Original subtitles

We'll be in Vicenza first?

Your stamina is better than mine was in the army.

-Where are we going next? -Verona, Pula, Brescia.

You'll like it. Each place is more special than the next.

And then we'll continue on to Milan?

What's special about Milan?

The fabrics. They make the most beautiful clothes in the world.

You can hardly wait.

Yes.

See you at the carriage.

You haven't told him about your plans in Milan?

No.

He wouldn't understand.

"With the help of his beautiful Empress Elisabeth,

Emperor Franz Josef intends

to nip the blooming independence movement in the bud."

The Empress, interesting.

The Empress is indeed very popular among the people of the empire.

They even say that this trip was her idea.

"The most beautiful woman in all of Europe."

I'd say "medium beautiful" at most.

Your Majesty, the Austrians have oppressed the Lombards for over a century.

This visit may bring short-term improvement,

but it won't solve the problem.

Let's meet with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Piedmont.

-What's his name? -The Count of Cavour.

He requests an audience every week.

He'll get one now.

I thought we just had to watch Emperor Franz Josef dig his own grave.

I didn't think about her.

My little Empress.

You think you can save Habsburg from collapse

with your kind heart?

How charming.

THE EMPRESS

Minister von Bach.

I have to hurry. The carriages are already waiting.

-I just wanted to say farewell. -Mr Minister.

And to give you something.

So you don't forget me.

The first time you visited me,

on that hot day.

We shared a peach,

and you wiped your face with the back of your hand.

And I had to kiss you.

Thank you.

I think I know now why you don't want to marry me.

You need someone of higher nobility.

-You fear your family will reject me. -No, that's not it.

I wrote a letter to your father asking for your hand.

And I invited him here. I sent it two weeks ago.

No. You cannot just go over my head and make decisions.

I didn't. I just wanted to show you how serious I am.

Undo this.

Write to my father and tell him it was a misunderstanding.

But why?

I serve the Empress.

That's why I don't want to marry.

What does that mean for our love?

Who spoke of love?

Your Majesty.

Goodbye, Elisabeth.

Goodbye.

You and the Emperor will have lots of time alone on this trip.

Take advantage of it.

And I thought we were going to Lombardy to win the people's hearts.

Whatever you say.

Giddy-up!

Your Imperial Highness.

Imperial Highness, is something wrong?

It is just unusual

when my son leaves the palace.

I also prefer when it is full of people.

It is so quiet.

The advantage is we can finally do our work undisturbed.

-With pleasure, Your Imperial Highness. -Let's begin right away.

Has His Majesty approved the Cardinal's proposals for a concordat?

Not yet. The Emperor instructed me to examine the Cardinal's proposals.

I'd like to go over my comments with you as soon as possible, Imperial Highness.

You are particularly unpleasant today.

Has something happened?

Make an appointment with the Countess.

I hope there are no more nasty surprises.

Your Imperial Highness.

Everything is ready for Princess Sophie to spend the coming weeks with you.

This is Cleo.

Where did you get her?

I took the liberty of having some childhood mementos sent

from your parents' home, Nymphenburg Palace.

That is very thoughtful of you, Margarete.

I thought you might be pleased?

Look.

The decades could not diminish your beauty.

If you dislike the painting, Your Highness, I'll have it taken away.

Not necessary.

I just haven't seen it in a long time.

TWO WEEKS LATER

"The Empress had barely exited the carriage in Verona,

the people erupted…" Listen to this, "…into frenzied cheering."

-I can't listen to this. -But it was like that.

And the Prussians wrote,

"The visit to Lombardy-Venetia shows

a golden era awaits the Habsburgs under Empress Elisabeth."

But I have a question for you, Elisabeth. And don't lie.

This man is next to you in every picture. Here, there.

He looks grumpy here at St. Mark's Square.

He's grinning like a child here in Verona. Who is he?

A new valet?

They're all writing as if I were the only important one.

That's not fair.

You can do what I can't.

That's a good thing.

I wanted to give you more time.

I don't want another child.

Not yet.

But I want you.

MILAN, AUSTRIAN PROVINCE

Gino.

