Lima: Breaking the Silence (1999) - full transcript
An intense drama based on the true story of Peruvian rebels who in 1997 kidnapped several hundred high-ranking diplomats and government officials in an attempt to force the release of 400 political prisoners.
[music playing]
Where to now, buddy?
Hang on.
Hey, Bruce, don't forget
the tape recorder.
Thanks.
Tape everything you hear.
OK.
I'll do that.
I'll get it to you tomorrow?
- All right.
You know where I'll be--
JFK at 2:00 PM.
Yeah.
All right, I'll
see you tomorrow.
Good luck.
HECTOR: And this is Alberto
Fujimora's prosperous country.
And this is the tissue of lies
he feeds the rest of the world.
Please sit down.
The Western world--
- Sorry.
Excuse me.
HECTOR: --considers Peru
a Democratic country.
Hi.
HECTOR: But in reality--
You mind if I sit here?
Go ahead.
HECTOR: --based on a dictator
who cares nothing for things
like justice and freedom.
And the poor people,
the uneducated, these
are the people that pay
for his economic theories.
And the rich, they get
richer, and they're
starving people with nothing--
This guy's
looking for trouble.
This guy is my boyfriend.
Nice-looking fella.
Thanks.
I think.
HECTOR: --no food for days.
You see?
I'd like to speak to your
boyfriend after the lecture.
What for?
I'm a reporter for
the "New World Times".
I'm doing a series of articles
on the South American economy.
Bruce Nelson.
Elena Pederson.
Nice to meet you.
[music playing in spanish]
[chatter]
[chatter continues]
Hector Carpa,
November 22, 1996.
And Elena,
Canadian-Peruvian mix.
I'm sorry.
Excuse me.
Hi.
Hi.
Um, Hector, this
is Bruce Nelson,
the reporter then
I told you about.
So you want to interview me?
Yes.
Yes, I'd like that very much.
It might be easier for you if
I don't use your real name.
So if you want
anonymity, I promise
I never disclose my sources.
For now, I'd appreciate it.
I have to go back
home soon and--
How soon?
How come you didn't tell me?
HECTOR: Mi amor, we'll
talk about it later.
OK, so what do you want to know?
I hear there's a strong
underground movement in Peru
opposing Fujimori's regime?
This is true,
but it is also true
that Peru has one of the most
sophisticated secret police
in the whole world.
So life is not so simple
for the young rebels.
And do you consider
yourself a rebel?
I have many friends
who spend their lives
hiding in the jungle.
I have other friends who
spend their lives in jail.
If, in your eyes, that
makes me a rebel, then OK.
Hector, do you know
if the MRTA is planning
to assassinate the president?
This is not possible.
This man is untouchable,
even more so
than your president
in Washington.
Would you if you could?
What?
Assassinate the president.
Would you if you could?
I would.
Just take me down to
Lima, give me a gun.
This guy Hector,
he's a real terrorist.
He could lead us right
to the MRTA rebels.
Here, read this.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Little audio surprise for you.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Well, it sounds like you
found yourself a way in.
Yeah.
So good job.
Thank you, sir.
All right, Bruce.
I'll see you down there.
You know where to find me.
Yeah.
Have a good flight, jefe.
JEFF: Thank you.
[music playing]
[chatter]
Hola.
Everything you need
should be here.
Hector Carpa is on the plane.
He's in baggage now.
He should be along in
just a few minutes.
I will handle it from here.
Mr. Carpa.
Yes?
What do you want?
Would you come
with us, please?
Why?
Who are you?
- You should come--
- Huh?
- --very quietly.
- Why?
What have I done?
Huh?
You're under arrest.
Can I use the telephone?
I want to call my father, OK?
- Silencio.
Please?
Please, I want to
call my lawyer.
You have no right.
Huh?
Silencio.
Huh?
Can I use the telephone?
I want to call my family, OK?
Soldado, por aqu !
S r pido!
R pido!
R pido!
Move!
Move!
Get out of the way!
[grunting]
- All !
- Come on.
Let's go.
Let's go!
Sigalo.
R pido, sigalo.
[inaudible] right now.
V monos!
V monos!
We have him trapped.
[grunting]
MAN: Alto!
Alto!
Idiota!
OFFICER [ON RADIO]:
[speaking spanish]
[grunting]
[yelling]
Move!
Get out of the way!
V monos!
[honking]
NUN: Oh, pobrecito.
[chatter in spanish]
Welcome to the end
of the road, Mr. Carpa.
NUN: Oh, Santa perd a.
It was a beautiful ride.
ELENA: Hello?
Hello?
MAN [ON PHONE]:
[speaking spanish]
ELENA: Hello?
MAN [ON PHONE]:
[speaking spanish]
There's a message
in Spanish, and I
think it's saying that the
number's been disconnected.
Let me listen.
MAN [ON PHONE]:
[speaking spanish]
Yeah, that's exactly
what it's saying.
What do you think it means?
Think he's in trouble?
I don't know.
Would you want
to go down there?
- To Peru?
- Yeah.
Aren't you are a
Peruvian citizen?
Yeah.
Um, I think I should go.
OK.
Well, we'll book
ourselves a flight.
We?
Yeah, we.
I have a colleague down there.
If Hector's in trouble,
he can help us out.
Besides, I've been wanting to
go down there for my story,
anyway.
MONTICITO: General Frantacino.
Open up.
HECTOR: Let me go!
I tell you nothing!
[zapping]
Let's see.
[music playing]
[chatter]
Thanks.
[speaking spanish]
Est bien.
Where is he?
BRUCE: I don't see him.
- Great.
Why don't you take a taxi?
Go to the hotel, check
us out a couple rooms.
I'm going to look
for my colleague.
Why didn't he show up?
I mean, don't you think
that's kind of strange?
Oh, a little bit,
but I have an idea
of where I can find him.
Look, I'm going to rent a car.
I'll hook up with you
in a little bit, OK?
OK.
Just don't be too long.
You going to be all right?
Yeah.
Esta mujer.
So this Elena girl
is down here with me,
back at the hotel.
Hector Carpa's girlfriend.
I'm telling you, this is
a prime opportunity, Jeff.
If I can use her to get me in
touch with the MRTA rebels,
and they let me into
their headquarters,
we've got a hell of a story.
Well, the Peruvian
authorities would like to get
into their headquarters, too.
Look.
Take a look at this.
We believe they'll be
in an area of the jungle
up north called the war zone.
Now, I must warn
you that if you do
succeed in getting
into that area,
it will be extremely dangerous.
But you will get your Pulitzer.
OK.
Now let's assume that I
make it into the jungle.
I'm at the headquarters.
How will I get in
touch with you?
Look.
Take a look at this.
This is a radio transmitter that
travels only long distances.
It's used as a secure
radio frequency.
Use it only during
emergencies or breaking news.
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
S , su Excellency.
BRUCE [ON RADIO]: Hector, do
you know if the MRTA is planning
to assassinate the president?
HECTOR [ON RADIO]:
This is not possible.
This man is untouchable,
even more so
than your president
in Washington.
BRUCE [ON RADIO]:
Would you if you could?
HECTOR [ON RADIO]: What?
BRUCE [ON RADIO]:
Assassinate the president.
Would you if you could?
Would you do it if you could?
Alto!
Alto!
Alto!
Alto!
[chatter]
So when do we get
to meet your leader?
Yeah.
When do we get to speak
to Victor Bernales?
You are speaking
to Victor Bernales.
Welcome to my jungle.
Delicia, some Peruvian coffee?
Do you have
information about Hector?
He was sentenced
to life in prison
by the secret martial
court tribunal.
No parole.
Why?
What has he done?
They have the same
charge for all of us--
treason against the
fatherland of Peru.
Which means?
Simply that you do not agree
with Fujimori and his regime.
Are you telling
me that he's going
to spend the rest of
his life in prison,
and there's nothing
that we can do about it?
Believe me.
We need him more than you.
We know in which prison
they are holding him.
It is a place of solitude
high in the Andes Mountains.
We have been working
on a plan to break in.
Wait a minute.
You mean to tell me you're
planning on breaking
in the Canto Grande Prison?
How do you know of this place?
I've heard about it.
They say hell itself
couldn't be worse.
A revolution is coming.
We need our people.
We cannot let them just
rot in that rat hole.
ELENA: Can we help you?
Can we join you?
[music playing]
Open.
[chatter in spanish]
[music playing]
Where you going?
I'm just going
to the bathroom.
Go back to sleep.
Jeff, can you hear me?
JEFF [ON PHONE]: This is Jeff.
What's up?
Over.
- Jeff.
JEFF [ON PHONE]: Go ahead.
I'm at the MRTA camp.
I have sensational news.
V monos!
BRUCE: They're
planning to get Hector
Carpa out of Campo Grande.
They will attack the
prison in the morning
and release all the prisoners.
[music playing]
Troops, v monos.
V monos!
[music playing]
Hold there.
[grunting]
[grunting]
Look out, Bruce!
[yelling]
Libertad!
Sigalo!
Sigalo!
Cuidado!
Cuidado!
[yelling]
Get back.
Back.
Back.
V monos!
Let's go!
Bruce, come on!
Come on!
Come on!
