All language subtitles for Sterben.AKA.Dying.2024.1080p.BluRay.DD+5.1.x264-RO.engRetail

You have to believe in your heart.

Do whatever comes into your heart.

You have to do what you really want
what you feel in your heart.

You have to repeat that.

You have to compare
your heart with your feelings.

You have to know what you want,

do something quiet and not something
frantic, like looking around.

You have to listen to your true nature.

- Hello, this is Tom Lunies Messages after the tone. please.
- Tom?

It's... It's your mom.
Call me back, please. It's about Dad.

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Your husband,

- he was in my apartment again.
- Yes, Gerd wanted to get help.

- I didn't understand him, he had no underpants on.
- I told him not to do it.

- And I was worried.
- We're not doing so well at the moment.

Can I help you?

No, you don't have to.

- I... I'm just going to rest here for a while.
- OK, fine. OK.

Have you called a doctor?

Yes. Yes.

Lissy?

Lissy?

Gerd, I'm here.

This can't go on much longer, Mrs. Lunies.

- Thank you. We'll manage.
- Will you?

Thank you!

Gerd!

- What are you doing? You don't want to shower now, do you?
- We have to go!

Go? Where do we have to go?

Get out, everything's wet.

Come on, Gerd, get out of there.

Out, out, out.

OK, good. Don't slip.

Go into the kitchen, take your pills, OK?

- Did you take your pills?
- Yes.

I've no idea which ones go where.

- Yes.
- Hi, Mom. Sorry, there's so much going on right now.

How are you both? Did Ellen call you?

Dad's... Dad's... Dad's not well.

He keeps going outside naked.

I can't do anything about it.

- He doesn't listen to me.
- Has it gotten worse?

Yes, it's gotten much, much worse.

Shit!

There's lots going on here as well.

Liv had her baby.

Are they OK? Mom and baby?

Yes, everyone's fine.

I was there.

I helped deliver it.

Too bad it's not yours.

Listen, Mom, that's not...

- Are you back together now?
- Not for ten years, Mom.

Does she still not like the baby's father?

Mom... Is there anything I can do for you?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...

- But it's not a pleasant situation, is it?
- Do you want me to come?

Could you?
You always have to work so much.

Yes, I always have to work. But I...

Listen... I have a few things to sort out,
then I'll get back to you.

I'll call you soon
and we'll arrange something.

OK, Tom, that's what we'll do. Fine.

OK.

Yeah, OK.

- I'll call you tomorrow.
- Take care.

- You OK?
- Yes.

- Good. You too. I'll be in touch.
- Tom?

- Yes. I'll call you tomorrow.
- Take care, Tom.

Gerdi.

You're not supposed to drive anymore.

Move over.

But you'll have to be my eyes,
mine are dreadful.

You can give me the stick.

There's a cyclist coming from the left.

Now there's a car coming from the right.

OK. You can go now.

- Step on the gas.
- Uh-huh.

There's a parked trailer up ahead.

Watch out! Kid! Kid!

Hi, Mrs. Lunijes.
How are you today?

Lunies. Pretty good today. Come in.

- Shall I come in too, make some coffee?
- No, thanks.

Please go through.

You know where the living room is.

I can look after my visitor on my own.

He isn't a visitor, Mrs. Lunies.
He's from the health insurance.

- How many times has he been here?
- Three times.

So, you have to make a bad impression,
not a good one, if you want more money.

And you need more money.

- Oh, God, what's that?
- Gerd painted it.

- Didn't your daughter want to join us today?
- Yes.

And how long for your daily personal hygiene?

Half an hour... Or an hour.

Mr. Lunies can't shower on his own.
Neither of them can, really.

Right, Mrs. Lunies?

So, how long?
Half an hour or a whole hour?

- Let's say 45 minutes. But you use the toilet on your own?
- Yes.

I need two minutes if I have to pee,

and eight minutes if I have to poop.

That's not enough
for us to increase your care level.

But things have gotten worse.

- I need your help.
- We're giving you help.

You already get 364 euros a month.

Your current needs
don't justify an increase.

- I also have to deduct a certain margin.
- A certain margin?

Understandably, our clients tend to exaggerate
their problems during these interviews.

- Are you saying that I'm...? Are you saying that I'm lying?
- No, no.

- Yes?
- No, no.

- Every perception.
- Yes? - ...is individual

Ah, individual. That's lying, then?

I didn't say that.
And please don't get upset, Mrs... Mrs...

Lunies! They're both called Lunies.
How naive are you?

She's trying to make a good impression,
not a bad one!

And why? She's ashamed
that she shits her pants every night!

No, not every night.

- Is that true? You're trying to make a good impression...?
- Of course she is!

Well, we believe that someone

who's able
to make a good impression on others

- ...is able to look after themselves
- You can't be...

Lissy? Lissy?

When... When's that woman going to leave?

Soon, Gerdi.
The woman will be leaving soon.

Gerd.

Gerd. Gerd.

Help. Help. Gerd!

Help!

Help!

Help! Help!

Help!

Help!

Mrs. Lunies?

- Help!
- Mrs. Lunies?

Mrs. Lunies?

Oh, God!

Shit!

Oh, God! Mrs. Lunies?

Mrs. Lunies? Mrs. Lunies?

- Stroke? Heart attack?
- Help!

I'll get a doctor. I'll get a doctor.
I'll get a...

Hello?

Hello!

Hi.

Feeling better?

- Um...
- Just air. Or something solid?

It's from the pills.
My mom had that, too.

Where's Gerd?

We've taken him to a Red Cross care home
just round the corner.

Short-term care for now.

He has his own room. He's doing well.

I could help you from now on.
I'm always nearby.

I could check on you three times a day,
and... you can always call me... if...

I could do the shopping,
maybe the cleaning and...

- Are you a nurse?
- No.

- I used to be a hairdresser.
- I see.

Maybe you could do my hair.

But I can't do it for free.

My late husband was self-employed and
didn't leave me anything. I don't need much...

- Five euros an hour.
- Ten. - Eight.

It's not about the money for me.
I just have to...

All right. Eight.

OK.

Mr. Lunies!
You're supposed to stay in the care home.

- Where's Lissy?
- In hospital.

We took her to hospital because
she had a heart attack.

- Hospital?
- Yes.

- No.
- Yes! Come on, I'll take you back.

Come on now.

But I have to help Lissy.
She's not feeling well.

- I think she's had a heart attack.
- That's right, a heart attack.

But let's go downstairs
and put some clothes on, Mr. Lunies.

That's... That's why I have to help Lissy.

I have to help her.

- I didn't know you could play the piano.
- Well, I can't.

I never had lessons.
We didn't have the money for that.

But I always played the accordion
for the children.

And I've always been able to play-things
off the radio straight away by ear.

Tom got that from me, the music.

Gerd can't stay in pitch.

At Christmas in church,
I always sat away from him, he couldn't stop:

"Oh, merry Christmas!
Oh, merry Christmas!"

