La pasión de Gabriel (2008) - full transcript
In a small hamlet in the Colombian mountains, a newly appointed padre Father Gabriel finds himself torn between his spiritual calling and his desires for a young woman named Silvia, while also trying to protect his congregation from being drawn into the increasingly violent battles between the government military and rebel forces that surround the town.
THE PASSION OF GABRIEL
I baptize you,
Magnolia, in the name of the
Father,
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit, amen.
We're done.
It was very easy.
Look, congratulations.
Thank you, Father.
Nice one, Father!
What is going on, dude?
Are you OK? Let me see.
Everything's fine!
Let's get on with the party.
We're having a great time here
in the village of Cielo Nuevo
with this wonderful group,
Los Chachos de Colombia.
Can you believe these guys?
One drink,
and they're at each other's
throats.
- What happened, Gilberto?
- Torres came after me.
- He says I owe him money.
- What for?
I bought some pigs from him and
he wants me to pay now and I
don't have the money.
That's what you get
for being a wise guy.
I told him I'd pay him,
and now he wants to kill me.
Oh, Gilberto, you love to fight.
Let's see...
Listen, Angela,
are we in danger of not losing
him?
Stop whining, Gilberto.
The party's over for you.
We'll talk later.
Let's go, let's go!
He's been giving me the run
around,
but nobody's going
to rip me off.
Why didn't you come to us?
This is the kind of bullshit
you're always getting involved
in.
How are you, Josue?
Aren't you ashamed?
Listen to this idiot!
He was going to kill someone
over a couple of pigs!
Listen, Father...
Why don't you go to your party
and let us take care of this?
Gilberto says he'll have the
money in two weeks.
They're fixing him up.
You should be grateful
it was nothing serious.
Can I have a word with you in
private, Father?
Bastard.
Come on, Josué.
We don't want to blow this
out of proportion and ruin the
bazaar.
You know it was because
of the drinking.
Why complicate things
for these people?
Look, pal...
You know how we fix
problems around here, don't you?
Yes, I'm not asking you to stop
people from hurting each other,
but don't do anything to Torres.
OK.
Do you think we're going to
shoot him or something?
Go home to bed.
You're too drunk
to walk, old man.
Old man?
The sun is old and still going strong.
Listen...
Did you put away the money
from the bazaar?
No, why don't I give
it to you, and we'll see how
long it lasts?
Hey, Father, you
can't sing this song.
Father only sings
Christmas carols.
Let's finish up at my house.
Sorry, I'm beat.
I've got Mass tomorrow at 6 a.m.
No problem, Father.
We'll send you off at 5:55.
Silvia, come with us!
No, I'm too tired.
Come on, Negro, don't be a
pain...
Goodbye.
- Come on! Let's go home.
- Silvia?
What?
How about a glass of wine?
You have Mass tomorrow at 6 a.m.
Just one...
It's been blessed.
Not tonight, Your Holiness.
Are you still up, Father?
I thought you'd
be asleep by now.
Actually, I'm about to fall
over.
Honey, I thought you were over
at the teacher's house.
No, dad, I'm too tired.
See you tomorrow, Father.
See you tomorrow, Silvia.
See you tomorrow, don Pablo.
Good night, Father.
What did you decide, Marcos?
School or up the mountain?
It's just that I already said
I'd go with them.
OK, then.
Go dig latrines and trenches
until you end up in jail or get
shot.
But, Father, I'd
make a lousy priest.
Don't be stupid, Marcos.
I'm giving you a
chance to get ahead.
Father, give us the
ball while you finish changing.
You guys are in such a hurry...
There you go.
So what do I tell them?
Nothing.
Don't worry about them.
Neither one of us is going
to tell them where you've gone.
Let's go, boys!
Over here! Over here!
What's the matter with you?
How could you let that in?
It's not my fault,
you let him take the ball from
you!
Oh, yes.
Hey, Joaco!
What brings you here?
I came by to say hello, Father.
Come on up!
- How's it going up there?
- Fine.
We've missed you at
the soccer games.
I've missed you
guys too, Father.
Father...
I need your help.
Of course, son.
What is it?
Help me get out.
Why are you asking me?
You're the only one
who can help me.
I never get mixed
up in those affairs.
If you want to get
out, tell them.
If it were that easy,
I wouldn't be here asking for
your help.
They sent you to
test me, didn't they?
Sorry to bother you, Father.
You'll have to learn
to live with your mistakes,
young man.
You'll have to get out
of this one by yourself.
I know I messed up, Father,
but I really don't
know what to do.
Joaco!
Let's try something.
Be down here tomorrow at 4 a.m.,
and we can do something.
You think you can handle
life up on the mountain?
Ah, I think I can.
Look, honey,
it's tough up there.
Don't think that people go to
the mountain for vacation.
You'll have to dodge
bullets, you know?
Uh?
I'll tell you what...
You think about
it for a few days,
I'll speak to them
and see what they say.
OK, sir. Thanks a lot.
Go on, I'll see what I can do.
- You took your time.
- I stopped by to see my mom.
This is for Commander Efrain.
Tell him I'll send him
the package tomorrow.
Listen...
Don't waste any
more time on visits.
- No, sir.
- Go on, you're late.
That's how I hoped to find you.
Yaneth...
I didn't think I'd
see you again today.
My dear, so beautiful.
What were you talking
to Josué about?
I told him I wanted to go
up mountain with you.
You're crazy, Yaneth.
Why?
What do you mean "why"?
I thought we decided
to be together.
Did you change your mind?
No.
But why did you talk to that guy
without asking me first?
What's the problem, Joaco?
Do you have another
girl up there?
No...
- That's not it. Don't be silly.
- So...
I can't tell you now,
but I'll be down
tonight, and we'll talk.
Really?
You're not coming
back tonight, Joaco.
Yes, I'll be back
tonight, and we'll talk.
Be good, son.
And take care of yourself.
- You take care of yourself, ma.
- Of course, son.
- I'll write to you.
- I hope so.
Why so glum?
You're off to heaven
and crying about it?
God bless you, Father.
Don't worry, doña Carmen.
Good morning, Isauro!
You're late, Father.
I was about to leave.
Oh, I overslept.
Did you get those
crossheads fixed on your car?
Yes, I did.
Father Oscar will be waiting for
you.
You'll be fine, Marco.
He's very helpful.
Take this money, just in case.
Thank you, Father.
Here you go.
You know it, do good in school
and find yourself a nice girl.
Good luck, son.
Go!
Father, send
greetings to my mom.
- Have a good trip!
- Take care.
You're setting yourself up for a
hard time with that new job in
Public Works.
Yes, man. I'm on my way.
Just let me finish up here
with one last patient.
Father, let's talk next week.
I have an urgent meeting
at the governor's office
and I've got to go,
if you excuse me.
What do you mean,
Ramiro? Just a second.
I came all this way
just to meet with you,
and now you're running off?
No.
Sorry, Father.
Uh?
You know how important
these meetings are.
Call before you come next
Thursday, to make sure you don't
waste the trip.
I don't care about
the trip, Ramiro.
You know what
disappoints me the most?
Having to go back
and tell those people who voted
for you
that, once again,
you couldn't listen to us.
Father, why are you
doing this to me?
OK! I confess.
This year's budget is gone,
and there's nothing left for
public works.
You want me to go to jail?
If you already knew that,
why did you make me waste my
time coming down here?
Isn't it better to be honest?
I am being honest. There's no
money. What are we going to do?
Maybe next year.
We'll find the money
for your little bridge project.
But don't be a stranger,
we miss seeing you around here.
- See you later, sweetheart.
- Ramiro.
Why were you fighting
with the mayor, Gabriel?
Can't you see you've got
to treat him with kid gloves?
Ah, Silvita...
I don't know how you can work
with such an incompetent!
What do we have to do
to at least get some technical
advice?
If it's technical advice you
need, I've got the solution.
How nice to see an
engineer hard at work!
Hi. How are you?
You can't imagine how pleased I
am to see you!
The pleasure's
all yours, Father!
Silvita, what are you on?
You get prettier every day.
Engineer, I need you to finish
up here fast.
I've got a job for you...
Should I be happy or scared?
Be
Scared! Very scared!
So who's going to
supervise the work?
Father Gabriel?
So he's an engineer, too?
Why not?
At least he's willing to work.
All I'm saying is we shouldn't
be spending our own money on
that bridge...
So those government crooks
can get away with their
stealing.
Look, man...
This bridge isn't for don Pablo
or for my granny,
it's for everyone!
He's right, Hipólito.
What's your problem?
The problem is that the health
center is falling to pieces,
but since the priest
wants a bridge...
What did I say, Hipólito?
Father.
I say it would be better
to spend the money we raised
on the health center.
Hipólito,
we decided in the last meeting
that we'd fix the bridge.
So stop being such a pain!
Well, if you all think I'm such
a pain, I'm going home.
I have no voice around here.
