Candles in the Dark (1993) - full transcript
Candles in the Dark is the story of a girl who comes to visit her father's homeland, the Soviet Republic of Estonia. After she arrives, she finds that her father is part of the dissident anti-soviet underground. She soon find her self engulfed in the struggle with her father and a lot of new friends, and finds herself being hunted by the KGB.
♪ [Multicom Entertainment
Group jingle] ♪
♪ [up-beat female pop music] We
always find a rhythm ♪
♪ That beats in the night ♪
♪ The love we share, ♪
♪ is stronger than
the sunshine, ♪
♪ always as bright. ♪
♪ We'll be together through good
times and bad. ♪
♪ But these are the best
times I've had. ♪
♪ Baby, I'm dancing to the
beat of your heart ♪
-♪ Baby, hold on t-- ♪
-[walkman slows down and stops]
[tapping on walkman]
[sound of ocean]
[foghorn blowing]
-♪ [dramatic string music] ♪
-[sighs]
[seagulls caw]
[foghorn blows]
[foghorn blows]
[crewmen yelling]
-[Tiina] Marta you're
making me nervous.
-But I don't see her!
How can you say that? You've
never seen her. You don't
even know her.
I've seen her in
photographs, in pictures,
but mostly in my dreams since
the day she was born. Believe
me, I will,
I will know Sylvia
Velliste at once.
-She'll know you at once.
-I hope so,
this I don't know.
Of course you do! Everyone loves
you. I'm very jealous, you know.
♪ [dramatic Russian
string music] ♪
[man over loudspeaker] Welcome
to the republic of Estonia.
[gate opens]
[dog barks]
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
American?
Tourist?
K...
♪ [dramatic russian
string music on radio] ♪
Velliste?
[woman] Yes?
How much money
does she have?
700 American dollars. She
says she's visiting relative.
Yeah she's...
she's Victor
Velliste's daughter.
Let her through.
-What's wrong?
-Life is so sad.
-[sniffles]
-[phone rings]
Colonel Arkush office?
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
There she is. There she is!
[indistinguishable]
[crowd cheering]
Sylvia! Velliste!
[laughing]
Victor's daughter in my
eyes welcome! I'm so
glad that you're--
-Thank you!
-It's incredible.
It's unbelievable.
Don't you
think so?
-Oh it's believable to me!
-[all laughing]
It's Tiina. She's
my best friend.
Hi. I'm sorry, I think
I have a fever.
-This is for you.
-Oh, thank you.
Well, let's go.
Oh I can take th-- Oh! Thank
you. Thank you so much.
[Marta] You see, up there is old
town Tallinn. Where our family
has always lived.
It looks just like
Fantasy Land.
We're all very proud of
the whole Tallinn state.
They spent a lot of money
to help us restore it.
-Which state?
-The Soviets for the Olympics.
You know the sailings
took place in Tallinn?
-I thought the Olympics
were in Moscow?
-No the sailings.
-The service did a lot
for this country.
-They've also ruined it.
-Why are they stopping us?
-It's nothing.
-Just get out your passports.
-[knocking on window]
[window rolls down]
Passport please.
[sighs]
-What's the matter?
-Just nothing.
[speaking Estonian
and laughing]
[car with bad engine]
[footsteps]
[car starts]
Let them pass.
[speaking in Russian]
[Sylvia] Why did they
check my passport again?
They checked it before and
they went through all my bags.
This is all so scary.
Are those Russian soldiers?
[Tiina] Russian and other
soldiers. Cossacks, Diojants,
and millions from all over.
-Everything but Estonians.
-How come?
The Soviets do not keep Estonian
soldiers on Estonian ground.
-Why?
-Very simple.
Estonians will not
shoot Estonians.
Welcome to old town.
♪ [light happy music] ♪
[children playing]
-[Sylvia] What's that?
-[Marta] Toomkirik
-[Sylvia] Tom who? -[Marta]
Toomkirik, "The Dome Church"
Where your father and
I were baptized.
-[Sylvia] Dad was baptized?
-It's not the church anymore.
The Soviets closed it down.
Is it me, or does that look
like a Christmas tree?
[Tiina] It's a New Year's
tree Sylvia. See the red
star on top?
What's all that about?
What do the sign say?
[Marta] They are the Greens
demonstrating against pollution.
[Sylvia] Yeah but what
does the sign say?
I don't know how to
say it in English.
[speaks Estonian]
-Red eagle.
-Red eagle.
But it's used as a front
for political actions.
You see those three flags?
Blue, black, white. Our
national colors.
-Together they make up
the Estonian flag.
-[Sylvia] I don't get it.
The real flag is banned.
Oh, so it's like a code.
Blue, black, white.
-[Sylvia] Who is that guy?
-[Marta] Jaan Toome.
-[Tiina] Watch out for him.
-Why?
-[Tiina] Just watch out.
-Why?
[Marta] I think she's right.
Watch out for him.
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
[car revs engine]
[car stops]
[car door closes]
-[Sylvia] Pull up on the
emergency...
-[door closes]
-Thank you Tiina.
-[Tiina] Brake!
-[Tiina] Thank you.
-[Sylvia] Thank you.
-[Marta] Give it to me.
-[Sylvia] Are you sure? Yeah.
Okay I'll take this one.
[Marta] Our apartment is the
top one on the right side.
We have a great view. Come on.
-[Sylvia] Thank you Tiina.
-[Tiina] Bye.
[Sylvia] Oh man! I just
broke a heel.
[Marta] You must get used to
cobblestones. Come on.
I am so beat. I don't think I've
been this tired in my life.
It's the jet lag. You know it's
2 o' clock in the morning--
-[Sylvia] Aunt Marta
give me that.
-[Marta] No.
-[Marta] It's very heavy.
-I always carry my own luggage.
Please--
[Marta] Look you might
regret it-- Come on.
[Sylvia] Why can't we
take the elevator?
[Marta] Elevators weren't
invented until the 19th century.
[laughs] So...
This was the home of your
great great grandparents.
[breathing heavily]
Great. [exhales]
[Marta] That was our
last family portrait.
Where are you?
I wasn't born yet. [laughs]
You know, my father, your
grandfather he was a
[together] music professor
and a diplomat until the
Russians came.
[Sylvia] I know that they
were killed but,
every time I asked mom and dad
about them, they started to
speak in Russian.
-Your grandfather was
shot by the Soviets.
-[Sylvia] And my grandmother?
She was taken to Siberia
a year later.
-Is this the beautiful view?
-[Marta] Yes.
It's nice.
How come five candles?
One for you. One for your
father. One for your mother.
And one for me. [laughs]
-That's only four.
-Well...
It's a superstition.
-What kind of superstition?
-For someone you don't know.
Who?
-I'll tell you later.
-Tell me now.
-I'll tell you later.
-[laughs]
Oh look at this.
-I love this portrait.
-I was dancing in the
living room.
-[Marta] Yeah I love it.
-[kettle whistles]
-How did you and daddy survive?
-We were hidden
by the neighbors.
[Sylvia] So, you grew up
without a family.
[Marta] Your father
was my family.
Yeah but, then he fled to Sweden
and immediately on to America.
How did you survive?
Why did you stay?
It's not an easy answer.
Give me Colonel Arkush.
Don't ask me stupid questions,
just give me Colonel Arkush.
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
-This is Tiina.
-[phone buzzing]
-[Arkush] Arkush?
[Tiina on phone] This is Tiina.
[Arkush] Ahh, Tiina. Yes I saw
her with you. In the car.
[Tiina on phone] She's just a
naive girl here on holiday.
She may be a Velliste,
but she's harmless.
I don't think we should
waste any time on her.
[Arkush] Good that you
met her anyway.
You can never be
too cautious.
I have presents for you
Aunt Marta. Oh, here.
This is from mom.
-Oh. Thank you.
-Sure
-Oh. This is from mom too.
-Thank you.
-Oh!
-[laughing]
-We can use it.
-Yeah.
-It's wonderful.
-Aaaand...
This is from dad.
It's nice. huh?
[Marta] Thank you.
[Sylvia] And uh, this
is from dad too.
[kissing] Oh thank you!
[gasps]
-He didn't forget.
He didn't forget.
-And...
this, is from me.
-Do you like it? I bought it
with my own money.
-It's beautiful, yeah.
Oh I hope you can use it.
I know I can use it.
It'll make all the difference in
the world. I will be able to
talk to your father.
-I will be able to
speak to everyone.
-Great!
Great, let's call him right now.
Where's the jack?
-Who's jack?
-You know? The outlet.
Where do you plug it in?
-Oh, we don't have one here.
-Great. Let's get it installed
first thing tomorrow morning.
-[laughing]
-What is so funny?
-It'll take at
least two years.
-Two years?
Two years is no
time at all. It
used to take six.
[sighs] I need to
use the restroom.
Out the door, left, down to the
end of the hall, and this is
the last door on your right.
[Sylvia] You, you, you mean we
don't have one in here?
[Marta] Outside the door.
Outside the door!
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
Don't tell me. I know. They
weren't invented until the
19th century.
[door opens]
[toilet flushes]
[door closes]
Aunt Marta,
why did you stay
in Estonia?
Was it a guy?
It was a guy, wasn't it?
[crowd noise coming
from outside]
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
-[crowd yelling outside]
[sound of rain]
♪ [triumphant music] ♪
♪ [triumphant
music continues] ♪
[crowd talking]
[branches rustling]
[crowd cheering]
♪ [triumphant music swells] ♪
-Whoo!
-[crowd clapping]
[Christmas music playing]
Yeah! [clapping]
Yes! Whooo!
♪ [singing] America, America,
God shed his grace on thee... ♪
[laughs]
[clapping]
-♪ And crown thy ♪--
-[soldiers yelling]
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
[truck engine stops]
Everybody run!
[chaotic crowd noise]
[Jaan] Hide this for me.
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
[chaotic crowd noise]
[sirens]
-Where is the red star.
-I don't know.
-Where is it I ask you?
-He removed it.
-Who? Who?
-Jaan Toome.
Arrest him. Find the star
and put it back.
-And take down that item.
-Yes sir.
[chaotic crowd noise]
Remove that star!
[chaotic crowd noise]
[feet sliding]
[yelling and groaning]
[groaning continues]
Stop it!
Leave him alone.
Leave him alone!
[struggling and groaning]
[Pastor Harma] Stop it!
Leave him alone!
[soldier] Hey you!
[dog barking]
[soldier] Go. Go!
♪ [dramatic political
music slows down] ♪
[Sylvia yelling] I know I packed
it, I must have. I just couldn't
be that stupid!
-What's the matter?
-I can't find my makeup.
It isn't in here.
Not in here! [crying]
-What am I gonna do?
-You're so young.
You're so pretty.
Why do need makeup?
What for?
No I'm not, no I'm not, I've got
beady little eyes. My Nose is
too big and when,
when I smile it like spreads
across my face, so I use the
makeup to shade it out,
you know?
-Do you have any Estée
Lauder here in Tallinn?
-Estée who?
You don't have Estée Lauder?!
In Tallinn, I'm sorry, we don't.
[crying] What am I gonna do?
Great, I'll just walk around
with a bag over my head for
the next month!
-You can use mine
-Oh yeah--
Ow! What are you doing?
No! That hurts. [crying]
Oh look at me.
I think I'm beginning to
understand why your father
sent you to me. Come on.
-[Sylvia] I told you I
was on punishment.
-[Marta] Come on.
It's the time we go
shopping. Let's go.
Something tells me we're
not going to the mall.
Where are my shoes?
[Arkush] Yes kommissar.
A brazen example of
Anti-Sovietism, I agree.
It's an awkward situation.
Particularly with all the
mixed signals we're getting.
The present idiots in the
Kremlin, are not to be
taken seriously.
Your orders come only from me.
Is that clear comrade?
Yes sir.
What about the two we were
holding? We can't afford to
make martyrs out of them.
[Commander on phone] Of course
not. Whatever we do has to be
done discretely.
Keep them a few day. Especially
that religious mad man.
