Cosy Dens (1999) Movie Script

Czech Television

Total HelpArt T.H.A.

Film Company

present

WINTER 1967

in-between times

It was Christmas 1967.

I was about to turn sixteen.

I was hopelessly in love

and I wanted to die.

Come on Boris.

The girls are cold.

- This way. This is great.

- Open it.

- Tamara!

- Wait a minute.

- Take care.

- Thank you very much.

- All the best.

- Thank you.

- This is for you.

- Come on Boris, hurry up.

- Thank you Boris.

- Come on, let's go...

I give the Bolsheviks one year.

Two at the most.

Hello.

- What're you doing?

- Merry Christmas.

Are you nuts?

How can you be so cruel?

How can you be so cold?

C O S Y D E N S

I bought here guitar because

of you

And spent each cent of

daddy's heard earned pay

And thought the work to make it

wasn't through

I already knew the song

I'd like to play

Story by

Executive Producer

Director of Photography

Written by

Directed by

Menu: Monday - breakfast:

tea, bread and butter.

Bro...

Mom, my brother's dead!

Mom, he's not moving. It's true,

Dad. Mom, he's dead...

You idiot!

- You have nothing to do today?

- I got you again.

You won't be pissing me off

for long, you bastard.

Speaking. I read you.

Roger. Give me extension 205.

Put it on.

It's major Sebek speaking,

get the menu ready!

What menu? I didn't say that.

- You said it.

- You made a mistake.

Okay, I made a mistake. I'm

preparing a menu for the kids...

Get the reports ready.

Over and out.

- What's for lunch today?

- Stop screaming and go read it.

Are we having

tomato sauce again?

- What do you see?

- Chicken.

So you see.

This is ridiculous.

His family destroys

an architectural work

and replaces it with a tank!

Do five more for me.

One... two... three...

Five...

- Jindra!

- Six...!

Seven... I said ten!

- You said five.

- I said five but I meant ten.

Come on, slowly.

Do you know that one man had the

hiccups for 13 straight years?

Come on, girls...

Hello!

- Hi, aunt.

- At school call me teacher.

Comrade teacher.

Tell your parents we'll come

visit the day after tomorrow.

- What time should I come?

- Come at three.

Will you be

alone for Christmas?

Not really. I have

a projector and a piano.

- Otherwise it sucks here.

- Thanks for the compliment.

You have a package from America.

- It's from your parents, huh?

- Yeah.

They're awesome.

Nice boots.

They'd look good on my mom.

You're full of shit.

Look at your shoes.

Come on in!

Do you have a ticket?

- Elien looks like Jean Marais.

- I hope this one'll be better.

It's so cool

that they show this.

Did you know

Jean Marais likes boys?

- Really?

- He's kidding.

You mentioned the resemblance...

- You mean Elien is...

- A fagot... gay...

Quiet!

- Hi.

- So I look like Jean Marais?

- Jirina said that.

I told you not to bike on ice,

but you didn't listen.

They were kissing, kissing

for so damn long!

Why are you running

in the house.

Didn't I tell you to get

a haircut for Christmas?

- It's like Aesop's hair.

- Esau's dad.

Him too.

Go and vacuum!

Don't just hang around!

Let me help you.

- Why isn't aunt Eva coming?

- She'll come on Christmas Day.

- She has a visitor today.

- Comrade teacher?

Damn, I hope it fits now...

Yes, comrade teacher.

Love is fatal disease

Each has his own

heart's ease

Listen to how I myself

found release

Merry Christmas!

One moment, please.

- Pet'a, hurry up.

- It's occupied.

For how long?

A while.

It's free.

- What stinks in here?

- The heather. Just my luck.

Jesus Christ was born,

let us be merry

the bud bloomed into a rose,

let us enjoy it.

Of pure life, of royal family

he was born for us...

He was born for us...

She's smiling. See?

She's smiling!

And if they splashed boiling

oil in my face she'd be what?

She'd be smiling!

And it's actually so simple.

It was supposed to be a C minor

but what did we hear instead?

The butcher smiles in spite

of her sub-normal intelligence

and hangs out with a local freak

right under her father's eyes.

You could beat her to death,

and still she'd play...

And it's actually so simple.

Jesus Christ was born...

He was born for us!

- I don't have an ear for music!

- My own blood doesn't hear it?

Your mother

and I have perfect pitch!

You do it on purpose!

Play it again!

- Are you feeling better today?

- Yes. Don't worry. It's okay.

- It's better today.

- I think I said something!

Saboteurs.

- We bring you news...

- Mom.

- Hi.

- Welcome.

- Boza.

- Oh please, give it to me.

Come on, young man.

- Sing a carol for us.

- Jesus Christ was born...

Shut up. Can't you at least stop

these political provocations

at Christmas.

