The Situation of Mehdi (2022) - full transcript
Mehdi Bakeri, the commander of the 31st Ashura Division, wants his younger brother Hamid to return to the area and be by his side.
Mahdi's Situation
-What's going on?
-I don't know
What do you mean you don't know?
-You said she'll be here at 10
-I said she might come
I said maybe she doesn't come
You said she'll be here at 10
I brought him here. He has so many things
to do but he's been waiting here for an hour
I'll take it
-Have some tea
-Thanks
-How's Hamid?
-He's fine. He's building a road with his friends
-Are the army's problems fixed?
-They will be, by the grace of God
-Have a tea
-Thanks
-Dear Rasoul, I gotta go
-Where are you going?
-It's late. I have to go do my work
-Stay. She'll be here any minute
Thanks but maybe another time
Sorry
-Have a tea
-It's still very hot
I drink it while it's still hot
Was it all? Can I go if you
don't wanna say anything else?
Yes. These are my conditions if you accept
Money is important when it comes to
marriage. You have a good family, though
Everyone knows Mr. Modarres
I almost have nothing. We own an
apple garden that has about 200 trees
It's for me and my siblings and we mostly
give away the apples for our parents' soul
-God bless them
-Thanks
The truth is... I made a deal with God
To serve people, Islam, this
country as long as I'm alive
-What happened?
-They don't know Turkish
I got confused
Excuse me
As I was saying...
I used to work in the municipality and now
that I'm back in army, I receive a small salary
I have nothing. Usually, I sleep in the office
and now that there's a war, I wanna go there
I'm hard to live with as I said
That's about it
-Was that all?
-Yes. I guess I talked a bit too much
It's fine
-I leave now
-OK
-What happened?
-I don't know
She didn't say anything
[Urmia/The Fall of The Year 1359]
Miss Safieh Modarres, Ebrahim's daughter
Do you let me to announce you
And Mahdi Bakeri as husband and wife?
Yes
-Are you the groom?
-Yes
-Congratulations
-Thanks
Good for you
-Are you their relative?
-No my dad's the cook. I'm here to help
-Excellent
-Thanks
-Tomorrow's my wedding
-No kidding?
-You don't believe me?
-I do
-Tomorrow at 5
-Congratulations
We dance at our weddings.
Not just saying prayers!
Please. Don't stand up
Sorry for interrupting
Please, come in
-Thanks
-Sit down
-I hope you're not tired
-I didn't do anything. I was seated
I couldn't do any help
-Have some juice
-Thanks
You should stir it
The ring. I forgot to give
it to Zahra or Maryam
-Thanks
-You're welcome
-Check if it fits
-I was there when we were buying it. I tried it
Do you want some?
If you let me, I gotta go. I can say goodbye
to your father and brother in the yard
-Because at night...
-You speak quietly. I can't hear you.
I said at night we gotta get going
to Abadan, see if we can help
-Go now but come back for dinner
-I can't. I have to pack my stuff
No, you have to come back for dinner!
OK Sure
I better go
Sit please. Don't stand up
Hurry up. It's taking longer than usual
Be sure to put meat in all the plates
Thanks Zahra. Put the
rice on the plate. Hurry!
-Eat please
-Thanks
Give them the plates
Saddam is attacking!
Let's go to the basement!
Where are you, Safieh?
Thank you very much. Goodbye
-Mehdi?
-Yes?
It's dark. I'll walk you to the door
OK
-Can I ask something?
-Of course
-Did I say something to upset you?
-No, why?
You don't look at me when I talk
-It's bad. They hear us
-We're just laughing
I'm not used to this. I hope I
get better when I come back
I have to go. They're waiting for me
-Call me when you get there.
-I will but don't worry if I didn't. You know how the service is in Abadan
-Goodbye
-Bye
[Urmia/The Fall of The Year 1361]
-Hi, good evening
-Hello
-How did you know?
-We do this every night
It's cold. Go inside and I'll be there
-Don't!/
-What are you doing, Fatemeh?
-You'll wake him up
-No, I kissed him softly
-Your beard could wake him
-I kissed him softly
Look at him. Whenever I'm
out, I wanna come home soon
-Don't make me jealous
-You're not jealous
-Are you serious?
-I know you forgot but I remember
-What?
-Wait
What's this?
-Happy anniversary
-Thanks!
-Do you like it?
-Of course. It's very beautiful. Great
-When did you have time to weave?
-You weren't home
Wear it. See if it fits.
Take of your shirt first
-How do I look?
-Come closer and let me see
-Let me see the sleeves
-Why?
-The sleeves are short
-No, they're not
I'll fix it now. Here
-Don't. Take it off so that I can fix it
-Never mind, I'm just getting warm
I'll fix it tomorrow
Alright
-What happened to my gift?
-What gift?
-I bought sweets. They're in the bag
-Sweets aren't gifts
-It's the special sweet. Can I bring it?
-I'll bring it
-Hi, are you OK?
-Hi, thanks, and you?
-Are you going to the army office?
-Yes, how did you figure that out?
-From your beard and outfit
-I'm at your service
God bless you
-I wanted to say something
-Please do
Last night was my son's wedding. The
police came and took him and his cousins
There were some juice on the
table and they thought it was alcohol
Will you please release my
son? I don't care about his cousins!
I don't work there. I just have to do something. Plus, you
should go to the committee. It's not related to the army
All the wrong things are
related to the committee
It's a histerical laughter
I'll get off at the office of the army, sir
Will you turn down the volume,
Hamid? I put Ehsan to bed
It's a comedy. Why are you so serious?
-You can learn serious stuff from a comedy
-Tell Hamid to do the things he already learned
I said I'll fix the mosaics in the morning
Don't pour it there
You should've done it sooner.
The snow won't let them dry
Yes but I wasn't home
You were in Urumia
-Do you know what your only problem is?
-What?
