Järnets änglar (2007) - full transcript
Three women work at the large iron mill in Luleå. Their spontaneous, dazing lives include being background singers in a local band.
This was Konrad's
with the Black Island Sisters.
Here it's greatest, here it's best,
here's a fest!
Take it easy, Konrad. Bye-bye.
BLACK ISLAND SISTERS
- You've got to repaint the place.
- Yes.
- This summer?
- You've been saying that for years.
Go on and stare, you bitch.
This is the only entertainment
you'll get.
- How is he doing?
- Same as usual, I think.
See you later.
Hans!
Hans!
- I'm home.
- Mum, I'll miss.
Is it a fun game?
Eh?
Feel in my pocket.
hi ho Albert Blue
wondering what he's to do?
on the bough
sat a little bird and sang
little brother little brother
you're cuter than any other
Put them in the frying pan.
Put them in the frying pan, Stefan.
- Annbritt, hi.
- Hi.
- How are you doing?
- I'm good. And you?
I'm meeting Tomas.
We're popping over to Boden.
- Tell him to look in at dad's too.
- Sure.
- Hi, dad.
- Did you get the brawn?
Hi, Svante. Come here, boy. Hello.
This is food
for old, toothless wolves.
Have you been out
for a walk today?
The gravel gets stuck in the wheels.
It needs salting.
I've told Tomas, but he ...
... never gets anything done.
- Rova's dead.
- Is he?
- Is it the graveyard tomorrow?
- No, tomorrow is Saturday.
We're going on Sunday.
He worked on my shift, Rova.
- I guess he was pretty old.
- Like me.
They're keeping up well.
- A Negro was here this morning.
- What?
I have to go now, dad.
The Finn was here asking for you.
Shit.
See you tomorrow.
- Are you going out?
- Yes.
You can get pizza or something.
There's money in the tin.
Hi, Mona. How are you doing?
Top of the world?
come and hold me
I'm enchanted by you
- Will you drive me?
- No, I'm going out. Has he called?
- Are you driving?
- No! You'll have to catch the bus.
Has Kurre called?
What the hell?
- What do you want?
- How are you?
- What do you want?
- Okay.
- Get your stuff in the garage.
- I will when I have the time.
Hey, you! Get your stuff,
or I'll throw it out, understand?
- Yes, I understand!
- Good!
- That was fast.
- It'll get faster, come on.
More. Come to mummy.
What the hell am I saying?
Why don't we go to Thailand?
Or Rone. No, Rome.
Or Borneo, right?
Go dancing at the Karungi Hotel.
We need to get some air, Annbritt.
The world is waiting for us.
- Shall we dance?
- Definitely.
- Shall we dance?
- Yes, why not?
- Why not? Put out the cigarette.
- Yes.
How are you doing, love?
Are you thirsty?
How did you figure that out?
I've got one hell of an intuition
about girls ... or women.
I work with ... I do analyses.
- I'm an analyst.
- What?
- I'm an analyst.
- What do you analyse then?
How much forest we have to fell
to increase wood production.
It's actually bloody interesting.
What do you do?
I work with iron.
I understand.
Do you?
What the hell are you doing?
- I'm hot when I have my period.
- Just wait for your menopause then.
- Can I borrow a tampon?
- Borrow?
Here. I need it back next week.
We'll put a sauna by the river.
It'll be great. Swimming in the nude
and looking across the river-
- and staring at the horizon
and dreaming yourself away -
- to China, India
and the Sahara Desert.
That's the only way
to get away from here.
On some bloody
goods wagons to Borlänge.
- Borlänge?
- But I'll trick those devils.
- I'll get away from here.
- Goddamn, Mona.
Then you can stare at the horizon
and travel all you like.
And where would you go then?
Some place warm
where the men are good-looking -
- and think about things other
than which snowmobile to buy.
Svante, come here!
- She made great meatballs.
- Now you'll have to do with mine.
Now it's time for the evening shift.
- Hello, Erik. How are you doing?
- Are you on the evening shift?
- Did you win on the horses?
- No, I only had three right.
- I won 200.
- That won't get you to Haparanda.
Why would I want to go there?
They're all dead.
I don't give a shit
about Haparanda.
- How can they live in a crematorium?
- Sorry?
Nothing.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Wish your dad happy birthday from me.
No, don't do that.
- Yes, do.
- Okay.
Come on, bloody car.
Don't come over here.
I don't know what the hell I'll do.
Hi.
Where's your stupid master?
Hi.
- Where is the stuff?
- In there.
Did you have fun last Saturday?
To the right.
Have you forgotten?
What the hell?
What are you doing, Timo!
Timo!
- Give me the money.
- What?
For the car. I want it.
You owe me 3,000.
I don't have any money now, Timo.
Let me out!
Timo!
What the hell? Bastard!
Hi, Tomas.
- Found the switch?
- Did you have it?
- Yes.
- The tote paid.
Come help me then.
I need that damned money back
bloody soon.
- It's just business.
- Shut up.
We can always talk about it.
Talk? Do you know what you are?
You're bloody stupid.
I hope you meet someone
just as bloody stupid as you.
What the hell did I see in you? Your
only skill was getting moonshine.
Talk? You can't talk to someone
who's got a sponge for a brain.
- Watch it ...
- Shut up!
- What an idiot.
- Him?
Yes, Tomas.
He's always been so soft.
- Should he have left me there?
- No, he should have struck him.
- You have to get a man.
- Well, that didn't really work out.
No, you need to meet someone
with a taxi company or some ...
Road machinery?
I don't have to get a man.
I have to go to the scrap dealer
and get an exhaust pipe.
- Will you be all right?
- Yes, will you hand in my coupons?
- God, I've stared down this road.
- What?
- God, I've stared down this road.
- Well, then stop staring.
It's like time stands still
when you turn off here.
Hi.
He's like a shadow.
Exactly like Kurre. Silent.
He doesn't say anything,
he just walks.
I don't know
why I stay in this hole.
Do you know what I wish?
That life was ahead of me
and not behind me.
That I still had all my dreams.
I think you decide for yourself
whether life is ahead or behind you.
At least you've got
a working exhaust pipe now.
I'm going to strangle
that bloody creep.
The bitch or the dog?
You've been late five times, -
- and the rest of the staff
have complained. Take a seat.
Yes ...
I think your time here
is over, my girl.
- That won't do.
- What did you say?
That won't do.
All right, one more chance.
But this is your very last warning,
do you understand?
Run along then.
Great to escape the dog shift.
Mona, I haven't got
your money yet. Give it here.
- Here.
- Have you bought a new bathing cap?
Kajsa, how does it feel?
No more soot in my ears.
I can't bloody believe it.
My last day.
Are you going to break rock
in some mine then?
We're going drinking
in Hakkas tonight.
Are you jealous?
Mona? Are you jealous?
Australia, a shitty country.
What have they got besides sheep?
I wanted to go there as a child.
I read about a dingo.
- But you never went.
- I met a guy from Hakkas.
- You should have gone then.
- Then I'd never have met you, Mona.
in our own time
dreaming
you're laughing at my side
dreaming
you're laughing at my side
You know what, little brother?.
Some day you'll see.
I have to go now. I have to go.
- Are you going out?
- Yes, we're singing at Blackies.
Are things all right at work?
When are you coming home?
- I'm 25.
- That's when things can go wrong.
Please sit down, Stefan.
Sit down.
It's the Finn's last delivery.
- Mona, take it easy now.
- No way.
One more time?
you're leaving
the black Northern gold
for the hot desert sand
and leaving behind
your sisters of steel
no more tough shifts
no more tepid sausage ...
Come on!
- Mona!
- Wait up, I've lost a shoe.
- There goes the Finn's last drops.
- What the hell. Come on.
Kajsa, Kajsa, Kajsa!
- You'd better bloody shape up.
- Take it easy, right to the top.
Annbritt! Hi.
- You were great.
- Thanks.
- Really bloody great.
- It was fun.
Why are you here?
Do you know Kajsa?
No, I was just passing
and heard you were playing.
I haven't seen you before.
But now I've seen you.
Stop going on about him.
It's been five years.
- It's two years and eight months.