- No betting today, guys.

- Vaclav! Grandma!

My beloved sister in law.

- Where's your sister?

- She'll come tomorrow.

- She has a serious date tonight.

- Thank God she has a man!

- A biology teacher!

- You are absolutely radiant.

- Really? I feel completely...

Come have a look.

For God sake, take it out.

Wait, calm down!

I'll take it out.

You always get me!

What a Christmas...

Wait. Take your shoes off here!

We have a new carpet.

- It's Christmas Eve.

- Shut up. Take your shoes off.

- Did you get these at work?

- No way. They're brand new.

You see brother.

He's a biology teacher.

He will explain that four

meter tall bear to you.

I'm just saying what the TV said.

A kodiak bear is 3.7 meters tall.

- Will you have a shot?

- Sure.

Three meters seventy...

Three meters seventy.

That's like an African elephant!

- So what?

- Boys, please...

You can't believe

everything they say on TV.

I just said that they said

it rises on its hind legs

and measures three meters

seventy. Maybe more!

Don't believe the hype.

I'm one meter eighty five.

- I'm one eighty three. So what?

- Get on my back.

- Stop it.

- Try to touch the ceiling.

Try it and when you touch it,

we will see how big

your kodiak bear is.

Watch out. The kodiak is coming.

I'll climb up. Hold on to this.

Okay. Be careful. Wait...

Now I have to get on you

somehow.

You gotta get on

your back legs...

You're the back legs,

I'm raising my front paws.

Stand still. Be careful.

I'm going up.

- Come on, idiot.

- Jesus.

Make a mark there.

How am I supposed

to make a mark?

- Use your claw.

- He's nuts. Jesus...

Uzlinka, hand me a fork.

- Growl dad.

- What did you say?

- Growl.

- I'll show you once I get down.

Hand it to me carefully

so you don't get hurt.

- I got it. I'll make a mark.

- Didn't you already have enough?

- Quit staring and measure it.

- And the magic word?

- Excuse me?

- The magic word!

I'll kill you, you bastard.

Hold on.

- Hi.

- What's up?

- Elien is sorry.

Every year's the same.

- He admitted he went too far.

- It's okay.

He's sending you this

to make up for it.

Thanks.

Jindriska!

We haven't poured the lead yet!

- Lead's dead.

- We're measuring a bear.

- See you.

- Merry Christmas.

Damn women! Don't touch me!

Am I at the sink yet?

What can you see, Jindrich?

I give the Bolsheviks one year.

Two at the most.

- Beautiful, isn't it?

- Yeah.

- Don't you think it's magic?

- I do.

Look.

I love glass.

I always wanted a paperweight.

- It's not just a paperweight.

- What is it then?

A kodiak bear...

I heard one man had the hiccups

for 13 straight years.

Can't you hold your breath

for a little while?

As a boy I could stay under

water for a minute and a half.

Under water. You can't breathe

through the skin and pores.

- Stop it!

- It's a piece of cake.

Pet'a said that pearl divers can

stay under water for 15 minutes.

Come on, that's impossible.

- Why not?

- Fifteen minutes?

- Sure.

- You can't even last a minute.

Why couldn't I last a minute?

- Come on, boys.

- Well? Let's try it.

From now on I won't argue,

I'll bet.

- One crown for every second.

- Okay.

Anything under a minute is yours,

anything over is mine. Deal?

Let's go.

- Three, two, one...

- You have to follow me.

- Okay, you say it.

- Ready, steady, go!

- Finished?

- Not yet.

Not at all. Hold your nose!

Plug your nostrils.

Okay, I'll plug my nose.

It's not such a big deal.

Ready, steady, go!

He's breathing.

I can hear him breathe.

He's breathing.

I can see it. I can hear it. I'm

not timing you. You can breathe.

I'm finished. It's off.

I'm not timing you.

He's getting red.

Come on, brother. A blood vessel

in your brain might burst.

You're not young anymore.

You'll crumple like a leaf.

He's a dumb ass.

- He'd be willing to kill himself.

- How long did he last?

- No good. He isn't under water.

- What do you mean?

- It's like biking down a hill.

- What do you mean?

- You don't need to peddle!

- Do you peddle under water?

- What's under the tree?

- I wished for a crossbow.

Oh no, a crossbow?

Let's go to the bathroom!

Excuse me, little girl.

Boys!

Excuse me, bigger girl.

You see. He isn't breathing.

One minute one second.

I owe you a crown!

That was incredible, man!

You're an amphibian!

What did you make for dinner?

The carp is still in the tub!

I bought one already sliced

two days ago.

You mean you can kill the carp?

Your dad isn't around anymore.

You can't, huh?

Let's remember those who can't

be at our Christmas table.

