachary. And
Zochar, son of Eli.

Herod!, our great sovereign by the will
of god, King of Judea has just and deserved

punishments for their crimes, orders that
they shall be hanged upon stakes until

they shall both be dead!.

Orders that they shall be exposed for two days...
-Let me through...

...My son...

Mother...

Move on!.
-My son is innocent, you must believe me...

...Have pity...

Water...

I'll get you some my son...

Will you let me take this?, please.
-Yes.

Give him this water for pity's sake.
-There's no pity for those who've offended

our king!.
-Herod has murdered that man because he

called Herod a murderer!.

Return to your work now...

Where are the others?, who won the battle?.
-Where are our sons?.

Dead, imprisoned or on the run.

Aaron, what news?.
-Not now.

I am the commander of the stronghold, I
demand an answer!.

And I am the commander of the king's royal
guard, I answer only to the king!.

Defeat or victory?.
-Aaron's face does not speak of victory.

Well then, is it the end of Herod?.
-Silence!. We must be ready... for anything.

My King...

I understand, Aaron... Defeat.

With how many men have you returned?.

A mere handful of your royal guard.

And my Idumean cavalry?.

My mercenaries?.

And the Thracians, the Arabs?.

They were wiped out.

And my ships?.

All sunk. Off Actium.

But I swear to you they fought valorously
and bravely. And they would surely have

held out longer if Antony's men had not
given in and taken to flight.

Antony was doomed from the moment he
met Cleopatra.

My King, she was the only one who was
faithful to him to the end.

The end...
-He had no other choice but suicide.

Who loses, must pay...

And I have lost with the others.

Listen to my people

Lift your voices in thanks to God!, to him
who has not abandoned us!.

Listen to them. They can do nothing else
but curse and pray!. They are all

wild dogs. Lunatic rebels, exalted and
deceived!. They will soon feel the fist

of Rome!. But while I live, they will all
know that Herod is their King.

While you live, did you say?.

No one will ever see me in chains Aaron.

I alone will decide the time, and the
manner of my own end.

There is only one thing that makes life
worth living, to fight for something and

for someone.
-For what?, is not my kingdom in ruins?.

And for whom...

...I am alone.

Go Aaron.
-My King...

Go...

Farewell, My King.

Orders of the King. No one may enter
his chamber.

But I can see my father.
-No. No one may see him.

My father has not asked for me?.
-No.

I see... He asked for that woman and
her son.

You're here, alive!.

Sarah, you must warn the Queen at once.
Only she can save him, run to her and

tell her to go to the King immediately.
It's a matter of life or death. Hurry!.

Well?.
-They were the usual marketplace scribes

Miriam.
-No brother, they were different voices.

Something must have happened.
-My Queen!.

Aaron ordered me to come to you, it's a
question of life or death for the King!.

Mother, what has happened to my husband?.
-It's the end of him Miriam. Antony has

been defeated.
-God's mercy!.

Miriam!... don't go to him!.

My Queen, Aaron said that nobody was to pass.
-Open.

What are you doing here!?.

I have come...
-To say goodbye!?.

Because my place is at your side.

Thank you, Miriam.

But now I must be alone. And soon, before
nightfall, you will be alone.

There will be great rejoicing, and prayers
of thanksgiving.

The whole city is waiting. Do you think
that I do not know it?!.

They are all out there, in the corridors,
the streets, the squares. Waiting...

All asking one another, is he still alive?.
-Don't talk like that.

It is not the first time that fate is
against you. You must fight, fight back!.

Why are you saying this?.

Because I love you.

Three years ago, when you forced me to be
your wife, I hated you.

Your power frightened me.

But then your love lit mine so much, that
I don't know which flame burns more.

Your heart is good I know it. It's other
peoples hate that made you who you are.

Do not leave me. You must live!.

But if you have decided, take me with you!.

If only I could believe you...
-You must.

If I could...
-You could!.

Then they would not triumph over me.

Let's flee together. To the desert, the
mountains, where no Roman soldier will

ever find us.

Miriam, it will be as King or not at all!.

You were born a Queen, and you shall remain
so. This Octavian is not destiny, he is

not a man.
-What will you do?.

I will live!.

Oh, it's you is it.
-Shame on you, always looking at yourself.

Wait a moment. Why do you always hurry
away?.

I don't want my mother to see us talking
together, she doesn't like you.

Does she comb your hair like a girl?,
it's disgusting.

I'm going now.
-If you think you're King it's too soon.

I don't understand.

Your mother would.

You're always playing games with words.

What is it you really want?.
-I want to know.

Tell me if this is clear enough for you:
Herod is finished. Either he'll commit

suicide or they'll kill him.

But... you're speaking of your own father.
-He's always despised me.

Perhaps because my mother was not noble
like your sister.

So, I ask myself what will happen to
Antipater when the new King shall be Daniel.

Have you already decided my fate?.

With your wickedness...
-Wickedness?. It's my skin Daniel, my skin...

Trumpets!.
-What does it mean?.

Today, is a day of mourning.

The army has been defeated. Many men
will not return to their homes.

We exalt their valour. They have fought
for their King.

The war has been lost. And it is my duty
to think of the welfare of my people...

with different means from the arms which
we no longer have.

And it is for this reason that I have
decided to go to Rhodes. To pay homage...

to the new master of the world, the
victorious Octavian.

I see among you many anxious faces, and
the concern you must have.

But nobody speaks, where are my counsellors.

Sameas.

You who were proclaimed the interpreter
of the law. You were summoned here...

today were you not?.

Why do you ask me?, generally you prefer
to listen only to your astrologers.

Nabutzar!.

What do your planets say today?.

Do they speak ill for me?.

I am sorry my great King, but it is so.
You should not go.

I will not listen to predictions.

Ezra!.