- Five.
Piteå in an expensive caravan. It
was cold with mosquitoes everywhere.
And then that blonde crocodile came
and took what she wanted.
- Blondie, where have you been?
- Nowhere.
Is than in Piteå?
We sang and now I'm standing here.
That's good.
I like things to stand still.
Everything in its place. "In your
basket," my mum always said.
If you wanted to climb the fence,
your fingers got rapped. Bam!
- So you're going to be a singer?.
- Maybe.
No, stick to the cleaning.
Now, that's life for you.
- Just because you ...
- What? Watch it now.
You don't know shit
about my life, or do you?
I'll tell you something. You
wouldn't survive one day of my life.
So don't you come and talk
about my life. Just wait and see.
See what? How you lower yourself
over the works like a black angel?
- Are you the only one with dreams?
- No, everybody has dreams.
You'll go a bloody long way.
You'll go all the way to Hakkas.
Crappy Hakkas.
Full house in crappy Hakkas.
- You'll be a success. Mona knows.
- Cut it out, Mona.
Hell, Mona, you're so bloody mean.
You monkey.
The mean monkey.
Call the exterminator.
What the hell are you doing?
What's with you?
It's vitamin deficiency.
- Can't you just shut up?
- I know. Do you want some wine?
You're too much.
You should try your own poison.
I have. We should have
gone to Thailand. Or Turkey.
- Hello.
- Hi.
- Hi, Mona.
- Hello there, Sune.
- Are you here to hear me sing?
- Yes. You were great.
It's hot ... in Australia.
- Yes, but are you going there?
- No, no, no.
Thanks for tough shifts and parties.
Good luck in Melbourne.
We've bought a little present
from all of us at the works.
And we'd like to sing a little song
we've written for you. Mona!
Blondie?
Blondie?
- We'll start without her, come on.
- What are you up to?
- Do you think you can do anything?
- I'll get her.
Blondie!
Blondie!
I'm sorry.
Forgive an idiot.
Hi, my very favourite little brother.
Would you like to hear my new song?
It's okay, mum.
Don't be afraid.
Which button do I have to push?
What's this?
Is this the "no fear" button?
Where is the "be brave" button?
We have to find it, little brother.
We have to find
the "be brave" button.
Sune, what the hell
are you doing here?
Sune! Get out!
What the hell are you doing here?
Get out of here. Get out!
Out!
Get out!
Hell, Mona.
How could you sink so low?
I forgot my shoes.
Bye.
Why does life have to be
a bloody living hell?
Can you tell me that, God?
No.
Shit.
Poor Mona.
Poor little Mona.
Poor lonely Mona.
Poor old Mona.
- Are you new?
- Yes, I started yesterday.
Just stick with me
and everything will be okay.
Keep an eye on the level.
Get it down!
What are you doing?
Shut the ladle!
Move the ladle!
Well done.
- Thank God no one was injured.
- What's God got to do with it?
We are the gods.
We are the angels of iron, right?
Yes, absolutely.
- Do you know a good bar?.
- Where are you from?
- Överkalix.
- Then go home.
I asked you nicely.
What a stuck-up bitch.
They're always like that.
You can just go to hell.
It was in the summer.
It was hot as hell.
We had some young guys from
Pajala working there for the summer.
It was at the molten strand.
Suddenly it blew up.
One of them was far too close,
and I shouted to him, but ...
It was too late.
It was my fault.
He should never have been there.
Good boy.
Good boy.
- Is tomorrow Sunday?
- No.
The cold is coming.
Isn't it always?
What are you seeing, dad?
- Oops.
- I'm sorry.
- Aren't you a singer in that band?
- What?
You're pretty good. Your band.
You're pretty good. I've heard you.
You know
you get tinnitus from that?
Yes.
It's the volume.
It's not good for you.
I have to ...
Wait up.
What are you doing tonight?
Would you like to do something?
Yes.
Okay.
- At seven?
- Sure.
I'm working on a project
for Borlänge.
- Trying to make stronger steel.
- Okay.
But down there I'm working
mostly with resilience.
Okay.
- But steel isn't just steel.
- No.
There's ... We are number one
in the world at making steel.
China exports a lot of steel,
but not of the same quality.
There are different ...
... different qualities of steel.
There's high-tensile steel
and extra high-tensile steel -
- and ultra high-tensile steel,
so that's ...
There's everything anyway.
- Have you been to Paris?
- No.
It's real nice.
At least when they ...
You know, the Eiffel Tower ...
When they built it
in the late 1800's, -
-they used 6,000 tons of steel.
If you were to do that today
with our ultra high-tensile steel, -
- you would only need
1,800 tons of steel.
- What are you doing here?
- I'm sitting.
- Where have you been?
- Nowhere.
Come and sit down.
How is everything?
Well ...
- And school?
- Okay.
Is it fun?
It's Hans. Yes.
Do you know how many tons of steel
it took to build the Titanic?
6,000 tons?
Yes, maybe. I have no idea.
That might be good to know.
- Are you hungry?
- No.
- Hi, Blondie.
- Why are you looking so happy?
Did you get a record deal?
You've met a guy. Congratulations.
- Blondie's met a guy.
- How great.
Is the dreaming over then, Britney?
That's what happens.
They drown you in their laundry,
their dreams and their nonsense.
- Shut up! He's not like that.
- What? Like all other guys?
Shut up, Mona. Konrad is pissed off
because you walked out.
How can you work with someone
who doesn't give a shit about anyone?
- Listen up now, little Britney.
- Shut up, you bitter hag.
There we have it.
You've been longing for that, right?
Take care you don't go down
the drain. You're on your way ...
Cut it out, Mona.
Let me tell you something
about life, Blondie.
It happens this fast,
and then one day it's bloody over.
We're not talking about life,
but about the band, right?
it's only us
in our own time
I'm dreaming
you're laughing by my side
nothing stirs
but what we do
I'm dreaming
that we'll never die
you sang for me
come with me now
we have to go
I can't find a place
we have to be two
come with me now
we have to go
I'm singing the words
I know you understand
an angel's walking in my tracks
How about getting started?
- What key?
- You only know one.
- What did you say?
- Nothing.
Hi. Yes.
Okay. Bye.
That was a nice song. But you don't
walk out on a gig again.
Mona, shape up now
or you're out, understand?
- Understand?
- Yes!
Good, let's take it from
Blondie's verse. C? Okay?
It went well tonight.
You hit all the notes, Mona.
Bye.
Bye.
Come on, old girl,
we'll catch the bus to Svartöstan.
- He was good-looking.
- They're the worst.
Sankta Lucia
Sankta Lucia
then on our darkest night
comes with her shining light
Sankta Lucia
Sankta Lucia
- Where have you been?
- Nowhere.
- Why didn't you call?
- We were at my place.
Hi, it's me.
I know it's late.
Everything's late. I know.
But listen ... I don't know.
He's like a shadow. He comes
and goes and doesn't talk.
What?
Then tell her to go to bed.
Tomorrow? She can't bloody decide
when I'm going to call.
Tell the stupid bitch to go to bed!
Hello?
No, Mona, don't be scared.
It's only me, Sune.
I just wanted to ...
... tell you that you looked
very pretty today when you sang.
I wanted to ask you if you would
like to go dancing sometime?
Or maybe go to Turkey?
You're pale. Are you hung-over,
or are you pregnant?
Christ, you are.
Are you stupid or something?
You don't have to get pregnant.
- Shut up.
- He'll be really excited.
Believe me, they always are.
What is it?
- How about the cinema tomorrow?
- Tomorrow? Sure.
Was that what you wanted
to talk about? The cinema?
Would you like to have
a baby with me?
Of course. I want to have
lots of babies with you.
I'm pregnant.
- Now?
- Yes, now.
- But how ...
- I forgot.
You forgot.
- Would you like to?
- What?
Would you like to?
- I don't know. We'll have to ...
- Figure something out?
... figure something out.
I don't know what to say.
- We'll have to fix it.
- You mean, get rid of it?
Get rid of it.
I don't know.
Isn't that the best thing to do?
I'm driving you home.
I have to ...
... think a little.
You can understand that.
