White Panther (2013) - full transcript
In the 1990's a million former USSR Jews arrived in Israel. The immigrants were despised by the local population who feared their 'invasion'. While many embraced the Israeli lifestyle, others chose to live in self-made Russian ghettos. These ghettos were a fertile ground for the creation of self-hating Jewish skinheads. 'White Panther' is the story of Alex, a young Russian immigrant who joins a skinheads' gang, led by his older brother. An unexpected meeting with David, a religious Moroccan Jew, gives Alex a chance to pursue his longtime dream of becoming a boxer like his father. Alex finds himself torn between his two father figures - his violent older brother and his new Jewish trainer, only to find out the truth about those he so admires.
Let me go.
You know it's a mistake.
You stink!
I asked you something, ah?
Answer.
Get up.
Get up.
What's the problem?
When my dad was a kid
a gang of Russians
used to beat him up.
Alex, what's the speech about?
Go back to the dishes.
In a minute.
It's very simple.
You go up
to their biggest asshole...
The Russian fucking mafia.
...and kick his ass
while the others shit their pants.
Bastards.
Alex,
come inside right now.
You, get out of here.
It's not over yet.
I said come in.
See this fist?
Keep your fingers shut tight.
Otherwise
you'll break your fingers.
WHITE PANTHER
Work with your legs.
Come on, come on...
Kick his ass!
Come on, come on...
You're getting good, bro.
Why aren't you at work?
I got fired.
Don't worry,
I'll take care of the money.
I'm not worried,
they'll call tomorrow.
He doesn't hire Arabs
and the locals won't do dishes.
Are you going
to wash dishes forever?
It isn't funny.
Don't waste your talents.
Remember how you used to
watch me and Papa work out?
Remember?
That was fun, wasn't it?
You're not a kid anymore.
And this is no game.
Listen,
I brought a new guy.
OIe9-
Hey, Oleg.
You've come to the right place.
Let's go, 9UY5-
Hi, everybody.
I'm glad to see
so many new faces
as well as old.
For those of you who are here
for the first time,
I'll explain who we are
and what we do.
We're... Russians.
And we don't let anybody
grab our balls
and stick our nose in shit
like they're toilet-training a dog.
Because that's how they see us.
A few weeks ago
the their head rabbi
made a speech on TV.
He called the Russian immigrants
whores and alcoholics.
Our mothers, our sisters,
our girlfriends,
he called them all whores.
They think
we'll shut up and take it.
The hell we will!
We won't shut up and take it.
That's why you're here,
so they'll learn to fear us.
Today you'll learn to tear apart
every motherfucker
who tries to grab your balls.
Because we'll never be like...
our parents.
They're afraid to look up
but we're different,
we're the White Panthers.
We're...
The White Panthers!
We are...
-Russians!
We are...
-Russians!
We are...
-Russians!
We are...
-Russians! Russians! Russians!
And never forget it!
Alex, Alex...
Alex.
Stay away from Yevgeni.
He'll get you in trouble.
Focus on what matters,
boxing,
girls.
Okay, Mama.
Good night.
They're good 9UY5-
Good evening. May we?
Just a minute, okay?
Excuse me.
At least the girls are pretty...
How does this work?
Wait on the side, please.
Forget it, Yevgeni,
let's go home.
Home? It's Thursday.
The club's going to hell,
soon it'll be all Russian.
Is there a problem?
Grab him!
Run!
Run!
Fuck offl
Police.
Get out of here.
Back offl
Back off, I said!
You live in District D.
You ruined the neighborhood,
you kids hanging around
with your tattoos,
spraying Nazi graffiti.
If it was up to me
I'd send you all back to Russia.
Your dad must be proud of you.
Don't talk about my dad.
Killed in action.
Where, in Russia?
No, here. In Jenin,
in Operation Defensive Shield.
Was he a soldier?
No, a cook.
Take his details.
A kid with so much probation
on his record...
once he's in jail
he'll never get out.
Check if his father
was killed in action.
Yes, he volunteered to the army
3 months after he came to Israel.
That's funny, David,
his dad was a boxer too.
Champion of Moscow.
Delete all the details
on this kid.
But I started...
-Then stop and delete his details.
David...
-Don't argue,
I'm in charge of
the kids in the projects.
Do you want to be a boxer
like your dad?
I'm asking, do you want to be
a boxer like your dad?
Look... I have an offer for you.
I have a club.
Golden Gloves, in Tiberias.
Instead of sitting here in jail,
you can train with me.
Are you shitting me?
Do I look like I'm shitting you?
But one little fuckup
and I come to your house
and throw you back in jail.
Think about it.
Itk fun to speak free
Eminem can eat me
I can freestyle
ten times better than he...
So if you got nothin' to say
Just say "moron"and go away
'Cause I ain't here to play...
It's Alex.
Did they release him?
Hey, bro,
wait a sec.
You're on probation,
how did you get out?
I cut a deal with them.
We worked something out.
Don't cut deals with those animals,
they're only out for themselves.
Remember who you are
and who you're loyal to.
Come sit with us.
No, I'm tired.
Alex...
I love you, bro.
It's that asshole.
What's that junkie doing here?
Yasmin,
you go out,
and all the boxers follow you.
Sorry, dad.
Get inside.
Move in, force him into the corner!
The corner!
Great, great!
Get closer, Danny,
keep your right open.
Arms back in place.
Let's put you in the roster.
Come here.
This is Alex Zeitlin.
Put him on our roster.
How are you paying?