Let's sit in silence and pray

for those who died in the war

and for my tortured friends

from the resistance movement.

Our father who art in heaven

Hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come,

thy will be done

On earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those

Who trespass against us...

Amen.

Enjoy your meal.

Merry Christmas!

Uzlinka!

A crossbow!

- Who gave it to her?

- Santa Claus.

He still uses

the same wrapping paper.

I wonder what this is, mom.

- You know what it is.

- No, I don't.

Oh boy!

Genuine Stolichnaya vodka!

- Don't open it now!

- Is it from Uncle Boris?

The tree holder's from Uncle

Boris. He'll be back in summer.

I wonder what this is.

Thanks, dad.

Pretty good, huh?

This is something

for mom from dad.

- Drinking glasses?

- Go ahead. Shake it.

We needed these badly!

Ours are already broken.

That's right.

Ours are already broken.

Did you notice anything

unusual about these glasses?

- They're light.

- This is...

This is not funny.

Just watch, you heckler!

What happens when you drop

an ordinary glass on the floor?

- It breaks.

- Exactly. It breaks.

An ordinary glass will break.

That's how it used to be.

But then a couple of smart guys

got together...

Stop grinning!

It's no coincidence that

they all came from Poland.

- Socialist Poland!

- I see.

Madam Curie-Sklodowska, or

Glass-ska came from Poland.

Well...

- It's unbreakable glass.

- What do you mean?

It's a miracle.

Can I try it?

Lida!

- How hard can I smash it?

- Go all the way, girl!

The glassmakers

won't have anything to eat.

Granny...

It means we're one step

ahead of them!

- How did you like the test?

- It wasn't hard enough.

You think so?

Okay then. Go ahead, big man!

Who do you think you're helping?

The other side?

Did you notice the weird shards?

They're round like flowers,

and don't cut you!

Really. I've never seen

anything like that.

This is strange. It's four of us

at the table all year around,

and we've got five of them.

It means one try

for everybody, right?

HOLD ON, PIONEER!

- What is it?

- It's a very interesting thing.

I bought it during

a fellowship in Kiev.

- Do you know Kiev?

- Yes, I do.

It's a beautiful city.

Everything is new.

That's where I got this thing

"Hold on, pioneer. "

- Do you understand?

- Yes.

It's a toy that makes boys

like you over there stronger.

It hurts!

- Are you okay Pet'a?

- It just numbs you a bit.

The object and fun of the game

is to hold on. Turn it on!

Turn it on,

grit you teeth and hold on.

Why are you shaking so much?

Because electric power's

running inside me.

- So let go of it.

- I can't.

Electric power's running in me.

The boy has to turn it off.

- Turn it off, Pet'a.

- Turn it off for a minute.

Turn it off!

- Well...?

- I don't think it's a safe toy.

I'm a biology teacher, I know

what I can take. Come try it.

- I don't want to.

- Take it. It's fun.

- I just grab it. Turn it on.

- But not too much!

He can turn it all the way up,

it doesn't matter.

- It's not doing anything.

- It can't. We're not touching.

The bodies are touching...

Blooming in May...

- Exciting, huh?

- It hurts.

It's beautiful, Vilma!

I don't deserve such a thing.

But the gift that brings

the most happiness

is one made by a man himself.

That's right. It's for me?

Thank you, Jindrich.

Jack of all trades, right?

Is it a dog?

- It's a camel!

- Where did you learn this?

At camp during the war.

I even made bread chess once.

- From white and black bread?

- No from soggy war rations!

You are looking

at the origins of life.

It began here and its apex is

our existence. It's a miracle!

I've got Gott's 45! Come on.

- Something really stinks here.

- Frankincense.

Come on, frankincense

can't smell that bad.

- Are you nuts?

- Screwing is for kids.

Men will drink! Right?

- Now something stinks here.

- Drop it, mother.

I'll show you something

you've never seen before.

For God Sake, Bohous...

Stop it!

Quiet! Do you know what

soldiers in a trench do

when they need to warm up...

- What?

- Does anybody know?

They... name... bullets...

individually...

- Name bullets individually?

- What?

You won't do that.

- Marshall Malinovsky!

- Brother.

- Dad!

- What?

You're the man!

Hands up!

I promote you to the position

of poster of bulletins.

- Let's have a drink.

- Later.

Let's light the frankincense.

Just for the smell...

- Is doing it on Christmas O.K.?

- Yes, it is.

You're my best present, Eva.

I'm going to unwrap you.

Raise your hands...

Bend forward...

Come on... sit down.

- I'll take your shoes off first.

- Wait. Give me that shoe!

Now the other shoe.

Shoes, beautiful legs...

Do you see it, Eva?

Do you like it?

Take it in your hands

and just feel the energy.

- I don't want it.

- Come on, take it.

