Port Arthur (1936) - full transcript

February 1904

Yes?

Oh, it's you.
- Ready for the grand folly?

Don't joke, Novitzki.
- What's got your goat?

What you're worrying about
may never happen.

Boris, a lieutenant in the imperial
Russian navy has the world at his feet.

Yes, commander.

Lieutenant!

They're here!

Go and inform the commander.

Move it.
It's too late for second thoughts.



Everything ready?

Ready in 5 minutes.
- Very good.

Dimitri on duty
in front of Boris's door,

and the officers here?
- Yes, sir.

Let's keep it simple.
It's an intimate gathering.

Thank you.

Is everything in order?
- Yes.

Let's get on with it then.

Attention, full speed ahead.

You're emotional, darling.

Nothing tragic's going to happen
to you.

We're departing?

Merely to exit
the territorial waters.

It's only
when we're 3 miles off the coast



that Commander Novitzki
can render us this service.

Oh, I see.

Tell me, was it difficult
leaving home this morning?

No, but when Ivamoura
discovers the truth,

he's going to loathe me.

There was no alternative, Youki.

He's been giving me the runaround
with his politeness.

We had to do it this way,

otherwise he'd have arranged
your marriage with Kefouki-san and...

I couldn't live without you.

Me neither, Boris.

Then we're made for each other.

I will be most correct.

I'll find Captain Ivamoura

so he doesn't learn about this
from a third party.

Yes?

The commander is waiting for you.

My dear Youki,

I can't find the words to express
my happiness

seeing you aboard our Retsvi

on this day when you will agree
to our friend Boris

being by your side for always.

A beautiful and ancient custom
permits the commander of a warship

to celebrate a marriage.

Everything will be done
to his satisfaction.

Our friend Kefouki-san
has nothing to concern himself about.

Youki will obey her brother

as she has done
since our mother disappeared.

Any news?

No, Captain Ivamoura.
Still nothing.

The Japanese in Port Arthur know?

Most of our people
have already embarked.

The Russians haven't noticed anything?

Nothing in the slightest.
- Hurry them along, next door.

The consulate must be able to evacuate
at a moment's notice.

Warn my sister.
- Yes, Captain Ivamoura.

There's something my friend Kefouki-san
needs to remember...

When my mother was made a widow
by that Russian gentleman

she brought back to Japan
this little daughter.

My sister Youki
is only half Japanese.

Since you want me to,
I can talk to her about you.

To the health of the 3rd
and the delightful little Japanese

who's throwing her lot in
with an officer of the Russian navy.

It would be even nicer to recall
that your father was Russian.

So, Youki, happy now?

What a fine friendship
all these men have for you.

Yes.

Go back home, and
I'll see your brother at the consulate.

We'll be in Port Arthur soon?

This is it this time.

Are you certain
there's nothing else needs doing?

Absolutely certain.

Everybody to the boat.

Say hello to Japan for me.

My clothes and my linen,
the strict essentials.

Is my sister ready?

Youki!

What?
Aren't you yet ready?

I have to talk to you.

You can talk on the boat.

I'm not going on the boat.

What's this you're saying?

I'd like you to leave.

They didn't transmit my order?

I thought my brother knew.
- Knew what?

Haven't you seen Lt Ranewsky?
- Why these questions?

We must quit
Port Arthur immediately.

I can't quit Port Arthur.

The long-anticipated war
is about to break out.

I only understand
that it's abominable.

Youki, this isn't the time
for sentimentality.

Since my brother and my husband
are going to be at war,

I don't think this is sentimentality.

Your husband?

Lt Ranewsky is your husband?

For the last two hours.

Very well.

In that case,
you've separated yourself from us.

Ivamoura!

Ivamoura!

You are no longer
the sister of Captain Ivamoura.

More importantly,
you're no longer Japanese.

Captain Ivamoura.
Pass.

Next.

Come on, you porters!

Hurry! Disembark!

Disembark!

Commander Novitzki.
- Show him in.

Here's the report, general.
- Thank you.

The reports from the head
of counter-espionage Wossidlow

confirm the Japanese have mobilised.

Directed against us?
- Definitely.

Their most recent manoeuvres prove it.

This information is exaggerated.

They'd never dare.
It would be national suicide.

