Rag Tag (2006) - full transcript
Raymond and Tagbo met when they were eight. Although from radically different worlds - Raymond/Rag is from a single parent West Indian home, while Tagbo/Tag is the only son of middle class Nigerian parents - they remain inseparable until the cusp of their teens, Social Services take Rag from London. Ten years later, Rag returns to find Tag. They still want to be together. But now twenty-three, their need has shifted into something more urgent and consuming. Other things have changed too. Tag is just finishing law school and discovering how hard it is to find a position. Tag also has a white girlfriend, and since her impressive credentials aren't even good enough for Tag's father, Rag doesn't stand a chance. Rag sees even less room for himself in Tag's life when Tag's friend Olisa flies into London. Young, rich and shady, Rag knows Olisa is trouble. When Rag and Tag are invited to Nigeria for Olisa's Chieftaincy ceremony, Rag is determined to save Tag from his machinations. In this tale of family, friendship and love, everyone has to discover a definition of what these things mean to them. Then stake their future on it.
[snort]
[door closes]
Put them like they were.
And don’t be late
for school again.
Good morning, Tag.
Jammed again, Rag.
I just opened the flat
for your people.
Mum?
Mum.
Raymond-- Rag.
Hi. I’m Nadia Davids,
and this is Ian Wolfson,
my colleague.
We’re from the Barnet
Family and Children Team.
Social workers.
Rag, when was the last time
you saw your mother?
Who called you?
Someone who cares about you
was concerned you’re not being
looked after properly.
I’m fine.
You don’t need to be here.
Rag, where is your mother?
She leaves me
money and stuff.
I can take care of myself.
You’re only 12 years old.
It ain’t her fault.
She don’t know
where she is half the time.
She’s never done
nothing dangerous.
Leaving you on your own
is dangerous.
I got people.
I’m okay here.
Please don’t take me away.
Please.
Please. Please.
So this is your great
escape plan?
Just let me think,
all right?
Did they say
who called them?
Why Birmingham?
They’re placing me
with my dad’s mum.
She’s family.
At least you’ll be safe.
I’m safe here, ain’t I?
With you and your parents.
They won’t let you
stay with us.
Then I’ll run away
and come back on my own.
You’ll end up like one of
those boys at King’s Cross,
doing all sorts
just for food or drugs.
You’ve been watching
too many of them
educational programs, Tag.
Promise you’ll stay
with your gran until you’re
old enough to come back.
Bet she don’t even want me.
Please, Rag.
You can’t.
I didn’t even know
it could come off.
It will keep you safe
until you’re old enough
to come back.
And if it comes
to the worst of it,
you can flog it.
It’s worth a bob or two.
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ It’s the rapper boy ♪
♪ Nothing between us ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
Yeah?
♪ Yeah, yo ♪
♪ The dim lights ♪
♪ Reflect the wet... ♪
Take care, all right?
You’re sure about this?
No.
But it’s something
I gotta do.
Bye-bye. See you.
[Female DJ] It’s LaLa in
the Hot Spot once again.
It’s quite sunny
for a Saturday in London.
But nevertheless,
that’s what we pray for.
So if you like the music
I’ve played so far,
you’re gonna love
what’s coming up next.
So keep it locked to Muka FM.
[Female singer] ♪ Oh ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I wake up ♪
♪ Call your house ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I realize you’re out ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I leave a message for you ♪
♪ Hey, there ♪
♪ It’s me on my cell ♪
♪ Call me ♪
[doorbell rings]
♪ Call me ♪
[Woman] Hmm.
Not dressed for kickboxing,
I take it?
Traditional wedding
in Derby.
Can’t I
just take you home?
At least someone wants me.
"Dear Mr. Olu,
Smith and Klein Associates
appreciate the time you took
to come for the interview
on Thursday.
Unfortunately,
we’re not able to offer you
a position at this time."
What? Racist, fascist,
Swatstika-sucking wankers.
That’s a bit harsh.
Says who? They should
be begging you
to work in their sad
excuse for chambers.
Did you hear her language?
These Oyibo girls make
very disrespectful wives.
Your son is not going
to marry her.
How do you know?
Are you ever around
to see what is happening?
He won’t marry her because
he knows you don’t like her.
Simple.
As long as I get
Simmons Reese, the rest
can send as many rejection
letters as they want.
When’s that interview?
End of the month.
You decided
who gets you yet?
I don’t understand
how everyone is so sorted,
even my layabout siblings.
[phone rings]
Hello.
Olisa!
[speaking native language]
Speaking of oppressed
people, have you seen who’s
running for council this year?
Not a clue of their
constituency.
Only one of them’s actually
been out and about.
[Mother] Olisa
calling from America!
Talk later, yeah?
Still in America?
[Olisa] Don’t worry.
I’ll reach London in time
for the Nigeria trip.
Congrats!
Rachel said you smashed
your bar exam.
It’s no big deal.
Look at this boy.
The highest result--
no big deal?
Isn’t helping me get a job.
Why do you want to work
for those people?
You suffer and you die
in that country.
When you reach Naija,
you’re going to see--
[doorbell rings]
Olisa, can you
hold on small?
[Mother] We’re leaving
in ten minutes, all.
Who is that?
My friend.
From law school?
Eh?
Didn’t think you’d be
at the same house.
Can’t believe.
You’re in law school.
Was half afraid you’d be
a priest or something
and forget me.
I got some A levels myself.
Did all right in them,
but, you know...
When did you get in?
This morning.
Got this solid flat just
on top of the station.
You’re staying, then?
It depends.
I’ve paid
for the first month,
but I need a job to cover
anything after that.
What type of job?
How are you gonna--
Anything respectable.
My qualifications
don’t get nothing fancy.
Then why don’t you want
your parents to see me?
It’s just been a while,
you know?
Come ’round tomorrow
for Sunday lunch.
Give me some time
to prepare them.
Yeah, don’t forget to mention
my criminal record.
Murder, pillage,
crimes against fashion?
Yeah. Usual stuff.
Thought as much.
How are you
so sure I don’t have
a criminal record anyway?
My Rag’s
too smart for that.
Tomorrow?
[no audible dialogue]
[no audible dialogue]
[no audible dialogue]
[police radio chatter]
[Man] Come back here!
[shouting]
You thought I’d let you
have it, mate!
Oi!
What the fuck do you
think you’re doing, eh?
Ron!
It’s all right, mate.
Get the fuck out of here!
Calm down, mate.
Calm the fuck down.
All right?
It’s all right.
It’s all right.
Come on, man.
Thanks a lot, man.
I knew it.
Rag?
Xin, bro.
We went to primary
school together.
I saw you move in this morning.
Bringing your screwups
to me station.
What you thinking, boy?
It wasn’t my fault.
Can’t reason with some people.
Thanks for stepping in.
If it weren’t for Mum and Dad,
I’d let him take the hiding.
Yeah, man, thanks.
Thanks a lot, man.
Hey, Wing,
don’t you remember Rag?
We used to go
to primary school together.
Wing!
Wing, what, aren’t you
gonna offer us a drink?
Wing!
I don’t normally do hardware,
but Ron and Ed were
offering ready cash.
You don’t mess people
like them about.
I didn’t, honest.
Look, I got some hand-helds
from America,
and I told them
to use a transformer
to charge them.
Dumbos went and plugged
them straight in.
Of course they blew.
From now on, I’m sticking
to programming.
Xin thinks he’s going
to invent the next Google
and become Prime Minister.
Got no respect for the
revolutionary spirit.
The rest of us do real work,
twinkle toes.
I see you’re considering
the brigade.
Noblest profession.
Dad used to say that.
Firefighter?
He was. Dead now.
[cough]
Oi, I remember!
He got hit by a van
or something, isn’t it?
I’m really sorry.
You’re used to his tact.
Ages ago.
I was 8.
Want to follow in his
footsteps, though?
I can’t pass
half these things.
Then why are you
still holding on
to the application form?
[door closes]
Mummy, Daddy,
you remember
my friend Rag.
Hello, Pa Tagbo.
Ma Tagbo.
Angus?
You said they last forever.
Only if you really
care for them.
Mum helped.
I missed her.
She missed you. We all did.
Yeah. Not enough
to come and get me.
I was 12.
Well, you ain’t 12 no more,
you get me?
If you hadn’t come,
I would have.
Yeah? When?
I find a job.
I find somewhere to live.
I find you.
Well, I saved you the bother.
You can have this back.
I don’t want it back.
Don’t you believe anymore?
Of course I believe.
It kept you safe.
Brought you back.
[door closes]
So, what have you really been
up to for the last ten years?
Hi. I’m Olivia.
Pleased to meet you,
Olivia. I’m Raymond,
but everyone calls me--
Rag.
You’ve met Olivia.
This isn’t Tag’s best friend
from when he was little?
When did you get here?
He moved back this weekend.
Weren’t we supposed
to meet later?
I thought you could
use the moral support.
How did it go?
I didn’t think
I fit the profile
Ashcroft and Partners
are looking for.
From what we’ve seen,
you’re better off.
Poor baby.
Yeah, got a good deal on it,
In spite of the madman
next door.
Kitchen, bathroom,
small room,
living room...
master bedroom.
It’s bigger than Xin’s.
You could get a flat mate.
You could move in.
I don’t have any money.
We’ll manage.
You don’t even know how
you’re paying next month’s rent.
So you’re moving in
with Olivia, then?
Did I say that?
Didn’t say you had
a girlfriend, either.
It never came up.
Whatever.
Okay. Where’s your mum?
What’s that got to do
with anything?
Since we’re talking about
things we haven’t mentioned.
She isn’t worth mentioning.
She’s family.
All the family I have
are in Birmingham and here.
Or at least I thought so.
She might still be around.
I didn’t mean her.
Aren’t you supposed to be
meeting your girlfriend?
Not for a while yet.
Yeah, well, I’ve got
stuff to sort out.
[Woman] Good afternoon.
Barnet Council.
Hi, love.
How are you doing,
sweetheart?
Great. I’m going
to need a favor.
God knows I owe you a few.
What’s up?
I know this isn’t
strictly allowed,
but could you
look someone up for me?
What’s this?
I’ve decided we should
officially join the party
and help with canvassing.
Great idea. For you.
We could do it together.
It’s the perfect start if we
want to change laws some day.
All this revolution stuff
has always been more
you and Xin’s thing.
This "revolution stuff"
is about everyone
having a franchise.
We don’t have to do
everything together.
In fact, maybe...
we could do
with some time apart?
Are you breaking up
with me?
Olivia, perhaps...
maybe...
if we just--
Come on,
just spit it out.
Why have I got to work
so bloody hard
to get anything out of you?
If you’re tired of me,
I deserve at least--
Okay, fine.
Space would do us good.
Help us figure out
what’s best for both of us.
And it’s not
necessarily the same.
We all have to, mate.
Prepare for battle.
[video game noises]
No one lock their doors
around here?
Ain’t hiding
from no one.
She lives off Brent Street.
[video game stops]
We still going
to Wing Tat’s?
I’m gonna go and get
my shaving kit.
I know.
You know?
I get into buildings.
A filing cabinet ain’t
hardly gonna be a problem.
Then you know
how sick she is, too.
Have you been to see her?
She never came to see me.
Maybe she thought
you didn’t want her to.
Maybe she’s right.
She’s dying, Rag.
You should go and see her.
Because you say so?
Because you wouldn’t
have come back
if you still didn’t care.
Ten years, and you still
think you’re the expert
on how I feel?
I know
when you’re hurting.
And seeing her
will fix everything?
Don’t touch me.
I told you
to fucking leave it.
Hey, man, we don’t have to
go to Wing Tat’s today.
I was just leaving
anyway.