Dad wants klenetter cookies
for Christmas.
And a Christmas tree.
It has to be a real one.
I have to go chop one down.
Maybe you want to come?
I don't care about Christmas trees.
I'll use the one from last year.
Poor Blondie.
How stupid can you be?
Christ, what does he want?
How stupid can you be?
Hi.
- We were supposed to talk.
- I had some work to do.
I want to talk now.
We were supposed to.
- Weren't we?
- It's not that simple, understand?
Understand and understand.
I understand we have to talk. Do you?
- I can't handle being a dad.
- Okay.
I'll get rid of it then.
- But you are coming?
- Coming?
Yes ...
Of course I'm coming. Absolutely.
I have some work to do.
- Can I call you later?.
- Yes.
- Why didn't you bring a chainsaw?
- You chop down a Christmas tree.
Sometimes you're just
so bloody stupid.
- You chop now.
- Me?
Hello? Hi.
What's up?
Okay. Yes, of course.
I'll talk to you later. Take care.
That was Blondie.
She's feeling really sad.
- What did I tell you?
- Just shut up. Hell.
I'm wetting myself.
Have you found
the "stop screaming" button?
Blondie?
I've lost all my buttons,
little brother.
You have to help me,
little brother.
Crap car.
Hi, Svante.
I'm here now, dad.
They took him to the hospital.
Hi.
- Is he going to die?
- We're doing everything we can.
You can sit and wait
and then we'll let you know.
Shit, dad. Couldn't you
have picked some other day?
What am I to do with the food?
The meatballs and the brawn ...
... and the ham
and the whole bloody lot.
Shit. Shit, dad.
Erik Rausa is dead!
Who cares about a Rausa, dad?
Tomas, hi. Where have you been?
I've been looking for you.
Dad has died.
Yes.
This evening.
On Christmas Eve itself.
I'm on my way to dad's.
Svante is all alone.
Can't you come?
No. Okay.
There you are.
You poor thing.
Hi, Svante.
Little Hans,
you're eating very nicely.
- Do you drink a lot?
- 15 litres a week.
- That much?
- That much.
- Weren't you going to ...
- Quit smoking? No.
... change the drapes?
A bit more color, I think.
I did change them.
Really?
Yes, really.
How is your father?
Good. I'm going there
for New Year's Eve.
- Maybe I should ...
- No, that's not a good idea.
Father Christmas.
Sorry to interrupt. I just wanted
to give you a little present.
- I hope you like it.
- Yes.
Thanks, Sune,
it's very nice of you, but ...
Well, I won't interrupt
any longer then.
- No.
- But I'll see you later.
- You look great.
- Thanks.
I'll just wish you all
a very merry Christmas then.
- Was that your boyfriend?
- Shut up. Not a word from you.
we're only here for a little while
with all of life's toil
all you pixies
fill your glasses
and let's celebrate
Cheers, Svante. Merry Christmas.
Are you going to work?
How did it go ...
- What do you care?
- Of course I care.
Hi.
I'm just fetching the new samples.
How did it go?
It went this well.
Now you know how well it went.
Hi.
- Hi. How are you doing?
- Okay.
Are you okay?
Empty. It's just so damned empty.
Poor Svante. He's probably
wondering what's happened.
Listen ... Well, about that money.
I know it's not really
the right time, -
- but with Christmas and all.
- Yes, I'll fix it.
- Good.
I'll call you later, okay?
The funeral and all that. Bye.
I'll talk to you later.
He's always kept out of the way.
When you need him, he's gone.
Dad said he was soft.
- What a nice tree.
- Yes.
At least he got his tree.
What's wrong?
I don't know.
It just packed in on Christmas Eve.
Just like dad.
- Thanks.
- Thanks for the help.
Well ...
I don't know ...
Neither do I.
- I'm so sad.
- Yes, of course you are.
Dad always used to say, -
- that tears were
a waste of liquid.
"Are you wasting liquid, girl?"
he would say.
it's only us
in our own time
I'm dreaming
you're laughing by my side
nothing stirs
but what we do
I'm dreaming
that we'll never die
you sang for me
come with me now
I can't find a place
we have to be two
come with me now
come with me now
we have to go
I'm singing the words
I know you understand
an angel's walking in my tracks
come with me now
we have to go
I'm singing the words
I know you understand
an angel's walking in my tracks
Stefan has found the song button.
You're the best,
little brother. The best.
Now then, Mona,
just take it nice and easy.
Don't get desperate.
Don't get so desperate.
Okay?
Would you like some crisps?
Here you go.
Hi, Mona. Welcome.
It's been a long time.
Why don't you go upstairs and play?
Have you seen Kurre lately?
I've heard he's having a baby,
but I guess you know already.
Hi. What a tan.
You're looking great.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year.
I have to catch the bus.
Happy New Year.
I've been longing for you.
Actually, it feels like he's still
sitting there in his chair.
And waiting.
He would always sit there
when you'd been out, -
- and then he would look at you
so that you weren't drunk.
I never dared go home
when I was drunk.
Now only Svante is waiting.
The poor thing is alone now.
I'm alone, too.
I mean ...
Yes.
I remembered that I thought
you were good-looking.
You did?
And you were
so bloody great at football.
- Was I?
- Weren't you?
No. I don't remember.
You were always just
Tomas' little sister.
- And then you don't exist.
- Exactly.
But now you exist.
Micke, I don't know ...
Neither do I.
But being with you makes me happy.
Hans! Shut the door!
Who the hell was that?
Goddamn, how you look, Mona.
Happy New Year.
Same to you, bitch.
Hans?
Hans?
Hans is gone!
Happy New Year.
- What the hell are you doing?
- I'm driving Hans home.
We agreed that he was to spend
New Year's Eve with us, right?
What a great mood you're in.
We had fun yesterday, right?
There were a lot of rockets.
How did you do?
Do you know you have
your nightie on back to front?
Mona, you have to shape up.
- Shape up?
- You're beginning to look worn out.
You stay the hell away from Hans.
- He's mine! Understand?
- What's that supposed to mean?
He's mine!
He's mine.
Mum ...
You're mine, understand?
You're just mine.
Kurre is having a baby,
and I got as drunk as a skunk.
- Actually, I almost drowned.
- What?
You heard me. I drowned.
I dived into the Arctic Ocean and saw
a very ugly fish, and you know what?
It was me.
I almost scared myself shitless.
I'm sorry. I do go on.
- I'm sorry about your dad.
- Yes.
- He was pretty old, wasn't he?
- That doesn't matter.
He was my dad.
He taught me how to fish and ...
... drive.
Ride a bike.
I don't remember anything
about my dad.
I remember a big coat,
but no head.
- That's what's wrong with me.
- What's wrong with you ...
What?
It's that you're always looking back.
You never get anywhere.
To hell with him.
That was then. This is now.
- Sune wants to take me to Turkey.
- Then go, Mona.
sun and heat
and perhaps some love.
- Go.
- Where are you going, Mona?
- I didn't think we were speaking.
- I guess I have to.
Sorry to hear
about your dad, Annbritt.
How are you?
I hosed him down.
You should have seen his ugly mug.
Goddamn, it felt good.
Want one? I guess you're out.
- No.
- Did you quit?
one day I'll be lying
six feet under the ground
hearing the rain dripping
and the birds in the park
no debts to pay
no sorrows to bear
just a stone with my name
and people passing by
maybe you'll come and mourn
maybe you'll put down a rose
maybe you'll miss me
despite all that I've done
maybe you'll think
he wasn't such a bad man
he had goals and ambitions
slipped away and disappeared
one day I'll be lying
six feet under the ground
hearing the rain dripping
and the birds in the park
- What about the dog?
- What?
What about the dog?
I guess Tomas will shoot it.
Wouldn't a cremation
have been better?
He didn't want to be burned.
How odd.
Everyone gets burned these days.
Thanks, dad.
Thanks, Erik Rausa.
Do you remember the gig at Hakkas?
Petrol and Café at Hakkas.
I don't want to remember.
Don't you remember how foul
they all were? At Hakkas?
I only remember how foolish
they all were at Hakkas.
Come in.
Hi. I just thought I'd drop by.