Torpedo 1, fire!

Torpedo 2, fire!

Torpedo 3, fire!

Before declaring war,
the Japanese sank three battleships.

The Japanese have cut
our communications

with the army of the north.

The order is given
to fall back to Mukden.

In these circumstances,

we must give up our defense
of Port Arthur.

Inform urgently

the commander of Port Arthur

that the city is encircled...

and that he will have to resist
the bulk of the Japanese army alone.

To sum up, gentlemen...

After our abandonment
of the higher ground,

the enemy has completely surrounded
Port Arthur.

We must at all costs
hold this position

to assist the army of Manchuria.

I consider this encampment
to be impregnable.

It is our resistance that will decide

the outcome of this war.

Thank you, gentlemen.

The crews are at the disposal

of the land army.
- Very good.

We've identified the naval ordnance
we can utilise.

The linchpin of our defense
is Fort No. II.

I've drawn up a plan
for the defense of this position,

the command of which
will be entrusted to Lt Vassidloff

and to Lt Ranewsky.

Novitzki and his officers
need to be informed.

Very well, general.

A carrier pigeon.
Is it one of ours?

I'd be surprised,
given its direction.

It must be carrying a Japanese message
to one of their spies in the city.

That would interest us,
commander Wossidlow.

A Japanese message.

Send this to my office immediately.

Close the ranks.

Lieutenant Ranewsky.

Cdr Novitzki
will give you the defense plans

that you need.
- Yes sir.

Happy to be ashore?
- Very happy.

But I'd like to be
a bit further ashore.

In an hour,
you'll be in the city.

You'll see your Youki.
- Thank you.

Is everything okay?
- Yes

but I am still a sailor.

I think of our torpedo boat.

Where's this message?
- In my shirt.

Take it off.

Orderly.

Take this to the laboratory
for H-37 treatment.

This shirt is to be treated
with formula H-37.

Before crossing the lines,

make yourself inconspicuous
until it grows back.

Five days' leave?
- Yes, but in a cell. Come on.

Next.

Do you have the results for 418?

No, commander.

Shake a leg, pal.

You, examine this for me.

Don't dally.

Have you translated
the pigeon message?

Yes, commander. Here.

They're instructions for a spy.

It's very important,
we captured that pigeon.

"Breakthrough of the Russian fleet
expected.

Find out the date.
Signed H-12."

An attempt on the blockade.
They know more than we do.

Send it to my office.

Son of a bitch.
How's our lodger?

Still no sign of improvement?
- It's still weak.

However it is eating.
- I need it to fly.

Tomorrow, commander.
- I need it to fly today.

I am not the Good Lord.

We could try an injection.

Anything that you like,
but I need it to fly.

Give me an ampule, miss.

Let's give this try.

A coolie has come to take you
to the gentleman.

To the gentleman?

Boris isn't wounded?

The coolie says the gentleman is asking
for you. He's through there.

Where's my husband?
- I'll take you.

But where to?
- Won't you follow me?

Come on, come on.

Madam.

My husband is here?
- You're awaited, Madam.

Ivamoura...

You're in Port Arthur?

What are you doing here?

You finally remembered how to behave
in front of your older brother.

I'm sorry, you won't find
your husband here

but rest reassured,
you'll see him today.

I'll see Boris today?

How do you know this?

My duties condemn me
to the knowledge of many things.

It was out of duty
that I've had you come here.

We need you.

It's impossible.

I know all your objections.

They count for nothing in my book,

when the lives of our soldiers
are at stake.

You must remember that, Youki.

I mustn't do anything.

Really?

In that case,
you must have me arrested.

I'm begging you...

for yourself, for us,
don't try to see me again.

Don't attach so much importance
to our fate.

We are merely corpses on leave.

You will show that despite it all,
you're one of us.

Ivamoura, I'm Russian.

No, Youki.

Listen, we must talk.

They're going to try to send
to Vladivostok

the remainder
of their Port Arthur squadron.

We need at least
6 hours' advance warning.

No!
- It's you who will alert us.

No. I'm telling you no.
- Yes.

You'll alert us out of gratitude,
because thanks to me

you can prevent your husband
boarding the Bravi

and facing certain death.

