Soursweet (1988) - full transcript

[music playing]

[speaking chinese]

[murmuring]

[music playing]

[laughter]

[explosions]

[yelling]

What do you want?

He's come to
collect his bride.

OK, if you want to see
her, you've got to pay.

How much?



$999,000.

[yelling]

That's too much.

It's not too much.

How much you got?

[murmuring]

$0.09.

$0.09?

[music playing]

[explosions]

[chattering]

[children screaming]

[background chatter]

Excuse me, may I
have your attention?



Quiet, please.

Quiet please.

Quiet please.

The Secretary of Statebeing exercised of the powers

conferred by the BritishNationality Act 1981 hereby

grants this certificate ofnaturalization to the person

named below, who shall be aBritish citizen from the date

of this certificate.

[applause]

[music playing]

Milan gave her this one.

And [inaudible], she
give her that one.

[inaudible]

Mui.

Lily.

[chattering]

Daughter.

Don't fight with Mui.

Come fight with your father.

[applause]

[singing in chinese]

[music playing]

[background chatter]

Hey, [inaudible].

Listen.

American chicks.

Easiest in the world.

Hey listen.

Last night, not one, two.

Two.

Pushover.

[inaudible]

How much money did
they want, [inaudible]?

What do you know about money?

You don't like the
soup tonight, Chen?

It's good.

Chen, there's a new
takeaway in Cricklewood.

Ordinary Chinese people likeus with their own business.

And the restaurant sign is--

New Peking Dynasty takeaway.

Shh.

The restaurant sign comesfree with a Coca Cola sign.

[belches]

Head is too big.

[yells]

[grunting]

Chen.

Fat boy.

Fat boy.

Wake up.

Don't go to sleep yet.

You like this, fat boy?

[inaudible]

It was worse than we thought.

The other brother.

Jackie Fung was cruel
to let him live.

They smashed his head.

He's lost his sight and probablyhis speech and his legs.

Unbelievable.

He was delivering.

They took it, of course.

One kilo.

As for distribution,
last month the police

picked up two of our men.

I'd like your permission torecruit expendable runners, not

our own people.

Perhaps we could usepeople with gambling debts.

Too obvious.

Hey, Chen.

How's your son, OK?

Good.

He's a handsome little fellow.

Mm-hmm.

Bad news from home?

Uh, no, good news.

Very good news.

Everything is fine.

When he was a young man,everyone in Guangxi Province

knew his name.

He was the greatest
fighter of his day.

Three years in a row, he waschampion at the tournament.

He taught mama to
be a fighter too.

He wanted me to
be a boy, you see.

And at our wedding, when hewas a very old man of 70 years,

he smashed open a big winejar with his head like this.

You are a very lucky boy tohave such a famous grandfather.

And you must always honorhim in your thoughts.

Come here.

What are you going
to do at Mrs. Law's?

Behave.

Behave, yes.

[vacuum running]

I was telling son all
about him this morning.

Oh?

Mrs. Law, along
here, it's still there.

Extraordinary
training for a girl.

He even told me the tiger[inaudible] technique.

Not many tigers left in Enden.

And I'm still very supple.

Look.

Wonderful.

Your sister is quite wonderful.

No brothers.

So father used to make
Lily train very hard.

But not right for girl, really.

Well, how is your
little campaign?

Are you going to shift him?

How's the soup tonight, Chen?

Not too salty?

You like it then?

Yes, I like it.

I do so much cooking.

I ought to be doing
it for a living.

Mrs. Law was saying
today how Chinese people

are good at business.

Chen, we are wasting life.

Let's start a business now.

No.

But Chen, that's
what we came for.

We owe it to son.

You know and I knowfamilies never stand still.

They rise or fall.

We got to start.

This is not the right time.

No restaurant, no takeawaycounter, and no business.

And no more talk about it.

[background chatter]

You should have been braver.

[background chatter]

Let me keep your money, uncle.

I can count it for you.

Come on, high stakes table.

500 first box.

500.

[inaudible]

[groaning]

[background chatter]

How much, Fok?

900.

With this, maybe 12.

Hey, don't stop now, uncle.Follow through.

You're a lucky man, today.

Time's a bit hard
but still lucky.

Take this for me too.

Go high, uncle, go high.

[background chatter]

[coughing]

You see, your luck
will change, uncle.

You'll see.

I give you the 800
as soon as I can.

1,200, uncle.

You'll need to
pay straight away.

What did you need
the money for anyway?

It's my father.

Gambling debts in Hong Kong.

