Rys (1982) - full transcript

Set during the German occupation of Poland during the WWII. A priest in a small village meets "the devil" in the confessional, who appears as a revolutionary on an assignemnt to kill a collaborator.

LYNX

BASED ON NOVEL BY

JAROSŁAW IWASZKIEWICZ

SCREEN PLAY BY

STANISŁAW RÓŻEWICZ

STARRING

FEATURING

MUSIC

SOUND

EDITING

SCENOGRAPHY

COSTUMES

MAKE-UP

PRODUCED BY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY

DIRECTED BY

[praying in Latin]

Ego facultate mihi

ab Apostolica Sede tributa,

indulgentiam plenariam et remissionem

omnlum peccatorum tlbl concedo,

in nomine Patris, et Filii,

et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

Per sancrosancta

humanae reparationis myseria,

remittat tibi omnipotens Deus omnes

praesentis et futurae vitae poenas,

paradisi portas aperiat et ad gaudia

Te sempiterna perducat.

Amen.

That's not him!

That's someone in disguise.

What are you talking about,

father?

That's our priest.

Father Konrad.

I don't know him.

Make him go away.

Father Piotr is different.

Close the window.

The birds are flying into the room.

Benedicat Te omnipotens Deus, Pater,

et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus.

Amen.

Let's pray for the unwell.

Our Father, Who art in Heaven,

hallowed be Thy name;

Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those

who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

We need Hela

to darn the surplice.

To tell you the truth, Father...

There's something about

that painting...

I look at it sometimes...

And it seems there's something

not right about it, Father.

It's old and valuable.

Yes, it is quite old.

But you know what, Father?

That Saint... Excuse me, Father...

That devil...

We could order a new one.

From Dutkiewicz.

He works at the post-office,

you know.

He would paint Saint Teresa.

Or Saint Francis.

That's not a good time

to buy paintings.

Maybe someday...

When the war is over.

Right.

There's a letter for you

from Father Piotr.

Yes...

Well?

What did our priest write?

I'm not reading aloud

because I don't understand it all.

It's says the same

as the last one.

Meine Lieben... My dear ones!

Ich bin gesund.

I'm well.

I'm feeling good.

Thank you for the letter

and the parcel.

I think about you, I pray...

I ask for your prayers, too.

- Praised be Jesus Christ.

- Now and for ever.

It's not necessary.

- How are you?

- My Adaś is back.

- Is he?

- And Zosia.

They got back yesterday.

What do you want, my child?

- To confess.

- At this hour?

I'm coming from afar.

From Skarżyskie Bory.

I'm not coming to tell my sins.

What for then?

To get a piece of advice.

I was sent by the organisation.

I am to carry out a death sentence.

- Where?

- Here, in this town.

- You are to kill I someone?

- A traitor.

How do you know he's a traitor?

What proof do you have?

I have none. I've got an order

and I have to follow it.

- Why have you come here then?

- To hear your advice.

What can I say?

Tell me, am I going to be condemned,

if I shoot him?

- Do you want to kill him?

- Yes.

My child...

When you kill a man, it's like

you've already killed yourself.

What about them?

Come with me.

It's not a confession any more.

It's us talking.

You don't need to hurry.

Tell me who is the man,

who has to die?

- What's your name?

- They call me Lynx in our troop.

I can't tell you the name of a person

I'm going to shoot, Father.

Why?

It has to stay a secret.

You could betray me, Father.

Me?

Why do you speak of me like that?

I've come here

for you to grant me absolution.

Absolution in advance?

That's absurd.

So you're not willing to grant me

absolution for killing a traitor?

How can I be sure he's a traitor?

What if I prove it to you?

Will you forgive me murder?

How could you prove it?

I don't even know his name.

He's an evil man.

Mors malis, vita bonis.

Death is evil, life is good.

I don't know, if he's malus!

I'll tell you, Father.

It's Alojz.

The wheelwright.

In the name of the Father, my boy!

What are you talking about?!

I know nothing.

I've got an order.

What were they thinking?

To send you to do such a thing.

It's not that bad.

It's very important.

That's what they react to.

Terror.

- Who do you mean?

- Who?

Germans, traitor, everyone!

It shows we have power.

Power...

Don't delude yourself, Lynx.

That's not what I'm here for.

You've come to talk to me.