You don't give a
damn what I think.
Here's the key to
the cash box, Father.
Spend the money
any way you like.
Those who'd like
to take part on the Eucharist
and have any sins to confess,
please come to the chapel...
Yaneth, Yaneth, I
need to talk to you!
After recess we can talk.
Thank you.
Have you seen Joaco lately?
Not me.
No, Father. Why?
No...
I heard he wanted to talk to me
but I haven't heard from him.
Did he say about what?
No.
I thought he wanted
me to marry you two.
They probably
wouldn't let him come.
Mm...
You're probably right.
Father!
Is there something
you're not telling me?
Nothing, honey.
If you see him, tell
him to come see me.
Hello, Father.
You almost broke your neck
looking at that girl.
-Go on, say something to her.
Girl! -No...
She's too ugly.
Ugly? It's time to you woke up.
At your age,
I had two girlfriends at a time.
With two girlfriends,
you'd never have become a
priest.
Alcides!
Go straight home.
There's a lot to be done.
Father!
I need to talk to you.
How are you, Josué?
Listen, Father...
Up on the mountain, they're
worried about that bridge you're
planning to fix.
Why is that?
They think the bridge is going
to let the army in.
Ah, Josué...
Tell them not to be so stupid.
The community is planning
to fix that bridge,
so they can get their
products to market.
I guess so.
But if the army moves in,
we're stuck in the middle,
and blood might get shed.
What do you mean "we", Josué?
Look, Father...
Why don't you go back to the
Town Council and think it over
again?
Come on,
why don't you tell
them that yourself?
Tell them you don't
want a bridge,
and see what they say.
OK.
I'm just telling you
what they told me.
You will see.
Thank you.
See you later, Hipólito.
Goodbye, Father.
How does it look, engineer?
How does it look?
It looks good to me.
Does it?
Yes!
It looks real good to me.
I checked the foundations,
and they're fine.
I'll run a load test,
but it looks good.
I'm going to find a carpenter.
I've already got a welder.
I just need to
pick out the wood.
That's wonderful!
I don't know how to thank you.
Don't start crying, Father!
I'll tell you what, I won't
charge you for the work on the
bridge
if you don't charge me
when you marry me and Silvia.
Silvia?
She doesn't know it yet,
but I'm telling you, she's mine.
So, do we have a deal?
Give it your best
shot, engineer.
Don't go.
I have to go, Father.
Come here, give me a kiss.
What's the matter?
Are you sad or want to confess?
Do you know what I feel?
What?
One of these days
you're going to leave me.
And I won't be able to stop you.
I love you a lot.
But no matter how much I love
you, I can't stop being a
priest.
I had...
Forgive me.
Forgive yourself, Father.
Good morning, doña Elvira.
Doña Faustina,
you're looking good.
- What is going on, Eusebio?
- Father!
Calm down, Gabriel.
The first thing we should do
is call the police,
and wait to see what they do.
What if the police
refuse to go up there?
What if they think it's a trap?
What if it is?
All the more reason to wait.
Wait, Gabriel!
Why don't we call the Red Cross?
They'll come up.
Meanwhile, we can get things
ready to take up there.
-There's nothing we can do
anyway. -So go call them.
I'll see you up there.
Gabriel, the Red Cross can't get
here before noon.
The police are sending an
inspector and a few men, but
only as far as town.
Thanks, Rosario.
Anyone want to come up with us?
I do, Father.
- Who else?
- We're coming too.
Let's go.
No, no, no, Gabriel.
You can't take these kids.
You're asking for trouble.
I know what I'm doing, Rosario.
Let's go!
It's Joaco.
Do you know why Joaco is dead?
Because he was a fool!
He thought it would be cool
to carry a gun.
And by the time he realized
it wasn't what he expected,
it was too late.
Who's next?
Mm?
Answer me!
Gabriel!
The Red Cross is
probably in town by now.
Do me a favor and
escort them up,
and take these kids back down.
I'll wait here.
- I'll stay here with you.
- No!
No!
Let's go.
Father...
Did you know Joaco wanted out?
Is that why he was
looking for you?
I'm so sorry.
Father, Gabriel...
It was very
irresponsible of you.
How could you take my daughter
up there with you?
Show some
consideration, doña Luz.
I'm not speaking to you,
Miss.
This is between me
and Father Gabriel.
It was for their own good.
Look, doña Luz...
If I could've prevented this day
from happening, I would have.
Forgive me.
No, Father.
You think that because
you're a priest,
you can do as you please.
But you're wrong.
Look at this, Silvia.
What is it, son?
Who would have
done such a thing?
Who do you think?
What a fool.
Gabriel!
Gabriel!
- What's the matter, Silvia?
- Just look at this!
And look at your hands!
Are you crazy?
Silvia, we're inside a temple...
And you'd better stay
inside, because they're waiting
for you!
Do you want to die?
Calm down, please.
I'm calm. You calm
down, damn it!
Through this holy anointing,
may the Lord in
his love and mercy
help you
with the grace of the Holy
Spirit,
and free you from sin,
grant your salvation,
and comfort you in your illness.
May God bless you
in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit,
amen.
Now get some rest.
Father Gabriel!
Boys!
The Commander needs to talk to
you.
Please come with us.
Alone.
Go on, I'll be down in a while.
Will this take long?
That depends
on what the Commander has to
say.
Father, I've
got to blindfold you.
For your own safety.
- Alcides.
- Yes, sir.
Go get ready for evening Mass.
Yes, sir.
Get lost, kid.
Go!
Let's go!
- There you go.
- Thank you.
The Commander is on his way.
I hope he's not late.
I've got Mass at 6 a.m.
Listen...
I'll bet the last time you went
to Mass was for your first
communion.
You're close.
What a shame.
Gentlemen...
- Father Gabriel.
- Commander.
Father...
Efrain.
We brought you up here
because there are a few things
we need to clear up.
And since you haven't accepted
our invitations...
I never attend
political functions.
But now that I'm here,
there's a few things I'd like
to clear up with you, too.
Father...
What do you know about this?
You know more about it than I
do, commander.
This is a direct accusation
of our movement.
If it wasn't you,
then why don't you ride down
and convince the boy's mother
you had nothing to do with it?
He was with you until he showed
up dead like an animal.
That boy was missing
until you found him.
Look, Father...
We've been in this region
a lot longer than you have.
And here, not even a chicken
goes missing, no one misbehaves.
It's not because
of your preaching.
We teach them to
respect each other.
And yet...
When people show up dead,
you know nothing about it.
We're looking into
the boy's death,
but I'm warning you.
If this is your doing,
you've declared
yourself our enemy.
I'm not looking for
enemies, Commander.
Let's hope not, Father.
Ah!
I almost forgot...
Your little dream of a bridge
is only going to bring trouble.
Keep your hands out of the fire
or you'll get burned.
Father, I've had my eye
on you ever since you came here,
and you seem like a good person.
You've done important things
with the people in the village.
Thanks, Efrain.
Father, Father...
Listen.
You like people
to listen to you, right?
Why don't you listen?
Let's work together.
It's better for
everyone that way.
See you later.
See you later, Father.
Hey, Father!
It's getting late!
What are you doing here,
Alcides?
Didn't I tell you to
get ready for Mass?
How could I know
you'd be back in time?
What were you doing
here by yourself?
- Teaching the hen to swim.
- Don't do it again.
They'll be blaming me
for teaching you bad habits.
- Aren't you?
- Listen to you!
Father, were you scared?
Yes, son, a little
bit, but what else can you do?
Bravo!
I forgot to mention...
Silvia sends her love,
but she was too busy to come.
She's not too busy.
She's still mad at me.
That's what the long
face is all about?
I don't know, Rosario.
Sometimes I just do stupid
things.
You're right about that.
You shouldn't have taken
those kids up the mountain,
Gabriel.
We warned you.
You got the whole village
against you.
You saw doña Luz...
And then those
flyers. Beautiful!
That's not what worries me.
It should be.
I'm responsible
for what happened to Joaco.
What do you mean? Why?
He asked me to help him desert,
and I said I would.
If I hadn't told him I'd help,
he'd still be alive, Rosario.
You did what you're
supposed to do.
You did what you could.
Don't blame yourself
for a murder you didn't commit.
Remember, Gabriel,
you're not the Saviour.
Oh...
I know perfectly well
who I am, Rosario.
Hm...
Manolo! The wood's
here! Call the boys!
Come on...
Come on through!
Come on through!
Hang on a minute.
This looks kind of dangerous.
This is too weak and
the car is too heavy.
These boards are rotten.
I'm not risking my jeep,
it's my meal ticket.
The wood's fine.
I checked it myself. It is
fine! -
Father, what are you doing?
Let him
come! Let him come!
Father, that was irresponsible.
No, no, no.
How could you do that to me?
I don't want to...
I told you, Isauro,
the jeep would make it!
You're a riot!
Very funny.
Well, Silvia. Shall we?