Tea?

No, I don't like tea.

What else? Juice?

Another thing, Mrs. Lunies...

Gerd often comes over from the home.

Why?

He has a permanent place there now,
he knows that.

But he often walks over here
and wants to come in.

- Sometimes I let him in.
- How often does he come?

Every day, really.

- Is he allowed to?
- Sure.

It's not a prison.
They can't keep him there.

If he wants to go out, he can.

I'd just wish they'd make sure
he's wearing something warm.

It's starting to get colder now.

I know he'll be glad to see you're back.

I have to go upstairs
and hang up the washing.

I'll check back later, OK?

So, Mr. Lunies, are you coming?
Time for supper.

Not hungry again, Mr. Lunies?

You've got to eat something,
or you'll get sick. Come on.

Come on, Mr. Lunies.

Excellent.

- You're doing great today, Mr. Lunies.
- Yes.

- Yes, that's down to you.
- You old charmer!

So, Mr. Lunies.

There's some delicious liverwurst
and a bit of cheese today.

Let me help you.

Nice and slow.

That's right.

Excellent.

If you need anything, call me, OK?

And Mr. Lunies?
We're really going to eat today, OK?

- What? My phone, where is it?
- Here.

We're taking a short break.

Partner, if you put it like that,
the world will end before...

Bernard, you talk to them, it's your piece.

Good luck!

Hey, I think it's about to start.

I know you're rehearsing,
but please come soon.

Tom? My water's just broken.
Why aren't you answering?

You can't not check your phone...

Tom?

It's... It's your mom.
Please call me back. It's about Dad.

- Sorry. My phone was on the rostrum...
- I'm here because Liv wants it.

She's in the bedroom.

- Didn't we agree your mom wouldn't be here?
- We need to go now.

- OK. I have to call my mom, but...
- Now! - ...later.

Come on.

In you go.

- The dog can't come in with us.
- I think she's coming. Tom!

- Tom!
- She's coming. - What?

- Does Moritz know?
- Yes!

Excellent.

- You're doing great.
- Yeah.

- Now push hard again.
- That's it!

- Keep on pushing.
- Don't go so far away.

- Not so far away.
- I'm not.

- Yes, you are!
- I'm right here.

Is it here yet?

- One more contraction.
- The head's out.

Great.

One more big, deep breath.

OK, we'll just weigh the little one.

- I'll take her for a moment.
- OK.

Great job.

Go call your mom.

Yes, I will.

Always keep a hand on the child.

Sorry. The father's here.

- So?
- You can go in now.

How is she?
Is she all right?

The baby's here. Breathing. Crying.

All good.

Go on in. Your kid's waiting.

Hi, Mom.
Sorry, there's been so much going on.

How are you both? Did Ellen call you?

Dad's... Dad's not feeling well.

He keeps going outside undressed.

I can't do anything about it.

- He doesn't listen to me.
- Has it gotten worse?

Yes, it's much worse.

Shit!

Well, lots going on here as well...
Liv's baby's here.

Are they OK? Mom and the baby?

Yes. Everyone's fine.

I was there, I...

I helped deliver it.

Too bad it's not your kid.

Listen, Mom, that's not...

- Are you back together now?
- Not for ten years, Mom.

Does she still not like the baby's father?

Mom... Is there anything I can do for you?

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...

But it's not a pleasant situation, is it?

- Do you want me to come?
- Could you? You always have to work so much

Yes, I always have to work. But I...

Listen...

I have a few things to sort out,
and then I'll get back to you.

I'll call you soon
and then we'll arrange something.

OK, Tom, that's what we'll do. Fine.

- Yeah, OK.
- Yeah, sure.

- I'll call you tomorrow.
- Take care, Tom.

- You OK?
- Yes.

- Good. You too. I'll be in touch.
- Tom?

- Yes. I'll call you tomorrow.
- Take care, Tom.

I hate it when she says goodbye
as if it's the last time.

- Want some?
- Like we'll never speak again.

Are you staying here tonight?

Liv doesn't want Moritz...

OK.

- Morning.
- Morning.

I didn't know you were here.

The plumber's at my place.

- Is it OK?
- Sure.

I have to get going soon.

How was the birth?

Unbelievable.

I'll tell you later, yeah?

Absolutely.

I'm gonna take a shower.

We could also...

Yes, we could...

But we don't have to.

Peek-a-boo!

Peek-a-boo!

- I'm not going.
- Then I won't go either.

What? You can't not come
to your own baby shower.

It wasn't my idea, it was Moritz's.

He wants to introduce the baby
to his friends and family.

- Right, his kid with his family and friends.
- Well, my family and friends are coming too.

But not mine.

You don't have any friends.
And no family either...

What's that supposed to mean?

Sorry.

- I told you to breastfeed her again.
- Yeah, Tom!

Then you would've been late
for your rehearsal! Sorry.

OK.

- Be nice to Bernard.
- I always am.

Hey!

Bernard, you're exaggerating...

- That doesn't matter.
- It does matter!

You provoked them
and they fought back, that's all.

They're young,
they don't get your piece...

They're the only ones
who understand anything.

You know who doesn't get it? You and me.
We're the only idiots who "feel" this piece.

Your goddam orchestra
is about to fall asleep

and you're babbling
about "the Grand Guignol."

- Stop talking shit!
- I'm scared!

But I don't feel that you are!

Bernard!

God!

It's the same shit every week!
I can't work like this.

I don't want you to work,
I want you to die.

- Are you totally insane?
- This piece was written dying.

It has to be conducted dying,
or it won't work.

- We'll delay the premiere.
- We can't.

- It's not finished.
- The sponsors would be mad.

Listen,
everything I have to give is in this piece.

I don't have a baby like you
for a delusional purpose in life...

- Half a baby...
- Or a quarter of a baby, or rather an eighth.

I really hope you remember our deal.

- What you promised.
- I never agreed to your mad idea.

You promised.

We're delaying the premiere.

As if! You can't promise that.

It's not even legally possible.

Thank you.

Tom.

Tom...

Hey, Tom.

Can you take her, please?

She keeps complaining.

- I have to be up early.
- Sure.

- To roast coffee.
- Of course. Sure, sure.

Do you have her?

What's the matter with you, little hobbit?

Little hobbit, what is it?

Aren't you tired at all?

What are you thinking?

Not so much, huh?

Good night, good night,
you're quite an ox.

Good night,
my dear Lotte, good night.

Good night, good night,
we still have far to go today.

Good night, good night,
it's high time, good night.

Good night, sleep tight,
and stick your ass to the moon.

She's still insanely beautiful.

Who? Liv?

The most beautiful woman in the world.

It was cool of me
to not hold it against you back then.

That you stole Liv from me.

I didn't steal her from you,
she broke up with you.

And you did really hold it against me.

You smashed my apartment windows
because you thought she was with me.

And she was, by the way.

Really?