Come on in and have some brandy.
It's dad's reserves.
- Where have you been?
- Working. Sour Sivan.
Shit.
- Want some cake?
- Yes, please.
Let's drink to Blondie.
Here's to you dumping that jerk.
- Well done.
- Cheers.
Here's to us.
- How is the writing going?
- Good.
Do you know
what I think you should do?
- Want one?
- No thanks.
I think you should ...
Have you quit smoking?
You should write a song about us
at the works. Us ordinary people.
We are the ones
who are great and angry -
- and magnificent and desperate.
About the old hags at the works?
We're bloody well worth a song.
- Yes, maybe.
- Let's drink to that.
- What is it?
- Can't you hear it?
Life is on its way.
There it was, life.
- Here's to life.
- Here's to life.
Hi, what's happened?
He's stolen
computer games and stuff.
- Easy now. It can't be that bad.
- He's stolen stuff!
- Kurre Friberg. What's happened?
- We have to keep him a bit longer.
- Why?
- There seems to be more to it.
- How long will it take?
- We don't know.
- We have to see him.
- We'll let you know.
- Haven't you noticed anything?
- What?
That's bloody typical.
- We can't just leave.
- They'll call when they're done.
- But ...
- We can't just stand here.
Is it true
that you're having a baby?
Yes.
- What's she got that I haven't?
- Mona, that's not it.
- What then?
- That's just how it is.
It was just over.
We ...
- You and I ...
- Why?
It was just over.
- Can it be over just like that?
- Yes.
- What?
- Yes, apparently.
- But if I had known ...
- You can't know that.
There's nothing
you can do about it.
- Kurre ...
- I have to go.
I don't want to be
so bloody lonely.
Then call me.
- What about Hans?
- Call me when you know something.
Then we'll talk. I have to go.
Okay.
Yes ... Yes.
Bye.
Here he is. We'll let you know.
- Haven't you got any cola?
- Take it easy.
Now tell me what's happened.
- It was the others, not me.
- What others?
- Nobody you know.
- What the hell have you done?
Nothing. They thought I had
pinched some computer games, -
- but this guy said I had them in
his bag, and then it all went wrong.
Then I got the blame.
I didn't do anything.
- What about the ones in your room?
- I got those, mum.
- You got them?
- Yes.
- What happens now?
- He told you, he'll call.
Up you go. Good boy.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Annbritt! Where are you going?
I have to ...
- No!
- What the hell are you doing?
- You're crazy.
- He gets to live a little longer.
- Welcome back to life, Svante.
- That's the last time I help you.
Hell, you can't just
take my son away from me?
- It's only temporary.
- Who do you think you are? God?
- We don't smoke here.
- That's a surprise.
Mona, listen to me now.
You seem to need some help ...
with the boy for a while.
- You're not setting any limits.
- What the hell do you know?
You sit here in your bloody ...
No, Hans is coming home with me.
No, he's not.
He has committed a crime.
- Social services are responsible.
- To hell with social services.
We have decided that he has to stay
at an approved school.
Stay here.
They are taking my boy
away from me.
What's happened?
They say he's pinched some computer
games and that I can't handle him.
- What about Kurre?
- Kurre!
He has to take care of the blonde
crocodile. He has no time for us.
Am I a bad mother?
Yes, pretty bad.
Actually, quite lousy.
But I just wanted to ...
be a bit more ...
To be happy.
Maybe.
Let him get away.
It'll be good for him.
And don't corner people like that.
Let Kurre go now.
I'm so bloody lonely, Annbritt.
I know.
But right now
Hans is probably lonelier.
- Don't feel so sorry for yourself.
- No.
It's his turn now.
Yes.
Bye.
No, but ...
- We have to move.
- Good. It's spring soon.
- Will we be living in a tent?
- It'll be fine, mum.
I promise, little brother.
One day you'll see me on stage.
Then I'll sing just for you,
my very favourite little brother.
you sang for me
come with me now
Right, little brother?
- Are you pregnant?
- Yes.
It'll be fine, mum. I promise.
Hi, Hans. It's mum.
How are you?
Yes, it's fine.
I miss you so much.
I said that I miss you so much.
Yes.
Yes.
Okay. Bye.
Bye.
happy birthday to you
happy birthday to you
happy birthday dear Mona
happy birthday to you
Hip hip hooray hooray hooray!
Sweetheart.
- Are you turning 31?
- I feel like I'm 92.
Shit, I thought
you'd forgotten about me.
You're not so easily forgotten.
No, that's right.
I just wanted to give you
some flowers, Mona.
I think you're so ...
- How about some cake?
- Thanks, Sune.
- Will you marry me?
- What did you say?
I was just wondering if ...
I was wondering
if you will marry me?
Annbritt ...
Do you want to get married?
This is bloody weird, isn't it?
Yes.
Do you want to marry me?
Yes.
But do you mean
like in a church ...
... and with a wedding dress
and all that?
- When would it be then?
- I don't know.
Anytime, or when you want to.
If you want to.
Okay, Sunday then.
Are you joking?
I'm joking.
I want to when you want to.
We are gathered together here
to join in holy matrimony-
- Annbritt Rausa
and Mikael Sandberg.
We are here to ask for God's blessing
and to share your joy.
Marriage is a gift for
the well-being of society, -
- for the help and joy of man, -
- for mutual support
and mutual connection -
- in dark as well as light days.
There she is.
To live as man and wife
is to live in trust and love, -
-to take responsibility
for one another and the home, -
- to receive
and raise children -
- and faithfully stand
by one another's side.
The congregation will rise.
Before God and this congregation
I ask you, Mikael Sandberg:
Do you take Annbritt Rausa
to be your wife in sorrow and joy?
Yes.
Before God and this congregation
I ask you, Annbritt Rausa:
Do you take Mikael Sandberg
to be your husband in sorrow and joy?
Yes.
The rings.
- Stop it.
- You're supposed to cry at weddings.
- Why?
- You just are.
Bless Annbritt og Mikael
in holy matrimony.
Come on.
Come, Stefan.
Hans ...
I never thought I'd see her
floating around like a swan.
That was a bloody surprise.
I never thought you were ...
... the marrying type?
No, neither did I.
- I was afraid you wouldn't come.
- I'm not too fond of churches.
But tell me now, is it true love?
He makes me happy.
That's good enough.
I promise you, Mona,
that's good enough.
How sweet.
How are you doing?
It's his first suit.
Yes, I'm learning.
- Cheers, girls. And congratulations.
- Thanks.
Mona, I wanted to ask you ...
I thought that if you took a look
at some of these brochures ...
Are you going to Turkey?
Yes ...
Here's a little surprise.
Blondie on stage.
Our own little Blondie!
Mum, where is Stefan?
Stefan, little brother, my prince.
For you.
I'm going to sing a song I've written
about us girls at the works.
I couldn't have done it
without you, Annbritt, -
- or if you, Mona, hadn't said
that we are the angels of iron.
It's called "Black Island Sisters"
just like us.
ton after ton of molten iron
we give birth to dreams
cast in steel
dreaming of love
filled with longing
here's to you sister
cheers
in the shadow of the furnace
we've found our force
we're angels under the dirt
we have steel workers' dreams
we have steel workers' hearts
and we know what we can do
and what we want
outside the works
where the snow's falling hard
dogs are howling in chorus
and Svartöstan sparkles
in the midwinter cold
as we walk
the streets of longing
Black Island Sisters
we are the angels of iron
Black Island Sisters
we know what we can do
and what we want
when the ladle drops
its glowing iron
and the sparks land on your skin
you look at me sister
and laugh so loud
you laugh with your warm heart
and the dreams grow
in time with the furnace
we flee from the sparks and soot
we have steelworkers'dreams
we have steelworkers' hearts
and we know what we can do
and what we want
outside the works
where the snow's falling hard
dogs are howling in chorus
and the houses are sleeping
on a pillow of land
in the shadow
of the steelworks' tower
and Svartöstan sparkles
in the midwinter cold
as we walk
the streets of longing
Black Island Sisters
we are the angels of iron
Black Island Sisters
we know what we can do
and what we want
Black Island Sisters
we are the angels of iron
Translation: Louise Munk Alminde
Scandinavian Text Service 2008
with the Black Island Sisters.