Big money.

That's bad.

That's really bad.

There are nasty peoplecollecting gambling debts.

I'll see what I can do, uncle.

I'll tell you what,
I know some people.

No.

Thank you.

Don't get the
wrong idea, uncle.

These are good Chinesepeople who stick together

to observe the old ways.

Always ready to help.

You know how to give face,bring fruit, pour tea,

all that old fashioned shit.

I'll find out for you, uncle.

Don't worry.

We'll help your old man out.

You'll see.

Chen, are you awake?

Are you angry with me?

No.

Is there something wrong?

Something you're worried about?

No, I'm not worried.

If there is,
you would tell me.

Promise?

Promise.

[inaudible], fat boy.

[background chatter]

Ready?

Remember what I told you.

Sirs.

Our friendship associationis always pleased to help those

who know how to show respect.

You do well to think of
your father, Mr. Chen.

Venerate your parents.

Be filial.

Be loyal to your
friends and brothers.

It is clear that your fathermust recover his honor

and we will be pleased togive money for that purpose.

Uncle is being most generous.

You're too kind to amiserable servant, uncle.

But what about repayments?

The interest?

Not in front of uncle.

Yes.

Give the fruit to our kids.

Next.

CHEN: You know, this
really isn't the time.

You know, to make a
move, go into business.

I might be wrong, of course.

But I think I'm right.

I know I'm right.

We need to choose ourmoment, not rush into things.

You ought to consider
this thing more

carefully, mother of Man Kee.

When you have a
family, you can't

afford to take stupid risks.

Look before you leap.

Waste all my time with theseimpossible ideas, really.

When I'm all tired
out from working

all day in the restaurant.

Don't you think I havebetter things to think about?

We've got all the money we need.

You got all the
clothes you need.

Man Kee's well fed.

There's nothing wrong
with this furniture.

Nothing at all.

We are perfectly
happy as we are.

Everyone envies us.

Can you find a betterflat than this in London?

We got everything, right?

So I don't want to hearanother word about starting up

our own business.

I'm tired of listening to it.

You hear?

Not another word.

Not another word on the subjectof starting our own business

or getting out of this
flat, getting rich.

Where is it?

Where's what?

Our new business.

Where is it?

I don't know.

The Hong Kong Societiesare descended from the Canton

branch of the second lodge.

And our old society is
the oldest of these.

We represent the
old and true way,

a way which has almost vanished.

Now, there is another morerecent organization which

calls itself a Hong Society.

It is called 14K.

This gang calls
itself a Hong Society,

but they are nothing more thancriminals, thugs, street kids.

They care nothing for theordinary decencies of life.

They have no organizationin our sense.

But they are hungry
and ambitious.

So on becoming ordinarymembers after initiation,

you will attain the 49 rank.

The code and signsversus a numerical system

will be explained to you then.

Leave in small groups
and avoid attention.

Little brother.

[inaudible] Chang.

My friends want you to
know that everything

has been taken care of.

Your only father has
settled his debts.

Everyone thinks
highly of him again.

He even has a littleextra to spend on himself.

Your relatives are all veryimpressed by you, very proud.

Fok.

My friends have done
you a big favor, uncle.

Now we expect one in return.

Fok, you're a very kind man.

I can pay you extra money.

Money?

Who needs money?

Do I look like a poor man?

I didn't help you for money.

That wasn't the idea.

I need a favor, uncle.

A favor.

[inaudible]

You think we can go
back to the [inaudible]

jokes with you, uncle?

Serious business, uncle.

Very serious business.

What do you-- what
do you want me to do?

It'll be very easy for you.

We want some deliveries made.

Once a week to Sheffield.

Very simple.

You can go on the train.

Do it on your day off.

Think it over.

Get used to the idea.

You'll be good at it.

No one will notice
someone like you.

[crying]

Man Kee, stop doing that.

[banging]

MOVER: All right.

[distant singing]

Chen, you have nevercooked a meal in your life.

It

Won't be Chinese
cuisine, Lily.

It's takeaway food.

The English like it.

I don't need to know
anything about cooking.

LILY: So out of the way,nobody will know we're here.

That's good.

We don't want too much
business at first.

We need to get used to things.

Build it up slowly.

[music playing]

ANNOUNCER: The train now[inaudible] 5:22 46 Bedford.

Calling at West
Hampstead, [inaudible].

[scrubbing]

[humming]

[hammering]

[sawing]

Chen, thank you.

[laughter]

Lily, are you mad?

Yeah.