Were you already a couple then?

No, Liv and I weren't a couple for ages.

We only became one
when she aborted our kid.

When she got pregnant, we were both young.

Life was difficult.

We were both difficult.
Everything was difficult.

I actually wanted to have the kid, but...

Liv just didn't love me.

She made an appointment
with a doctor a friend had suggested.

I tried to change her mind, but...

I probably didn't have the strength...

or the conviction.

We didn't talk at all on the train.

We didn't even look at each other.
For five hours.

When I was sitting in the waiting room,
I realized it was the end of our relationship.

The nurse came in and said
Liv had asked me to come in if I wanted to.

Liv and I looked at each other,

took each other's hands.

It was the biggest...

and most intense thing
I'd experienced in my life.

It was like giving birth, but in reverse.

That day we became a couple
and stayed together for seven years.

But we never got pregnant again.

Hey.

- Thanks for coming.
- Of course.

- Hi.
- Hey.

Good to see you.

- Congratulations.
- Thanks.

Nice party.

Yeah.

I really don't want to fight,

but Tom being here today...

I invited him.
I insisted that he come.

I know he does everything you say...

- Hey, Tom belongs here. He's Jessie's dad, too.
- Can you keep it down a bit?

- What do you say?
- You guys have to sort it out. I just wanted to help.

Elli?

What?

- Is Tom there?
- Yes, it's me, Elli.

- It's Ellen.
- Yes, I know.

- What's...?
- I don't feel well. Something's wrong with me.

Ellen, can you speak a little louder?
I can barely hear you.

- Tom, I'm not well
- What's wrong? Are you crying?

- I don't know.
- Have you been drinking?

Yes, I've been drinking.
But that's not the problem.

You know what? Stop drinking,
and if you still feel bad, call me.

I just need...

Is everything all right?

Yeah, sorry, I just drifted off.

It's all a bit much at the moment.

Tomorrow I have to go to the care home
where my father lives now.

It's so debasing.

My mom's terminally ill too.

- And Bernard is threatening to kill himself.
- He won't do it.

Yeah, he won't.

But it still gets to you.

Sorry, I don't mean to bore you, but...

What do you really want?

Do you mean in general or us?

No, I don't mean us.

We both know...

this isn't the once-in-a-lifetime
romance between us, but...

What I mean is you're running around
like a frightened chicken.

Or even worse, you're running around
like a frightened, headless chicken,

but you still keep running.

- I need time to think about that.
- Knock yourself out.

Shall we watch something?

Yeah, let's watch something.

I'll get the iPad.

Hi, Dad.

Tom.

Tom.

It's great to see you.

You've just come from Berlin?

- Right.
- Yeah.

It's great that you're here.

- Should I get you a TV?
- No, you don't have to do that.

But that's a good idea, Gerdi.

From Tom.

Then you can watch soccer again.

I'll do that, OK?

I'll have it sent to you.
From Amazon, it's no trouble at all.

Please tell him to put on warm clothes
when he goes out.

He listens to you.

Dad, put on warm clothes
when you go out, OK?

- It's freezing outside.
- Yes.

He always loses everything,
his wallet and stuff.

Then the neighbors bring them to me.

I don't give him anything anymore.
He has pocket money here at the home.

- I don't have any money here.
- He always wants to withdraw some.

I have to pay for so many things.

He wants to withdraw it from the bank,
but he doesn't have a card.

And our branch isn't
even in Hanstedt, you know?

But he always goes there anyway.

He fell there last week
and sat on the steps for hours.

The neighbors told me about that too.

- Gerd!
- Dad, what is it? Are you looking for something?

- I have to pay the car insurance, but I've no money...
- No, you don't.

Come on, sit down and talk to Tom,
he's come all this way.

You don't have a car anymore,
you don't need insurance.

All the bills are here.
I've already written to them.

- Yeah.
- I have no money.

He says he has no money,
but he gets pocket money here.

But it's always gone,
so they must have given it to him.

There's no letter in here, Dad.

I'll take care of everything, OK?

- I'll pay for everything from now on.
- He doesn't listen.

And then he gets aggressive with me
and the residents here.

That's why he's here in this ward now,
where everyone's completely crazy.

Then he goes out half naked,
and they can't do anything.

They can't restrain him here.

And if he doesn't stop,
he'll have to go to a secure institution.

That's what the manager told me:
he'd be put in a nuthouse.

- He won't have to, Mom.
- Well, if you say so.

Maybe they just want to get rid of him.
It's possible.

They want more money.

You have to pay for every little thing here.

I think the others pay more.

This manager is greedy for money.

- That's what everyone says around here.
- But I pay what everyone else pays.

Those are the official rates, I think.

But she is rather greedy.
You can tell, and that's what everyone says.

Tom.

It's great that you're here.

Ellen was here yesterday.

She hasn't been here in ages.

Yeah?

- Was it nice?
- Yes...

- It was real nice.
- Ellen hasn't been here for months.

You were here last week, too.

With... With your girlfriend.

- No, Dad, I wasn't here.
- Yes, you were.

And I don't have a girlfriend, not really.

But I do have a baby.

Well... Well, I sort of have a baby.

- Do you want to see?
- Yes.

I'm glad...

you're doing so well, Tom.

Yeah.

Yeah, I'm fine, I'm doing well.

And you?

Are you doing well here?

- Good, yes.
- Gerd, Gerd...

Gerdi... Gerd, Tom already has
his own international orchestra.

It's not my orchestra,
it's a youth orchestra.

I conduct it occasionally...

for a concert,
financed by a foundation that promotes peace.

Oh... I see.

But I...

I have to leave now, Dad, I...

I'll visit you again soon.

One more thing.

It'll be nice...

...if you come back.

I'm always glad when you come visit.

I'm really looking forward to next time.

Yeah, I'll come again soon. I will.

I'll see you out.

Then... Then, erm...

Then you can bring Lissy with you next time.

Yeah, but...

But Mom's here now, too.
You know that, right?

I mean...

she's there, right next to you.

Go back to your room, Gerdi.

OK? Bye. I'll be back next week.
You know I'm bad on my legs, right?

Bye, Gerdi.

He was so happy to see you.

I'm looking forward to your next visit, too.

You always stay for such a short time.

But I know you have your concert soon.

That's important, too.

Too bad it's not your orchestra.

The only question is...

Is it still our world?

- Tom, that was amazing!
- Yes, and no "buts" now, please.

Well, it's only 23 minutes long now.

I'll check the contract,
but there could be trouble with the sponsors.

- And Bernard wants to cancel the choir...
- I'll talk to him about it.

Don't lie to me!

Hey, Bernard, are you crazy?

She's doing it on purpose.

I want the sound at the end to dissolve,
not just get quieter.

- She's sabotaging my piece!
- If you hit her again...

Tom, the piece isn't finished yet.

The choir has to go. It's just kitsch!

It's not your fault.

The piece just isn't finished yet.