That's how I understand it.

You're such a weakling

and they told you to kill people.

Who could've done it?

Everyone is fighting now.

Such a thing...

- When do you want to do it?

- Probably today.

I don't know

where he lives though.

Second street to the left

walking form the church.

I'm sure Alojz

is an innocent man.

I can't hesitate.

I shouldn't think about it.

The sooner I do it, the better.

Let me convince you, boy.

Wait...

At least until tomorrow.

Will you grant me

absolution, Father?

- I'm afraid of being sinful.

- Wait! I beg of you!

Very well. I will.

What is it going to change?

I'll ask around, I'll sniff out...

I'll go to Alojz and see

how he looks me in the eye.

I want to make sure

he's really guilty.

Wait!

At least until tomorrow.

Until tomorrow?

You're going to warn him.

I won't carry out the sentence

and get a bullet in the head.

In the head?

What did you think?

If I don't shoot him, I'll be dead.

Merciful Jesus...

Well...

Please, sit in the confessional

to make it more formal.

Formal...

Do you want to confess

all your sins, my son?

What sins?

I haven't sinned.

You do not curse?

You don't get drunk?

In the hell we're living in,

there are no sins.

- You live in hell?

- Where else?

Is that not hell right now?

People murdering, killing,

eating each other alive...

There are no people

in this world right now.

People are awful.

But Alojz is the worst.

He pretends to be the best,

but he's betrayed like Judas.

You have no right to say that.

Do your thing but do not judge.

But you'll grant me absolution,

Father?

Murder is a terrible sin.

You said it yourself -

everyone's killing.

What of it?

You've become so used to it, that

you're treating it as it was a fly?

What will you do,

if you don't get absolution?

I'll go back to the woods.

Have mercy... It's so far away.

I'll go to Iłża.

I'll sleep in the ruins.

What about the others?

I've got three days.

I'll come back tomorrow.

Do that.

Why are you sitting in the dark,

Father?

- Do you want me to lit up the lamp?

- Not yet.

- What about supper?

- Later.

I'm going out then.

I'll be back soon.

Praised be Jesus Christ.

Don't you hear me?

Now and for ever.

Any news?

The tinsmith was shot

in Ciężkowice.

They burnt his house, too.

The partisans cut down

four pylons.

Telephone ones.

Where?

Near Folwarki.

Why do they need to cut down pylons?

The Germans are going to hang a man

for each pylon.

When I saw it,

I got very scared.

Cutting down pylons...

What a foolish thing to do.

What's your name?

I...

Sorry?

You have no Kennkarte?

They call me Darus.

What if Germans catch you?

What do they need

such an old man for?

They catch everyone.

Even old men.

Could I stay for a night?

In the barn.

I'm not sure...

- I bet you smoke.

- I do.

You'll start fire...

I won't be smoking then.

It's not evening yet.

You'll find somewhere else.

People will take you in.

Be on your way!

You know what, Hela...

He's a human being after all...

Stop with your philosophy, Father.

What if he's some kind of Judas?

Just take look in his eyes.

We don't want any troubles.

We don't know,

who denounced our Father Piotr.

Why do you clatter

like that, Father?

Can I come in?

Please.

But I'm working in the yard.

- Are you alone?

- Who would I be with?

Have mercy, Alojz! Who's that

carriage for in such a bad time?

It can come in handy.

Even to go to the woods in style!

Aren't you afraid to live

in the Jewish house?

Mine was too small

and this one is comfortable.

They can throw you out one day.

Who would do that?

- You know people from around.

- They're just like anywhere else.

They're bad people.

Really bad.

You'd like everybody

to attend masses.

Not everyone who doesn't

ls evil.

Not everyone who kneels

in front of the altar is good.

My heart is breaking,

when I look at those people.

They're bad, quarrelsome, greedy...

They'd drown each other

in a spoonful of water.

I'm sad...

If you're sad,

take a walk to the woods.

What do you mean by that?

I just mean a walk.

You're no good

to become a partisan.

I bet you can't shoot.

I can.

It's easy to pull a trigger.

But you need to aim first!

That's right.

One has to aim first.

But I could do it from a short range.

An enemy doesn't get that close.

You're right.

I could learn though.

Our closest enemy is Satan!

He can even get inside.

Can you feel

this kind of sensation?