-Oh, Pastor Harma?
-[Commander on phone] Yes, I'm
very tired of that man.
-He's the most
dangerous one of all.
-Yeah, I agree.
[Commander on phone] Maintain
order. We have to be tough.
-If we allow Estonian
freedom, everybody wants it.
-Mm-hmm.
-Am I understood?
-Completely.
[puts phone down]
♪ [Johann Strauss II -
"The Blue Danube"] ♪
[sound of ice skating]
-Hello.
-Hello.
Oh, she's perfect.
Yes, maybe to the untrained eye,
but to the Olympic com--
May I speak with
her a moment?
No. You aren't supposed to come
here while we are working.
But she's my daughter,
this is very important.
More important than her
Olympic performance?
-One minute.
-Noo!
-Thirty seconds?
-Hmm. And not
one more.
She has to keep
her muscles warm.
Daddy what are you doing here?
Is something wrong?
-Natasha you promised me you
would see Jaan anymore.
-But I haven't
seen him in weeks.
-You swear.
-Of course.
-He's been
arrested again.
Um, so what?
Natasha, anyone who associates
with the anthem is an enemy of
the state.
Daddy I not stupid I'm not a
little girl anymore. I'm
stronger than you now
-and you, for whom I
win my gold medal.
-No.
-Not for silver, it's for you.
-Silver?
Silver? No. Gold,
or nothing.
I'm sorry. I know I
shouldn't worry.
-[Natasha] I am a loyal citizen
of the Soviet Union.
-I knew I could trust you.
♪ [Johann Strauss II -
"The Blue Danube" continues] ♪
Now you see what
you have done?
-Oh.
-[baby makes a noise]
You go, go, go go.
[door closes]
Well you look alright.
-They'll never hit you in
the face you know.
-[laughs]
I am going to get
Velliste's daughter.
Don't touch my
back today.
-Why are we rushing? What
time does the store open?
-At 9.
Well it's only 7, why
are we rushing?
If we are not among the first
in line, there won't be any
meat left.
-I didn't even have my coffee.
-[sniffles]
-Can we get some coffee?
-[laughing]
-Where's the store?
-Ahh, around the corner.
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
Aunt Marta why do
you live here?
Daddy keeps begging you to
come to America. Why don't
you just come?
This is my home.
But you have
nothing here.
[laughs] My dear, dear Sylvia,
you came to me like an answered
prayer after all these years.
How could I have
wished for more? Hmm?
-[sighs] How do you do that?
-Do what?
Make me feel so selfish.
[both laugh]
Arkush. Ahh, good
morning Tiina. Me too.
I can still smell your
perfume on my hands.
That would be lovely. You know
how I look forward to every
moment we can share.
Uh, I had them just
both released.
I wouldn't have held them at
all, but you know how that
would have looked.
It's difficult when you
don't know who's really
in charge anymore.
-What time does the store open?
-I told you, at 9.
-It's gotta be past 9 by now.
-They open whenever they want.
♪ [dramatic romantic music] ♪
Would you mind if I took a
little walk and got some coffee?
Not at all. Just be careful.
Do you have your passport?
-Yeah.
-Don't get lost.
Okay. I'll be fine.
[Jaan] Come here.
-Does anyone know
you have the star?
-No. I don't think so.
The Soviets will kill
you if they find out.
-Then why did you risk your
life to steal it?
-[laughs]
-Because I am one
of God's fools.
-Aren't you afraid of them?
No, no. What more could
they do to us? I think
they are afraid of me.
-Come, someone wants
desperately to meet you.
-No, no I gotta get back.
-He's an old friend of
your father's Sylvia.
-How did you know my name?
The arrival of Victor Velliste's
daughter in Tallinn, is big
news.
-To whom?
-Come.
Look I'm sorry, I'm afraid
I'm an All-American coward.
-I received a letter
from your father.
-From my father?
Yes, come. I'll
keep you safe.
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
-Here she is.
-[crowd chatter]
Sylvia Velliste. Marta
Velliste's niece.
Victor Velliste's daughter.
Is it possible?
Could I have dreamed, when
they persuaded Victor to
slip across the borders
that he would send this
beautiful child back to us?
Ilmar. You're Ilmar.
Oh! We have this picture of
you on this row boat when
you were both young
and he used to tell me stories
at bedtime about, about, about,
about summers on
your father's farm.
He stole your mother from
me when I was 11. I've
never forgiven him.
[both laughing]
-Is she still beautiful?
-[gasps] Mom?
[crying] You know she's mom.
She's great, she's--
I'm sorry, I left without
saying goodbye, suddenly
I miss her-- Tiina!
I'm surprised you're
here. So you really
are a Velliste.
You won't tell Aunt Marta
I'm here, will you? [sniffs]
My lips are sealed.
-[laughs]
-They want to meet you.
-They've all heard the stories
of Victor Velliste.
-[Sylvia saying hello]
How he laid down in front of
their tanks. How he cried out
against them in the church.
Until they locked the doors.
[Jaan] How they fought them
in the hills with the
Forest Brothers
-when he was only 12 years old.
-He was 12?
My father's this ponchy guy in
Brooklyn, he's a music teacher.
What, what are they doing here?
[Jaan] Ah, they're sewing
together our national flag.
Come.
I promised him that I would have
a chat with you. We'll be back.
-Go on.
-Jaan said my father
wrote to you.
Under Stalin that letter would
have sent me to Siberia.
-Under Gorbachev, we've a
tiny glimmer of hope.
-[Sylvia laughs]
-You really think so?
-Ha, I hope so.
Just as I thought.
This whole trip is a punishment.
I'm so mad at him for sending me
here.
I mean, why did he have to tell
you that I flunked school and
that I'm irresponsible?
You haven't read
the last line.
How dare he write that!
-What?
-That I don't believe in God.
-Well do you?
-Yes I believe in something.
-What do you mean something?
-Myself.
Look, Pastor, you seem
like a great guy and I
mean no disrespect,
but if my father sent me all
this way just to listen to
some sermon,
-Then I'm afraid he
wasted his money.
-[laughing]
I hate sermons.
So you're only listening
to your heart?
Yes, and my heart tells me to
look at what a mess this
world is in.
And you blame God
for this mess?
Do you see any sign
of him fixing it?
Of course. That's why there
are churches. That's why
there are religions.
As long as people have been able
to think, they've believed in
some kind of god.
You're a pastor, you're
supposed to believe it.
[laughs] No.
I believe...
that timed history is
wiser than I am
and we are.
But this other
government doesn't.
If people are denied religious
freedoms, they have no freedom
at all
-and in a way, you
think like the Soviets.
-I don't!
Yes you do in your
heart you do.
I believe in my right not to
believe and forgive me I didn't
sleep at all last night.
-[sighs] I really resent my
father for sending me here.
-[laughing]
-He loves you.
-He loves me too much.
You're as passionate
as he is.
Well sometimes children have to
forgive their parents.
I don't want to forgive him.
He can't protect me forever.
No. Only God can
protect you here.
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
♪ [Marta playing piano] ♪
Let's do better.
♪ [boy student playing piano] ♪
-Miss Marta, why
are you so nervous?
-I'm not nervous.
I'm worried.
♪ [boy student playing piano] ♪
I want to play.
♪ [girl student playing piano] ♪
[clank]
[Jaan] Hmm. It is very simple.
The Estonian words for freedom
and Christmas are formed into
the cross.
It's beautiful.
-The Soviets forbid us to
celebrate Christmas you know?
-I know.
Why is that?
Ha, they don't want the world
to know, that in spite of
their lies,
we still believe in something
far greater than Communism.
But this year, go willing, we
are going to defy them, openly
with a nation-wide celebration.
They control the media, therefor
we must depend on these posters
and word of mouth.
-First batch goes up tonight.
-[crowd chatter]
Come now. I must
take you home.
-No.
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
I wanna stay.
But you can't.
I wanna help.
[Jaan] Do you know what
you are doing?
[Sylvia] What do you mean, do
I know what I'm doing?
I'm a Velliste aren't I?
♪ [triumphant music] ♪
♪ [triumphant political music] ♪
God bless you.
You did a very brave
thing tonight.
-Thank you--
-It was nothing.
I'm glad I could help.
Well it is not only your
actions, it is...
that Victor Velliste's sent you
to us. It has great...
symbolic meaning.
Victor Velliste would ground
me for a month if he knew
what I did tonight.
No, I don't think so.
I have to go.
What is it?
Nothing.
I was just thinking that they
don't make guys like you in
Brooklyn.
♪ [dramatic romantic music] ♪
-[Marta] Where have you been?
-[Sylvia] I can explain.
[Marta] You know how much danger
there is on the streets
for an American girl
this late at night?
[Sylvia] I'm beginning to.
So, this is what your
father has to put up with?
I'm going to bed.
[blows out candle]
I was with Jaan.
-He took me to the school
to meet Pastor Harmon--
-At the school?!
I forbid you to have
anything to those people.
You don't support
the Resistance?
-I have devoted myself to
the Resistance in the past.
-Then what's the point?
I promised your father that it
is safe for you to come here.
You're my responsibility. And
I intend to send you back to
your father alive.
[Sylvia] How old were you when
you joined the Resistance?
16. But understand me,
I've seen more.
-I knew more about survival
at 16 than you will ever--
-Then teach me.
No! No! These are things the
average American girl--
I am not the average American
girl. I am Victor Velliste's
daughter.
-And for the first time in my
life, I know what that means.
-Do you?
[sighs] Do you?
Yes.
And so do you.
Then may God
help us both.
It's weird you know, back home
all the streets would have
Christmas decorations up by now
I mean there'd be red and
white lights and stars
and little angels
and everything that would shock
them. Christmas is the biggest
shopping event of the year.
-Oh look.
-Oh no.
[sound of trucks]
[truck horn]
[brakes hissing]
[soldiers yelling]
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
See how we frighten them.
How are you?
I'm alright.
You're looking well.
Who's that girl
talking to Jaan?
[Marta] Natasha Omeltchenko.
Probably the very best figure
skater this country has ever
known.
-She's beautiful.
-She's very beautiful.
Sylvia...
I think you are jealous.
[laughs]
Everyone tells me you're
working very hard.
Yes. Night and day.
Me too.
[Mr. Omeltchenko] Well, we are
already late Natasha.
Nice to see you
Mr. Omeltchenko.
They were engaged, and then
she was given an ultimatum
by Moscow.
The Olympic committee.
[Marta whispering] Really the
KGB choose young.
No contest for me. I'm an awful
skater anyway. [laughs]
[posters tearing]
Leave them. You have no
right to do that.
Leave them posters alone-- Ohh!
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
I have a grandson.
Like you. Same age.
[yelling from crowd]
[rocks hitting soldier]
[crowd yelling louder]
[soldiers blowing whistles]
[glass smashing]
What's happening?
[men yelling]
[car crashes to ground]
♪ [dramatic music intensifies] ♪
[people yelling]
[soldiers blowing
whistles]
[body smashes glass]
[people yelling]
[glass smashing]
[thud]
[thud]
[people yelling]
[glass smashing]
[falling impact]
[thud]
[people yelling]
[glass smashing]
[Jaan] Come on. Follow me.
Follow me.
[people yelling]
[glass smashing]
♪ [dramatic music intensifies] ♪
[glass smashing]
[people yelling]
[Jaan] Let's go.
[door closes]
[thud]
[thud]
Let them go.
-[Jaan] You're safe now.
-[Marta] Come.
-Can I see you again?
-[Sylvia] Yes.
-Tomorrow night?
-[Sylvia] No tonight.
-[Marta] Come on. We need to
get out of here. Come on.
-[Sylvia] Where? Where?
Here.
[T.V. reporter
speaking in Russian]
What is he saying?
[Marta] The state committee
announced the curfew from
6 o' clock in the evening
until 9 o' clock in
the morning so--
[Sylvia] So we can't
go out, right?
You can't. Another one of
their stupid curfews.
-Can, can we make
some coffee please?
-Sure.