[laughter]

Oh brother, no.

You'll take care of us all.

[music playing]

[cheering]

Please, miss, have you gotchange for 50p, please miss?

Huh?

Please miss, have yougot change for 50p pieces?

What do you want?

Sweet and sour pork?

Noodles?

He wants change.

You want pennies?

Yes.

Buy sweets?

[cash register rings]

Thank you.

Fine.

Thank you. [inaudible].

Hey, that's good.

[inaudible]

[horn honks]

Get out of here.

No, don't smile
at me, my dear,

because I'm not in
a laughing mood.

Where's the governor?

Hey, are you the owner?

Owner, yes.

I'll have a word,
if you don't mind.

I'm Constantinides
from the garage.

Chen.

I can't have you
blocking my full court

like that again, Mr. Chen.

You understand my position.

You're a businessman yourself.

Nothing personal.

I've got nothing against nobody.

But I won't stand for it.

It's not our fault.
It happens Mr. Mr. Con--

Stantinides.

Driver park lorries and
come in here buy dinner.

We not want to block your way.

What's so funny?

Pay no attention.

Silly girl laughs.

Mean nothing.

[speaks chinese]

Who is he?

He's a big man, big man.

I tell you how we
can make this work

for both of us, Mr. Chen.

I want more business
in my garage.

You want more business in here.

I can put up one of
your menus in my place.

And the customer's going
to order from there.

I was thinking of somethinglike 5% commission for me.

And of course, I can put
your phone in for you

as a favor like.

They just dial the orderstraight through, no trouble.

How kind of you, Mr. Con.

It's a good offer.

Good offer.

Yes, agree.

Well, certainly.

Always you Chinese
were sensible blokes.

Unlike those bloody
West Indians.

[music playing]

Two sweet and sour pork.

Two sweet and sour.

Girl.

Should you be home with
your father and mother?

You talking to me?

Your father and
mother worry about you.

You go home, huh?

Huh.

Chink.

Two number 10, two number 51.

Two number 10, two number 51.

[whistles]

It's true.

Only a few type of faces.

No expression.

And it's all pink
skin, like pigs.

And big clumsy faces
and empty, empty eyes.

When I first
became a waiter, I

have to remind myself thatthey are not really ghosts.

[laughs]

They are real, just like us.

Of course they are.

And all those young
girls buying dinners

when they should be at home.

No wonder they get
themselves pregnant.

And they age so quickly.

All of a sudden they arewomen and nothing in between.

Very funny skin.

They're not ghosts.

They're not white
skinned pigs either.

The You take some trouble, youlook at them, and some of them

have lovely eyes.

There are lots ofdifferent kinds of faces.

But you don't even look at them.

You just take their money.

You watch English
people, younger sister.

You see.

They're not pigs.

They got feelings just
like everybody else.

[laughter]

- Are you ready?
- Yeah.

Go!

Chen.

Where do you and son go to play?

In the park, on the
swings and slides.

But I don't twist
him on the swing.

It's dangerous.

It could make him sick.

What are you talking
about, fat boy?

OK twist someone on the swing.

Doesn't matter really.

We don't do it anyway.

I want you to enjoy yourself.

You promise me?

you won't go on
the waste ground.

You might cut yourselfwith all that broken glass.

It's OK.

It's safe here.

Safe.

It's safe here.

Show me what you dowhen you know the answer.

In class, you're always quiet.

You're always
watching the teacher.

Huh?

Now, work hard, son.

Be obedient, pay
close attention,

bring honor to yourfamily, your mama and papa.

LILY: Could you understand
the lessons, son?

Did you make friends
with the other children?

What did you learn?

Numbers?

Writing?

Were there any Chinese children?

Are you going to be a goodboy and listen to mama?

Do you want to watch
television tonight?

What did you do
in the classroom?

Played.

Played?

Play?

What about your lessons?

Would you like a biscuit, huh?

What did you have for lunch?

[inaudible]

Huh?

[inaudible]

Mui.

Are you pregnant?

Mui.

Mui.

Are you pregnant?

Don't know.

You don't know?

Hello, darling.

When was your last period?

Five months.

Five?

You thought you were goingto keep this a secret?

No.

Why did you do it?

Why did you do it?

Do it?

Do it?

You're not interested
in who, are you?

Only where and when.

How many men did it?

Come on, come on.

Mr. Con's looking.

Come on.

Come on.

Does the father know?

He doesn't know.

Are you going to tell me who?

Do you?

Do you?

I do not want to tell you.