-He isn't. It's on me.
Everyone's on you.
But how will our club
support itself, Dad?
Yasmin, don't stick your nose
where it doesn't belong.
Come.
Breathe, breathe.
Hold it.
Concentrate when you hit.
When you do, all of the force
goes into your fist
and it's less tiring.
Breathing is the basis.
Good.
Good.
Keep your left strong. Good.
Hold me so I can't attack.
Good!
Get back in place, like this.
When you open up,
go right back into place.
Concentrate.
Good.
There's the bastard
who picked on Oleg.
You guys, that's the bastard
who picked on Oleg.
This guy?
Get him.
What's up, Zion?
You promised we'd meet again.
Why are you running away?
Oleg, come here.
Come here.
Hit him.
He'll learn.
Not like that. Watch me.
Hit him.
-Stronger. -Kick him.
Son of a bitch!
Motherfucker!
Hit him stronger. Come on!
One moment.
Listen, Alex,
find me two boys
who want to make some money.
What's the problem?
I'll go.
It's not for you, Alex.
Tell them they'll get
a few hundred shekels an hour.
What's the matter, Yevgeni,
aren't I good enough?
Alex,
you don't need this, believe me.
Find me two guys.
I'm coming with you.
Moshe, how are you?
Sasha sent me.
Son of a bitch!
Yevgeni, what are you doing?
I have no choice.
Someone has to pay
the electric bill.
I told you not to come
but you insisted.
Mama, what are you doing outside?
You shouldn't be here...
Alex, where were you
all night?
Mama, the doctor told you
to stay inside.
You shouldn't be hanging out
with Yevgeni.
I know what you're doing.
I've lost both you and Yevgeni.
You didn't lose me, I'm here.
It's okay.
I've failed. I couldn't...
If only Papa were alive...
Now I can't...
I can't even visit his grave.
What would I tell him?
Yevgeni is a lost cause,
I thought I could save you...
but I lost you too.
Let's go home.
I can't take it anymore.
Come on, let's go...
Come on. It's all right.
Let's go...
-Alex...
Where do you go?
Why aren't you focused?
Why aren't you focused?
Huh?
Yell at me. Yell!
Louden
Louden
Good.
Louden
Alex.
Come here.
Take a break.
1969,
I was the champion.
I want you to be
a champion too.
Want some?
Give me that.
Have some. Just taste it.
Good, huh?
Take it, there's plenty.
Alex, what did the cop
talk to you about?
About us?
Sit down.
Alex, we're family...
How did that cop and his daughter
steal you from us?
Nobody stole me.
I just want my dream
to come true.
You're so naive.
Well, I won't burst your bubble.
This is Alex, my little brother.
This is Sasha.
We're partners now.
Sasha wants to invest in you,
open a boxing club for you.
We'll give you money,
find you a place,
buy you all the equipment.
Get it?
All your dreams
will come true.
You teach them to box
and we'll take care of the rest.
Come on.
Guard your face.
Give it to him!
That's the way.
-Use your right.
Hold on.
StOP-
Why did he stop them?
Let him hit with his right,
if he lowers his arm,
come in from below.
He's giving him special treatment.
Great!
Put him in the corner!
Goom
Nice, Alex.
He's a criminal.
You give him special treatment.
Won't you get it before
everyone snaps at you?
Enough, Yasmin, enough.
Stay out of my business, enough!
We're barely scraping by as it is,
we won't survive this way.
Is he worth
losing everything for?
Nothing's being lost.
And no one's leaving so soon.
Everyone knows he doesn't pay.
And all the boxers
are mad at you.
How do they know?
Who told them? You?
Listen, David...
It was a mistake coming here
in the first place.
You can arrest me if you want.
Who'll take care of your mom
when you're in jail?
Take a seat.
Listen,
we can get the Boxing Federation
to pay for your training.
We just need to certify
that you're a bereaved family.
Right, Yasmin?
Everyone will benefit.
You want to train, don't you?
Do you or don't you?!
Yasmin, go home with him
and find all the papers he needs.
Dad, I'm not...
-Yes you are.
You sure are.
I didn't ask you to be his buddy,
I just asked you
to get the papers.
Okay, let's get this over with.
Come on.
Get up.
Where do you live?
I grew up here.
It must have been nice
before the Russians came.
Don't put words into my mouth.
If you don't like it here,
go back to Russia.
Always the same line, right?
You said you're in a hurry, right?
I love sweets,
that's my weakness.
Then take this.
-No, no.
They have filling,
they're delicious.
This is my marriage certificate.
It's in Russian.
These are my wedding pictures,
I sewed my dress myself.
-You're beautiful.
Everyone's beautiful
when they're young.
Do you get your looks
from your mother? -Thanks,
my mom was beautiful.
-Was?
She died of cancer two years ago.
What's she doing here?
First my brother, now my mom?
Get out of here.
Why the hell
did you bring her here?
Yevgeni.
-What? Get out.
Get out.
Thanks.
Fuck!
What now?
Heavy, huh?
I'm sorry about your mom,
I didn't know.
How could you have known?
Your mom is really nice.
So is your dad.
I know you don't like the fact
that we're so close,
but I believe in him
and he believes in me
even if I throw
the hard truth in his face.
So don't ruin it for me.
My problem with him
has nothing to do with you.
So why don't we trade,
your dad for my mom,
then I'll be both Israeli
and Jewish.
It doesn't go by the father.
Your mom's Jewish, isn't she?
Then you're Jewish.