There's only one thing I want:
to see you leave Port Arthur at once.

If you give me the information,
I can leave.

Oh, no.

It's abominable.
Let me out of here!

Youki!

Youki, may I have one last word?

If by some chance, my little sister
who is now Russian,

has a wicked notion,

the police will certainly find
Ivamoura here.

Here's where the 270 from the Poltava
should be located.

It would command the Eagle's Nest.

Yes,
but there is still a blind spot,

and we can't eliminate it.

Yes, we've considered that.

Our machine guns have it covered.

Madam,
sir is asking for you.

Sir is here already?
- Yes, with several officers.

He's in session with them.

Yes? Who's there?

It's me, Youki.

Boris.

Youki.

I'd forgotten...

how lovely you are.

Now that you're here,
I'm not afraid of anything.

Afraid?

Why would you be afraid?

Where have you been?

I was waiting so long for you.

I went to Novitzki's.
I wanted to hear news of you.

From Novitzki's?

Notitzki, come here.

I'm learning a lot:
Youki has returned from your office.

Sorry I wasn't there, Youki.

Excuse me, even a confirmed bachelor
like me understands

that a young married couple
need some alone time.

May I briefly borrow your husband?

Excuse us.

I won't be two minutes.

He looks better.

He flies!

Close the windows!

Catch it then, come on.

Come on, catch it!

Are you ready?

We're going to let it go.
It has a black ribbon on the leg.

There! There!

The pigeon went in that house!

Dismount! Storm that house!

Search everything!

Excellency!

Order your soldiers
to leave me in peace.

My shop... I'm ruined.
I'm a good friend of Russia.

Look at this merchandise.
Everything's wrecked.

I'm begging you.

These Japanese know how to die.

We're agreed then.

Study your plans,
but keep them safe.

Of course, commander.

See you tomorrow morning,
at headquarters.

Ah, Youki,

my friends wanted to say hello
before leaving.

See you tomorrow.

Those 2 minutes
turned out a trifle long.

You've no more work to do?
- No.

Now I can dedicate myself
to you alone.

I should hope so.

I've been waiting
for my friends to leave

who were keeping us apart.
- My poor Youki.

We haven't had much opportunity.
- No, Boris.

Is there any chance we can get
a whole day to ourselves?

Don't forget I'm in the military.

When you're not here,
I feel very alone,

very threatened.
- Have a little patience.

Soon we'll be together
al the time. You'll see.

I know I shouldn't say
such things to you.

But how can I remain calm?

I'm a wife now, Boris.

I'm your wife.

I don't want you upset.

How can I not be upset?

Here, Boris, in Port Arthur,

I more than anyone else
realise the madness of this war!

Here, I see it all,
I know it all!

And I know you're in the middle of it,
Boris, and I'm afraid!

You're right.

You're right, Youki.

You need to hope
that maybe one day

mankind will understand,

and that like you
they will hate war enough

to suppress it.

Yes, you're right.

Look at us.

A few months ago,
I didn't know you.

And since I've known you,

instead of being an enemy,

you've become part of me.

Exactly like my hands,
like my eyes are part of me.

As for me, Youki, I love you so much

I no longer know
what country you come from.

What's new?

The plans of the fort
are in the safe.

Here's the imprint of the key.

I hope this imprint is good.
I must have this key quickly.

Move it, why don't you?

You're up already? You were going
to leave without waking me?

It's very early, darling.
You should sleep on.

I have to go.

You'll be back in the lines shortly?

I really don't know.

That could happen to me
at any moment.

Ah, yes.

This is going to sound bizarre, but

when you're fighting in a fort,
obviously I'm alarmed,

but I'd been even more alarmed
if you went out with the fleet

to break the blockade.

To break the blockade?

Where did you get that idea?

You are a child.

No, I'm not a child.

If the fleet tries to break out,

I'll be stranded all alone
in Port Arthur,

and I'll feel quite hopeless.

I don't know where
you got this idea.

Don't dwell on such things.

Yes, you're right

I must be mad,
asking all these questions.

What are you trying to say?

I'm trying to say...

that I should be making you forget
the terrible time

you've just had.

You're right.

Right now, I'm here...

thinking only of us.

Politics don't interest me,
commander.