What does it say there?

The Emperor and the Empress are coming to Milan.

Everyone come to greet our Empress and our Emperor at the station.

Why don't we go see them at the station?

Some people say Elisabeth is different from the Emperor.

It could be true.

No.

Garibaldi says she's not our Empress.

-Hello. -Buongiorno.

Stop there.

-How do you greet the Emperor's soldiers? -In German.

Go on, you know German. Answer them, please.

Buongiorno.

Gino!

How do you greet us? Go on.

Buongiorno!

Gino!

There's nothing but propaganda in the papers, Your Majesty, believe me.

The majority of the Lombards want to be free from Austrian occupation.

They hate the Emperor.

And what do you want from me, Count of Cavour?

I want the Italian-speaking territories to finally be reunited.

Under one flag.

With one identity.

Like France.

United under Piedmont's leadership, I presume?

Our brothers, the Lombards, need weapons to revolt.

I want to help them.

But our resources in the Kingdom of Piedmont are limited.

Don't cry, Prime Minister.

What do I get in return if France helps you?

The future Kingdom of Italy would be eternally grateful for your support.

Is that all?

In Milan, Emperor Franz Josef

will feel Garibaldi's resistance.

The world will finally see that Lombardy must be free.

-Everyone get in line! -Move away! Quickly.

The crowd must look bigger. Have them stand in an orderly fashion.

We can fit more here! And the pretty ladies in the front!

When the Emperor and the Empress come, everyone wave their flags!

Understood? Cheer and applaud!

When will we finally be in Milan?

Any moment now.

I've never seen such beautiful countryside.

Also, our visit to Milan is of great political importance.

I'd forgotten you were here too.

Also, Archduke Maximilian has been invited to Milan.

Keep your corsage laced, Pauline.

He's bringing his fiancée,

so the Emperor will give his consent for the wedding.

I'm not sure it will work

after all that's happened.

Ladies.

Don't be stupid, Pauline.

Don't lose your heart.

Never.

Or else you're as good as dead at court.

Or do you disagree?

The imperial carriage will await you at the station and take you to Villa Monza.

This evening your brother and his guest will also be at Viceroy Radetzky's dinner.

Thousands of people are expected at the station to welcome Your Majesties.

I have something else for you.

I ordered it from a jeweller in the region.

This kind of goldsmith work is only found in Lombardy.

I thought it would be a nice gesture to the people if you wore it now.

Elisabeth!

Attention!

His Majesty, Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria

and Her Majesty, Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

Elisabeth!

Your Majesty.

It is an honour.

Esteemed Field Marshal, the pleasure is all mine.

General, my wife.

Your Majesty, welcome to Milan.

-Elisabeth! -Long live the imperial couple!

Elisabeth!

Long live the imperial couple!

The Emperor is here. Show some hum…

Remember what Garibaldi said. We won't obey, but no violence.

Not yet.

Giddy-up!

It seemed as if the people were forced to wait for us there.

-Franz. -I will ask General Gyulai directly.

He'll be able to tell me more.

The last thing I need now is this dinner.

I tried to sneak over to you while Duchess Bransner had stepped out.

I think I am perfectly capable of keeping my primal instincts under control.

Maybe you could teach me one day?

Or maybe not.

I never thought I'd ever say this, but I can't wait to marry you.

If your brother doesn't agree to the engagement soon,

my father will withdraw his consent.

Of course, he'll agree.

He won't believe I'm bringing someone like you.

And I've initiated things with Napoleon.

What can go wrong?

Your Royal Highness, you must get changed for dinner.

Your Imperial Highness. This is a surprise.

Buol, what brings you here?

I just arrived from the Kingdom of Piedmont.

The Emperor awaits my report. And you?

Introducing my fiancée to him.

Yes? How nice.

Don't worry.

I don't plan to tell on you. Not yet.

I don't know what there is to tell.

You tried to bring me into your conspiracy and I firmly declined.

That's how you remember it? Who will my brother believe? Me or you?

Do you really want to take that chance? Tonight?

Before or after introducing your fiancée?

Your Imperial Highness.