Your rules are complicated.
Let's get going
before my dad freaks out.
Wait a sec, I need a rest.
Remember what they did to Papa.
I remember.
Go take a shower,
then you're coming with me.
I'm tired.
I'm not asking.
Go wash off the stink of cops.
Tell Alex to paint.
Yevgeni said you should paint too.
Alex...
Do you want to be a boxer
or don't you?!
Now here.
Again.
Good boy.
Your father was a hero.
No, no...
No...
Drink.
See that cemetery?
My father is buried there.
I remember
when I was a kid he'd take me
to kibbutzim to work.
We'd stand in line
to get food to take home.
The kibbutzniks looked down on us
like we were low-Iifes.
When my dad died in the war
they buried him
outside the fence.
Since my mom didn't know Hebrew
me and my brother
went to talk to the military rabbi.
You know what he said?
"He isn't Jewish.
There's nothing I can do."
Three days after my dad dies...
he says a thing like that.
I believe in you, Alex.
I believe in you.
Breathe, breathe...
A month from now
the national championship
preliminaries start.
I swore that this year
the champion will come
from our club.
I was the champion of Israel.
He'll do anything
for that Russkie.
Zion, if you don't like it,
you can go.
What's with you?
Do you have the hots for that gentile?
Shut up. My dad is talking.
Keep it down.
-Okay, Dad.
I always dreamed of being...
Besides, his mom is Jewish.
Yasmin, we shower with him.
He's no Jew.
You can see for yourself.
When I was your age
I pictured Marcel Cerdan
all the time,
pushing me to succeed.
Do you always look at guys
in the shower?
I have a good feeling
about this year.
Alex...
How are you?
Gana wants to talk to you.
Alex, how are you?
Fine.
How's the boxing?
Fine.
I remember going with Sasha
to see your dad fight.
We were big fans.
I remember how your mom
used to look at him,
she was so proud of him...
By the way, how is she?
Sasha made you a great offer,
he'll open a club for you,
a top-notch, professional club.
We like you.
Don't let us down.
If your mother is dear to you,
if you want your brother
alive and well,
don't do anything stupid.
We don't want this story
to have an unhappy ending.
Don't forget who you are.
Do we understand each other?
"Peace upon you,
angels of peace
"Angels on high
"From the King of Kings
"The holy one, blessed be He..."
"Blessed are You, O Lord,
"who sanctifies the Sabbath."
-Amen.
Shabbat Shalom.
-Shabbat Shalom.
Do you like it, Alex?
Alex,
I was your age here.
They called me the Black Panther.
Just because you're a redhead
doesn't mean we're so different.
Even though
this was 40 years ago
I was much more messed-up
than you.
This is Rachel,
Yasmin's mother.
The minute I met her
all my rage disappeared.
Love is...
more important than money,
than race, than honor.
Well, David, it's late, so...
I'll be going.
- Wait a minute.
Listen, Alex,
it's just Yasmin and me here,
and tomorrow I have
a big meal at the synagogue,
so do me a favor,
take this to your mom,
Yasmin made it.
All right. Thanks.
That's weird.
-What's weird?
My dad never spoke about
my mom like that.
Not to me, at least.
I'm sorry,
sorry about how I treated you
when you came to train.
Don't worry about it,
I'm not mad.
I'm not mad at you.
I better get back
before my dad gets
the wrong idea.
Do you think
she'll make you an Israeli?
You sacrificed your principles
for a girl?
Don't talk to me about principles
after what happened at the synagogue.
I was just trying to wake you up.
You're gonna wake up
and find no one around.
No family, no friends,
but then it'll be too late.
"Regional Boxing Championship"
Welcome to the semifinals
of the Israeli men's championship.
Keep your guard up!
On your toes!
Well done!
Defense.
Alex, get him into the corner!
Good.
That's the way!
Alex, Alex, Alex...
Give him a right!
That's the way, Alex!
Good!
The semifinal contenders are:
In the red corner: Morad Bana,
Kfar Yassif Golden Gloves.
In the blue corner: Alex Zeitlin
from the Tiberias Golden Gloves.
Go.
No.
Use your right!
Concentrate!
Guard your corner!
One.
Two.
Three.
Foun
Five.
Six.
Seven.
Eight.
Nine.
Ten.
Out.
The winner of the Israeli semifinals,
Alex Zeitlin, Tiberias Golden Gloves,
knockout.
That's my boy.
Wonderful, wonderful...
I got a call,
the burglar alarm went off.
Sorry, I must have...
It slipped my mind.
Is this how you celebrate
a victory?
Go out, have a drink,
have some fun,
you deserve it.
Come to the Trapeze with me.
They didn't even let me in
when I worked there.
They will if you're with me.
Come on.
Come on, I'm buying.
Where I come from
girls don't pay for guys.
Turning into a Moroccan, huh?
Come on, big shot.
I never saw my dad like that,
he came home crying.
I haven't seen him cry
since my mom died.
It was amazing.
Yasmin. -Liron, what are you
doing here? -Come here a sec.
Just a second.
-Come on.
What did they want?
-Nothing. Never mind.
What do you mean, nothing?
Does it bother them
that you're with me?
They said my dad
will go ballistic,
not because you're Russian...
your father wasn't Jewish.
That's ridiculous.
Your dad doesn't care,
he said so himself.
Don't worry,
I don't listen to what people say,
I only listen to my heart.
Let's dance.
Let's make a deal,
you teach me to box
and I'll teach you to dance.