-You procrastinate what you gotta do
-No, I said I'll fix it before we move
-I'm not talking about this. You were supposed to fix that problem
-OK Sure, I will
You just say it
It's hard for you to tell me to write a letter
of repentance. You refer to it as a "problem"
-I need you in my army
-Say the word and I'll be there
Our friends are there to help you. I'll be
at your service whenever you need me
Hamid
I'm not asking you to become my assistant because
you're my brother. I'm asking because you're trained
You were in Suria, Lubnan and
Felesteen. You know tactics for the battles
-It's balanced
-No, it's not
Go write it and get this over with
The problem is I don't know
what to write, what to repent for
Hamid, write anything they asked
Have you seen anyone better than our brother
Ali? He was executed and his body was never found
They were Muslims. People are writing letters and
tell Mohsen Rezaei to remove me from being a commandar
They're still mentioning that
thing. Now what should I do?
Leave Saddam? Leave Imam's
orders and see who's gossiping?
-Are you greater than Martyr Beheshti?
-I didn't complain. I just said I don't know what to write
Write something in general. You have to get
into army again so that you can be my assistant
-OK, I'll go and write it
-When?
Mehdi, I didn't wanna say this but I went to
the office of the army of Tabriz five times
But I don't know if the commandar
was busy or what... It didn't get done.
-You went there and they didn't do anything?
-I'm sure they didn't have time
-I'll handle it myself. Don't say anything
-I won't
-Don't pick them up. They're heavy. Your wounds get hurt
-It's fine
-How are they by the way?
-They're OK. They're just itchy sometimes
-Turn around
-Why?
-Hamid?
-Yes
Sorry you had to wait. We were a little busy
-We've been told that you should
write and sign something in front of us
-Yes, a letter of repentance
-I'm sorry. It's an order
-It's OK. I just don't know why I should repent
I write something in general. I repent for the wrong things
I've done in the past and the things I might do in the future
-Will you please give me a pen and a paper?
-Right away
-Do you want some tea?
-No, thanks
This mission is different
than any other missions before
Some of you were in Ramadan
or Muslim ibn Aqil missions
Know that this mission has no coming back!
You'll either become a martyr or will
be kept captive by the end of this mission
Anyone who has a problem
Has a family, a sick person to take care
of is excused. You can choose not to come
You can choose not to come and
stand here and no one can blame you
But if you decide to stay and participate
in the mission, you know what's gonna happen
You have to fight like Imam Hussain
This has to be a hidden mission!
Don't make a lot of sound! Pray quietly
Akbar! Got my back on the
Judgement Day. You owe me.
-Bagher?
Sorry Mehdi. We were busy
Rasoul said he has moved towards you
He's not here. We have no
weapon and Iraqis are close to us
-What happened to your hand?
-It's OK. The situation's bad
-They don't have any weapon
-I sent them
They're not receiving them.
Iraqis are attacking hard
Come here
-Stop
-I love you, Mehdi
Drive safely
I asked you to send the guys some weapons
-I sent them weapons, twice
-They didn't receive it
Give me some. I'll deliver it myself
-I don't understand Turkish
-I said help me get the injured in the helicopter
It's dangerous. They will shoot it
[Majnoon island/Kheybar Mission/ Esfand of 1362]
Pull over
Go back! Don't come!
The weapons are here
Why are you sitting here?
I'm talking to you
I'm talking to you!
Are you injured? Why
are you sitting here then?
-Why aren't you delivering the weapons?
-They're shooting!
Have you no shame?
The guys need weapons!
-If I stand up, they shoot me
-Go through the channel then
I swear I can't
-Why?
-I'd have to walk on my friends' corpses.
I don't have the heart to do that
Run!
-Where's your helmet?
-It fell
-Be careful
-Nothing happens to a bad guy
Thanks
-They're shooting hard
-Is this all?
It's in the channel. I need
two people to help me
Do you have any water?
I don't know where it fell off
It's the tank! Go!
Abalfazl! Get in there!
-Run! Don't waste weapons!
-Hamid, when we shoot the tank, it comes back
Don't waste bullets! Let it come closer
Go and shoot the tank
Shoot the tank! Shoot its continuous track
No one's here
The office of army's empty. I
have to take the kids to Islam Abad
They have a fever, I have to get them to the doctor.
I came back in a hurry and left all the drugs
-If I come now, I'll arrive there in the afternoon
-I'll place the key under the flower pot.
-Okay
-Bye then
It's OK, son. I was peeling an
onion earlier. That's why I'm crying
You're my man and now you
wanna take us to the doctor
Let me bring Asieh so that we can go
Come here, darling
Ehsan! Let's go
Go. Put on your shoes
[Kheybar mission/ Esfand 6th of 1362]
Is it a seagull or am I being delusional?
Put it on your head so
that you don't get shot!
Come here, Mohammad! Run!
What's up?
-Why did you spill the tea?
-Seriously, Khosro? In this situation?
I wanted to take a break and
drink some tea but you ruined it.
Sorry, Khosro
-Who was that black guy, Mohammad?
-Who?
-The one who was running with you
-It's Yaghchian
-No kidding? His face turned black I didn't recognize him
-Your face is dirty and black, too
-Really? A lot?
-Yes
Look at the injury on my
face! I'm a veteran, too!
-Come on and let's go
-Why? What's going on?
Molavi said I should take you back. We're the
only one left from the mission information guys
We should take this guy. He's
injured. And also Hamid's body
-We take the injured but can't take the body
-Why not?
Mehdi said if you could bring everyone's
body, you're allowed to bring Hamid's too
We can take him and say we didn't know his order
-Tell me which one it is. I will bring him
-The one who's there. Look
Hamid's the one with the blue jacket
Stop! For God's sake!
Please stop!
Stop!
Pass the ball
Go. Shoot
From Yaghchian to Mehdi
-Take all the injured to the back
-All the drivers went to the north island
Alright. I myself will drive the loader
Wake up, Khosro! The bridge has fell off
The bridge has fell. Iraqis are
walking towards us through the channel
Tanks are passing! Go and stop their army!
Mohammad, wait for me to come
-I wanna go with Mohammad
-Stay. I need you here
-Mohammad! God bless your burnt car!
-Go away!
-Don't beat yourself up
-That was a waste, Khosro
-It's not like it was your own car
-I'd be less upset if it was
Wow!
-Bahman! Did you see Mohammad?
-He was in the channel. He should be back any minute
-Give me some tea
-Go away!
Excuse me, Mostafa. May I have a word?