I'm praying on my knees.

Feel the energy.

And now your earring

like icing on a cake.

- Isn't this exciting?

- I don't know. I feel sick.

- Mom...

- Yes!

Hurry! Turn the light off!

- Teacher, can I ask something?

- Yes.

- Does shit burn?

- Pet'a!

- What's he saying?

- Does shit burn?

Camel shit does,

for example. It's true.

It's true.

Do you know what time it is?

- What time is it?

- It's late.

We said we would always

choose dads together.

Go to bed or I'll take away

your microscope

and you'll get it back at

the end of the school year!

Don't look at me and go!

Good night. Be a good boy.

So I'm being interviewed

for the position of father.

I'm making a nice Christmas Eve

for the incomplete family.

I'm making fiction, some kind

of illusion for the boy,

a sixth-grader

who is going to judge me.

He will decide whether we can

spend a couple of hours in bed.

I came

with the offer of quality sex.

Bamboo chopping...

the milk & water position...

Long hours of homework all

in vain. All because of your...

- Good night.

- Come on, Sasa.

- Don't force yourself.

- I'm not forcing myself.

Just be quiet and quick, please.

- Eva...

- Quickly.

- Are you sure you want it?

- I'm sure.

- You know, Eva...

- Ouch! -Sorry!

- It's okay.

- You make me infinitely happy.

That's good, Sasa.

- I'll be quiet, don't worry.

- Quiet and quick.

Eva...

What is it?

Damn it! I've had enough of

this. This is pissing me off...

Mom!

I will...

Who's this ugly hippie here?

You mean Gagarin's brother?

I wanted to pass

the bulletin board on to you.

You bastard!

- How high is it, doctor?

- Higher than last time.

We've got to do something about

your blood pressure.

Two or three days

at our clinic would help.

I can't do that.

- Are you taking those pills?

- Sometime I forget.

You mustn't.

They're very important.

Let's have something stronger

before lunch, professor.

I have 12 year old, 60 % plum

brandy from doctor Vacenovsky.

- Vilma, have a thimbleful.

- Mrs. Vilma can't drink.

- But professor...

- Her blood pressure is too high.

- I'll drink for mom.

- This isn't eggnog, young lady.

This is a man's drink! Do you

actually know how to drink this?

First, you raise the glass.

You can smell the pit.

You have to suck in...

The pain!

Are you trying to kill me,

you bastards? Get up!

You're dismissed! Both of you!

- Well?

- What?

How about that teacher of yours?

I don't know.

He's slimy, isn't he?

Yeah.

Pet'a doesn't like him either.

- Can we play that new record?

- You better not.

- Auntie...

- Of course you can. -Thanks!

Will Bohous mind?

Let's have someone else

yell here for a while.

I might put an ad in the paper.

- An ad?

- Pet'a needs a father.

Come on, Eva...

Walk without a hunched back

and it'll happen.

Thank you.

We always have pork with sauce

and dumplings on Christmas Day.

Right, Vilma? Professor

has always had seconds.

I like it very much.

- Can we begin? Bon Appetit.

- You too.

The sauce curdled a bit somehow.

It's not really perfect.

- No way. It's delicious.

- It's been better before.

A good housewife

is always unsatisfied.

That's true. It's delicious!

Aren't the dumplings

a bit mushy?

Gnocchi should have

a slightly mushy surface.

Did I hear you right?

Did you say gnocchi?

Yeah, mom's gnocchi.

Gnocchi have a slimy surface

and are light and fluffy inside.

Are you sure you didn't mean

mom's delicious dumplings?

I'm talking about

mom's delicious gnocchi.

You mean these true and only

Viennese potato dumplings?

How do you dare to call them...

- Gnocchi!

- Dumplings!

Let me explain the difference

between dumplings and gnocchi.

Dumplings are long cylindrical

shapes cooked in boiling water,

then cut into thin slices

after being taken out of water.

Therefore, dumpling slices

are slimy only on the edges.

On the other hand,

typical gnocchi

are made into little balls and

each piece is cooked separately.

Therefore, it's slimy

on the whole surface.

It seems pretty logical to me.

Vilma! How did you cook

these dumplings?

In steam, wrapped in a napkin.

Well, what do you have

to say about that?

- Gnocchi can be steamed, right?

- Yes, they can.

If you don't know how to treat

your father in front of guests

then get out off my sight!

Can I finish chewing

my last gnocchi?

Leave the last dumpling

and get out!

Maybe I made dumplings

and I ended up with gnocchi.

It's a disgusting excuse!

You, chef from a five-star hotel,

don't know what you're serving.

You might not know it,

but I'd never dine on

anything as disgusting

as gnocchi!

How dare you talk about

mother's cuisine like this?

Don't you know what a typical

Viennese potato dumpling is?