You're doing it all wrong.
Come on, I'll show you how.
First of all,
move this leg back a little.
When you punch
keep your hand straight.
Like that. Right.
Move your hip too.
Where were you?
-I went out.
With Alex?
How many times have I told you,
stay away from my boxers.
Especially Alex.
I thought love was
stronger than race,
stronger than money,
stronger than honor.
I wish you'd talk to me
half as much as you do with Alex.
You gave up on me long ago, Dad.
You wanted a boy
but you got a girl.
I may not say so,
but I love you.
You're the most important thing
I have.
Remember how Mom used to say
that love is doing, not talking?
Don't tell me you love me.
I'll be with whoever I want.
He believes in you,
don't let him down too.
The beer% almost finished,
though it was as tasty
as a banana
on a tree.
Flowers and maybe something else...
Want some?
ltk strong and clean,
like gin.
Maybe... a pretty picture,
3 PTBTCV girl...
Remember you told me
that the happiest day
of your life
will be when you make
your mom proud?
Next week is the championship.
Training regime.
No going out,
no hanging out until 4 a.m.
Did Yasmin tell you?
I'm her father.
She tells me everything.
Don't worry, David.
I won't let you down.
Hi. What's up?
I wanted to wish you luck.
Why, aren't you...
coming with us?
-No.
My dad wants you to stay focused.
I don't want to ruin this for you.
Alex, get on the bus.
I want you to do well.
-Okay, all right.
Get on the bus.
What are you doing here?
-I came to wish you luck.
How many times
have I asked you...
National Championship
What are you doing here?
What do you think you're doing?
What is this?
Why isn't Yasmin here?
I thought it was okay with you.
Let's not talk about it now.
Do you have a problem
with me, David?
Since you're asking, yes.
Stay away from my daughter.
She's not for you.
We'll talk about it
after the fight.
You have a problem with me, David?
With me?
Alex, you know I love you,
find another girl,
someone with your mentality.
You're infatuated now
so you don't notice,
but it'll tear you apart.
Believe me.
Let's talk about it
after the fight.
Come on.
Come on already.
Welcome to the Israeli
Boxing Championship,
being held in Kfar Yassif.
In the blue corner: Alex Zeitlin,
Tiberias Golden Gloves,
and Amjad Jihadi,
Kfar Yassif Golden Gloves.
Box!
Stop.
One.
Two. Three. Four.
Five. Six.
Don't push, please,
don't push.
What are you doing, Alex?
Don't push him.
Alex!
Stop.
One.
Two.
-What are you doing?
Three.
-What are you doing?
Five. Six. Seven.
Eight.
-What are you doing?
One...
One.
Get up, Alex.
Three.
Four, five, six,
seven, eight.
Stop. Up and down.
Forfeit.
Have you lost you mind?
Why are you doing this to me?
Find yourself another boxer,
a Moroccan,
someone with your own mentality.
Your hatred leaves me no choice,
to escape this paralysis
I beat up all the suckers,
the stupid motherfuckers.
We aren't the mafia
but we're thick as thieves
through blood and death,
through blood and death, damn it.
Yes,
this is a tough song.
Whoever isn't with us
is against us...
Thank you,
enjoy your evening
and may you win lots of money.
You were great.
-Thanks.
I'm glad you learned your lesson.
Forget everything you learned,
a soldier is no different
from a boxer.
Soldier?
I thought I was training boxers.
Listen, don't meddle
in our business, okay?
You still stink of cops.
Don't mouth off to him again,
Sasha, he isn't me,
if you let him down,
there's no way back.
I told you to stay away
from my family.
I told you.
Let's go to my house.
Didn't I make myself clear?
Yevgeni, leave her alone.
Yevgeni, relax.
You shame me
and your father's memory.
You're a coward.
You too.
You both make me sick.
Come with me.
Sasha's waiting downstairs.
I don't want to leave Mama alone.
It won't take long.
Listen,
you chose to come back to us.
You made your choice.
Sasha's waiting.
Come with me.
The most important thing
is trust.
I don't trust you.
What do you want from me?
I want you
to prove your worth.
Let's go.
Now's the time, bro.
Hey, old man.
Yevgeni,
what are you doing?
He's just an old man.
What are we doing?
What's wrong with you?
Do you realize
what's this all about?
Come here...
Hit him, Alex.
I said, hit him.
Alex, hit him, I beg you.
Kick his ass! Go ahead!
Give it to him, God damn it!
Take this...
Fuck you.
Go fuck off to your monkey friend.
You don't have a home anymore.
Asshole.
Good thing Ohana isn't here,
you were his biggest hope.
What a fool.
He thought he could save you.
I want to call him.
-Come here.
I want to call him.
Hello?
David, please don't hang up.
Listen, I...
I'm at the police station
and my mom is alone at home.
Come get me released. Please.
David, I won't let you down again,
I swear.
I'll do whatever you say,
I'll stay away from Yasmin...
I'll be the best boxer
in the country, in the world.
Please get me released,
I swear I won't let you down.
David, I have to be with my mom.
David.
David?
Mrs. Zeitlin?
Vera.
Vera?
Alex.
David.
"May His great name be praised
and sanctified...
"May His great name be praised
and sanctified...
"In the world which He created...
"In the world which He created...
"And may He rule...
"And may He rule...
"And may His salvation blossom...
"And may His salvation blossom...
"In our lives and our days..."
Calm down, Alex.
How did you get out?
Alex...
I told the cops everything
that goes on here.