You know, we were
very lucky today.
We could have been killed if
Jaan hadn't spotted us.
Tell me about Jaan. Who is he?
I mean, where does he come from?
It's pointless to love a man
like Jaan Toome, unfortunately.
No I barely even know him.
[Marta] I have eyes, and so does
every tree, every shadow, every
window in this town.
He's a target. At best he'll
break your heart. At worst--
Do you think that any of that
really matters to me?
His father resisted them. He was
taken to prison and disappeared.
And so Jaan lives
only for vengeance.
I love him. I think that
I love him.
Oh, what a big word. You know
what I'm going to do? I'm
going to send you back home.
-I won't go.
-You have to.
-You don't understand!
-No you don't understand!
-No I mean me! You
don't understand me!
-I do! Sylvia!
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
-[Marta] Wait! Sylvia wait!
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
♪ [dramatic romantic music] ♪
[Sylvia] I'm here.
I need to talk to you.
Do you like me? Because tell me
now and I'll go on with my life.
Follow me. Not too close.
Wait here.
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
-[light switch clicks]
-[Jaan] Please come in.
Sit down.
-[Sylvia] Can I shut the door?
-Yes.
-Sit. Make yourself at home.
-[door closes]
-You still have my jacket.
-Oh yeah.
-I'm sorry about that.
-Sorry?
-It costs a month's salary
to the average person.
-You'll get it back.
It's hiding your star
at the moment.
-Does Marta know?
-No, Marta does not know.
-Good. Would you like some tea?
-No thanks.
Well I will have some tea.
What are all these books?
Uh, medical text, I was
studying to be a doctor and
when I became involved in the
student movement, they kicked
me out of school.
-Why didn't you just
go to another one?
-Ha! That is impossible.
-Why?
-Because I, I'm blacklisted.
By who?
I'll give you
three guesses.
So, what eh, what do you
need to talk to me about?
Aunt Marta wants to send
me back to America.
-Good.
-Good?
-Yes. I think it's best.
-Best?
[sighs] Sylvia,
there's going to be trouble.
We will have a demonstration,
the Soviets will not tolerate
this.
It's going to be bloody. Ugly.
I don't want to see you hurt.
-Are you afraid?
-[laughs]
-For me?
-Of course.
-But fear is only an emotion.
-Like love.
-Yes like love.
-You care for me.
[sighs] Sylvia,
They are watching you. They
want you. You must leave.
-Do you have feelings for me?
-[slams cup down]
My affections bring danger to
those I care for.
Is it that girl? Natasha?
-I mean do you, do you love her?
-No!
I cannot love anyone!
I should go.
You can't leave.
Not before daylight. It's too
dangerous with the curfew.
Then what? What?... What?
Then you will sleep here. Sleep
up there, I'll sleep here.
-Where?
-On the floor.
[laughs] Don't be silly.
What's up there?
-It's my bedroom.
-Can I see it?
[Sylvia] Come show me.
It's dark up here.
Where's the light?
There is no light. I don't need
a light to sleep.
-Do you play the guitar?
-[Jaan] Yes.
Do you use
this weapon?
I hope I never have to. I don't
believe in violence.
♪ [romantic piano music] ♪
[zipper sound]
So peaceful.
I'm freezing.
What?
I was just thinking...
there aren't many girls like
you in Tallinn.
♪ [romantic piano
music continues] ♪
[fire crackling]
[Marta] I made a fire.
It's much warmer out today.
-I was with Jaan.
-Some things need not
be spoken.
It's not what you think.
I know. I'm not here
to judge you Sylvia.
-I'm here to pro--
-Protect me.
Some things need
not be spoken.
I really think you
should leave Sylvia.
If they suspect you, they will
throw you out of the country.
If they have even a
shred of proof.
-He loves me.
-[sighs]
It's a very dangerous
situation Sylvia.
-I mean your life is in danger.
-He loves me. And I love him.
Then go where it's safe
and wait for him.
He'll never come.
You're right.
He'll never come.
[Marta] Look what I found.
[Marta laughing]
You asked me why didn't I
follow your father when
he fled to Sweden?
Come with me. Come on.
-[bus engine]
-[Sylvia] Where are we going?
What is this place?
[Marta] It's a quarry.
[Sylvia] And the
factory we passed?
[Marta] It's a quarry where
they mine phosphors.
[Sylvia] And the candles.
Who put the candles out?
[Marta] I don't know.
[Marta] Here, somewhere around
here, nobody knows where,
are the bodies of 14
Estonian soldiers.
One of them, he was a
music student with me
at the conservatory,
the finest pianist I
have ever heard.
He was [indistinguishable] but,
He was... beautiful.
And I really did love him with
all of my heart.
One day they came and arrested
his father and mother.
We never learned why. We never
knew what happened to them.
And so he decided to join the
Resistance. The Forest Brothers.
-There was a battle. Here.
-Where?
Here and those 14 brave, young
Estonians were shot dead.
There bodies are somewhere
here. In the grave. Maybe
right where we stand.
-Nobody knows
where they're buried?
-No. He was one of them.
I understand now.
This is a monument.
Look. There. All their
names. all the team.
I can't read it, it's faded.
Enno here. His name was
Enno, and I loved him.
Your father begged me to come
with him. He said that they
would kill him, and they did.
He said "Marta, you're
only a girl." [laughs]
"and you will be a widow all
of your life if you stay."
-[Sylvia] But you loved him.
-Of course. I still do.
You did the right thing.
I've been unhappy all my life.
I don't want that for you.
But it's different now.
It's changing.
-What are we against
the Soviet army?
-Enno didn't die for nothing.
And you haven't been so unhappy
for nothing. It's coming.
Freedom is coming. Believe me
you can feel it everywhere.
I have no hope anymore.
There's enough hope in me
for the both of us.
You really think I did
the right thing?
-With all of my heart.
-[laughing]
♪ [Vladimir Vysotsky
- "Black Jackets"] ♪
[Marta] No. Not so close.
[rock hits star]
[music stops]
[wind blowing]
The Baltic situation took
another turn for the
worse last night
with major unrest on the
streets of Tallinn, Estonia.
[over T.V.] A popular
demonstration was broken
up by the Russian forces.
[Arkush] I agree
whole-heartedly. I
assure you kommissar.
You cannot allow such a riot
again Arkush. No matter what.
This entire country sits on
dynamite. Every ethnic group
is watching the Baltics now.
Stupid Gorbachev and
his idiotic Glasnost.
He's the fool that started all
this and we have to crush it.
[Arkush] Yes sir, but arresting
their leaders at this time would
be a serious mistake.
[T.V. turns off]
The riot was very spontaneous.
I don't know what they're
planning, but I'll keep
my people watching.
-I trust your judgement.
Don't disappoint me.
-[phone clicks]
[phone clicks]
[office noise]
[busy office noise]
[people speaking Russian]
[laughs]
Blessed are the peacemakers
[laughs]
for they shall be called
the children of God.
[telephone ringing
in background]
[door opens]
-Alexander.
-What are you
doing here?
The meeting lasted much
longer than I expected.
-You know I love you, but
you shouldn't come here.
-[pats back]
I had to come here. This
is very important.
But I worried about you.
At least you should
respect the curfew.
I don't care about the curfew.
The Pastor has decided to
split up the organization
to increase security.
And suddenly I find
myself isolated from
the decision makers.
-They suspect you?
-I don't think so.
It's just security precaution.
Since you had the Pastor and
Jaan arrested.
-So it's your fault darling.
-In other words you failed me.
[kissing] In one way, yes.
-But in another...
-You stupid woman.
-I was counting on you.
-But I did everything I
could.
Alright. Go back to them. Die
with them. I have no further
use for you.
Maybe, I'll have to
find somebody else.
[Arkush exhales]
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
♪ [girl student playing piano] ♪
[Sylvia] Aunt Marta I wrote this
letter to Daddy, but I'm not
sure about it yet.
Can I read it to you?
[Marta] Shh. Yes.
[Sylvia] "Dear Daddy,
I know you won't like this
Daddy, but I've decided to stay
in Estonia for a bit longer.
Everybody talks about you here
and I've heard so many stories.
I understand you better now.
It looks like things are coming
together here and I want to be
part of it.
My life has a whole
new meaning now."
-[bad note
played on piano]
-[slaps hand]
Stop it!
"I've net a wonderful guy, Jaan
Toome. I'm sure he's as brave
as you were Daddy
and he's as protective
of me as you are.
Trust me, he is very
much like you Daddy."
"I'm also in love with him
and I think he loves me.
I will let you know how it
goes, but trust me, he's
just like you Daddy,
you would be proud
to know him."
So you see, she's a
rotten influence.
And of course you don't want
to jeopardize your career,
so I think I can count
on your cooperation
What will you do to Jaan?
Will you arrest him?
All I can promise you
is that I will be fair.
Do I have your cooperation?
Then get out.
[door opens]
[door closes]
Have a good work out.
♪ [Tchaikovsky - "Sleeping
Beauty - Act I, No.6 Grande
valse villageoise"] ♪
Welcome to the Union of
Soviet Social Republics.
That name is ridiculous you
know, not one of these Republics
joined the Union voluntarily.
Can we please talk about
something besides
politics? Please?
-Yes we can, we can talk
about Christmas.
-[laughs]
Oh great, politics too.
-So you're still
thinking of leaving?
-Are you kidding? Of course not.
But Sylvia you know this could
be very dangerous--
No buts, no buts. I feel like I
have to stay, I don't know why.
I just do.
And you understand the
consequences?--
Would you stop with the
consequences? All I know
is how I feel about you.
You surprise me.
Everything is set. We will
move on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve? That only
two days away.
I mean it they get violent, how
will we defend ourselves?
-With our hearts?
-What if we get killed?
-Then we will die together.
-[laughs] Oh great.
Come. Skate with me.
-I'm sorry.
-It's okay.
[Jaan] What? Now suddenly it
is safe for you to be seen
with me in public?
-Hah?
-Let's not talk
about the past.
What happened?
Tell me, what,
what happened?
You know I never would have
liked to. They made me do it.
They forced me to decide
between you and my career.
Everything I worked
so hard for.
♪ [classical music
gets louder] ♪
So you make your choice.
What do you want from me?
But I love you. I cannot
live without you.
Stop this Natasha, stop this!
Come. Not on the ice.
You must still care for me?
Don't you remember he great
times we had together?--
-I don't, I don't want to talk
about this now.
-When? When?
Tomorrow afternoon.
Outside the stadium.
-Do you love me?
-You know I love you.
Now go. Tell her.
♪ [Tchaikovsky - "Sleeping
Beauty - Act I, No.6 Grande
valse villageoise"] ♪
[Jaan] Sylvia. Sylvia wait!
[Jaan] No!
[skates cutting ice]
-So it's going to be a very very
-[door opens]
dangerous situation.
-[door closes]
-Sorry.
Marta.
Good to have you back.
Come. Join us.
[clapping]
[Pastor Harma] I was just
telling everyone how critical,
the next 24 hours will be.
We have information that
not only the army,
but the Black Berets
are on alert.
-And you know what that means.
-[Jaan] Death squads.
Let's just pray they don't
want another Hungary.
These leaflets announcing a
concert, have nothing to do
with the real action.
The concert is just a decoy.
Like this room.
All the signs here to
confuse the Russians.
The real action, will be
announced on Christmas Eve.
What will the
real action be?
That will be
kept a secret.
[brakes hissing]
[soldiers chattering]
[Pastor Harma] All we have to do
is delay Soviets from finding
out the real plan.
We just have to avoid...
a bloody confrontation.
Let's pray for this.
[marching up stairs]
[Pastor Harma] All mighty
God, please help us, to
worship you openly,
in a free and
decent society.
[marching up stairs]
[Pastor Harma] Give us the
strength of courage.
KGB! KGB!
[crowd chattering]
[marching up stairs]
[door slams]
[crowd chattering]
[shuffling around]
♪ [man singing and
playing piano] ♪
♪ [women join in singing] ♪
♪ [performers
continue singing] ♪
♪ [crowd begins
clapping to song] ♪
[applause]
[Marta] I hate this bureaucracy.