You have a real talent.
She’s not usually so quiet.
Who’s Daddy’s
little angel?
Mei Ling, that’s who.
Gwai loyu. Gwai loyu.
What did he say to her?
Lord knows.
Hmm.
Even after being married
to my brother for 15 years,
Heather still thinks it wrong
for black people
to speak Chinese.
Your mum been married
to a Chinaman
for nearly 40 years,
and she don’t speak it.
Anyway,
I get what I need to.
Fine. But I haven’t
forgotten the Igbo curses
that Tag taught us.
Do you remember them?
Don’t you dare,
not in front of Leung.
It’s not as if he can hear.
He’s upstairs.
How you know?
It’s bad enough he has so many
Nigerians at his school.
They aren’t going
to corrupt him in his
own home, either.
What do you mean,
corrupt him?
Careful, Heather.
Rag has strong ties with
our African brothers.
Look, I got a class to teach.
Gonna see you guys later.
Those Nigerians
aren’t like us.
It doesn’t make them
bad people.
They’re always on look
for an angle.
Charm you into doing anything.
I don’t want my son
growing up thinking life is
all about what you can
get out of people.
Yeah, but some of them
are good, you know-- go out
of their way to help others
when they know
no one appreciates it.
You show me a good Nigerian,
and I’ll show you
the people he bribed
to deceive you.
Don’t bother
arguing with her.
Heather thinks
the Chinese are evil, too.
Didn’t stop her
from marrying me, though.
We could cover some
of West Hendon tomorrow.
Should be good
for a few votes.
Look, it’ll pass.
He’s just on the Rag.
Sorry?
That’s what we used to say
when him and Rag got into
one of their massive
fights at school.
Thought we were
so clever back then.
How do you get him
out of it?
You can’t.
Only Rag gets him
this wounded up,
so it’s only Rag
that can undo it.
Normally an apology,
and hey presto--
friends forever again.
And if Rag
doesn’t apologize?
Trust me. He always does.
It’s always his fault
anyway.
Speak of the devil.
Look, I’m sorry I went off
on you like that earlier.
I shouldn’t have tried--
No. You were right.
I told you.
Friends forever again,
like the last ten years
didn’t even mean a thing.
Let’s go.
His parents aren’t
touchy-feely, either.
It’s the way
he was brought up.
Reckon this new look will
improve my job prospects?
[Tag] No chance.
[Rag, Tag chuckle]
You’ll be all right.
She’s probably
not even in.
Do you want me
to come with you?
[Woman] Tell them I don’t
want nothing, Debbie!
You all right, Sylvia?
Same time tomorrow, then.
[coughing]
[match striking]
Dirty habit.
[coughing]
Why you not sit down?
You’re just your father.
Glad you’re still
with your boy.
How your parents, Tag?
Your mother
still nursing, then?
[coughing]
You boys want tea
or something?
I’m okay, thanks.
Rag?
You’re just like him.
He always
the one who’s strong.
He take care of all of us.
What I know of
looking after pikney?
I can’t even
look after myself.
[coughing]
Them tell me him
with him father’ mother.
She hard, but I know
she make sure he eat,
dress clean, stay for school.
[coughing]
[coughing]
Bloody hell.
What did you say he does?
Olisa’s a businessman.
Half the houses on this street
belong to Nigerians.
There’s a lot of money
back home.
What sort of business?
Import-export.
He travels around a lot.
What exactly does he
import and export?
Not drugs.
Tag!
You must be Rag.
Tag has been talking
nonstop about you.
Welcome. Come in, come in.
You’re welcome.
Look at this guy.
He just passed his degree.
[general chatter]
You meet us well.
Shebi, you go chop?
Are you sure your friend can
manage these strange dishes?
Like I don’t know
a good thing.
Pass me the Egwusi soup.
Aha. That’s what I
like to hear.
Now come on, come on.
I want to talk with you.
Can you believe this girl?
She’s not even
coming to Nigeria.
Why would she be
going to Nigeria?
Because he’s not going,
and he wants me
to come in his place.
Why aren’t you going?
I’ve got some urgent
business in Switzerland.
I will try and meet you up.
Anyway, Ikeora
will take care of you.
And Rachel.
I told you I can’t do it.
I’ve got other plans.
Ikeora’s gonna have to do it.
So I’ve got to go on my own?
Come on, Rachel.
I’m not in the mood
to go to Nigeria
and see all those sycophants
singing to him just because
he’s scattered his dirty money
all over the place.
Is it not the same dirty
money that has been paying
for your school fees,
your car, your house?
Or is it not dirty when you
are going to Gucci and Prada
or stay in hotels with your
hungry Yoruba boyfriend?
Well, if it’s
like that, collect.
She does not understand.
Mama and Papa will not rest
if she marries a Yoruba.
They are not like us.
Oh. But they’re all right
for your 419 or when it comes
to having fun.
If it’s like that,
why don’t you go
to the dining table
and chase them away?
So why did your
mother name you
after a dirty towel?
They actually
named me Raymond,
but everyone’s called me
Rag since I was little.
Amaka, how can you talk
when you Igbo people always
have funny names anyway?
What exactly
does Tagbo mean?
Tagbo means...
"Today is in good time."
You shouldn’t bother
learning Igbo.
Most people speak Hausa.
A pre-party is not a party
without a fight.
Now I’m ready for the club.
You drive?
Which one do you want to take?
The BM or the Porsche?
Which one
should we take?
No.
Uh, Tag will accompany
Rachel in the Porsche.
I’m sure Ruqaya and the others
will accompany you.
Dayo, you will come with me.
Let us get to know each other.
Come, let’s go.
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
[no audible dialogue]
♪ It’s the rapper boy ♪
♪ Nothing between us ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
Yeah?
Yeah, yo.
♪ Dim lights reflect ♪
♪ The wet place for sweat ♪
♪ It’s fresh ash ♪
♪ Strictly from the walls ♪
♪ Your fond prince ♪
♪ Had left next ♪
♪ To these girls came a rest ♪
♪ But two dudes that never ♪
♪ Met chest to breast ♪
♪ Stepped inside ♪
♪ Provided with base lines ♪
♪ The rivalry they had ♪
♪ With their boss ♪
♪ See how I slide in ♪
♪ Hey, pretty girl ♪
♪ Who you admirin’? ♪
♪ You and your friends ♪
♪ They’re all firin’ ♪
♪ Spoiled for choice ♪
♪ There ain’t much light ♪
♪ Who knows, maybe ♪
♪ Pumpkins at midnight ♪
♪ Time ticks ♪
♪ And heel clicks ♪
♪ And fool licks once ♪
♪ He grab one chick quick ♪
♪ Unless dipso, let me ♪
♪ Take you to the dance floor ♪
♪ That’s what we can ♪
♪ Do the dance for ♪
♪ Lose yourself, girl ♪
♪ Lose yourself ♪
♪♪
♪ Bad buoy, Bad buoy ♪
[echoing]
♪ Bass, bass, bass ♪
♪ Can you feel it? ♪
[echoing]
♪ Seeing something ♪
♪ In my jewelry ♪
♪ Buying fancy things ♪
♪ Spending my money ♪
♪ But nothing in life ♪
♪ Is free ♪
♪ Free ♪
♪ And that is guaranteed ♪
♪ Baby ♪
♪ There’ll be haters ♪
♪ On the way ♪
♪ But don’t you stress ♪
♪ Reach for success ♪
♪ ’Cause nothing in life ♪
♪ Is free ♪
♪ Free ♪
♪ And that is guaranteed ♪
♪ Baby ♪
♪ Reach for the top ♪
♪ Never hesitate ♪
♪ With your goals ♪
♪ Froze on your toes... ♪
Those girls are only good
for wasting time.
His girlfriend’s white.
He’s still playing.
I’m sure you know
our Igbo saying--
aku fechaa, o daalu awo,
which translated means
"The termite flies free
until its wings drop away.
Then it falls into the belly
of the patient toad."
♪ ..spending my money ♪
♪ But nothing in life ♪
♪ Is free ♪
♪ Free ♪
♪ And that is guaranteed ♪
♪ Baby ♪
♪ There’ll be haters ♪
♪ On the way ♪
♪ But don’t you stress ♪
♪ Reach for success ♪
♪ ’Cause nothing in life ♪
♪ Is free ♪
♪ Free ♪
♪ And that is guaranteed ♪
♪ Baby ♪
[grunt]
I need your passport.
What?
For your visa.
Where am I, even?
[chuckling] My house.
You were so drunk
last night,
and Tag didn’t think
you’d manage the stairs
in your own house. Anyway,
you said you wanted
to come to Nigeria
for the chieftaincy.
Huh?
Uh, I was off my head
last night.
I’m sorry.
It’s nice of you,
but I can’t really afford--
Don’t worry. I will
take care of everything.
You’re my guest.
All you need to do
is bring your passport.
You have a passport now?
Nan took us
to Jamaica once.
Good.
That makes things easier.
Otherwise,
I can get one for you.
What time is it?
After 1.
Oh, shit.
Hello, Keisha.
I’m sorry
I didn’t call earlier.
How did Tatty do
at the dentist?
She was fine.
What happened?
Things got a bit barmy.
I’m going to Nigeria
for the weekend.
You haven’t got money
to pay for Tatty’s day care,
but you’re flying to Africa
for the weekend.
Are you thieving again?
Look, I’ll get
the money to you
by the weekend for Tatty.
Can I speak to her now, please?
Daddy.
How’s my little coco pop?
Mummy says you were really
brave at the dentist.
I have 20 teeth.
He even gave me a lollipop.
Only take
your newest caftans.
You know everyone will be
looking at you to see
if we are suffering in London.
And don’t forget
to greet everybody.
Even if you greeted
them in the morning,
greet them
again in the afternoon
and before they go to sleep
or they will say we gave you
no home training.
Tell Jide-- Tell him
that I said that--
You’re almost done
packing, then?
How did you get in here?
Civilized people
use the doorbell.
The next time you do this--
[phone rings]
[ring]
[ring]
What did I ever do to him?
I’m sorry about last night.
Everyone gets pissed
once in a while.
I didn’t mean that.
I’m sorry about that, too.
There’s been a lot
to sort out this week.
Finding you...
and Mum.
These feelings.
I just need to get my head
’round things, you get me?
I’m not sure if I do.
Aren’t you?
You packed for Nigeria, then?
Get your Jamaican ass
vaccinated, just in case.
Don’t forget to stock up
on anti-malarials,
insect repellent.
Get copies of your passport
if I were you...
Oh, shit. Passport.
I’ve got to go.
[knocking]
[thumping]
Why you knocking on the door
like I owe you money?
Sorry bout that, bro.
Look, I need
some details from you.
Hello, boys.
What the fuck?
How did you get in?
Window was open.
Yeah, but we’re
on the fifth floor.
[Rag] Ah-ah.
I’ve got something of yours.
Anyway, this is
a business call.
You guys exchange goods
for cash?
You must be joking.
After what you did?
Ed, shut up.
Depends what you got.
Bought them all
in the last year.
I’ll give you 50
for the lot.
Ron, you’re not gonna
do business--
Just fucking shut it!
You’re bloody right
he’s not.
Especially when I paid 400.
Seeing as you went to all
the trouble of coming here,
I’ll give you 75.
300.
100.
All right, I’ll give you 200.
Ed, go and get the man
his money.
But I’m being generous
because I see potential.
I mean look, with your skills
in the breaking in department--
I didn’t break in.
The window was open,
and you know me.
The law says I’m a visitor.
In that case,
I know some ripe houses
just begging to be visited.
’Round the corner from here--
Bishop’s Avenue.
You see, there’s a bunch
of rich Nigerians
have their holiday homes.