I'm not afraid of you.
What the hell?
Fuck you, I'm not afraid of you.
Of anybody.
I PW you.
You're like sheep,
believing those scumbags.
What are you, their whores?
What did you say?
Watch your mouth.
Look at yourselves.
They don't give a shit
about your ideology.
Use your brains
before it's too late.
Police. You're surrounded.
Come out with your hand up!
Yasmin, I...
I promised your dad.
Yasmin, I'm not a coward anymore.
If you turn coward,
I'll just up and leave.
You know it's a mistake.
You stink!
I asked you something, ah?
Answer.
Get up.
Get up.
What's the problem?
When my dad was a kid
a gang of Russians
used to beat him up.
Alex, what's the speech about?
Go back to the dishes.
In a minute.
It's very simple.
You go up
to their biggest asshole...
The Russian fucking mafia.
...and kick his ass
while the others shit their pants.
Bastards.
Alex,
come inside right now.
You, get out of here.
It's not over yet.
I said come in.
See this fist?
Keep your fingers shut tight.
Otherwise
you'll break your fingers.
WHITE PANTHER
Work with your legs.
Come on, come on...
Kick his ass!
Come on, come on...
You're getting good, bro.
Why aren't you at work?
I got fired.
Don't worry,
I'll take care of the money.
I'm not worried,
they'll call tomorrow.
He doesn't hire Arabs
and the locals won't do dishes.
Are you going
to wash dishes forever?
It isn't funny.
Don't waste your talents.
Remember how you used to
watch me and Papa work out?
Remember?
That was fun, wasn't it?
You're not a kid anymore.
And this is no game.
Listen,
I brought a new guy.
OIe9-
Hey, Oleg.
You've come to the right place.
Let's go, 9UY5-
Hi, everybody.
I'm glad to see
so many new faces
as well as old.
For those of you who are here
for the first time,
I'll explain who we are
and what we do.
We're... Russians.
And we don't let anybody
grab our balls
and stick our nose in shit
like they're toilet-training a dog.
Because that's how they see us.
A few weeks ago
the their head rabbi
made a speech on TV.
He called the Russian immigrants
whores and alcoholics.
Our mothers, our sisters,
our girlfriends,
he called them all whores.
They think
we'll shut up and take it.
The hell we will!
We won't shut up and take it.
That's why you're here,
so they'll learn to fear us.
Today you'll learn to tear apart
every motherfucker
who tries to grab your balls.
Because we'll never be like...
our parents.
They're afraid to look up
but we're different,
we're the White Panthers.
We're...
The White Panthers!
We are...
-Russians!
We are...
-Russians!
We are...
-Russians!
We are...
-Russians! Russians! Russians!
And never forget it!
Alex, Alex...
Alex.
Stay away from Yevgeni.
He'll get you in trouble.
Focus on what matters,
boxing,
girls.
Okay, Mama.
Good night.
They're good 9UY5-
Good evening. May we?
Just a minute, okay?
Excuse me.
At least the girls are pretty...
How does this work?
Wait on the side, please.
Forget it, Yevgeni,
let's go home.
Home? It's Thursday.
The club's going to hell,
soon it'll be all Russian.
Is there a problem?
Grab him!
Run!
Run!
Fuck offl
Police.
Get out of here.
Back offl
Back off, I said!
You live in District D.
You ruined the neighborhood,
you kids hanging around
with your tattoos,
spraying Nazi graffiti.
If it was up to me
I'd send you all back to Russia.
Your dad must be proud of you.
Don't talk about my dad.
Killed in action.
Where, in Russia?
No, here. In Jenin,
in Operation Defensive Shield.
Was he a soldier?
No, a cook.
Take his details.
A kid with so much probation
on his record...
once he's in jail
he'll never get out.
Check if his father
was killed in action.
Yes, he volunteered to the army
3 months after he came to Israel.
That's funny, David,
his dad was a boxer too.
Champion of Moscow.
Delete all the details
on this kid.
But I started...
-Then stop and delete his details.
David...
-Don't argue,
I'm in charge of
the kids in the projects.
Do you want to be a boxer
like your dad?
I'm asking, do you want to be
a boxer like your dad?
Look... I have an offer for you.
I have a club.
Golden Gloves, in Tiberias.
Instead of sitting here in jail,
you can train with me.
Are you shitting me?
Do I look like I'm shitting you?
But one little fuckup
and I come to your house
and throw you back in jail.
Think about it.
Itk fun to speak free
Eminem can eat me
I can freestyle
ten times better than he...
So if you got nothin' to say
Just say "moron"and go away
'Cause I ain't here to play...
It's Alex.
Did they release him?
Hey, bro,
wait a sec.
You're on probation,
how did you get out?
I cut a deal with them.
We worked something out.
Don't cut deals with those animals,
they're only out for themselves.
Remember who you are
and who you're loyal to.
Come sit with us.
No, I'm tired.
Alex...
I love you, bro.
It's that asshole.
What's that junkie doing here?
Yasmin,
you go out,
and all the boxers follow you.
Sorry, dad.
Get inside.
Move in, force him into the corner!
The corner!
Great, great!
Get closer, Danny,
keep your right open.
Arms back in place.
Let's put you in the roster.
Come here.
This is Alex Zeitlin.
Put him on our roster.
How are you paying?
-He isn't. It's on me.
Everyone's on you.
But how will our club
support itself, Dad?
Yasmin, don't stick your nose
where it doesn't belong.
Come.
Breathe, breathe.