Not even our mother could tell us apart.

Your Imperial Highness.

Are you skittish?

I just had…

This painting interested me. Pardon me.

I was aware you have a twin sister,

but I too couldn't say which one is you.

Are all of these your comments?

Yes.

I can't help but question if the Cardinal's new laws are reasonable.

You weren't asked if they are reasonable, just if they are feasible.

But it is my duty to offer a moral assessment, if I may.

Leave the moral assessment to me, please.

"Protestants shall be barred from teaching in schools and from all universities."

"Only Catholics shall be responsible for educating our youth"?

-Are you not a man of steadfast faith? -Are you not a woman of keen mind?

Pardon me.

Why are you giving this power back to the Church?

The Pope assured us he'd help get Lombardy-Venetia under control.

You're a lawyer.

Quid pro quo.

Pope Pius has power we can only dream of.

History teaches us

that oppressing individual religious groups has never furthered any empire.

On the contrary.

Think of the persecution of the Huguenots or the Thirty Years' War.

The Thirty Years' War, for God's sake.

Your Imperial Highness, I am a man of faith.

But this policy draft sets us back decades.

You set me back decades.

His Imperial Highness, Archduke Maximilian of Austria

and Her Royal Highness, Marie Charlotte of Belgium.

-Your Majesty. -Maximilian.

Your Majesty.

Very pleased to meet you, Your Royal Highness.

Thank you so much for the invitation, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, it is an honour.

I am pleased too.

I hear you've been travelling a lot lately.

-Yes, indeed. I love travelling. -Marie speaks five languages fluently.

Even Basque. And, honestly, who speaks Basque?

Most people don't even know where it's spoken.

But the Princess is extremely well versed in European history and politics.

-Better than I am. -Should I marry the Princess or you?

Your Majesty, champagne?

Yes, please.

You've clearly impressed my brother a lot.

I've never been so impressed by a woman.

Dear guests, Your Majesties,

what an honour it is to welcome you here.

Dinner is served.

If I may.

Forgive me for what I just said.

It's all right.

I wanted to show him how happy I am.

I know.

And Marie, she really is…

-She really is special. You can see it. -Yes.

And she is so different from me in so many ways.

So lucid and composed, and so clever.

I'm happy for you, Maximilian.

-You honestly mean that? -Yes.

Almost.

Almost honestly.

À table?

Yes.

I read in the paper that your trip to Lombardy-Venetia

has been a complete success so far.

We had the same impression.

Until today.

Your Majesty, I must apologise to you personally.

The reception you received was unforgivable.

You needn't do that.

You cannot force something on the people they don't feel, General.

Your Majesty, if I may, I believe the Lombards don't know what they feel.

They are being seduced by Cavour and Garibaldi.

Count Buol, what were the results of your talks in Piedmont?

Prime Minister Cavour ensured me

that he has not exerted any influence on the rebels here.

But he keeps agitating against us in Europe.

Once Napoleon is allied with us, Cavour will let it rest.

Your Majesty, we cannot be sure that will happen…

Well, I'm certain.

It's starting all over again.

Over and over again.

The bloodshed.

Field Marshal?

We hanged everyone. Outside the city.

You must mean during the revolution of 1848?

That was long ago, esteemed Field Marshal.

Don't be ridiculous!

I know that!

Your Majesty.

The Field Marshal just celebrated his 91st birthday.

It might be time to think about his well-deserved retirement, Your Majesty.

Either way, if the rebels take up arms, and we have already seen some rioting,

we must respond with armed force.

I think they are taking up arms because we aren't listening to their wishes.

-Your Majesty, what wishes might those be? -Independence?

I agree with the Empress. It is time to face up to the truth.

Lombardy would be a tiny, vulnerable kingdom.

Another major power would conquer it in weeks.

Absolutely. We protect Lombardy.

Yes, you call it protection. I call it oppression.

Max…

But if we want to retain the region, we must do something, Your Majesty.

The official language should be Italian.

-We should promote education, culture. -Yes, exactly.

Fight poverty, reduce our military presence,

and let them govern themselves.

-We must win over their souls. -Yes.