- Gnocchi!

- Dumplings!

- Come on, Jindra!

- Calm down, mom!

My priest taught me to respect

my mother and father,

and this is the result of the

materialistic way of upbringing.

Choke on those gnocchi!

This is my house and nothing,

not even that dumpling, is yours.

This is your fault. This is the

result of your poor rearing!

I should have brought her up!

But I wouldn't be able to leave

the house for even a second!

I'd have to be here with a whip

from sunrise to sunset!

You think I haven't noticed

you whispering:

"Quick before dad comes. "

This is just unbearable!

I let these vipers into my heart.

I mean a whole nest of vipers!

- Leave me alone!

- Come on, we have a visitor.

Everybody doesn't have

to hear this.

Let everybody hear it!

You didn't give me a son.

What can I expect

from a woman like you?

Professor...

Does that brat realize

I take nitroglycerin?

Calm down, Jindrich.

I was interrogated

by the Nazis!

You can't beat me

with something like gnocchi.

Take it away.

These gnocchi make me sick.

Who asked

for your opinion anyway?

Once you raise your own daughter

you can come talk to your father.

Did you see it, professor?

She takes French, English and

the piano, and she's a monster.

Let me quote

this respected publication:

Delicate Viennese gnocchi

can be prepared in steam...

I gave you life!

This is the result

of your choice of friends.

An anarchist bohemian and

a red Bolshevik gnocchi!

- What would you like?

- Dad wishes you happy holidays.

And asks if you could keep quiet

at least on Christmas Day.

Your dad...

Come say it yourself,

you communist pig!

You needn't to send a messenger!

This isn't the General's office!

Everybody knows something.

Do you know

who started the Beatles?

You think it was some Czech

patriots?

- Since when do you have X-mas?

- I'm gonna go nuts.

You're such a pig! You even get

wasted on Christmas Eve!

Fuck you! If you have

another heart attack,

I won't be there again to help

you, you son of a bitch!

No one ever asked you for that!

This is my house! My apartment!

I can yell as much as I want!

You got it for jerking off

on an army base,

but I got it for years

spent in a Nazi prison!

There's no soldier,

like a real soldier.

- I'm sorry. Good day, madam.

- Hello.

- Merry Christmas.

- To you as well. Go Pet'a.

- Hello.

- Hi.

- Can Jindra go out?

- Never... ever!

The guitar and I now stand

before your home

Take pity please at least

on this poor tree

That gave its life to sing

for you alone

And ask us in,

the guitar and me

The guitar and me

- SPRING 1968- It's time

- Pet'a! Help me. Quick.

- Big changes, huh?

- That's life.

It was about time.

This is good. At least we have

some true women in the audience.

It's better

to talk to the crowd.

You boys and girls don't need

to be shy to come to our station

to see our workplace.

Perhaps we're holding you

a bit, comrade police officer,

but as we have such a rare

chance, and some young men

may be considering the police

as their future occupation,

could you tell us some stories

from your professional life?

I'm sure you are full

of thrilling stories!

It's basically busywork -

mostly paperwork.

- Please...

We got the order to eliminate

a saboteur on a motorbike.

A man with a leather backpack.

Our position was at a blind turn.

We hid on a bluff by a pond.

It was about two thirty

when a man on a bike approached

us with a leather backpack.

He was an offender, of course.

A murderer most likely.

They must be treated

without kindness.

It's not like working

with a magnetic needle, kids.

As soon as the shooting stopped

we heard another motorbike.

A man with a leather backpack

was driving it.

The order was clear:

He can't get by at any cost!

There was no time

to contemplate who was who.

You mean...

That's right. Two rounds.

I gotta go. Duty calls.

That's pretty harsh, huh?

...when leading a society,

people must trust politicians.

If there is somebody saying

that today's party's politics

are just a matter of us,

that person knows very little...

- Talking about politics!

- About communist politics...

What do they want to reform?

It's always the same people!

The same bastards.

Thieves and murderers.

They want to turn the events of

1948 into a democratic movement.

- Look here!

- Show me.

- With jumping ropes! Come here.

- Good looking, huh?

This minister gets

almost no sleep

because she can get more work

done in the morning.

She is an emancipated woman,

nice and alert.

She likes doing it

because she's emancipated.

- She looks like a cleaning lady!

- Shut the door.

- Why?

- Someone might hear you.

And they'll lock you up again.

Proletariats of all countries,

fuck off!

Now I feel relieved, my dear.

- Are you okay?

- It's nothing.

No one believes that you are

okay. You just groaned.

- I didn't groan.

- Come on, you did.

Why would you groan

if you were okay?

I've been watching you for days.

You are getting pale like Death

vanishing before my eyes.

You can tell me everything!

Even that you don't feel good.