Yes, Khosro?
-Why isn't Mohammad back yet?
-He will. You called me to ask this?
-No. I made tea for you and Mehdi
-Take it to him
I feel shy around commandars. You take it
Mehdi has ordered to make a volunteer
group of our guys and the army of Najaf
To go at night and attack Iraqis' tanks.
See who's ready. Are you listening?
-Yes, sir
-See who's ready to go with them
You don't go. I have work for you
OK sir
-Why don't you answer me?
-I have a lot to do
-Where's Mohammad?
-How should I know?
-He was with you
-He'll be back
-For the love of God, tell me where he is?
-We were fighting the Iraqis in the channel and he was the first one to go
Be careful! Throw each
tank only one grenade
Throw them and come back quickly.
Walk in a zigzag way so that they
can't see you when they turn the lights on
Don't be scared. It's Ghadir
-Where have you been?
-What happened to the tanks?
They backed off
-How many of the guys survived?
-Only you
I looked for you and didn't find
you. I thought you became a martyr
I prayed and cried! Come on, let's go
-Did Mostafa find out I was gone with them?
-Yes and he was very mad
You go, bro. I stay and tell you if
anything happens with the bridge
-They backed off
-I wanna look for Mohammad's body
Mehdi said that when tanks back off, we
should go to Hamid bridge for guys' bodies
-Hamid?!
-Shohitat bridge. Guys changed its name
-Do you think Mostafa will let me come with you?
-If you make some good tea for him
-Let's go and let that Iraqi rest
-What Iraqi?
Oh My God!
Did you see the birds, too?
Khosro
-Did you see Mohammad's body?
-Where?
Wake up, Mohammad!
Don't bother me! Let's go...
-What happened?
-His best friend became a martyr. They were like brothers
God bless him
Let's go and bring the bodies. There's
lots of them at the end of the channel
I hope you become martyrs. Let's go
Help me put him on my shoulders
Your commandar didn't let people bring his
brother back but you're taking your friend first?
Shame on you!
I'm Khosro. I'm not Mehdi Bakeri!
Thanks Mohammad. You got my back, bro
Did you see how I beat them?
I love you, Mohammad! I
swear you're my best friend!
I swear I'm telling the truth
Do you love me, too?
-I'm talking to you, Mohammad!
-You're chocking me, Khosro! I can't breathe nor talk
Sorry
-Let's go and make a brother deal on Ghadir day
-Don't make me laugh. My hands go limp and you fall!
Now that we're gonna be brothers, recite a
mourning poem for Imam Hussain and Abalfazl
-I will if you promise me not to move
-OK Sure
-OK?
-OK
I'll bring back the tray
-Will you come up?
-Come down here. It's nice
-Do you want some? I can't eat anymore
-No, I'm barely eating mine
Are you sure? Give it to me then!
You said you couldn't eat anymore!
-It's beautiful, Mehdi
-Where are we, by the way?
Tell them where we are
-Don't tease her. It's Karon
-I knew it! I just couldn't remember!
-Now that we said it?
-I knew it, Hamid
-Where is here specifically?
-The Beach of Karon
No!
-This is Labe Karon
-Yeah, right
She didn't get it, did she?
You really don't know
what Labe Karon is?!
*Singing a song*
[Ahvaz/Farvardin of 1362]
Hi Mehdi!
-I missed you!
-They will see us!
I couldn't help it
-Your cloak is dirty now
-It's fine
-What heppened to your foot?
-Nothing. It hurts a little
-I wish you'd told me you're coming. I only made salad for myself
-I'll eat that
-I'll cook something
-No need
-I just need to take a shower
-The water heater is broken
-Can you warm the water for me?
-Of course
Put your hands aside. Let me wash it
-Isn't it hot?
-Yes, I'm gonna burn you
You have the potential!
Grab the role
-Take it. I'm scared
-No one's in the road. Help me take this off
Look at this
-You're drowned in your thoughts
-No
-I was just staring at the road
-God bless Hamid
God bless him
When you went to Urumia, was Fatemeh
upset with me? Because of Hamid's body
No, she didn't say anything
but your sister, Zahra was upset
Fatemeh has distracted
herself with her kids. Take it
-Ehsan doesn't bother her?
-A little. He's a kid after all. But he understands
He can see everyone's upset
When Hamid became a martyr, I thought poor
Fatemeh, how can she raise two kids on her own?
Now I understand how much God
must love her, to give her two kids
They keep Hamid's memory alive
-Mehdi?
-Yes?
Nothing
What did you wanna tell me?
-Now that you said it, say it completely
-Why can't I talk to you, Mehdi?
-Why? Did I say something?
-Whenever I talk to you, I'm afraid I might upset you
I talked about Hamid's children. You
might get upset and think I meant something
I swear I didn't think for a second
that it might mean something
Well, maybe I did!
I did everything you asked me to. You
said let's go to the doctor and I said sure
-We went to Tabriz 'cause they were better
-Don't answer me like this, please
I can't talk to you when
you answer me like this
When can I talk to you? You're here now
I understand that you have a
lot of problems to think about
But whenever you come, you go quickly to a
mission or a meeting or something like that
Did you get that I leave the
windows open even in the winter?
Because I wanna hear
your car and accompany you
I have you this less and I'm satisfied
In the island, there was 300 meters
distance between us and the bodies
Iraq couldn't pass through us. They filled
the place with water so we had to back off
I stand there every evening and
look at the bodies, under the water
Nothing can make me move. You know what's the only thing that
makes me come back to reality and organize everything again?
Thinking about home, about
you. You're not only my wife, Safieh
You're my girl, my mother,
my sister, my father, my family
-Are you telling the truth?
-Yes, I am.
Do you feel better now?
Don't say anything like that again
Promise?
Now give me the orange!
Wait. Let me go and then go inside
-Where are you going?
-Have some work to do. See you at night
-Come in. Rest and have some tea
-No, it's OK
-My mom will be upset if you don't come in
-Apologize to her on behalf of me
I'll see them at night.
Your father will be here, too
-Do you need anything?
-No
-Why are you looking at me like that?
-Do you know what I remembered?