Let's go.
Go, r pido, r pido.
Corre!
Corre!
Libertad!
Libertad!
Libertad!
Libertad!
Let's go!
Libertad!
Libertad!
Libertad.
Libertad!
Where's Hec--
where's Hector Carpa?
Have you seen Hector?
Libertad.
Hector!
Hector.
V monos.
V monos!
Victor!
Delicia!
He's not here.
He-- he isn't there.
- No, no.
He's here.
Aqu .
[chatter]
Hector!
Hector!
No, it is a trap.
Fujimori's commandos
were waiting for us.
We must get back to the jungle.
No!
I gotta find Hector.
- No!
Delicia.
Delicia, it is a trap.
Take the men back to the jungle.
- S , Victor.
The jungle.
Vamos.
Elena!
[chatter]
Hector!
Hector, are you in there?
Elena!
Elena, it is a trap!
- Hector!
- No.
It is a trap.
They were waiting for us.
No, I am not leaving
here without Hector.
Elena!
Hector!
VICTOR: Elena, no.
[grunting]
ELENA: Hector!
Elena, no.
HECTOR: Elena!
Hector?
HECTOR: Vic-- Victor!
- Hector?
He is here.
Hector?
Hector, Get back.
Back!
Hector, get back!
Hector?
Hector!
What took you so long?
Traffic.
Traffic, huh?
Better late than never.
Hector?
VICTOR: Vamos.
- Mi amor.
VICTOR: Vamos.
Vamos.
God, what did they do to you?
It's OK.
It's OK.
Hector, no hay tiempo.
V monos.
OK.
Come on!
Come on.
What's going on?
Why are there so many soldiers?
Fujimori's commandos, amigo.
What?
Ambush, amigo.
You mean they
knew we were coming?
S .
V monos!
Aqu .
Apurense!
Apurense!
Arriba.
S , s .
SOLDIER: Apurense!
V monos.
V monos.
Alto.
Do not move, my friend.
Look who is, this
stinking little rat.
Drop your gun
or I'll kill her!
Drop it!
Hector, we must go
back to the jungle.
We must go back to the jungle.
Elena!
Hector, we must.
HECTOR: Elena!
Elena!
Frantacino.
S , Victor.
Finally, face to face.
I was looking forward to it.
I'm sorry you have to die.
[clicks]
MONTICITO: [laughing]
It's your turn to die.
It's a good day to die.
[speaking spanish]
Come on!
Let's go!
Let's go!
Come on.
[chatter]
No!
Don't!
No!
No, don't!
No, I didn't do anything!
No!
No!
I didn't do anything.
No.
No!
No, no!
Stop it!
No!
Let me go, please!
I didn't do anything.
I'm sorry you had
to leave so soon.
The information you
provided was invaluable.
Thanks on behalf of
the American consulate.
Just wanted you to
know what was going on.
[speaking spanish]
Gracias.
Take care.
Have a safe flight.
What's the matter?
Is there some
kind of celebration
the next few days in Lima?
Yes.
There's a reception at
the Japanese ambassador's
residence.
They're celebrating
the emperor's birthday.
Everybody who's anybody
is going to be invited.
Are you anybody?
Are you staying?
Well, if you take me with you.
Let's go.
Come on.
[chatter]
Come in.
Hello, Ambassador.
Hello.
[music playing]
[chatter]
Yes, OK.
I will go get more champagne?
This is all right with you?
Yes, it is OK.
[inaudible]
Now, there's a beautiful
woman for you, Padre.
Peruvian.
Excuse me, Ambassador Aoki?
Ambassador Albright
has an important phone
call from President
Clinton, and we must leave.
Ah, sou.
Clinton?
Yes.
Sou desu ka.
Sorry you cannot stay.
Thank you for
coming, Ambassador.
Thank you.
I'll call you.
Please allow me to introduce
myself, Your Excellency.
I know who you are.
Phoebe, correct?
You can't hide anything
from the Japanese diplomats.
I'm Phoebe Pratt.
Welcome to my
home, Miss Pratt.
Please.
Excuse me.
Wow.
Se ora.
You have beautiful eyes.
Gracias, se ora.
Se orita.
The American
ambassador just left.
We should've planned
the raid for 7 o'clock.
Don't worry, Hector.
Plenty of important people here.
OK?
I think we have
about 300 of the most
important people in Peruvia.
I wish Fujimori
was here, though.
He may still come, Hector.
We wait?
No.
No.
[sirens blaring]
They're here right on time.
Alto.
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
S .
Let's do it.
[speaking spanish]
On the floor now!
Al piso!
Get down on the floor!
[screaming]
Get down on the floor!
Everybody on the floor, OK?
Nobody gets hurt if
you're on the floor.
Down on the floor.
You won't get hurt if
you're on the floor.
- Get down on the floor now!
- OK?
No one will get hurt!
Get down on the floor!
Anybody who is
standing will be shot!
HECTOR: Get down, OK?
Everybody on the floor.
We don't want to hurt
anybody, but we will--
Get down, [speaking spanish]!
Now!
Stay down!
Stay down now!
Put your hands behind
your head and do not move.
[distant crying]
If you're on the ground,
you will not get hurt.
[gunfire]
Stay down!
You heard me!
Stay down now!
[speaking spanish]
Down!
[speaking spanish]
Good evening.
General Frantacino, did any
group assume responsibility?
I have no information
from inside the compound
as yet, my president.
List of the guests?
I have contacted
the Japanese Embassy,
and they're putting
together a list for us.
Approximately 300 people
are inside the ambassador's
residence.
300?
Unfortunately.
That's very bad.
[yelling]
One reporter
and one cameraman.
We are ready.
[inaudible] is ready.
One!
Only one.
The movimiento
revolucionario addresses
our beloved Peruvian people.
That one.
That is the one that led
the attack on the prison.
--the MRTA Special
Forces unit--
Confirms they are MRTA.
--the Japanese
Ambassador to Peru.
We have named this operation
Breaking the Silence.
We want the world to know
what is going on here in Peru.
We will only free the hostages
if President Fujimori complies
with the following demands.
All prisoners belonging to the
MRTA and every prisoner accused
of belonging to any
other political movement
will be set free.
HECTOR: Patria o
muerte, venceremos.
MONTICITO: Patria o
muerte, venceremos.
Patria o muerte, venceremos!
What the hell did
he say at the end?
Do you understand Spanish?
He said, "Fatherland or
death, we will overcome."
It's what the Cuban
revolutionaries used to say.
Jesus.
They're going to kill us all.
They're not killers.
Oh, come on, man.
They're bloody terrorists.
They're rebels.
You always right?
I am.
Well, you of
all people in here
should understand
the difference.
The difference is
that terrorists do it
for the pure joy of
terror, where rebels do it
for their bloody ideals, which
doesn't matter a damn to those
who are about to be killed.
They are so young.
I don't think they mean to kill.
You're too young to understand
what radicals are capable of.
You're very beautiful.
Muchas gracias, se or.
Ladies and
gentlemen, I would like
you to put your hands
down, take a deep breath,
relax, and listen.
ALL: [sighing]
You all saw me on the TV.
We expect the government
to comply with our demands.
So hopefully, you will spend
just one night in here.
DELICIA: [wailing]
Antonio.
S , Victor?
Go and ask the hostages
if one of them is a doctor.
She needs an operation.
S , V.
DELICIA: [wailing continues]
Delicia, [inaudible].
It's going to be OK.
I'm a priest.
I heard someone is dying.
VICTOR: No one is dying, Padre.
She needs a doctor.
I was a doctor before
I became a priest.
Can you get the bullet out
and stop the bleeding, Padre,
or she will die.
I need more than a knife.
I need anesthesia, anti-septics.
Delicia, drink.
Drink.
Drink.
Drink.
The rest is your anesthetic.
Now do your job, and do it well.
At least get me
hot water and towels.
- I'll get it, Padre.
- And be quick!
[music playing]
[crying]
[snoring]
What is your name?
Lily.
Well, Lily, I am James.
Thank you, Padre.
I know.
I know.
We've been at it all night.
Oh, we're doing our best.
Yes.
OK.
OK.
Damn!
Mr. President,
I must reiterate.
We cannot negotiate.
The minute we begin to
negotiate is the minute
that we begin to lose.
We heard that
already, Frantacino.
What is your alternative plan?
Anybody.
Anybody, give me an
alternative plan.
[knocking]
Yes!
Mr. President,
the American press
attach is here with a message
from the American president.
Wasn't this press
attach at the party along
with the American Ambassador?
They left 15 minutes
before the raid.
Ah, the Americans.
They always know better.
Mr. President.
Good morning, gentlemen.
Please sit down, sir.
I spoke with the White
House a few minutes ago.
President Clinton wishes to
assure you the United States
is willing to help in any way to
bring this situation to an end.
What is your
opinion, Mr. Campbell?
Should we negotiate?
Absolutely not.
The United States
policy is never
to negotiate with terrorists.
President Clinton's
position is terrorists
must not be rewarded.
Well, I think we
would agree with that.
However, we do need
an alternative plan.
The suggestion is to buy time.
That way, you can
examine all your options.
But at any moment,
the terrorists are going
to begin to kill the hostages.