Well, as you like.

All right.

He's gone.

[crying]

[music playing]

How beautiful.

Come.

Truly beautiful.

How you girls have worked hard.

Really, this is quite charming.

Do you really carry on businessin this delightful room?

Yes.

I can hardly believe it.

This is the counter
where we serve the food.

And brother-in-law,
he built the benches.

What consummate skill.

When it's crowded, peoplestand against the wall.

Of course, I have to
clean the marks off.

And Lily got
the calendar free.

How refined.

And Mrs. Law, the cash till.

The lucky cash till.

It rings when you
total the cash.

[cash register rings]

And we got it secondhand froma sweet shop, didn't we, Lily?

You have to push the
drawer back yourself.

Oh, how confidently you worksuch a complicated machine,

Miss Tran.

To be so young and
to have already

such a head for business.

I must wish you smooth sailing.

Mrs. Law, please meet
my unworthy husband.

Indeed, I'm deeply honored.

Mrs. Law, please don'tstand on such a ceremony.

Oh, how handsome
son has grown.

How tall and how strong.

Big head.

Chen.

He has the most beautifulhead in the world.

Indeed.

You are to be congratulated.

It is most exquisitely
proportioned.

[explosions]

Remember Ting, firstclass brandy [inaudible].

No need to tell
me, [inaudible].

Now ready?
- Ready.

[yelling]

French brandy [inaudible].

French.

They know their business.

No mistake.

You've got to get it downquickly to do it justice.

You sure?

[yelling]

Chen.

Chen, come indoors at once.

The boy will freeze to death.

Come on, son.

Come on, Man Kee.

How are thing at restaurant?

The same.

Anyone ever mention me?

Ask about me?

Don't think so.

Fok still there?

Nasty type.

Lo.

Don't mention you
ever see me, OK?

Don't tell anyone where I am.

What's the matter, Chen?

You owe the boss money?

[laughs] I won't tell.

I won't say a thing.

[background chatter]

[screaming]

[sirens]

[panting]

Bastard!

Not exactly a success.

We hit them hard, so let'snot start calling it a defeat.

Of course, if we have in facteliminated their leadership.

Who can tell?

A man gets up and I kill him.

Unfortunately, we
now have open warfare.

This can only be
bad for business.

All business.

Worse.

The authorities are
going to be interested.

I had to get my
men out of there.

Naturally.

I'm not criticizing
your leadership.

Merely indicating the
situation before us.

I take it we need not fearimmediate retaliation.

Correct.

I'm concerned
about the quality

of some of our new recruits.

He has brought in
useful couriers for us.

A waiter we lend
money to who is now

on a weekly run to Sheffield.

And there are others.

I do not presume to command.

[music playing]

Your mother led
an honorable life.

She always wanted
to see her grandson.

Now she never will.

[laughter]

But don't forget,
the English don't

like too many foreigners here.

He's an old man.

To them an extra mouth to feed.

The laws are very strict.

They might say no.

He is an old man and he hasthe right to come here and eat

as much as he wants
and be honored

by his daughter-in-law
and grandson,

who he has never seen.

Just because the
English can't look

after their own oldpeople, that doesn't mean

that we can't look after ours.

Don't shout at her, Lily.

She doesn't make the laws.

You know, we could do this.

I've got a present for you.

Close your eyes and
hold out your hand.

Thank you.

Where did you find
such a beautiful thing?

My secret.

A precious stone.

I'm a very lucky man.

[inaudible]

More chips.

More chips.

[phone rings]

You've got chips.

[inaudible]

Yes.

LILY: [inaudible]

Yes.

[screams]

You think you can run away,uncle, when you borrowed money?

You think everyone'sgoing to forget about you?

What are you going to do, uncle?

I'll tell you.

You're going to
pay it back to me.

[music playing]

[inaudible]

[laughs]

Well?

A handsome boy.

In my world, he's
a handsome boy.

Look at that head.

It's enormous.

It is a big head.

Plenty of brains in there.

Get him lot of fish head
and chicken head too.

He will be rich,
a big businessman.

[laughs]

[music playing]

[phone ringing]

Yes?

Yes.

Bad boys.

Bad boys.

I want you to
imagine it is my father

who is speaking to you now.

Son, this is a first.

Now, do it yourself.

Good.

The other hand.

Clever boy.

Put your fist under your armpit.

Higher.

Bend your knees a little.

Slowly stick your arm
out and turn the wrist

over as you give fist.

Leave the other one
where it is, like this.

All right?

Do it.