Here it's greatest, here it's best,
here's a fest!
Take it easy, Konrad. Bye-bye.
BLACK ISLAND SISTERS
- You've got to repaint the place.
- Yes.
- This summer?
- You've been saying that for years.
Go on and stare, you bitch.
This is the only entertainment
you'll get.
- How is he doing?
- Same as usual, I think.
See you later.
Hans!
Hans!
- I'm home.
- Mum, I'll miss.
Is it a fun game?
Eh?
Feel in my pocket.
hi ho Albert Blue
wondering what he's to do?
on the bough
sat a little bird and sang
little brother little brother
you're cuter than any other
Put them in the frying pan.
Put them in the frying pan, Stefan.
- Annbritt, hi.
- Hi.
- How are you doing?
- I'm good. And you?
I'm meeting Tomas.
We're popping over to Boden.
- Tell him to look in at dad's too.
- Sure.
- Hi, dad.
- Did you get the brawn?
Hi, Svante. Come here, boy. Hello.
This is food
for old, toothless wolves.
Have you been out
for a walk today?
The gravel gets stuck in the wheels.
It needs salting.
I've told Tomas, but he ...
... never gets anything done.
- Rova's dead.
- Is he?
- Is it the graveyard tomorrow?
- No, tomorrow is Saturday.
We're going on Sunday.
He worked on my shift, Rova.
- I guess he was pretty old.
- Like me.
They're keeping up well.
- A Negro was here this morning.
- What?
I have to go now, dad.
The Finn was here asking for you.
Shit.
See you tomorrow.
- Are you going out?
- Yes.
You can get pizza or something.
There's money in the tin.
Hi, Mona. How are you doing?
Top of the world?
come and hold me
I'm enchanted by you
- Will you drive me?
- No, I'm going out. Has he called?
- Are you driving?
- No! You'll have to catch the bus.
Has Kurre called?
What the hell?
- What do you want?
- How are you?
- What do you want?
- Okay.
- Get your stuff in the garage.
- I will when I have the time.
Hey, you! Get your stuff,
or I'll throw it out, understand?
- Yes, I understand!
- Good!
- That was fast.
- It'll get faster, come on.
More. Come to mummy.
What the hell am I saying?
Why don't we go to Thailand?
Or Rone. No, Rome.
Or Borneo, right?
Go dancing at the Karungi Hotel.
We need to get some air, Annbritt.
The world is waiting for us.
- Shall we dance?
- Definitely.
- Shall we dance?
- Yes, why not?
- Why not? Put out the cigarette.
- Yes.
How are you doing, love?
Are you thirsty?
How did you figure that out?
I've got one hell of an intuition
about girls ... or women.
I work with ... I do analyses.
- I'm an analyst.
- What?
- I'm an analyst.
- What do you analyse then?
How much forest we have to fell
to increase wood production.
It's actually bloody interesting.
What do you do?
I work with iron.
I understand.
Do you?
What the hell are you doing?
- I'm hot when I have my period.
- Just wait for your menopause then.
- Can I borrow a tampon?
- Borrow?
Here. I need it back next week.
We'll put a sauna by the river.
It'll be great. Swimming in the nude
and looking across the river-
- and staring at the horizon
and dreaming yourself away -
- to China, India
and the Sahara Desert.
That's the only way
to get away from here.
On some bloody
goods wagons to Borlänge.
- Borlänge?
- But I'll trick those devils.
- I'll get away from here.
- Goddamn, Mona.
Then you can stare at the horizon
and travel all you like.
And where would you go then?
Some place warm
where the men are good-looking -
- and think about things other
than which snowmobile to buy.
Svante, come here!
- She made great meatballs.
- Now you'll have to do with mine.
Now it's time for the evening shift.
- Hello, Erik. How are you doing?
- Are you on the evening shift?
- Did you win on the horses?
- No, I only had three right.
- I won 200.
- That won't get you to Haparanda.
Why would I want to go there?
They're all dead.
I don't give a shit
about Haparanda.
- How can they live in a crematorium?
- Sorry?
Nothing.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Wish your dad happy birthday from me.
No, don't do that.
- Yes, do.
- Okay.
Come on, bloody car.
Don't come over here.
I don't know what the hell I'll do.
Hi.
Where's your stupid master?
Hi.
- Where is the stuff?
- In there.
Did you have fun last Saturday?
To the right.
Have you forgotten?
What the hell?
What are you doing, Timo!
Timo!
- Give me the money.
- What?
For the car. I want it.
You owe me 3,000.
I don't have any money now, Timo.
Let me out!
Timo!
What the hell? Bastard!
Hi, Tomas.
- Found the switch?
- Did you have it?
- Yes.
- The tote paid.
Come help me then.
I need that damned money back
bloody soon.
- It's just business.
- Shut up.
We can always talk about it.
Talk? Do you know what you are?
You're bloody stupid.
I hope you meet someone
just as bloody stupid as you.
What the hell did I see in you? Your
only skill was getting moonshine.
Talk? You can't talk to someone
who's got a sponge for a brain.
- Watch it ...
- Shut up!
- What an idiot.
- Him?
Yes, Tomas.
He's always been so soft.
- Should he have left me there?
- No, he should have struck him.
- You have to get a man.
- Well, that didn't really work out.
No, you need to meet someone
with a taxi company or some ...
Road machinery?
I don't have to get a man.
I have to go to the scrap dealer
and get an exhaust pipe.
- Will you be all right?
- Yes, will you hand in my coupons?
- God, I've stared down this road.
- What?
- God, I've stared down this road.
- Well, then stop staring.
It's like time stands still
when you turn off here.
Hi.
He's like a shadow.
Exactly like Kurre. Silent.
He doesn't say anything,
he just walks.
I don't know
why I stay in this hole.
Do you know what I wish?
That life was ahead of me
and not behind me.
That I still had all my dreams.
I think you decide for yourself
whether life is ahead or behind you.
At least you've got
a working exhaust pipe now.
I'm going to strangle
that bloody creep.
The bitch or the dog?
You've been late five times, -
- and the rest of the staff
have complained. Take a seat.
Yes ...
I think your time here
is over, my girl.
- That won't do.
- What did you say?
That won't do.
All right, one more chance.
But this is your very last warning,
do you understand?
Run along then.
Great to escape the dog shift.
Mona, I haven't got
your money yet. Give it here.
- Here.
- Have you bought a new bathing cap?
Kajsa, how does it feel?
No more soot in my ears.
I can't bloody believe it.
My last day.
Are you going to break rock
in some mine then?
We're going drinking
in Hakkas tonight.
Are you jealous?
Mona? Are you jealous?
Australia, a shitty country.
What have they got besides sheep?
I wanted to go there as a child.
I read about a dingo.
- But you never went.
- I met a guy from Hakkas.
- You should have gone then.
- Then I'd never have met you, Mona.
in our own time
dreaming
you're laughing at my side
dreaming
you're laughing at my side
You know what, little brother?.
Some day you'll see.
I have to go now. I have to go.
- Are you going out?
- Yes, we're singing at Blackies.
Are things all right at work?
When are you coming home?
- I'm 25.
- That's when things can go wrong.
Please sit down, Stefan.
Sit down.
It's the Finn's last delivery.
- Mona, take it easy now.
- No way.
One more time?
you're leaving
the black Northern gold
for the hot desert sand
and leaving behind
your sisters of steel
no more tough shifts
no more tepid sausage ...
Come on!
- Mona!
- Wait up, I've lost a shoe.
- There goes the Finn's last drops.
- What the hell. Come on.
Kajsa, Kajsa, Kajsa!
- You'd better bloody shape up.
- Take it easy, right to the top.
Annbritt! Hi.
- You were great.
- Thanks.
- Really bloody great.
- It was fun.
Why are you here?
Do you know Kajsa?
No, I was just passing
and heard you were playing.
I haven't seen you before.
But now I've seen you.
Stop going on about him.
It's been five years.
- It's two years and eight months.
- Five.
Piteå in an expensive caravan. It
was cold with mosquitoes everywhere.