A ceremony will be held today at sunset
for my safe journey. And thus every day

until I return, do you understand?.

Yes my King.

Aaron, we leave at sunrise. Choose the escort.

Depend upon me.

Taris.

My King?.
-The troops will be drawn up for my...

departure, and the square will be filled
with cheering crowds!.

You shall be obeyed.

Miriam... and Taris.

During my absence, see to it that the
snakes among us stay in their dens. Or...

when I return, I will change the colour
of this room to red!.

This won't be a pleasant journey Olem.

That's the reason I asked the honour of
being a part of the King's escort.

Very well. You will go with us.

Till tomorrow.
-I thank you Aaron.

What is it Sarah?.
-You've just come home and now you're

leaving again.

You make me the most unhappy wife in
all the world.

Herod needs me at his side.

And you know I owe him everything.

If it weren't for him I would still be a
petty chief in the desert of Dumea.

My father met his death beside Herod in
a battle against the Arabs.

The King willed that I should go up in
the palace as one of his family. I too

owe him everything.

But how can I ever forget that my own
father was killed because of the King!?.

He was a soldier!.
-And you too are a soldier.

And I fear that Herod, will tear you
from me too.

Dear Sarah, that will never happen.

When I think of tomorrow...
-Don't think of it.

Now I have you in my arms...

Smile at me.

How lovely you are.

My love...

Why do you look so troubled?.

I have been looking at you, and, it seems
to me that you were surrounded by other

men and they were asking you ''Is it
possible that you could have loved such a

monster?''. And you said let's not speak
of him anymore.

What are you saying?.

It was as though I had ceased to exist.

Life still went on. You were still living.

And you said to them.. ''I never loved
him''. ''It is finished now, I want to

live to forget him''.

Only a moment ago, I was lying in your arms.

Did you feel my heart?.

Did you feel the way it was beating?.

Do you think it was lying to you?.

Perhaps you were thinking, I must sweeten
the last hours of this man.

Every thought of yours is poisoned by
suspicion, but you must trust me, I'm...

your wife.
-You are so beautiful, the most powerful

men in the world would throw their
kingdoms at your feet.

What a magnificent prize you will be
for the victor. They will forgive...

...you that you were Herod's wife...

Other men will hold you in their arms.

Is your faith in me, so miserable?.
-Your blood is young. It will want to

live and will revolt at the thought
of a dead man.

You must not say such things. You told
me that you have hopes, and I also have

hopes. You told me that you will come
back and I know you will. Nothing

can cast this thought from my mind.

Is your anxiety then so little?.
-My confidence is so great.

God will not part us.
-Then if I ask you,...

will you promise me, that if I should...

It is time.

We must leave eachother.
-What do you want me to do?...

...Ask me. Ask me.

Nothing my love, nothing.

It was madness.

But if there is no madness, there
is no love.

Taris, what does this mean?.

They have shut themselves up in
their houses. To get them out will require

a massacre. If you order me to...
-Perhaps I will!.

When I return.

Now we do not have the time.

May the Lord go with you my King.

May the Lord prevent your return.

You have never come into this room before.

You are wrong.

I used to live here once. When my
family reigned over Judea.

It was our family.
-I often wonder if you remember the...

blood you bare, everyone does. The family
of heroes, that's how we're known to...

the people. Because through the centuries
we have dedicated our lives to them...

And now this chosen people of the Lord
must bare the domination of a proconsul

of pagan Rome.
-No proconsul will ever dominate our land.

Don't you think that Herod will
return then?.

Or at least, that he has made secret
agreements with Octavian?.

He's always been a master of double
dealing, hasn't he?.

As far as double dealing goes mother,
I know someone else who is also a master.

I was filled with joy when I saw you
here, I needed a word of comfort...

But you just came to make me suffer.

What is it that binds you to that
Idumean barbarian then?. Your marriage...

to him was an insult to our name. He has
humiliated you, he's contaminated you,

You ought to hate him!.

It's not love... It's nothing but the
senses. He has bound you to him, you fill

me with disgust, my daughter!.
-You cannot admit that I love him.

And you also cannot admit that I love
the son that he gave to me.

Look at him. Since he came into this
world you never came to see him!.

For you he is Herod's child, that is
his fault.

He has a face that is so sweet. So tiny,
and fragile. Like all other children,...

but to you he is Herod's child!.

If Daniel were King the people would be
spared the shame of a Roman proconsul.

I've come to you to know if you would
be opposed to the project.

I am only awaiting his return.

What a sad thing that mother and
daughter, should be so divided.

Go no further!, the Romans are killing
everybody!.

My King, what do you intend to do now?.

I shall go on as I have planned, to Rhodes.

You Aaron, will return to the palace.

My King, allow me to go with you.

I know that you are loyal and brave,
and it is for this reason that I have...

chosen you, for a task.
-As you order.

Aaron if I shall not return from Rhodes...
-My King...

If I said... I should not return...

I do not want to be alone,
after my death.

I want her to be with me.

She whom I love.

She who you love...
-Swear that you will obey me!.

I swear it.

I want you to go back to the palace,
and stay by her, and protect her.

While I live.

But if the news should arrive...
-Yes my King?.

She must not even suspect my order.
Do you understand?.

I understand.

Did he give you a message for me?.
-He ordered me to stay close to you, and

to protect you.

Depriving himself of his most valiant
and loyal man, it's strange.

How was he when you left him?.
Despairing?.

Herod knows how to confront best in me.

I would love to have his strength. I
wonder when he will come back.

By now he should nearing
the island of Rhodes.

Answer me Aaron, and be sincere.

What do you think will happen at Rhodes?.

Do you think he will return?.
-He will return.

I wish it as much as you.

If any news arrives, advise me at once.

Rest assured that I will my Queen.
-You may go now Aaron, you must be very...

tired.

Why do you think he has returned?.