Are you suggesting that
we wait for this moment?
We must calculate
our moves wisely
so that nobody gets killed.
ALL [CHANTING]: Libredos!
Libredos!
Libredos!
Libredos!
Libredos!
Libredos!
Libredos!
[music playing]
What, honey?
Oh, I know, sweetie.
You have to go potty,
but there's a long line.
So I don't know.
[coughing]
Hey, Herman!
Herman!
This man--
Hey!
This man is crazy!
Well, we've been holding 300
hostages for six days already.
Now what?
Do not worry.
They will do what we said.
They cannot put
all these important
people's lives in danger.
In a few days, it
will all be over.
Maybe even today.
Victor, you said
this yesterday.
Something will
happen today, Hector.
I feel it.
I hope you're right.
[music playing]
[chatter]
So how is my little Delicia?
Gracias, Padre.
Thank you for saving my life.
It was God who saved your
life, my child, not me.
Let me look at the wound.
Why do they call you
Delicia, young man?
Because I'm Delicia.
I'm a woman.
A woman?
Oh, sou desu ka.
Then you are a very brave
young woman, Delicia.
But too young for this.
I'm not young, Mr. Ambassador.
I will be 16 next month.
Oh, 16?
I have a daughter your age.
Is she in the jungle?
No.
I would never permit
her to be in the jungle.
She will never ask for your
permission, Mr. Ambassador.
Then thank God she's
in Japan and not here.
You don't have
a jungle in Japan?
No.
Jungle in Japan not like Peru.
VICTOR [ON RADIO]: Delicia.
Delicia, do you read me?
Over.
This is Delicia.
VICTOR [ON RADIO]:
What is your status?
Everything is quiet over here.
Never leave your
gun alone, young lady.
One bullet can cause
a lot of blood.
What's kind of gun is it?
This is a Russian Kalashnikov.
It's better than
the American M16.
I have never held
a gun in my life.
Do you know how to use it?
Of course.
Here, let me show you.
Here.
Delicia!
Please, don't be angry.
It's-- it's my fault.
She's a good girl.
She meant no harm.
Get out.
Both of you, out!
You take apart your rifle while
the hostages are in the room?
Endanger our mission and
the lives of the other men?
But Victor, they're a frien--
No!
No one is our friend here.
They hate us.
They call us terrorists.
Put it back together and
do not do this again.
S , Victor.
When you feel better, you
come down to the bigger room
and replace Antonio.
He needs to sleep.
S ?
S .
[chatter]
Listen, you.
If I ever see you talking
to my people again--
Look, how dare you talk
to this gentleman that way.
And you address me as Your
Excellency or Mr. Ambassador.
Do you understand?
Mr. Ambassador, huh?
Well, you listen to
me, Mr. Ambassador.
Here you are just
another hostage.
And maybe you are a dead
piece of shit hostage.
So you'd better shut
your mouth before I shut
it for you, Mr. Ambassador.
Do you understand,
Your Excellency?
Do you enjoy your power.
Mr. Bernales, use that girl
to show how strong you are?
But you are nothing
but a scum terrorist!
[gasping]
ALL: Terrorist!
Terrorist!
Terrorist!
Calm down!
Come with me, you
Japanese bastard!
Come on.
Antonio.
Brother, you can't kill him.
I'm still your commander!
I take responsibility.
Why do you start this?
They're just a bunch
of innocent kids.
Kids like that, in
my country, Father,
would shoot you without
even thinking twice.
They are terrorists,
and they gotta
be dealt with like terrorists.
Come here.
You all know the Japanese
Ambassador to Peru,
His Excellency Morihisha Aoki.
So take a good look at him.
This is my last warning!
I will kill him right here,
right now if our demands
are not met immediately!
Free our comrades or all
of the hostages will die!
Fujimori, I know that you
watch me now from your palace!
He doesn't have
the courage to do it.
He's mad enough to do it.
Look at his crazed eyes.
This man's blood is
on your hands, Fujimori.
Bernales, don't do it.
Bernales, I will pass your
message to the president.
We should use our commandos.
We could take the
building immediately.
Are we ready?
I need but 48 hours.
I should speak to the
American Ambassador.
We need their advice.
[chatter in spanish]
These are extra
sensitive bugs.
You can put one on a
pillow and listen to what's
going on in the entire room.
You give one of these to
my wife, I will kill you.
[laughter]
We have to find a way
to sneak these things
into the residence.
It is Christmas in a few days.
The terrorists
will allow the Red
Cross to bring some medicine,
some food, some gifts.
We will bug everything.
Then do it.
It is very important for us to
know what is going on inside,
minute by minute.
[music - "jingle bells"]
A little Christmas spirit
comes to Peru, Padre.
What is this?
Christmas care package
from the Red Cross.
It's about time.
And a special one
for Ambassador Aoki.
Thank you.
And look.
They even got one for you.
Odd.
They sent me a fountain pen.
I don't need a fountain pen.
Let me take a look at that.
It's a radio transmitter.
Put it away.
[music - "silent night"]
ALL [SINGING]: --all is bright.
Round yon virgin,
mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night.
Holy night.
All is calm.
All is bright.
Round yon virgin,
mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly--
Ladies and gentlemen, we have
received word from Fujimori.
Because of Christmas, they
have asked for a break
in the negotiations.
Since the MRTA represents
the benevolent government
of the people, we will
honor that request
in the spirit of Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all of you.
[tango music playing]
Miss Phoebe, may
I have this dance?
How did you know
I was a dancer?
Dance with him.
Make him happy.
Delicia, would
you like to dance?
No, I don't think I can.
Of course she can.
It's Christmas.
Go have some fun.
[music playing]
Excuse me.
I see someone I recognize.
Bruce Nelson.
Hector!
Look who I found.
Bruce Nelson.
What are you doing here?
I believe you're
holding me hostage.
It's time we had a
little talk, Bruce.
Let me explain.
I was used.
[WHEEZING] I'm innocent.
Innocent?
You turned my
anonymous interview
over to the Peruvian
authorities,
and you call yourself innocent?
I never gave that
interview to anybody in Peru.
I showed it to one man, Jeff
at the embassy, and he used me.
Who the fuck is Jeff, and
what are you talking about?
Jeff is the press attach to
the American Embassy in Lima.
I work for him.
He's the only one who
saw the interview.
When I found out the
MRTA was planning
on breaking into the prison
to free you, Hector, of course
I told him.
It's a great story.
I'm a reporter.
But he's the only one
outside of the camp
who knew, so think about it.
I'm sure he's CIA.
And if he is, then that means
the CIA is protecting Fujimori.
I don't believe a single word.
Delicia, take him to the cellar.
If he makes a move, kill him.
Mr. Bruce Nelson, you
will be the first one
I kill when I decide to show
Fujimori that I mean business.
Mama?
Mama.
Mama.
[inaudible], Padre.
How is my wife.
She's going to require
immediate hospital attention.
What shall we do?
She's dying!
I'm gonna talk to
these bastards right now.
Mr. Carpa, may I
talk to you a moment?
Look, you're an
intelligent young men.
You can't continue treating
the people this way.
The youngish woman
is seriously ill.
She could die if she
doesn't get to a hospital.
Padre, will she
make it till tomorrow?
With God's help, she might.
Mr. Carpa, please help us.
Well?
In the morning,
we will release
all the women [inaudible].
I promise.
Do you really mean that?
Yes.
I've made my decision.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
I must talk to my commander.
[door opening]
Victor, I must talk to you.
Get out.
Puta a la Madre did not teach
you how to knock on the door?
I'll wait outside.
Get dressed.
You don't want to do it again?
Get dressed, I said.
Oh, come on, Victor.
Get dressed!
Get out of here.
Close the door.
We must release
some of the hostages.
Many people are getting sick.
There is a woman, she
has maybe 24 hours left.
Are you out of your mind?
If we release some
of the hostages,
it'll pressure the
rest of the world
to pressure Fujimori into
making a gesture of his own.
Hector!
I am sick of your
goodwill gestures.
OK, we must calm down.
We're both under
a lot of pressure.
We are fighting
for the same cause.
You and me, we've grown up
since we've been little kids.
We sacrificed our
family, our lives.
Fujimori would love nothing
more than for you and I
to start killing each other.
Give me a hug, brother.
OK, brother, you release
some of the hostages.
I will listen to you
this one last time.
Just one.
Patria o muerte.
Attention.
Attention!
Good morning, everyone.
This morning, we will be
releasing some of the hostages.
Silence!
The MRTA wants the world to
know that we are not terrorists.
What we want is our
comrades freed from prison.
Those of you who we release
will deliver the message
that we are not terrorists.
We are freedom fighters.
Freedom fighters, my ass.
What did you say, little man?
How many are you
going to release?
Please, set the
sick free first.
At least set the women free.
We will decide who
goes and who stays.
The women, the sick, and
the foreign ambassadors
to the left side.
And Peruvians to the right.
Move your asses.
Please, quickly, everyone.
You'll be leaving in a few
hours if you move quickly.
You must move.
Please.
Quickly.
You know, your selection
is a little like the Nazis
at the death camp.
Shut up, little man, or
no one will be released.