Well, the private security’s
a joke.
The guards don’t turn up
till dark and leave
first thing in the morning.
The cheapskates don’t bother
wiring upstairs windows.
Come on, mate. I mean...
this is peanuts compared
to what a nimble bloke
like yourself could make
in partnership with us.
A low-risk grand a week.
What do you say?
Pleasure doing business
with you.
Call me.
It was okay.
First class just okay?
So I guess...
What about armed robbers
at this time?
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
Abegi.
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
Finally, you’re awake.
Did you sleep?
Too many things
to think about.
Guilty conscience
will do that to you.
♪ Now where do I start? ♪
♪ It wasn’t long before ♪
♪ I caught on where I fit in ♪
♪ Spent my Ts ♪
♪ Chasing my dreams of ♪
♪ Fast cars and fast women ♪
♪ Brand-name denim ♪
♪ Fresh crêpes ♪
♪ Lost my papers ♪
♪ Have to make... ♪
Aha.
[laughter]
Good.
Okay.
Heh heh heh.
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
Yeah.
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
[no audible dialogue]
[laughter]
Come to--
Ah. Will you look at this?
At that time you didn’t
talk to anybody.
Raymond.
Uh, Rag.
Tag’s friend from London.
You’re welcome.
You’re welcome.
Please, let’s go inside.
Huh? Let’s go.
Please.
But for the sake
of our guests...
[laughing]
[Tag] All right.
Amen.
This way, gentlemen.
Ikeora’s caftan
fits all right, then?
You could say so.
You scrubbed that
pretty well yourself.
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪♪ [drum]
♪♪ [pipe]
♪♪
Friends are very
affectionate around here.
See?
It doesn’t mean anything.
Whatever you say.
He and Olisa
are up to something.
They’re Nigerian.
Seriously.
Stay away from him.
Olisa’s my friend.
He’s trouble.
INTERPOL’s after him.
He’s gone in too deep
with some scam. He’s going
to make you get him out.
I’ve heard them on the phone.
I know he’s got a short fuse,
but he’s basically
a decent bloke.
They’re not gonna
make me do anything.
This trip, it’s amazing.
The way they live here
and London and everything.
I know how tempting it can be.
[Tag] This is cool.
But it’s not what life’s about
for me.
Besides, a lawyer’s pay
isn’t exactly shabby, and--
Why do you let that ajibo
in the ring?
Who are you calling an ajibo?
Ikeora won’t thank you
for the dry cleaning.
Let’s call that a draw, okay?
[crowd] Rag, Rag...
[chanting in native language]
Fuck.
It’s okay.
You won.
Are you satisfied?
I’m sure this is what Olisa
meant when he said you should
take care of us.
It’s okay, huh?
And I told Mum
we wouldn’t need these.
I’m sorry.
It doesn’t hurt.
It’s just cold.
Stop trying to be
such a hard man.
I mean it.
You got gentle hands.
You should have been a doctor.
You always said you’d be
a fireman or a botanist.
Why didn’t that happen?
Why did you choose law?
After they took you away...
I kept on at Dad
to speak to someone,
Get you back.
He said it was impossible.
I reckon we just needed
someone who knew the rules.
Then I thought
maybe if I learned them...
I could get you back myself.
Sorry.
No.
I’m sorry.
We shouldn’t start something
we can’t finish.
Not here.
[laughing]
It won’t be.
We’ll hold him to that.
Good.
[laughing, chatting]
♪♪ [man singing
in native language]
You see...
Huh?
What’s a borehole?
Oh, it’s...
Okay.
Let’s go.
Regardless of...
He likes everyone.
No standards, that one.
Why didn’t you go?
Do you regret staying?
Let’s go.
[no audible dialogue]
So that’s what I say.
[singing resumes]
♪ Yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Yuck, ya sod ♪
♪ Now you’re sick of this one ♪
♪ Now, lad ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ It paid off ♪
♪♪ [rapping]
So you coming up?
I don’t think so.
♪♪ [rap continues]
Ron here.
What can I do you for?
♪♪ [rap continues]
When you become
a firefighter.
Okay, when I’m a firefighter.
The station’s right
next to Middlesex University.
I can do something part time
or whatever.
Me and Tag are just heading
down to the park.
Just wondered if Leung wanted
to come for a kickabout.
You’re not going anywhere
with those batty boys.
Mum, no.
Get in the house.
Get in the house.
It’s all right, Leung.
Maybe another time, eh?
[Leung] Sei bat por.
What did you call me?
Get back here now.
Rag?
What she said about us.
People will say and do
a lot worse.
You do know that?
Yeah, but--
But what?
I don’t really care
about her.
Not if I get to be
with you.
But we ain’t together.
We ain’t done nothing
since Nigeria.
We haven’t done anything.
Yeah, this is really
the fucking time
to be correcting my grammar.
If sounding like
a poor man’s version of you
will help me get an answer,
then fine.
What exactly
are you waiting for?
The world to be
a better place?
Even if I had a house
like Olivia’s and a fancy job,
I still wouldn’t be good enough
to take home to Daddy.
Rag, that’s not what I was--
Fuck it!
I’m sorry about...
Come in.
Look, I know you need
more time, but--
[footsteps]
What is it?
It’s your mum, Rag.
She went into hospital
this morning
with breathing problems.
Her instructions were that if
anything happened, she didn’t
want artificial intervention.
Her lungs collapsed
an hour ago.
Dead?
Please accept my sympathy.
Thank you.
We didn’t think anyone cared
enough to come to the funeral.
Your mother made a new
family.
She certainly didn’t care
about her old one.
The cancer didn’t
punish her enough?
When you become
somebody’s mother or father,
you don’t automatically
become the perfect person
to take care of them
their whole life.
Sometimes real love
is allowing someone else
to give what we can’t...
no matter how much it pains.
[no audible dialogue]
Sorry.
Hi.
Rag.
Was hoping your nan
would make it.
She wasn’t Mother’s
biggest fan.
She told Dad she would try
and get a flight.
Seems they had a good chat.
Yeah, well--
Daddy.
Tatty.
Keisha, what are you
doing here?
Tag’s dad sent us
train tickets.
He thought you might
need the support.
You must be Tag?
Pleased to meet you, uh--
Keisha.
Tatty-- Tattiana’s mum.
Tatty, say hello to Tag.
You want tea?
Let’s get baby some cake.
Excuse me.
I’m sure you and Keisha have
a lot of catching up to do.
[Keisha] How was I supposed
to know you hadn’t told him?
Had enough space?
You could say that.
I don’t know what’s gotten
into you, but I like it.
My parents will be
gone for hours.
We’ll have the place
to ourselves.
You really should use
the doorbell.
Why are you in bed with her?
She is my girlfriend,
after all.
Were you expecting me to
sit here twiddling my thumbs
while you were out with Keisha?
I was going to tell you.
Before or after
you screwed me?
Before or after I told the man
who raised me to fuck off
and moved in with you?
It weren’t like that.
They’ve gone back to Birmingham.
That’s where they live.
Abandoning children
runs in the family.
Fuck you!
I get Tatty for holidays.
The small room’s hers.
I speak to her every day.
Look, Keisha knows
I came back here for you.
Tatty’s the only thing
between us, I swear.
Me and Keisha, we went out
for a bit during A levels.
Just before the results, she
tells me that she’s pregnant.
She’s staying in Birmingham
keeping the baby.
I was going back to Jamaica.
We didn’t have money.
I was hustling.
Why didn’t you tell me
all this before?
Did you stop to consider
how I’d feel--
Did you stop to consider
how I’d feel? You’re in bed
with your girlfriend.
Yeah, I don’t always
get it right, but you know
how I feel about you.
You know.
What are you doing?
I have to speak to him.
[sigh]
Let me help you.
You don’t deserve either of us,
you selfish prick.
♪ Where has all ♪
♪ The laughter gone? ♪
♪ Where have all the smiles ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ I’ve never been this down ♪
♪ And this confused ♪
♪ Where has all the vision ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ Where have all my dreams ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ This wretched life ♪
♪ Is giving me the blues ♪
♪ Oh, God, I know ♪
♪ You’ve tried to show me ♪
♪ How to live my life ♪
♪ For you ♪
♪ And, God, I know ♪
♪ You’ve tried to show me ♪
♪ How to be obedient to you ♪
♪ And, God, I know you want ♪
♪ The very best there is ♪
♪ But, God, how can you ♪
♪ Bless the sorrow ♪
♪ Because of the life I live ♪
♪ Oh ♪
♪ Where has all ♪
♪ The laughter gone? ♪
♪ Where have all my smiles ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ Never been this down ♪
♪ And this confused ♪
♪ Where has all the vision ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ Where have all my dreams ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ This wretched life ♪
♪ Is giving me the bleus ♪
If you want money,
get a paper round or something,
not dodgy travel cards.
Why are you sweating me?
You sorted it.
Look, you’re lucky
it was small time crooks
who got you first.
The mob bosses running
these things don’t mess about.
Mum.
Thank you.
If you see Rag,
tell him to call me, okay?
♪ Mmm ♪
♪ What is this feeling? ♪
♪ It feels like everybody’s ♪
♪ Moving ♪
Didn’t expect that.
Window was closed.
Why are you doing
all of this now?
Because I spent all afternoon
looking for you.
About before, I shouldn’t have--
We can talk
after the interview.
But the reason why--
I’m here to make sure
you get some sleep.
I’m sorry.
Me, too.
He was in Tagbo’s bed.
And so?
Don’t interfere again.
You saw what happened to him
the last time.
I don’t regret it.
How can you say that?
Don’t you want our son
to progress?
He could achieve so much,
make us so proud.
Proud of who?
[Ma Tagbo] Proud of you,
of course.
Look at my son, eh?
Guy guy for road,
no money for pockets.
After today,
his pockets will be full.
I haven’t got the job yet.
Besides, chambers aren’t
exactly clamoring to employ me.
They weren’t the ones
you wanted.
God has guarded this one
for you.
Bound all enemies
in the name of Jesus.
Amen!
I got a good feeling
about this.
Me, too.
But why Simmons Reese?
Well for one thing,
Mrs. Reese, you handle
more legal-aid cases
in Family Law than any
other chambers of similar
standing.
Secondly, you’re
interested in making waves,
not just drifting on the
legislative tide.
What gave you
that impression?
In dealing with many of
your child neglect disputes,
Mr. Brefalt, you have argued
a strong case for cultural
sensitivity.
For example, the case of the
Nigerian mother who washes
her children with a bucket.
By talking to her children you
showed her actions were based
on harmless traditions.
The first not only taught them
not to waste water, but kept
them as clean as any shower.
Your knowledge of
our cases is impressive.
But bearing in mind we often
work with single mothers
abandoned by young black men,
like yourself, do you think
they’d feel comfortable
dealing with you?
I think single parent
families feel let down by lots
of people, Miss Chatterjee.
Each individual has to prove
himself or herself.
Perhaps in helping them
sort out what’s best for them
and their children, I might
even restore their faith
in young black men
like myself.
I see you graduated
with a first class in your
Law and Social Policy degree.
Dinners at the Inns
must have been a huge change
from all that swotting.
[chattering]
One second.
Is anything the matter,
Philip?
There’s a young man been
loitering out here
for an hour or so.
Him?
I think security
should be informed.
He’s not bothering anyone.
Not yet.
But what is he doing there?
Perhaps he’s waiting for
another young black man
around the same age?
You think there may be
more than one?
Rag!
Me. We’re together.
He’s been waiting for you?
I know it’s hard
for you to believe,
but not every young black man
is out to rape your women,
steal everything mobile,
and vandalize what they can’t
take with them.
That’s absolutely
uncalled for.