Now you groan! Try to deny it.

My daughter is rude...

and the old hypochondriac

is constantly groaning here!

Do I, the war invalid after

three heart attacks, groan?

Do I bother anybody here

with it? No, I don't!

Sorry. I know you are sick.

Me too.

I never got married because

I'm a variety artist.

It's a nomadic life.

It's an adventure...

tricks, charms, magic.

I'm on a special diet.

It's a lonesome life.

That's why I answered your ad.

I should probably show you

something. Naturally.

- How long have you been at this?

- From my youth. Sorry.

Basically since childhood.

Sorry,

let's finish that trick.

- Pavel, blow.

- My name is Pet'a.

- That's old.

- You'd be amazed. It still works.

I'm sorry.

- Check you out!

- Hello.

The youth are here doing

something for their health.

Show me

your smoker's papers, kids.

It's spring. The young people

are dating instead of studying.

Somebody may rely on his parents,

but hormones are working.

Everything in nature is pairing.

It looks like somebody is a

third wheel here. Right, Sebek?

No matter how I count:

one, two...

- You know what? Fuck you.

- Excuse me?

Fuck you!

A hippie in the family

of an army officer.

Now you're playing the hero,

but what will your dad say?

Hello? Hi dad. Fine...

He's got the best life.

His parents are in America.

- What about this?

- Show me.

That's grandpa.

Your grandfather.

- It's nice when dad isn't home!

- Don't say such stuff.

Can I join you in bed?

- You'll be hot.

- No, I won't.

Then come on in.

- Sour.

- What do you mean sour?

They can't be sour. They're

from professor Rhon from Bubenec.

They are pretty gross!

Was he like this

when you were still dating?

Who? Your father?

No, he wasn't.

Who are you going out

with anyway?

With the handsome guy?

Or with the neighbor?

Who would you go out with?

- It's an easy question.

- Well, I'm like you.

So you go out with Elien?

He is a bit like your father.

Then it's gonna be hell.

I won't be able to take it.

Do you think Elien and my father

have anything in common?

- How did you get that idea?

- I don't know. What do you think?

Actually they do.

- Don't be so pathetic.

- Don't ask me next time.

- Look. He's hanging out here.

- Michal.

Ssssh. Quiet. Don't startle him!

Don't be silly.

- I got you, you bastard!

- What's wrong?

Wait, you bastard! I'll show you.

I'm telling you to stand still!

- I will. Once you calm down.

- You want me to calm down?

- Dad, don't embarrass me here.

- Come on, Boza!

Okay, let's talk about it.

Man to man. Okay?

- Have you calmed down yet?

- Completely.

- Can we talk now?

- Okay, but stay where you are.

- I'm not moving, damn it.

- Mom, he's moving, right?

This isn't working.

We had a deal, right?

- You don't believe your own dad?

- No, I don't.

- Did you hear it?

- Good evening.

Hello. Jindriska.

What would your dad say

if you talked to him like this?

We sure achieved something.

You bastard!

Wait until you get home!

- Apologize to your teacher!

- He started it!

You idiot!

Thank you.

I haven't been to the movies

for fifteen years at least.

Jindra!

Come home.

Come home!

This chair is pretty low. I feel

like I'm sitting in an armchair.

But the food is delicious. It's

much better than canteen food.

I only eat in the canteen, and

their cooking isn't like yours.

You should know that

Pet'a is a pretty naughty kid.

I like kids and I do lectures.

That was why I answered your ad.

I see.

- Do you want to see my gun?

- No.

Guys always want to see a gun.

- Can I ask you something?

- No.

- What would you like to know?

- I wonder...

It doesn't burn, Pet'a.

I've heard that you killed

a man. Is it true?

It happened a long time ago.

I took a part in an operation.

- Against who?

- Against a spy.

There isn't much to tell.

We got an order to eliminate

a saboteur on a motorbike...

- Let's not write any more ads.

- Okay, we won't.

We can manage by ourselves.

I'll work.

Come on...

This is...

Jindriska, do you know where

I put my teeth last night?

In a glass in the bathroom.

As a girl a long time ago

The boys and

I climbed in trees

And when they broke

the branches

They put cherries

down my blouse

When they got too curious

what was under there

I shooed them away

with a green branch

I more or less

protected myself

Nobody could touch

my cherries

Don't ever trust

the boys you like

They'd all steal the cherries

from your pie

- Good afternoon.

- Hello.

Before we get

to the children's grades

I'm obliged to inform you about

one very unpleasant thing.

There is a bad habit

spreading here.

The children use

cuss words too often.

Especially one of them.

That word is...

FUCK

- Where did they learn it?

- Not from us.

- Do they all say it?

- All of them.

Even Sebkova.

- That's terrible.

- Come in.