Now, foreign
ambassadors to the left.
Please, Peruvian
men to the right.
Women, the sick, and the
ambassadors to be left.
Please, move quickly.
Go home, Phoebe Pratt.
Bye.
If you get out of here
alive, look me up in Holland.
I know where to
find you, Miss Phoebe.
Padre, thanks
for all your help.
You should, uh-- you should go.
No, my son, I will stay.
These people need me.
So let me out of here.
I'm much more use to you
outside than in this rat hole.
We are letting the sick
people and the women go.
You are not sick, and I
don't think you are a woman.
Read this.
What is it?
It's my story.
Imagine it on the front page
of the "New World Times".
It's the biggest
paper in America.
Do you want your story told?
Do you want to break
the silence or not?
You will publish it?
I walk out of here,
yes, I'll publish it.
Otherwise, the only way
your story is going to get
told is through
Fujimori's press geniuses.
Delicia, release him.
Please.
Please move quickly.
Please move it.
Move.
Move.
Bye, friend.
God bless you.
Quickly, before they
change their minds.
Move.
- Careful.
Hurry!
Hurry!
Careful.
Careful.
Keep going.
V monos.
- Take care.
- V monos.
HECTOR: Hopefully
you'll see them soon.
Miss Pratt, please take this.
Thank you, ambassador.
- We'll be all right.
- You take care.
Take care of him.
You, too.
Goodbye, Ambassador.
Yes.
Take care, my friend.
[music playing]
[lively chatter]
Ambulance.
Ambulance.
My wife is sick.
Hurry, hurry, hurry.
Move [inaudible], ladies.
Vamonos.
Vamonos
And tell the
world that we fight
for our country's freedom!
Bruce!
Bruce.
Alto!
Alto!
Alto!
Alto.
No problema.
No problema.
What was that for?
That was for using me.
Because of you,
Elena's in prison.
You owe it to me to
help me get her out.
Get in.
Get in the car.
Where are we going?
Presidential Palace.
President Fujimori,
gentlemen, may I introduce you
to Mr. Bruce Nelson?
He was just released
from the residence
today after many
days of suffering.
Mr. Nelson works for
the "New World Times".
Sit down, Mr. Nelson.
Please tell us your
views on this situation.
To the best of my
knowledge, they're still
holding over 70 male hostages.
All of them are
Peruvian citizens
except for the
Japanese Ambassador.
What do you think we
should do, Mr. Nelson?
I think you should
continue with negotiations.
We need a person who has
some influence with them.
I think I might know
that person, Mr. President.
Hector Carpa's girlfriend,
she's in one of your jails.
If you'll let me speak
with her, maybe I
can convince her to tell
Hector Carpa to cooperate.
It's an interesting idea.
Frantacino.
General Frantacino will
take you to this girl.
Mr. Nelson, you go
and talk to her.
If she agrees, we will allow
her to meet with Hector Carpa.
We should use every
possible chance
to resolve this situation
without bloodshed.
Sientate.
Sientate.
Sientate.
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[music playing]
Sientate.
Apurese.
Who are you?
Who do you work for?
And you better
tell me the truth.
Listen, Elena.
You have to trust me, OK?
I'm doing everything I can to
save your life, and Hector's.
Hector?
Where is Hector?
We go.
ALL [CHANTING]: Por
la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
You wait here.
Mr. Carpa is expecting us.
Vamos.
Vamos!
Tell Hector Carpa
that his girlfriend
wants to speak to him.
Hector!
Hector!
Don't shoot!
Elena.
Elena!
Elena.
Mi amor.
Don't shoot.
Mi amor.
ALL [CHANTING]: Por
la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
- What happened?
Where's Elena?
- She escaped into the embassy.
And you just let her?
Did you know this
was going to happen?
Yes.
I planned for it.
What do you mean?
I studied Hector
Carpa's profile.
He cares nothing about himself,
and he is not afraid to die.
All he cares about
is this woman.
So as long as she is with
him, we have some small hope
that that maniac Victor will
not blow up the building
with everyone in it.
And what if your
theory's wrong?
Then I have an
alternative plan.
Let's go!
ALL [CHANTING]: Por
la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
It's been 127
days since the MRTA
terrorists occupied
the residence
of the Japanese
Ambassador to Peru.
Approximately 17
terrorists are still
holding about 70 hostages.
The crisis has become part
of routine life in Lima.
Local and international
newspapers
have already removed the
coverage of the crisis
from their front pages.
So what are you going to do?
It can't go on
like this forever.
I'll surrender.
Do you want to surrender?
Yes.
I've made my decision.
I'll contact the
American Embassy.
They'll notify Fujimori.
Then it will be up to him.
What about Victor?
Will he agree to surrender?
He's been taking
many drugs lately.
So I must make him
understand the situation.
Be careful.
He's in command, don't forget.
Do you have the
gun that I gave you?
Yeah, why?
Just in case.
I love you.
Victor, I need to talk to you.
Don't you knock?
Ah, this shit again, huh?
We'll talk tomorrow.
You're too fucking stoned.
There will be no
tomorrow for you.
You want to shoot me?
Huh?
OK, shoot.
Have you looked at yourself
in the mirror lately?
'Cause you look
like shit, brother.
Betray our whole
operation, you betray me!
What operation?
Do you even remember
the name of it?
The operation's called
Breaking the Silence.
We broke it.
Now the whole world
knows who we are.
Do you know what they call us?
Terrorists.
They care nothing of our ideals.
We are just terrorists.
And they have no
sympathy for us.
What have we achieved?
Did Fujimori
release one prisoner
from one stinking jail?
You and me, we are torturing
our people for nothing.
We are wrong, Victor.
No!
We were not wrong, baby brother.
We're just trying to
make a difference.
I love you.
I know you didn't
mean what you said.
You wouldn't have killed
any innocent people.
I love you, too, brother.
So what's with the TV van?
What's happening
inside of there?
Nothing, Bruce.
What are you doing here?
What do you mean
what am I doing here?
Every journalist
in Peru is here.
You planning something?
Are you going to
raid the embassy?
I don't know.
[cheering]
I just spoke with
the American Embassy.
They've accepted the proposal.
Safe passage to Cuba for
everyone, including you.
I love you.
Watch the guns, huh?
Amigos!
[lively chatter]
2-0 for the good
guys, 0, Fujimori.
Hello.
Hello.
This is Ambassador Aoki.
General Frantacino,
it's the ambassador.
Yes, we read you loud
and clear, Ambassador.
What is happening?
It's siesta time.
And now the terrorists
are playing soccer
in the middle of the room.
Now the hostages are sitting
around, watching the game.
Get the hostages
down to the floor.
I hear you.
I will get the hostages
down on the floor.
They are ready, My President.
Let's do it.
Frantacino.
Remember, no press.
Yes, My President.
[music playing]
Let's get down on the floor.
Down on the floor.
Get down on the floor.
Why?
Don't ask questions.
Get down.
[lively chatter in spanish]
[inaudible].
Get down on the floor.
Delicia.
Padre, you have to
get down on the floor.
Do you know something?
Just get down.
Don't ask questions.
[lively chatter in spanish]
[grunting]
What's going on?
They know something.
Hector!
Hector, look at them.
They're on the floor.
Hector, they lied to you!
We're ready
here, My President.
They know something.
Look at them on the floor.
Hector, damn it,
they lied to you!
Mr. President, your decision.
What's happening, Jeff?
We'll soon see.
Is there anything
you can do to stop it?
I'm afraid not.
Hector, they're going to
raid the building any minute!
Hector, damn it,
they're coming in here!
Now!
[music playing]
Hector!
Oh God, Hector.
[gasps]
Oh, my God.
Elena!
Elena!
No!
BRUCE: Elena!
Please don't let your
daughter go to the jungle.
She was only a child.
[sirens blaring distantly]
REPORTER: Your Excellency,
what would you like
to say about what happened?
That young girl--
V monos.
REPORTER: What are you
planning to do now?
I'm going back home to
Japan to be with my family,
especially my daughter.
REPORTER: I'm with GNN news.
Do you have anything
to tell the public?
You, sir?
You, sir?
[MUSIC - MARC TANNER, "LET OUR
FREEDOM BEGIN"]
[SINGING] I see a light
coming out of the dark,
writing its name on the wind.
God bring us strength as
it finds its way home.
Let our freedom begin.
There must be a place where
it's safe from the [inaudible]
to live all that's
true in our hearts.
And rise from the streets and
new voices will [inaudible]..
Today is a good day to start.
Hear the children sing.
Hear the church bells ring.
We will never give in.
We can't light the fire of hope
till the whole world knows.
Now their freedom begins.
I see a light coming
out of the dark,
writing its name on the wind.
They'll tell a story
in all of its glory.
Let our freedom begin.
I see a light coming
out of the dark,
writing its name on the wind.
God bring us strength as
it finds its way home.
Let our freedom begin.
There must be a place
where it's safe from the
to live all that's
true in our hearts.
And cries from the streets
turn to voices of peace.
Today is a tough day to start.
Hear the children sing.
Hear the church bells ring.
We will never give in.
We can't light the fire of hope
till the whole world knows.
Let our freedom begin.
I see a light coming
out of the dark,
writing its name on the wind.