Yes, it's getting late, Ricardo.
Goodbye, Father.
Goodbye, Silvia.
We're going to dance.
I won't invite you, Father,
to save you from sin.
Well...
Let's get those
boards off the jeep!
I'll be back tomorrow, Manolo,
but in the afternoon!
- Alcides!
- Yes, mom.
- Father is waiting for you!
- I'm on my way!
Tell him the boy
got work to do here.
I'll finish tomorrow.
You can go when you finish here.
Let him go!
He's worked all day, and in this heat!
I said no!
Alcides!
Did you hear me?
Come here, come here.
How are you, Ramón?
Father...
Is something wrong?
No...
We were just playing.
I see.
You'll excuse us, then.
See you later, doña Gladis.
See you later, Father.
One of these days,
your father is going to whip us
good.
Old bugger...
The little brat
will pay for that.
What did you say about the boy?
What "boy"? He's
not a boy anymore.
He needs a couple of women
and some hard work.
Silvia?
Can we talk?
Not now, Gabriel.
OK, then, later. I'll wait.
Don't wait for me.
Why are you angry with me?
What is wrong with you?
What's wrong with me?
I see no point in
talking to you.
You end up doing
whatever you please.
I'm tired of your
stupid pranks, Gabriel.
I'm tired of climbing
into your bed
behind everyone's back.
I'm tired of not being able to
see you whenever I want.
Do you think it's easy
being the priest's girlfriend?
It's because of
Botero, isn't it?
Don't be stupid, Gabriel.
It's your own fault!
Stop hurting me, OK?
What are you doing here,
Alcides?
They're waiting for
you at the church.
Bless this bridge
in the name of the Father,
the Son and the
Holy Spirit, amen.
We're all very excited to have
completed this project,
the re-opening of the
Cielo Nuevo Bridge.
We hope it will bring progress
and development to the region.
Thank you very much.
Bravo!
Congratulations, Ramiro.
Thank you!
Ricardo, congratulations...
Don't get fresh!
Oh, no. Keep your
hands to yourself!
Thank you very much.
Hey, Mr. Mayor! All that effort
spent on Silvia gone to waste.
Someone's jumped ahead of you!
Not ahead of me!
Listen to this...
One of them is buying notebooks
while the other is doing the
homework.
Look at him!
He looks like a beaten cock.
"A beaten cock".
What are you talking about?
The priest lost his girl!
Why do you think the priest
is always visiting the mayor's
office?
So be careful!
Father, let's drink to that
project we pulled off!
"We"?
"We" is a few too
many, Mr. Mayor.
No, the project was all yours.
I came over to congratulate you.
Father, Saint Gabriel.
I'm no saint.
Everybody here worked very hard
to finish that project
while you were at your meetings.
Take it easy, Father.
You know politics...
Some provide the Hail Marys,
and other get all the blessings.
Well spoken, don Chepe.
Why don't we ask
one of those beautiful girls to
dance?
Watch this, Father.
May I, Isauro?
- Go right ahead, Mr. Mayor.
- Come on, honey.
Come on, Father.
Or were you born a saint?
We're honored to have
you here, Mr. Mayor.
I hope it won't
be the last time.
But we'll be seeing you
at the Mayor's office, right?
No...
If I'm going to waste my time,
I'd rather do it up here.
Who said you were wasting your
time?
But if you don't watch it,
someone's going to make off
with that little calf you've got
tied up,
a long-haired engineer.
- That's not funny, Ramiro.
- But it's true.
Go home and sleep it off.
While you're at it,
watch what you're saying...
And you watch your step!
You don't want to get lost
and end up in Purgatory.
So pretty...
You'd better cross yourself...
- Are you coming with us, Gabriel?
- I'm going to bed.
See you later, engineer.
Father...
Your blessing!
- See you tomorrow, Silvia.
- See you tomorrow.
- Is Father Gabriel angry?
- No.
Let's go home and tie one on.
Let's go! Let's go!
No, I think I'll stay.
- Why?
- I'm tired.
I'll see you tomorrow.
A little while!
I'll walk you home.
Don't beg!
All the more booze for us.
She didn't even
kiss me goodnight!
You're such a push-over!
She's gonna wipe
the floor with you.
You have to be hard on them!
Just wait until we get home,
you'll see who is the one who
works hard.
- Silvia!
- Well, you, honey.
What am I going to do with you,
Gabriel?
The Mayor is on to us.
People were bound to catch on.
You don't seem to mind.
Well...
You better figure
out what you want.
You can't go on living like this
and still be a priest, Gabriel.
It's the life I chose, Silvia.
Really?
What do you want?
Shall I marry Botero?
Or go into a convent
so you can rest easy?
Why don't you get lost
and leave me in peace?
Find someone else
to put up with you!
And leave me alone!
Lower your voice!
People will hear us!
All you're worried about
is whether someone will hear us!
Silvia.
Wait...
Why do you have to be
that way? -Why?
Sign this quickly.
- It has to go out this afternoon.
- - Let me sign, Hipólito.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Father.
You can't sign.
Why not? Say it!
Or is it a letter asking them
to remove me from my post?
Father, the truth is,
people think you should go.
Really?
Why is that, doña Luz?
They say you're setting a bad
example for the young people.
I see.
What do you mean by "a bad
example"?
You think it's OK
to drink alcohol?
And get into fights
with everyone?
And endangering our children
by taking them to pick up
corpses?
You caused too much trouble,
and that's why people
have written this letter.
What do you mean by "people",
Hipólito?
The guys up the mountain?
At the Mayor's office? People in
town?
You see, Father?
You're in trouble with everyone.
Father Gabriel!
I just saw soldiers
up at the farm!
- There's going to be shooting.
- What do you mean?
Yesterday, I saw a bunch of
guerrillas in the same place.
Everyone living outside the
village,
please stay inside your homes.
Military operations
have begun in the region
and for your own safety,
please remain indoors.
Father, the army's here.
Thank you.
- Good morning, gentlemen.
- Good morning.
- Can we search you, please?
- Let's...
Why do you want to search me?
I'm asking you nicely...
Who are you?
Gabriel Rodriguez,
the parish priest.
So you're the priest?
Father Gabriel, what's going on?
Stand back, miss.
We're performing a search.
Let me through!
This is a military operation.
She is the school principal.
Really?
I can imagine the kind of
education kids around here are
getting.
You could do
with a little education
yourself.
Get ready to be
searched, please.
I want to see your papers, too.
And those of everyone in that
room!
Barbosa!
Check their IDs.
Father Gabriel...
They've taken William,
they say he's a guerrilla.
What? When?
They just dragged him out of the
house with some other boys.
- Where are they holding them?
- Probably in the truck they came
in.
We've got to talk to them
before getting any deeper.
Stay here, Miriam.
Let Father Gabriel fix that.
Lieutenant!
- What do you do?
- I'm a lumberman.
- Where?
- In the village.
Lieutenant!
What can I do for you, Father?
I heard you detained
a couple of boys
and I need to know who they are.
You can go.
Look, Father.
I told you,
we're performing a military
operation
and just because you
know the detainees,
it doesn't mean
they aren't who we're looking
for.
What are you insinuating?
Father, the matter
is out of my hands.
You're better off
staying out of this.
It's none of your business.
Of course it's my business.
I'm the pastor in
this community.
You're better off
letting us do our job.
Don't take advantage
of the situation.
I'm not taking advantage of
anyone and I'm not asking for
any favors.
All I want is for you to treat
these people fairly.
Are you going to
arrest me for that?
Father...
Don't act the revolutionary,
I might just believe you.
Father, how can I help you?
Major, I'm here because...
Those boys have nothing to do
with guerrillas.
Your lieutenant didn't want to
come back empty-handed.
So he grabbed the first three
kids he gets his hands on
and he says they're guerrillas.
You know it won't
do any good, Major.
All you're doing by not
listening is turning the
community against you.
Look, Father...
Our intelligence reports
say just the opposite.
Those boys are in
serious trouble.
We'll investigate,
and if they're clean, they'll be
released.
How long will your
investigation take?
This investigation will take
as long as it takes, Father.
Have a good day.
Take a look at this letter.
The villagers asked me
to deliver it to you personally.
Everyone signed it...
It says they know these boys
and they can swear they're good
people.
I sent a copy to a press agent I
know and friends at radio
stations.
I think you should
take a look at it.
Look, Father...
I want you to do me a big favor:
don't complicate matters
and don't start making trouble.
We move through the regular
channels and we respect the
rules.
So just let us do our job.
You've been very kind.
I personally vouch for those
boys.
They're members of the community
I represent
and where I work.
They take part in village
activities that we organize
and they're honest,
hard-working...
Major!
Major!
What do you think of this?
These are the families of the
boys you're holding.
They say they won't move
until you release those boys.
Father, I already told you
that this matter is being taken
care of.
So go home, get some rest,
and stop making trouble.
But, Major...