Herod has sent us his strong right arm.
His keen and watchful eye, his very shadow.

Like Herod, Aaron is Idumean.

A race which has brought misfortune
to our land.

Let us hope it will bring misfortune
to Aaron also.

And so Cleopatra...

Queen of Egypt... Took her own life,

by causing an asp to bite her.

The gods, venerable fathers of us all,

have will that she shall not
follow in chains, I...

Commander Claudius!...

Hail Octavian. On the coast of Africa
near Actium Herod has been taken...

prisoner with some one hundred armed men.

Where were they headed?.
-Here. If it's true as they say that...

Herod is a madman, this is certain
proof of it.

He has asked to see you, he wishes
to speak to you.

He probably wishes to beg for clemency.

I cannot be clement with a man who has
deployed his mercenaries on the side...

of the traitor Antony.
-What shall we do with him then?.

Bring him before me.

I want to know him, I shall measure the pride
of one who calls himself..Herod the Great.

Be careful of him Octavian.

Herod is very clever at the use of the
treacherous weapon of deceit.

He's very shrude.

I have crushed other serpents, surely
more poisonous than he.

You will wait before concluding my
message to the senate. Perhaps we may...

also add that my triumphal chariot in
Rome will be followed in chains by the

King of Judea... Herod the Great.

Who saw you enter?.
-Only my servant.

Continue.
-He was chained as I have told you, as

soon as he dismounted from his horse.
Then he was dragged in the dust like...

a slave who has been condemned to death.
The commander then ordered him to...

be lashed. The people covered him with
spittle and insults.

Well, and then?.

I thought it best not to stay long since
the soldiers of our King's escort...

had already been taken prisoner.

You will soon hear confirmation of the
execution of Herod.

The news has already arrived Olem.
-How?.

You have brought it.
-I?.

Would you like to become commander of
the guards?.

Do as I tell you and you will.

I will obey you my Queen.

And after he was bound with heavy chains
he was dragged into the presence of...

Octavian. But he was already a corpse
when he got there from the numerous...

wounds he had received from the soldiers
and the rabble along the way.

I myself saw a Roman centurion plunge his
sword into his back.

Then, he is dead.

Herod's body was devoured by dogs outside
the city wall.

If the Romans find our country torn by
disorders they will impose the...

proconsul upon us. We must
avoid this absolutely,

Or it will mean the end
of our independence.

That must never come to pass, let
Daniel be the new King.

Agreed. But let us not forget there are
still many who are faithful to our tyrant.

People bound to him by blood and
self-interest. They will be our enemies.

We must strike them down
before they can act!.

I am with you.

Daniel as King, is just.

My father was a monster.

I will tell it to the people.
I will tell it to them before all of you!.

No one could do it better than I can.

You can trust me.

I am with you.

I am with you!.

Answer me!.

What are we to do with him?.

He'll get what he deserves.

He is not dangerous.

Aaron is dangerous. He must
be eliminated.

I approve.

Tonight.

It's your concern. You
are his friend.

Aaron save me!. The soldiers have
completely surrounded the palace,...

there's no way for me to escape.
-What's the matter with you?.

There's no hope for me. My father is dead.

What!?.

Yes!.
-You are lying...

You are lying!.

No!, they want to kill me too!. I saw it
in their faces, they've condemned me...

to death just because I am his son.
-Who came back with this news!?.

I don't want to die Aaron!, I want to
live!. You must help me!.

Olem.

Is it true?.

Is Herod dead?.
-Yes. I must speak with you...

I wanted to go and kneel before Octavian
and entreat him to deliver me the...

remains of the King, for an honorable
entombment in Jerusalem.

But I feared for my own life!.
I confess it...

By disguising myself in these clothes
I was able to escape.

To die like that.

A great King.

So great that even destiny itself
seemed to be subject to him.

How much he would have regretted
not falling in battle.

We served him faithfully
to the very end.

I must serve him even
beyond the end.

What did you say?.

He gave me an order.

Have you gone mad!?.

Have pity!. Have pity!.
-Pity!?.

You, my closest friend.

Why!?.

They ordered me.. to do it.

Aaron, what's happened?.

He was my friend.

And he tried to murder me.

The palace is in great turmoil. Is it
true what they say about the King?.

It's true. Go back to your chamber.
-And you?.

There is something I have to do.

Listen to me Aaron. There will be a new
King, new factions will command in...

the palace. Don't set yourself
against them.

Go back to your chamber I told you!.

And don't leave it again.

Take the baby.

Any news?.

Yes my Queen.

Dead!?.

I should have stopped him!.

He shouldn't have gone!.

It's all my fault!.

I can't live without him!.

Aaron, I employ you. Kill me...

Kill me.. do as I tell you.

Kill me!.

I cannot.

It is what he himself ordered me
to do, but I cannot.

He!?.

I have always obeyed my King.

When he has wished it I have killed
for him with these very hands.

But now, you no. You must
go on living!.

This is what he wanted?.

What has been cannot be changed.

Now you must find new strength. Think
only of the present and the future.

Of the future?.
-Yes, for your son. It is for him that...

you must live. To see him grown up and
sitting upon the throne of his father.

One day you are sure to be proud of him.
Now you must think of the life of...

your son!.
-What are you saying?.

There are vultures on the point of
breaking out of the palace. There...

will be plenty of bloodshed and your son
will be sacrificed for reasons of state!

Does this not move you!?.
-My baby!. Who?!, my mother?.

It is she who is behind the plotting.
And even if she did try to save him...

others would prevent her. Forget about
Herod, and about yourself.. If you...

really love your baby.

Idiot.

Aaron was quicker than he was.

Now he'll arouse his guards.
-Aaron and all his guard have fled...

from the palace with the Queen.

I would have preferred to see
Aaron in his place.

Here is Herod, the Great.