The night we got married. I asked
you why you wouldn't look at me
-Now I look at you. Do you like it?
-Yes
-I learned. Can I go now?
-Go
I'll see you tonight. Bye
Mehdi
Nothing
You're crazy!
-Go inside
-I will
Eat your food
Ehsan, you won't be strong if you don't eat
-God bless him
-Thank you very much. It was delicious
Where's Ehsan?!
Your hand will hurt. I slap
myself so that you laugh
-You're here. Is he OK now?
-Yes, he is
-Come and lay in my arms
-You two remind me of
Ali
God bless him
He used to bring books and tell us
whoever studies better, will win the book
-Hamid would always win
-Zahra! Keep it together!
-Don't! The kid's here
-He was our youngest sibling
Come here
Maryam! Come and take the kid with you
It's alright
-Take him
-Go. I'll be there in a second
-Can I come in?
-Of course. Have a seat
-Did the guests leave?
-No, they're still here
-It's too early for drying greens?
-I have to distract myself
I bought a large amount
of them and I'm drying them
-If you have a lot, give me some, too
-Of course.
-I dried Tareh too. Take some and make Koofteh with it
-Thank you
Your commandar came to the mosque
and had a speech. It was crowded
He gave you and Hamid lots of compliments
He said you'd send Hamid
to all the hard missions
They were all proud of you
They said that you didn't let them bring
his body back. You left him with others
Why Mehdi?
-Why?
-Dear...
Wasn't he our brother?
-Why didn't you let them bring his body back?
-Don't say this
-Stay calm
-How? My heart's burning
-He wasn't only your brother
-Cry slowly. Fatemeh will hear you
-Hamid made a deal with God
-We don't know what happened to Ali and now you left Hamid, too
If we had his body, his
family wouldn't move to Qom
Don't carry the heavy
stuff. The workers are here
-Is Ehsan upstairs?
-Yes
-You left him alone? Maybe he falls
-No, he's in the room
-Don't put pressure on your leg
-Go and take care of the baby
Mehdi
-Yes?
-Thanks. We've caused you trouble
-No. I did what I had to do
-The kids and I appreciate it
I have a question. Why
are you beating yourself up?
-I'm not
-Safieh said Zahra complained to you
-I swear to Hamid's soul, I'm not upset with you
-But I didn't say anything...
He made a deal with God and I
did the same. I don't blame it on you
I'm sure Hamid would do the
same if he was in your situation
-I just wanted to tell you, don't think for a second that I'm upset with you
-Thanks for telling me this
Your leg hurts. Please don't carry
the heavy stuff. The workers do it
Thanks
-I will pay him
-No, let me do it
Thank you, sir
-Here you are
-Thanks
*Explaining the plan for Badr mission*
We explained this all before. You
know we have few weapons and facilities
We asked for boats and
you said you don't have them
We asked for fireworks and
you said you don't have them
We asked for better weapons
and you said you don't have them
Mr. Kazemi, we heard
this all a hundred times
Mehdi
This is exactly what happened in Kheybar.
Some groups fought and became martyrs
But some other groups backed off quickly
We saw it in Kheybar. If we fight like
that again in Badr, we'll be the victors
If Imam hadn't ordered us to fight in
Kheybar mission, we would lost the islands
-We backed off because we couldn't fight anymore
-You and I are alive here. So we could've fought more
I asked my guys to come back
None of them did. They became martyrs
But other armys backed off soon
This happens when a commandar
stands back and orders others to fight
A commandar must get in line and
fight and tell his army to come, not to go
[East side of Dejleh/ Badr Mission/ Esfand of 1363]
-Yes, Mehdi?
-Where are you, Jamshid?
-I'm at the Sadband
-What are you doing there?
I'm staying here so that
the Iraqis can't take the place
Leave there! Don't let the guys run away!
Why should we stay here? We have no weapon
Stop! Have you no shame?
-Come back. We don't have any help
-I have to stay and save this place.
If you send 50 men
here, I'll save this place
Come back. It's an order
I won't answer them as
long as they don't send help
Go and stand there
Don't waste your weapons
Go back, Mehdi! They're bombarding us
God! I'm burning!
Help him
Send the guys from Haribeh to Sadband
Tanks are coming. Back off! Go!
Back off
Back off!
We almost lost Haribeh.
They're reaching here
Iraqis have a plan to keep you captive. They listened
to our conversations and they know you're here
They're here to catch you
We stay here. Don't worry. They asked me to
tie your hands and send you back with the boat!
I can't leave. If we back off, we
have to do a lot to get back here
We sacrificed a lot. I have to stay
and bombard the bridge to cut the road
Don't worry. We're here. Be sure of that
-Bring the injured. Bring Alireza Tondro
-He's in the boat
Listen! Pay attention to Haribeh
-I go see if I can get any help
-OK
Mehdi! Come back. Let's see what we can do
You have no idea how beautiful this place
is. I wish you were here. Can you hear me?
I was sitting next to you. Mostafa took me
I wish you were here to see this beautiful
place, Ahmad. We'd stay together forever
Come here and watch if you had time
-For God's sake. Come back here
-Don't swear, Ahmad. I can't leave my army alone
At least tell something to guys
I said everything I had to. Tell them
whoever loves Mehdi, come here
Turn it off
Maybe they send help
Everything's over
Go back. I stay here. Ghanbarloo
and Jamshid are here, too
-What's your name?
-Mohammadreza Lotfi
-You're a good man
-Thanks, sir
-Were you in Kheybar mission, too?
-Yes, sir
-You ever saw my brother, Hamid?
-A couple of times, from a distance
-If Hamid was here, we wouldn't be alone
-God bless him
-Can I ask you a favor?
-Of course. Anything
Take Ghanbarloo and Jamshid
back with this one boat that's left
-I'm not leaving you behind
-How do you expect me to leave you behind, then?
They're walking towards us
They're here. Be careful
-Where are you going?
-To Haribeh. They're shooting
Stay here. I'll go
-It's dangerous, Mehdi
-I said stay
-Are they our guys?
-I don't know
These are Iraqis! Go quickly!
Mehdi
When will this loneliness end?
When will your tiredness end?
When will you stay long
enough for your clothes to dry?