We're postponing it.

You OK?

Don't be so hard on him.

- Excuse me? Don't be so hard on him?
- He's not well.

- He's not well.
- Yes, but that's no excuse to hit you.

- It wasn't that bad.
- Not that bad?

What's bad is you thinking it isn't.
Is that some kind of Korean submissiveness?

- Tom!
- Hey!

All right. But it really annoys me.

You know what I think is bad?

Sometimes you look at me during rehearsals.

- You know?
- No.

How do I look at you?

- I think that's worse than a slap.
- Bullshit!

You're projecting your self-doubt
onto my funny face. I can't help that.

He doesn't sound good. It's probably
pneumonia. Shall we call the doctor again?

He isn't coming tonight anyway.

Let's let him sleep for now
and see how he is tomorrow.

- Good night, Mr. Lunies.
- Good night.

If you need anything,
press the "help" button.

Good night!

No one from his family visits him!

- His wife was here?
- That's his neighbor.

- Really?
- Yeah.

- His wife has definitely been here too.
- Are you sure? - Yeah.

All right, let's get started.

And your children?

They don't seem to be coming.

We are gathered here today

to pay our last respects to Gerd Lunies.

A poet once said:

"There is a realm of the living
and a realm of the dead.

What unites them is love."

Oh, sorry.

It's my son, I have to get this.

Yes?

- Mom?
- Yes.

- Sorry for calling so late. I had no service.
- Where are you?

Stuck in the middle of nowhere.
My car's run out of power.

Power? I don't understand What?

Did you come from Berlin...?

- Yes.
- Yes? - Yes, I...

I went to Hamburg by train
and hired a car-sharing car.

- A what?
- Car sharing.

- A hire car. For a short time.
- For a short time? I see.

And now I've run out of power.

The display said, um...

- Why don't you refuel, Tom?
- Because... Because the...

Because it's an electric car, Mom.

- But there are gas stations everywhere.
- Erm...

I forgot there's nowhere to recharge

here in the country.

It... It doesn't matter.

I'm sorry. But you're all at the...?

You're at the cemetery, aren't you?

At the forest rest cemetery.

- What?
- We're at the forest rest cemetery.

- Forest rest cemetery?
- That's right. Dad wanted it this way.

They bury you here in the forest.

There's no grave,
there's no gravestone. It's just forest.

Without a name.

So, is Ellen there?

No. I haven't heard from her.

- What?
- Ellen's not here. I haven't heard from her.

- What are we going to do now? Should we...?
- Hang on a sec...

The towing service is on the other line.

I... I'll call you again!

OK?

- But you're allowed to put a name plate on a tree or a stone.
- Really?

It was in the leaflet I gave you.

I see. All right.

Can we? Oh... Have you finished?

Would you like to say a few words?

You're...

You were...

You were one of the good guys.
Thanks for that.

Can we do it now, please?

- Shall I answer the door?
- Yes.

- Hi.
- Yes?

- Susanne?
- Yes, that's right.

I'm Tom.

- Hello, Mom.
- Hello, Tom.

- I'll be off, then. - OK.
- I'll come back later, Lissy. OK?

- I'm really sorry, Mom.
- Yeah, sure.

And Ellen?

She wanted to come.

- But she didn't?
- Not yet.

You're late as well.

Shall I call her again?

No, no. She's old enough...

to know what she's doing.

Maybe she had an accident.

I'm so glad you still came.

- Yeah?
- I'm always glad when you come.

But you don't look so good today.

How come?

You looked better last time.

- Yes?
- Yes.

Last time you said I'd put on weight
and it didn't suit me.

Oh, that's not true

- Yes, it is.
- No, that's... that's not true.

It doesn't matter.

Yes...

I have to tell you something.

The thing is,
I'm going to die soon, too.

Well, I have cancer, vaginal cancer.

They're going to cut off my labia soon.

And my left toe is practically rotten.

It's all from my diabetes.

But the worst thing is my kidneys are failing,
and I don't want to have dialysis.

It's just not worth it anymore.

My life isn't so good that I have
to prolong it with torture like that.

I just wanted you to know that.

There's a savings book...

...in the inside pocket of the coat...

...in the closet in the bedroom.

There's about 5000 euros in it
for the funeral...

...and for whatever else comes up.

And the rest is for you.

I don't know what to say.

Can we...?

I... I mean Dad...

I should really be...

I... I'm so annoyed with you again.

Annoyed? What for?

Because I'm dying?

No, because I actually came to...

Can't we talk about Dad?

I mean...

Isn't it...?

Isn't it his day today?

Yes, but Dad's already dead.

I wonder what kind of conversation
this is supposed to be

and whether it's worth it for me at all.

I'm just happy when we talk.

- Yeah? You're happy?
- Yes.

You are happy about this conversation?

Maybe we don't get to talk that often anymore.

I honestly don't care what about.

- Yeah?
- Yes.

I have a question then.

It's something that...

keeps going through my mind.

When I...

When I was very little...

about eight...

we had lunch here.

You, Ellen and me.

And I said something

that made you terribly angry.

And you made me apologize,
and I said I didn't know what for.

And...

And you made me sit in a chair
next to you all day.

Ellen hid herself away in her room, and...

no matter where you went in the apartment,
I had to...

follow you with the chair
and sit next to you.

All day long,
even when you were taking a nap.

I sat next to you

for hours, not daring to move.

And you kept asking me to apologize.

And I asked you again and again what for.

But you didn't answer.

I said I didn't know
what I'd said that was wrong,

but you didn't believe me.

Then Dad came home in the evening
and ended it.

And we never talked about it again.

Why are you telling me this now?

Because I'd like to know
what I was supposed to apologize for.

But I don't remember.

- It was so long ago.
- So what?

- I don't remember anything about that...
- But I do!

Yes, because it was important to you.
But it wasn't important to me.

My God, what do I know?
Maybe I'd had a bad day.

It was exhausting with you.

What was important to you?

What was the most important moment?

Between you and me?

I can't tell you that.

Why not?

Was it a good moment?

The best moment for me was...

when it turned out that you were...

That you were healthy and normal.

That you weren't damaged.

- When I was born?
- No, I mean later.

But please, I don't want to talk about it.

All right. We don't have to talk about it.

I'm just glad you're so healthy and strong.

Yeah...

You were an "excessive crier."
I don't know if they still call it that today...

You just screamed all the time.

Your dad and I, we had no money.

Then you suddenly came...
You were an accident,

not a planned baby.
I don't know if you knew that.

- Yeah, you've told me often enough.
- So...

we moved into his parents' small apartment,

where the three of us
lived in one tiny little room.

Your dad spent weeks on the road

as a salesman for all sorts of things,

for zips and photocopiers.

And I...

was there with you in this tiny room,

which I didn't dare leave

because my mother-in-law was out there
and I didn't get along with her.

- And you were just screaming all the time, and then I... Then I...
- What?