We can't go home at
this time of night,
unless you want to
lock us up too...
Good night.
Major! What are these protests
about?
Thank you.
Father, you look much too tired
to convince anyone.
-So what's going on with all
this? -Major!
Our interrogation hasn't
produced any results, Major.
And do you think they ever will?
I believe they will, Major.
Well then, take your time...
Take all the time you need.
When this place is crawling
with journalists, we'll let them
go,
announce it was all a mistake,
and you and I can move on
to cleaning rifles.
With all due respect, Major.
My orders were to carry out
a military operation...
It was to bring in guerrillas,
subversives and delinquents,
not some radical priest
to hang around causing trouble.
You have until 2 a
.m. to wind this up.
Or you and I are going
to have problems.
You're dismissed.
Yes, Major.
Ass-kisser.
Thank you, Father,
for you have helped.
It's a good thing
we were able to do something.
Go home and get some rest.
- See you, Father.
- Goodbye, Miriam.
"Your presence is requested
as quickly as possible.
At the Archdioceses,
where you will be notified
of actions taken
concerning you."
What's the matter
with these people?
Everything you've
done for this town!
And look how
they've treated you!
See, Gabriel?
You ruffled the feathers
of all the old women,
and that hypocrite Hipólito has
turned everyone against you.
Don't worry,
I'll clear it all
up with the Bishop.
That's right, Father.
"The saint's face
makes the miracle."
Gabriel, you've made
a lot of enemies around here.
Maybe you would be better off
in a different parish.
No.
I may have made some mistakes,
but that's no
reason to run away.
When will you be back, Father?
I don't know, a
few days maybe...
But you'll be back, right?
Of course I'll be back, Alcides.
I'll use the trip to start
looking for a school for you,
OK?
Take this for your trip, Father.
Father Gabriel.
Monsignor.
Please explain how you managed
to get into trouble with the
villagers,
the mayor,
an army commander,
and even the guerrillas.
I didn't realize
I had problems with so many
people, sir.
But my conscience is clear.
Don't lie, Father.
Your conscience cannot be clear.
First of all,
you've broken your
vow of chastity...
That's gossip, Monsignor.
You were not appointed parish
priest to do with it as you
please.
No one asked you to get involved
in matters of security.
Others do that kind of work.
Restrict yourself, solely and
exclusively, to administering
the sacraments
and keep yourself
out of trouble.
All due respect,
Your Excellency.
All I'm doing is preaching the
Lord's word and helping the
community.
Inside these walls, you seem
to have enormous difficulty
understanding
the problems of these people.
One of these days, you should
take a little trip up into the
hills
and get an idea of
what I'm talking about.
For the good of the church,
Father Gabriel,
and for your own good,
I've decided to transfer you
to the San Ambrosio parish, in
Tolima.
You have one week to organize
your personal affairs
and present yourself
to your new parish.
How can you take my parish from
me, Monsignor?
The parishes, Father,
belong to the communities,
not the priests.
You've been notified.
You may go now.
Father...
I hope this decision will lead
you to give serious thought to
your vocation.
Have a good day.
In the name of the
Father, of the Son, of the Holy
Spirit, amen.
I hope the new priest
won't be getting in our way...
And will stick to Mass,
not like Father Gabriel.
You're such a hypocrite!
Don't be so
ungrateful, Hipólito!
You didn't have the nerve to
confront Father Gabriel
yourself,
so you invented gossip
until they ran him out of town.
It's a good thing
you're a woman...
Or I'd answer you
as you deserve.
I wish it were enough
just being a woman,
because with you around, anyone
could wind up with a knife in
the back.
Oh, that's enough.
Father Gabriel was transferred,
but life goes on.
Welcome, Your Reverence.
Welcome back, Gabriel.
Good to have you
back. Welcome.
- Father...
- Alcides!
- Have you been a good boy?
- Yes, Father.
Here's a present.
- Priest...
- Ah!
Father...
Welcome, I knew you'd be back.
Can I help you, Lieutenant?
Father...
You really messed
up my curriculum.
No weapons allowed
here, Lieutenant.
If this is a search,
show me the warrant.
When it's time for a search,
I'll show you the warrant,
Father.
Whenever you want.
You'll be welcome to search
for whatever you like,
but until then, please leave.
Do you know
how long I've served my country?
No, lieutenant.
But don't complain to me,
talk to your superiors...
They sent you here
to follow orders, right?
How can you say
we were mistreating people?
You dragged those
kids off and beat them
and didn't even give them
a chance to talk.
We know this area is
full of guerrillas.
They come and go in this town
like they owned it.
Ah...
Sure!
I guess that's what you
call military intelligence,
right?
Let's be honest, Lieutenant.
You know they all
come through here.
One group comes,
then they leave,
then you come through and leave,
and on to the next group.
What are these people
supposed to do?
They have to learn
to live with it.
Because all of you bring grief.
Let me give you a piece
of advice, Father.
Mind your own business.
Remember that outside
the church doors,
you're just like anyone else.
Don't expose yourself.
Our time on this earth is brief.
But the marks we leave
on the path we tread,
they must be deep enough to be
seen by those who follow us.
Our existence is tenuous...
it's passing
like this candle light...
Don't look for eternity inside
the four walls of a church.
Or in the hypocrisy
of a confession.
True eternity is outside.
It's in the mark
we leave today...
Like those left
behind by Christ,
who taught us to walk on water.
He gave us his life
as an example of love
and his light and his mark
will never disappear.
Never!
Let us pray.
Alcides.
Come home now, your
father's waiting.
I'll send him in a
minute, doña Gladis.
It's urgent, Father.
What's the matter?
The guerrillas have
come for the boy.
Ramón wants him to go with them,
and they already came for him.
Do you want to go, Alcides?
- I didn't know...
- Do you want to go or not?
No.
They're not taking him.
But they're waiting for him,
Father.
I have to take him.
You know Ramón.
What do I do?
Look...
Go home and tell them
you couldn't find him.
I'll look for a place to hide
the boy until I can get him out
of here.
-What if I say I don't want to
go? -No, Alcides. We can't take
that risk.
If your father promised them,
they'll take you anyway. Say
goodbye.
Yes, my son.
Do as the priest says.
Take care of yourself.
Father, please take care of him.
Don't worry, Mom.
Gladis, be strong.
Hide at the creek
until they leave.
- I'll come get you later.
- Alcides!
What's going on?
Ramón has given him to the
guerrillas, and he doesn't want
to go.
No, no, no...
You'll freeze down at the creek,
come inside with me.
Go, go on, then.
Thank you very much, don Pablo.
God bless you.
What are you going to do,
Gabriel?
We're going to organize
a Christmas celebration.
You're supposed to be
leaving this place.
I'm not letting
them kick me out.
- What?
- You heard me.
Are you crazy?
Rosario, you know
I love my work.
- So go do it somewhere else!
- Because I don't want to.
Don't be stubborn, Gabriel.
They'll defrock you.
And without your robes,
you won't last a day!
Ouch! Ouch!
You know I love you
and I'll be sad to see you go.
But I'd rather see you go
than see something happen to
you.
Think about it.
We'll talk later...
- Silvia!
- Gabriel...
I have something to tell you.
I'm pregnant.
And in case you're wondering,
this child is yours.
I've been with no one else.
I'm telling you in case...
you want to be the
father of my child.
Well, goodbye.
Where is Alcides?
What do you mean?
I know you're hiding
him. Where is he?
I don't have him, Ramón.
Are you stealing him?
I thought you were a tough guy.
But only a coward would
give his son away.
Do whatever you want
when you have kids of your own.
But my son,
I want mine back
or I'll get him back the hard
way.
No, Alcides isn't going.
- He isn't going.
- What's going on, Ramón?
The priest wants
to steal my boy.
Why would you want to steal
Ramón's boy, Father?
That's a very serious crime.
Ramón may be the boy's father,
but no one can force
the boy to go with you, Efrain.
Ramón?
- Does he have him?
- He's got him!
Father, give Ramón his son
and stop making trouble.
I don't have him.
Are you sure you don't
have Ramón's kid?
I don't have him.
Check his house.
Let's see if our little priest
friend is lying to us...
Alcides!
What did you find?
Nothing.
Call me when you've got the boy.
Good night.
Take and drink all of
it, because this is My blood.
This is the blood of the new
covenant shed for thee
and for all men,
so that their sins may be
forgiven.
Do this in remembrance of Me...
This is the...
This is the sacrament
of our faith...
We announce your death,
we proclaim your resurrection,
come to be.
Are you out of your mind?
I told you to stay
well hidden, Alcides.
Do you have any idea
of the trouble we're in?
Stay at don Pablo's
and don't come out until I say
so!
I can come out when I want!
I know you can, Alcides.
But I don't want anything
to happen to you.
And I don't want them
to hit you again because of me.
So stay inside! Stay inside!
Don Pablo.
How are you feeling, Father?
I'm fine.
Come on, son.