Hamid and Mehdi's bodies
haven't been returned home yet
Translation by: Zahra Tohidi
-What's going on?
-I don't know
What do you mean you don't know?
-You said she'll be here at 10
-I said she might come
I said maybe she doesn't come
You said she'll be here at 10
I brought him here. He has so many things
to do but he's been waiting here for an hour
I'll take it
-Have some tea
-Thanks
-How's Hamid?
-He's fine. He's building a road with his friends
-Are the army's problems fixed?
-They will be, by the grace of God
-Have a tea
-Thanks
-Dear Rasoul, I gotta go
-Where are you going?
-It's late. I have to go do my work
-Stay. She'll be here any minute
Thanks but maybe another time
Sorry
-Have a tea
-It's still very hot
I drink it while it's still hot
Was it all? Can I go if you
don't wanna say anything else?
Yes. These are my conditions if you accept
Money is important when it comes to
marriage. You have a good family, though
Everyone knows Mr. Modarres
I almost have nothing. We own an
apple garden that has about 200 trees
It's for me and my siblings and we mostly
give away the apples for our parents' soul
-God bless them
-Thanks
The truth is... I made a deal with God
To serve people, Islam, this
country as long as I'm alive
-What happened?
-They don't know Turkish
I got confused
Excuse me
As I was saying...
I used to work in the municipality and now
that I'm back in army, I receive a small salary
I have nothing. Usually, I sleep in the office
and now that there's a war, I wanna go there
I'm hard to live with as I said
That's about it
-Was that all?
-Yes. I guess I talked a bit too much
It's fine
-I leave now
-OK
-What happened?
-I don't know
She didn't say anything
[Urmia/The Fall of The Year 1359]
Miss Safieh Modarres, Ebrahim's daughter
Do you let me to announce you
And Mahdi Bakeri as husband and wife?
Yes
-Are you the groom?
-Yes
-Congratulations
-Thanks
Good for you
-Are you their relative?
-No my dad's the cook. I'm here to help
-Excellent
-Thanks
-Tomorrow's my wedding
-No kidding?
-You don't believe me?
-I do
-Tomorrow at 5
-Congratulations
We dance at our weddings.
Not just saying prayers!
Please. Don't stand up
Sorry for interrupting
Please, come in
-Thanks
-Sit down
-I hope you're not tired
-I didn't do anything. I was seated
I couldn't do any help
-Have some juice
-Thanks
You should stir it
The ring. I forgot to give
it to Zahra or Maryam
-Thanks
-You're welcome
-Check if it fits
-I was there when we were buying it. I tried it
Do you want some?
If you let me, I gotta go. I can say goodbye
to your father and brother in the yard
-Because at night...
-You speak quietly. I can't hear you.
I said at night we gotta get going
to Abadan, see if we can help
-Go now but come back for dinner
-I can't. I have to pack my stuff
No, you have to come back for dinner!
OK Sure
I better go
Sit please. Don't stand up
Hurry up. It's taking longer than usual
Be sure to put meat in all the plates
Thanks Zahra. Put the
rice on the plate. Hurry!
-Eat please
-Thanks
Give them the plates
Saddam is attacking!
Let's go to the basement!
Where are you, Safieh?
Thank you very much. Goodbye
-Mehdi?
-Yes?
It's dark. I'll walk you to the door
OK
-Can I ask something?
-Of course
-Did I say something to upset you?
-No, why?
You don't look at me when I talk
-It's bad. They hear us
-We're just laughing
I'm not used to this. I hope I
get better when I come back
I have to go. They're waiting for me
-Call me when you get there.
-I will but don't worry if I didn't. You know how the service is in Abadan
-Goodbye
-Bye
[Urmia/The Fall of The Year 1361]
-Hi, good evening
-Hello
-How did you know?
-We do this every night
It's cold. Go inside and I'll be there
-Don't!/
-What are you doing, Fatemeh?
-You'll wake him up
-No, I kissed him softly
-Your beard could wake him
-I kissed him softly
Look at him. Whenever I'm
out, I wanna come home soon
-Don't make me jealous
-You're not jealous
-Are you serious?
-I know you forgot but I remember
-What?
-Wait
What's this?
-Happy anniversary
-Thanks!
-Do you like it?
-Of course. It's very beautiful. Great
-When did you have time to weave?
-You weren't home
Wear it. See if it fits.
Take of your shirt first
-How do I look?
-Come closer and let me see
-Let me see the sleeves
-Why?
-The sleeves are short
-No, they're not
I'll fix it now. Here
-Don't. Take it off so that I can fix it
-Never mind, I'm just getting warm
I'll fix it tomorrow
Alright
-What happened to my gift?
-What gift?
-I bought sweets. They're in the bag
-Sweets aren't gifts
-It's the special sweet. Can I bring it?
-I'll bring it
-Hi, are you OK?
-Hi, thanks, and you?
-Are you going to the army office?
-Yes, how did you figure that out?
-From your beard and outfit
-I'm at your service
God bless you
-I wanted to say something
-Please do
Last night was my son's wedding. The
police came and took him and his cousins
There were some juice on the
table and they thought it was alcohol
Will you please release my
son? I don't care about his cousins!
I don't work there. I just have to do something. Plus, you
should go to the committee. It's not related to the army
All the wrong things are
related to the committee
It's a histerical laughter
I'll get off at the office of the army, sir
Will you turn down the volume,
Hamid? I put Ehsan to bed
It's a comedy. Why are you so serious?
-You can learn serious stuff from a comedy
-Tell Hamid to do the things he already learned
I said I'll fix the mosaics in the morning
Don't pour it there
You should've done it sooner.
The snow won't let them dry
Yes but I wasn't home
You were in Urumia
-Do you know what your only problem is?
-What?