They'll tell this story
in all of its glory.
Let our freedom begin.
Where to now, buddy?
Hang on.
Hey, Bruce, don't forget
the tape recorder.
Thanks.
Tape everything you hear.
OK.
I'll do that.
I'll get it to you tomorrow?
- All right.
You know where I'll be--
JFK at 2:00 PM.
Yeah.
All right, I'll
see you tomorrow.
Good luck.
HECTOR: And this is Alberto
Fujimora's prosperous country.
And this is the tissue of lies
he feeds the rest of the world.
Please sit down.
The Western world--
- Sorry.
Excuse me.
HECTOR: --considers Peru
a Democratic country.
Hi.
HECTOR: But in reality--
You mind if I sit here?
Go ahead.
HECTOR: --based on a dictator
who cares nothing for things
like justice and freedom.
And the poor people,
the uneducated, these
are the people that pay
for his economic theories.
And the rich, they get
richer, and they're
starving people with nothing--
This guy's
looking for trouble.
This guy is my boyfriend.
Nice-looking fella.
Thanks.
I think.
HECTOR: --no food for days.
You see?
I'd like to speak to your
boyfriend after the lecture.
What for?
I'm a reporter for
the "New World Times".
I'm doing a series of articles
on the South American economy.
Bruce Nelson.
Elena Pederson.
Nice to meet you.
[music playing in spanish]
[chatter]
[chatter continues]
Hector Carpa,
November 22, 1996.
And Elena,
Canadian-Peruvian mix.
I'm sorry.
Excuse me.
Hi.
Hi.
Um, Hector, this
is Bruce Nelson,
the reporter then
I told you about.
So you want to interview me?
Yes.
Yes, I'd like that very much.
It might be easier for you if
I don't use your real name.
So if you want
anonymity, I promise
I never disclose my sources.
For now, I'd appreciate it.
I have to go back
home soon and--
How soon?
How come you didn't tell me?
HECTOR: Mi amor, we'll
talk about it later.
OK, so what do you want to know?
I hear there's a strong
underground movement in Peru
opposing Fujimori's regime?
This is true,
but it is also true
that Peru has one of the most
sophisticated secret police
in the whole world.
So life is not so simple
for the young rebels.
And do you consider
yourself a rebel?
I have many friends
who spend their lives
hiding in the jungle.
I have other friends who
spend their lives in jail.
If, in your eyes, that
makes me a rebel, then OK.
Hector, do you know
if the MRTA is planning
to assassinate the president?
This is not possible.
This man is untouchable,
even more so
than your president
in Washington.
Would you if you could?
What?
Assassinate the president.
Would you if you could?
I would.
Just take me down to
Lima, give me a gun.
This guy Hector,
he's a real terrorist.
He could lead us right
to the MRTA rebels.
Here, read this.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Little audio surprise for you.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Well, it sounds like you
found yourself a way in.
Yeah.
So good job.
Thank you, sir.
All right, Bruce.
I'll see you down there.
You know where to find me.
Yeah.
Have a good flight, jefe.
JEFF: Thank you.
[music playing]
[chatter]
Hola.
Everything you need
should be here.
Hector Carpa is on the plane.
He's in baggage now.
He should be along in
just a few minutes.
I will handle it from here.
Mr. Carpa.
Yes?
What do you want?
Would you come
with us, please?
Why?
Who are you?
- You should come--
- Huh?
- --very quietly.
- Why?
What have I done?
Huh?
You're under arrest.
Can I use the telephone?
I want to call my father, OK?
- Silencio.
Please?
Please, I want to
call my lawyer.
You have no right.
Huh?
Silencio.
Huh?
Can I use the telephone?
I want to call my family, OK?
Soldado, por aqu !
S r pido!
R pido!
R pido!
Move!
Move!
Get out of the way!
[grunting]
- All !
- Come on.
Let's go.
Let's go!
Sigalo.
R pido, sigalo.
[inaudible] right now.
V monos!
V monos!
We have him trapped.
[grunting]
MAN: Alto!
Alto!
Idiota!
OFFICER [ON RADIO]:
[speaking spanish]
[grunting]
[yelling]
Move!
Get out of the way!
V monos!
[honking]
NUN: Oh, pobrecito.
[chatter in spanish]
Welcome to the end
of the road, Mr. Carpa.
NUN: Oh, Santa perd a.
It was a beautiful ride.
ELENA: Hello?
Hello?
MAN [ON PHONE]:
[speaking spanish]
ELENA: Hello?
MAN [ON PHONE]:
[speaking spanish]
There's a message
in Spanish, and I
think it's saying that the
number's been disconnected.
Let me listen.
MAN [ON PHONE]:
[speaking spanish]
Yeah, that's exactly
what it's saying.
What do you think it means?
Think he's in trouble?
I don't know.
Would you want
to go down there?
- To Peru?
- Yeah.
Aren't you are a
Peruvian citizen?
Yeah.
Um, I think I should go.
OK.
Well, we'll book
ourselves a flight.
We?
Yeah, we.
I have a colleague down there.
If Hector's in trouble,
he can help us out.
Besides, I've been wanting to
go down there for my story,
anyway.
MONTICITO: General Frantacino.
Open up.
HECTOR: Let me go!
I tell you nothing!
[zapping]
Let's see.
[music playing]
[chatter]
Thanks.
[speaking spanish]
Est bien.
Where is he?
BRUCE: I don't see him.
- Great.
Why don't you take a taxi?
Go to the hotel, check
us out a couple rooms.
I'm going to look
for my colleague.
Why didn't he show up?
I mean, don't you think
that's kind of strange?
Oh, a little bit,
but I have an idea
of where I can find him.
Look, I'm going to rent a car.
I'll hook up with you
in a little bit, OK?
OK.
Just don't be too long.
You going to be all right?
Yeah.
Esta mujer.
So this Elena girl
is down here with me,
back at the hotel.
Hector Carpa's girlfriend.
I'm telling you, this is
a prime opportunity, Jeff.
If I can use her to get me in
touch with the MRTA rebels,
and they let me into
their headquarters,
we've got a hell of a story.
Well, the Peruvian
authorities would like to get
into their headquarters, too.
Look.
Take a look at this.
We believe they'll be
in an area of the jungle
up north called the war zone.
Now, I must warn
you that if you do
succeed in getting
into that area,
it will be extremely dangerous.
But you will get your Pulitzer.
OK.
Now let's assume that I
make it into the jungle.
I'm at the headquarters.
How will I get in
touch with you?
Look.
Take a look at this.
This is a radio transmitter that
travels only long distances.
It's used as a secure
radio frequency.
Use it only during
emergencies or breaking news.
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
S , su Excellency.
BRUCE [ON RADIO]: Hector, do
you know if the MRTA is planning
to assassinate the president?
HECTOR [ON RADIO]:
This is not possible.
This man is untouchable,
even more so
than your president
in Washington.
BRUCE [ON RADIO]:
Would you if you could?
HECTOR [ON RADIO]: What?
BRUCE [ON RADIO]:
Assassinate the president.
Would you if you could?
Would you do it if you could?
Alto!
Alto!
Alto!
Alto!
[chatter]
So when do we get
to meet your leader?
Yeah.
When do we get to speak
to Victor Bernales?
You are speaking
to Victor Bernales.
Welcome to my jungle.
Delicia, some Peruvian coffee?
Do you have
information about Hector?
He was sentenced
to life in prison
by the secret martial
court tribunal.
No parole.
Why?
What has he done?
They have the same
charge for all of us--
treason against the
fatherland of Peru.
Which means?
Simply that you do not agree
with Fujimori and his regime.
Are you telling
me that he's going
to spend the rest of
his life in prison,
and there's nothing
that we can do about it?
Believe me.
We need him more than you.
We know in which prison
they are holding him.
It is a place of solitude
high in the Andes Mountains.
We have been working
on a plan to break in.
Wait a minute.
You mean to tell me you're
planning on breaking
in the Canto Grande Prison?
How do you know of this place?
I've heard about it.
They say hell itself
couldn't be worse.
A revolution is coming.
We need our people.
We cannot let them just
rot in that rat hole.
ELENA: Can we help you?
Can we join you?
[music playing]
Open.
[chatter in spanish]
[music playing]
Where you going?
I'm just going
to the bathroom.
Go back to sleep.
Jeff, can you hear me?
JEFF [ON PHONE]: This is Jeff.
What's up?
Over.
- Jeff.
JEFF [ON PHONE]: Go ahead.
I'm at the MRTA camp.
I have sensational news.
V monos!
BRUCE: They're
planning to get Hector
Carpa out of Campo Grande.
They will attack the
prison in the morning
and release all the prisoners.
[music playing]
Troops, v monos.
V monos!
[music playing]
Hold there.
[grunting]
[grunting]
Look out, Bruce!
[yelling]
Libertad!
Sigalo!
Sigalo!
Cuidado!
Cuidado!
[yelling]
Get back.
Back.
Back.
V monos!
Let's go!
Bruce, come on!
Come on!
Come on!
Let's go.
Go, r pido, r pido.
Corre!
Corre!
Libertad!
Libertad!
Libertad!
Libertad!
Let's go!