It’s completely called for.
Gentlemen, please.
Philip, this is Mr. Tagbo Olu,
whom we just interviewed.
And this, I think we’ve
established, is Rag?
Rag, Mr. Olu, my partner,
Mr. Philip Simmons.
As in--
Simmons of Simmons Reese.
I’m sure you’ll appreciate
the sensitivity of our work,
and Philip is...
vigilant about security.
In fact, he had my nieces
interrogated the first time
they came here to meet me
for lunch.
If you’d left their names at
reception, that wouldn’t have
been necessary, Sophie.
Ah.
Well, you can’t
be too careful.
Now, if you’ll excuse me,
I need to go and change.
I can’t go to court
without my KKK uniform, can I?
Well, it’s been
an interesting morning.
You’ll hear from us
in a day or two.
See what I mean?
What are you on about?
People look at you
and see this amazing person.
If there’s any justice,
you’ll have a great job,
great family, great life.
People look at me,
they dial 999.
No education, no prospects.
You’re doomed by association.
What about the fire brigade?
I would have heard by now.
You’ve got University
and Botany and--
It’s not happening.
Not here.
We’ll find something.
No, we won’t.
I’m going back to Birmingham
tomorrow.
Back to Keisha?
No, away from you.
I’m not dragging you
down with me.
Mum’s gone.
My money’s gone.
It’s time I went, too.
You can’t leave me again.
We’re not together now.
Not really.
Goodbye, Tag.
Olisa?
My man.How now?
How much do I get
if I do it?
100,000, cash.
As soon as you make
the transaction.
Today?
Why not?
The bank closes at 5.
I prepared the passport
and paperwork for you
when you went to Nigeria.
You were that sure
I was gonna do it?
I have faith in you.
Are you coming?
See you in 30 minutes.
[whispering] ♪ Son of an ♪
♪ Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an... ♪
[normal voice] ♪ Son of ♪
♪ An Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son of ♪
♪ An Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son of ♪
♪ An Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
Rag.
Come in.
Where you been, man?
Wing told me to give that
to you personally.
No fucking way.
Yeah. Said that they only
took four out of 20 of you,
and you did the best.
You taking a piss.
Not gonna show any mercy
toward you when you start
training next week.
It’s not gonna be that bad.
I’m going
back to Birmingham.
But what about Tag?
You can’t just give up on him
like that.
You gave up on Olivia.
I guess some things, you know,
ain’t meant to be.
Says who?
Look at my parents.
Jamaican girl, Chinese boy.
You wouldn’t believe
the grief we got
when we were growing up.
And look,
35 years down the line,
they’re still besotted
with each other.
We turned out all right,
didn’t we?
Shut it.
I Guess there’s hope
for you and Olivia yet.
She’s a good woman, you know.
I wouldn’t hang about
too long.
Hi. Is Tag in?
I heard your party won.
Congratulations.
Yeah. Thanks.
You don’t know what time
he’ll be back, do you?
You want to enter and wait?
I wouldn’t want to be
any trouble--
Let me "on" the kettle.
[knock on door]
I’ve got to go, coco pop.
Someone’s at the door.
I’ll see you tomorrow.
Love you.
Bye.
He and Rag are so adorable.
I’m sure you want to have
many children.
I never really thought
about it.
My son would make
an excellent father,
don’t you think?
Time isn’t on my side
anymore.
Tell me you didn’t.
I couldn’t go
through with it.
No harm done, then.
It’s not that simple.
Is Olisa threatening you?
Because if he is--
No, no.
I spoke to Rachel
when I couldn’t reach him.
Olisa left England
this afternoon.
He’s got copies
of the fake passport he made
stashed away in his place.
When the police raid it,
I’m going down, too.
Yeah, but you didn’t
do anything.
They can put me away
for intent.
Not before I’ve done this.
If you were to fall
pregnant...
Mr. Olu,
this is inappropriate.
You and me want
the same thing.
I want Tag to be happy.
I want to be with someone
who looks at me the same way
that he looks at Rag.
Good night, Mr. Olu.
♪ I am waiting for ♪
♪ I am searching for ♪
♪ What I’ve loved before ♪
♪ What I’ve lost before ♪
♪ I am searching for ♪
♪ I am longing for ♪
♪ For you to thrill me ♪
♪ You to fill me ♪
♪ Up with all that’s good ♪
♪ And true ♪
♪ For you inspire me ♪
♪ You can fire me up ♪
♪ For all that’s good ♪
♪ And true ♪
♪ And you ♪
♪ You ♪
♪ It hurts and loves ♪
♪ And soars and cries out ♪
♪ For you ♪
♪ My fear, my pain ♪
♪ My hope, my gain ♪
♪ Is you ♪
♪ You ♪
♪ For you can thrill me ♪
♪ You can fill me up ♪
♪ With all that’s good ♪
♪ And true ♪
♪ You inspire me ♪
♪ You can fire me up ♪
♪ For all that’s good ♪
♪ And true ♪
♪ And you ♪
♪ You ♪
♪ You ♪
And I’m supposed to care?
I called you at 6 a.m.,
and you came.
I could get charged
with obstruction of justice.
I have a promising political
career ahead of me.
Look, any sign of trouble,
you call me on Tag’s mobile.
Get in the car and drive away.
Nothing else connects us.
Even if I can get Mum’s car,
who’s gonna be the getaway
driver?
[Ron] ’Round the corner
from here--
Bishop’s Avenue.
You see, there’s a bunch
of rich Nigerians
have their holiday homes.
Well, the private security’s
a joke.
The guards don’t turn up
till dark and leave
first thing in the morning.
The cheapskates don’t bother
wiring upstairs windows.
[no audible dialogue]
[doorbell rings]
Hi. We’ve just recently
won the election,
and we know that there
are some problems in the area,
and we were just wondering if
you had any particular requests
or questions about, uh...
Rag?
Olisa has some documents--
well, me and Tag
think he does--
stuff that could get Tag
into trouble.
I didn’t come here
for the money. If they’re--
Olisa called this morning.
He asked me to destroy them
before the police come.
Nothing else ties Tag
to any of this?
He doesn’t want Tag
entering into trouble.
I thought you said Olisa
deserved what was coming.
Good or bad,
he’s still my brother.
What happened?
Mission accomplished.
You know, I do feel
like going out tonight, Xin.
Maybe we should just make it
the two of us though, hmm?
[Pa Tagbo] I don’t know
where he was.
I went up to check on him
last night, and...
I checked at 3:00.
He was not there.
I went to check at 3.30--
still not there.
I don’t know what the hell
he thinks he’s playing at.
He’s not too old for me
to put him out the house
or put him over my knee.
He needs to see
some discipline.
I don’t know what he’s doing.
I don’t know where
he’s been hanging around.
I know who he’s been
hanging around with,
and I must put my foot down.
He’s running around with Rag,
and I’m not liking it.
I tell you,
I must put an action.
Where were you last night?
I stayed over at Rag’s.
And you couldn’t
call your father?
I’m sorry.
Sorry for yourself.
Your interview people.
Eh-heh?
"Dear Mr. Olu,
Thank you for your
interest in Simmons Reese.
My colleagues and I
found your answers insightful,
and Mr. Simmons especially
thought you showed
great passion in your defense.
Thus, it is our pleasure
to offer you a position."
Praise God!
Hallelujah!
Where are you going now?
I’m moving in with Rag.
It makes more sense,
especially now I’ve got a job.
I shouldn’t still be living
at home...
Leviticus chapter 20
verse 13--
And if man also lie with
mankind, as with a woman,
then both of them have
committed an abomination
and are condemned to death.
Obasi!
It is in the Bible,
pomp and plain.
So we’re gonna do this?
Want to hide
behind the Bible?
Fine.
Leviticus
chapter 25 verse 37--
Do not charge interest
on a loan.
Leviticus chapter 19 verse 19--
Do not wear clothes
with mixed fiber.
Verse 23-- Do not eat fruit
from a young tree.
Verse 27--
Do not cut your hair.
Leviticus says we are all
going to hell, Daddy.
Genesis 19-- God destroyed
Sodom and Gomorrah
for your sin.
Not according
to Matthew 25 verse 35
or the whole of Isiah
chapter 1.
In fact,
if you want a concise version,
read Ezekiel 16:49-50.
How does it go again?
Now this was the sin of Sodom--
they were arrogant,
overfed, and unconcerned.
They did not
help the poor and needy.
They were haughty and did
detestable things before me.
Therefore I did away with them.
You think you can use
your law school tricks
to confuse God?
Sin is sin.
And love is love.
Ifeyinwa,
you are not siding him.
Whether I agree or not,
he is still my son.
Take care of Angus for me.
You’re not going anywhere.
Gonna call Social Services
again?
Olivia had a chat
with him last night.
He’s the one that called them.
I told myself
you wouldn’t sink that low.
You were too close.
We were 12.
We never knew we could do
anything about this.
But you knew, didn’t you?
You saw what happened
with Edozie and Jide.
You still haven’t forgiven
your own twin brother.
I got the documents
from Olisa’s house.
You’re mad.
What if they could--
They didn’t.
Hurry up packing
so we can go home.
I’m suddenly not in the mood
for packing anymore.
What’s this?
A job.
The job.
So now I’m not going to jail.
We don’t have to starve, either.
Wouldn’t anyway.
I got the job, too.
I knew it.
They’re so lucky to have you.
God, I love you.
[singsong] Rag loves Tag.
Rag loves Tag.
Rag loves--
Not in this house!
You’ll soon have it
to yourself anyway.
Tagbo, wait now.
Jide made the greatest mistake
of his life.
He will die a poor man
in the village.
Do you know Uncle laughs
more than you?
He’s happy with his decisions.
If I follow yours,
I will die miserable.
It is not just my decision.
This is the worst thing
you can do to him.
Do you want him
to surrender everything--
his hopes, his beliefs,
his ambitions?
He is my ambition.
Everything I’ve ever wanted
leads back to him.
I love him.
What does it profit a man
if he gains the world
but loses his own soul?
Do you really want me
to walk away from mine?
What?
I was just wondering, like,
if you think it’s okay
and you don’t mind
and Keisha doesn’t mind,
I would really like
to meet Tatty.
You know, properly.
That’s brilliant.
Great.
When?
Now?
Go to Birmingham now?
What’s stopping us?
Nothing.
Nothing at all.
♪ I don’t know what to do ♪
♪ I am crazy ♪
♪ In love with you ♪
♪ I don’t know what to say ♪
♪ But I do it anyway ♪
♪ I’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of myself ♪
♪ A fool of myself ♪
♪ I’ve got words I never say ♪
♪ You’ve got music ♪
♪ You never play ♪
♪ I got love I never give ♪
♪ You got sorrow ♪
♪ You never live ♪
♪ I’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of myself ♪
♪ A fool of myself ♪
♪ I’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of myself ♪
♪ A fool of myself ♪
♪ Oh, whoa ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I wake up ♪
♪ Call your house ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I realize you’re out ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I leave a message for you ♪
♪ Hey, there, it’s me ♪
♪ On my cell ♪
♪ Call me ♪
♪ Call me ♪
♪ Secret looks ♪
♪ And secret laughs ♪
♪ Secret jokes ♪
♪ And secret pasts ♪
♪ Listening when ♪
♪ And where and who ♪
♪ Guess who never ♪
♪ Looked at you ♪
♪ You’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of yourself ♪
♪ A fool of yourself ♪
♪ Telling tales ♪
♪ And playing games ♪
♪ Checking places ♪
♪ For big names ♪
♪ Never knowing ♪
♪ Where you are ♪
♪ You always want ♪
To be the star ♪
♪ You’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of yourself ♪
♪ A fool of yourself ♪
♪ You’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of yourself ♪
♪ A fool of yourself ♪
♪ Oh, whoa ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I wake up ♪
♪ Call your house ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I realize you’re out ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I leave a message for you ♪
♪ Hey, there, it’s me ♪
♪ On my cell ♪
♪ Call me ♪
♪ Call me ♪
Closed-Captioned By
J.R. Media Services, Inc.