Let me think... Maybe I do.

That's not good.

The devil is hiding

in many men now.

You're right.

Well said.

I'll finish the carriage, we'll get

your horses and go for a walk.

To the woods, we'll head Iłża.

It's not safe there.

A priest is safe everywhere.

They could shoot

from a long distance.

Who would shoot at you, Father?

- And what for?

- That's true.

Sometimes shooting is necessary.

You're being weird

today, Father.

Uncle!

I don't...

You shouldn't tell anyone about it.

What are you saying, Alojz?

I know what I'm saying.

I'll be going.

I haven't conducted a mass yet today.

What have you come here for, Father?

It makes me wonder.

I wanted to make sure

you're a decent man.

Well?

I wouldn't go for a walk

to the woods with you.

How should I speak to you

for you to understand?

You're a big child, Father.

Soaking wet.

You'll be both dead

because of you.

Do you know Alojz, Hela?

- The wheelwright?

- Yes.

No better than you do.

What kind of a man is he?

How do I know.

He's a widower.

What do people say about him?

He doesn't go to church.

Why?

Have you got some business

to deal with him?

No.

I'm just asking.

Sit down, please.

We have a favour to ask.

To read the banns real soon.

Three banns, three Sundays.

Can't you read them all at once?

I'd need bishop's indult.

That's the canon law.

You know, why.

You shouldn't have hurried.

But if...

My child...

The first gift from God

is life. However...

Do you know,

when the upbringing starts?

- When the baby's born.

- No.

The moment the baby's conceived.

Father... We want to get married

before my fiancé leaves.

You'll pay to the organist.

Where are you off to?

I've got some business

to take care of.

You won't tell me?

Set a date, Joseph.

Father Piotr!

Thank you for your letter.

I wish you were here, Father,

because I too need a confessor.

You're here.

I've come.

You must be tired.

No more than you, Father.

How will it be then?

You see, my boy...

I have to tell you...

That you don't need to kill Alojz.

But I'm not asking you about that.

What I'll do is my concern.

Everyone has a different role

to play.

Yours is to serve the Church.

The point is I don't need to

represent Church when I talk to you.

I don't understand...

I'll do it for you.

What do you mean?

Just give me that gun

and don't worry about the rest.

Take it easy, parish priest.

First of all,

I don't have it on me.

Second of all...

...what guarantee do I have

that you carry out the sentence?

I promise you I will.

You're wasting my time.

I'll do it myself.

Do understand, you fool,

that I'll do it for you.

You can take my word for it.

I've already picked

a spot on his body.

Did you see him?

I visited him this morning.

- And?

- He's a decent man.

I pity him.

I get it.

You want to save him.

How is it going to make me look?

I'll tell you the truth.

It's not him I want to save,

but you.

So that you don't have to feel

that burden all your life.

What burden?

The weight of the crime...

You'll shoot...

He'll fall down,

there'll be blood...

That face and those still eyes...

They'll haunt you

for the rest of your life.

For eternity!

Can you imagine that?

The eternity!

That's why I wanted you

to set me free from such an eternity.

Do you believe soul is immortal?

I don't believe.

I know it's immortal.

I'll take your sin

and carry it myself for eternity.

Aren't you scared, Father?

God will forgive me.

Don't be so sure.

He's just.

But He's also revengeful.

He wouldn't like His servant

to commit such a crlme.

He's going to take vengeance.

Like we do, after we were betrayed.

But I'd commit that act out of love.

Out of love for a human being?

To free me from the responsibility,

you'll kill another man.

I'll kill his body.

But I won't convict a soul

to eternal condemnation.

Do you also believe

that soul exists?

I must believe it.

How could I not?

Believing is the only rescue.

Our only weapon.

What kind of believing is that?

If you say you must.

Saving a man means a lot.

But saving a soul

means a lot more.

To save it for the price

of you own soul...

That's unusual.

Do you agree?

I do.

Give me the gun.

I don't have it on me.

I've hidden it in the ruins.

- How will it be then?

- I'll bring it tomorrow.

We're giving

one more day to Alojz.

That's not much.

- When are you going to return?

- Tomorrow, at the same time.

Open the front door though.

I don't like sneaking through vestry.

What difference does it make?

It does for me.

And Cain said to his brother Abel...

"Let's go out into the fields."