Hold it.
Concentrate when you hit.
When you do, all of the force
goes into your fist
and it's less tiring.
Breathing is the basis.
Good.
Good.
Keep your left strong. Good.
Hold me so I can't attack.
Good!
Get back in place, like this.
When you open up,
go right back into place.
Concentrate.
Good.
There's the bastard
who picked on Oleg.
You guys, that's the bastard
who picked on Oleg.
This guy?
Get him.
What's up, Zion?
You promised we'd meet again.
Why are you running away?
Oleg, come here.
Come here.
Hit him.
He'll learn.
Not like that. Watch me.
Hit him.
-Stronger. -Kick him.
Son of a bitch!
Motherfucker!
Hit him stronger. Come on!
One moment.
Listen, Alex,
find me two boys
who want to make some money.
What's the problem?
I'll go.
It's not for you, Alex.
Tell them they'll get
a few hundred shekels an hour.
What's the matter, Yevgeni,
aren't I good enough?
Alex,
you don't need this, believe me.
Find me two guys.
I'm coming with you.
Moshe, how are you?
Sasha sent me.
Son of a bitch!
Yevgeni, what are you doing?
I have no choice.
Someone has to pay
the electric bill.
I told you not to come
but you insisted.
Mama, what are you doing outside?
You shouldn't be here...
Alex, where were you
all night?
Mama, the doctor told you
to stay inside.
You shouldn't be hanging out
with Yevgeni.
I know what you're doing.
I've lost both you and Yevgeni.
You didn't lose me, I'm here.
It's okay.
I've failed. I couldn't...
If only Papa were alive...
Now I can't...
I can't even visit his grave.
What would I tell him?
Yevgeni is a lost cause,
I thought I could save you...
but I lost you too.
Let's go home.
I can't take it anymore.
Come on, let's go...
Come on. It's all right.
Let's go...
-Alex...
Where do you go?
Why aren't you focused?
Why aren't you focused?
Huh?
Yell at me. Yell!
Louden
Louden
Good.
Louden
Alex.
Come here.
Take a break.
1969,
I was the champion.
I want you to be
a champion too.
Want some?
Give me that.
Have some. Just taste it.
Good, huh?
Take it, there's plenty.
Alex, what did the cop
talk to you about?
About us?
Sit down.
Alex, we're family...
How did that cop and his daughter
steal you from us?
Nobody stole me.
I just want my dream
to come true.
You're so naive.
Well, I won't burst your bubble.
This is Alex, my little brother.
This is Sasha.
We're partners now.
Sasha wants to invest in you,
open a boxing club for you.
We'll give you money,
find you a place,
buy you all the equipment.
Get it?
All your dreams
will come true.
You teach them to box
and we'll take care of the rest.
Come on.
Guard your face.
Give it to him!
That's the way.
-Use your right.
Hold on.
StOP-
Why did he stop them?
Let him hit with his right,
if he lowers his arm,
come in from below.
He's giving him special treatment.
Great!
Put him in the corner!
Goom
Nice, Alex.
He's a criminal.
You give him special treatment.
Won't you get it before
everyone snaps at you?
Enough, Yasmin, enough.
Stay out of my business, enough!
We're barely scraping by as it is,
we won't survive this way.
Is he worth
losing everything for?
Nothing's being lost.
And no one's leaving so soon.
Everyone knows he doesn't pay.
And all the boxers
are mad at you.
How do they know?
Who told them? You?
Listen, David...
It was a mistake coming here
in the first place.
You can arrest me if you want.
Who'll take care of your mom
when you're in jail?
Take a seat.
Listen,
we can get the Boxing Federation
to pay for your training.
We just need to certify
that you're a bereaved family.
Right, Yasmin?
Everyone will benefit.
You want to train, don't you?
Do you or don't you?!
Yasmin, go home with him
and find all the papers he needs.
Dad, I'm not...
-Yes you are.
You sure are.
I didn't ask you to be his buddy,
I just asked you
to get the papers.
Okay, let's get this over with.
Come on.
Get up.
Where do you live?
I grew up here.
It must have been nice
before the Russians came.
Don't put words into my mouth.
If you don't like it here,
go back to Russia.
Always the same line, right?
You said you're in a hurry, right?
I love sweets,
that's my weakness.
Then take this.
-No, no.
They have filling,
they're delicious.
This is my marriage certificate.
It's in Russian.
These are my wedding pictures,
I sewed my dress myself.
-You're beautiful.
Everyone's beautiful
when they're young.
Do you get your looks
from your mother? -Thanks,
my mom was beautiful.
-Was?
She died of cancer two years ago.
What's she doing here?
First my brother, now my mom?
Get out of here.
Why the hell
did you bring her here?
Yevgeni.
-What? Get out.
Get out.
Thanks.
Fuck!
What now?
Heavy, huh?
I'm sorry about your mom,
I didn't know.
How could you have known?
Your mom is really nice.
So is your dad.
I know you don't like the fact
that we're so close,
but I believe in him
and he believes in me
even if I throw
the hard truth in his face.
So don't ruin it for me.
My problem with him
has nothing to do with you.
So why don't we trade,
your dad for my mom,
then I'll be both Israeli
and Jewish.
It doesn't go by the father.
Your mom's Jewish, isn't she?
Then you're Jewish.
Your rules are complicated.
Let's get going
before my dad freaks out.
Wait a sec, I need a rest.
Remember what they did to Papa.
I remember.
Go take a shower,
then you're coming with me.
I'm tired.