You stand in line for hours and
hours
and then finally someone
looks up at you ask for
a flight to New York
and then they say "You're
on the wrong line."
[Sylvia] Did you get it?
[Marta] Yeah. You're
on 6 o'clock flight
tomorrow morning.
-[Sylvia] Great.
-[Marta] I'm going
to miss you.
It's best.
It will be a great relief to
know that you are safe.
-[Sylvia] I wish I'd never come.
-Sorry you feel that way.
-[Sylvia] I really thought
that he was different.
-Jaan Toome,
He's one of the finest men
you'll ever know.
-[Sylvia] So now you
think that he's great?
-[Marta] Uh huh.
You'll remember that later.
-[Sylvia] He, he hurt me.
-[scoffing sigh]
You hurt yourself with this
unrealistic expectation.--
No. He manipulated me with all
that high-flung baloney about
freedom--
-[Marta] What high-flung bal--
-It's big talk. It's talk. I
don't know how to explain it.
-Was it high-flung baloney you
gave me at Enno's grave?
-No. Of course not.
So Enno and thousands
died for nothing?
-Because you had a
silly crush that ended.
-No, that's not what I meant.
-You are Velliste, aren't you?
-That I meant.
But I loved him and he
manipulated me!
Jaan Toome manipulated you?
-It's you, manipulated me.
-That's not true.
You walk a dream with me.
You walk a dream!
And then you gave me the courage
to fight again, but now I see
that it was [slap]
all high-flung baloney!
Based on childish...
infatuation.
-That's not true!
-Then stay here.
-Help us
-You want me to stay?
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
With all my heart.
Then I'll stay.
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
[car engine running]
[tires screech]
[Natasha] I was so afraid
you wouldn't come.
Wait! Jaan, please
let me explain.
Jaan, please.
Tovarish Kommissar, this is
certainly a surprise.
Until just half an hour ago, I
had no idea you were coming.--
What better way to
keep you honest.
What's the matter?
Where is your sense
of humor comrade?
I had to leave Moscow.
The politicians were
making me crazy.
We have to stop
[clears throat]
these Estonians right now.
right here. Otherwise, no
more Soviet Union.
Yes sir.
-Arrest the leaders.
-I will arrest them. Arrest
them, arrest them.
♪ [playing classical piano] ♪
Sylvia, come here. Play with me.
Well I only had a couple
of years lessons. I'm
not very good.
I don't care. Just come and play
with me. I just can't stand to
see you sad. Come.
Okay.
-Do you know chopsticks?
-Yeah, I think so.
-Let's do it.
-♪ [playing chopsticks] ♪
[laughing]
♪ [Marta singing the notes] ♪
[laughing]
[laughing]
[crowd talking]
[mutters]
Hi Eula.
[blowing]
What is Merry Christmas
in Estonian?
-häid jõule.
-häid jõule.
[both women] häid jõule. häid
jõule. häid jõule. häid jõule
[Sylvia] Aunt Marta
-Aren't these your students?
-[Marta] Oh, yeah.
-Where is your mommy?
-[girl] At home.
-[Marta] Are you
coming tonight too?
-[both kids] Yes.
[Marta] Great.
[army truck blasting horn]
[revving engine]
[army truck blasting horn]
[breaks hissing]
[engine cuts]
[door opens]
♪ [triumphant political music] ♪
[Man] Uugh.
Where's Jaan Toome?
Niet. Spread out and find him.
Now!
[soldier speaking in Russian]
-Run Jaan. Run.
-♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
[soldier yelling in Russian]
[Pastor Harma] Aagh!
[soldier speaking in Russian]
[soldiers yelling in Russian]
No! No! Get offa me!
-Sylvia!
-[Sylvia screaming]
Find him.
♪ [dramatic political
music continues] ♪
[crowd yelling]
[Pastor Harma grunting]
Sylvia!
[Sylvia] No! No!
Sylvia!
[Sylvia] No! Help me! No! No!
No!
[Marta] Sylvia!
[engine starts]
[doors close]
-[slapping truck]
-No! No! No! No!
I tried Sylvia!
God's behind you!
[screaming] Pastor!
[Commander] Where is the
priest?! The priest?!
The priest?!
-Here is the priest!
-Ha ha!
-Into the back room!
-Yes the priest!
-Must be something behind it!--
-Concert. Rock concert.--
-Rock concert?--
-[mumbles]
-[door opens]
-You have no right to
do this to me!
Sit her down.
[Sylvia crying]
You were seen distributing these
leaflets. What do they say?
[yelling] What do they say?!
Well, I assume you don't
understand Estonian like me.
You're American. You have
your passport? You have
your passport?!
Show me.
-Take off the handcuffs.
-[Sylvia grunts]
-[Sylvia crying]
-[handcuffs jingling]
[Sylvia breathing heavy]
[Arkush] When was this picture
taken? When was this picture
taken?!
I don't remember. Uh, if you
really wanna know, at
-4:15 on Saturday at
Brooklyn college.
-Very funny!
-There is no time for jokes!
-[hits clock]
You are beautiful.
-My father is Estonian.
-I know that.
[throws passport on desk]
The dissidents have taken
advantage of you.
Especially this eh, Jaan Toome.
I have read that in a letter you
sent to your father.
How did you get that letter?
So, I assume... they have taken
advantage of you.
No. I knew what I was doing.
[Pastor Harma screaming
from other room]
Stop them you pigs,
he's a priest!
-[thud]
-Ughh!
[Arkush] Are you crazy?!
Don't hurt her!
Out! Get out of here! Leave
us alone! Everybody! Out!
-You too! Out!
-[Sylvia crying]
I'm sorry.
I don't enjoy this.
Believe me.
But you can help me. And by
helping me, you can help
Pastor Harma.
I must know what is
planned for tonight.
Now... What is their plan?
-Sylvia Velliste. Tell me.
-♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
I don't know.
I really don't know.
[Natasha] Why?! Why are you
doing this to me?
What have I done Jaan?
You are hurting me.
[Marta] Pastor Harma and Sylvia
my niece were arrested. They're
in jail. Why?
But I had nothing to
do with it.
Why are you all looking
at me this way?
I'm innocent. I have no idea.
Liar. What were you doing with
Cnl. Arkush yesterday? What
did you say to him?
You've been informing on
us, haven't you?
I swear to you. I did nothing.
They came to me a few days ago.
And they said, I could have you
and my career if I help them.
[crying] They said I would lose
you forever to the American
girl if I didn't.
[crying] I love you Jaan.
I couldn't do it.
I said I would,
but I couldn't.
Prove it.
How?
Stand with us now and defy
them in the open.
Yes. Prove it.
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
Let's go.
Are you Estonians?
I said let's go.
Let's go.
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
[soldier grunts]
[door closes]
-Where's the broadcast studio?
-Second floor, to the left.
[running up steps]
♪ [dramatic music continues] ♪
[door opens]
[announcer speaking in room]
[announcer signs off like
nothing is wrong]
A-- attention. Attention. This
is Free Estonia Radio.
We have an announcement
for all patriots.
[Jaan over radio] The time has
come for us to make a stand,
for what we believe.
For what is right.
To take back what
was once ours.
Sir! Turn on the radio.
The parties are making an
announcement. They have
taken the radio station.
[radio clicks]
[Jaan over radio] Join us
tonight in a mass march
on the Dome Church.
We will celebrate Christmas for
the first time in 48 years--
The Dome Church. What
shall we do now?
[Jaan over radio]
God bless Estonia--
-Get out!
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
-[alarm sounds]
What shall I do
with the girl?
They took the radio station!
-Sound the alarm!
-I know. I know.
-[alarm sounding]
-Take care of the priest.
What shall we do?
Shall we call Moscow?
[Commander] We don't need
to call Moscow. I know
what I'm doing.
[Arkush] If they don't back
down, are we ready to shoot?
[Commander] Absolutely.
♪ [sings to himself] ♪
-[Arkush] Are you sure?
-[Commander] Absolutely.
Call Moscow.
Get me Moscow.
Get me Moscow!
♪ [Commander sings to himself] ♪
-If we don't stop them now--
-The Soviet Union
will fall apart.
-It will fall apart anyway.
-What?!
Freedom is catching.
-♪ [Commander sings
to himself] ♪
-Moscow on the line.
Yes.
[Commander disappointed] Yes.
Yes sir.
Force.
Force!
Yes sir.
[phone hangs up]
Force.
[door opens]
[door closes]
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
[splash]
[Sylvia] What have
they done to you?
[Pastor Harma muttering] Prey.
I don't know how to prey.
[Pastor Harma muttering]
The lord...
is my shepherd.
Please God...
You can't die.
Please don't die.
[Sylvia] Our father, who art in
heaven. Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. [cries] Thy
will be done... on...
[Pastor Harma muttering]
[Sylvia] on earth... as it
is in heaven.
Give us this day, our
daily bread. [cries]
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who...
trespass against us,
Will you get him
some water please!
-[Sylvia] Please!
-[Pastor Harma moaning]
but deliver us from evil.
[cries]
No! Oh God no!
No. [crying]
For thine is the power,
For thine is the kingdom, the
power, and the glory,
from now until forever. [cries]
God I've been so selfish.
[cries]
But you have always been with
me. And if-- it's it's your
will, then I, I--
Then please comfort
those who love me.
[cries] Amen.
[cries]
-No, please don't.
-No. No, don't be afraid.
-[crying] No...
-I am Christian.
I am a Christian. Tonight is
Christmas. Please go. Go. Go.
-[crying]
-Go. Go.
♪ [dramatic music continues] ♪
♪ [Estonian band playing -
"Rockin' All Over The World"] ♪
[crowd cheering]
Our beloved Pastor
Harma is dead.
In his honor, and in the name
of all the people who are
fighting for freedom
I ask you to light a candle and
follow me to the Dome Church,
where we'll celebrate Christmas
-for the first time in 50 years!
-[crowd cheers]
[Marta] Remember Pastor Harma's
words, "no violence"
and please remember the
quotation he often used
'It's better to light candles,
than to curse the darkness."
-God bless Estonia.
-[crowd cheers]
♪ [triumphant music] ♪
[tank driving through crowd]
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
[doors close]
[Arkush speaking Russian]
Set up barricades.
Here an there.
-I said set up barricades!
-Yes sir.
[soldier] Set up barricades.
Set up barricades quickly!
[soldiers chattering]
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
[tank engine]
What are you doing lying around?
Wake up! Wake up!
[soldiers shouting]
Go over there!
You, over there.
You, there.
[soldier shouting in Russian]
♪ [triumphant political music] ♪
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
Get out of my way.
♪ [triumphant political music] ♪
Don't let them
get too close.
-[gun cocks]
-[Arkush] Hold your fire.
-[Arkush] Ready.
-[gun cocks]
♪ [tense music] ♪
Tell them to fire!
[guns cocking]
Fire!
[music swelling]
Fire!
[Arkush] Shoot!
[gun drops down]
-♪ [triumphant music] ♪
-Shoot.
-Fire! Fire!
-Shoot!
Fire...
Fire! [struggling noises]
Fire! Shoot them down!
Fire! Fire! Fire!
♪ [crowd singing "O come
all ye faithful"] ♪
[shuffling of feet]
Fire! Fire!
♪ [crowd continues singing] ♪
Fire! Fire!
Don't let them
get too close.
[gates clang]
Fire! Shoot them down!
♪ [crowd continues singing] ♪
[wind blowing]
♪ [crowd singing
"Silent Night"] ♪
[chain cuts]
[chain shuffles]
[doors open]
[feet shuffling]
♪ [crowd continues singing] ♪
[feet shuffling]
♪ [crowd continues singing] ♪
♪ [crowd continues singing] ♪
[car pulls away]
Good luck in Moscow sir.