Burbank, CA
[door closes]
Put them like they were.
And don’t be late
for school again.
Good morning, Tag.
Jammed again, Rag.
I just opened the flat
for your people.
Mum?
Mum.
Raymond-- Rag.
Hi. I’m Nadia Davids,
and this is Ian Wolfson,
my colleague.
We’re from the Barnet
Family and Children Team.
Social workers.
Rag, when was the last time
you saw your mother?
Who called you?
Someone who cares about you
was concerned you’re not being
looked after properly.
I’m fine.
You don’t need to be here.
Rag, where is your mother?
She leaves me
money and stuff.
I can take care of myself.
You’re only 12 years old.
It ain’t her fault.
She don’t know
where she is half the time.
She’s never done
nothing dangerous.
Leaving you on your own
is dangerous.
I got people.
I’m okay here.
Please don’t take me away.
Please.
Please. Please.
So this is your great
escape plan?
Just let me think,
all right?
Did they say
who called them?
Why Birmingham?
They’re placing me
with my dad’s mum.
She’s family.
At least you’ll be safe.
I’m safe here, ain’t I?
With you and your parents.
They won’t let you
stay with us.
Then I’ll run away
and come back on my own.
You’ll end up like one of
those boys at King’s Cross,
doing all sorts
just for food or drugs.
You’ve been watching
too many of them
educational programs, Tag.
Promise you’ll stay
with your gran until you’re
old enough to come back.
Bet she don’t even want me.
Please, Rag.
You can’t.
I didn’t even know
it could come off.
It will keep you safe
until you’re old enough
to come back.
And if it comes
to the worst of it,
you can flog it.
It’s worth a bob or two.
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ It’s the rapper boy ♪
♪ Nothing between us ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
Yeah?
♪ Yeah, yo ♪
♪ The dim lights ♪
♪ Reflect the wet... ♪
Take care, all right?
You’re sure about this?
No.
But it’s something
I gotta do.
Bye-bye. See you.
[Female DJ] It’s LaLa in
the Hot Spot once again.
It’s quite sunny
for a Saturday in London.
But nevertheless,
that’s what we pray for.
So if you like the music
I’ve played so far,
you’re gonna love
what’s coming up next.
So keep it locked to Muka FM.
[Female singer] ♪ Oh ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I wake up ♪
♪ Call your house ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I realize you’re out ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I leave a message for you ♪
♪ Hey, there ♪
♪ It’s me on my cell ♪
♪ Call me ♪
[doorbell rings]
♪ Call me ♪
[Woman] Hmm.
Not dressed for kickboxing,
I take it?
Traditional wedding
in Derby.
Can’t I
just take you home?
At least someone wants me.
"Dear Mr. Olu,
Smith and Klein Associates
appreciate the time you took
to come for the interview
on Thursday.
Unfortunately,
we’re not able to offer you
a position at this time."
What? Racist, fascist,
Swatstika-sucking wankers.
That’s a bit harsh.
Says who? They should
be begging you
to work in their sad
excuse for chambers.
Did you hear her language?
These Oyibo girls make
very disrespectful wives.
Your son is not going
to marry her.
How do you know?
Are you ever around
to see what is happening?
He won’t marry her because
he knows you don’t like her.
Simple.
As long as I get
Simmons Reese, the rest
can send as many rejection
letters as they want.
When’s that interview?
End of the month.
You decided
who gets you yet?
I don’t understand
how everyone is so sorted,
even my layabout siblings.
[phone rings]
Hello.
Olisa!
[speaking native language]
Speaking of oppressed
people, have you seen who’s
running for council this year?
Not a clue of their
constituency.
Only one of them’s actually
been out and about.
[Mother] Olisa
calling from America!
Talk later, yeah?
Still in America?
[Olisa] Don’t worry.
I’ll reach London in time
for the Nigeria trip.
Congrats!
Rachel said you smashed
your bar exam.
It’s no big deal.
Look at this boy.
The highest result--
no big deal?
Isn’t helping me get a job.
Why do you want to work
for those people?
You suffer and you die
in that country.
When you reach Naija,
you’re going to see--
[doorbell rings]
Olisa, can you
hold on small?
[Mother] We’re leaving
in ten minutes, all.
Who is that?
My friend.
From law school?
Eh?
Didn’t think you’d be
at the same house.
Can’t believe.
You’re in law school.
Was half afraid you’d be
a priest or something
and forget me.
I got some A levels myself.
Did all right in them,
but, you know...
When did you get in?
This morning.
Got this solid flat just
on top of the station.
You’re staying, then?
It depends.
I’ve paid
for the first month,
but I need a job to cover
anything after that.
What type of job?
How are you gonna--
Anything respectable.
My qualifications
don’t get nothing fancy.
Then why don’t you want
your parents to see me?
It’s just been a while,
you know?
Come ’round tomorrow
for Sunday lunch.
Give me some time
to prepare them.
Yeah, don’t forget to mention
my criminal record.
Murder, pillage,
crimes against fashion?
Yeah. Usual stuff.
Thought as much.
How are you
so sure I don’t have
a criminal record anyway?
My Rag’s
too smart for that.
Tomorrow?
[no audible dialogue]
[no audible dialogue]
[no audible dialogue]
[police radio chatter]
[Man] Come back here!
[shouting]
You thought I’d let you
have it, mate!
Oi!
What the fuck do you
think you’re doing, eh?
Ron!
It’s all right, mate.
Get the fuck out of here!
Calm down, mate.
Calm the fuck down.
All right?
It’s all right.
It’s all right.
Come on, man.
Thanks a lot, man.
I knew it.
Rag?
Xin, bro.
We went to primary
school together.
I saw you move in this morning.
Bringing your screwups
to me station.
What you thinking, boy?
It wasn’t my fault.
Can’t reason with some people.
Thanks for stepping in.
If it weren’t for Mum and Dad,
I’d let him take the hiding.
Yeah, man, thanks.
Thanks a lot, man.
Hey, Wing,
don’t you remember Rag?
We used to go
to primary school together.
Wing!
Wing, what, aren’t you
gonna offer us a drink?
Wing!
I don’t normally do hardware,
but Ron and Ed were
offering ready cash.
You don’t mess people
like them about.
I didn’t, honest.
Look, I got some hand-helds
from America,
and I told them
to use a transformer
to charge them.
Dumbos went and plugged
them straight in.
Of course they blew.
From now on, I’m sticking
to programming.
Xin thinks he’s going
to invent the next Google
and become Prime Minister.
Got no respect for the
revolutionary spirit.
The rest of us do real work,
twinkle toes.
I see you’re considering
the brigade.
Noblest profession.
Dad used to say that.
Firefighter?
He was. Dead now.
[cough]
Oi, I remember!
He got hit by a van
or something, isn’t it?
I’m really sorry.
You’re used to his tact.
Ages ago.
I was 8.
Want to follow in his
footsteps, though?
I can’t pass
half these things.
Then why are you
still holding on
to the application form?
[door closes]
Mummy, Daddy,
you remember
my friend Rag.
Hello, Pa Tagbo.
Ma Tagbo.
Angus?
You said they last forever.
Only if you really
care for them.
Mum helped.
I missed her.
She missed you. We all did.
Yeah. Not enough
to come and get me.
I was 12.
Well, you ain’t 12 no more,
you get me?
If you hadn’t come,
I would have.
Yeah? When?
I find a job.
I find somewhere to live.
I find you.
Well, I saved you the bother.
You can have this back.
I don’t want it back.
Don’t you believe anymore?
Of course I believe.
It kept you safe.
Brought you back.
[door closes]
So, what have you really been
up to for the last ten years?
Hi. I’m Olivia.
Pleased to meet you,
Olivia. I’m Raymond,
but everyone calls me--
Rag.
You’ve met Olivia.
This isn’t Tag’s best friend
from when he was little?
When did you get here?
He moved back this weekend.
Weren’t we supposed
to meet later?
I thought you could
use the moral support.
How did it go?
I didn’t think
I fit the profile
Ashcroft and Partners
are looking for.
From what we’ve seen,
you’re better off.
Poor baby.
Yeah, got a good deal on it,
In spite of the madman
next door.
Kitchen, bathroom,
small room,
living room...
master bedroom.
It’s bigger than Xin’s.
You could get a flat mate.
You could move in.
I don’t have any money.
We’ll manage.
You don’t even know how
you’re paying next month’s rent.
So you’re moving in
with Olivia, then?
Did I say that?
Didn’t say you had
a girlfriend, either.
It never came up.
Whatever.
Okay. Where’s your mum?
What’s that got to do
with anything?
Since we’re talking about
things we haven’t mentioned.
She isn’t worth mentioning.
She’s family.
All the family I have
are in Birmingham and here.
Or at least I thought so.
She might still be around.
I didn’t mean her.
Aren’t you supposed to be
meeting your girlfriend?
Not for a while yet.
Yeah, well, I’ve got
stuff to sort out.
[Woman] Good afternoon.
Barnet Council.
Hi, love.
How are you doing,
sweetheart?
Great. I’m going
to need a favor.
God knows I owe you a few.
What’s up?
I know this isn’t
strictly allowed,
but could you
look someone up for me?
What’s this?
I’ve decided we should
officially join the party
and help with canvassing.
Great idea. For you.
We could do it together.
It’s the perfect start if we
want to change laws some day.
All this revolution stuff
has always been more
you and Xin’s thing.
This "revolution stuff"
is about everyone
having a franchise.
We don’t have to do
everything together.
In fact, maybe...
we could do
with some time apart?
Are you breaking up
with me?
Olivia, perhaps...
maybe...
if we just--
Come on,
just spit it out.
Why have I got to work
so bloody hard
to get anything out of you?
If you’re tired of me,
I deserve at least--
Okay, fine.
Space would do us good.
Help us figure out
what’s best for both of us.
And it’s not
necessarily the same.
We all have to, mate.
Prepare for battle.
[video game noises]
No one lock their doors
around here?
Ain’t hiding
from no one.
She lives off Brent Street.
[video game stops]
We still going
to Wing Tat’s?
I’m gonna go and get
my shaving kit.
I know.
You know?
I get into buildings.
A filing cabinet ain’t
hardly gonna be a problem.
Then you know
how sick she is, too.
Have you been to see her?
She never came to see me.
Maybe she thought
you didn’t want her to.
Maybe she’s right.
She’s dying, Rag.
You should go and see her.
Because you say so?
Because you wouldn’t
have come back
if you still didn’t care.
Ten years, and you still
think you’re the expert
on how I feel?
I know
when you’re hurting.
And seeing her
will fix everything?
Don’t touch me.
I told you
to fucking leave it.
Hey, man, we don’t have to
go to Wing Tat’s today.
I was just leaving
anyway.
You have a real talent.
She’s not usually so quiet.
Who’s Daddy’s
little angel?
Mei Ling, that’s who.
Gwai loyu. Gwai loyu.
What did he say to her?
Lord knows.
Hmm.
Even after being married
to my brother for 15 years,
Heather still thinks it wrong
for black people
to speak Chinese.
Your mum been married
to a Chinaman
for nearly 40 years,
and she don’t speak it.
Anyway,
I get what I need to.
Fine. But I haven’t
forgotten the Igbo curses
that Tag taught us.
Do you remember them?
Don’t you dare,
not in front of Leung.
It’s not as if he can hear.