Hello. I'm sorry

to interrupt you...

I'm running around

but I can't find my way.

You know my wife used

to take care of the PTA.

Where is the high school glass...

I mean high school classrooms.

It's one floor up, Mr. Kraus.

I mean down.

You're on the wrong floor.

I'm sorry.

- Looking for somebody, comrade?

- What?

- Mr. Kraus!

- I'm sorry.

- Are you okay?

- It's fine. I just felt dizzy.

- You don't look good.

- You look terrible too.

I'm sorry. You're so pale.

I always look like this at

the end of the school year.

Did you find the class?

No, I didn't.

I've never even thought I'd be

so incompetent without a woman.

But Jindriska is almost

a grown woman.

- I've always wanted a son.

- I'll lend you mine sometimes.

Thank you. I'm home.

- Can I ask you something?

- Of course.

- What is the medal for?

- For bravery.

- Thank you. Good night.

- Good night.

Hello? Dad?

Fine. You want me to come

to see you in Washington? When?

Life is only luck

Today you're up,

tomorrow down

And then life flows on

to the sea of death to drown

All drift along to the sea

Some today and some tomorrow

And if you find love

don't waste it on sorrow

What are you running for?

You'll wear me out.

I can't go there panting like

this. Let's go see your aunt.

- No way.

- Go ahead.

Aunt Eva is coming, but

she's not coming to see us.

Do you think

she takes him seriously?

I think it's a done deal.

You seem

as if it was today's headline.

- You can't do anything about it.

- Why would I change anything?

She's gonna ruin her life

with that choleric.

I know she's a teacher but

she is completely unteachable!

Do you want me to put tomato

sauce there for tomorrow?

Go open the door, please.

- Hello.

- Hello, professor. Hi scout.

- Come in. Take your thing off.

- Aren't we here too early?

- Not at all.

- Pet'a couldn't wait.

Look what I brought you.

This is beautiful!

- Hi Jindriska!

- Hello.

What are you making?

- Gnocchi?

- I tried making dumplings.

- They're overcooked.

- Yeah.

Let me help you. It happens.

This has Burian's pictures in it.

You can meet Zdenek Burian.

He's my friend.

- Pet'a's so wrapped up with him.

- Me too.

- I've always wanted a daughter.

- Dad has always wanted a son.

- Can I taste it?

- Sure.

It looks good.

It's delicious!

Did you make it by yourself?

It's my mom's recipe.

Why is she there for so long?

Eva isn't eighteen.

She may know what she's doing.

I'm happy she'll live here.

He alone is enough for me!

- This is not right, is it?

- It's good.

- You meant the sauce?

- It's delicious!

I eat everything.

Jail taught me a lesson.

You have no idea...

but this is delicious!

It's great, isn't it Pet'a?

Say something.

The dumplings remind me

of the eggs of Chelonia Mydas.

- Whose eggs?

- Sea turtle's.

- Dad?

- Yeah.

Can I go to the movies?

You are staying at home so you

don't get into any trouble.

I have summer vacation.

You have nothing to do?

I have a date with Jindra.

Then go ahead,

go out with your cousin.

This is professor Masaryk,

our president and liberator.

Soon you'll be studying

about him again.

I'm an optimist.

The West is supporting us.

At least this is what

my brother says. He's in London.

We give the Bolsheviks

one year. Two at the most.

Excuse me!

- Hello!

- Is Jindra home?

- No. She's with her boyfriend.

I see. Thank you.

Bye.

You're looking forward to it,

aren't you?

- It's just for a year.

- What do you mean?

Come on.

Jindra!

- Hi.

- Is Jindra with you?

- No.

- Then say hello to her.

- She's not here.

- Promise me you'll come back.

- I won't be gone forever.

It was beautiful.

- Hi!

- Hi.

I was looking for you.

Elien's going to see his parents

so I wanted to say good bye.

- Really?

- Bye. Good night.

G'night.

- How long are you going for?

- I don't know yet.

Bye.

Come on. Elien will be back

in a year, right?

Meanwhile you and I could

go out. Just the two of us.

- We could.

- You think so too?

- We are almost family.

- That's right.

I can go with you anywhere,

Michal

since we are practically

brother and sister.

Because it's obvious that there

are things among siblings which

are totally out of the question.

- Are you gonna have more kids?

- Come on, Vasek.

Kids, come get some finger food!

- Be careful, Pet'a.

- Sure.

Offer some to everybody.

- Marus?

- Yeah...

London came through.

Eva, that's great.

I have goose bumps!

- That's what I call a honeymoon.

- Isn't that great?

Gentlemen, I read an article

in "Foreigner Curiosities"

that an average woman thinks

about sex every five minutes.

An average human,

I mean a man

thinks about it

every seven minutes.