- I dropped you... I...
- You dropped me?

Maybe I threw you. I just...

- What did you do?
- On the floor or at the wall...

You...? You... You dropped me?

No, you fell. You fell.

And then I ran... out of the apartment,

out of the room and the apartment.

Wait, did I fall or did you throw me?

You fell.

I ran out of the apartment...

straight into the shopping mall.

I went into some stores.
I wanted to buy you something,

but I didn't have any money
so I stole a toy from a department store,

a truck, a little yellow truck.

Yes, I remember, it had blue tires.

Yes, and...
when I got back to the apartment.

My mother-in-law had you in her arms.
You were very calm.

She'd found you on the floor
and picked you up.

She never said anything,
never told your dad,

but she never forgave me.

And then I waited for years
to see if anyone would notice anything,

see if you might be...

See if you might eventually be paralyzed
or have brain damage,

maybe never speak.

Or whether you might be...

Well, mentally handicapped.

But you turned out completely normal.

But you didn't like me.

Never.

You always wanted
to be with your dad.

But I accepted that because...

At the end of the day.
I didn't like you either.

I realized that day...

That day...

I realized I didn't love you.

Because if you love someone,
you don't do a thing like that.

It doesn't happen if you love someone.

No matter how annoyed you are...

It's, um...

And that's why...

I wasn't disappointed
that you didn't like me.

I was only disappointed
when Ellen stopped liking me, too

Because I loved Ellen.
I know that for a fact.

Ellen was so small
and anxious and shy when she was little.

Then at some point...

she went away and became unhappy.

But that's not my fault.

Not that. No.

- You're so different from me.
- No.

- No, no... I'm not.
- Yes, you are...

Quite the opposite.
I'm very similar to you.

- No, Tom.
- Yes, I am.

I'm just as cold.

No, you're not, Tom. You're...

Don't try to say anything clever.
It won't work anyway.

All right...

Maybe we should have played
the piano together, like we used to.

Yeah, that's right.
I got my talent for music from you too.

Yes, we both have perfect pitch.

- No, we don't.
- Yes, we do.

Sorry, I'm a bit hoarse today.

- That's not an A.
- That's an A. - No, it isn't.

Stop it.

Oh, well...

We shouldn't have talked so much.
Everyone talks too much.

I think it's good that we're talking.

- Really?
- Yes.

Because I actually
have the feeling right now that I...

That one day I'll understand
why we are the way we are.

Why we're...

Why we're such terrible people.

For example, why I don't give a damn

that you're sick, that you're...

That you're going to die soon.

It's terrible that I don't feel anything. It's...

That I'm so utterly...

empty when it comes to you.

And I'm now slowly realizing
that I don't have to feel bad about it.

That I don't have to feel bad...

That it's always been like this,
that I can hardly bear...

to talk to you,
to be near you, to visit you.

That it...

almost takes my breath away when I...

Even if I know I have to...

call you back
because you left me a voicemail.

But you never visited Dad either...

Yes, because it meant
having to talk to you as well.

I can't bear any kind of contact with you.

But yes...

I'll never forgive myself
for not being with Dad when he died.

Never.

Maybe that ought to make me sad now.

But I lost all my sadness

when you were young.

And yes, it's true: you don't
need to have a guilty conscience.

I just wanted you to know what...

How I'm doing and...

And where the savings book is.

- Do you want anything else?
- No. - No?

I'll clear up, then.

What time is it?

I've got a really busy day.
Gotta go, but...

thanks for breakfast.

Evenings are great, mornings suck,
but evenings are great again.

Thanks, asshole.

Hi, Ellen. It's your brother.
I think Dad's not well.

I'd appreciate it
if you gave Mom a call.

I'm a dad of sorts now.

I delivered a child.

Well, I was there when it was born.
Not mine, but...

Rents here have increased
by 52% in the last few years.

In the EU it was only 36%.
The mortgage financer was right.

And since the sanctions against the Russians,
the Latvians won't let them buy property...

PRACTICE FOR HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

Do you think he'll stay?

It's still his probationary period,
but I'm sure he'll stay.

- The patients love him.
- No wonder. - Yeah, with that smile.

Does he have an apartment here?

I've heard
he still spends his weekends in Munich.

- What's he doing here, in this practice?
- Skeletons in his closet?

- Do you think he has a family there?
- He's married and has three disabled kids.

But on weekends
he visits his mom in prison.

She massacred all his siblings in a rage:
some kind of Swedish cult thing.

But she didn't catch him.
He escaped through the roof.

That's why he has that scar he always
scratches when his mind wanders off.

So hands off him, he's not for you guys.

Dr. Kienzle said you could help me out.
I had to send Laura home, she's sick.

Yeah, Laura has problems.
I'll come help you.

Sorry, I'm a bit out of sorts at the moment.
My dad's sick.

He's dying actually.

Please bring Mr. Breitkreuz in,
I'll be with you in a minute.

Sure, sir. I will, sir. Breitkreuz, sir.

Mr. Breitkreuz, you can go in now.

- Good morning, boss.
- Is it a good morning, Ellen?

Now think of something nice.

Beach, palm trees, blue sea...

It wasn't my mom.

The scar, I mean.

It was an ex-girlfriend.

- She threw a bottle at me.
- With good reason?

At 16 there's always a good reason
to throw a bottle at someone, right?

Rinse your mouth out, please.

- What kind of bottle?
- Sorry?

What kind of bottle did she throw at you?

So, one more time.

Clench your teeth once more.
No, don't. I was joking...

Moskovskaya. Russian direct import.
The bottle was empty.

Is it bad?

I mean your dad.

He has Parkinson's disease.

He won't die of it immediately,
but there are side effects.

If there's anything I can do for you,
please let me know.

Yes, you could go for a drink
with me tonight.

I have to visit my parents tomorrow morning.
I promised.

The assessor from the health insurance
is coming. They've no one else.

My mom always thought friendship
was mostly overrated.

I promise not to throw
an empty vodka bottle at you.

But if I get my hands on a tequila bottle...

Fine.

But just one, yeah?

Sure, I'll look after you.

One with lemon.

- And one with an olive. Cheers.
- Thanks.

I love the first sip.

When the gin runs down your throat
like liquid ice.

Yeah.

It's beautiful.

I don't know it.

Bill Fay, "Garden Song" from 1970,

completely unnoticed at the time.

Someone dug it up 30 years later.

Bill worked all those years
as a harvester, gardener...

cleaner,
worked in a supermarket fish department.

You have a lovely voice.

Honestly.

Ever thought about making music?

My brother is a conductor.

A conductor? Wow!

Right: wow!

That's what everyone says.

And that's why I thought I'd do
the least wow-ish thing I can think of,

something everyone hates.

Dentist.

Exactly.
But without being an actual dentist.

Sure, you have a dark secret...

Everyone in Dr. Kienzle's practice of horrors
has a dark secret...

- What's your dark secret?
- Where did you two meet? AA?