If the Russians win, great.
If the Japanese win, fine.

I don't concern myself with politics.
I'm an honest trader.

I sell goods.
I want business to turn over.

And you're not afraid to make
special transactions?

I don't understand what you mean.

Enough.

You're in the pay of the Japanese.
We know this.

If you want to avoid further trouble,
tell me about them.

I've told you everything I know,
Excellency.

You've told me everything?
Then I can have you shot!...

Come on, shoot this for me.
- You can't do this, Excellency!

I beg you.
I have a family to support.

I've 2 wives, 13 children.

I'll tell you whatever you want.

You're to take out the Poltava
and the Bogatyr.

Approach the enemy,
but avoid all combat.

Determine the number, the position,
and the importance of the ships engaged.

Very good, commander.

According to information
from our secret agents,

the Japanese
are tightening their blockade

and our squadron will be trapped.

Ivamoura hasn't quit Port Arthur.

Yesterday, he spoke to the wife
of a Russian officer.

The wife of a Russian officer?
- She's Japanese.

Japanese?
- Not totally.

What's her name?
- I don't know.

Okay. Sit down.

We're going to get along just fine.
- I hope so, Excellency.

Thank you, gentlemen.

All the best.

Why isn't it my torpedo boat
being sent?

The Retsvi is 5 knots faster
than the Bogatyr,

Just now, we're holding the Retsvi
in reserve.

Don't be jealous, Boris.

Incidentally,
your torpedo boat will remain here

even if we can get the fleet out
to Vladivostok.

What did you just say?

You want the fleet to get out?

Of course.

What's up?

This is something else.

I've already heard talk of this.
- From whom?

From Youki.

From Youki? When?

This morning.

Impossible.
How could she have heard about it?

Yes, how?

Yes?

What is it, Wossidlow?
You've some good news?

I don't know if it's good.

Do you have a cigarette?
- Yes.

Excuse me. Please.

Thanks.

Lieutenant, you'll be so kind
as to follow me to my office.

Yes, commander.

I have your permission?
- Yes.

Strotsky!

Did you give a proper welcome
to the lady who visited yesterday?

Which lady, commander?

Mrs Ranewsky.
- She didn't come here yesterday.

Well, well...

Give me those papers to sign.

I hate asking you this,
but the enemy I'm fighting

inside Port Arthur

is more formidable
than the one outside.

You must help me, gentlemen.

I've decided to employ
you marines that disembarked yesterday

for a full-scale action
on the whole city.

We are at your service.
- Thank you.

In 20 minutes, each unit will receive
a plan of operations.

Very good, commander.

Thank you, gentlemen.

One moment, Ranewsky.

Could you invite me to tea?

Of course.

Would your wife be there?

Of course, commander.
- Good.

I'll be there no later than 6pm.

Very well.

These men work like lunatics.

They've dismantled 2 105 guns

and 3 86s.
- We're going back to the lines.

Please excuse me.

So, what did Wossidlow want?

He wants to talk to Youki.

I'm not surprised.

What does that mean?

Yesterday, when she said
she'd been to my office,

she was lying.

It can't be.

Yes.

It can't be.

Where is Madam?
- She should be there.

Youki...

I have to talk to you.

What's the matter?
You're alarming me.

I'm alarmed too,
when the head of counter-espionage

interrogates me about you.

About my wife.

You were summoned by the head
of counter-espionage?

Youki, this morning you spoke to me
about the fleet departing.

Only General Stoessel
knew of that plan.

Who informed you about it?

Nobody.

You're lying.

For the first time since
I've known you, you're lying.

I'm sure of it. I can see it.

Boris, I've done nothing wrong.

Where did you go yesterday?

Come on, Youki,

be sensible.

Youki.

You well know that I love you,

and that I'm your only love.

Show that you trust me.

Yes, Boris.

I did lie.

Must I tell you the truth?
- You must tell me.

Where did you go yesterday afternoon?

To Ivamoura.

What?

To Ivamoura.

Where did you see him?

Where?

I need to know the exact place.

Boris...
- This is very serious.

You must not hesitate.

You must tell me this second
who you belong to.

To the enemy or to your husband?

To you, as you well know.

Then why didn't you admit to me
at once that you'd been with a spy?