- What's the point of the story?

- That I'm an average woman.

In that case I'm a woman too.

Gentlemen, I had a patient who

was not yet as old as Jindrich

and he didn't have

a heart condition.

Even the age difference

wasn't as big as yours.

Guess what? That man expired

during their wedding night.

Professor, stop painting

the devil on the wall.

That's reality.

I'd like to show you

the results of my yearly work.

Actually it was

more my brother's idea.

As you know he lives in London,

and we still write each other.

My brother, captain Otakar Kraus,

flew for Royal British Airforce.

During the war he shot down

five enemy fighter planes.

While the biggest tyrants

and mass murderers

have giant monuments here,

Czech pilots don't have even

a tiny memorial in Prague,

but it seems that after a long

period of rule by crude vermin,

even those in the highest places

are coming to their senses.

Hopefully an advantageous time

for our plan is arriving.

My brother and I decided to use

the lonesome pedestal on Letna,

which is standing there

for absolutely no reason.

To make a long story short,

following my brothers directions

I built

something like a small model.

Back then.

And now.

Don't pay any attention to this.

As you know I wanted a son but...

This is supposed

to be my brother.

This is pilot Fajtl. We haven't

made up our minds yet...

Well, compare the difference.

Just to take off, huh?

It must have been

a hell of a lot of work,

and it's such a silly thing,

right?

Don't just sit here like a lump.

Go have fun with the others.

You can't be tucked in here

like this.

Fresh coffee is coming.

- Did you give them the spoons?

- Not yet.

- What spoons?

- Our wedding present.

- Come on, bro!

- It's not the right time now.

Why not? This is the right time.

Why wouldn't this be

the right time for our present?

- Which one is it?

- That one over there but...

Let them open it themselves.

Well, Eva, open it!

- What is it?

- Teaspoons.

A lot of teaspoons

are always useful.

Watch out! They are not

just any old teaspoons.

They are plastic teaspoons.

Light, flexible and pliable.

Here you go, professor.

You see, these teaspoons were

developed in socialist Germany.

I told you to save them.

They weren't made for hot coffee.

I wonder where our German

comrades made their mistake.

There were shooting

in the air during the war.

You two were made

for each other, right?

Anything not from the USA

isn't good enough for you.

If I put two identical

matchboxes in front of you...

and I said one was American,

which one would be better, huh?

The American one, of course.

- Of course, the American one.

You're like my son. He brags

about America, about jeans...

Why doesn't he get his hair cut

like an American astronaut?

Where's that bastard anyway?

Nirvana, Olympia

And Heaven don't exist

If someone rags on the world

I just get pissed

I don't care about

The infinite universe

I'm fine with

A few great years on Earth

Heaven on earth exists you see

I speak the truth, believe me

For life I'd give mine if I must

but I don't wanna bite the dust

I'm not alone, believe me

There are beautiful things

for those who want to live

Heaven's beauty depends on you

When the time comes

You'll know what to do

When heaven on earth

Starts for you and me...

- Are you looking for something?

- Where are the tablecloths?

Go get Michal to put you

in bed at home, okay?

- Mom! My brother's dead!

- What are you talking about?

- He has his head in the oven.

- In our electrical oven?

Michal!

Calm down. Let me see.

It won't be bad, but I'll take

him to the hospital to make sure.

Jindriska!

- Dad!

- Bohous!

What did the doctor say?

It's just as well.

I'm fine. I just collapsed.

It's not a big deal...

Let's go home.

How is he?

- Well?

- He has heatstroke.

It's so stupid to try poisoning

yourself in an electrical oven.

Sorry.

To tell the true,

he started to smell good.

Eva...

Vasek...

Bro...

Attention...

Marshall Malinovsky.

I read you.

What?

Let me give you my grandmother.

What's wrong?

- I can hear it.

- Who is it?

- It just woke me up.

- Is anything wrong with Michal?

Dad! The Russians are here!

- What?

Tell them we'll be right there.

Tell them to wait for us.

- What?

- Boris? That dumb ass.

Turn on the radio!

You studied Russian. How do you

say bastards in Russian?

Duraki.

Yesterday,

on August 20th, 1968

the armies of the Soviet Union,

Poland. Germany, Hungary

and Bulgaria crossed

the Czechoslovak borders.

When I came back

everything was different.

Brother!

Are you nuts?

What?

Dad's whole world fell apart.

He took it as total betrayal.

But some got promoted.

Comrade principal!

I'm looking for classroom 4B.

It wasn't just Elien

who didn't return.

Mom has never seen

Aunt Eva again.

The honeymoon

was extended for twenty years.

This film is dedicated

to everyone

whose friends, lovers,

parents and children

disappeared overnight

as you remainded here alone.

Cosy Dens (1999) - full transcript

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