AA? No, I don't do that...

No way!

- What's your dark secret...?
- Ouch, my tooth!

- What did you say?
- I banged my tooth on the counter...

So what?

- It has to come out now.
- What now?

Yes, I need a capable assistant,
and we'll get it out.

Rolf!

We need your kitchen for a moment.

I said a capable assistant.

We need a pair of pliers, not this!

Rolf!

Rolf!

- Pliers!
- Toolbox. In back, on the shelf.

OK, we have to separate
the gum from the tooth...

You know how to do it...

Other side, other side...

Now take the pliers and get the thing out.

Good morning, Sunshine!

Don't you have to go to your parents'?

I'll skip it.

You don't like being with your parents?

Who likes being with their parents?

Well, I like my parents.

At least my mom.

That doesn't exactly speak in your favor.

Careful!

Don't say anything bad about my mom.

Coffee! Have you got any?

That's a start.

I want to dance with you.

We're treating your root canal now.
If you need more anesthetic,

just let me know, OK?

Ellen... Your mask!

Ellen!

Shit!

Get out. Send Verena in!

I'm so sorry.

- I think I need another injection after all.
- Right away.

What's the matter?

I'm married.

I have two kids.

Twelve and fourteen.

In Munich.

- In beautiful Poing.
- Where?

Poing.

No, you don't have any kids in Poo-ing.

Yes, I do.

I have two kids in Poing.

Do we have to talk about it now?

No.

- I just thought that because.
- Come to bed and sleep.

I love it when you sing.

Are you a happy family?

Would I be here if we were?

That's right. I'll put your name down.

I'll give you the certificate as well.

Do you have an appointment?

OK. One moment, please.

What have you done there?

I can't open my mouth.

Yes, I can see that.

Can you fix it?

I'll have to take a look down your throat.

- Open your mouth!
- Will it hurt?

Yes, it'll hurt a little. Open your mouth!

It'll be over in a sec.

OK.

That's strange.

I've never seen this before.

It's quite nice, isn't it?

To be special for a change.

Asshole.

Yes?

Is that you? Bastian?

You left me alone this morning.

That wasn't nice.

I woke up alone in your apartment.

- Are you angry because I'm...?
- Married? No, I'm not. I...

I had to go to the doctor real quick.

- Why? - I had a rash all over my face.
- I was all swollen up.

I looked like the Elephant Man.
But it's much better now.

I thought you'd left me.

- Really left me, I mean.
- Can we talk about something else?

Yeah, sure. About what?

Something funny.

Your penis.

You think my penis is funny?

I think your penis is very beautiful.

- Good.
- Actually, I think every penis is beautiful.

OK...

I just like penises. Is that bad?

No.

I like looking at penises, always have.

You know, there's this book.

A penis book.
It's called "The Big Penis Book."

- Oh, great.
- I'll give it to you as a present.

That would be very sweet.

Anything that makes you happy, my love.

THE THIN LINE

Didn't people used to dress up
before going to the dentist?

She bit on something hard
and broke her crown.

Bit on something hard? I see!

Damn, now she's falling asleep on me.

Why are you in such a bad mood?

This one,
and then off to the bar.

That's why I'm in a bad mood.

I've realized that I'm serious about you,
about us.

So that's why you're in a bad mood?

The bar puts me in a bad mood.

Just for once,
I'd like for us not to drink...

and go to the movies or the theater or...

To the theater? Oh, God!

Fine, then not the theater.

Shit! I just want one evening
without alcohol, just us together.

- I feel guilty just thinking about it. That's perverse.
- You shouldn't.

- But I do.
- Then we won't drink anything tonight.

- Really?
- Sure, no problem.

And then you'll explain to me
what you mean by "it's getting serious."

Yes.

- Where can I find Mr. Lunies?
- The corridor on the right, room 110.

Dad?

Hey.

Did I wake you?

I'll open the window,
let some fresh air in.

And?

- Was it good?
- Yes.

See? I told you so.

Yeah, you sure did.
Where's the surprise you promised me?

OK, we'll go there now!

Ellen...?
What are you doing here?

Hi!

Sebastian. This is Tom, my brother.

- Liv.
- Hi. Hello.

- Nice to meet you. Sebastian.
- Ellen. - Tom.

You're Tom?

It's funny meeting you here.

- We're here in Berlin because of you.
- Because of me? - Yes.

I bought tickets for Ellen and me
for the concert you're conducting tomorrow.

I'm sure she was delighted.

And, of course,
a long weekend together in Berlin.

Sounds good.

Where's your kid, well, half kid?

With, um... With the other father.

- How do you know about it?
- Mom.

You wanna eat something with us?

Yeah, sure. Why not, right?

And how old is the kid?

- One year old?
- One year old.

That's the best time.

Enjoy it.

Before you know it, she'll be trying to get
herself killed every time you turn around...

How's the spritzer?

It's not just a spritzer.
It's the symbol of a new life.

Sebastian's going to leave his family
and start a "serious" relationship with me.

It's not as unromantic as it sounds,
he only talks like that when he's sober.

And that's the Catch 22:
he wants us to be sober together.

Hey, I'm really glad you're coming tomorrow.
It's an important day for me.

Pity you didn't make it to Dad's funeral.

I need a drink. I mean alcohol.

What? Why?

Because that was really exhausting, right?

What? Your brother?

All that hipster crap, how they act
like life's all sweetness and light.

OK. You can choose to be unhappy
if you like.

- I don't choose anything! I don't know what...
- What?

- You don't have to know everything. You can just...
- What?

Just... sing.

- Sing?
- Why not? Just sing for me.

I thought about that
when I saw your brother.

Making music makes one happy.

And your voice, it's liquid gold.

Then give me one drink.

Just one.

Here comes another spoonful.

Here comes another spoonful!

Open wide! Open wide!

Wait a minute.

Hey, come in.

We're still eating.
Then you can have her.

- Porridge, that's her thing right now.
- I know. Hey!

I have to go.

What, already?

We agreed on a half-hour handover.

So she doesn't think
every "hello" is also a "goodbye."

All right.

Let me have a go.

Hey, take it from me. Yes!

Good girl!

Look, you have to do it slowly.

One last one for Tom. OK?

Why is she suddenly so hungry?

- You do it too quickly.
- Another spoonful.

Open wide!

Yes!

- And one more.
- Let me...

Open wide!

Don't put so much on the spoon.
It's stupid.

Yeah, that's good.

- I really have to go. It's the premiere tomorrow.
- Bye.

Sorry, I couldn't come any quicker.

Where is he?

Upstairs. He won't come down
and I'm not allowed up.

- Did he hit you again?
- No.

Really?

No!

Partner?

I'm coming in now, OK?

We have to call it off.

I'm just not hitting it.

I don't know what's wrong.

We've had great rehearsals lately.

What aren't you hitting?

The thin line.

- Nobody hits the thin line, we know that.
- But we have to.