And then that blonde crocodile came
and took what she wanted.
- Blondie, where have you been?
- Nowhere.
Is than in Piteå?
We sang and now I'm standing here.
That's good.
I like things to stand still.
Everything in its place. "In your
basket," my mum always said.
If you wanted to climb the fence,
your fingers got rapped. Bam!
- So you're going to be a singer?.
- Maybe.
No, stick to the cleaning.
Now, that's life for you.
- Just because you ...
- What? Watch it now.
You don't know shit
about my life, or do you?
I'll tell you something. You
wouldn't survive one day of my life.
So don't you come and talk
about my life. Just wait and see.
See what? How you lower yourself
over the works like a black angel?
- Are you the only one with dreams?
- No, everybody has dreams.
You'll go a bloody long way.
You'll go all the way to Hakkas.
Crappy Hakkas.
Full house in crappy Hakkas.
- You'll be a success. Mona knows.
- Cut it out, Mona.
Hell, Mona, you're so bloody mean.
You monkey.
The mean monkey.
Call the exterminator.
What the hell are you doing?
What's with you?
It's vitamin deficiency.
- Can't you just shut up?
- I know. Do you want some wine?
You're too much.
You should try your own poison.
I have. We should have
gone to Thailand. Or Turkey.
- Hello.
- Hi.
- Hi, Mona.
- Hello there, Sune.
- Are you here to hear me sing?
- Yes. You were great.
It's hot ... in Australia.
- Yes, but are you going there?
- No, no, no.
Thanks for tough shifts and parties.
Good luck in Melbourne.
We've bought a little present
from all of us at the works.
And we'd like to sing a little song
we've written for you. Mona!
Blondie?
Blondie?
- We'll start without her, come on.
- What are you up to?
- Do you think you can do anything?
- I'll get her.
Blondie!
Blondie!
I'm sorry.
Forgive an idiot.
Hi, my very favourite little brother.
Would you like to hear my new song?
It's okay, mum.
Don't be afraid.
Which button do I have to push?
What's this?
Is this the "no fear" button?
Where is the "be brave" button?
We have to find it, little brother.
We have to find
the "be brave" button.
Sune, what the hell
are you doing here?
Sune! Get out!
What the hell are you doing here?
Get out of here. Get out!
Out!
Get out!
Hell, Mona.
How could you sink so low?
I forgot my shoes.
Bye.
Why does life have to be
a bloody living hell?
Can you tell me that, God?
No.
Shit.
Poor Mona.
Poor little Mona.
Poor lonely Mona.
Poor old Mona.
- Are you new?
- Yes, I started yesterday.
Just stick with me
and everything will be okay.
Keep an eye on the level.
Get it down!
What are you doing?
Shut the ladle!
Move the ladle!
Well done.
- Thank God no one was injured.
- What's God got to do with it?
We are the gods.
We are the angels of iron, right?
Yes, absolutely.
- Do you know a good bar?.
- Where are you from?
- Överkalix.
- Then go home.
I asked you nicely.
What a stuck-up bitch.
They're always like that.
You can just go to hell.
It was in the summer.
It was hot as hell.
We had some young guys from
Pajala working there for the summer.
It was at the molten strand.
Suddenly it blew up.
One of them was far too close,
and I shouted to him, but ...
It was too late.
It was my fault.
He should never have been there.
Good boy.
Good boy.
- Is tomorrow Sunday?
- No.
The cold is coming.
Isn't it always?
What are you seeing, dad?
- Oops.
- I'm sorry.
- Aren't you a singer in that band?
- What?
You're pretty good. Your band.
You're pretty good. I've heard you.
You know
you get tinnitus from that?
Yes.
It's the volume.
It's not good for you.
I have to ...
Wait up.
What are you doing tonight?
Would you like to do something?
Yes.
Okay.
- At seven?
- Sure.
I'm working on a project
for Borlänge.
- Trying to make stronger steel.
- Okay.
But down there I'm working
mostly with resilience.
Okay.
- But steel isn't just steel.
- No.
There's ... We are number one
in the world at making steel.
China exports a lot of steel,
but not of the same quality.
There are different ...
... different qualities of steel.
There's high-tensile steel
and extra high-tensile steel -
- and ultra high-tensile steel,
so that's ...
There's everything anyway.
- Have you been to Paris?
- No.
It's real nice.
At least when they ...
You know, the Eiffel Tower ...
When they built it
in the late 1800's, -
-they used 6,000 tons of steel.
If you were to do that today
with our ultra high-tensile steel, -
- you would only need
1,800 tons of steel.
- What are you doing here?
- I'm sitting.
- Where have you been?
- Nowhere.
Come and sit down.
How is everything?
Well ...
- And school?
- Okay.
Is it fun?
It's Hans. Yes.
Do you know how many tons of steel
it took to build the Titanic?
6,000 tons?
Yes, maybe. I have no idea.
That might be good to know.
- Are you hungry?
- No.
- Hi, Blondie.
- Why are you looking so happy?
Did you get a record deal?
You've met a guy. Congratulations.
- Blondie's met a guy.
- How great.
Is the dreaming over then, Britney?
That's what happens.
They drown you in their laundry,
their dreams and their nonsense.
- Shut up! He's not like that.
- What? Like all other guys?
Shut up, Mona. Konrad is pissed off
because you walked out.
How can you work with someone
who doesn't give a shit about anyone?
- Listen up now, little Britney.
- Shut up, you bitter hag.
There we have it.
You've been longing for that, right?
Take care you don't go down
the drain. You're on your way ...
Cut it out, Mona.
Let me tell you something
about life, Blondie.
It happens this fast,
and then one day it's bloody over.
We're not talking about life,
but about the band, right?
it's only us
in our own time
I'm dreaming
you're laughing by my side
nothing stirs
but what we do
I'm dreaming
that we'll never die
you sang for me
come with me now
we have to go
I can't find a place
we have to be two
come with me now
we have to go
I'm singing the words
I know you understand
an angel's walking in my tracks
How about getting started?
- What key?
- You only know one.
- What did you say?
- Nothing.
Hi. Yes.
Okay. Bye.
That was a nice song. But you don't
walk out on a gig again.
Mona, shape up now
or you're out, understand?
- Understand?
- Yes!
Good, let's take it from
Blondie's verse. C? Okay?
It went well tonight.
You hit all the notes, Mona.
Bye.
Bye.
Come on, old girl,
we'll catch the bus to Svartöstan.
- He was good-looking.
- They're the worst.
Sankta Lucia
Sankta Lucia
then on our darkest night
comes with her shining light
Sankta Lucia
Sankta Lucia
- Where have you been?
- Nowhere.
- Why didn't you call?
- We were at my place.
Hi, it's me.
I know it's late.
Everything's late. I know.
But listen ... I don't know.
He's like a shadow. He comes
and goes and doesn't talk.
What?
Then tell her to go to bed.
Tomorrow? She can't bloody decide
when I'm going to call.
Tell the stupid bitch to go to bed!
Hello?
No, Mona, don't be scared.
It's only me, Sune.
I just wanted to ...
... tell you that you looked
very pretty today when you sang.
I wanted to ask you if you would
like to go dancing sometime?
Or maybe go to Turkey?
You're pale. Are you hung-over,
or are you pregnant?
Christ, you are.
Are you stupid or something?
You don't have to get pregnant.
- Shut up.
- He'll be really excited.
Believe me, they always are.
What is it?
- How about the cinema tomorrow?
- Tomorrow? Sure.
Was that what you wanted
to talk about? The cinema?
Would you like to have
a baby with me?
Of course. I want to have
lots of babies with you.
I'm pregnant.
- Now?
- Yes, now.
- But how ...
- I forgot.
You forgot.
- Would you like to?
- What?
Would you like to?
- I don't know. We'll have to ...
- Figure something out?
... figure something out.
I don't know what to say.
- We'll have to fix it.
- You mean, get rid of it?
Get rid of it.
I don't know.
Isn't that the best thing to do?
I'm driving you home.
I have to ...
... think a little.
You can understand that.
Dad wants klenetter cookies
for Christmas.
And a Christmas tree.
It has to be a real one.