Why are his eyes shut?.
-Seven days in the dark Octavian.

Bring him here.

Seven days in the dark, you can stand,
you can sleep. But without water...

Do you want water?.

I want to talk to you.

What do you hope to obtain?. You
are now my prisoner.

If you had captured me Octavian, then I
should expect to be killed. But I...

came here of my own free will.

Do you think that will soften your fate?.
-Yes, because I have the right.

The vanquished have no rights!.

But a King, who comes himself to
the enemy camp, and presents himself

to the victor, has to be listened to.

Not out of generosity, but
for your own good.

Do you think Octavian should learn
the arts of war from you!?.

No...

Victorious Octavian, but the politics and
life of these oriental countries,...

especially where my Judea is concerned,
you will find that it is not like...

other countries.

You're astute and ready with your
words Herod.

But Rome has no interest in speeches. It
is interested in faithful allies in...

those regions where its
frontiers are threatened.

In Judea, cunning and experience
serve better. These were my weapons.

Who will collect your taxes?.

No one has been able to collect them
from that people, except Herod.

Why then seek a new man when you already
have one, who can be useful to you.

If you replace me, you will have to send
many legions which you need elsewhere.

Must I forget that you put your entire
forces in the field against me!?.

That you were faithful to Antony
to the very end!?.

Yes!, I was faithful. And this from a
Roman is the greatest tribute you could

pay me.. Do not think of whom I was
a friend. Think of how I was a friend,

and I will be the same to you too.
-Your friendship shifts easily from...

vanquished to victor like a chariot in
the circus racing from one turning...

post to the other.

You're very astute Herod. But if you
try your shrewdness against the forces

of justice, it will have no
effect upon me!.

As your arms had no effect upon Rome.

Take this man away!.

Well executed Gaius Octavian, he will
stand as an example to the other petty

sovereigns who think of rebelling
against Rome, along the coast of Asia.

I haven't decided what is to be his fate.

Whether he will follow in chains my
triumph in Rome, or remain on this coast

as a perennial warning of our strength,
and greatness.

He deserves only one fate.
Death!.

Let us leave it to the Gods
to enlighten us.

I give no consideration to my personal
sympathies Claudius...

But only to the future of the empire.

Galan is back!.

What news do you bring from Jerusalem?
-They're preparing for Daniel's coronation

How long will it take to
unite all tribes?.

It won't be possible until the next full
moon, many are...

We must convene. Send messengers to
Idumea, tell them to announce signals

that can contact those farthest away.
We'll leave tonight, I'll come with you.

The Queen!.

My Queen, we must attack Jerusalem. The
crown belongs to you and your son.

I don't wish to fight my mother
and brother.

You are our Queen, we need your
orders, not requests.

As long as we have an army, no one
will terrorize you. Thus are the rules

of war, defeat or be defeated. It is
much better to entrust your destiny with

arms rather than the compassion
of others. It is up to you.

Godspeed.

Allow me to come with you.
-No, you must return to Jerusalem...

We need you there.
-I don't want to leave you again.

We cannot only think about ourselves Sarah.

Yes, you're right.
-Farewell, and take care.

For the moment they're preoccupied with
the others...

...But they'll soon come for me. They
know I haven't left the palace, they'll

find me and kill me.
-I hope not.

If they learn of the fact that I've
hidden you here, I shall be killed as well.

It's a great shame your father
is no longer here, while he was with us

things weren't that bad. Now
I'll have to return to my country.

Who could it be?.

They've come for me!.

Who is it?.

It's me, Mohab.

He's only a slave.
-Mohab?...

I don't trust him, he may have
betrayed us.

There are soldiers everywhere, if you
leave here now you'll likely be killed.

Maybe he can leave tonight.
-Probably, the entire city is rejoicing

and there will be great confusion.

I can't take it anymore...

...They'll find me.
-Have faith, the stars shine bright for you.

I know your stars well.

If your father had believed in them,
he would still be alive.

It is written: I have cried to the Lord
for a long time,..

And he has listened to my cry.

And he has drawn me out of the quagmire
of despond and placed my feet upon the

firm rock.

Daniel!.

Remember these words,

And may your reign be as a rock, for the
glory of the Lord and of Israel, may you

be an example of virtue. To the end that
the mire which covers this throne through

the guilt of an impious King,
shall be washed away.

Look!.

The Romans!

The Romans are here!.

Here!?.
-Yes, marching towards the palace.

Go on with the coronation. Hurry,
you must act quickly.

Ezra, accompany him to the throne.

Place the crown upon his head.

Proclaim him the new King of Judea!.

For the glory of the Lord of Israel...

What's going on, a feast perhaps?.

Claudius, you will find many strange
things about this country. They do not

perform on the stage as they do in Rome
and Greece, here they recite their parts

in palaces!.

And the characters are not played by
actors, they are real.

An ambitious Queen mother!, a traitor
general.

I was faithful to you my King, as long
as I believed you were alive.

And all are gathered here, to perform a
comedy. A crowning ceremony.

What did you say?!.

The sad news of your death.. came to our
ears.. as a grievous thing for us all

my King.

Where is the Queen!?.

Where is Aaron!?.

You thought that I was dead!?.
-Yes my King, Olem brought back this

terrible news to us.

By order of Octavian Augustus, Emperor
of the Romans, Herod is King of Judea.

To him, the people and all of you
here owe absolute obedience.

Father!, oh father you're alive!.
-Yes, yes, I have returned.

I had to hide myself, it's as much a
miracle that I am alive as it is you've

come back.
-Tell me, where is the Queen?.

Kill them father, avenge yourself!.
-Where!...

Answer me, where is she, where's Aaron?.
-I asked for his help but he refused it,

he only thought of protecting her!.
-I'm asking you, where is the Queen. What

has happened to my wife!?.
-She's fled.