I'd sworn I'd never see him again.

He hates me now.

All the same, Boris,
we share the same mother,

Ivamoura and I.

He's the second human being
that I loved.

He taught me to smile.

To walk.

Life being what it is,

I will always have
these memories of him.

You must understand, Boris.

I couldn't turn him in.

Unhappily, those memories
don't matter now, Youki.

You must forget them.

Ivamoura is a spy.

Even to you.

Now you must tell me
where he is.

Grab them by their pony-tails.

Those that scream are Chinese.

Those whose pony-tail comes away
in your hand: to prison.

The Japanese
were ready for this war.

You'll easily find their spies
by the pony tail they wear

to make them look Chinese.

Better to detain a thousand innocents
than let one of the guilty go free.

Are you Li Hung?

You showed a woman to a spy.

Don't hurt me.
I'll tell you everything.

I'm working for the Russians.
- Really?

I am an associate
of Commander Wossidlow.

This very evening, you'll see.
- I see already.

We're going to find every spy,

especially the one I spoke of.

I know this already.

I've a score to settle
with Ivamoura.

Commander...
- If you're smart,

you'll have the other half.

Li Hung is very smart.
- We'll see.

I'll come with you, sir.

Commander Wossidlow.

Show him in.

I've arrived perhaps a little early.

My husband is out.
- She's charming, that kid.

Where's she from?

Not Korea, obviously.

I don't know, shall I ask her?

No, please.
It doesn't matter.

She seems nice,
and given that at the moment

your husband is forced
to leave you alone a great deal,

I thought that maybe
you had befriended her.

She'd be worth it,
she seems intelligent.

She's not lacking in spirit.
- So you see

that it's not so crazy

to think you might have taken her
as a confidante.

When one has to live alone,
one always needs a friend.

Yes, but in Japan,
where after all I was brought up,

one doesn't take a servant
as a confidante.

Oh, well...

I imagined, dear madam,
that living here

so far from any company,

you may have compromised a little
in that regard.

That would be totally normal.

Because apart from your husband,

you've nobody here:

you've no family,
no husband, no brother.

Here's maybe what you miss most:

having a brother in Port Arthur.

Would you like some tea, commander?
- No, no.

Allow me instead
to take advantage of our solitude

to ask a favour of you.
- Gladly.

Here, translate this for me.

It's a Japanese text.

I believe.

Yes, it's a Japanese message.

Then please, translate.

"Attempted breakthrough
by the Russian fleet..."

Carry on.

The light is so poor.
- I'll make things clearer.

"....of the Russian fleet imminent".

"Find out the date..."

Why have you stopped?
- The writing's so small...

Oh no! You know who this message
is addressed to.

You know it's addressed
to your brother Ivamoura,

who you went to meet yesterday
in the teahouse of Li Hung.

Good.

Obviously you know
what that meeting entailed?

It was, simply put,
a case of espionage.

Listen carefully, madam.

You bear a name
that is glorious to us.

Our comrade Ranewsky
is one of our best officers.

Now, as you've undoubtedly realised,

the act you've committed

requires that I bring you
before a wartime tribunal

and have you shot.

I can't listen to you anymore.

I must conclude my horrible mission.

I think I've found a way
to save your husband from dishonour.

I've found this way by thinking
of the proud and unwavering

courage that your countrymen show.

It's going to take all of that courage

to take advantage of the opportunity
I'm now offering you.

I think that you will.

I sincerely hope so
for Ranewsky's sake.

If this helps you,
I swear to you

that nobody except me

will ever know what passed between us
in this room.

I've come directly from your office.

I'm sorry I missed you there.

I've something to tell you.
- I'm listening.

Your secretary is in possession
of a denunciation written

written by my wife against her brother.

When did she write it?
- Today.

If you'd written this
after seeing Ivamoura,

we could have arrested him.

Therefore I must ask
why you waited until today.

I only decided this afternoon

to tell my husband everything.

That was a big mistake, madam.

It was a mistake,
and I'm not going to ask any favour.

If you consider my wife guilty...
- Just one question.

What's your opinion on this matter?

My opinion doesn't count,

I'm Youki's husband.

Obviously, I'd be forgiving.

So you think she's not guilty?