He’s upstairs.
How you know?
It’s bad enough he has so many
Nigerians at his school.
They aren’t going
to corrupt him in his
own home, either.
What do you mean,
corrupt him?
Careful, Heather.
Rag has strong ties with
our African brothers.
Look, I got a class to teach.
Gonna see you guys later.
Those Nigerians
aren’t like us.
It doesn’t make them
bad people.
They’re always on look
for an angle.
Charm you into doing anything.
I don’t want my son
growing up thinking life is
all about what you can
get out of people.
Yeah, but some of them
are good, you know-- go out
of their way to help others
when they know
no one appreciates it.
You show me a good Nigerian,
and I’ll show you
the people he bribed
to deceive you.
Don’t bother
arguing with her.
Heather thinks
the Chinese are evil, too.
Didn’t stop her
from marrying me, though.
We could cover some
of West Hendon tomorrow.
Should be good
for a few votes.
Look, it’ll pass.
He’s just on the Rag.
Sorry?
That’s what we used to say
when him and Rag got into
one of their massive
fights at school.
Thought we were
so clever back then.
How do you get him
out of it?
You can’t.
Only Rag gets him
this wounded up,
so it’s only Rag
that can undo it.
Normally an apology,
and hey presto--
friends forever again.
And if Rag
doesn’t apologize?
Trust me. He always does.
It’s always his fault
anyway.
Speak of the devil.
Look, I’m sorry I went off
on you like that earlier.
I shouldn’t have tried--
No. You were right.
I told you.
Friends forever again,
like the last ten years
didn’t even mean a thing.
Let’s go.
His parents aren’t
touchy-feely, either.
It’s the way
he was brought up.
Reckon this new look will
improve my job prospects?
[Tag] No chance.
[Rag, Tag chuckle]
You’ll be all right.
She’s probably
not even in.
Do you want me
to come with you?
[Woman] Tell them I don’t
want nothing, Debbie!
You all right, Sylvia?
Same time tomorrow, then.
[coughing]
[match striking]
Dirty habit.
[coughing]
Why you not sit down?
You’re just your father.
Glad you’re still
with your boy.
How your parents, Tag?
Your mother
still nursing, then?
[coughing]
You boys want tea
or something?
I’m okay, thanks.
Rag?
You’re just like him.
He always
the one who’s strong.
He take care of all of us.
What I know of
looking after pikney?
I can’t even
look after myself.
[coughing]
Them tell me him
with him father’ mother.
She hard, but I know
she make sure he eat,
dress clean, stay for school.
[coughing]
[coughing]
Bloody hell.
What did you say he does?
Olisa’s a businessman.
Half the houses on this street
belong to Nigerians.
There’s a lot of money
back home.
What sort of business?
Import-export.
He travels around a lot.
What exactly does he
import and export?
Not drugs.
Tag!
You must be Rag.
Tag has been talking
nonstop about you.
Welcome. Come in, come in.
You’re welcome.
Look at this guy.
He just passed his degree.
[general chatter]
You meet us well.
Shebi, you go chop?
Are you sure your friend can
manage these strange dishes?
Like I don’t know
a good thing.
Pass me the Egwusi soup.
Aha. That’s what I
like to hear.
Now come on, come on.
I want to talk with you.
Can you believe this girl?
She’s not even
coming to Nigeria.
Why would she be
going to Nigeria?
Because he’s not going,
and he wants me
to come in his place.
Why aren’t you going?
I’ve got some urgent
business in Switzerland.
I will try and meet you up.
Anyway, Ikeora
will take care of you.
And Rachel.
I told you I can’t do it.
I’ve got other plans.
Ikeora’s gonna have to do it.
So I’ve got to go on my own?
Come on, Rachel.
I’m not in the mood
to go to Nigeria
and see all those sycophants
singing to him just because
he’s scattered his dirty money
all over the place.
Is it not the same dirty
money that has been paying
for your school fees,
your car, your house?
Or is it not dirty when you
are going to Gucci and Prada
or stay in hotels with your
hungry Yoruba boyfriend?
Well, if it’s
like that, collect.
She does not understand.
Mama and Papa will not rest
if she marries a Yoruba.
They are not like us.
Oh. But they’re all right
for your 419 or when it comes
to having fun.
If it’s like that,
why don’t you go
to the dining table
and chase them away?
So why did your
mother name you
after a dirty towel?
They actually
named me Raymond,
but everyone’s called me
Rag since I was little.
Amaka, how can you talk
when you Igbo people always
have funny names anyway?
What exactly
does Tagbo mean?
Tagbo means...
"Today is in good time."
You shouldn’t bother
learning Igbo.
Most people speak Hausa.
A pre-party is not a party
without a fight.
Now I’m ready for the club.
You drive?
Which one do you want to take?
The BM or the Porsche?
Which one
should we take?
No.
Uh, Tag will accompany
Rachel in the Porsche.
I’m sure Ruqaya and the others
will accompany you.
Dayo, you will come with me.
Let us get to know each other.
Come, let’s go.
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
[no audible dialogue]
♪ It’s the rapper boy ♪
♪ Nothing between us ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
Yeah?
Yeah, yo.
♪ Dim lights reflect ♪
♪ The wet place for sweat ♪
♪ It’s fresh ash ♪
♪ Strictly from the walls ♪
♪ Your fond prince ♪
♪ Had left next ♪
♪ To these girls came a rest ♪
♪ But two dudes that never ♪
♪ Met chest to breast ♪
♪ Stepped inside ♪
♪ Provided with base lines ♪
♪ The rivalry they had ♪
♪ With their boss ♪
♪ See how I slide in ♪
♪ Hey, pretty girl ♪
♪ Who you admirin’? ♪
♪ You and your friends ♪
♪ They’re all firin’ ♪
♪ Spoiled for choice ♪
♪ There ain’t much light ♪
♪ Who knows, maybe ♪
♪ Pumpkins at midnight ♪
♪ Time ticks ♪
♪ And heel clicks ♪
♪ And fool licks once ♪
♪ He grab one chick quick ♪
♪ Unless dipso, let me ♪
♪ Take you to the dance floor ♪
♪ That’s what we can ♪
♪ Do the dance for ♪
♪ Lose yourself, girl ♪
♪ Lose yourself ♪
♪♪
♪ Bad buoy, Bad buoy ♪
[echoing]
♪ Bass, bass, bass ♪
♪ Can you feel it? ♪
[echoing]
♪ Seeing something ♪
♪ In my jewelry ♪
♪ Buying fancy things ♪
♪ Spending my money ♪
♪ But nothing in life ♪
♪ Is free ♪
♪ Free ♪
♪ And that is guaranteed ♪
♪ Baby ♪
♪ There’ll be haters ♪
♪ On the way ♪
♪ But don’t you stress ♪
♪ Reach for success ♪
♪ ’Cause nothing in life ♪
♪ Is free ♪
♪ Free ♪
♪ And that is guaranteed ♪
♪ Baby ♪
♪ Reach for the top ♪
♪ Never hesitate ♪
♪ With your goals ♪
♪ Froze on your toes... ♪
Those girls are only good
for wasting time.
His girlfriend’s white.
He’s still playing.
I’m sure you know
our Igbo saying--
aku fechaa, o daalu awo,
which translated means
"The termite flies free
until its wings drop away.
Then it falls into the belly
of the patient toad."
♪ ..spending my money ♪
♪ But nothing in life ♪
♪ Is free ♪
♪ Free ♪
♪ And that is guaranteed ♪
♪ Baby ♪
♪ There’ll be haters ♪
♪ On the way ♪
♪ But don’t you stress ♪
♪ Reach for success ♪
♪ ’Cause nothing in life ♪
♪ Is free ♪
♪ Free ♪
♪ And that is guaranteed ♪
♪ Baby ♪
[grunt]
I need your passport.
What?
For your visa.
Where am I, even?
[chuckling] My house.
You were so drunk
last night,
and Tag didn’t think
you’d manage the stairs
in your own house. Anyway,
you said you wanted
to come to Nigeria
for the chieftaincy.
Huh?
Uh, I was off my head
last night.
I’m sorry.
It’s nice of you,
but I can’t really afford--
Don’t worry. I will
take care of everything.
You’re my guest.
All you need to do
is bring your passport.
You have a passport now?
Nan took us
to Jamaica once.
Good.
That makes things easier.
Otherwise,
I can get one for you.
What time is it?
After 1.
Oh, shit.
Hello, Keisha.
I’m sorry
I didn’t call earlier.
How did Tatty do
at the dentist?
She was fine.
What happened?
Things got a bit barmy.
I’m going to Nigeria
for the weekend.
You haven’t got money
to pay for Tatty’s day care,
but you’re flying to Africa
for the weekend.
Are you thieving again?
Look, I’ll get
the money to you
by the weekend for Tatty.
Can I speak to her now, please?
Daddy.
How’s my little coco pop?
Mummy says you were really
brave at the dentist.
I have 20 teeth.
He even gave me a lollipop.
Only take
your newest caftans.
You know everyone will be
looking at you to see
if we are suffering in London.
And don’t forget
to greet everybody.
Even if you greeted
them in the morning,
greet them
again in the afternoon
and before they go to sleep
or they will say we gave you
no home training.
Tell Jide-- Tell him
that I said that--
You’re almost done
packing, then?
How did you get in here?
Civilized people
use the doorbell.
The next time you do this--
[phone rings]
[ring]
[ring]
What did I ever do to him?
I’m sorry about last night.
Everyone gets pissed
once in a while.
I didn’t mean that.
I’m sorry about that, too.
There’s been a lot
to sort out this week.
Finding you...
and Mum.
These feelings.
I just need to get my head
’round things, you get me?
I’m not sure if I do.
Aren’t you?
You packed for Nigeria, then?
Get your Jamaican ass
vaccinated, just in case.
Don’t forget to stock up
on anti-malarials,
insect repellent.
Get copies of your passport
if I were you...
Oh, shit. Passport.
I’ve got to go.
[knocking]
[thumping]
Why you knocking on the door
like I owe you money?
Sorry bout that, bro.
Look, I need
some details from you.
Hello, boys.
What the fuck?
How did you get in?
Window was open.
Yeah, but we’re
on the fifth floor.
[Rag] Ah-ah.
I’ve got something of yours.
Anyway, this is
a business call.
You guys exchange goods
for cash?
You must be joking.
After what you did?
Ed, shut up.
Depends what you got.
Bought them all
in the last year.
I’ll give you 50
for the lot.
Ron, you’re not gonna
do business--
Just fucking shut it!
You’re bloody right
he’s not.
Especially when I paid 400.
Seeing as you went to all
the trouble of coming here,
I’ll give you 75.
300.
100.
All right, I’ll give you 200.
Ed, go and get the man
his money.
But I’m being generous
because I see potential.
I mean look, with your skills
in the breaking in department--
I didn’t break in.
The window was open,
and you know me.
The law says I’m a visitor.
In that case,
I know some ripe houses
just begging to be visited.
’Round the corner from here--
Bishop’s Avenue.
You see, there’s a bunch
of rich Nigerians
have their holiday homes.
Well, the private security’s
a joke.
The guards don’t turn up
till dark and leave
first thing in the morning.
The cheapskates don’t bother
wiring upstairs windows.
Come on, mate. I mean...
this is peanuts compared
to what a nimble bloke
like yourself could make
in partnership with us.
A low-risk grand a week.
What do you say?
Pleasure doing business
with you.
Call me.
It was okay.
First class just okay?
So I guess...
What about armed robbers
at this time?
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
Abegi.
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
Finally, you’re awake.
Did you sleep?
Too many things
to think about.
Guilty conscience
will do that to you.