Fled!?.
-With him.

Then she is safe.

Where did she head?.
-Ask Sarah.

Father!, kill them father!. Kill them!.

My King.

Where is Aaron?.

Well answer me woman, you must know.

I know.
-Is the Queen with him?, is she safe?.

Yes.

Come then, show me where they are.

Only now do I feel alive...

Now that I hold you in my arms...

Smell your perfume...

Nothing else exists now. The expectation
of death...

The distance.. Longing for you...

And the terror that I might have lost you.

This moment makes up for everything.

Speak to me.
-You're here. You've come back, I thank

God.
-Oh no, it was not your God who saved

Herod, he saved himself!.

Why do you look at me like this?.

Something has changed.

Changed?.
-In you. If you had loved me, how could

you have thought.. decided, how
could you have ordered..

Where is Aaron?.
-Gathering together the men who are still

faithful to you.

Because Herod is thought dead. And so
that his son may be able to reign.

Do you not ask me why?, why
he did not do it?...

I don't know.. I only know that I could
not order someone to go and kill the one

person I loved.

Do you not understand Miriam?. Do you not
understand what my love is for you?.

When you were ill two years ago you
almost died, I was determined then that

if your illness should take you from me..
that I would not continue without you,

without you.. there would be nothing.

Is it so strange then that I should
demand the same from you?.

But you did not demand it!.

In stead you put an assassin at my side,

and it was only through his mercy, that
you did not find my grave on your return.

Did you even think of your son?, Aaron
did!.

Aaron!...

Not only did he reveal what he should
have kept to himself but now he has made

you my enemy!.
-Enemy?, me?.

Oh Miriam!, forget my madness!...

I have returned to you,..

and you have not even given me a smile.

Ah!, what a joy it is to be
home again Claudius!,...

among my people. I know that you are
homesick for your Rome, but we will do

our best to make your stay
with us a pleasant one, to make this

evening unforgettable. Friends!, let us
show our guest from Rome that peace, joy

and happiness reign in Herod's palace.

You will find Claudius, that my people
are retiscent to show their emotions,

when they are overcome with joy.

Wine!.

Let us drink to the new peace of Rome!.

The peace of Rome who has eliminated
their enemies,...

To Claudius Severus!, a strong wine, which
can overcome the dryness of stones.

And now, for some of my other
favourite wines,...

To Alessandra, the pride of Israel. The
noble representative of a most noble

blood.

I do not drink as you know.
-But for once, you must drink.

And for my friends, the wines that they
most deserve.

Taris, a rock of unshakable faithfulness.
For you, the same..

And Sameas. For you a wine that is cool
and limpid, like wisdom.

And if you should find it somewhat
bitter, then blame my wisdom.

For there is always something bitter in it.

What is the matter, are you ill?.

Herod..
-I said drink!.

Toast the health of your King!.

Are you all afraid to drink my wine?.

Your fear has given you away..

My King!, little prince Daniel, there,
in the pool!.

Is he dead?.

Yes.

No!, he can't be dead!.. Open your eyes!
Listen to me!.. Speak to me!.

How unfortunate..

You murderer!.

I can understand your sorrow Alessandra.
-Abomination!. I knew it!, I felt it!...

It was you who had him killed!. You!.

He did not know how to swim!, he must
have fallen in while playing.

Be quiet!.. I despise you!.

How dare you!, he is the King!.
-Let her be!.

She is his mother,..

Unfortunate Daniel..

You had your whole life before you, you
could have aspired to great things.

Your blood gave you the right.

I wish that he be buried as a King!. With
full honours, exactly as would have been

given to Herod.

If Herod...

...had died.

Don't touch him!.
-Mother..

You're not my daughter!, you are
not Daniel's sister!. You are only the

woman of that murderer!, you are his
accomplice!.

Mother what are you saying!?.
-Don't try to win me with false tears!,..

revenge your brother!, you must kill him
and free us from that monster!.

My son!.. My dear son!...

I implore you, give me an answer to this!
-The King does not answer to anyone!.

The King no, but my husband yes.

Say only a word, a single word to take
this terrible thought from my mind.

Say it was an accident!.
-I already said that it was!.

Look at me!.

Tell me again, now!.

Answer me this question Miriam,..

Which is the dearer to you, your brother's
life or mine!?. Supposing you had...

to choose...
-Nobody can demand such a choice!.

Very well then let us suppose that the
brother intended to kill the husband!,

what then!?.
-This is your answer then!, you had...

him killed!.
-Listen to what I am saying!.

Let us suppose.. A King who is surrounded
by enemies, reads in everyone's eyes

lies, hatred, treachery.. His throne and
his life are in danger, and in the middle

of this rising tide a brother...

The Queen's brother...

This King what should he do?. Should he
not forestall his enemies and strike first!.

You revenged yourself on a poor young boy!.

As a Queen and as a wife you should have
replied that was has been done could not

have been avoided!.
-I hated those who hated you!, the...

courtiers betraying you, the Pharisees
inciting the people, and even those who

came by night and soiled the palace
walls with insults!. I even made an enemy

of my mother!, for you!.

Because...

Because I loved you.

There is room for weakness in this world.

One must strike first, or be destroyed.

Perhaps your enemies are
no better than you.

Perhaps they don't have
the right to hate you.

But I don't have the right to love you.

Something is dead in me now, you killed it.

No, you must not talk like this..

You do not know what you are saying. It
is because of what has happened that now

you say things that you do not mean.
Later you will understand...

Miriam...

It was said that Daniel looked like me.

That he had my face, and my eyes.

Do you still want to embrace me?.
-Do not speak of him anymore!.

Leave me!, let me go!.

But I need you.
-Herod needs nobody.

Then go!. Join my enemies!.
-The only real enemy you have is...

you yourself!.

What are you doing here?.