-You procrastinate what you gotta do
-No, I said I'll fix it before we move
-I'm not talking about this. You were supposed to fix that problem
-OK Sure, I will
You just say it
It's hard for you to tell me to write a letter
of repentance. You refer to it as a "problem"
-I need you in my army
-Say the word and I'll be there
Our friends are there to help you. I'll be
at your service whenever you need me
Hamid
I'm not asking you to become my assistant because
you're my brother. I'm asking because you're trained
You were in Suria, Lubnan and
Felesteen. You know tactics for the battles
-It's balanced
-No, it's not
Go write it and get this over with
The problem is I don't know
what to write, what to repent for
Hamid, write anything they asked
Have you seen anyone better than our brother
Ali? He was executed and his body was never found
They were Muslims. People are writing letters and
tell Mohsen Rezaei to remove me from being a commandar
They're still mentioning that
thing. Now what should I do?
Leave Saddam? Leave Imam's
orders and see who's gossiping?
-Are you greater than Martyr Beheshti?
-I didn't complain. I just said I don't know what to write
Write something in general. You have to get
into army again so that you can be my assistant
-OK, I'll go and write it
-When?
Mehdi, I didn't wanna say this but I went to
the office of the army of Tabriz five times
But I don't know if the commandar
was busy or what... It didn't get done.
-You went there and they didn't do anything?
-I'm sure they didn't have time
-I'll handle it myself. Don't say anything
-I won't
-Don't pick them up. They're heavy. Your wounds get hurt
-It's fine
-How are they by the way?
-They're OK. They're just itchy sometimes
-Turn around
-Why?
-Hamid?
-Yes
Sorry you had to wait. We were a little busy
-We've been told that you should
write and sign something in front of us
-Yes, a letter of repentance
-I'm sorry. It's an order
-It's OK. I just don't know why I should repent
I write something in general. I repent for the wrong things
I've done in the past and the things I might do in the future
-Will you please give me a pen and a paper?
-Right away
-Do you want some tea?
-No, thanks
This mission is different
than any other missions before
Some of you were in Ramadan
or Muslim ibn Aqil missions
Know that this mission has no coming back!
You'll either become a martyr or will
be kept captive by the end of this mission
Anyone who has a problem
Has a family, a sick person to take care
of is excused. You can choose not to come
You can choose not to come and
stand here and no one can blame you
But if you decide to stay and participate
in the mission, you know what's gonna happen
You have to fight like Imam Hussain
This has to be a hidden mission!
Don't make a lot of sound! Pray quietly
Akbar! Got my back on the
Judgement Day. You owe me.
-Bagher?
Sorry Mehdi. We were busy
Rasoul said he has moved towards you
He's not here. We have no
weapon and Iraqis are close to us
-What happened to your hand?
-It's OK. The situation's bad
-They don't have any weapon
-I sent them
They're not receiving them.
Iraqis are attacking hard
Come here
-Stop
-I love you, Mehdi
Drive safely
I asked you to send the guys some weapons
-I sent them weapons, twice
-They didn't receive it
Give me some. I'll deliver it myself
-I don't understand Turkish
-I said help me get the injured in the helicopter
It's dangerous. They will shoot it
[Majnoon island/Kheybar Mission/ Esfand of 1362]
Pull over
Go back! Don't come!
The weapons are here
Why are you sitting here?
I'm talking to you
I'm talking to you!
Are you injured? Why
are you sitting here then?
-Why aren't you delivering the weapons?
-They're shooting!
Have you no shame?
The guys need weapons!
-If I stand up, they shoot me
-Go through the channel then
I swear I can't
-Why?
-I'd have to walk on my friends' corpses.
I don't have the heart to do that
Run!
-Where's your helmet?
-It fell
-Be careful
-Nothing happens to a bad guy
Thanks
-They're shooting hard
-Is this all?
It's in the channel. I need
two people to help me
Do you have any water?
I don't know where it fell off
It's the tank! Go!
Abalfazl! Get in there!
-Run! Don't waste weapons!
-Hamid, when we shoot the tank, it comes back
Don't waste bullets! Let it come closer
Go and shoot the tank
Shoot the tank! Shoot its continuous track
No one's here
The office of army's empty. I
have to take the kids to Islam Abad
They have a fever, I have to get them to the doctor.
I came back in a hurry and left all the drugs
-If I come now, I'll arrive there in the afternoon
-I'll place the key under the flower pot.
-Okay
-Bye then
It's OK, son. I was peeling an
onion earlier. That's why I'm crying
You're my man and now you
wanna take us to the doctor
Let me bring Asieh so that we can go
Come here, darling
Ehsan! Let's go
Go. Put on your shoes
[Kheybar mission/ Esfand 6th of 1362]
Is it a seagull or am I being delusional?
Put it on your head so
that you don't get shot!
Come here, Mohammad! Run!
What's up?
-Why did you spill the tea?
-Seriously, Khosro? In this situation?
I wanted to take a break and
drink some tea but you ruined it.
Sorry, Khosro
-Who was that black guy, Mohammad?
-Who?
-The one who was running with you
-It's Yaghchian
-No kidding? His face turned black I didn't recognize him
-Your face is dirty and black, too
-Really? A lot?
-Yes
Look at the injury on my
face! I'm a veteran, too!
-Come on and let's go
-Why? What's going on?
Molavi said I should take you back. We're the
only one left from the mission information guys
We should take this guy. He's
injured. And also Hamid's body
-We take the injured but can't take the body
-Why not?
Mehdi said if you could bring everyone's
body, you're allowed to bring Hamid's too
We can take him and say we didn't know his order
-Tell me which one it is. I will bring him
-The one who's there. Look
Hamid's the one with the blue jacket
Stop! For God's sake!
Please stop!
Stop!
Pass the ball
Go. Shoot
From Yaghchian to Mehdi
-Take all the injured to the back
-All the drivers went to the north island
Alright. I myself will drive the loader
Wake up, Khosro! The bridge has fell off
The bridge has fell. Iraqis are
walking towards us through the channel
Tanks are passing! Go and stop their army!
Mohammad, wait for me to come
-I wanna go with Mohammad
-Stay. I need you here
-Mohammad! God bless your burnt car!
-Go away!
-Don't beat yourself up
-That was a waste, Khosro
-It's not like it was your own car
-I'd be less upset if it was
Wow!
-Bahman! Did you see Mohammad?
-He was in the channel. He should be back any minute
-Give me some tea
-Go away!
Excuse me, Mostafa. May I have a word?
Yes, Khosro?
-Why isn't Mohammad back yet?