Thank you, that's enough.

-But maybe… -I decide for our empire!

Not him, not her.

I alone.

You can all have your ideas.

In the end, I bear the responsibility.

I'm finished.

Franz, one moment please.

You daring to express your political opinion publicly is grotesque.

I've always had ideas for our Italian-speaking provinces, you know that.

You want to distinguish yourself in front of your companion. That is it.

She is my fiancée.

If I agree.

Otherwise she's nothing.

I had to see you again.

Do you think he'll agree to our marriage if you act like that?

I don't grovel to anyone, not even my brother.

You were drunk. I was embarrassed.

I'm sorry that you had to find out this way, dearest.

But this is who I am!

I drink too much and say what I think.

If you want to back out of this,

then do it now.

Did you want to impress Elisabeth with your little show?

No.

You will never be able to betray me. You know that.

I only want you.

Then do something about that.

What happened today bothers me as much as it does you.

I don't want you cutting me off like that.

How can you endorse his talk?

In front of everyone?

I agreed with him.

I see. Of course.

I totally forgot about your political bond.

I have an opinion too.

That has nothing to do with your brother.

I'm done talking about it.

Franz, do you know what this is?

This is the necklace of the rebel who died before our eyes.

You have his necklace?

-I will visit his family. -Excuse me?

You will not do that.

I forbid it.

That's why I kept it from you. You don't let me do things my way.

What do you want there?

He wanted to tell us something.

I want to listen to these people. You obviously don't.

What do you think they'll say to you?

These people want to leave our empire!

That's all!

Hugging people on their doorstep.

That's not how politics work, Elisabeth.

I have to look his mother in the eyes and tell her that we're sorry.

You're crazy.

Don't say that to me.

Never say it again.

I'm going to work.

"All three were delighted."

"The hunter skinned the wolf and took the fur home."

"And the grandmother ate the cake and drank the wine

that Little Red Riding Hood had brought, then rested."

"Little Red Riding Hood thought to herself,

'As long as I live, I will never again leave the path

and run off into the woods by myself

if mother has forbidden it.'"

Anna, come on!

Your Imperial Highness.

Pardon me.

-I'll put the Princess to bed. -Yes.

Yes, of course.

Keep riding to the northeast. It is the second village.

Thanks.

Are you not afraid?

I am.

A little bit.

-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.

Let me come with you.

I'll come with you.

Your Majesty.

I can't stop you.

No one can.

But I won't let you ride alone either.

I assume you'll have thought your plan through.

-Will you say, "Hello, I'm the Empress"? -Of course not. I thought it all through.

Don't you think the imperial couple's visit will promote unity in our provinces?

-You want to talk me out of the concordat. -I will leave no stone unturned.

The imperial couple's visit might calm things down for a moment,

but that alone certainly won't save us.

Save us from what, Your Imperial Highness?

The chaos.

Catholic reforms won't save us from that either.

I read the Brothers Grimm to the Princess last night.

Do you know Little Red Riding Hood?

You cannot be saying the Lombards are the big bad wolf we must beware of.

No, but the Lombards weaken us. It is like an open wound.

You're saying an injured animal is easy prey for the wolf?

Exactly.

The Empress can go and embrace the malcontents,

but someone always has to have a weapon ready.

And who is the wolf?

I don't know.

But there is always a wolf.

I think I know which one you are, Your Imperial Highness, if I may.

This one is you.

The girl looking right at the viewer.

You stared at it for five hours. Don't expect a medal.

This girl looks like she's seen too much.

It has got late.

Don't you have train schedules to check?

Your Imperial Highness.

Excuse me.

The Tadini family?

Silvia!

Silvia!

Yes?

Hello.

I have a message for the family of Adolfo Tadini.

From the Empress.

I come from the Viennese Court.

Gino! Where are you? I need you.

I'm here.

There's a woman trying to speak Italian. She says she's from Vienna.

Hello.

Hello.

My name is Eugenia. I come from Vienna.

I have a message from the Empress for the family of Adolfo Tadini.

What does she want?

She has a message from the Empress.

It's about Ado.