Libertad!
Libertad!
Libertad.
Libertad!
Where's Hec--
where's Hector Carpa?
Have you seen Hector?
Libertad.
Hector!
Hector.
V monos.
V monos!
Victor!
Delicia!
He's not here.
He-- he isn't there.
- No, no.
He's here.
Aqu .
[chatter]
Hector!
Hector!
No, it is a trap.
Fujimori's commandos
were waiting for us.
We must get back to the jungle.
No!
I gotta find Hector.
- No!
Delicia.
Delicia, it is a trap.
Take the men back to the jungle.
- S , Victor.
The jungle.
Vamos.
Elena!
[chatter]
Hector!
Hector, are you in there?
Elena!
Elena, it is a trap!
- Hector!
- No.
It is a trap.
They were waiting for us.
No, I am not leaving
here without Hector.
Elena!
Hector!
VICTOR: Elena, no.
[grunting]
ELENA: Hector!
Elena, no.
HECTOR: Elena!
Hector?
HECTOR: Vic-- Victor!
- Hector?
He is here.
Hector?
Hector, Get back.
Back!
Hector, get back!
Hector?
Hector!
What took you so long?
Traffic.
Traffic, huh?
Better late than never.
Hector?
VICTOR: Vamos.
- Mi amor.
VICTOR: Vamos.
Vamos.
God, what did they do to you?
It's OK.
It's OK.
Hector, no hay tiempo.
V monos.
OK.
Come on!
Come on.
What's going on?
Why are there so many soldiers?
Fujimori's commandos, amigo.
What?
Ambush, amigo.
You mean they
knew we were coming?
S .
V monos!
Aqu .
Apurense!
Apurense!
Arriba.
S , s .
SOLDIER: Apurense!
V monos.
V monos.
Alto.
Do not move, my friend.
Look who is, this
stinking little rat.
Drop your gun
or I'll kill her!
Drop it!
Hector, we must go
back to the jungle.
We must go back to the jungle.
Elena!
Hector, we must.
HECTOR: Elena!
Elena!
Frantacino.
S , Victor.
Finally, face to face.
I was looking forward to it.
I'm sorry you have to die.
[clicks]
MONTICITO: [laughing]
It's your turn to die.
It's a good day to die.
[speaking spanish]
Come on!
Let's go!
Let's go!
Come on.
[chatter]
No!
Don't!
No!
No, don't!
No, I didn't do anything!
No!
No!
I didn't do anything.
No.
No!
No, no!
Stop it!
No!
Let me go, please!
I didn't do anything.
I'm sorry you had
to leave so soon.
The information you
provided was invaluable.
Thanks on behalf of
the American consulate.
Just wanted you to
know what was going on.
[speaking spanish]
Gracias.
Take care.
Have a safe flight.
What's the matter?
Is there some
kind of celebration
the next few days in Lima?
Yes.
There's a reception at
the Japanese ambassador's
residence.
They're celebrating
the emperor's birthday.
Everybody who's anybody
is going to be invited.
Are you anybody?
Are you staying?
Well, if you take me with you.
Let's go.
Come on.
[chatter]
Come in.
Hello, Ambassador.
Hello.
[music playing]
[chatter]
Yes, OK.
I will go get more champagne?
This is all right with you?
Yes, it is OK.
[inaudible]
Now, there's a beautiful
woman for you, Padre.
Peruvian.
Excuse me, Ambassador Aoki?
Ambassador Albright
has an important phone
call from President
Clinton, and we must leave.
Ah, sou.
Clinton?
Yes.
Sou desu ka.
Sorry you cannot stay.
Thank you for
coming, Ambassador.
Thank you.
I'll call you.
Please allow me to introduce
myself, Your Excellency.
I know who you are.
Phoebe, correct?
You can't hide anything
from the Japanese diplomats.
I'm Phoebe Pratt.
Welcome to my
home, Miss Pratt.
Please.
Excuse me.
Wow.
Se ora.
You have beautiful eyes.
Gracias, se ora.
Se orita.
The American
ambassador just left.
We should've planned
the raid for 7 o'clock.
Don't worry, Hector.
Plenty of important people here.
OK?
I think we have
about 300 of the most
important people in Peruvia.
I wish Fujimori
was here, though.
He may still come, Hector.
We wait?
No.
No.
[sirens blaring]
They're here right on time.
Alto.
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
S .
Let's do it.
[speaking spanish]
On the floor now!
Al piso!
Get down on the floor!
[screaming]
Get down on the floor!
Everybody on the floor, OK?
Nobody gets hurt if
you're on the floor.
Down on the floor.
You won't get hurt if
you're on the floor.
- Get down on the floor now!
- OK?
No one will get hurt!
Get down on the floor!
Anybody who is
standing will be shot!
HECTOR: Get down, OK?
Everybody on the floor.
We don't want to hurt
anybody, but we will--
Get down, [speaking spanish]!
Now!
Stay down!
Stay down now!
Put your hands behind
your head and do not move.
[distant crying]
If you're on the ground,
you will not get hurt.
[gunfire]
Stay down!
You heard me!
Stay down now!
[speaking spanish]
Down!
[speaking spanish]
Good evening.
General Frantacino, did any
group assume responsibility?
I have no information
from inside the compound
as yet, my president.
List of the guests?
I have contacted
the Japanese Embassy,
and they're putting
together a list for us.
Approximately 300 people
are inside the ambassador's
residence.
300?
Unfortunately.
That's very bad.
[yelling]
One reporter
and one cameraman.
We are ready.
[inaudible] is ready.
One!
Only one.
The movimiento
revolucionario addresses
our beloved Peruvian people.
That one.
That is the one that led
the attack on the prison.
--the MRTA Special
Forces unit--
Confirms they are MRTA.
--the Japanese
Ambassador to Peru.
We have named this operation
Breaking the Silence.
We want the world to know
what is going on here in Peru.
We will only free the hostages
if President Fujimori complies
with the following demands.
All prisoners belonging to the
MRTA and every prisoner accused
of belonging to any
other political movement
will be set free.
HECTOR: Patria o
muerte, venceremos.
MONTICITO: Patria o
muerte, venceremos.
Patria o muerte, venceremos!
What the hell did
he say at the end?
Do you understand Spanish?
He said, "Fatherland or
death, we will overcome."
It's what the Cuban
revolutionaries used to say.
Jesus.
They're going to kill us all.
They're not killers.
Oh, come on, man.
They're bloody terrorists.
They're rebels.
You always right?
I am.
Well, you of
all people in here
should understand
the difference.
The difference is
that terrorists do it
for the pure joy of
terror, where rebels do it
for their bloody ideals, which
doesn't matter a damn to those
who are about to be killed.
They are so young.
I don't think they mean to kill.
You're too young to understand
what radicals are capable of.
You're very beautiful.
Muchas gracias, se or.
Ladies and
gentlemen, I would like
you to put your hands
down, take a deep breath,
relax, and listen.
ALL: [sighing]
You all saw me on the TV.
We expect the government
to comply with our demands.
So hopefully, you will spend
just one night in here.
DELICIA: [wailing]
Antonio.
S , Victor?
Go and ask the hostages
if one of them is a doctor.
She needs an operation.
S , V.
DELICIA: [wailing continues]
Delicia, [inaudible].
It's going to be OK.
I'm a priest.
I heard someone is dying.
VICTOR: No one is dying, Padre.
She needs a doctor.
I was a doctor before
I became a priest.
Can you get the bullet out
and stop the bleeding, Padre,
or she will die.
I need more than a knife.
I need anesthesia, anti-septics.
Delicia, drink.
Drink.
Drink.
Drink.
The rest is your anesthetic.
Now do your job, and do it well.
At least get me
hot water and towels.
- I'll get it, Padre.
- And be quick!
[music playing]
[crying]
[snoring]
What is your name?
Lily.
Well, Lily, I am James.
Thank you, Padre.
I know.
I know.
We've been at it all night.
Oh, we're doing our best.
Yes.
OK.
OK.
Damn!
Mr. President,
I must reiterate.
We cannot negotiate.
The minute we begin to
negotiate is the minute
that we begin to lose.
We heard that
already, Frantacino.
What is your alternative plan?
Anybody.
Anybody, give me an
alternative plan.
[knocking]
Yes!
Mr. President,
the American press
attach is here with a message
from the American president.
Wasn't this press
attach at the party along
with the American Ambassador?
They left 15 minutes
before the raid.
Ah, the Americans.
They always know better.
Mr. President.
Good morning, gentlemen.
Please sit down, sir.
I spoke with the White
House a few minutes ago.
President Clinton wishes to
assure you the United States
is willing to help in any way to
bring this situation to an end.
What is your
opinion, Mr. Campbell?
Should we negotiate?
Absolutely not.
The United States
policy is never
to negotiate with terrorists.
President Clinton's
position is terrorists
must not be rewarded.
Well, I think we
would agree with that.
However, we do need
an alternative plan.
The suggestion is to buy time.
That way, you can
examine all your options.
But at any moment,
the terrorists are going
to begin to kill the hostages.
Are you suggesting that
we wait for this moment?
We must calculate
our moves wisely
so that nobody gets killed.
ALL [CHANTING]: Libredos!