Look what they've
done to you, Gabriel.
Gabriel...
Look at me.
Get out of here.
Please.
Why do you have to
do things this way?
Alcides!
Alcides, son!
I baptize you,
Magnolia, in the name of the
Father,
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit, amen.
We're done.
It was very easy.
Look, congratulations.
Thank you, Father.
Nice one, Father!
What is going on, dude?
Are you OK? Let me see.
Everything's fine!
Let's get on with the party.
We're having a great time here
in the village of Cielo Nuevo
with this wonderful group,
Los Chachos de Colombia.
Can you believe these guys?
One drink,
and they're at each other's
throats.
- What happened, Gilberto?
- Torres came after me.
- He says I owe him money.
- What for?
I bought some pigs from him and
he wants me to pay now and I
don't have the money.
That's what you get
for being a wise guy.
I told him I'd pay him,
and now he wants to kill me.
Oh, Gilberto, you love to fight.
Let's see...
Listen, Angela,
are we in danger of not losing
him?
Stop whining, Gilberto.
The party's over for you.
We'll talk later.
Let's go, let's go!
He's been giving me the run
around,
but nobody's going
to rip me off.
Why didn't you come to us?
This is the kind of bullshit
you're always getting involved
in.
How are you, Josue?
Aren't you ashamed?
Listen to this idiot!
He was going to kill someone
over a couple of pigs!
Listen, Father...
Why don't you go to your party
and let us take care of this?
Gilberto says he'll have the
money in two weeks.
They're fixing him up.
You should be grateful
it was nothing serious.
Can I have a word with you in
private, Father?
Bastard.
Come on, Josué.
We don't want to blow this
out of proportion and ruin the
bazaar.
You know it was because
of the drinking.
Why complicate things
for these people?
Look, pal...
You know how we fix
problems around here, don't you?
Yes, I'm not asking you to stop
people from hurting each other,
but don't do anything to Torres.
OK.
Do you think we're going to
shoot him or something?
Go home to bed.
You're too drunk
to walk, old man.
Old man?
The sun is old and still going strong.
Listen...
Did you put away the money
from the bazaar?
No, why don't I give
it to you, and we'll see how
long it lasts?
Hey, Father, you
can't sing this song.
Father only sings
Christmas carols.
Let's finish up at my house.
Sorry, I'm beat.
I've got Mass tomorrow at 6 a.m.
No problem, Father.
We'll send you off at 5:55.
Silvia, come with us!
No, I'm too tired.
Come on, Negro, don't be a
pain...
Goodbye.
- Come on! Let's go home.
- Silvia?
What?
How about a glass of wine?
You have Mass tomorrow at 6 a.m.
Just one...
It's been blessed.
Not tonight, Your Holiness.
Are you still up, Father?
I thought you'd
be asleep by now.
Actually, I'm about to fall
over.
Honey, I thought you were over
at the teacher's house.
No, dad, I'm too tired.
See you tomorrow, Father.
See you tomorrow, Silvia.
See you tomorrow, don Pablo.
Good night, Father.
What did you decide, Marcos?
School or up the mountain?
It's just that I already said
I'd go with them.
OK, then.
Go dig latrines and trenches
until you end up in jail or get
shot.
But, Father, I'd
make a lousy priest.
Don't be stupid, Marcos.
I'm giving you a
chance to get ahead.
Father, give us the
ball while you finish changing.
You guys are in such a hurry...
There you go.
So what do I tell them?
Nothing.
Don't worry about them.
Neither one of us is going
to tell them where you've gone.
Let's go, boys!
Over here! Over here!
What's the matter with you?
How could you let that in?
It's not my fault,
you let him take the ball from
you!
Oh, yes.
Hey, Joaco!
What brings you here?
I came by to say hello, Father.
Come on up!
- How's it going up there?
- Fine.
We've missed you at
the soccer games.
I've missed you
guys too, Father.
Father...
I need your help.
Of course, son.
What is it?
Help me get out.
Why are you asking me?
You're the only one
who can help me.
I never get mixed
up in those affairs.
If you want to get
out, tell them.
If it were that easy,
I wouldn't be here asking for
your help.
They sent you to
test me, didn't they?
Sorry to bother you, Father.
You'll have to learn
to live with your mistakes,
young man.
You'll have to get out
of this one by yourself.
I know I messed up, Father,
but I really don't
know what to do.
Joaco!
Let's try something.
Be down here tomorrow at 4 a.m.,
and we can do something.
You think you can handle
life up on the mountain?
Ah, I think I can.
Look, honey,
it's tough up there.
Don't think that people go to
the mountain for vacation.
You'll have to dodge
bullets, you know?
Uh?
I'll tell you what...
You think about
it for a few days,
I'll speak to them
and see what they say.
OK, sir. Thanks a lot.
Go on, I'll see what I can do.
- You took your time.
- I stopped by to see my mom.
This is for Commander Efrain.
Tell him I'll send him
the package tomorrow.
Listen...
Don't waste any
more time on visits.
- No, sir.
- Go on, you're late.
That's how I hoped to find you.
Yaneth...
I didn't think I'd
see you again today.
My dear, so beautiful.
What were you talking
to Josué about?
I told him I wanted to go
up mountain with you.
You're crazy, Yaneth.
Why?
What do you mean "why"?
I thought we decided
to be together.
Did you change your mind?
No.
But why did you talk to that guy
without asking me first?
What's the problem, Joaco?
Do you have another
girl up there?
No...
- That's not it. Don't be silly.
- So...
I can't tell you now,
but I'll be down
tonight, and we'll talk.
Really?
You're not coming
back tonight, Joaco.
Yes, I'll be back
tonight, and we'll talk.
Be good, son.
And take care of yourself.
- You take care of yourself, ma.
- Of course, son.
- I'll write to you.
- I hope so.
Why so glum?
You're off to heaven
and crying about it?
God bless you, Father.
Don't worry, doña Carmen.
Good morning, Isauro!
You're late, Father.
I was about to leave.
Oh, I overslept.
Did you get those
crossheads fixed on your car?
Yes, I did.
Father Oscar will be waiting for
you.
You'll be fine, Marco.
He's very helpful.
Take this money, just in case.
Thank you, Father.
Here you go.
You know it, do good in school
and find yourself a nice girl.
Good luck, son.
Go!
Father, send
greetings to my mom.
- Have a good trip!
- Take care.
You're setting yourself up for a
hard time with that new job in
Public Works.
Yes, man. I'm on my way.
Just let me finish up here
with one last patient.
Father, let's talk next week.
I have an urgent meeting
at the governor's office
and I've got to go,
if you excuse me.
What do you mean,
Ramiro? Just a second.
I came all this way
just to meet with you,
and now you're running off?
No.
Sorry, Father.
Uh?
You know how important
these meetings are.
Call before you come next
Thursday, to make sure you don't
waste the trip.
I don't care about
the trip, Ramiro.
You know what
disappoints me the most?
Having to go back
and tell those people who voted
for you
that, once again,
you couldn't listen to us.
Father, why are you
doing this to me?
OK! I confess.
This year's budget is gone,
and there's nothing left for
public works.
You want me to go to jail?
If you already knew that,
why did you make me waste my
time coming down here?
Isn't it better to be honest?
I am being honest. There's no
money. What are we going to do?
Maybe next year.
We'll find the money
for your little bridge project.
But don't be a stranger,
we miss seeing you around here.
- See you later, sweetheart.
- Ramiro.
Why were you fighting
with the mayor, Gabriel?
Can't you see you've got
to treat him with kid gloves?
Ah, Silvita...
I don't know how you can work
with such an incompetent!
What do we have to do
to at least get some technical
advice?
If it's technical advice you
need, I've got the solution.
How nice to see an
engineer hard at work!
Hi. How are you?
You can't imagine how pleased I
am to see you!
The pleasure's
all yours, Father!
Silvita, what are you on?
You get prettier every day.
Engineer, I need you to finish
up here fast.
I've got a job for you...
Should I be happy or scared?
Be
Scared! Very scared!
So who's going to
supervise the work?
Father Gabriel?
So he's an engineer, too?
Why not?
At least he's willing to work.
All I'm saying is we shouldn't
be spending our own money on
that bridge...
So those government crooks
can get away with their
stealing.
Look, man...
This bridge isn't for don Pablo
or for my granny,
it's for everyone!
He's right, Hipólito.
What's your problem?
The problem is that the health
center is falling to pieces,
but since the priest
wants a bridge...
What did I say, Hipólito?
Father.
I say it would be better
to spend the money we raised
on the health center.
Hipólito,
we decided in the last meeting
that we'd fix the bridge.
So stop being such a pain!
Well, if you all think I'm such
a pain, I'm going home.
I have no voice around here.
You don't give a
damn what I think.
Here's the key to
the cash box, Father.
Spend the money
any way you like.
Those who'd like
to take part on the Eucharist
and have any sins to confess,
please come to the chapel...