I heard you...

And you dare to admit it!?.
-Is it strange I should give thought to

my father?., That I should worry if his
honour is betrayed?...

And suffer, when I realize that though
he's strong with others, he's a weakling

before his wife.
-Get out of here!.

How true it is that every man shapes his
ruin with his own hands.

Antipater...

You are twisted and malicious. If you
something to say then say it or go.

Have you no trust in me?.
-Not much, but go on.

You would only consider it malice, I
would gain nothing but your anger.

Just speak!.

When they thought you were dead they
wanted to crown another King. Maybe your

wife when she thought you were dead..
-What?.

Yes, it could be..

I'll break your neck!...

How dare you insinuate such a thing!.

Tell me the truth or I'll
break you in two!.

Let me go!.. You're right!, I take
back everything I said!.

Who is the man?!. Who is he!?.

The man?...

Just think about it for a moment.

Who is there here in the palace who is
young enough, who's aspect is vigorous,

and slightly vulgar as women like.
Do you want his name?.

You already know father.

Aaron!.
-You said it.

The most faithful...
-They're always the ones.

What else do you know?.
-That they were together, they escaped

together and they lived together both
day and night.

If you observe well, there's
something between them.. Like a

communion of thoughts.
-I want facts!.

You ask too much. In their intimate
moments naturally I was not there.

If you have lied to me...

It's much more dangerous
to tell you the truth.

At night I was finally able to sleep a
little, it was so wonderful...

I dreamed of my Daniel.

Do you recall how he was as a baby with
his long hair hanging down on his...

shoulders?...

The baby has just waked up my Queen.

Don't cry mother, please.

Sarah!, what has happened to you!?.

Aaron has disappeared, and they've
appointed a new commander of the royal

guard.. I'm afraid my Queen!, I'm afraid!.
-You should inquire of the new commander.

I have asked him but he wouldn't answer
me. Nobody will tell me anything, you must

help me my Queen. Only you can ask the
King where he is.

I cannot.

But it's a question of Aaron's life!, if
he has fallen into disgrace..

you know what will happen to him.
-In disgrace?. But it's impossible...

He was Herod's best friend.

They are the ones that tyrants strike
down first!. Forgive my boldness, but I

can't stand it anymore I'm going mad!.
He is everything to me!.

Don't cry Sarah, I will help you.
Wait for me.

Mother please, take care of the baby.

Your orders have been faithfully executed
my King.

Aaron and the commander Circa have been
put in chains.

Don't tell me, tell the hangmen.

Ah, you could not have come
at a better moment.

Allow me to present to you our new
commander of the guards, the valorous and

faithful Ephraim.
-My sword and my life are dedicated to...

your cause.

Well spoken Ephraim.

The Queen appreciates your.. good
intentions.

You may go now.

I did not think that I should see you again
after all the days and nights you have

kept away from me.
-What have you done with your best friend?.

My best friend?, everyone here is a friend.
-You understood me very well, I am

speaking about Aaron.

Oh.. Aaron.

For some time now you have avoided me as
if I were some plague, and now at last I

see you again.

Why is it I wonder?.

Could it be perhaps that you are curious
to know what has happened to Aaron?.

But you are frail, you are shaking.
Why are you afraid?...

For him?...

Could it be that you are afraid something
has happened to him?.

What have you done to him?!.

You want to see him?...

Very well then.. Come with me.

Where are you taking me?.
-Be patient!.

Now you can look at him!.

Why are you wasting time?.
-The man has fainted my King.

Let him know that we are here.
-Vinegar!.

Look at me!.

Do you recognize me!?.

Herod.
-Your King!.

No...

Not any.. longer.

You were ambitious, my little Idumean.
Gathering together the desert tribes, for

what!?. To steal the throne for her
perhaps!?, and for yourself!.

No doubt you thought in your miserable
little mind, 'why not be daring aswell?'.

'Did not Herod meet with success in the
same venture?, and his courage and...

his greatness have in me too!'. What a
pathetic and pale imitation. A jackal!,...

disguised as a lion.

Look at yourself then and
tell me who's King!.

Aaron...

I can let you die quickly,...

or I can keep you alive so that you may
curse the woman that brought you into this

world.

It depends on how you
answer this question...

How long has all this been going on
between you?. When did it start!?.

Torture him again!.

No!.
-When did it start?!. How long have you

two made Herod your fool?.

Continue!.
-My King, this way he will die.

I said continue!.
-No!, have mercy!.

I want the truth!.
-None of it's true!, none of it!.

Swear it to me!.
-I swear it!.

Then prove it!.
-What can I do?!.

Kill him yourself and I will believe you!.
-But he's innocent!.

He will be buried with full honours!.
-But this is terrible!.

His life for our love!, that is what
I demand!. It is the only proof you

can give me!, the only proof
that I will believe!.

Ah!.. Because you love him!, ahh..

Take her away!.

Again!, the vinegar!.

Is it possible.. that he has always
truly been like this.

He's always been possessed
of the devil.

Only you would never believe it.

He was not always like this, when we
married, he wasn't like this.

My poor Sarah...

If I knew by confessing Aaron would be
safe, I would have confessed what I never

committed, even in my thoughts.
-I can't bear it any more!, there must be

some way.

Flight.
-What are you saying?, is it possible?.

Do you know?.

Tell me I implore you.

In the next change of the guard there
will be men we can trust.

The only faith of the guards, is
their fear of the master. Why should

they risk their lives for Aarons?.

Not for Aaron, nor me, nor you. But for
something that is worth the risk, gold.

He's right, men will always sell themselves
for gold. We must at least try.

Only as I've already told you my Queen,
the recompense must be equal to the risk.

I unfortunately possess nothing, my father
hardly allows me enough to clothe me.

You my Queen are rich with treasures,
that necklace alone.