I have to go chop one down.
Maybe you want to come?
I don't care about Christmas trees.
I'll use the one from last year.
Poor Blondie.
How stupid can you be?
Christ, what does he want?
How stupid can you be?
Hi.
- We were supposed to talk.
- I had some work to do.
I want to talk now.
We were supposed to.
- Weren't we?
- It's not that simple, understand?
Understand and understand.
I understand we have to talk. Do you?
- I can't handle being a dad.
- Okay.
I'll get rid of it then.
- But you are coming?
- Coming?
Yes ...
Of course I'm coming. Absolutely.
I have some work to do.
- Can I call you later?.
- Yes.
- Why didn't you bring a chainsaw?
- You chop down a Christmas tree.
Sometimes you're just
so bloody stupid.
- You chop now.
- Me?
Hello? Hi.
What's up?
Okay. Yes, of course.
I'll talk to you later. Take care.
That was Blondie.
She's feeling really sad.
- What did I tell you?
- Just shut up. Hell.
I'm wetting myself.
Have you found
the "stop screaming" button?
Blondie?
I've lost all my buttons,
little brother.
You have to help me,
little brother.
Crap car.
Hi, Svante.
I'm here now, dad.
They took him to the hospital.
Hi.
- Is he going to die?
- We're doing everything we can.
You can sit and wait
and then we'll let you know.
Shit, dad. Couldn't you
have picked some other day?
What am I to do with the food?
The meatballs and the brawn ...
... and the ham
and the whole bloody lot.
Shit. Shit, dad.
Erik Rausa is dead!
Who cares about a Rausa, dad?
Tomas, hi. Where have you been?
I've been looking for you.
Dad has died.
Yes.
This evening.
On Christmas Eve itself.
I'm on my way to dad's.
Svante is all alone.
Can't you come?
No. Okay.
There you are.
You poor thing.
Hi, Svante.
Little Hans,
you're eating very nicely.
- Do you drink a lot?
- 15 litres a week.
- That much?
- That much.
- Weren't you going to ...
- Quit smoking? No.
... change the drapes?
A bit more color, I think.
I did change them.
Really?
Yes, really.
How is your father?
Good. I'm going there
for New Year's Eve.
- Maybe I should ...
- No, that's not a good idea.
Father Christmas.
Sorry to interrupt. I just wanted
to give you a little present.
- I hope you like it.
- Yes.
Thanks, Sune,
it's very nice of you, but ...
Well, I won't interrupt
any longer then.
- No.
- But I'll see you later.
- You look great.
- Thanks.
I'll just wish you all
a very merry Christmas then.
- Was that your boyfriend?
- Shut up. Not a word from you.
we're only here for a little while
with all of life's toil
all you pixies
fill your glasses
and let's celebrate
Cheers, Svante. Merry Christmas.
Are you going to work?
How did it go ...
- What do you care?
- Of course I care.
Hi.
I'm just fetching the new samples.
How did it go?
It went this well.
Now you know how well it went.
Hi.
- Hi. How are you doing?
- Okay.
Are you okay?
Empty. It's just so damned empty.
Poor Svante. He's probably
wondering what's happened.
Listen ... Well, about that money.
I know it's not really
the right time, -
- but with Christmas and all.
- Yes, I'll fix it.
- Good.
I'll call you later, okay?
The funeral and all that. Bye.
I'll talk to you later.
He's always kept out of the way.
When you need him, he's gone.
Dad said he was soft.
- What a nice tree.
- Yes.
At least he got his tree.
What's wrong?
I don't know.
It just packed in on Christmas Eve.
Just like dad.
- Thanks.
- Thanks for the help.
Well ...
I don't know ...
Neither do I.
- I'm so sad.
- Yes, of course you are.
Dad always used to say, -
- that tears were
a waste of liquid.
"Are you wasting liquid, girl?"
he would say.
it's only us
in our own time
I'm dreaming
you're laughing by my side
nothing stirs
but what we do
I'm dreaming
that we'll never die
you sang for me
come with me now
I can't find a place
we have to be two
come with me now
come with me now
we have to go
I'm singing the words
I know you understand
an angel's walking in my tracks
come with me now
we have to go
I'm singing the words
I know you understand
an angel's walking in my tracks
Stefan has found the song button.
You're the best,
little brother. The best.
Now then, Mona,
just take it nice and easy.
Don't get desperate.
Don't get so desperate.
Okay?
Would you like some crisps?
Here you go.
Hi, Mona. Welcome.
It's been a long time.
Why don't you go upstairs and play?
Have you seen Kurre lately?
I've heard he's having a baby,
but I guess you know already.
Hi. What a tan.
You're looking great.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year.
I have to catch the bus.
Happy New Year.
I've been longing for you.
Actually, it feels like he's still
sitting there in his chair.
And waiting.
He would always sit there
when you'd been out, -
- and then he would look at you
so that you weren't drunk.
I never dared go home
when I was drunk.
Now only Svante is waiting.
The poor thing is alone now.
I'm alone, too.
I mean ...
Yes.
I remembered that I thought
you were good-looking.
You did?
And you were
so bloody great at football.
- Was I?
- Weren't you?
No. I don't remember.
You were always just
Tomas' little sister.
- And then you don't exist.
- Exactly.
But now you exist.
Micke, I don't know ...
Neither do I.
But being with you makes me happy.
Hans! Shut the door!
Who the hell was that?
Goddamn, how you look, Mona.
Happy New Year.
Same to you, bitch.
Hans?
Hans?
Hans is gone!
Happy New Year.
- What the hell are you doing?
- I'm driving Hans home.
We agreed that he was to spend
New Year's Eve with us, right?
What a great mood you're in.
We had fun yesterday, right?
There were a lot of rockets.
How did you do?
Do you know you have
your nightie on back to front?
Mona, you have to shape up.
- Shape up?
- You're beginning to look worn out.
You stay the hell away from Hans.
- He's mine! Understand?
- What's that supposed to mean?
He's mine!
He's mine.
Mum ...
You're mine, understand?
You're just mine.
Kurre is having a baby,
and I got as drunk as a skunk.
- Actually, I almost drowned.
- What?
You heard me. I drowned.
I dived into the Arctic Ocean and saw
a very ugly fish, and you know what?
It was me.
I almost scared myself shitless.
I'm sorry. I do go on.
- I'm sorry about your dad.
- Yes.
- He was pretty old, wasn't he?
- That doesn't matter.
He was my dad.
He taught me how to fish and ...
... drive.
Ride a bike.
I don't remember anything
about my dad.
I remember a big coat,
but no head.
- That's what's wrong with me.
- What's wrong with you ...
What?
It's that you're always looking back.
You never get anywhere.
To hell with him.
That was then. This is now.
- Sune wants to take me to Turkey.
- Then go, Mona.
sun and heat
and perhaps some love.
- Go.
- Where are you going, Mona?
- I didn't think we were speaking.
- I guess I have to.
Sorry to hear
about your dad, Annbritt.
How are you?
I hosed him down.
You should have seen his ugly mug.
Goddamn, it felt good.
Want one? I guess you're out.
- No.
- Did you quit?
one day I'll be lying
six feet under the ground
hearing the rain dripping
and the birds in the park
no debts to pay
no sorrows to bear
just a stone with my name
and people passing by
maybe you'll come and mourn
maybe you'll put down a rose
maybe you'll miss me
despite all that I've done
maybe you'll think
he wasn't such a bad man
he had goals and ambitions
slipped away and disappeared
one day I'll be lying
six feet under the ground
hearing the rain dripping
and the birds in the park
- What about the dog?
- What?
What about the dog?
I guess Tomas will shoot it.
Wouldn't a cremation
have been better?
He didn't want to be burned.
How odd.
Everyone gets burned these days.
Thanks, dad.
Thanks, Erik Rausa.
Do you remember the gig at Hakkas?
Petrol and Café at Hakkas.
I don't want to remember.
Don't you remember how foul
they all were? At Hakkas?
I only remember how foolish
they all were at Hakkas.
Come in.
Hi. I just thought I'd drop by.
Come on in and have some brandy.
It's dad's reserves.
- Where have you been?