♪ [crowd finishes singing] ♪
♪ [Gospel singer performing
"Silent Night"] ♪
♪ [Gospel singer performing
"Silent Night"] ♪
♪ [Multicom Entertainment
Group jingle] ♪
Group jingle] ♪
♪ [up-beat female pop music] We
always find a rhythm ♪
♪ That beats in the night ♪
♪ The love we share, ♪
♪ is stronger than
the sunshine, ♪
♪ always as bright. ♪
♪ We'll be together through good
times and bad. ♪
♪ But these are the best
times I've had. ♪
♪ Baby, I'm dancing to the
beat of your heart ♪
-♪ Baby, hold on t-- ♪
-[walkman slows down and stops]
[tapping on walkman]
[sound of ocean]
[foghorn blowing]
-♪ [dramatic string music] ♪
-[sighs]
[seagulls caw]
[foghorn blows]
[foghorn blows]
[crewmen yelling]
-[Tiina] Marta you're
making me nervous.
-But I don't see her!
How can you say that? You've
never seen her. You don't
even know her.
I've seen her in
photographs, in pictures,
but mostly in my dreams since
the day she was born. Believe
me, I will,
I will know Sylvia
Velliste at once.
-She'll know you at once.
-I hope so,
this I don't know.
Of course you do! Everyone loves
you. I'm very jealous, you know.
♪ [dramatic Russian
string music] ♪
[man over loudspeaker] Welcome
to the republic of Estonia.
[gate opens]
[dog barks]
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
American?
Tourist?
K...
♪ [dramatic russian
string music on radio] ♪
Velliste?
[woman] Yes?
How much money
does she have?
700 American dollars. She
says she's visiting relative.
Yeah she's...
she's Victor
Velliste's daughter.
Let her through.
-What's wrong?
-Life is so sad.
-[sniffles]
-[phone rings]
Colonel Arkush office?
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
There she is. There she is!
[indistinguishable]
[crowd cheering]
Sylvia! Velliste!
[laughing]
Victor's daughter in my
eyes welcome! I'm so
glad that you're--
-Thank you!
-It's incredible.
It's unbelievable.
Don't you
think so?
-Oh it's believable to me!
-[all laughing]
It's Tiina. She's
my best friend.
Hi. I'm sorry, I think
I have a fever.
-This is for you.
-Oh, thank you.
Well, let's go.
Oh I can take th-- Oh! Thank
you. Thank you so much.
[Marta] You see, up there is old
town Tallinn. Where our family
has always lived.
It looks just like
Fantasy Land.
We're all very proud of
the whole Tallinn state.
They spent a lot of money
to help us restore it.
-Which state?
-The Soviets for the Olympics.
You know the sailings
took place in Tallinn?
-I thought the Olympics
were in Moscow?
-No the sailings.
-The service did a lot
for this country.
-They've also ruined it.
-Why are they stopping us?
-It's nothing.
-Just get out your passports.
-[knocking on window]
[window rolls down]
Passport please.
[sighs]
-What's the matter?
-Just nothing.
[speaking Estonian
and laughing]
[car with bad engine]
[footsteps]
[car starts]
Let them pass.
[speaking in Russian]
[Sylvia] Why did they
check my passport again?
They checked it before and
they went through all my bags.
This is all so scary.
Are those Russian soldiers?
[Tiina] Russian and other
soldiers. Cossacks, Diojants,
and millions from all over.
-Everything but Estonians.
-How come?
The Soviets do not keep Estonian
soldiers on Estonian ground.
-Why?
-Very simple.
Estonians will not
shoot Estonians.
Welcome to old town.
♪ [light happy music] ♪
[children playing]
-[Sylvia] What's that?
-[Marta] Toomkirik
-[Sylvia] Tom who? -[Marta]
Toomkirik, "The Dome Church"
Where your father and
I were baptized.
-[Sylvia] Dad was baptized?
-It's not the church anymore.
The Soviets closed it down.
Is it me, or does that look
like a Christmas tree?
[Tiina] It's a New Year's
tree Sylvia. See the red
star on top?
What's all that about?
What do the sign say?
[Marta] They are the Greens
demonstrating against pollution.
[Sylvia] Yeah but what
does the sign say?
I don't know how to
say it in English.
[speaks Estonian]
-Red eagle.
-Red eagle.
But it's used as a front
for political actions.
You see those three flags?
Blue, black, white. Our
national colors.
-Together they make up
the Estonian flag.
-[Sylvia] I don't get it.
The real flag is banned.
Oh, so it's like a code.
Blue, black, white.
-[Sylvia] Who is that guy?
-[Marta] Jaan Toome.
-[Tiina] Watch out for him.
-Why?
-[Tiina] Just watch out.
-Why?
[Marta] I think she's right.
Watch out for him.
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
[car revs engine]
[car stops]
[car door closes]
-[Sylvia] Pull up on the
emergency...
-[door closes]
-Thank you Tiina.
-[Tiina] Brake!
-[Tiina] Thank you.
-[Sylvia] Thank you.
-[Marta] Give it to me.
-[Sylvia] Are you sure? Yeah.
Okay I'll take this one.
[Marta] Our apartment is the
top one on the right side.
We have a great view. Come on.
-[Sylvia] Thank you Tiina.
-[Tiina] Bye.
[Sylvia] Oh man! I just
broke a heel.
[Marta] You must get used to
cobblestones. Come on.
I am so beat. I don't think I've
been this tired in my life.
It's the jet lag. You know it's
2 o' clock in the morning--
-[Sylvia] Aunt Marta
give me that.
-[Marta] No.
-[Marta] It's very heavy.
-I always carry my own luggage.
Please--
[Marta] Look you might
regret it-- Come on.
[Sylvia] Why can't we
take the elevator?
[Marta] Elevators weren't
invented until the 19th century.
[laughs] So...
This was the home of your
great great grandparents.
[breathing heavily]
Great. [exhales]
[Marta] That was our
last family portrait.
Where are you?
I wasn't born yet. [laughs]
You know, my father, your
grandfather he was a
[together] music professor
and a diplomat until the
Russians came.
[Sylvia] I know that they
were killed but,
every time I asked mom and dad
about them, they started to
speak in Russian.
-Your grandfather was
shot by the Soviets.
-[Sylvia] And my grandmother?
She was taken to Siberia
a year later.
-Is this the beautiful view?
-[Marta] Yes.
It's nice.
How come five candles?
One for you. One for your
father. One for your mother.
And one for me. [laughs]
-That's only four.
-Well...
It's a superstition.
-What kind of superstition?
-For someone you don't know.
Who?
-I'll tell you later.
-Tell me now.
-I'll tell you later.
-[laughs]
Oh look at this.
-I love this portrait.
-I was dancing in the
living room.
-[Marta] Yeah I love it.
-[kettle whistles]
-How did you and daddy survive?
-We were hidden
by the neighbors.
[Sylvia] So, you grew up
without a family.
[Marta] Your father
was my family.
Yeah but, then he fled to Sweden
and immediately on to America.
How did you survive?
Why did you stay?
It's not an easy answer.
Give me Colonel Arkush.
Don't ask me stupid questions,
just give me Colonel Arkush.
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
-This is Tiina.
-[phone buzzing]
-[Arkush] Arkush?
[Tiina on phone] This is Tiina.
[Arkush] Ahh, Tiina. Yes I saw
her with you. In the car.
[Tiina on phone] She's just a
naive girl here on holiday.
She may be a Velliste,
but she's harmless.
I don't think we should
waste any time on her.
[Arkush] Good that you
met her anyway.
You can never be
too cautious.
I have presents for you
Aunt Marta. Oh, here.
This is from mom.
-Oh. Thank you.
-Sure
-Oh. This is from mom too.
-Thank you.
-Oh!
-[laughing]
-We can use it.
-Yeah.
-It's wonderful.
-Aaaand...
This is from dad.
It's nice. huh?
[Marta] Thank you.
[Sylvia] And uh, this
is from dad too.
[kissing] Oh thank you!
[gasps]
-He didn't forget.
He didn't forget.
-And...
this, is from me.
-Do you like it? I bought it
with my own money.
-It's beautiful, yeah.
Oh I hope you can use it.
I know I can use it.
It'll make all the difference in
the world. I will be able to
talk to your father.
-I will be able to
speak to everyone.
-Great!
Great, let's call him right now.
Where's the jack?
-Who's jack?
-You know? The outlet.
Where do you plug it in?
-Oh, we don't have one here.
-Great. Let's get it installed
first thing tomorrow morning.
-[laughing]
-What is so funny?
-It'll take at
least two years.
-Two years?
Two years is no
time at all. It
used to take six.
[sighs] I need to
use the restroom.
Out the door, left, down to the
end of the hall, and this is
the last door on your right.
[Sylvia] You, you, you mean we
don't have one in here?
[Marta] Outside the door.
Outside the door!
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
Don't tell me. I know. They
weren't invented until the
19th century.
[door opens]
[toilet flushes]
[door closes]
Aunt Marta,
why did you stay
in Estonia?
Was it a guy?
It was a guy, wasn't it?
[crowd noise coming
from outside]
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
-[crowd yelling outside]
[sound of rain]
♪ [triumphant music] ♪
♪ [triumphant
music continues] ♪
[crowd talking]
[branches rustling]
[crowd cheering]
♪ [triumphant music swells] ♪
-Whoo!
-[crowd clapping]
[Christmas music playing]
Yeah! [clapping]
Yes! Whooo!
♪ [singing] America, America,
God shed his grace on thee... ♪
[laughs]
[clapping]
-♪ And crown thy ♪--
-[soldiers yelling]
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
[truck engine stops]
Everybody run!
[chaotic crowd noise]
[Jaan] Hide this for me.
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
[chaotic crowd noise]
[sirens]
-Where is the red star.
-I don't know.
-Where is it I ask you?
-He removed it.
-Who? Who?
-Jaan Toome.
Arrest him. Find the star
and put it back.
-And take down that item.
-Yes sir.
[chaotic crowd noise]
Remove that star!
[chaotic crowd noise]
[feet sliding]
[yelling and groaning]
[groaning continues]
Stop it!
Leave him alone.
Leave him alone!
[struggling and groaning]
[Pastor Harma] Stop it!
Leave him alone!
[soldier] Hey you!
[dog barking]
[soldier] Go. Go!
♪ [dramatic political
music slows down] ♪
[Sylvia yelling] I know I packed
it, I must have. I just couldn't
be that stupid!
-What's the matter?
-I can't find my makeup.
It isn't in here.
Not in here! [crying]
-What am I gonna do?
-You're so young.
You're so pretty.
Why do need makeup?
What for?
No I'm not, no I'm not, I've got
beady little eyes. My Nose is
too big and when,
when I smile it like spreads
across my face, so I use the
makeup to shade it out,
you know?
-Do you have any Estée
Lauder here in Tallinn?
-Estée who?
You don't have Estée Lauder?!
In Tallinn, I'm sorry, we don't.
[crying] What am I gonna do?
Great, I'll just walk around
with a bag over my head for
the next month!
-You can use mine
-Oh yeah--
Ow! What are you doing?
No! That hurts. [crying]
Oh look at me.
I think I'm beginning to
understand why your father
sent you to me. Come on.
-[Sylvia] I told you I
was on punishment.
-[Marta] Come on.
It's the time we go
shopping. Let's go.
Something tells me we're
not going to the mall.
Where are my shoes?
[Arkush] Yes kommissar.
A brazen example of
Anti-Sovietism, I agree.
It's an awkward situation.
Particularly with all the
mixed signals we're getting.
The present idiots in the
Kremlin, are not to be
taken seriously.
Your orders come only from me.
Is that clear comrade?
Yes sir.
What about the two we were
holding? We can't afford to
make martyrs out of them.
[Commander on phone] Of course
not. Whatever we do has to be
done discretely.
Keep them a few day. Especially
that religious mad man.
-Oh, Pastor Harma?
-[Commander on phone] Yes, I'm
very tired of that man.
-He's the most
dangerous one of all.
-Yeah, I agree.
[Commander on phone] Maintain
order. We have to be tough.