I didn't say that,
however, Commander,

things being what they are,
I must speak out for her.

Halt!

Captain Ivamoura?

Shush. Careful

Madam,

can you swear to me

that you've had no other contact
with your brother?

Yes, I can swear it.

Good.

I'm going to tell you something.

I came here to save you
from dishonour.

And to bring this business
to its only possible conclusion.

For the first time in the service,

I'm not going to follow reason...

but my emotions.

I hope that I am not also
making a mistake.

You can't know

how much I'm in your debt.

Oh, Boris.

Right, forget about this.

Forget everything
that I asked of you.

And consider what we've discussed here

our little secret.

Thank you, commander.

Now, could we have that tea
you offered?

Ivamoura?
What do you want?

Shush!
- You must go immediately.

You have to hide me.
- I can't.

Only you can protect me
- Shush.

Darling?
The commander's leaving.

Be right there.

The head of counter-espionage is here.
Go to another room.

Hurry.

I'll be back.

Their attempt to blockade
the port failed, but...

You think they'll try again.

We must remain on our guard.

Leave that alone
- Get off me.

I'll call Boris.

Boris!

Here, Youki. Coming.

Don't let him in.

Stop him, Youki.
If I'm discovered, I'll kill him.

This is too heavy for you.

Madam,
I'm causing you too much trouble.

Not at all, commander.

Cigarette?
- No, thanks.

Lemon?
- That'd be nice.

The lieutenant is here.

Come in.

They won't let me
enjoy your hospitality.

Commander, information
from our source Li Hung.

At 7.15, spies will gather
in the ruined pagoda.

Two companies are assembled

and await your orders.
- Thank you.

I'm coming with you.

Excuse me.

We'll have their fleet.
It's not getting out of Port Arthur.

Admiral Togo has settled a score
with the Bogatyr and the Poltava.

What did you say?

Good, very good.

Excellent.

Two Russian torpedo boats
have just been sunk.

The path to Vladivostok is now cut

and the Russian fleet
finds itself blockaded in Port Arthur.

Make three copies of this
and send them.

It must get through!

Make yourselves scarce!
We're going to be raided.

You, stay here.

But what have I done?

Captain Ivamoura.

No!

Halt! Take him alive!

Captain Ivamoura.

I should bow to your courage
in adversity.

However I can't bow to an officer
who didn't hesitate to involve a woman,

or rather a child, in a man's war.

Why do you smile?

I like to think
we are of the same opinion,

that we hold our existences
to be of scant importance.

That's right.

The life you're so preoccupied with
is worth even less.

Because it's a woman's?
- Yes.

We do not see eye to eye.
- Oh, no.

Certainly not.

The place where the mother,

sister or spouse live,
that's our Russia.

This is why we're enemies.

Enemies can still rend each other

a great service?

A service?
- Yes.

You could allow me
to rejoin my ancestors.

I can't do that.

I know. However it wouldn't be
very agreeable for me,

or perhaps very convenient for
an officer of the great Russian navy,

if I was dragged in front
of a wartime tribunal.

What are you insinuating?

I'm humbly asking you

to allow me to put an end
to my days

and to your worries.

What are you getting at?

Nothing important.

Let me kill myself.

You're implying that Youki...

I'm implying nothing.

Let me kill myself.

No.

You're going in front of
the wartime tribunal.

And you can say what you like.

Here's the other half.

These are the plans for Fort No II.

Three copies to be sent.

You'll use the pigeon.

Lt Hung, in the pagoda.

Lieutenant Hirouta, 3rd message.
Same as before.

Hello, hello?

Hello, hello?

We've just received the plans
of Fort No II.

The 2nd brigade
is to attack immediately.

the positions occupied
by the Russian 3rd division.

Hello, hello?
Second brigade?

Prepare to attack
the 3rd division in Fort No II.

"Order to send a detachment
with dynamite

to destroy the barbed wire
in front of the Russian 3rd division.

The 2nd company to follow.

First Battalion
on the Chinese wall.

Right turn!

Forward march!

2nd Battalion on the mountain.

Yes, commander.

The detachment of marines
to Fort No II.

Boris!

Boris!

Boris.

Courage, Youki.

Captain Ivamoura.

I don't want to treat you
as a spy.