And while they were in the field,

Cain rose up against his brother,

Abel, and killed him.

Then the Lord said to Cain:

“Where's your brother, Abel?”.

And he said: “I don't know.

I'm not my brother's keeper”.

And He said:

“What have you done?

The voice of your brother's blood

is crying to me from the ground.

And now you are cursed

at the ground,

which has opened its mouth to receive

your brother's blood from your hand”.

Drink this, Father.

- What is it?

- It's no poison.

- Herbal tea.

- Camomile.

You could've got sick.

You visited Sieradzcys yesterday

and they've got typhoid.

- I'm alright.

- I bet.

Drink this.

- About Alojz...

- What?

What about Alojz?

Do not see him again.

Don't go there.

There were policemen

in the town today.

They came in the afternoon,

visiting many houses.

But they didn't come over

to his place.

They were standing in front

of the house for a while and left.

That's how it is.

You're here, Józef.

They came yesterday

to ask about baptism.

I told them to come tomorrow.

Right after the mass.

Did you?

That's good.

Thank you.

Where are you coming back from?

I've gone to ask about a job.

What is the meaning of all this?

I should ask you, Father.

What do you want from me?

Me?

What could I want?

Why do you keep

coming to see me?

I don't know...

There's something about you...

I'd like to talk to you.

What for?

You already know everything.

I don't.

I have absolutely no idea.

You do know a bit.

You've seen her.

The child with black hair.

You're hiding Jews.

Well?

Go tell the policemen, Father.

If you're doing it for money...

Like the Jews

that used to live here were rich!

Good God, Alojz!

That's a great responsibility.

You know

I'm not going to tell anybody.

Of course I do.

Otherwise I'd kill you with that axe

the moment you saw the girl.

I wanted to bash you right away.

But I felt sorry for you.

There'd be too much blood.

Too much blood...

Listen, Alojz.

People say different things

about you.

People make the parish.

They say you're a traitor.

Let them talk.

What do I care?

But it can end up real bad.

Are you threatening me, Father?

Me?

How could I?

The usual way.

You're a traitor, Alojz, and you know

what happens to ones like you.

Who could've I betrayed?

Maybe some Jews.

I've got my own ones.

And I'm not betraying them.

You're not...

You're so absent-minded, Father.

You're talking

like you lacked your own opinion.

You must've got all mixed-up.

That's not a good place for us,

my dear Alojz.

It sure isn't.

We could go for a walk together.

What does it mean?

Like I said. Don't you remember?

The carriage is ready.

Since yesterday.

- Where to?

- Further than Iłża.

The woods down there

are impossible to go through.

One can stay there until

the Judgement Day.

If one doesn't stick

one's neck out.

I'm hearing weird things from you,

my dear Alojz.

And I from you, Father.

May God be with you.

I'm going back to my place.

And stay in there!

Don't keep coming round or you'll

bring some unwanted visitors.

I'm going to bring them.

That's for sure.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Why are you looking

at me like that, Hela?

I can see you don't like it.

But I do.

I can see you don't.

You're watching me to eat it all.

Just like my mum used to do it.

I am watching you.

You bet I am.

You're here.

You're lurking behind me.

Have you got the gun?

Give it to me.

- You haven't changed your mind then.

- No.

What if Alojz is a decent man?

What's your point?

I'm sure he is decent.

- And you want to kill him?

- To take the sin away from you.

Take it.

Are you mad?

Stop it right now!

You won't let it go.

It's stuck to your hand.

Stuck to your life.

You've already killed

an innocent man. In your intention.

Nothing will set you free.

Until the end of eternity.

And there is no end.

Never.

Wake up, Father.

There's nothing for us to do here.

Are you unwell?

We should run away.

We have to flee,

after all that's happened.

I spent the whole night

in the woods.

I was building a bunker

for my Jews.

I came back in the morning

and there were no Jews.

They were taken by the Germans

last night.

I can't be waiting for them

to come back for me.

What about...

We' re both going to join partisans.

The carriage is ready.

We'll harness your horse.

We'll be of use

to the boys in the woods.

I'm rather strong...

And you, Father, can shoot quite

well, as far as I can see.

- Where's the revolver?

- I've hidden it.

And the bullet?

It was meant for someone else,

wasn't it?

Yes, it was.

THE END