-If we allow Estonian
freedom, everybody wants it.
-Mm-hmm.
-Am I understood?
-Completely.
[puts phone down]
♪ [Johann Strauss II -
"The Blue Danube"] ♪
[sound of ice skating]
-Hello.
-Hello.
Oh, she's perfect.
Yes, maybe to the untrained eye,
but to the Olympic com--
May I speak with
her a moment?
No. You aren't supposed to come
here while we are working.
But she's my daughter,
this is very important.
More important than her
Olympic performance?
-One minute.
-Noo!
-Thirty seconds?
-Hmm. And not
one more.
She has to keep
her muscles warm.
Daddy what are you doing here?
Is something wrong?
-Natasha you promised me you
would see Jaan anymore.
-But I haven't
seen him in weeks.
-You swear.
-Of course.
-He's been
arrested again.
Um, so what?
Natasha, anyone who associates
with the anthem is an enemy of
the state.
Daddy I not stupid I'm not a
little girl anymore. I'm
stronger than you now
-and you, for whom I
win my gold medal.
-No.
-Not for silver, it's for you.
-Silver?
Silver? No. Gold,
or nothing.
I'm sorry. I know I
shouldn't worry.
-[Natasha] I am a loyal citizen
of the Soviet Union.
-I knew I could trust you.
♪ [Johann Strauss II -
"The Blue Danube" continues] ♪
Now you see what
you have done?
-Oh.
-[baby makes a noise]
You go, go, go go.
[door closes]
Well you look alright.
-They'll never hit you in
the face you know.
-[laughs]
I am going to get
Velliste's daughter.
Don't touch my
back today.
-Why are we rushing? What
time does the store open?
-At 9.
Well it's only 7, why
are we rushing?
If we are not among the first
in line, there won't be any
meat left.
-I didn't even have my coffee.
-[sniffles]
-Can we get some coffee?
-[laughing]
-Where's the store?
-Ahh, around the corner.
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
Aunt Marta why do
you live here?
Daddy keeps begging you to
come to America. Why don't
you just come?
This is my home.
But you have
nothing here.
[laughs] My dear, dear Sylvia,
you came to me like an answered
prayer after all these years.
How could I have
wished for more? Hmm?
-[sighs] How do you do that?
-Do what?
Make me feel so selfish.
[both laugh]
Arkush. Ahh, good
morning Tiina. Me too.
I can still smell your
perfume on my hands.
That would be lovely. You know
how I look forward to every
moment we can share.
Uh, I had them just
both released.
I wouldn't have held them at
all, but you know how that
would have looked.
It's difficult when you
don't know who's really
in charge anymore.
-What time does the store open?
-I told you, at 9.
-It's gotta be past 9 by now.
-They open whenever they want.
♪ [dramatic romantic music] ♪
Would you mind if I took a
little walk and got some coffee?
Not at all. Just be careful.
Do you have your passport?
-Yeah.
-Don't get lost.
Okay. I'll be fine.
[Jaan] Come here.
-Does anyone know
you have the star?
-No. I don't think so.
The Soviets will kill
you if they find out.
-Then why did you risk your
life to steal it?
-[laughs]
-Because I am one
of God's fools.
-Aren't you afraid of them?
No, no. What more could
they do to us? I think
they are afraid of me.
-Come, someone wants
desperately to meet you.
-No, no I gotta get back.
-He's an old friend of
your father's Sylvia.
-How did you know my name?
The arrival of Victor Velliste's
daughter in Tallinn, is big
news.
-To whom?
-Come.
Look I'm sorry, I'm afraid
I'm an All-American coward.
-I received a letter
from your father.
-From my father?
Yes, come. I'll
keep you safe.
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
-Here she is.
-[crowd chatter]
Sylvia Velliste. Marta
Velliste's niece.
Victor Velliste's daughter.
Is it possible?
Could I have dreamed, when
they persuaded Victor to
slip across the borders
that he would send this
beautiful child back to us?
Ilmar. You're Ilmar.
Oh! We have this picture of
you on this row boat when
you were both young
and he used to tell me stories
at bedtime about, about, about,
about summers on
your father's farm.
He stole your mother from
me when I was 11. I've
never forgiven him.
[both laughing]
-Is she still beautiful?
-[gasps] Mom?
[crying] You know she's mom.
She's great, she's--
I'm sorry, I left without
saying goodbye, suddenly
I miss her-- Tiina!
I'm surprised you're
here. So you really
are a Velliste.
You won't tell Aunt Marta
I'm here, will you? [sniffs]
My lips are sealed.
-[laughs]
-They want to meet you.
-They've all heard the stories
of Victor Velliste.
-[Sylvia saying hello]
How he laid down in front of
their tanks. How he cried out
against them in the church.
Until they locked the doors.
[Jaan] How they fought them
in the hills with the
Forest Brothers
-when he was only 12 years old.
-He was 12?
My father's this ponchy guy in
Brooklyn, he's a music teacher.
What, what are they doing here?
[Jaan] Ah, they're sewing
together our national flag.
Come.
I promised him that I would have
a chat with you. We'll be back.
-Go on.
-Jaan said my father
wrote to you.
Under Stalin that letter would
have sent me to Siberia.
-Under Gorbachev, we've a
tiny glimmer of hope.
-[Sylvia laughs]
-You really think so?
-Ha, I hope so.
Just as I thought.
This whole trip is a punishment.
I'm so mad at him for sending me
here.
I mean, why did he have to tell
you that I flunked school and
that I'm irresponsible?
You haven't read
the last line.
How dare he write that!
-What?
-That I don't believe in God.
-Well do you?
-Yes I believe in something.
-What do you mean something?
-Myself.
Look, Pastor, you seem
like a great guy and I
mean no disrespect,
but if my father sent me all
this way just to listen to
some sermon,
-Then I'm afraid he
wasted his money.
-[laughing]
I hate sermons.
So you're only listening
to your heart?
Yes, and my heart tells me to
look at what a mess this
world is in.
And you blame God
for this mess?
Do you see any sign
of him fixing it?
Of course. That's why there
are churches. That's why
there are religions.
As long as people have been able
to think, they've believed in
some kind of god.
You're a pastor, you're
supposed to believe it.
[laughs] No.
I believe...
that timed history is
wiser than I am
and we are.
But this other
government doesn't.
If people are denied religious
freedoms, they have no freedom
at all
-and in a way, you
think like the Soviets.
-I don't!
Yes you do in your
heart you do.
I believe in my right not to
believe and forgive me I didn't
sleep at all last night.
-[sighs] I really resent my
father for sending me here.
-[laughing]
-He loves you.
-He loves me too much.
You're as passionate
as he is.
Well sometimes children have to
forgive their parents.
I don't want to forgive him.
He can't protect me forever.
No. Only God can
protect you here.
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
♪ [Marta playing piano] ♪
Let's do better.
♪ [boy student playing piano] ♪
-Miss Marta, why
are you so nervous?
-I'm not nervous.
I'm worried.
♪ [boy student playing piano] ♪
I want to play.
♪ [girl student playing piano] ♪
[clank]
[Jaan] Hmm. It is very simple.
The Estonian words for freedom
and Christmas are formed into
the cross.
It's beautiful.
-The Soviets forbid us to
celebrate Christmas you know?
-I know.
Why is that?
Ha, they don't want the world
to know, that in spite of
their lies,
we still believe in something
far greater than Communism.
But this year, go willing, we
are going to defy them, openly
with a nation-wide celebration.
They control the media, therefor
we must depend on these posters
and word of mouth.
-First batch goes up tonight.
-[crowd chatter]
Come now. I must
take you home.
-No.
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
I wanna stay.
But you can't.
I wanna help.
[Jaan] Do you know what
you are doing?
[Sylvia] What do you mean, do
I know what I'm doing?
I'm a Velliste aren't I?
♪ [triumphant music] ♪
♪ [triumphant political music] ♪
God bless you.
You did a very brave
thing tonight.
-Thank you--
-It was nothing.
I'm glad I could help.
Well it is not only your
actions, it is...
that Victor Velliste's sent you
to us. It has great...
symbolic meaning.
Victor Velliste would ground
me for a month if he knew
what I did tonight.
No, I don't think so.
I have to go.
What is it?
Nothing.
I was just thinking that they
don't make guys like you in
Brooklyn.
♪ [dramatic romantic music] ♪
-[Marta] Where have you been?
-[Sylvia] I can explain.
[Marta] You know how much danger
there is on the streets
for an American girl
this late at night?
[Sylvia] I'm beginning to.
So, this is what your
father has to put up with?
I'm going to bed.
[blows out candle]
I was with Jaan.
-He took me to the school
to meet Pastor Harmon--
-At the school?!
I forbid you to have
anything to those people.
You don't support
the Resistance?
-I have devoted myself to
the Resistance in the past.
-Then what's the point?
I promised your father that it
is safe for you to come here.
You're my responsibility. And
I intend to send you back to
your father alive.
[Sylvia] How old were you when
you joined the Resistance?
16. But understand me,
I've seen more.
-I knew more about survival
at 16 than you will ever--
-Then teach me.
No! No! These are things the
average American girl--
I am not the average American
girl. I am Victor Velliste's
daughter.
-And for the first time in my
life, I know what that means.
-Do you?
[sighs] Do you?
Yes.
And so do you.
Then may God
help us both.
It's weird you know, back home
all the streets would have
Christmas decorations up by now
I mean there'd be red and
white lights and stars
and little angels
and everything that would shock
them. Christmas is the biggest
shopping event of the year.
-Oh look.
-Oh no.
[sound of trucks]
[truck horn]
[brakes hissing]
[soldiers yelling]
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
See how we frighten them.
How are you?
I'm alright.
You're looking well.
Who's that girl
talking to Jaan?
[Marta] Natasha Omeltchenko.
Probably the very best figure
skater this country has ever
known.
-She's beautiful.
-She's very beautiful.
Sylvia...
I think you are jealous.
[laughs]
Everyone tells me you're
working very hard.
Yes. Night and day.
Me too.
[Mr. Omeltchenko] Well, we are
already late Natasha.
Nice to see you
Mr. Omeltchenko.
They were engaged, and then
she was given an ultimatum
by Moscow.
The Olympic committee.
[Marta whispering] Really the
KGB choose young.
No contest for me. I'm an awful
skater anyway. [laughs]
[posters tearing]
Leave them. You have no
right to do that.
Leave them posters alone-- Ohh!
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
I have a grandson.
Like you. Same age.
[yelling from crowd]
[rocks hitting soldier]
[crowd yelling louder]
[soldiers blowing whistles]
[glass smashing]
What's happening?
[men yelling]
[car crashes to ground]
♪ [dramatic music intensifies] ♪
[people yelling]
[soldiers blowing
whistles]
[body smashes glass]
[people yelling]
[glass smashing]
[thud]
[thud]
[people yelling]
[glass smashing]
[falling impact]
[thud]
[people yelling]
[glass smashing]
[Jaan] Come on. Follow me.
Follow me.
[people yelling]
[glass smashing]
♪ [dramatic music intensifies] ♪
[glass smashing]
[people yelling]
[Jaan] Let's go.
[door closes]
[thud]
[thud]
Let them go.
-[Jaan] You're safe now.
-[Marta] Come.
-Can I see you again?
-[Sylvia] Yes.
-Tomorrow night?
-[Sylvia] No tonight.
-[Marta] Come on. We need to
get out of here. Come on.
-[Sylvia] Where? Where?
Here.
[T.V. reporter
speaking in Russian]
What is he saying?
[Marta] The state committee
announced the curfew from
6 o' clock in the evening
until 9 o' clock in
the morning so--
[Sylvia] So we can't
go out, right?
You can't. Another one of
their stupid curfews.
-Can, can we make
some coffee please?
-Sure.
You know, we were
very lucky today.
We could have been killed if
Jaan hadn't spotted us.
Tell me about Jaan. Who is he?
I mean, where does he come from?
It's pointless to love a man
like Jaan Toome, unfortunately.
No I barely even know him.