Why's that?
- These are special circumstances.

Lt Ranewsky
and your sister are my friends.

This prompts me
to accord you a certain regard.

Too kind.

You know that the Deuxieme Bureau
of Port Arthur possesses

documentation of the Japanese
espionage service in general,

and of you in particular?

I don't doubt it.

My service functions better
than you imagine.

I know for example
that you've seen your sister.

Really?

This surprises you?

No, not totally.

I know that only yesterday,

you didn't finish your tea
at Mrs Ranewsky's.

You were there yesterday evening
at your sister's?

I didn't say that.
- I asked you a question!

Which I didn't answer.

Then I'll arrest your sister.

That will be a great honour
for her.

I can assure you
she is not worthy.

Take him away.

Forward!

They've no cover!

Fire at will!

Commander of artillery?

Attack launched.
Shell along sector 23.

Communication from Fort II.
Japanese artillery fire.

Communication from Fort II.

Bastide destroyed
by repeated bombardment.

Request reinforcements.

Hello?

Hello?

Send 1st company...

Retreat to the bunkers
of Fort No I.

Hello? Chinese wall??

Hello, observation post?

Major offensive by Japanese infantry.

Observation post says Japanese
infantry are advancing.

Fire on the Japanese infantry
advancing across the Eagle's Nest.

Fort No II...

Fort II doesn't answer.

Fort II doesn't answer.

Try to reconnect
through Redoubt V.

Redoubt V?

Well, Redoubt V?

Calling Redoubt V.

Communication for Fort No II.

Stay down.

Come on!

The company is in place.

Here's the captain.

Order for the 6th division:

launch the second assault wave.

Scuttle all the ships

except torpedo boat Retsvi.

Novitzki!
Is the Retsvi still intact?

Yes, general.
- Have her readied to take to sea.

General Nikolaiev
will give you the instructions.

Novitzki, the flags
and documents of our regiments

are to be put on board the Retsvi.

The torpedo boat must break the blockade

and take our colours
to a neutral port.

Lt Ranewsky is to be relieved
from Fort II to command the Retsvi.

Send reinforcements
to the bunkers.

Take command!

What is it?
- HQ needs you.

I can't abandon Fort No ll,

that would be cowardly.

You don't understand
what's going on here

Their artillery
is wiping out our battery positions.

It's you who doesn't understand.
This is an order.

I want to disobey!

There's no discussion to be had.

Vassidloff?
Take over command of Fort No ll

from Ranewsky.
- You can't do this!

I can't desert my comrades.

The Japanese seem to know
all our weak spots.

I know. We must prevent panic
setting in as long as we can.

Come on.

As long as we can?

I might have said until the final hour.

But back to you...

They're not calling you back
to hold you in a safe place.

It's for a crucial mission.

You may have a blindfold.
- Thank you.

I'm moved by your tact,
however I...

Do you have a request?

A minor favour.

What?

To speak to one
of the Japanese prisoners.

It doesn't matter which one.

You can select him.

Captain Ivamoura
would like to die honorably.

Render him a small service:

permit him to die
in a Japanese uniform.

Take aim.

Fire.

The commander is having me arrested?

You hope to dissuade me?
- I can explain.

There's nothing to explain.

Since our meeting,
you've met with a Japanese spy.

You know my proof?
It was your brother.

That's not true.
- Yes it is!

I want you to confirm his deposition.

You will give me this.

Don't make it difficult, eh?

Write this down.
- Commander...

Your words may be used against you
if necessary.

You must listen...
- Answer first...

Did you meet Ivamoura
the day before yesterday?

You don't know that...
- Yes or no?

Yes.

Right.

You recorded that?

Take her away.

No.
What am I guilty of?

The judges at the wartime tribunal
will inform you.

You could be shot.
- But I'm innocent!

Why are you waiting to take her away?
- You can't do this!

I've done nothing wrong!
This is an injustice!

I'm innocent!

General Stoessel has been alerted.
He has your instructions.

You want to talk to me?
- Not to you, to Lt Ranewsky

but I'd like your presence.

I'm listening.

The circumstances don't allow me
to break this to you gently.

We were both wrong about your wife.

What do you mean?

Mrs Ranewsky is guilty of espionage.