I don't know what's in your thoughts,...

but I know I must try to save Aaron.

Have faith in me, I promise Aaron will be
saved, and I will keep my word.

You may go now Sarah.

My beloved.
-Sarah.

Now you'll be free again, they're going
to carry you out of here and place here

the body of Samir's.
-Is he dead?.

Yes, tortured to death.

We must hurry!.

Come, I'll help you.

Give me the reward you
promised me now!.

Here it is, it's worth much more
than what you deserve.

It's all done as you wished my Lord.
-And the guard?.

He has been payed.
-You did not mention my name?.

Oh no!.
-I know that I can trust you, you may go.

Sleep my baby,...

Sleep.

I don't want to see you anymore, go away.

Forgive me, for what I have done to you...

I have struck you, marked you.. Forgive me.

I cannot sleep.. I.. cannot rest.

I have been thinking of many things, of
you, of my son...

My son...
-You're mad!, what are you thinking!?.

What shall I do...

Aaron did not confess. He will die before
a single word will pass his lips against

you. And you say nothing?,...

You hold within your hands my peace of
mind and you do not want to speak?.

You do not want to listen!.

I rule a mob of slaves but it is I who am
the slave, yes, your slave if you want it.

Is it not possible again, that you
feel as I feel?.

After all our happiness?.

Again?...

All that's happened seems so far away.

It seems as if.. it happened
to other people...

Not to you and me.
-But it was to you and me!.

And it could still be so again
if you want it.

I will forgive everything!, if you
are willing to be with me again.

I will forget all that you have done!.
-I pray God to enlighten you.

I am not speaking of Gods!, I am speaking
of ourselves, you must humble yourself.

Ask my forgiveness,...

and then we will start afresh, our love,
..everything.

You have insulted me like a courtesan, and
now you want to treat me like one.

I ask you for the last time.

No!, never!.

Aah, get out of my sight!.
-I know you don't want to listen to...

me father, but Aaron has escaped.
-What!?.

He's no longer in prison.

What are you talking about!?.

Someone must have bribed his guards.

Who has bribed them?.
-Come with me father.

You sent for me to come to you,
what is it Miriam?.

It's horrible!, I have married a monster!,
and now God is punishing me!, what can...

I do mother!?.
-Calm yourself my daughter calm yourself.

Sit down here and tell me all
that has happened.

The child, my baby. I'm frightened, he
looked at him in such a strange way, and...

he was saying strange words, as if he
doubted that it was his child. Do you...

realize what that means?. If he thinks
that it is not his, he might even kill him!.

Yes, he is capable of it.
-You must help me!.

Take the baby, leave the palace and
Jerusalem, and go where nobody can find

you, save the baby!.
-Very well...

My poor daughter.

Who gave you this?.

Speak up man!, it is the
King who questioned you!.

Mohab, the old household slave.

When I discovered it was Mohab he tried
to kill me, I had to kill him in self

defense.

Get rid of him.
-To the executioner!.

Have pity!, pity!.

I gave her this,...

when I returned from Egypt.

It's all clear.

Yes, all is clear now.

Tomorrow night we will be at my home my
Queen, in Bethlehem.

Go and tell me if you see someone coming.

Remember, he must live like all other
children, it's the only way for him to...

be safe.
-No one will know he's the son of the King.

Take good care of him, he is so sweet
and so delicate.

I know very well what it
means to have children.

If God wishes, after this storm has
passed, I will let you know.

May the Lord protect you my child.
-Wait!...

who knows if I will ever see him again.
-The guards my Queen!, they're coming here!.

One guard, stay here at the door.
You two, come with me.

Orders of the great and noble King Herod,
from this moment on you are a prisoner,

you may not leave these chambers for any
reason and no one may visit you. Tomorrow

at the third hour you'll be conducted
before the grand Sanhedrin, in order to

be judged.

Constituting the high priests of Sanhedrin,
only a complete and humble admission of

guilt will inspire clemency.

Your majesty the Queen, you are
now before your judges.

You are my judges, yes, but you
are also being judged.

Do you not recognize the legitimacy
of this tribunal?.

I recognize a more important judgment.
-This is your judgment!.

I can barely see you, and your voices
sound weak to me. God is my only judge,

he knows that cowardice and falsehood may
help me to survive, but the life I

would live would be despicable.

You are accused of adultery.
-I am before you because of my fidelity.

Do you admit aiding the prisoners escape?.

I admit.

He was your companion in sin, do you admit?.

You must answer, did you commit
sin with him?.

No.
-Why then did you help him escape?.

He was imprisoned unjustly, just as
I am before you unjustly.

To escape justice is to contempt justice.

Justice,.. innocent, and he was still
killed. 'Thou shalt not kill', said

the Lord to Moses.
-'Thou shalt not commit adultery' said

the Lord to Moses, but I see you have
neglected that commandment woman.

You sent for me father?.
-Well, what is happening?.

The judges know they must
render justice to you.

But why are they taking so long?.
-The woman is clever, she talks well.

Well go back then and tell
them to hurry this business!.

Slave!, slave!.
-My King.

Look out there up in the sky!, tell
me what do you see.. Tell me!.

A miracle.

Nabutzar!.

Great King.

What does it mean, this sign?!.

According to my science or according
to the superstition of the Judeans?.

It is to you that I put this question!.
Nabutzar you know very well that tonight

will be decided the fate of the woman
who has been my wife!.

This celestial sign is a warning perhaps!.

Or an omen!,.. Answer me!.

Great King it is truly a sign of justice.
An admonition to your enemies, an...

announcement of glory for you. Even if
the false prophets pretend that this...

comet you see in the sky signifies the
coming of the messiah, the new King of

Judea.

My fortunes are reflected in the heavens.

I need not have feared otherwise, now all
the people of Israel will see and...

understand that the stars protect Herod.