♪ Now where do I start? ♪
♪ It wasn’t long before ♪
♪ I caught on where I fit in ♪
♪ Spent my Ts ♪
♪ Chasing my dreams of ♪
♪ Fast cars and fast women ♪
♪ Brand-name denim ♪
♪ Fresh crêpes ♪
♪ Lost my papers ♪
♪ Have to make... ♪
Aha.
[laughter]
Good.
Okay.
Heh heh heh.
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
Yeah.
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
[no audible dialogue]
[laughter]
Come to--
Ah. Will you look at this?
At that time you didn’t
talk to anybody.
Raymond.
Uh, Rag.
Tag’s friend from London.
You’re welcome.
You’re welcome.
Please, let’s go inside.
Huh? Let’s go.
Please.
But for the sake
of our guests...
[laughing]
[Tag] All right.
Amen.
This way, gentlemen.
Ikeora’s caftan
fits all right, then?
You could say so.
You scrubbed that
pretty well yourself.
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son ♪
♪ Of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪♪ [drum]
♪♪ [pipe]
♪♪
Friends are very
affectionate around here.
See?
It doesn’t mean anything.
Whatever you say.
He and Olisa
are up to something.
They’re Nigerian.
Seriously.
Stay away from him.
Olisa’s my friend.
He’s trouble.
INTERPOL’s after him.
He’s gone in too deep
with some scam. He’s going
to make you get him out.
I’ve heard them on the phone.
I know he’s got a short fuse,
but he’s basically
a decent bloke.
They’re not gonna
make me do anything.
This trip, it’s amazing.
The way they live here
and London and everything.
I know how tempting it can be.
[Tag] This is cool.
But it’s not what life’s about
for me.
Besides, a lawyer’s pay
isn’t exactly shabby, and--
Why do you let that ajibo
in the ring?
Who are you calling an ajibo?
Ikeora won’t thank you
for the dry cleaning.
Let’s call that a draw, okay?
[crowd] Rag, Rag...
[chanting in native language]
Fuck.
It’s okay.
You won.
Are you satisfied?
I’m sure this is what Olisa
meant when he said you should
take care of us.
It’s okay, huh?
And I told Mum
we wouldn’t need these.
I’m sorry.
It doesn’t hurt.
It’s just cold.
Stop trying to be
such a hard man.
I mean it.
You got gentle hands.
You should have been a doctor.
You always said you’d be
a fireman or a botanist.
Why didn’t that happen?
Why did you choose law?
After they took you away...
I kept on at Dad
to speak to someone,
Get you back.
He said it was impossible.
I reckon we just needed
someone who knew the rules.
Then I thought
maybe if I learned them...
I could get you back myself.
Sorry.
No.
I’m sorry.
We shouldn’t start something
we can’t finish.
Not here.
[laughing]
It won’t be.
We’ll hold him to that.
Good.
[laughing, chatting]
♪♪ [man singing
in native language]
You see...
Huh?
What’s a borehole?
Oh, it’s...
Okay.
Let’s go.
Regardless of...
He likes everyone.
No standards, that one.
Why didn’t you go?
Do you regret staying?
Let’s go.
[no audible dialogue]
So that’s what I say.
[singing resumes]
♪ Yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Yuck, ya sod ♪
♪ Now you’re sick of this one ♪
♪ Now, lad ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ It paid off ♪
♪♪ [rapping]
So you coming up?
I don’t think so.
♪♪ [rap continues]
Ron here.
What can I do you for?
♪♪ [rap continues]
When you become
a firefighter.
Okay, when I’m a firefighter.
The station’s right
next to Middlesex University.
I can do something part time
or whatever.
Me and Tag are just heading
down to the park.
Just wondered if Leung wanted
to come for a kickabout.
You’re not going anywhere
with those batty boys.
Mum, no.
Get in the house.
Get in the house.
It’s all right, Leung.
Maybe another time, eh?
[Leung] Sei bat por.
What did you call me?
Get back here now.
Rag?
What she said about us.
People will say and do
a lot worse.
You do know that?
Yeah, but--
But what?
I don’t really care
about her.
Not if I get to be
with you.
But we ain’t together.
We ain’t done nothing
since Nigeria.
We haven’t done anything.
Yeah, this is really
the fucking time
to be correcting my grammar.
If sounding like
a poor man’s version of you
will help me get an answer,
then fine.
What exactly
are you waiting for?
The world to be
a better place?
Even if I had a house
like Olivia’s and a fancy job,
I still wouldn’t be good enough
to take home to Daddy.
Rag, that’s not what I was--
Fuck it!
I’m sorry about...
Come in.
Look, I know you need
more time, but--
[footsteps]
What is it?
It’s your mum, Rag.
She went into hospital
this morning
with breathing problems.
Her instructions were that if
anything happened, she didn’t
want artificial intervention.
Her lungs collapsed
an hour ago.
Dead?
Please accept my sympathy.
Thank you.
We didn’t think anyone cared
enough to come to the funeral.
Your mother made a new
family.
She certainly didn’t care
about her old one.
The cancer didn’t
punish her enough?
When you become
somebody’s mother or father,
you don’t automatically
become the perfect person
to take care of them
their whole life.
Sometimes real love
is allowing someone else
to give what we can’t...
no matter how much it pains.
[no audible dialogue]
Sorry.
Hi.
Rag.
Was hoping your nan
would make it.
She wasn’t Mother’s
biggest fan.
She told Dad she would try
and get a flight.
Seems they had a good chat.
Yeah, well--
Daddy.
Tatty.
Keisha, what are you
doing here?
Tag’s dad sent us
train tickets.
He thought you might
need the support.
You must be Tag?
Pleased to meet you, uh--
Keisha.
Tatty-- Tattiana’s mum.
Tatty, say hello to Tag.
You want tea?
Let’s get baby some cake.
Excuse me.
I’m sure you and Keisha have
a lot of catching up to do.
[Keisha] How was I supposed
to know you hadn’t told him?
Had enough space?
You could say that.
I don’t know what’s gotten
into you, but I like it.
My parents will be
gone for hours.
We’ll have the place
to ourselves.
You really should use
the doorbell.
Why are you in bed with her?
She is my girlfriend,
after all.
Were you expecting me to
sit here twiddling my thumbs
while you were out with Keisha?
I was going to tell you.
Before or after
you screwed me?
Before or after I told the man
who raised me to fuck off
and moved in with you?
It weren’t like that.
They’ve gone back to Birmingham.
That’s where they live.
Abandoning children
runs in the family.
Fuck you!
I get Tatty for holidays.
The small room’s hers.
I speak to her every day.
Look, Keisha knows
I came back here for you.
Tatty’s the only thing
between us, I swear.
Me and Keisha, we went out
for a bit during A levels.
Just before the results, she
tells me that she’s pregnant.
She’s staying in Birmingham
keeping the baby.
I was going back to Jamaica.
We didn’t have money.
I was hustling.
Why didn’t you tell me
all this before?
Did you stop to consider
how I’d feel--
Did you stop to consider
how I’d feel? You’re in bed
with your girlfriend.
Yeah, I don’t always
get it right, but you know
how I feel about you.
You know.
What are you doing?
I have to speak to him.
[sigh]
Let me help you.
You don’t deserve either of us,
you selfish prick.
♪ Where has all ♪
♪ The laughter gone? ♪
♪ Where have all the smiles ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ I’ve never been this down ♪
♪ And this confused ♪
♪ Where has all the vision ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ Where have all my dreams ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ This wretched life ♪
♪ Is giving me the blues ♪
♪ Oh, God, I know ♪
♪ You’ve tried to show me ♪
♪ How to live my life ♪
♪ For you ♪
♪ And, God, I know ♪
♪ You’ve tried to show me ♪
♪ How to be obedient to you ♪
♪ And, God, I know you want ♪
♪ The very best there is ♪
♪ But, God, how can you ♪
♪ Bless the sorrow ♪
♪ Because of the life I live ♪
♪ Oh ♪
♪ Where has all ♪
♪ The laughter gone? ♪
♪ Where have all my smiles ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ Never been this down ♪
♪ And this confused ♪
♪ Where has all the vision ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ Where have all my dreams ♪
♪ Gone? ♪
♪ This wretched life ♪
♪ Is giving me the bleus ♪
If you want money,
get a paper round or something,
not dodgy travel cards.
Why are you sweating me?
You sorted it.
Look, you’re lucky
it was small time crooks
who got you first.
The mob bosses running
these things don’t mess about.
Mum.
Thank you.
If you see Rag,
tell him to call me, okay?
♪ Mmm ♪
♪ What is this feeling? ♪
♪ It feels like everybody’s ♪
♪ Moving ♪
Didn’t expect that.
Window was closed.
Why are you doing
all of this now?
Because I spent all afternoon
looking for you.
About before, I shouldn’t have--
We can talk
after the interview.
But the reason why--
I’m here to make sure
you get some sleep.
I’m sorry.
Me, too.
He was in Tagbo’s bed.
And so?
Don’t interfere again.
You saw what happened to him
the last time.
I don’t regret it.
How can you say that?
Don’t you want our son
to progress?
He could achieve so much,
make us so proud.
Proud of who?
[Ma Tagbo] Proud of you,
of course.
Look at my son, eh?
Guy guy for road,
no money for pockets.
After today,
his pockets will be full.
I haven’t got the job yet.
Besides, chambers aren’t
exactly clamoring to employ me.
They weren’t the ones
you wanted.
God has guarded this one
for you.
Bound all enemies
in the name of Jesus.
Amen!
I got a good feeling
about this.
Me, too.
But why Simmons Reese?
Well for one thing,
Mrs. Reese, you handle
more legal-aid cases
in Family Law than any
other chambers of similar
standing.
Secondly, you’re
interested in making waves,
not just drifting on the
legislative tide.
What gave you
that impression?
In dealing with many of
your child neglect disputes,
Mr. Brefalt, you have argued
a strong case for cultural
sensitivity.
For example, the case of the
Nigerian mother who washes
her children with a bucket.
By talking to her children you
showed her actions were based
on harmless traditions.
The first not only taught them
not to waste water, but kept
them as clean as any shower.
Your knowledge of
our cases is impressive.
But bearing in mind we often
work with single mothers
abandoned by young black men,
like yourself, do you think
they’d feel comfortable
dealing with you?
I think single parent
families feel let down by lots
of people, Miss Chatterjee.
Each individual has to prove
himself or herself.
Perhaps in helping them
sort out what’s best for them
and their children, I might
even restore their faith
in young black men
like myself.
I see you graduated
with a first class in your
Law and Social Policy degree.
Dinners at the Inns
must have been a huge change
from all that swotting.
[chattering]
One second.
Is anything the matter,
Philip?
There’s a young man been
loitering out here
for an hour or so.
Him?
I think security
should be informed.
He’s not bothering anyone.
Not yet.
But what is he doing there?
Perhaps he’s waiting for
another young black man
around the same age?
You think there may be
more than one?
Rag!
Me. We’re together.
He’s been waiting for you?
I know it’s hard
for you to believe,
but not every young black man
is out to rape your women,
steal everything mobile,
and vandalize what they can’t
take with them.
That’s absolutely
uncalled for.
It’s completely called for.
Gentlemen, please.
Philip, this is Mr. Tagbo Olu,
whom we just interviewed.
And this, I think we’ve
established, is Rag?
Rag, Mr. Olu, my partner,
Mr. Philip Simmons.
As in--
Simmons of Simmons Reese.
I’m sure you’ll appreciate
the sensitivity of our work,
and Philip is...
vigilant about security.
In fact, he had my nieces
interrogated the first time
they came here to meet me
for lunch.
If you’d left their names at
reception, that wouldn’t have
been necessary, Sophie.