Or all that's left is kitsch.

Either kitsch for the masses...

or kitsch for the smarty-pants.

- And I really don't know which is worse.
- Kitsch.

What does that even mean?
It's just a word.

Something's kitsch when the feeling...

doesn't reach to reality.

Do you know
that I hear your piece every minute?

Always.

All the time.

Me too.

Maybe my conducting is shit.

Yeah... Your conducting is pretty shit.

But so is the piece.

- Shitty conductor. Shitty composer.
- Shitty audience.

- Shitty musicians.
- Shitty arts pages.

It fits.

I'm sorry.

Sorry for what?

Everything.

That's a lot.

I know.

I can't.

I just can't.

I'll get us some wine and we'll see.

It's all going to go well tomorrow, trust me.

What thin line is he talking about?

As an artist, in order for people
to understand your work

you have to simplify it
without compromising it.

Or you're completely authentic,
nobody understands you and...

and you end up alone in the nuthouse.

In between is the thin line.

His words, not mine.

He enjoys pathos.

Maybe I didn't explain it well:

How far do I have to pander to the audience

- so that they follow me but...
- I get it.

The thin line.

- What?
- What do you mean? Can you...

- Can I what?
- Well, not cough.

- Maybe you should calm down outside.
- Quiet, please!

- I just wanted to help.
- You're disrupting the concert!

What's wrong, baby?

I feel sick, I think I'm going to puke.

Maybe we'd better go, then?

That's disgusting!

That's gross!

Please leave!

There's a doctor outside.

- Don't touch my wife!
- No violence, please!

Is it over already?
I can't hear any music.

I... I think it's over for us.

OK. I don't think I'm feeling too good.

- Do you need a doctor?
- No, it's fine, I'm just a bit hung-over...

Hey!

Don't touch her!

The concert has already started,
you asshole!

- Get out!
- Bernard, stop it!

Please stay.
We'll start again from the beginning.

Ever watched someone die?
Please stay!

Please stay. Please stay. Please.

The piece is about to start again.

Let's take it again from the top.

Take it again from the top! Tom!

I said stay! Everything's OK.

Sit down.

Just stay in your seats and listen.

Play!

Please!

LOVE

- Shall we begin?
- Yes.

We'll wait.

As you wish. We're ready.

I'm not your enemy, Liv.
Quite the opposite.

This was your idea here.

I'm really sorry.

A really important rehearsal, right?

No, we had a terrible premiere,
D if you're interested.

- Not at all.
- Tom, Moritz! Cut it out, yeah?

Take a seat.
My colleague will join us shortly.

Moritz, if you apply
for joint custody against my will...

- I have a legal right.
- Sure, but then there'll be war.

OK, this may sound a bit harsh,

but we're here
to express difficult thoughts.

Why don't you want us to talk
about the future of our child together? Why?

- I'm not some idiot you can't talk to.
- Yes, you are.

No, OK. Of course you're not an idiot.

But you're muddled in the head.

We'd been a couple
for three months then.

Yes, in your mind we were.

And in mine,
we just had quite nice sex once or twice.

- But your do-gooder crap annoyed me.
- You never used birth control!

The doctor said after my thyroid operation
that I couldn't get pregnant!

Only with hormone therapy.

And then it did happen
and I was desperate and...

alone.

- But you weren't alone.
- I told her that, too.

- When Liv got pregnant, she rang me. She said she didn't want the father.
- Come on!

That she couldn't bring up a child
on her own.

And would probably have to get an abortion.

I said that was out of the question,
because I knew that she...

wanted a child,

and that she was sad about being told
she couldn't, after her thyroid operation.

And yes,
she said she couldn't do it alone.

Then I said:
"You're not alone, I'm here, too."

- So, I became Jessie's dad.
- God!

- You're not her dad.
- More than you are.

You know what?
If you want a kid, make one yourself.

- I didn't want a child!
- Just make one!

Wait a minute. Tom!

That's not quiet right either.

You're not Jessie's father
more than Moritz is.

No?

Moritz is Jessie's biological father
and he always will be.

The sperm donor means so much to you?

A child shares a connection
with its biological parents.

Yes, I believe that.
Whether we like it or not.

- Does that hurt?
- Uh-huh. - OK.

Maybe you'd like the anesthetic after all?

- Please tell me what's wrong.
- Nothing's wrong.

Don't talk to me like that.
I hate being treated like a fool.

Open your mouth, please.

So, what's wrong?

Are you crazy? Not now.

We have three more patients
and we're already behind.

Pull yourself together!

Or what?

Are you threatening me?
What could you possibly...?

My wife's pregnant!

I can't leave her now.
You understand that, right?

You think it's yours?

Yes, of course it's mine.

14.90 euros, please.

I'm not available right now.
Please leave a message.

- I'll be in touch...
- Bye.

Ellen?
How nice of you to call.

I just want to talk to you one more time,
so don't hang up.

Of course I won't hang up.

It wasn't my idea, was it?

That you'd leave your wife,

that we'd get serious and all that.

None of that was my idea.
I didn't ask for that.

- I'm just making that clear.
- Yes, you're right.

And I'm not doing that now either.

- Good.
- Yes, fine.

Except maybe... one last drink.

Ellen, that would be nice.
But I... I'm not in Ham...

- You're not...? - I have to...
- You're with your fam...?

- My thoughts are with you all the time.
- Just one, Sebastian.

OK?

Our relationship is like your voice.

It only works with alcohol.

So what? I can live with that.

I like alcohol.

I like the whole lifestyle.

I'm the opposite of everything.

Do you understand?

Of everything that's...

right and important
and effective and meaningful.

I'm the opposite.

I'm even the opposite of the opposite.

I am and I am not.

Antimatter.

Come and dance with me, Sebastian.

It's so beautiful right now.

But only with you. Only with you.

Are you all right?

Are you hurt?

Not like that!

Not like that!

Hey, partner. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Tom.

- What are you doing?
- I'm at home with a bottle of wine.

Watching "Fanny and Alexander"?

The four-hour TV version, as always.

And Ronja?

- We don't meet anymore.
- Have you broken up?

- We can't break up... - ...because
you were never a couple. Yeah, I know.

And you?

- I have a favor to ask you.
- What?

Unfortunately,
you have to come to my place.

- Now?
- You know the ending.

The family sits happily under the tree,
the evil priest is dead.

OK, I'm coming.

Hey.

Thanks.

What's up? What can I do?

You clearly finished the steak on your own.

Is it OK if I...?

get straight to the point?

Yeah, sure.

I'm going to end my life tonight.

It's not a spontaneous impulse.

We've talked about it often, so I...

don't want to repeat that conversation.

But I need your help with a problem.

And that's Mi-Do.

Come on, sit down first.

Sure.

So, me and Mi-Do have been having
a relationship for a few weeks...

Bernard, what is this?

- Listen.
- No, listen to yourself.