I'm not asking.
Go wash off the stink of cops.
Tell Alex to paint.
Yevgeni said you should paint too.
Alex...
Do you want to be a boxer
or don't you?!
Now here.
Again.
Good boy.
Your father was a hero.
No, no...
No...
Drink.
See that cemetery?
My father is buried there.
I remember
when I was a kid he'd take me
to kibbutzim to work.
We'd stand in line
to get food to take home.
The kibbutzniks looked down on us
like we were low-Iifes.
When my dad died in the war
they buried him
outside the fence.
Since my mom didn't know Hebrew
me and my brother
went to talk to the military rabbi.
You know what he said?
"He isn't Jewish.
There's nothing I can do."
Three days after my dad dies...
he says a thing like that.
I believe in you, Alex.
I believe in you.
Breathe, breathe...
A month from now
the national championship
preliminaries start.
I swore that this year
the champion will come
from our club.
I was the champion of Israel.
He'll do anything
for that Russkie.
Zion, if you don't like it,
you can go.
What's with you?
Do you have the hots for that gentile?
Shut up. My dad is talking.
Keep it down.
-Okay, Dad.
I always dreamed of being...
Besides, his mom is Jewish.
Yasmin, we shower with him.
He's no Jew.
You can see for yourself.
When I was your age
I pictured Marcel Cerdan
all the time,
pushing me to succeed.
Do you always look at guys
in the shower?
I have a good feeling
about this year.
Alex...
How are you?
Gana wants to talk to you.
Alex, how are you?
Fine.
How's the boxing?
Fine.
I remember going with Sasha
to see your dad fight.
We were big fans.
I remember how your mom
used to look at him,
she was so proud of him...
By the way, how is she?
Sasha made you a great offer,
he'll open a club for you,
a top-notch, professional club.
We like you.
Don't let us down.
If your mother is dear to you,
if you want your brother
alive and well,
don't do anything stupid.
We don't want this story
to have an unhappy ending.
Don't forget who you are.
Do we understand each other?
"Peace upon you,
angels of peace
"Angels on high
"From the King of Kings
"The holy one, blessed be He..."
"Blessed are You, O Lord,
"who sanctifies the Sabbath."
-Amen.
Shabbat Shalom.
-Shabbat Shalom.
Do you like it, Alex?
Alex,
I was your age here.
They called me the Black Panther.
Just because you're a redhead
doesn't mean we're so different.
Even though
this was 40 years ago
I was much more messed-up
than you.
This is Rachel,
Yasmin's mother.
The minute I met her
all my rage disappeared.
Love is...
more important than money,
than race, than honor.
Well, David, it's late, so...
I'll be going.
- Wait a minute.
Listen, Alex,
it's just Yasmin and me here,
and tomorrow I have
a big meal at the synagogue,
so do me a favor,
take this to your mom,
Yasmin made it.
All right. Thanks.
That's weird.
-What's weird?
My dad never spoke about
my mom like that.
Not to me, at least.
I'm sorry,
sorry about how I treated you
when you came to train.
Don't worry about it,
I'm not mad.
I'm not mad at you.
I better get back
before my dad gets
the wrong idea.
Do you think
she'll make you an Israeli?
You sacrificed your principles
for a girl?
Don't talk to me about principles
after what happened at the synagogue.
I was just trying to wake you up.
You're gonna wake up
and find no one around.
No family, no friends,
but then it'll be too late.
"Regional Boxing Championship"
Welcome to the semifinals
of the Israeli men's championship.
Keep your guard up!
On your toes!
Well done!
Defense.
Alex, get him into the corner!
Good.
That's the way!
Alex, Alex, Alex...
Give him a right!
That's the way, Alex!
Good!
The semifinal contenders are:
In the red corner: Morad Bana,
Kfar Yassif Golden Gloves.
In the blue corner: Alex Zeitlin
from the Tiberias Golden Gloves.
Go.
No.
Use your right!
Concentrate!
Guard your corner!
One.
Two.
Three.
Foun
Five.
Six.
Seven.
Eight.
Nine.
Ten.
Out.
The winner of the Israeli semifinals,
Alex Zeitlin, Tiberias Golden Gloves,
knockout.
That's my boy.
Wonderful, wonderful...
I got a call,
the burglar alarm went off.
Sorry, I must have...
It slipped my mind.
Is this how you celebrate
a victory?
Go out, have a drink,
have some fun,
you deserve it.
Come to the Trapeze with me.
They didn't even let me in
when I worked there.
They will if you're with me.
Come on.
Come on, I'm buying.
Where I come from
girls don't pay for guys.
Turning into a Moroccan, huh?
Come on, big shot.
I never saw my dad like that,
he came home crying.
I haven't seen him cry
since my mom died.
It was amazing.
Yasmin. -Liron, what are you
doing here? -Come here a sec.
Just a second.
-Come on.
What did they want?
-Nothing. Never mind.
What do you mean, nothing?
Does it bother them
that you're with me?
They said my dad
will go ballistic,
not because you're Russian...
your father wasn't Jewish.
That's ridiculous.
Your dad doesn't care,
he said so himself.
Don't worry,
I don't listen to what people say,
I only listen to my heart.
Let's dance.
Let's make a deal,
you teach me to box
and I'll teach you to dance.
You're doing it all wrong.
Come on, I'll show you how.
First of all,
move this leg back a little.
When you punch
keep your hand straight.
Like that. Right.
Move your hip too.
Where were you?
-I went out.