Yaneth, Yaneth, I
need to talk to you!
After recess we can talk.
Thank you.
Have you seen Joaco lately?
Not me.
No, Father. Why?
No...
I heard he wanted to talk to me
but I haven't heard from him.
Did he say about what?
No.
I thought he wanted
me to marry you two.
They probably
wouldn't let him come.
Mm...
You're probably right.
Father!
Is there something
you're not telling me?
Nothing, honey.
If you see him, tell
him to come see me.
Hello, Father.
You almost broke your neck
looking at that girl.
-Go on, say something to her.
Girl! -No...
She's too ugly.
Ugly? It's time to you woke up.
At your age,
I had two girlfriends at a time.
With two girlfriends,
you'd never have become a
priest.
Alcides!
Go straight home.
There's a lot to be done.
Father!
I need to talk to you.
How are you, Josué?
Listen, Father...
Up on the mountain, they're
worried about that bridge you're
planning to fix.
Why is that?
They think the bridge is going
to let the army in.
Ah, Josué...
Tell them not to be so stupid.
The community is planning
to fix that bridge,
so they can get their
products to market.
I guess so.
But if the army moves in,
we're stuck in the middle,
and blood might get shed.
What do you mean "we", Josué?
Look, Father...
Why don't you go back to the
Town Council and think it over
again?
Come on,
why don't you tell
them that yourself?
Tell them you don't
want a bridge,
and see what they say.
OK.
I'm just telling you
what they told me.
You will see.
Thank you.
See you later, Hipólito.
Goodbye, Father.
How does it look, engineer?
How does it look?
It looks good to me.
Does it?
Yes!
It looks real good to me.
I checked the foundations,
and they're fine.
I'll run a load test,
but it looks good.
I'm going to find a carpenter.
I've already got a welder.
I just need to
pick out the wood.
That's wonderful!
I don't know how to thank you.
Don't start crying, Father!
I'll tell you what, I won't
charge you for the work on the
bridge
if you don't charge me
when you marry me and Silvia.
Silvia?
She doesn't know it yet,
but I'm telling you, she's mine.
So, do we have a deal?
Give it your best
shot, engineer.
Don't go.
I have to go, Father.
Come here, give me a kiss.
What's the matter?
Are you sad or want to confess?
Do you know what I feel?
What?
One of these days
you're going to leave me.
And I won't be able to stop you.
I love you a lot.
But no matter how much I love
you, I can't stop being a
priest.
I had...
Forgive me.
Forgive yourself, Father.
Good morning, doña Elvira.
Doña Faustina,
you're looking good.
- What is going on, Eusebio?
- Father!
Calm down, Gabriel.
The first thing we should do
is call the police,
and wait to see what they do.
What if the police
refuse to go up there?
What if they think it's a trap?
What if it is?
All the more reason to wait.
Wait, Gabriel!
Why don't we call the Red Cross?
They'll come up.
Meanwhile, we can get things
ready to take up there.
-There's nothing we can do
anyway. -So go call them.
I'll see you up there.
Gabriel, the Red Cross can't get
here before noon.
The police are sending an
inspector and a few men, but
only as far as town.
Thanks, Rosario.
Anyone want to come up with us?
I do, Father.
- Who else?
- We're coming too.
Let's go.
No, no, no, Gabriel.
You can't take these kids.
You're asking for trouble.
I know what I'm doing, Rosario.
Let's go!
It's Joaco.
Do you know why Joaco is dead?
Because he was a fool!
He thought it would be cool
to carry a gun.
And by the time he realized
it wasn't what he expected,
it was too late.
Who's next?
Mm?
Answer me!
Gabriel!
The Red Cross is
probably in town by now.
Do me a favor and
escort them up,
and take these kids back down.
I'll wait here.
- I'll stay here with you.
- No!
No!
Let's go.
Father...
Did you know Joaco wanted out?
Is that why he was
looking for you?
I'm so sorry.
Father, Gabriel...
It was very
irresponsible of you.
How could you take my daughter
up there with you?
Show some
consideration, doña Luz.
I'm not speaking to you,
Miss.
This is between me
and Father Gabriel.
It was for their own good.
Look, doña Luz...
If I could've prevented this day
from happening, I would have.
Forgive me.
No, Father.
You think that because
you're a priest,
you can do as you please.
But you're wrong.
Look at this, Silvia.
What is it, son?
Who would have
done such a thing?
Who do you think?
What a fool.
Gabriel!
Gabriel!
- What's the matter, Silvia?
- Just look at this!
And look at your hands!
Are you crazy?
Silvia, we're inside a temple...
And you'd better stay
inside, because they're waiting
for you!
Do you want to die?
Calm down, please.
I'm calm. You calm
down, damn it!
Through this holy anointing,
may the Lord in
his love and mercy
help you
with the grace of the Holy
Spirit,
and free you from sin,
grant your salvation,
and comfort you in your illness.
May God bless you
in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit,
amen.
Now get some rest.
Father Gabriel!
Boys!
The Commander needs to talk to
you.
Please come with us.
Alone.
Go on, I'll be down in a while.
Will this take long?
That depends
on what the Commander has to
say.
Father, I've
got to blindfold you.
For your own safety.
- Alcides.
- Yes, sir.
Go get ready for evening Mass.
Yes, sir.
Get lost, kid.
Go!
Let's go!
- There you go.
- Thank you.
The Commander is on his way.
I hope he's not late.
I've got Mass at 6 a.m.
Listen...
I'll bet the last time you went
to Mass was for your first
communion.
You're close.
What a shame.
Gentlemen...
- Father Gabriel.
- Commander.
Father...
Efrain.
We brought you up here
because there are a few things
we need to clear up.
And since you haven't accepted
our invitations...
I never attend
political functions.
But now that I'm here,
there's a few things I'd like
to clear up with you, too.
Father...
What do you know about this?
You know more about it than I
do, commander.
This is a direct accusation
of our movement.
If it wasn't you,
then why don't you ride down
and convince the boy's mother
you had nothing to do with it?
He was with you until he showed
up dead like an animal.
That boy was missing
until you found him.
Look, Father...
We've been in this region
a lot longer than you have.
And here, not even a chicken
goes missing, no one misbehaves.
It's not because
of your preaching.
We teach them to
respect each other.
And yet...
When people show up dead,
you know nothing about it.
We're looking into
the boy's death,
but I'm warning you.
If this is your doing,
you've declared
yourself our enemy.
I'm not looking for
enemies, Commander.
Let's hope not, Father.
Ah!
I almost forgot...
Your little dream of a bridge
is only going to bring trouble.
Keep your hands out of the fire
or you'll get burned.
Father, I've had my eye
on you ever since you came here,
and you seem like a good person.
You've done important things
with the people in the village.
Thanks, Efrain.
Father, Father...
Listen.
You like people
to listen to you, right?
Why don't you listen?
Let's work together.
It's better for
everyone that way.
See you later.
See you later, Father.
Hey, Father!
It's getting late!
What are you doing here,
Alcides?
Didn't I tell you to
get ready for Mass?
How could I know
you'd be back in time?
What were you doing
here by yourself?
- Teaching the hen to swim.
- Don't do it again.
They'll be blaming me
for teaching you bad habits.
- Aren't you?
- Listen to you!
Father, were you scared?
Yes, son, a little
bit, but what else can you do?
Bravo!
I forgot to mention...
Silvia sends her love,
but she was too busy to come.
She's not too busy.
She's still mad at me.
That's what the long
face is all about?
I don't know, Rosario.
Sometimes I just do stupid
things.
You're right about that.
You shouldn't have taken
those kids up the mountain,
Gabriel.
We warned you.
You got the whole village
against you.
You saw doña Luz...
And then those
flyers. Beautiful!
That's not what worries me.
It should be.
I'm responsible
for what happened to Joaco.
What do you mean? Why?
He asked me to help him desert,
and I said I would.
If I hadn't told him I'd help,
he'd still be alive, Rosario.
You did what you're
supposed to do.
You did what you could.
Don't blame yourself
for a murder you didn't commit.
Remember, Gabriel,
you're not the Saviour.
Oh...
I know perfectly well
who I am, Rosario.
Hm...
Manolo! The wood's
here! Call the boys!
Come on...
Come on through!
Come on through!
Hang on a minute.
This looks kind of dangerous.
This is too weak and
the car is too heavy.
These boards are rotten.
I'm not risking my jeep,
it's my meal ticket.
The wood's fine.
I checked it myself. It is
fine! -
Father, what are you doing?
Let him
come! Let him come!
Father, that was irresponsible.
No, no, no.
How could you do that to me?
I don't want to...
I told you, Isauro,
the jeep would make it!
You're a riot!
Very funny.
Well, Silvia. Shall we?
Yes, it's getting late, Ricardo.
Goodbye, Father.
Goodbye, Silvia.
We're going to dance.
I won't invite you, Father,
to save you from sin.
Well...