OK.

Do it fast.

The other hand.

Again.

Harder.

The other hand.

Again.

Now, hit mama's hand.

OK, again.

Harder.

The other hand.

Again.

Harder.

Faster.

Harder.

All right.

I will show you how to kick.

You use the edge of your foot.

Aim for shin or knee cap.

You put your hand in
front of your face

where you kick to
stop bad boy's fist.

Now kick mama.

Harder.

Again.

Honor the memory of
your grandfather.

If someone hurt you, nevershow it on your face.

Understand?

- Well?
- I can't believe it.

He's not there.

He left suddenly.

Nobody knows where.

How much did he take?

I check with Sheffield.

In six months, perhaps as muchas 200 grams showed weight.

Miserable runner.

It shouldn't be
hard to find him.

I'm making this man's deathyour personal responsibility.

Find him and wash him.

A little more investigationmight be appropriate.

Might it?

When you recoup widelyin the way you have here,

problems arise.

Problems of quality.

[glass shatters]

It's as we thought.

I spoke to the owner
of the Happy Garden.

That runner left a long timeago without giving notice.

That man Fok must have beendealing the stuff himself.

It's always the same.

No doubt he's been puttingthe squeeze on the waiter too.

No point in trackinghim down if he's innocent.

You're still under
the leader's orders.

Should there be a miscarriage ofjustice, he'll be responsible.

It's a trifling error,
but it could be useful.

Now, to business.

Can I rely on you?

Of course.

And I speak for
other side as well.

Good.

Don't be confused
by old loyalties.

In a successful business,one is sometimes

forced to make redundancies.

Trouble with the teacher.

Is that it?

Because you hit a bad boyand made his nose bleed?

And the bad girl.

They hit you first.

Why is teacher angry?

Teacher says I
do dirty fighting.

Dirty?

Teacher says only a
coward kicks in the leg

and hits over head.

Huh?

Teacher says it's
dirty fighting.

What does she mean dirty?

Unfair.

Unfair.

Unfair?

What's fair about fighting?

The whole idea is to win.

It's an insult to
the way of the fist.

Look.

Look at this.

Look.

You fill his head with
your stupid nonsense

and he got hit again.

The way of the fist?

You know nothing
about the real world.

People are pushed
around and hurt.

They get killed.

My son is having
nothing to do with it.

Nothing.

Keep your stupid
tradition to yourself.

Do you understand?

[singing]

Yoohoo.

Come on.

Sit next to me.

Come on.

All right?

[inaudible].

If you kill him, you'llforce us into all out war.

Listen, my friend.

It's easy enough for
you to go in here.

But we could make itharder for you to come out.

Understand?

Good.

Everything is in
order, [inaudible].

The takings are in the safe?

The men have just
reported to me--

I told you to
take it yourself.

Now do it and come back here.

You're all needed
across the road.

[music playing]

[gunshots]

[inaudible]

[screaming]

[baby crying]

You can bring it home.

It can share Man Kee's room.

She.

Chen says it.

She's welcome in our house.

It's better for
her to stay here.

Mrs. Law has been very kind.

Man Kee's not goodenough to share with niece?

Don't talk like that, Lily.

She's a girl.

A maggot in the rice.

You have a son.

There's no place for
a girl in your family.

I want the best life for her.

Don't you understand
what I'm telling you?

Mrs. Law's rich.

And she's kind.

And she's also lonely.

But it's your baby.

Don't you want to be with her?

Aren't you going to miss her?

Yes.

I want to be with her.

I'm going to miss her.

I want to be with her.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Why don't you want
me to see her?

I don't know.

Lily.

The father is from Belgium.

This is my new country,
also my last country.

No more different places.

So, it is lucky to
honor my English host

and say thank you for taking ina weak old man from Hong Kong.

Where are we
going to find a pig?

How are you going to teachthe English to play mahjong?

Who needs pig or mahjong?

Just a little to
eat and a drink.

They will be happy, you see.

Grandpa, no one
will understand you.

No need.

No need.

We are old.

We have seen all.

There no need to talk.

What are we going
to give them to eat?

Old English people
won't like Chinese food.

Even real Chinese food.

[inaudible]

[laughter]

Tell my English friends it'stime to go out into garden now.

I've got something to show them?

What is it?

No.

Tell me.

Please come to the garden.

Something special to see.

[applause]

Say welcome to my [inaudible].

Honorable friends, welcome.

[applause]

They are not here to get cold,drink tea, and use the toilet,

but for a very
important purpose.