Libredos!
Libredos!
Libredos!
Libredos!
Libredos!
Libredos!
[music playing]
What, honey?
Oh, I know, sweetie.
You have to go potty,
but there's a long line.
So I don't know.
[coughing]
Hey, Herman!
Herman!
This man--
Hey!
This man is crazy!
Well, we've been holding 300
hostages for six days already.
Now what?
Do not worry.
They will do what we said.
They cannot put
all these important
people's lives in danger.
In a few days, it
will all be over.
Maybe even today.
Victor, you said
this yesterday.
Something will
happen today, Hector.
I feel it.
I hope you're right.
[music playing]
[chatter]
So how is my little Delicia?
Gracias, Padre.
Thank you for saving my life.
It was God who saved your
life, my child, not me.
Let me look at the wound.
Why do they call you
Delicia, young man?
Because I'm Delicia.
I'm a woman.
A woman?
Oh, sou desu ka.
Then you are a very brave
young woman, Delicia.
But too young for this.
I'm not young, Mr. Ambassador.
I will be 16 next month.
Oh, 16?
I have a daughter your age.
Is she in the jungle?
No.
I would never permit
her to be in the jungle.
She will never ask for your
permission, Mr. Ambassador.
Then thank God she's
in Japan and not here.
You don't have
a jungle in Japan?
No.
Jungle in Japan not like Peru.
VICTOR [ON RADIO]: Delicia.
Delicia, do you read me?
Over.
This is Delicia.
VICTOR [ON RADIO]:
What is your status?
Everything is quiet over here.
Never leave your
gun alone, young lady.
One bullet can cause
a lot of blood.
What's kind of gun is it?
This is a Russian Kalashnikov.
It's better than
the American M16.
I have never held
a gun in my life.
Do you know how to use it?
Of course.
Here, let me show you.
Here.
Delicia!
Please, don't be angry.
It's-- it's my fault.
She's a good girl.
She meant no harm.
Get out.
Both of you, out!
You take apart your rifle while
the hostages are in the room?
Endanger our mission and
the lives of the other men?
But Victor, they're a frien--
No!
No one is our friend here.
They hate us.
They call us terrorists.
Put it back together and
do not do this again.
S , Victor.
When you feel better, you
come down to the bigger room
and replace Antonio.
He needs to sleep.
S ?
S .
[chatter]
Listen, you.
If I ever see you talking
to my people again--
Look, how dare you talk
to this gentleman that way.
And you address me as Your
Excellency or Mr. Ambassador.
Do you understand?
Mr. Ambassador, huh?
Well, you listen to
me, Mr. Ambassador.
Here you are just
another hostage.
And maybe you are a dead
piece of shit hostage.
So you'd better shut
your mouth before I shut
it for you, Mr. Ambassador.
Do you understand,
Your Excellency?
Do you enjoy your power.
Mr. Bernales, use that girl
to show how strong you are?
But you are nothing
but a scum terrorist!
[gasping]
ALL: Terrorist!
Terrorist!
Terrorist!
Calm down!
Come with me, you
Japanese bastard!
Come on.
Antonio.
Brother, you can't kill him.
I'm still your commander!
I take responsibility.
Why do you start this?
They're just a bunch
of innocent kids.
Kids like that, in
my country, Father,
would shoot you without
even thinking twice.
They are terrorists,
and they gotta
be dealt with like terrorists.
Come here.
You all know the Japanese
Ambassador to Peru,
His Excellency Morihisha Aoki.
So take a good look at him.
This is my last warning!
I will kill him right here,
right now if our demands
are not met immediately!
Free our comrades or all
of the hostages will die!
Fujimori, I know that you
watch me now from your palace!
He doesn't have
the courage to do it.
He's mad enough to do it.
Look at his crazed eyes.
This man's blood is
on your hands, Fujimori.
Bernales, don't do it.
Bernales, I will pass your
message to the president.
We should use our commandos.
We could take the
building immediately.
Are we ready?
I need but 48 hours.
I should speak to the
American Ambassador.
We need their advice.
[chatter in spanish]
These are extra
sensitive bugs.
You can put one on a
pillow and listen to what's
going on in the entire room.
You give one of these to
my wife, I will kill you.
[laughter]
We have to find a way
to sneak these things
into the residence.
It is Christmas in a few days.
The terrorists
will allow the Red
Cross to bring some medicine,
some food, some gifts.
We will bug everything.
Then do it.
It is very important for us to
know what is going on inside,
minute by minute.
[music - "jingle bells"]
A little Christmas spirit
comes to Peru, Padre.
What is this?
Christmas care package
from the Red Cross.
It's about time.
And a special one
for Ambassador Aoki.
Thank you.
And look.
They even got one for you.
Odd.
They sent me a fountain pen.
I don't need a fountain pen.
Let me take a look at that.
It's a radio transmitter.
Put it away.
[music - "silent night"]
ALL [SINGING]: --all is bright.
Round yon virgin,
mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night.
Holy night.
All is calm.
All is bright.
Round yon virgin,
mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly--
Ladies and gentlemen, we have
received word from Fujimori.
Because of Christmas, they
have asked for a break
in the negotiations.
Since the MRTA represents
the benevolent government
of the people, we will
honor that request
in the spirit of Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all of you.
[tango music playing]
Miss Phoebe, may
I have this dance?
How did you know
I was a dancer?
Dance with him.
Make him happy.
Delicia, would
you like to dance?
No, I don't think I can.
Of course she can.
It's Christmas.
Go have some fun.
[music playing]
Excuse me.
I see someone I recognize.
Bruce Nelson.
Hector!
Look who I found.
Bruce Nelson.
What are you doing here?
I believe you're
holding me hostage.
It's time we had a
little talk, Bruce.
Let me explain.
I was used.
[WHEEZING] I'm innocent.
Innocent?
You turned my
anonymous interview
over to the Peruvian
authorities,
and you call yourself innocent?
I never gave that
interview to anybody in Peru.
I showed it to one man, Jeff
at the embassy, and he used me.
Who the fuck is Jeff, and
what are you talking about?
Jeff is the press attach to
the American Embassy in Lima.
I work for him.
He's the only one who
saw the interview.
When I found out the
MRTA was planning
on breaking into the prison
to free you, Hector, of course
I told him.
It's a great story.
I'm a reporter.
But he's the only one
outside of the camp
who knew, so think about it.
I'm sure he's CIA.
And if he is, then that means
the CIA is protecting Fujimori.
I don't believe a single word.
Delicia, take him to the cellar.
If he makes a move, kill him.
Mr. Bruce Nelson, you
will be the first one
I kill when I decide to show
Fujimori that I mean business.
Mama?
Mama.
Mama.
[inaudible], Padre.
How is my wife.
She's going to require
immediate hospital attention.
What shall we do?
She's dying!
I'm gonna talk to
these bastards right now.
Mr. Carpa, may I
talk to you a moment?
Look, you're an
intelligent young men.
You can't continue treating
the people this way.
The youngish woman
is seriously ill.
She could die if she
doesn't get to a hospital.
Padre, will she
make it till tomorrow?
With God's help, she might.
Mr. Carpa, please help us.
Well?
In the morning,
we will release
all the women [inaudible].
I promise.
Do you really mean that?
Yes.
I've made my decision.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
I must talk to my commander.
[door opening]
Victor, I must talk to you.
Get out.
Puta a la Madre did not teach
you how to knock on the door?
I'll wait outside.
Get dressed.
You don't want to do it again?
Get dressed, I said.
Oh, come on, Victor.
Get dressed!
Get out of here.
Close the door.
We must release
some of the hostages.
Many people are getting sick.
There is a woman, she
has maybe 24 hours left.
Are you out of your mind?
If we release some
of the hostages,
it'll pressure the
rest of the world
to pressure Fujimori into
making a gesture of his own.
Hector!
I am sick of your
goodwill gestures.
OK, we must calm down.
We're both under
a lot of pressure.
We are fighting
for the same cause.
You and me, we've grown up
since we've been little kids.
We sacrificed our
family, our lives.
Fujimori would love nothing
more than for you and I
to start killing each other.
Give me a hug, brother.
OK, brother, you release
some of the hostages.
I will listen to you
this one last time.
Just one.
Patria o muerte.
Attention.
Attention!
Good morning, everyone.
This morning, we will be
releasing some of the hostages.
Silence!
The MRTA wants the world to
know that we are not terrorists.
What we want is our
comrades freed from prison.
Those of you who we release
will deliver the message
that we are not terrorists.
We are freedom fighters.
Freedom fighters, my ass.
What did you say, little man?
How many are you
going to release?
Please, set the
sick free first.
At least set the women free.
We will decide who
goes and who stays.
The women, the sick, and
the foreign ambassadors
to the left side.
And Peruvians to the right.
Move your asses.
Please, quickly, everyone.
You'll be leaving in a few
hours if you move quickly.
You must move.
Please.
Quickly.
You know, your selection
is a little like the Nazis
at the death camp.
Shut up, little man, or
no one will be released.
Now, foreign
ambassadors to the left.
Please, Peruvian
men to the right.
Women, the sick, and the
ambassadors to be left.
Please, move quickly.