Impossible.
You're mistaken.

Hear Cdr Wossidlow out.

I want to,
but he's misinformed.

If I told that the day before yesterday,
after our meeting,

your wife saw Ivamoura,

you'd admit she's a spy?

Yes.

That is what I'm telling you
and I have the evidence.

Here's her deposition.

It's awful.

Moreover, the plans for Fort No II
are in enemy hands.

Ivamoura communicated them
with your wife's complicity.

I want to see her.

I want to see her.
- I'll help you.

That's impossible.

Please, commander.

She's my wife.
- That's impossible.

You can't refuse him this.

He's leaving on a dangerous mission.

See the duty officer.

Hello?

Bring up Mrs Ranewsky.
Bureau 24.

Her husband has authorisation
to see her.

What's going on?

The bunkers have been taken.

Cdr Wossidlow has informed you?
- Yes, lieutenant.

You haven't brought her?
- She's been alerted, she's coming.

Here she is.

Go in!

One moment, lieutenant.
- What now?

You can see her, but...
- What?

I have a difficult duty to perform...

What duty?

I must ask for your revolver.

No.

In the circumstances...

it's futile.

No more wartime tribunals!
Get rid of this vermin.

Shoot this one.

Three Chinese, shoot them.

One Japanese, shoot him.

Attention!

Halt!

Halt!

Order from General Stoessel:
suspend the executions.

Shoot all of these.

Order from General Stoessel:
suspend the executions.

The white flag is about to be raised.
- The white flag?

Sort out the archives.

Burn the list of spies
and destroy the laboratory.

Lieutenant,
the task I entrust you with

requires complete abnegation
from you and your men.

Good luck, lieutenant.

I'm sorry to see you go,

but this mission will help you forget
these wretched hours.

Boris, it's a great honour,

to have been selected
out of all our officers

to rescue our glorious colours
from the hands of the enemy.

I am proud and happy for you.

Sir! Sir!
Listen to me!

Don't go, please!

Listen to me.

Listen to me, I beg you.
Stay for madam.

Ivamoura was going to kill you.

Tell her that Port Arthur
is about to capitulate.

She can rejoin her Japanese.

One moment, madam.

You're free,
but I still have something to say.

I see you as one cause
of our defeat.

I hold you responsible
for the certain death

facing your husband.

I regret profoundly
not having you shot.

Off you go, now.

Madam! We're free!
We can rejoin the Japanese.

Free! Free!

Where's my husband?
- At the port.

He's leaving with the Retsvi.

The Retsvi?

Boris!

You must hear me out.
I'm not guilty.

I know the Japanese
are about to arrive.

It's you I'm rejoining.

You must believe me.
I'm no traitor!

I'd like to believe that,

but I can't forget the futile deaths
of my comrades.

But I had nothing to do with it.

You must realise
that I had nothing to do with it.

I kept quiet
only to save you!

Only to save you!

Instead of trying to save my life,
you should have tried to save

the love I had for you.
- I still deserve your love.

My only fault was how much I loved you.

My poor Youki.

Alas, I can't reconsider.

Port Arthur will always come between us.

Enemy sighted off the port bow!

Enemy sighted off the port bow!

Stoke the boilers.
Full steam ahead!

Battle stations!

Battle stations!

Battle stations!

Ready the guns.

Move it!

Look.

Ah, yes. The big ships
of the Japanese fleet.

Steer 110.

More speed.

Everything you've got!

You are Boris's Lord.

Now, you're mine too.

Therefore I humbly request, Lord,

I know that You can't save us,

but grant me this final grace:

let me to die with Boris.

Cease fire.

Stop the machines.

General order.

Listen to me, my friends.

Although they have the power
to crush us,

the enemy is looking
to capture our ship.

I will not allow these flags,

entrusted to us by
the regiments of Port Arthur,

who fought to the last man,

to be taken by the enemy.

You would not tolerate it either,

of this I'm certain.

And we will complete our mission
despite everything.

For our honour as mariners,

For Russia...

open the sea-cocks.

Come into my arms.

We will remain together for always.

Boris.

Now, Youki,
I won't leave you again.

Do you finally believe
that I am your wife?

Do you finally believe
that your country is mine?

Where we going,
there is but one country.