Let's get those
boards off the jeep!
I'll be back tomorrow, Manolo,
but in the afternoon!
- Alcides!
- Yes, mom.
- Father is waiting for you!
- I'm on my way!
Tell him the boy
got work to do here.
I'll finish tomorrow.
You can go when you finish here.
Let him go!
He's worked all day, and in this heat!
I said no!
Alcides!
Did you hear me?
Come here, come here.
How are you, Ramón?
Father...
Is something wrong?
No...
We were just playing.
I see.
You'll excuse us, then.
See you later, doña Gladis.
See you later, Father.
One of these days,
your father is going to whip us
good.
Old bugger...
The little brat
will pay for that.
What did you say about the boy?
What "boy"? He's
not a boy anymore.
He needs a couple of women
and some hard work.
Silvia?
Can we talk?
Not now, Gabriel.
OK, then, later. I'll wait.
Don't wait for me.
Why are you angry with me?
What is wrong with you?
What's wrong with me?
I see no point in
talking to you.
You end up doing
whatever you please.
I'm tired of your
stupid pranks, Gabriel.
I'm tired of climbing
into your bed
behind everyone's back.
I'm tired of not being able to
see you whenever I want.
Do you think it's easy
being the priest's girlfriend?
It's because of
Botero, isn't it?
Don't be stupid, Gabriel.
It's your own fault!
Stop hurting me, OK?
What are you doing here,
Alcides?
They're waiting for
you at the church.
Bless this bridge
in the name of the Father,
the Son and the
Holy Spirit, amen.
We're all very excited to have
completed this project,
the re-opening of the
Cielo Nuevo Bridge.
We hope it will bring progress
and development to the region.
Thank you very much.
Bravo!
Congratulations, Ramiro.
Thank you!
Ricardo, congratulations...
Don't get fresh!
Oh, no. Keep your
hands to yourself!
Thank you very much.
Hey, Mr. Mayor! All that effort
spent on Silvia gone to waste.
Someone's jumped ahead of you!
Not ahead of me!
Listen to this...
One of them is buying notebooks
while the other is doing the
homework.
Look at him!
He looks like a beaten cock.
"A beaten cock".
What are you talking about?
The priest lost his girl!
Why do you think the priest
is always visiting the mayor's
office?
So be careful!
Father, let's drink to that
project we pulled off!
"We"?
"We" is a few too
many, Mr. Mayor.
No, the project was all yours.
I came over to congratulate you.
Father, Saint Gabriel.
I'm no saint.
Everybody here worked very hard
to finish that project
while you were at your meetings.
Take it easy, Father.
You know politics...
Some provide the Hail Marys,
and other get all the blessings.
Well spoken, don Chepe.
Why don't we ask
one of those beautiful girls to
dance?
Watch this, Father.
May I, Isauro?
- Go right ahead, Mr. Mayor.
- Come on, honey.
Come on, Father.
Or were you born a saint?
We're honored to have
you here, Mr. Mayor.
I hope it won't
be the last time.
But we'll be seeing you
at the Mayor's office, right?
No...
If I'm going to waste my time,
I'd rather do it up here.
Who said you were wasting your
time?
But if you don't watch it,
someone's going to make off
with that little calf you've got
tied up,
a long-haired engineer.
- That's not funny, Ramiro.
- But it's true.
Go home and sleep it off.
While you're at it,
watch what you're saying...
And you watch your step!
You don't want to get lost
and end up in Purgatory.
So pretty...
You'd better cross yourself...
- Are you coming with us, Gabriel?
- I'm going to bed.
See you later, engineer.
Father...
Your blessing!
- See you tomorrow, Silvia.
- See you tomorrow.
- Is Father Gabriel angry?
- No.
Let's go home and tie one on.
Let's go! Let's go!
No, I think I'll stay.
- Why?
- I'm tired.
I'll see you tomorrow.
A little while!
I'll walk you home.
Don't beg!
All the more booze for us.
She didn't even
kiss me goodnight!
You're such a push-over!
She's gonna wipe
the floor with you.
You have to be hard on them!
Just wait until we get home,
you'll see who is the one who
works hard.
- Silvia!
- Well, you, honey.
What am I going to do with you,
Gabriel?
The Mayor is on to us.
People were bound to catch on.
You don't seem to mind.
Well...
You better figure
out what you want.
You can't go on living like this
and still be a priest, Gabriel.
It's the life I chose, Silvia.
Really?
What do you want?
Shall I marry Botero?
Or go into a convent
so you can rest easy?
Why don't you get lost
and leave me in peace?
Find someone else
to put up with you!
And leave me alone!
Lower your voice!
People will hear us!
All you're worried about
is whether someone will hear us!
Silvia.
Wait...
Why do you have to be
that way? -Why?
Sign this quickly.
- It has to go out this afternoon.
- - Let me sign, Hipólito.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Father.
You can't sign.
Why not? Say it!
Or is it a letter asking them
to remove me from my post?
Father, the truth is,
people think you should go.
Really?
Why is that, doña Luz?
They say you're setting a bad
example for the young people.
I see.
What do you mean by "a bad
example"?
You think it's OK
to drink alcohol?
And get into fights
with everyone?
And endangering our children
by taking them to pick up
corpses?
You caused too much trouble,
and that's why people
have written this letter.
What do you mean by "people",
Hipólito?
The guys up the mountain?
At the Mayor's office? People in
town?
You see, Father?
You're in trouble with everyone.
Father Gabriel!
I just saw soldiers
up at the farm!
- There's going to be shooting.
- What do you mean?
Yesterday, I saw a bunch of
guerrillas in the same place.
Everyone living outside the
village,
please stay inside your homes.
Military operations
have begun in the region
and for your own safety,
please remain indoors.
Father, the army's here.
Thank you.
- Good morning, gentlemen.
- Good morning.
- Can we search you, please?
- Let's...
Why do you want to search me?
I'm asking you nicely...
Who are you?
Gabriel Rodriguez,
the parish priest.
So you're the priest?
Father Gabriel, what's going on?
Stand back, miss.
We're performing a search.
Let me through!
This is a military operation.
She is the school principal.
Really?
I can imagine the kind of
education kids around here are
getting.
You could do
with a little education
yourself.
Get ready to be
searched, please.
I want to see your papers, too.
And those of everyone in that
room!
Barbosa!
Check their IDs.
Father Gabriel...
They've taken William,
they say he's a guerrilla.
What? When?
They just dragged him out of the
house with some other boys.
- Where are they holding them?
- Probably in the truck they came
in.
We've got to talk to them
before getting any deeper.
Stay here, Miriam.
Let Father Gabriel fix that.
Lieutenant!
- What do you do?
- I'm a lumberman.
- Where?
- In the village.
Lieutenant!
What can I do for you, Father?
I heard you detained
a couple of boys
and I need to know who they are.
You can go.
Look, Father.
I told you,
we're performing a military
operation
and just because you
know the detainees,
it doesn't mean
they aren't who we're looking
for.
What are you insinuating?
Father, the matter
is out of my hands.
You're better off
staying out of this.
It's none of your business.
Of course it's my business.
I'm the pastor in
this community.
You're better off
letting us do our job.
Don't take advantage
of the situation.
I'm not taking advantage of
anyone and I'm not asking for
any favors.
All I want is for you to treat
these people fairly.
Are you going to
arrest me for that?
Father...
Don't act the revolutionary,
I might just believe you.
Father, how can I help you?
Major, I'm here because...
Those boys have nothing to do
with guerrillas.
Your lieutenant didn't want to
come back empty-handed.
So he grabbed the first three
kids he gets his hands on
and he says they're guerrillas.
You know it won't
do any good, Major.
All you're doing by not
listening is turning the
community against you.
Look, Father...
Our intelligence reports
say just the opposite.
Those boys are in
serious trouble.
We'll investigate,
and if they're clean, they'll be
released.
How long will your
investigation take?
This investigation will take
as long as it takes, Father.
Have a good day.
Take a look at this letter.
The villagers asked me
to deliver it to you personally.
Everyone signed it...
It says they know these boys
and they can swear they're good
people.
I sent a copy to a press agent I
know and friends at radio
stations.
I think you should
take a look at it.
Look, Father...
I want you to do me a big favor:
don't complicate matters
and don't start making trouble.
We move through the regular
channels and we respect the
rules.
So just let us do our job.
You've been very kind.
I personally vouch for those
boys.
They're members of the community
I represent
and where I work.
They take part in village
activities that we organize
and they're honest,
hard-working...
Major!
Major!
What do you think of this?
These are the families of the
boys you're holding.
They say they won't move
until you release those boys.
Father, I already told you
that this matter is being taken
care of.
So go home, get some rest,
and stop making trouble.
But, Major...
We can't go home at
this time of night,
unless you want to
lock us up too...
Good night.
Major! What are these protests
about?
Thank you.
Father, you look much too tired
to convince anyone.
-So what's going on with all
this? -Major!