- Mi-Do is in love...
- It's Christmas...

Right now she's in Frankfurt...

- Calm down.
- Just listen to me.

- But I can't help thinking that...
- I'm leaving. You're not going to...

Listen to me!

OK.

- Sorry.
- Nope. All good.

OK, I'm listening.

I made a mistake.

I gave her a key to the house.

I can't help thinking she'll sense something
and maybe come here today.

And I'm afraid
she'll find me in the bathtub.

- In the bathtub.
- Yeah.

She truly doesn't deserve that.
She's a...

She's a good soul.
She doesn't need a shock like that.

I really...

underestimated the two of us.

I didn't think we'd become so close.

What...?

What do you expect me to do now?

Listen.

I've got myself a pill from Switzerland.

But to be on the safe side,
I'm going to slit my wrists in the bath.

And that's going to be quite messy.

And I wanted to ask you...

if you can wait here...

in the kitchen till I'm dead,

and if Mi-Do comes,
make sure she doesn't go into the bathroom.

That's all you have to do.
I've taken care of the rest.

You can call the police afterwards
and they'll find this note.

It's all in here. funeral, inheritance...

It's all taken care of.

All you need to do...

is make sure Mi-Do doesn't find me.

In here...

is the last and only valid version of "Dying."

In case anyone
feels like performing it again.

My death might even help. I'm not sure.

You can't do that.

Do you mean the music or the bathtub?

- You can't write this and...
- I don't want anyone's opinion about it.

Neither positive or negative,
not from you or anyone else.

Bernard.

Look at me, please.

Tom, I'm going to do it.

And I don't want to discuss it.

The only question we have to clarify is...

whether you want to spare Mi-Do the shock.

And that's your responsibility
from this point on, unfortunately.

Sorry for dragging you into this.

But hey,

that's what friends are for.

To be there when things get tough.

When things get tough...

Yeah.

I'm going to the bathroom now.

Hey, Bernard!

One last hug?

OK.

I love you, partner.

Thank you.

Bernard!

Bernard, let me in.

Hey! Partner!

This can't be happening!

- Yes?
- Still awake?

I just wanted to say a quick thank-you

for coming round today
and being Santa Claus.

Jessie was so happy.

I've never heard her babble so sweetly.

I think she'll start talking soon.

Moritz has just left.
I'm going to tidy up a bit and then go to bed.

I often imagine...

when I look at Jessie,
that it's our kid lying there.

And I wonder
what she'd be up to now.

What she would've looked like.

- What she would've been like.
- "She"?

Yeah, I think it was a she.

Do you think what we did was wrong?

I don't know if "right" and "wrong"
are the right words for it.

We made that decision at the time because...

we didn't see any other option.

But she was alive inside me.

I felt that.

I think the most difficult thing is

that something is never just one thing...

but always much more.

I just wonder whether
that makes everything easier or harder.

For some it makes life bearable,
for others it makes it unbearable.

Stop watching Ingmar Bergman
on Christmas Eve.

- It puts you in a bad mood.
- No, I'm with Bernard.

Oh, how is he?

To be honest...

- He wants to kill himself.
- No, not again.

Yeah, but this time he's serious.

He's really doing it, I could see it in his eyes.
He's never looked so...

- What?
- ...relaxed.

What do you mean, he's really doing it?

- But you're there, aren't you?
- Yes, I'm here, but...

I'm only here
to make sure Mi-Do doesn't come and...

- Wait a minute. Who's Mi-Do?
- Mi-Do is his current affair.

A cellist from the orchestra.

I'm only here
so she doesn't find him in the bathtub.

Wait a minute, please.

- That's where he is now or what?
- Yeah, yeah, I think so.

I really don't know...

what to do now.

- Well, get him out of there first, right?
- Yes, but he's unhappy.

He's been unhappy ever since I've known him,
for over 20 years.

Bernard just likes to suffer.

He has an erotic relationship with suffering.
He wouldn't be able to compose without it.

The music that just flopped terribly.

Because your sister sabotaged the concert.

I don't think it's just that.

I don't know what to do.

You kick down the door
and get him out of there.

But maybe he has the right to decide
for himself if he wants to live or die.

But he can't make that decision:
he's depressed.

He's disappointed about your premiere,

fit's Christmas and he's lonely.
You can't take it seriously.

Maybe that's what he wants:
to be taken seriously for once in his pain.

Not everyone has the talent to be happy.

Not everyone can be helped by therapy,
or pills, or...

whatever else society comes up with
to stop us from deciding about our own lives.

Or... about our own death.

Tom.

Open the door and get him out.
Do you hear me?

You have to do everything you can
to save a human life.

You know that, don't you?

- Liv? Liv, I have to...
I'm going to put the phone down now. - OK.

Tell Bernard that tomorrow I'll...

Tom?

Tom?

Bernard?

Bernard?

Let me go...

Yes, I'll let you go.

I just didn't want to let you go
without a hug.

I'm calling from Bernard Drinda's house
in Wolzig.

He's lying dead in his bathtub.

At 3 Mooswuffelweg in Wolzig.

The patio door is ajar.

How could you do that, Tom?

Sure, he was depressed and wanted to,
but you can't just...

That's so cold.

Bernard Drinda...

left a final version of the composition.

And we're going to play it now.

You know the composer
unfortunately passed away recently?

Yes,
and we could sense this tragedy in his music.

- Weren't you at the cello concerto recently?
- Yes, at the Piano Salon Christophori.

- We would be very pleased to work
with you again. Thank you. - Thank you.

- Have a nice evening.
- Likewise. - Thank you for coming.

The sponsors are happy.

If the sponsors are happy, so am I.

Say, is everything OK between us?

Why?

I got the feeling
you've been avoiding me lately.

No.
I'm trying to come to terms with Bernard...

I have to do that myself first.
It has nothing to do with you.

I'm just asking because...

I know that our story...

I know that our story is actually over...

But...

- You're not drinking alcohol?
- Right.

Yes. We need to talk sometime.

Mr. Lunies?
I didn't mean to interrupt.

- I just wanted to thank you for the invitation.
- Sure. - It was lovely...

It's not a question of taste,
nor is that an aesthetic category...

The whole thing's a huge banality,

a fart in the face of the avant-garde.

As far as I'm concerned,
he was on his way up.

EPILOG
LIFE

A poet once said:

"There is a realm of the living
and a realm of the dead.

What unites them is love."

With this in mind,
we are gathered here today

to remember Lissy Lunies,

who spent the last 20 years
of her life here in Hanstedt.

What's bothering you, huh?

Thank you.

I'm glad it worked out today.

Yeah, I took a petrol car this time.

Can you drive?

I'm just going...

OK, be nice.

I'm always nice.

We really don't have to pretend now.

There's a coat
in the closet in the bedroom.

Mom hid a savings book with 5000 euros in it.

She wanted you to have it.

FOR MY FAMILY, THE LIVING AND THE DEAD.