-He will. You called me to ask this?
-No. I made tea for you and Mehdi
-Take it to him
I feel shy around commandars. You take it
Mehdi has ordered to make a volunteer
group of our guys and the army of Najaf
To go at night and attack Iraqis' tanks.
See who's ready. Are you listening?
-Yes, sir
-See who's ready to go with them
You don't go. I have work for you
OK sir
-Why don't you answer me?
-I have a lot to do
-Where's Mohammad?
-How should I know?
-He was with you
-He'll be back
-For the love of God, tell me where he is?
-We were fighting the Iraqis in the channel and he was the first one to go
Be careful! Throw each
tank only one grenade
Throw them and come back quickly.
Walk in a zigzag way so that they
can't see you when they turn the lights on
Don't be scared. It's Ghadir
-Where have you been?
-What happened to the tanks?
They backed off
-How many of the guys survived?
-Only you
I looked for you and didn't find
you. I thought you became a martyr
I prayed and cried! Come on, let's go
-Did Mostafa find out I was gone with them?
-Yes and he was very mad
You go, bro. I stay and tell you if
anything happens with the bridge
-They backed off
-I wanna look for Mohammad's body
Mehdi said that when tanks back off, we
should go to Hamid bridge for guys' bodies
-Hamid?!
-Shohitat bridge. Guys changed its name
-Do you think Mostafa will let me come with you?
-If you make some good tea for him
-Let's go and let that Iraqi rest
-What Iraqi?
Oh My God!
Did you see the birds, too?
Khosro
-Did you see Mohammad's body?
-Where?
Wake up, Mohammad!
Don't bother me! Let's go...
-What happened?
-His best friend became a martyr. They were like brothers
God bless him
Let's go and bring the bodies. There's
lots of them at the end of the channel
I hope you become martyrs. Let's go
Help me put him on my shoulders
Your commandar didn't let people bring his
brother back but you're taking your friend first?
Shame on you!
I'm Khosro. I'm not Mehdi Bakeri!
Thanks Mohammad. You got my back, bro
Did you see how I beat them?
I love you, Mohammad! I
swear you're my best friend!
I swear I'm telling the truth
Do you love me, too?
-I'm talking to you, Mohammad!
-You're chocking me, Khosro! I can't breathe nor talk
Sorry
-Let's go and make a brother deal on Ghadir day
-Don't make me laugh. My hands go limp and you fall!
Now that we're gonna be brothers, recite a
mourning poem for Imam Hussain and Abalfazl
-I will if you promise me not to move
-OK Sure
-OK?
-OK
I'll bring back the tray
-Will you come up?
-Come down here. It's nice
-Do you want some? I can't eat anymore
-No, I'm barely eating mine
Are you sure? Give it to me then!
You said you couldn't eat anymore!
-It's beautiful, Mehdi
-Where are we, by the way?
Tell them where we are
-Don't tease her. It's Karon
-I knew it! I just couldn't remember!
-Now that we said it?
-I knew it, Hamid
-Where is here specifically?
-The Beach of Karon
No!
-This is Labe Karon
-Yeah, right
She didn't get it, did she?
You really don't know
what Labe Karon is?!
*Singing a song*
[Ahvaz/Farvardin of 1362]
Hi Mehdi!
-I missed you!
-They will see us!
I couldn't help it
-Your cloak is dirty now
-It's fine
-What heppened to your foot?
-Nothing. It hurts a little
-I wish you'd told me you're coming. I only made salad for myself
-I'll eat that
-I'll cook something
-No need
-I just need to take a shower
-The water heater is broken
-Can you warm the water for me?
-Of course
Put your hands aside. Let me wash it
-Isn't it hot?
-Yes, I'm gonna burn you
You have the potential!
Grab the role
-Take it. I'm scared
-No one's in the road. Help me take this off
Look at this
-You're drowned in your thoughts
-No
-I was just staring at the road
-God bless Hamid
God bless him
When you went to Urumia, was Fatemeh
upset with me? Because of Hamid's body
No, she didn't say anything
but your sister, Zahra was upset
Fatemeh has distracted
herself with her kids. Take it
-Ehsan doesn't bother her?
-A little. He's a kid after all. But he understands
He can see everyone's upset
When Hamid became a martyr, I thought poor
Fatemeh, how can she raise two kids on her own?
Now I understand how much God
must love her, to give her two kids
They keep Hamid's memory alive
-Mehdi?
-Yes?
Nothing
What did you wanna tell me?
-Now that you said it, say it completely
-Why can't I talk to you, Mehdi?
-Why? Did I say something?
-Whenever I talk to you, I'm afraid I might upset you
I talked about Hamid's children. You
might get upset and think I meant something
I swear I didn't think for a second
that it might mean something
Well, maybe I did!
I did everything you asked me to. You
said let's go to the doctor and I said sure
-We went to Tabriz 'cause they were better
-Don't answer me like this, please
I can't talk to you when
you answer me like this
When can I talk to you? You're here now
I understand that you have a
lot of problems to think about
But whenever you come, you go quickly to a
mission or a meeting or something like that
Did you get that I leave the
windows open even in the winter?
Because I wanna hear
your car and accompany you
I have you this less and I'm satisfied
In the island, there was 300 meters
distance between us and the bodies
Iraq couldn't pass through us. They filled
the place with water so we had to back off
I stand there every evening and
look at the bodies, under the water
Nothing can make me move. You know what's the only thing that
makes me come back to reality and organize everything again?
Thinking about home, about
you. You're not only my wife, Safieh
You're my girl, my mother,
my sister, my father, my family
-Are you telling the truth?
-Yes, I am.
Do you feel better now?
Don't say anything like that again
Promise?
Now give me the orange!
Wait. Let me go and then go inside
-Where are you going?
-Have some work to do. See you at night
-Come in. Rest and have some tea
-No, it's OK
-My mom will be upset if you don't come in
-Apologize to her on behalf of me
I'll see them at night.
Your father will be here, too
-Do you need anything?
-No
-Why are you looking at me like that?
-Do you know what I remembered?
The night we got married. I asked
you why you wouldn't look at me
-Now I look at you. Do you like it?
-Yes
-I learned. Can I go now?