I'll get your father. Ask them to come inside.

My brother is dead.

Please.

A visit from Vienna.

What an honour.

My name is Eugenia.

I come from Vienna on behalf of the Empress.

And this is my valet.

I was in the former Emperor's army.

Lieutenant Tadini.

God save the Emperor.

Why haven't you offered them anything? Make some coffee.

-Please sit down. -Thank you.

I have a message from the Empress.

From the Empress herself?

"On 5th July, 1856,

Adolfo Tadini performed an act of protest in the palace."

"While he was attempting to escape,

a guard shot him."

"That was a mistake."

"I'm convinced that Adolfo Tadini

meant no harm to me or the Emperor."

"I regret with all my heart

what happened to him."

"Elisabeth."

Adolfo adored the Empress.

Maybe you can put this at…

I don't know how to say tombstone.

Una lapide.

The Empress wanted you to have this.

We are very grateful.

But I cannot accept this money.

-He won't take the money. -Why not?

He brought shame to this family. I no longer consider him my son.

-He will always be my son. -We will no longer speak of him.

-I'll speak of him whenever I wish. -Ado wanted what was best for his country.

All the young people following Garibaldi are crazy.

And your brother was too!

Don't be an idiot like him! You see what comes of it?

The soldiers.

Just because he didn't want to speak German.

He's just a child.

Look at what they did to him. Look at him.

Leave these people alone. Enough!

Enough!

We are sorry. We… We don't wish to bother you any longer.

Your brother was very brave.

He said what he believed in.

I will speak to the Empress.

She'll learn how the soldiers treat you.

Can you tell your mother that?

I don't care about politics.

One ruler replaces another.

One bloodbath follows another.

Do you have children?

Do I have children?

Yes.

Two.

Very young.

Protect your children.

Hold them as tightly as you can.

My children?

Protect them.

Thank you.

Without you, I wouldn't have seen that.

Who are those two?

They're from the Viennese Court.

One of the Empress's court ladies.

Here because of Ado.

Maybe Ado was right.

Maybe she could be our hope.

I saw the Empress. She was a helpless little girl.

She won't help us, Gino.

We have to help Lombardy ourselves.

-Hit it to me. -Very good.

Yes. No.

Excellent.

Here. Yes.

Your Majesty?

I must speak to you.

I tried to forget what you did.

But I can't.

I've asked for forgiveness so many times.

I wanted you to see me, Franz.

No.

You wanted her.

She was the only one who didn't judge me.

Did you want the throne?

Or did you want to be seen?

All I know is I will survive without the throne.

But I miss my brother.

Every day.

I can't forget what you did.

But I have to forgive you.

Because it's eating me up inside.

And Marie? Do you love her?

With all my heart.

Then marry her.

Could you imagine living in this villa?

-Of course. -Would you like to live here with me?

Why should I live in the old Viceroy's villa?

-Because you will marry the Viceroy. -Old man Radetzky? He's 112.

You will be the new Viceroy?

And my brother agreed to the marriage.

Your Highness.

This is just the beginning.

You and I, Maximilian,

we can be something great.

Anna! Run home, don't turn around.

-Sophie! -Run!

I bet you're glad to be returning home.

I'm glad that I can bring you back in one piece.

I was really worried yesterday.

With some things, it's worth listening to your heart and not your head.

No going it alone, no unreasonable actions.

Unreasonable actions only on Tuesdays. I promise.

I left military power in General Gyulai's hands for now.

But…

who ultimately has the final word?

You look after the people. He takes care of security.

We need both.

Work together.

I'm counting on you.

Thank you.

I know you played a role in the Emperor giving Maximilian this chance.

Take care of Maximilian.

-He is more vulnerable than he lets on. -On the contrary.

I think he has been underestimated all his life.

Royal Highness.

It was a great pleasure.

Giddy-up!

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

You're back.

My darling.

Mummy!

I won't leave you alone any more.

Hello.

"The Emperor names his brother, Maximilian of Austria,

the new Viceroy of Lombardy-Venetia."

"This could finally silence the resistance movement."

Damn.

Subtitle translation by: Kristopher Brame