Ah.
Well, you can’t
be too careful.
Now, if you’ll excuse me,
I need to go and change.
I can’t go to court
without my KKK uniform, can I?
Well, it’s been
an interesting morning.
You’ll hear from us
in a day or two.
See what I mean?
What are you on about?
People look at you
and see this amazing person.
If there’s any justice,
you’ll have a great job,
great family, great life.
People look at me,
they dial 999.
No education, no prospects.
You’re doomed by association.
What about the fire brigade?
I would have heard by now.
You’ve got University
and Botany and--
It’s not happening.
Not here.
We’ll find something.
No, we won’t.
I’m going back to Birmingham
tomorrow.
Back to Keisha?
No, away from you.
I’m not dragging you
down with me.
Mum’s gone.
My money’s gone.
It’s time I went, too.
You can’t leave me again.
We’re not together now.
Not really.
Goodbye, Tag.
Olisa?
My man.How now?
How much do I get
if I do it?
100,000, cash.
As soon as you make
the transaction.
Today?
Why not?
The bank closes at 5.
I prepared the passport
and paperwork for you
when you went to Nigeria.
You were that sure
I was gonna do it?
I have faith in you.
Are you coming?
See you in 30 minutes.
[whispering] ♪ Son of an ♪
♪ Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an... ♪
[normal voice] ♪ Son of ♪
♪ An Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son of ♪
♪ An Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
♪ I’m the son of ♪
♪ An Igbo soldier ♪
♪ Son of an Igbo soldier ♪
Rag.
Come in.
Where you been, man?
Wing told me to give that
to you personally.
No fucking way.
Yeah. Said that they only
took four out of 20 of you,
and you did the best.
You taking a piss.
Not gonna show any mercy
toward you when you start
training next week.
It’s not gonna be that bad.
I’m going
back to Birmingham.
But what about Tag?
You can’t just give up on him
like that.
You gave up on Olivia.
I guess some things, you know,
ain’t meant to be.
Says who?
Look at my parents.
Jamaican girl, Chinese boy.
You wouldn’t believe
the grief we got
when we were growing up.
And look,
35 years down the line,
they’re still besotted
with each other.
We turned out all right,
didn’t we?
Shut it.
I Guess there’s hope
for you and Olivia yet.
She’s a good woman, you know.
I wouldn’t hang about
too long.
Hi. Is Tag in?
I heard your party won.
Congratulations.
Yeah. Thanks.
You don’t know what time
he’ll be back, do you?
You want to enter and wait?
I wouldn’t want to be
any trouble--
Let me "on" the kettle.
[knock on door]
I’ve got to go, coco pop.
Someone’s at the door.
I’ll see you tomorrow.
Love you.
Bye.
He and Rag are so adorable.
I’m sure you want to have
many children.
I never really thought
about it.
My son would make
an excellent father,
don’t you think?
Time isn’t on my side
anymore.
Tell me you didn’t.
I couldn’t go
through with it.
No harm done, then.
It’s not that simple.
Is Olisa threatening you?
Because if he is--
No, no.
I spoke to Rachel
when I couldn’t reach him.
Olisa left England
this afternoon.
He’s got copies
of the fake passport he made
stashed away in his place.
When the police raid it,
I’m going down, too.
Yeah, but you didn’t
do anything.
They can put me away
for intent.
Not before I’ve done this.
If you were to fall
pregnant...
Mr. Olu,
this is inappropriate.
You and me want
the same thing.
I want Tag to be happy.
I want to be with someone
who looks at me the same way
that he looks at Rag.
Good night, Mr. Olu.
♪ I am waiting for ♪
♪ I am searching for ♪
♪ What I’ve loved before ♪
♪ What I’ve lost before ♪
♪ I am searching for ♪
♪ I am longing for ♪
♪ For you to thrill me ♪
♪ You to fill me ♪
♪ Up with all that’s good ♪
♪ And true ♪
♪ For you inspire me ♪
♪ You can fire me up ♪
♪ For all that’s good ♪
♪ And true ♪
♪ And you ♪
♪ You ♪
♪ It hurts and loves ♪
♪ And soars and cries out ♪
♪ For you ♪
♪ My fear, my pain ♪
♪ My hope, my gain ♪
♪ Is you ♪
♪ You ♪
♪ For you can thrill me ♪
♪ You can fill me up ♪
♪ With all that’s good ♪
♪ And true ♪
♪ You inspire me ♪
♪ You can fire me up ♪
♪ For all that’s good ♪
♪ And true ♪
♪ And you ♪
♪ You ♪
♪ You ♪
And I’m supposed to care?
I called you at 6 a.m.,
and you came.
I could get charged
with obstruction of justice.
I have a promising political
career ahead of me.
Look, any sign of trouble,
you call me on Tag’s mobile.
Get in the car and drive away.
Nothing else connects us.
Even if I can get Mum’s car,
who’s gonna be the getaway
driver?
[Ron] ’Round the corner
from here--
Bishop’s Avenue.
You see, there’s a bunch
of rich Nigerians
have their holiday homes.
Well, the private security’s
a joke.
The guards don’t turn up
till dark and leave
first thing in the morning.
The cheapskates don’t bother
wiring upstairs windows.
[no audible dialogue]
[doorbell rings]
Hi. We’ve just recently
won the election,
and we know that there
are some problems in the area,
and we were just wondering if
you had any particular requests
or questions about, uh...
Rag?
Olisa has some documents--
well, me and Tag
think he does--
stuff that could get Tag
into trouble.
I didn’t come here
for the money. If they’re--
Olisa called this morning.
He asked me to destroy them
before the police come.
Nothing else ties Tag
to any of this?
He doesn’t want Tag
entering into trouble.
I thought you said Olisa
deserved what was coming.
Good or bad,
he’s still my brother.
What happened?
Mission accomplished.
You know, I do feel
like going out tonight, Xin.
Maybe we should just make it
the two of us though, hmm?
[Pa Tagbo] I don’t know
where he was.
I went up to check on him
last night, and...
I checked at 3:00.
He was not there.
I went to check at 3.30--
still not there.
I don’t know what the hell
he thinks he’s playing at.
He’s not too old for me
to put him out the house
or put him over my knee.
He needs to see
some discipline.
I don’t know what he’s doing.
I don’t know where
he’s been hanging around.
I know who he’s been
hanging around with,
and I must put my foot down.
He’s running around with Rag,
and I’m not liking it.
I tell you,
I must put an action.
Where were you last night?
I stayed over at Rag’s.
And you couldn’t
call your father?
I’m sorry.
Sorry for yourself.
Your interview people.
Eh-heh?
"Dear Mr. Olu,
Thank you for your
interest in Simmons Reese.
My colleagues and I
found your answers insightful,
and Mr. Simmons especially
thought you showed
great passion in your defense.
Thus, it is our pleasure
to offer you a position."
Praise God!
Hallelujah!
Where are you going now?
I’m moving in with Rag.
It makes more sense,
especially now I’ve got a job.
I shouldn’t still be living
at home...
Leviticus chapter 20
verse 13--
And if man also lie with
mankind, as with a woman,
then both of them have
committed an abomination
and are condemned to death.
Obasi!
It is in the Bible,
pomp and plain.
So we’re gonna do this?
Want to hide
behind the Bible?
Fine.
Leviticus
chapter 25 verse 37--
Do not charge interest
on a loan.
Leviticus chapter 19 verse 19--
Do not wear clothes
with mixed fiber.
Verse 23-- Do not eat fruit
from a young tree.
Verse 27--
Do not cut your hair.
Leviticus says we are all
going to hell, Daddy.
Genesis 19-- God destroyed
Sodom and Gomorrah
for your sin.
Not according
to Matthew 25 verse 35
or the whole of Isiah
chapter 1.
In fact,
if you want a concise version,
read Ezekiel 16:49-50.
How does it go again?
Now this was the sin of Sodom--
they were arrogant,
overfed, and unconcerned.
They did not
help the poor and needy.
They were haughty and did
detestable things before me.
Therefore I did away with them.
You think you can use
your law school tricks
to confuse God?
Sin is sin.
And love is love.
Ifeyinwa,
you are not siding him.
Whether I agree or not,
he is still my son.
Take care of Angus for me.
You’re not going anywhere.
Gonna call Social Services
again?
Olivia had a chat
with him last night.
He’s the one that called them.
I told myself
you wouldn’t sink that low.
You were too close.
We were 12.
We never knew we could do
anything about this.
But you knew, didn’t you?
You saw what happened
with Edozie and Jide.
You still haven’t forgiven
your own twin brother.
I got the documents
from Olisa’s house.
You’re mad.
What if they could--
They didn’t.
Hurry up packing
so we can go home.
I’m suddenly not in the mood
for packing anymore.
What’s this?
A job.
The job.
So now I’m not going to jail.
We don’t have to starve, either.
Wouldn’t anyway.
I got the job, too.
I knew it.
They’re so lucky to have you.
God, I love you.
[singsong] Rag loves Tag.
Rag loves Tag.
Rag loves--
Not in this house!
You’ll soon have it
to yourself anyway.
Tagbo, wait now.
Jide made the greatest mistake
of his life.
He will die a poor man
in the village.
Do you know Uncle laughs
more than you?
He’s happy with his decisions.
If I follow yours,
I will die miserable.
It is not just my decision.
This is the worst thing
you can do to him.
Do you want him
to surrender everything--
his hopes, his beliefs,
his ambitions?
He is my ambition.
Everything I’ve ever wanted
leads back to him.
I love him.
What does it profit a man
if he gains the world
but loses his own soul?
Do you really want me
to walk away from mine?
What?
I was just wondering, like,
if you think it’s okay
and you don’t mind
and Keisha doesn’t mind,
I would really like
to meet Tatty.
You know, properly.
That’s brilliant.
Great.
When?
Now?
Go to Birmingham now?
What’s stopping us?
Nothing.
Nothing at all.
♪ I don’t know what to do ♪
♪ I am crazy ♪
♪ In love with you ♪
♪ I don’t know what to say ♪
♪ But I do it anyway ♪
♪ I’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of myself ♪
♪ A fool of myself ♪
♪ I’ve got words I never say ♪
♪ You’ve got music ♪
♪ You never play ♪
♪ I got love I never give ♪
♪ You got sorrow ♪
♪ You never live ♪
♪ I’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of myself ♪
♪ A fool of myself ♪
♪ I’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of myself ♪
♪ A fool of myself ♪
♪ Oh, whoa ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I wake up ♪
♪ Call your house ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I realize you’re out ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I leave a message for you ♪
♪ Hey, there, it’s me ♪
♪ On my cell ♪
♪ Call me ♪
♪ Call me ♪
♪ Secret looks ♪
♪ And secret laughs ♪
♪ Secret jokes ♪
♪ And secret pasts ♪
♪ Listening when ♪
♪ And where and who ♪
♪ Guess who never ♪
♪ Looked at you ♪
♪ You’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of yourself ♪
♪ A fool of yourself ♪
♪ Telling tales ♪
♪ And playing games ♪
♪ Checking places ♪
♪ For big names ♪
♪ Never knowing ♪
♪ Where you are ♪
♪ You always want ♪
To be the star ♪
♪ You’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of yourself ♪
♪ A fool of yourself ♪
♪ You’ll make a fool ♪
♪ Of yourself ♪
♪ A fool of yourself ♪
♪ Oh, whoa ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I wake up ♪
♪ Call your house ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I realize you’re out ♪
♪ On Saturday morning ♪
♪ I leave a message for you ♪
♪ Hey, there, it’s me ♪
♪ On my cell ♪
♪ Call me ♪
♪ Call me ♪
Closed-Captioned By
J.R. Media Services, Inc.
Burbank, CA