[Marta] I have eyes, and so does
every tree, every shadow, every
window in this town.
He's a target. At best he'll
break your heart. At worst--
Do you think that any of that
really matters to me?
His father resisted them. He was
taken to prison and disappeared.
And so Jaan lives
only for vengeance.
I love him. I think that
I love him.
Oh, what a big word. You know
what I'm going to do? I'm
going to send you back home.
-I won't go.
-You have to.
-You don't understand!
-No you don't understand!
-No I mean me! You
don't understand me!
-I do! Sylvia!
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
-[Marta] Wait! Sylvia wait!
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
♪ [dramatic romantic music] ♪
[Sylvia] I'm here.
I need to talk to you.
Do you like me? Because tell me
now and I'll go on with my life.
Follow me. Not too close.
Wait here.
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
-[light switch clicks]
-[Jaan] Please come in.
Sit down.
-[Sylvia] Can I shut the door?
-Yes.
-Sit. Make yourself at home.
-[door closes]
-You still have my jacket.
-Oh yeah.
-I'm sorry about that.
-Sorry?
-It costs a month's salary
to the average person.
-You'll get it back.
It's hiding your star
at the moment.
-Does Marta know?
-No, Marta does not know.
-Good. Would you like some tea?
-No thanks.
Well I will have some tea.
What are all these books?
Uh, medical text, I was
studying to be a doctor and
when I became involved in the
student movement, they kicked
me out of school.
-Why didn't you just
go to another one?
-Ha! That is impossible.
-Why?
-Because I, I'm blacklisted.
By who?
I'll give you
three guesses.
So, what eh, what do you
need to talk to me about?
Aunt Marta wants to send
me back to America.
-Good.
-Good?
-Yes. I think it's best.
-Best?
[sighs] Sylvia,
there's going to be trouble.
We will have a demonstration,
the Soviets will not tolerate
this.
It's going to be bloody. Ugly.
I don't want to see you hurt.
-Are you afraid?
-[laughs]
-For me?
-Of course.
-But fear is only an emotion.
-Like love.
-Yes like love.
-You care for me.
[sighs] Sylvia,
They are watching you. They
want you. You must leave.
-Do you have feelings for me?
-[slams cup down]
My affections bring danger to
those I care for.
Is it that girl? Natasha?
-I mean do you, do you love her?
-No!
I cannot love anyone!
I should go.
You can't leave.
Not before daylight. It's too
dangerous with the curfew.
Then what? What?... What?
Then you will sleep here. Sleep
up there, I'll sleep here.
-Where?
-On the floor.
[laughs] Don't be silly.
What's up there?
-It's my bedroom.
-Can I see it?
[Sylvia] Come show me.
It's dark up here.
Where's the light?
There is no light. I don't need
a light to sleep.
-Do you play the guitar?
-[Jaan] Yes.
Do you use
this weapon?
I hope I never have to. I don't
believe in violence.
♪ [romantic piano music] ♪
[zipper sound]
So peaceful.
I'm freezing.
What?
I was just thinking...
there aren't many girls like
you in Tallinn.
♪ [romantic piano
music continues] ♪
[fire crackling]
[Marta] I made a fire.
It's much warmer out today.
-I was with Jaan.
-Some things need not
be spoken.
It's not what you think.
I know. I'm not here
to judge you Sylvia.
-I'm here to pro--
-Protect me.
Some things need
not be spoken.
I really think you
should leave Sylvia.
If they suspect you, they will
throw you out of the country.
If they have even a
shred of proof.
-He loves me.
-[sighs]
It's a very dangerous
situation Sylvia.
-I mean your life is in danger.
-He loves me. And I love him.
Then go where it's safe
and wait for him.
He'll never come.
You're right.
He'll never come.
[Marta] Look what I found.
[Marta laughing]
You asked me why didn't I
follow your father when
he fled to Sweden?
Come with me. Come on.
-[bus engine]
-[Sylvia] Where are we going?
What is this place?
[Marta] It's a quarry.
[Sylvia] And the
factory we passed?
[Marta] It's a quarry where
they mine phosphors.
[Sylvia] And the candles.
Who put the candles out?
[Marta] I don't know.
[Marta] Here, somewhere around
here, nobody knows where,
are the bodies of 14
Estonian soldiers.
One of them, he was a
music student with me
at the conservatory,
the finest pianist I
have ever heard.
He was [indistinguishable] but,
He was... beautiful.
And I really did love him with
all of my heart.
One day they came and arrested
his father and mother.
We never learned why. We never
knew what happened to them.
And so he decided to join the
Resistance. The Forest Brothers.
-There was a battle. Here.
-Where?
Here and those 14 brave, young
Estonians were shot dead.
There bodies are somewhere
here. In the grave. Maybe
right where we stand.
-Nobody knows
where they're buried?
-No. He was one of them.
I understand now.
This is a monument.
Look. There. All their
names. all the team.
I can't read it, it's faded.
Enno here. His name was
Enno, and I loved him.
Your father begged me to come
with him. He said that they
would kill him, and they did.
He said "Marta, you're
only a girl." [laughs]
"and you will be a widow all
of your life if you stay."
-[Sylvia] But you loved him.
-Of course. I still do.
You did the right thing.
I've been unhappy all my life.
I don't want that for you.
But it's different now.
It's changing.
-What are we against
the Soviet army?
-Enno didn't die for nothing.
And you haven't been so unhappy
for nothing. It's coming.
Freedom is coming. Believe me
you can feel it everywhere.
I have no hope anymore.
There's enough hope in me
for the both of us.
You really think I did
the right thing?
-With all of my heart.
-[laughing]
♪ [Vladimir Vysotsky
- "Black Jackets"] ♪
[Marta] No. Not so close.
[rock hits star]
[music stops]
[wind blowing]
The Baltic situation took
another turn for the
worse last night
with major unrest on the
streets of Tallinn, Estonia.
[over T.V.] A popular
demonstration was broken
up by the Russian forces.
[Arkush] I agree
whole-heartedly. I
assure you kommissar.
You cannot allow such a riot
again Arkush. No matter what.
This entire country sits on
dynamite. Every ethnic group
is watching the Baltics now.
Stupid Gorbachev and
his idiotic Glasnost.
He's the fool that started all
this and we have to crush it.
[Arkush] Yes sir, but arresting
their leaders at this time would
be a serious mistake.
[T.V. turns off]
The riot was very spontaneous.
I don't know what they're
planning, but I'll keep
my people watching.
-I trust your judgement.
Don't disappoint me.
-[phone clicks]
[phone clicks]
[office noise]
[busy office noise]
[people speaking Russian]
[laughs]
Blessed are the peacemakers
[laughs]
for they shall be called
the children of God.
[telephone ringing
in background]
[door opens]
-Alexander.
-What are you
doing here?
The meeting lasted much
longer than I expected.
-You know I love you, but
you shouldn't come here.
-[pats back]
I had to come here. This
is very important.
But I worried about you.
At least you should
respect the curfew.
I don't care about the curfew.
The Pastor has decided to
split up the organization
to increase security.
And suddenly I find
myself isolated from
the decision makers.
-They suspect you?
-I don't think so.
It's just security precaution.
Since you had the Pastor and
Jaan arrested.
-So it's your fault darling.
-In other words you failed me.
[kissing] In one way, yes.
-But in another...
-You stupid woman.
-I was counting on you.
-But I did everything I
could.
Alright. Go back to them. Die
with them. I have no further
use for you.
Maybe, I'll have to
find somebody else.
[Arkush exhales]
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
♪ [girl student playing piano] ♪
[Sylvia] Aunt Marta I wrote this
letter to Daddy, but I'm not
sure about it yet.
Can I read it to you?
[Marta] Shh. Yes.
[Sylvia] "Dear Daddy,
I know you won't like this
Daddy, but I've decided to stay
in Estonia for a bit longer.
Everybody talks about you here
and I've heard so many stories.
I understand you better now.
It looks like things are coming
together here and I want to be
part of it.
My life has a whole
new meaning now."
-[bad note
played on piano]
-[slaps hand]
Stop it!
"I've net a wonderful guy, Jaan
Toome. I'm sure he's as brave
as you were Daddy
and he's as protective
of me as you are.
Trust me, he is very
much like you Daddy."
"I'm also in love with him
and I think he loves me.
I will let you know how it
goes, but trust me, he's
just like you Daddy,
you would be proud
to know him."
So you see, she's a
rotten influence.
And of course you don't want
to jeopardize your career,
so I think I can count
on your cooperation
What will you do to Jaan?
Will you arrest him?
All I can promise you
is that I will be fair.
Do I have your cooperation?
Then get out.
[door opens]
[door closes]
Have a good work out.
♪ [Tchaikovsky - "Sleeping
Beauty - Act I, No.6 Grande
valse villageoise"] ♪
Welcome to the Union of
Soviet Social Republics.
That name is ridiculous you
know, not one of these Republics
joined the Union voluntarily.
Can we please talk about
something besides
politics? Please?
-Yes we can, we can talk
about Christmas.
-[laughs]
Oh great, politics too.
-So you're still
thinking of leaving?
-Are you kidding? Of course not.
But Sylvia you know this could
be very dangerous--
No buts, no buts. I feel like I
have to stay, I don't know why.
I just do.
And you understand the
consequences?--
Would you stop with the
consequences? All I know
is how I feel about you.
You surprise me.
Everything is set. We will
move on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve? That only
two days away.
I mean it they get violent, how
will we defend ourselves?
-With our hearts?
-What if we get killed?
-Then we will die together.
-[laughs] Oh great.
Come. Skate with me.
-I'm sorry.
-It's okay.
[Jaan] What? Now suddenly it
is safe for you to be seen
with me in public?
-Hah?
-Let's not talk
about the past.
What happened?
Tell me, what,
what happened?
You know I never would have
liked to. They made me do it.
They forced me to decide
between you and my career.
Everything I worked
so hard for.
♪ [classical music
gets louder] ♪
So you make your choice.
What do you want from me?
But I love you. I cannot
live without you.
Stop this Natasha, stop this!
Come. Not on the ice.
You must still care for me?
Don't you remember he great
times we had together?--
-I don't, I don't want to talk
about this now.
-When? When?
Tomorrow afternoon.
Outside the stadium.
-Do you love me?
-You know I love you.
Now go. Tell her.
♪ [Tchaikovsky - "Sleeping
Beauty - Act I, No.6 Grande
valse villageoise"] ♪
[Jaan] Sylvia. Sylvia wait!
[Jaan] No!
[skates cutting ice]
-So it's going to be a very very
-[door opens]
dangerous situation.
-[door closes]
-Sorry.
Marta.
Good to have you back.
Come. Join us.
[clapping]
[Pastor Harma] I was just
telling everyone how critical,
the next 24 hours will be.
We have information that
not only the army,
but the Black Berets
are on alert.
-And you know what that means.
-[Jaan] Death squads.
Let's just pray they don't
want another Hungary.
These leaflets announcing a
concert, have nothing to do
with the real action.
The concert is just a decoy.
Like this room.
All the signs here to
confuse the Russians.
The real action, will be
announced on Christmas Eve.
What will the
real action be?
That will be
kept a secret.
[brakes hissing]
[soldiers chattering]
[Pastor Harma] All we have to do
is delay Soviets from finding
out the real plan.
We just have to avoid...
a bloody confrontation.
Let's pray for this.
[marching up stairs]
[Pastor Harma] All mighty
God, please help us, to
worship you openly,
in a free and
decent society.
[marching up stairs]
[Pastor Harma] Give us the
strength of courage.
KGB! KGB!
[crowd chattering]
[marching up stairs]
[door slams]
[crowd chattering]
[shuffling around]
♪ [man singing and
playing piano] ♪
♪ [women join in singing] ♪
♪ [performers
continue singing] ♪
♪ [crowd begins
clapping to song] ♪
[applause]
[Marta] I hate this bureaucracy.
You stand in line for hours and
hours
and then finally someone
looks up at you ask for
a flight to New York
and then they say "You're
on the wrong line."