- Working. Sour Sivan.
Shit.
- Want some cake?
- Yes, please.
Let's drink to Blondie.
Here's to you dumping that jerk.
- Well done.
- Cheers.
Here's to us.
- How is the writing going?
- Good.
Do you know
what I think you should do?
- Want one?
- No thanks.
I think you should ...
Have you quit smoking?
You should write a song about us
at the works. Us ordinary people.
We are the ones
who are great and angry -
- and magnificent and desperate.
About the old hags at the works?
We're bloody well worth a song.
- Yes, maybe.
- Let's drink to that.
- What is it?
- Can't you hear it?
Life is on its way.
There it was, life.
- Here's to life.
- Here's to life.
Hi, what's happened?
He's stolen
computer games and stuff.
- Easy now. It can't be that bad.
- He's stolen stuff!
- Kurre Friberg. What's happened?
- We have to keep him a bit longer.
- Why?
- There seems to be more to it.
- How long will it take?
- We don't know.
- We have to see him.
- We'll let you know.
- Haven't you noticed anything?
- What?
That's bloody typical.
- We can't just leave.
- They'll call when they're done.
- But ...
- We can't just stand here.
Is it true
that you're having a baby?
Yes.
- What's she got that I haven't?
- Mona, that's not it.
- What then?
- That's just how it is.
It was just over.
We ...
- You and I ...
- Why?
It was just over.
- Can it be over just like that?
- Yes.
- What?
- Yes, apparently.
- But if I had known ...
- You can't know that.
There's nothing
you can do about it.
- Kurre ...
- I have to go.
I don't want to be
so bloody lonely.
Then call me.
- What about Hans?
- Call me when you know something.
Then we'll talk. I have to go.
Okay.
Yes ... Yes.
Bye.
Here he is. We'll let you know.
- Haven't you got any cola?
- Take it easy.
Now tell me what's happened.
- It was the others, not me.
- What others?
- Nobody you know.
- What the hell have you done?
Nothing. They thought I had
pinched some computer games, -
- but this guy said I had them in
his bag, and then it all went wrong.
Then I got the blame.
I didn't do anything.
- What about the ones in your room?
- I got those, mum.
- You got them?
- Yes.
- What happens now?
- He told you, he'll call.
Up you go. Good boy.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Annbritt! Where are you going?
I have to ...
- No!
- What the hell are you doing?
- You're crazy.
- He gets to live a little longer.
- Welcome back to life, Svante.
- That's the last time I help you.
Hell, you can't just
take my son away from me?
- It's only temporary.
- Who do you think you are? God?
- We don't smoke here.
- That's a surprise.
Mona, listen to me now.
You seem to need some help ...
with the boy for a while.
- You're not setting any limits.
- What the hell do you know?
You sit here in your bloody ...
No, Hans is coming home with me.
No, he's not.
He has committed a crime.
- Social services are responsible.
- To hell with social services.
We have decided that he has to stay
at an approved school.
Stay here.
They are taking my boy
away from me.
What's happened?
They say he's pinched some computer
games and that I can't handle him.
- What about Kurre?
- Kurre!
He has to take care of the blonde
crocodile. He has no time for us.
Am I a bad mother?
Yes, pretty bad.
Actually, quite lousy.
But I just wanted to ...
be a bit more ...
To be happy.
Maybe.
Let him get away.
It'll be good for him.
And don't corner people like that.
Let Kurre go now.
I'm so bloody lonely, Annbritt.
I know.
But right now
Hans is probably lonelier.
- Don't feel so sorry for yourself.
- No.
It's his turn now.
Yes.
Bye.
No, but ...
- We have to move.
- Good. It's spring soon.
- Will we be living in a tent?
- It'll be fine, mum.
I promise, little brother.
One day you'll see me on stage.
Then I'll sing just for you,
my very favourite little brother.
you sang for me
come with me now
Right, little brother?
- Are you pregnant?
- Yes.
It'll be fine, mum. I promise.
Hi, Hans. It's mum.
How are you?
Yes, it's fine.
I miss you so much.
I said that I miss you so much.
Yes.
Yes.
Okay. Bye.
Bye.
happy birthday to you
happy birthday to you
happy birthday dear Mona
happy birthday to you
Hip hip hooray hooray hooray!
Sweetheart.
- Are you turning 31?
- I feel like I'm 92.
Shit, I thought
you'd forgotten about me.
You're not so easily forgotten.
No, that's right.
I just wanted to give you
some flowers, Mona.
I think you're so ...
- How about some cake?
- Thanks, Sune.
- Will you marry me?
- What did you say?
I was just wondering if ...
I was wondering
if you will marry me?
Annbritt ...
Do you want to get married?
This is bloody weird, isn't it?
Yes.
Do you want to marry me?
Yes.
But do you mean
like in a church ...
... and with a wedding dress
and all that?
- When would it be then?
- I don't know.
Anytime, or when you want to.
If you want to.
Okay, Sunday then.
Are you joking?
I'm joking.
I want to when you want to.
We are gathered together here
to join in holy matrimony-
- Annbritt Rausa
and Mikael Sandberg.
We are here to ask for God's blessing
and to share your joy.
Marriage is a gift for
the well-being of society, -
- for the help and joy of man, -
- for mutual support
and mutual connection -
- in dark as well as light days.
There she is.
To live as man and wife
is to live in trust and love, -
-to take responsibility
for one another and the home, -
- to receive
and raise children -
- and faithfully stand
by one another's side.
The congregation will rise.
Before God and this congregation
I ask you, Mikael Sandberg:
Do you take Annbritt Rausa
to be your wife in sorrow and joy?
Yes.
Before God and this congregation
I ask you, Annbritt Rausa:
Do you take Mikael Sandberg
to be your husband in sorrow and joy?
Yes.
The rings.
- Stop it.
- You're supposed to cry at weddings.
- Why?
- You just are.
Bless Annbritt og Mikael
in holy matrimony.
Come on.
Come, Stefan.
Hans ...
I never thought I'd see her
floating around like a swan.
That was a bloody surprise.
I never thought you were ...
... the marrying type?
No, neither did I.
- I was afraid you wouldn't come.
- I'm not too fond of churches.
But tell me now, is it true love?
He makes me happy.
That's good enough.
I promise you, Mona,
that's good enough.
How sweet.
How are you doing?
It's his first suit.
Yes, I'm learning.
- Cheers, girls. And congratulations.
- Thanks.
Mona, I wanted to ask you ...
I thought that if you took a look
at some of these brochures ...
Are you going to Turkey?
Yes ...
Here's a little surprise.
Blondie on stage.
Our own little Blondie!
Mum, where is Stefan?
Stefan, little brother, my prince.
For you.
I'm going to sing a song I've written
about us girls at the works.
I couldn't have done it
without you, Annbritt, -
- or if you, Mona, hadn't said
that we are the angels of iron.
It's called "Black Island Sisters"
just like us.
ton after ton of molten iron
we give birth to dreams
cast in steel
dreaming of love
filled with longing
here's to you sister
cheers
in the shadow of the furnace
we've found our force
we're angels under the dirt
we have steel workers' dreams
we have steel workers' hearts
and we know what we can do
and what we want
outside the works
where the snow's falling hard
dogs are howling in chorus
and Svartöstan sparkles
in the midwinter cold
as we walk
the streets of longing
Black Island Sisters
we are the angels of iron
Black Island Sisters
we know what we can do
and what we want
when the ladle drops
its glowing iron
and the sparks land on your skin
you look at me sister
and laugh so loud
you laugh with your warm heart
and the dreams grow
in time with the furnace
we flee from the sparks and soot
we have steelworkers'dreams
we have steelworkers' hearts
and we know what we can do
and what we want
outside the works
where the snow's falling hard
dogs are howling in chorus
and the houses are sleeping
on a pillow of land
in the shadow
of the steelworks' tower
and Svartöstan sparkles
in the midwinter cold
as we walk
the streets of longing
Black Island Sisters
we are the angels of iron
Black Island Sisters
we know what we can do
and what we want
Black Island Sisters
we are the angels of iron
Translation: Louise Munk Alminde
Scandinavian Text Service 2008