-Go
I'll see you tonight. Bye
Mehdi
Nothing
You're crazy!
-Go inside
-I will
Eat your food
Ehsan, you won't be strong if you don't eat
-God bless him
-Thank you very much. It was delicious
Where's Ehsan?!
Your hand will hurt. I slap
myself so that you laugh
-You're here. Is he OK now?
-Yes, he is
-Come and lay in my arms
-You two remind me of
Ali
God bless him
He used to bring books and tell us
whoever studies better, will win the book
-Hamid would always win
-Zahra! Keep it together!
-Don't! The kid's here
-He was our youngest sibling
Come here
Maryam! Come and take the kid with you
It's alright
-Take him
-Go. I'll be there in a second
-Can I come in?
-Of course. Have a seat
-Did the guests leave?
-No, they're still here
-It's too early for drying greens?
-I have to distract myself
I bought a large amount
of them and I'm drying them
-If you have a lot, give me some, too
-Of course.
-I dried Tareh too. Take some and make Koofteh with it
-Thank you
Your commandar came to the mosque
and had a speech. It was crowded
He gave you and Hamid lots of compliments
He said you'd send Hamid
to all the hard missions
They were all proud of you
They said that you didn't let them bring
his body back. You left him with others
Why Mehdi?
-Why?
-Dear...
Wasn't he our brother?
-Why didn't you let them bring his body back?
-Don't say this
-Stay calm
-How? My heart's burning
-He wasn't only your brother
-Cry slowly. Fatemeh will hear you
-Hamid made a deal with God
-We don't know what happened to Ali and now you left Hamid, too
If we had his body, his
family wouldn't move to Qom
Don't carry the heavy
stuff. The workers are here
-Is Ehsan upstairs?
-Yes
-You left him alone? Maybe he falls
-No, he's in the room
-Don't put pressure on your leg
-Go and take care of the baby
Mehdi
-Yes?
-Thanks. We've caused you trouble
-No. I did what I had to do
-The kids and I appreciate it
I have a question. Why
are you beating yourself up?
-I'm not
-Safieh said Zahra complained to you
-I swear to Hamid's soul, I'm not upset with you
-But I didn't say anything...
He made a deal with God and I
did the same. I don't blame it on you
I'm sure Hamid would do the
same if he was in your situation
-I just wanted to tell you, don't think for a second that I'm upset with you
-Thanks for telling me this
Your leg hurts. Please don't carry
the heavy stuff. The workers do it
Thanks
-I will pay him
-No, let me do it
Thank you, sir
-Here you are
-Thanks
*Explaining the plan for Badr mission*
We explained this all before. You
know we have few weapons and facilities
We asked for boats and
you said you don't have them
We asked for fireworks and
you said you don't have them
We asked for better weapons
and you said you don't have them
Mr. Kazemi, we heard
this all a hundred times
Mehdi
This is exactly what happened in Kheybar.
Some groups fought and became martyrs
But some other groups backed off quickly
We saw it in Kheybar. If we fight like
that again in Badr, we'll be the victors
If Imam hadn't ordered us to fight in
Kheybar mission, we would lost the islands
-We backed off because we couldn't fight anymore
-You and I are alive here. So we could've fought more
I asked my guys to come back
None of them did. They became martyrs
But other armys backed off soon
This happens when a commandar
stands back and orders others to fight
A commandar must get in line and
fight and tell his army to come, not to go
[East side of Dejleh/ Badr Mission/ Esfand of 1363]
-Yes, Mehdi?
-Where are you, Jamshid?
-I'm at the Sadband
-What are you doing there?
I'm staying here so that
the Iraqis can't take the place
Leave there! Don't let the guys run away!
Why should we stay here? We have no weapon
Stop! Have you no shame?
-Come back. We don't have any help
-I have to stay and save this place.
If you send 50 men
here, I'll save this place
Come back. It's an order
I won't answer them as
long as they don't send help
Go and stand there
Don't waste your weapons
Go back, Mehdi! They're bombarding us
God! I'm burning!
Help him
Send the guys from Haribeh to Sadband
Tanks are coming. Back off! Go!
Back off
Back off!
We almost lost Haribeh.
They're reaching here
Iraqis have a plan to keep you captive. They listened
to our conversations and they know you're here
They're here to catch you
We stay here. Don't worry. They asked me to
tie your hands and send you back with the boat!
I can't leave. If we back off, we
have to do a lot to get back here
We sacrificed a lot. I have to stay
and bombard the bridge to cut the road
Don't worry. We're here. Be sure of that
-Bring the injured. Bring Alireza Tondro
-He's in the boat
Listen! Pay attention to Haribeh
-I go see if I can get any help
-OK
Mehdi! Come back. Let's see what we can do
You have no idea how beautiful this place
is. I wish you were here. Can you hear me?
I was sitting next to you. Mostafa took me
I wish you were here to see this beautiful
place, Ahmad. We'd stay together forever
Come here and watch if you had time
-For God's sake. Come back here
-Don't swear, Ahmad. I can't leave my army alone
At least tell something to guys
I said everything I had to. Tell them
whoever loves Mehdi, come here
Turn it off
Maybe they send help
Everything's over
Go back. I stay here. Ghanbarloo
and Jamshid are here, too
-What's your name?
-Mohammadreza Lotfi
-You're a good man
-Thanks, sir
-Were you in Kheybar mission, too?
-Yes, sir
-You ever saw my brother, Hamid?
-A couple of times, from a distance
-If Hamid was here, we wouldn't be alone
-God bless him
-Can I ask you a favor?
-Of course. Anything
Take Ghanbarloo and Jamshid
back with this one boat that's left
-I'm not leaving you behind
-How do you expect me to leave you behind, then?
They're walking towards us
They're here. Be careful
-Where are you going?
-To Haribeh. They're shooting
Stay here. I'll go
-It's dangerous, Mehdi
-I said stay
-Are they our guys?
-I don't know
These are Iraqis! Go quickly!
Mehdi
When will this loneliness end?
When will your tiredness end?
When will you stay long
enough for your clothes to dry?
Hamid and Mehdi's bodies
haven't been returned home yet
Translation by: Zahra Tohidi