[Sylvia] Did you get it?
[Marta] Yeah. You're
on 6 o'clock flight
tomorrow morning.
-[Sylvia] Great.
-[Marta] I'm going
to miss you.
It's best.
It will be a great relief to
know that you are safe.
-[Sylvia] I wish I'd never come.
-Sorry you feel that way.
-[Sylvia] I really thought
that he was different.
-Jaan Toome,
He's one of the finest men
you'll ever know.
-[Sylvia] So now you
think that he's great?
-[Marta] Uh huh.
You'll remember that later.
-[Sylvia] He, he hurt me.
-[scoffing sigh]
You hurt yourself with this
unrealistic expectation.--
No. He manipulated me with all
that high-flung baloney about
freedom--
-[Marta] What high-flung bal--
-It's big talk. It's talk. I
don't know how to explain it.
-Was it high-flung baloney you
gave me at Enno's grave?
-No. Of course not.
So Enno and thousands
died for nothing?
-Because you had a
silly crush that ended.
-No, that's not what I meant.
-You are Velliste, aren't you?
-That I meant.
But I loved him and he
manipulated me!
Jaan Toome manipulated you?
-It's you, manipulated me.
-That's not true.
You walk a dream with me.
You walk a dream!
And then you gave me the courage
to fight again, but now I see
that it was [slap]
all high-flung baloney!
Based on childish...
infatuation.
-That's not true!
-Then stay here.
-Help us
-You want me to stay?
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
With all my heart.
Then I'll stay.
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
[car engine running]
[tires screech]
[Natasha] I was so afraid
you wouldn't come.
Wait! Jaan, please
let me explain.
Jaan, please.
Tovarish Kommissar, this is
certainly a surprise.
Until just half an hour ago, I
had no idea you were coming.--
What better way to
keep you honest.
What's the matter?
Where is your sense
of humor comrade?
I had to leave Moscow.
The politicians were
making me crazy.
We have to stop
[clears throat]
these Estonians right now.
right here. Otherwise, no
more Soviet Union.
Yes sir.
-Arrest the leaders.
-I will arrest them. Arrest
them, arrest them.
♪ [playing classical piano] ♪
Sylvia, come here. Play with me.
Well I only had a couple
of years lessons. I'm
not very good.
I don't care. Just come and play
with me. I just can't stand to
see you sad. Come.
Okay.
-Do you know chopsticks?
-Yeah, I think so.
-Let's do it.
-♪ [playing chopsticks] ♪
[laughing]
♪ [Marta singing the notes] ♪
[laughing]
[laughing]
[crowd talking]
[mutters]
Hi Eula.
[blowing]
What is Merry Christmas
in Estonian?
-häid jõule.
-häid jõule.
[both women] häid jõule. häid
jõule. häid jõule. häid jõule
[Sylvia] Aunt Marta
-Aren't these your students?
-[Marta] Oh, yeah.
-Where is your mommy?
-[girl] At home.
-[Marta] Are you
coming tonight too?
-[both kids] Yes.
[Marta] Great.
[army truck blasting horn]
[revving engine]
[army truck blasting horn]
[breaks hissing]
[engine cuts]
[door opens]
♪ [triumphant political music] ♪
[Man] Uugh.
Where's Jaan Toome?
Niet. Spread out and find him.
Now!
[soldier speaking in Russian]
-Run Jaan. Run.
-♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
[soldier yelling in Russian]
[Pastor Harma] Aagh!
[soldier speaking in Russian]
[soldiers yelling in Russian]
No! No! Get offa me!
-Sylvia!
-[Sylvia screaming]
Find him.
♪ [dramatic political
music continues] ♪
[crowd yelling]
[Pastor Harma grunting]
Sylvia!
[Sylvia] No! No!
Sylvia!
[Sylvia] No! Help me! No! No!
No!
[Marta] Sylvia!
[engine starts]
[doors close]
-[slapping truck]
-No! No! No! No!
I tried Sylvia!
God's behind you!
[screaming] Pastor!
[Commander] Where is the
priest?! The priest?!
The priest?!
-Here is the priest!
-Ha ha!
-Into the back room!
-Yes the priest!
-Must be something behind it!--
-Concert. Rock concert.--
-Rock concert?--
-[mumbles]
-[door opens]
-You have no right to
do this to me!
Sit her down.
[Sylvia crying]
You were seen distributing these
leaflets. What do they say?
[yelling] What do they say?!
Well, I assume you don't
understand Estonian like me.
You're American. You have
your passport? You have
your passport?!
Show me.
-Take off the handcuffs.
-[Sylvia grunts]
-[Sylvia crying]
-[handcuffs jingling]
[Sylvia breathing heavy]
[Arkush] When was this picture
taken? When was this picture
taken?!
I don't remember. Uh, if you
really wanna know, at
-4:15 on Saturday at
Brooklyn college.
-Very funny!
-There is no time for jokes!
-[hits clock]
You are beautiful.
-My father is Estonian.
-I know that.
[throws passport on desk]
The dissidents have taken
advantage of you.
Especially this eh, Jaan Toome.
I have read that in a letter you
sent to your father.
How did you get that letter?
So, I assume... they have taken
advantage of you.
No. I knew what I was doing.
[Pastor Harma screaming
from other room]
Stop them you pigs,
he's a priest!
-[thud]
-Ughh!
[Arkush] Are you crazy?!
Don't hurt her!
Out! Get out of here! Leave
us alone! Everybody! Out!
-You too! Out!
-[Sylvia crying]
I'm sorry.
I don't enjoy this.
Believe me.
But you can help me. And by
helping me, you can help
Pastor Harma.
I must know what is
planned for tonight.
Now... What is their plan?
-Sylvia Velliste. Tell me.
-♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
I don't know.
I really don't know.
[Natasha] Why?! Why are you
doing this to me?
What have I done Jaan?
You are hurting me.
[Marta] Pastor Harma and Sylvia
my niece were arrested. They're
in jail. Why?
But I had nothing to
do with it.
Why are you all looking
at me this way?
I'm innocent. I have no idea.
Liar. What were you doing with
Cnl. Arkush yesterday? What
did you say to him?
You've been informing on
us, haven't you?
I swear to you. I did nothing.
They came to me a few days ago.
And they said, I could have you
and my career if I help them.
[crying] They said I would lose
you forever to the American
girl if I didn't.
[crying] I love you Jaan.
I couldn't do it.
I said I would,
but I couldn't.
Prove it.
How?
Stand with us now and defy
them in the open.
Yes. Prove it.
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
Let's go.
Are you Estonians?
I said let's go.
Let's go.
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
[soldier grunts]
[door closes]
-Where's the broadcast studio?
-Second floor, to the left.
[running up steps]
♪ [dramatic music continues] ♪
[door opens]
[announcer speaking in room]
[announcer signs off like
nothing is wrong]
A-- attention. Attention. This
is Free Estonia Radio.
We have an announcement
for all patriots.
[Jaan over radio] The time has
come for us to make a stand,
for what we believe.
For what is right.
To take back what
was once ours.
Sir! Turn on the radio.
The parties are making an
announcement. They have
taken the radio station.
[radio clicks]
[Jaan over radio] Join us
tonight in a mass march
on the Dome Church.
We will celebrate Christmas for
the first time in 48 years--
The Dome Church. What
shall we do now?
[Jaan over radio]
God bless Estonia--
-Get out!
-♪ [dramatic music] ♪
-[alarm sounds]
What shall I do
with the girl?
They took the radio station!
-Sound the alarm!
-I know. I know.
-[alarm sounding]
-Take care of the priest.
What shall we do?
Shall we call Moscow?
[Commander] We don't need
to call Moscow. I know
what I'm doing.
[Arkush] If they don't back
down, are we ready to shoot?
[Commander] Absolutely.
♪ [sings to himself] ♪
-[Arkush] Are you sure?
-[Commander] Absolutely.
Call Moscow.
Get me Moscow.
Get me Moscow!
♪ [Commander sings to himself] ♪
-If we don't stop them now--
-The Soviet Union
will fall apart.
-It will fall apart anyway.
-What?!
Freedom is catching.
-♪ [Commander sings
to himself] ♪
-Moscow on the line.
Yes.
[Commander disappointed] Yes.
Yes sir.
Force.
Force!
Yes sir.
[phone hangs up]
Force.
[door opens]
[door closes]
♪ [dramatic piano music] ♪
[splash]
[Sylvia] What have
they done to you?
[Pastor Harma muttering] Prey.
I don't know how to prey.
[Pastor Harma muttering]
The lord...
is my shepherd.
Please God...
You can't die.
Please don't die.
[Sylvia] Our father, who art in
heaven. Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. [cries] Thy
will be done... on...
[Pastor Harma muttering]
[Sylvia] on earth... as it
is in heaven.
Give us this day, our
daily bread. [cries]
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who...
trespass against us,
Will you get him
some water please!
-[Sylvia] Please!
-[Pastor Harma moaning]
but deliver us from evil.
[cries]
No! Oh God no!
No. [crying]
For thine is the power,
For thine is the kingdom, the
power, and the glory,
from now until forever. [cries]
God I've been so selfish.
[cries]
But you have always been with
me. And if-- it's it's your
will, then I, I--
Then please comfort
those who love me.
[cries] Amen.
[cries]
-No, please don't.
-No. No, don't be afraid.
-[crying] No...
-I am Christian.
I am a Christian. Tonight is
Christmas. Please go. Go. Go.
-[crying]
-Go. Go.
♪ [dramatic music continues] ♪
♪ [Estonian band playing -
"Rockin' All Over The World"] ♪
[crowd cheering]
Our beloved Pastor
Harma is dead.
In his honor, and in the name
of all the people who are
fighting for freedom
I ask you to light a candle and
follow me to the Dome Church,
where we'll celebrate Christmas
-for the first time in 50 years!
-[crowd cheers]
[Marta] Remember Pastor Harma's
words, "no violence"
and please remember the
quotation he often used
'It's better to light candles,
than to curse the darkness."
-God bless Estonia.
-[crowd cheers]
♪ [triumphant music] ♪
[tank driving through crowd]
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
[doors close]
[Arkush speaking Russian]
Set up barricades.
Here an there.
-I said set up barricades!
-Yes sir.
[soldier] Set up barricades.
Set up barricades quickly!
[soldiers chattering]
♪ [dramatic political music] ♪
[tank engine]
What are you doing lying around?
Wake up! Wake up!
[soldiers shouting]
Go over there!
You, over there.
You, there.
[soldier shouting in Russian]
♪ [triumphant political music] ♪
♪ [dramatic music] ♪
Get out of my way.
♪ [triumphant political music] ♪
Don't let them
get too close.
-[gun cocks]
-[Arkush] Hold your fire.
-[Arkush] Ready.
-[gun cocks]
♪ [tense music] ♪
Tell them to fire!
[guns cocking]
Fire!
[music swelling]
Fire!
[Arkush] Shoot!
[gun drops down]
-♪ [triumphant music] ♪
-Shoot.
-Fire! Fire!
-Shoot!
Fire...
Fire! [struggling noises]
Fire! Shoot them down!
Fire! Fire! Fire!
♪ [crowd singing "O come
all ye faithful"] ♪
[shuffling of feet]
Fire! Fire!
♪ [crowd continues singing] ♪
Fire! Fire!
Don't let them
get too close.
[gates clang]
Fire! Shoot them down!
♪ [crowd continues singing] ♪
[wind blowing]
♪ [crowd singing
"Silent Night"] ♪
[chain cuts]
[chain shuffles]
[doors open]
[feet shuffling]
♪ [crowd continues singing] ♪
[feet shuffling]
♪ [crowd continues singing] ♪
♪ [crowd continues singing] ♪
[car pulls away]
Good luck in Moscow sir.
♪ [crowd finishes singing] ♪
♪ [Gospel singer performing
"Silent Night"] ♪
♪ [Gospel singer performing
"Silent Night"] ♪
♪ [Multicom Entertainment
Group jingle] ♪