Our interrogation hasn't
produced any results, Major.
And do you think they ever will?
I believe they will, Major.
Well then, take your time...
Take all the time you need.
When this place is crawling
with journalists, we'll let them
go,
announce it was all a mistake,
and you and I can move on
to cleaning rifles.
With all due respect, Major.
My orders were to carry out
a military operation...
It was to bring in guerrillas,
subversives and delinquents,
not some radical priest
to hang around causing trouble.
You have until 2 a
.m. to wind this up.
Or you and I are going
to have problems.
You're dismissed.
Yes, Major.
Ass-kisser.
Thank you, Father,
for you have helped.
It's a good thing
we were able to do something.
Go home and get some rest.
- See you, Father.
- Goodbye, Miriam.
"Your presence is requested
as quickly as possible.
At the Archdioceses,
where you will be notified
of actions taken
concerning you."
What's the matter
with these people?
Everything you've
done for this town!
And look how
they've treated you!
See, Gabriel?
You ruffled the feathers
of all the old women,
and that hypocrite Hipólito has
turned everyone against you.
Don't worry,
I'll clear it all
up with the Bishop.
That's right, Father.
"The saint's face
makes the miracle."
Gabriel, you've made
a lot of enemies around here.
Maybe you would be better off
in a different parish.
No.
I may have made some mistakes,
but that's no
reason to run away.
When will you be back, Father?
I don't know, a
few days maybe...
But you'll be back, right?
Of course I'll be back, Alcides.
I'll use the trip to start
looking for a school for you,
OK?
Take this for your trip, Father.
Father Gabriel.
Monsignor.
Please explain how you managed
to get into trouble with the
villagers,
the mayor,
an army commander,
and even the guerrillas.
I didn't realize
I had problems with so many
people, sir.
But my conscience is clear.
Don't lie, Father.
Your conscience cannot be clear.
First of all,
you've broken your
vow of chastity...
That's gossip, Monsignor.
You were not appointed parish
priest to do with it as you
please.
No one asked you to get involved
in matters of security.
Others do that kind of work.
Restrict yourself, solely and
exclusively, to administering
the sacraments
and keep yourself
out of trouble.
All due respect,
Your Excellency.
All I'm doing is preaching the
Lord's word and helping the
community.
Inside these walls, you seem
to have enormous difficulty
understanding
the problems of these people.
One of these days, you should
take a little trip up into the
hills
and get an idea of
what I'm talking about.
For the good of the church,
Father Gabriel,
and for your own good,
I've decided to transfer you
to the San Ambrosio parish, in
Tolima.
You have one week to organize
your personal affairs
and present yourself
to your new parish.
How can you take my parish from
me, Monsignor?
The parishes, Father,
belong to the communities,
not the priests.
You've been notified.
You may go now.
Father...
I hope this decision will lead
you to give serious thought to
your vocation.
Have a good day.
In the name of the
Father, of the Son, of the Holy
Spirit, amen.
I hope the new priest
won't be getting in our way...
And will stick to Mass,
not like Father Gabriel.
You're such a hypocrite!
Don't be so
ungrateful, Hipólito!
You didn't have the nerve to
confront Father Gabriel
yourself,
so you invented gossip
until they ran him out of town.
It's a good thing
you're a woman...
Or I'd answer you
as you deserve.
I wish it were enough
just being a woman,
because with you around, anyone
could wind up with a knife in
the back.
Oh, that's enough.
Father Gabriel was transferred,
but life goes on.
Welcome, Your Reverence.
Welcome back, Gabriel.
Good to have you
back. Welcome.
- Father...
- Alcides!
- Have you been a good boy?
- Yes, Father.
Here's a present.
- Priest...
- Ah!
Father...
Welcome, I knew you'd be back.
Can I help you, Lieutenant?
Father...
You really messed
up my curriculum.
No weapons allowed
here, Lieutenant.
If this is a search,
show me the warrant.
When it's time for a search,
I'll show you the warrant,
Father.
Whenever you want.
You'll be welcome to search
for whatever you like,
but until then, please leave.
Do you know
how long I've served my country?
No, lieutenant.
But don't complain to me,
talk to your superiors...
They sent you here
to follow orders, right?
How can you say
we were mistreating people?
You dragged those
kids off and beat them
and didn't even give them
a chance to talk.
We know this area is
full of guerrillas.
They come and go in this town
like they owned it.
Ah...
Sure!
I guess that's what you
call military intelligence,
right?
Let's be honest, Lieutenant.
You know they all
come through here.
One group comes,
then they leave,
then you come through and leave,
and on to the next group.
What are these people
supposed to do?
They have to learn
to live with it.
Because all of you bring grief.
Let me give you a piece
of advice, Father.
Mind your own business.
Remember that outside
the church doors,
you're just like anyone else.
Don't expose yourself.
Our time on this earth is brief.
But the marks we leave
on the path we tread,
they must be deep enough to be
seen by those who follow us.
Our existence is tenuous...
it's passing
like this candle light...
Don't look for eternity inside
the four walls of a church.
Or in the hypocrisy
of a confession.
True eternity is outside.
It's in the mark
we leave today...
Like those left
behind by Christ,
who taught us to walk on water.
He gave us his life
as an example of love
and his light and his mark
will never disappear.
Never!
Let us pray.
Alcides.
Come home now, your
father's waiting.
I'll send him in a
minute, doña Gladis.
It's urgent, Father.
What's the matter?
The guerrillas have
come for the boy.
Ramón wants him to go with them,
and they already came for him.
Do you want to go, Alcides?
- I didn't know...
- Do you want to go or not?
No.
They're not taking him.
But they're waiting for him,
Father.
I have to take him.
You know Ramón.
What do I do?
Look...
Go home and tell them
you couldn't find him.
I'll look for a place to hide
the boy until I can get him out
of here.
-What if I say I don't want to
go? -No, Alcides. We can't take
that risk.
If your father promised them,
they'll take you anyway. Say
goodbye.
Yes, my son.
Do as the priest says.
Take care of yourself.
Father, please take care of him.
Don't worry, Mom.
Gladis, be strong.
Hide at the creek
until they leave.
- I'll come get you later.
- Alcides!
What's going on?
Ramón has given him to the
guerrillas, and he doesn't want
to go.
No, no, no...
You'll freeze down at the creek,
come inside with me.
Go, go on, then.
Thank you very much, don Pablo.
God bless you.
What are you going to do,
Gabriel?
We're going to organize
a Christmas celebration.
You're supposed to be
leaving this place.
I'm not letting
them kick me out.
- What?
- You heard me.
Are you crazy?
Rosario, you know
I love my work.
- So go do it somewhere else!
- Because I don't want to.
Don't be stubborn, Gabriel.
They'll defrock you.
And without your robes,
you won't last a day!
Ouch! Ouch!
You know I love you
and I'll be sad to see you go.
But I'd rather see you go
than see something happen to
you.
Think about it.
We'll talk later...
- Silvia!
- Gabriel...
I have something to tell you.
I'm pregnant.
And in case you're wondering,
this child is yours.
I've been with no one else.
I'm telling you in case...
you want to be the
father of my child.
Well, goodbye.
Where is Alcides?
What do you mean?
I know you're hiding
him. Where is he?
I don't have him, Ramón.
Are you stealing him?
I thought you were a tough guy.
But only a coward would
give his son away.
Do whatever you want
when you have kids of your own.
But my son,
I want mine back
or I'll get him back the hard
way.
No, Alcides isn't going.
- He isn't going.
- What's going on, Ramón?
The priest wants
to steal my boy.
Why would you want to steal
Ramón's boy, Father?
That's a very serious crime.
Ramón may be the boy's father,
but no one can force
the boy to go with you, Efrain.
Ramón?
- Does he have him?
- He's got him!
Father, give Ramón his son
and stop making trouble.
I don't have him.
Are you sure you don't
have Ramón's kid?
I don't have him.
Check his house.
Let's see if our little priest
friend is lying to us...
Alcides!
What did you find?
Nothing.
Call me when you've got the boy.
Good night.
Take and drink all of
it, because this is My blood.
This is the blood of the new
covenant shed for thee
and for all men,
so that their sins may be
forgiven.
Do this in remembrance of Me...
This is the...
This is the sacrament
of our faith...
We announce your death,
we proclaim your resurrection,
come to be.
Are you out of your mind?
I told you to stay
well hidden, Alcides.
Do you have any idea
of the trouble we're in?
Stay at don Pablo's
and don't come out until I say
so!
I can come out when I want!
I know you can, Alcides.
But I don't want anything
to happen to you.
And I don't want them
to hit you again because of me.
So stay inside! Stay inside!
Don Pablo.
How are you feeling, Father?
I'm fine.
Come on, son.
Look what they've
done to you, Gabriel.
Gabriel...
Look at me.
Get out of here.
Please.
Why do you have to
do things this way?
Alcides!
Alcides, son!