Go home, Phoebe Pratt.
Bye.
If you get out of here
alive, look me up in Holland.
I know where to
find you, Miss Phoebe.
Padre, thanks
for all your help.
You should, uh-- you should go.
No, my son, I will stay.
These people need me.
So let me out of here.
I'm much more use to you
outside than in this rat hole.
We are letting the sick
people and the women go.
You are not sick, and I
don't think you are a woman.
Read this.
What is it?
It's my story.
Imagine it on the front page
of the "New World Times".
It's the biggest
paper in America.
Do you want your story told?
Do you want to break
the silence or not?
You will publish it?
I walk out of here,
yes, I'll publish it.
Otherwise, the only way
your story is going to get
told is through
Fujimori's press geniuses.
Delicia, release him.
Please.
Please move quickly.
Please move it.
Move.
Move.
Bye, friend.
God bless you.
Quickly, before they
change their minds.
Move.
- Careful.
Hurry!
Hurry!
Careful.
Careful.
Keep going.
V monos.
- Take care.
- V monos.
HECTOR: Hopefully
you'll see them soon.
Miss Pratt, please take this.
Thank you, ambassador.
- We'll be all right.
- You take care.
Take care of him.
You, too.
Goodbye, Ambassador.
Yes.
Take care, my friend.
[music playing]
[lively chatter]
Ambulance.
Ambulance.
My wife is sick.
Hurry, hurry, hurry.
Move [inaudible], ladies.
Vamonos.
Vamonos
And tell the
world that we fight
for our country's freedom!
Bruce!
Bruce.
Alto!
Alto!
Alto!
Alto.
No problema.
No problema.
What was that for?
That was for using me.
Because of you,
Elena's in prison.
You owe it to me to
help me get her out.
Get in.
Get in the car.
Where are we going?
Presidential Palace.
President Fujimori,
gentlemen, may I introduce you
to Mr. Bruce Nelson?
He was just released
from the residence
today after many
days of suffering.
Mr. Nelson works for
the "New World Times".
Sit down, Mr. Nelson.
Please tell us your
views on this situation.
To the best of my
knowledge, they're still
holding over 70 male hostages.
All of them are
Peruvian citizens
except for the
Japanese Ambassador.
What do you think we
should do, Mr. Nelson?
I think you should
continue with negotiations.
We need a person who has
some influence with them.
I think I might know
that person, Mr. President.
Hector Carpa's girlfriend,
she's in one of your jails.
If you'll let me speak
with her, maybe I
can convince her to tell
Hector Carpa to cooperate.
It's an interesting idea.
Frantacino.
General Frantacino will
take you to this girl.
Mr. Nelson, you go
and talk to her.
If she agrees, we will allow
her to meet with Hector Carpa.
We should use every
possible chance
to resolve this situation
without bloodshed.
Sientate.
Sientate.
Sientate.
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[speaking spanish]
[music playing]
Sientate.
Apurese.
Who are you?
Who do you work for?
And you better
tell me the truth.
Listen, Elena.
You have to trust me, OK?
I'm doing everything I can to
save your life, and Hector's.
Hector?
Where is Hector?
We go.
ALL [CHANTING]: Por
la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
You wait here.
Mr. Carpa is expecting us.
Vamos.
Vamos!
Tell Hector Carpa
that his girlfriend
wants to speak to him.
Hector!
Hector!
Don't shoot!
Elena.
Elena!
Elena.
Mi amor.
Don't shoot.
Mi amor.
ALL [CHANTING]: Por
la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
- What happened?
Where's Elena?
- She escaped into the embassy.
And you just let her?
Did you know this
was going to happen?
Yes.
I planned for it.
What do you mean?
I studied Hector
Carpa's profile.
He cares nothing about himself,
and he is not afraid to die.
All he cares about
is this woman.
So as long as she is with
him, we have some small hope
that that maniac Victor will
not blow up the building
with everyone in it.
And what if your
theory's wrong?
Then I have an
alternative plan.
Let's go!
ALL [CHANTING]: Por
la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
Por la vida y la libertad!
It's been 127
days since the MRTA
terrorists occupied
the residence
of the Japanese
Ambassador to Peru.
Approximately 17
terrorists are still
holding about 70 hostages.
The crisis has become part
of routine life in Lima.
Local and international
newspapers
have already removed the
coverage of the crisis
from their front pages.
So what are you going to do?
It can't go on
like this forever.
I'll surrender.
Do you want to surrender?
Yes.
I've made my decision.
I'll contact the
American Embassy.
They'll notify Fujimori.
Then it will be up to him.
What about Victor?
Will he agree to surrender?
He's been taking
many drugs lately.
So I must make him
understand the situation.
Be careful.
He's in command, don't forget.
Do you have the
gun that I gave you?
Yeah, why?
Just in case.
I love you.
Victor, I need to talk to you.
Don't you knock?
Ah, this shit again, huh?
We'll talk tomorrow.
You're too fucking stoned.
There will be no
tomorrow for you.
You want to shoot me?
Huh?
OK, shoot.
Have you looked at yourself
in the mirror lately?
'Cause you look
like shit, brother.
Betray our whole
operation, you betray me!
What operation?
Do you even remember
the name of it?
The operation's called
Breaking the Silence.
We broke it.
Now the whole world
knows who we are.
Do you know what they call us?
Terrorists.
They care nothing of our ideals.
We are just terrorists.
And they have no
sympathy for us.
What have we achieved?
Did Fujimori
release one prisoner
from one stinking jail?
You and me, we are torturing
our people for nothing.
We are wrong, Victor.
No!
We were not wrong, baby brother.
We're just trying to
make a difference.
I love you.
I know you didn't
mean what you said.
You wouldn't have killed
any innocent people.
I love you, too, brother.
So what's with the TV van?
What's happening
inside of there?
Nothing, Bruce.
What are you doing here?
What do you mean
what am I doing here?
Every journalist
in Peru is here.
You planning something?
Are you going to
raid the embassy?
I don't know.
[cheering]
I just spoke with
the American Embassy.
They've accepted the proposal.
Safe passage to Cuba for
everyone, including you.
I love you.
Watch the guns, huh?
Amigos!
[lively chatter]
2-0 for the good
guys, 0, Fujimori.
Hello.
Hello.
This is Ambassador Aoki.
General Frantacino,
it's the ambassador.
Yes, we read you loud
and clear, Ambassador.
What is happening?
It's siesta time.
And now the terrorists
are playing soccer
in the middle of the room.
Now the hostages are sitting
around, watching the game.
Get the hostages
down to the floor.
I hear you.
I will get the hostages
down on the floor.
They are ready, My President.
Let's do it.
Frantacino.
Remember, no press.
Yes, My President.
[music playing]
Let's get down on the floor.
Down on the floor.
Get down on the floor.
Why?
Don't ask questions.
Get down.
[lively chatter in spanish]
[inaudible].
Get down on the floor.
Delicia.
Padre, you have to
get down on the floor.
Do you know something?
Just get down.
Don't ask questions.
[lively chatter in spanish]
[grunting]
What's going on?
They know something.
Hector!
Hector, look at them.
They're on the floor.
Hector, they lied to you!
We're ready
here, My President.
They know something.
Look at them on the floor.
Hector, damn it,
they lied to you!
Mr. President, your decision.
What's happening, Jeff?
We'll soon see.
Is there anything
you can do to stop it?
I'm afraid not.
Hector, they're going to
raid the building any minute!
Hector, damn it,
they're coming in here!
Now!
[music playing]
Hector!
Oh God, Hector.
[gasps]
Oh, my God.
Elena!
Elena!
No!
BRUCE: Elena!
Please don't let your
daughter go to the jungle.
She was only a child.
[sirens blaring distantly]
REPORTER: Your Excellency,
what would you like
to say about what happened?
That young girl--
V monos.
REPORTER: What are you
planning to do now?
I'm going back home to
Japan to be with my family,
especially my daughter.
REPORTER: I'm with GNN news.
Do you have anything
to tell the public?
You, sir?
You, sir?
[MUSIC - MARC TANNER, "LET OUR
FREEDOM BEGIN"]
[SINGING] I see a light
coming out of the dark,
writing its name on the wind.
God bring us strength as
it finds its way home.
Let our freedom begin.
There must be a place where
it's safe from the [inaudible]
to live all that's
true in our hearts.
And rise from the streets and
new voices will [inaudible]..
Today is a good day to start.
Hear the children sing.
Hear the church bells ring.
We will never give in.
We can't light the fire of hope
till the whole world knows.
Now their freedom begins.
I see a light coming
out of the dark,
writing its name on the wind.
They'll tell a story
in all of its glory.
Let our freedom begin.
I see a light coming
out of the dark,
writing its name on the wind.
God bring us strength as
it finds its way home.
Let our freedom begin.
There must be a place
where it's safe from the
to live all that's
true in our hearts.
And cries from the streets
turn to voices of peace.
Today is a tough day to start.
Hear the children sing.
Hear the church bells ring.
We will never give in.
We can't light the fire of hope
till the whole world knows.
Let our freedom begin.
I see a light coming
out of the dark,
writing its name on the wind.
They'll tell this story
in all of its glory.
Let our freedom begin.