We hope you all
enjoyed the banquet.

[applause]

We are all very, very old.

[inaudible] people who
will not be much longer.

And we wish you long life.

Some of us might die tomorrow.

Very long life.

It's time make my
arrangement for dying.

Grandpa.

Uh, we hope you all
come again soon.

[murmuring]

Tell them I'm a carpenter.

I've built something
that we'll all need.

Grandpa is a
carpenter and he built

something special for all of youand he hopes it will be useful.

[gasping]

Very good wood.

Very good wood.

[singing]

Don't be shy.

Don't be shy.

Don't be shy.

[screams]

No.

Why can't you leave me alone,you stupid, stupid, stupid.

What is it?

What is it big boy?

Tell me.

Please.

You can tell me.

Please.

Chen.

Chen.

Chen, the Chinese school.

There's room for Man Kee.

We can take him
there next Saturday

and he can start straight away.

What?

No.

Why not?

I don't want him or you orany of us going into Chinatown.

Tell me why.

Because I don't want it.

Is this it?

No?
Nothing?

Don't want to?

Are you ever going
to speak to me again?

More than three words?

Did we come all this
way to start a business

so you can turn into vegetable?

So you could spend everyspare moment in this garden?

So you can turn my son intoa peasant, a [inaudible]?

[music playing]

You could have
planted it again.

Step back a little.

It's dangerous.

CHEN: Lily, Take Man
Kee and go home quickly.

Chen.

What's happening to you?

Chen.

Don't talk to me.

Do what I say.

Go quickly.

Go!

Just go!

[music playing]

[crying]

I trust you are
feeling somewhat better.

The attack on
me was an outrage.

An insult to our society.

Everyone knows it.

There is no open warfare betweenourselves and Jackie Fung.

We win or we are finished.

That's not how we see it.

They knew exactly
who they wanted.

We heard it from
Jackie Fung himself.

There were only
interested in you.

Going behind my
back to talk to this?

[spits]

What has happened
to discipline here?

No one went behind your back.

You were in hospital,
severe injury.

It would have been dangerousfor us to talk to you.

The family home
that's not wish

to get involved
in a pointless war

through the folly andarrogance of an individual.

To speak bluntly, whatuse is a cripple enforcer?

My friend, you no longerhave the ability to manage

the situations you create.

From now, the policy will
be to divide territories

and live in peace
with our competitors.

With respect, I think weshall all benefit greatly.

You see?

Your errors when not onlyin the military sphere.

For example, this friend
that you ordered washed

was innocent.

He was set up by this
useful man of yours,

one of your new recruits.

He's already been washed?

This could do us
incredible harm,

and you are solely to blame.

[inaudible]

Man's wife has
interesting connections.

Her father was [inaudible]Ching from [inaudible] village.

The recruit Fok
can be made use of.

They want revenge for
the man killed by us.

The waiter's widow
must be supported.

You must promise me this.

It will be done.

A small regular paymentcould easily be sent, perhaps

through our Amsterdam contacts.

But gentlemen,
let's not be gloomy.

This is the celebration.

We are conferring on
elder brother, the

elevated double flower prefix.

Tonight he [inaudible] status.

Good fortune in Hong Kong.

Let's all drink to that.

[inaudible]

[music playing]

[inaudible].

Amsterdam.

He must have a
restaurant job there.

What makes you so sure
our Chen sent the money?

Who else is going to send it?

He knew the business
was not making enough.

Not enough to look afterMan Kee when he gets older.

And he's a true father tomake a sacrifice like this.

But why isn't there a letter?

Well, don't you see?

He knew that I would
try to stop him going.

And he knows I'll
ask him to come back.

[inaudible].

I got some good news too.

I'm going to get married.

To Mr. Lo.

Mister?

Mr. Lo?

That's good.

What a surprise.

What a happy occasion.

And we're going to
open up a business.

A fish and chip shop.

Lily, come and live
with my family.

LILY: I'll be all right.

You'll see.

MUI: There'll be a
place for you whenever

you want it in our house.

LILY: I'll be fine.

I will.

[sniffs]

LILY [VOICEOVER]: My dearestone, I'm so glad you are safe.

Your money arrives
regularly now and it

makes me proud to
think how we Chinese

know how to look after our own.

I know that one day soonyou will send me an address.

I love you dearly,
more and more each day,

and I look forward to thetime when you return, which

I know in my heart you will.

In the meantime, I
want you to know that I

feel strong, like a warrior.

And light.

So light.

[singing in chinese]