Guilty.

Guilty.

Guilty.

Did she admit to her guilt?.
-No my King.

She did not confess?.

Then,...

then she did not ask for mercy?.

Not for herself, but for those
who are passing judgment upon her.

She had no word then?,...

for the man she had offended.

Nothing?. For the King she had betrayed!.

What is your judgment?.

Ezra the judgment!.

The great Sanhedrin has found the Queen
guilty of adultery as accused.

She did not ask for mercy?.

It is not human...

She will show her hatred of me, till the end.

Father, you must decide the punishment.

She is an adulteress!,...

the law shall be upheld!.

She shall be stoned to death.

She shall be,...

stoned to death.

Tomorrow at sunset?.

What did you say?.
-I asked you if the execution is to...

take place tomorrow at sunset.

Yes.

One day I will sit upon this throne, and
reign over the people of Israel.

Sarah, it's terrible. Herod has condemned
the Queen to death.

She is to be stoned today at sunset.

Move your arm a little, that's right.
Does it hurt?.

Not much.

You have nursed me well,...

do you have any news of the Queen?.

I've heard nothing.
-Then I must go and...

No, not yet!.

Do you love her Aaron?.

Destiny and inexorably mingled our lives.
-Answer me do you love her?.

No,...

It isn't love as you
understand it Sarah,...

Everything that could ever pertain to the
nobility of a woman, she possesses.

The purity, the grace, the gentleness.

One look from her is enough, and one of
her smiles to recompense any man for the

greatest sacrifices.

Herod does not deserve her, he has been
unjust. That is why I feel it my duty to

defend her, and to save her.

Sarah, what is it?.

I'll have to tell you then.. No one can
save the Queen now, no one.

Why not?!.

Today.. at sunset.. she's to be stoned.

No!,...

and you knew about this?!.

I was jealous!, I didn't want you to
risk your life trying to save her!.

You mustn't go!. I love you I couldn't
bear to lose you!.

Detestable tyrant!, so he has even gone
to this vileness!, I won't allow him...

to commit such an infamous act!.
-He's a giant Aaron he will crush you!.

An eye for an eye!, that's
what he taught me!.

Aaron don't leave me!.
-Let me go!.. Let me go!.

Don't leave me alone Aaron!...

Each of you will take command of his own
men, the condemned woman will be...

conducted from her cell, across the square
to the wall outside the Eastern gate.

It's the King's order.

In the square, there will be many people.
Many!, and outside the wall there'll...

be still more. I require of you that there
are to be no incidents, everything must be

carried out to perfection.

Taris.

Has she asked for me?.

No my King.

Taris if she should do so,...

if she should confess.. If she begs for
mercy,...

even at the last minute,...

you understand you...
-Yes. In that case I will suspend...

the execution.
-Yes you must, you must stop the execution.

Promise me Taris,...

that you will stay with her. Promise me.

I will my King.

Go then.

Father a man has just been arrested, you
are spreading rebellion among the people,...

telling a fantastic tale about a miracle,
that the messiah has been born and a...

new King shall reign Judea.

A new King?.

Fetch him here.

He claims that he has seen it.

What is this you have supposed
to have seen?.

Well?.

Him.

We were grazing our flock near Bethlehem,
I and my sons.

Suddenly as night had started to fall, a
great star in the heavens illumined...

the valley, where there was an old stable.

My sons became frightened, but I seeing
the great multitude who was going in that

direction said, 'Let us go too.'

As we drew near the place, I saw upon the
faces of those who had arrived before...

us.. How shall I say it,...

It was peace. It was joy, and in my heart
I felt that same peace that same...

joy.. I looked into the stable, and I saw
a man, and a woman.

And then under straw, a little one who
had just been born.

And kneeling before him, three Kings
dressed in robes alike I had never seen.

Three Kings were adoring the newly born
babe. I looked at my sons, who knelt...

down, then I knelt down too.

I knew that I had begun weeping, the
people all about me were saying, 'It...

is he, it is the messiah!, the new King
of Judea!, hallelujah!'.

Enough!.

Ephraim...

Take your men, go to this Bethlehem, and
kill all the newborn, all of them!.

It shall be done.

If you will confess your guilt,
you will be saved. You must decide.

People of Jerusalem, you must carry out
the sentence, it is the law!.

The Sanhedrin has condemned
her as an adulteress.

Carry out the sentence!.

Is she dead?.
-Herod has committed his most atrocious...

crime.

Where is the Queen?.

I wish to see her, where is she?.
-At the old wall, don't go!, you won't...

recognize her.

Miriam...

No!, no light!.
-Father!, what's the matter?!.

She was innocent...

Now I know it. Now that she is dead.

I thought that she was no longer mine..

She was innocent and now she has punished
me.. Miriam!...

Father!,...

Antipater...

You knew she was innocent!.
-No!.

Yes!.. You knew it!.
-No father!.

It is you who has done all this!,
you serpent!.

It is you who has killed her!.
-I only acted for your sake!, for your...

honour against those who hated you!..
No father!.

You did it!.
-No!.

You jackal!.

Why did you do it!?.

Die!.

Die!, you jackal!.

Miriam!.

My son!.

Where is my son?, my little one.

Where is he?.

Slaves!.

The King's calling you!.

Answer me!.

Where is Miriam?!.

Who are you!?.

You dare to take my place!?, answer me!.

Who are you?, the messiah?.

Guards!, take him away!, put him in
chains!. Take him to the stake!,..

I am King!,.. I..

Herod!, the King of the Jews!.

Blood!.

Who has put blood on my throne!?.

Who?!...

Blood...

Everywhere!.

Blood!.. everywhere!..

Help me Miriam!.. save me!..

There must be a place in the world, for
love, rather than hate.

Fansubbed by Nefasto at CG 11.07.2011.