With Alex?
How many times have I told you,
stay away from my boxers.
Especially Alex.
I thought love was
stronger than race,
stronger than money,
stronger than honor.
I wish you'd talk to me
half as much as you do with Alex.
You gave up on me long ago, Dad.
You wanted a boy
but you got a girl.
I may not say so,
but I love you.
You're the most important thing
I have.
Remember how Mom used to say
that love is doing, not talking?
Don't tell me you love me.
I'll be with whoever I want.
He believes in you,
don't let him down too.
The beer% almost finished,
though it was as tasty
as a banana
on a tree.
Flowers and maybe something else...
Want some?
ltk strong and clean,
like gin.
Maybe... a pretty picture,
3 PTBTCV girl...
Remember you told me
that the happiest day
of your life
will be when you make
your mom proud?
Next week is the championship.
Training regime.
No going out,
no hanging out until 4 a.m.
Did Yasmin tell you?
I'm her father.
She tells me everything.
Don't worry, David.
I won't let you down.
Hi. What's up?
I wanted to wish you luck.
Why, aren't you...
coming with us?
-No.
My dad wants you to stay focused.
I don't want to ruin this for you.
Alex, get on the bus.
I want you to do well.
-Okay, all right.
Get on the bus.
What are you doing here?
-I came to wish you luck.
How many times
have I asked you...
National Championship
What are you doing here?
What do you think you're doing?
What is this?
Why isn't Yasmin here?
I thought it was okay with you.
Let's not talk about it now.
Do you have a problem
with me, David?
Since you're asking, yes.
Stay away from my daughter.
She's not for you.
We'll talk about it
after the fight.
You have a problem with me, David?
With me?
Alex, you know I love you,
find another girl,
someone with your mentality.
You're infatuated now
so you don't notice,
but it'll tear you apart.
Believe me.
Let's talk about it
after the fight.
Come on.
Come on already.
Welcome to the Israeli
Boxing Championship,
being held in Kfar Yassif.
In the blue corner: Alex Zeitlin,
Tiberias Golden Gloves,
and Amjad Jihadi,
Kfar Yassif Golden Gloves.
Box!
Stop.
One.
Two. Three. Four.
Five. Six.
Don't push, please,
don't push.
What are you doing, Alex?
Don't push him.
Alex!
Stop.
One.
Two.
-What are you doing?
Three.
-What are you doing?
Five. Six. Seven.
Eight.
-What are you doing?
One...
One.
Get up, Alex.
Three.
Four, five, six,
seven, eight.
Stop. Up and down.
Forfeit.
Have you lost you mind?
Why are you doing this to me?
Find yourself another boxer,
a Moroccan,
someone with your own mentality.
Your hatred leaves me no choice,
to escape this paralysis
I beat up all the suckers,
the stupid motherfuckers.
We aren't the mafia
but we're thick as thieves
through blood and death,
through blood and death, damn it.
Yes,
this is a tough song.
Whoever isn't with us
is against us...
Thank you,
enjoy your evening
and may you win lots of money.
You were great.
-Thanks.
I'm glad you learned your lesson.
Forget everything you learned,
a soldier is no different
from a boxer.
Soldier?
I thought I was training boxers.
Listen, don't meddle
in our business, okay?
You still stink of cops.
Don't mouth off to him again,
Sasha, he isn't me,
if you let him down,
there's no way back.
I told you to stay away
from my family.
I told you.
Let's go to my house.
Didn't I make myself clear?
Yevgeni, leave her alone.
Yevgeni, relax.
You shame me
and your father's memory.
You're a coward.
You too.
You both make me sick.
Come with me.
Sasha's waiting downstairs.
I don't want to leave Mama alone.
It won't take long.
Listen,
you chose to come back to us.
You made your choice.
Sasha's waiting.
Come with me.
The most important thing
is trust.
I don't trust you.
What do you want from me?
I want you
to prove your worth.
Let's go.
Now's the time, bro.
Hey, old man.
Yevgeni,
what are you doing?
He's just an old man.
What are we doing?
What's wrong with you?
Do you realize
what's this all about?
Come here...
Hit him, Alex.
I said, hit him.
Alex, hit him, I beg you.
Kick his ass! Go ahead!
Give it to him, God damn it!
Take this...
Fuck you.
Go fuck off to your monkey friend.
You don't have a home anymore.
Asshole.
Good thing Ohana isn't here,
you were his biggest hope.
What a fool.
He thought he could save you.
I want to call him.
-Come here.
I want to call him.
Hello?
David, please don't hang up.
Listen, I...
I'm at the police station
and my mom is alone at home.
Come get me released. Please.
David, I won't let you down again,
I swear.
I'll do whatever you say,
I'll stay away from Yasmin...
I'll be the best boxer
in the country, in the world.
Please get me released,
I swear I won't let you down.
David, I have to be with my mom.
David.
David?
Mrs. Zeitlin?
Vera.
Vera?
Alex.
David.
"May His great name be praised
and sanctified...
"May His great name be praised
and sanctified...
"In the world which He created...
"In the world which He created...
"And may He rule...
"And may He rule...
"And may His salvation blossom...
"And may His salvation blossom...
"In our lives and our days..."
Calm down, Alex.
How did you get out?
Alex...
I told the cops everything
that goes on here.
I'm not afraid of you.
What the hell?
Fuck you, I'm not afraid of you.
Of anybody.
I PW you.
You're like sheep,
believing those scumbags.
What are you, their whores?
What did you say?
Watch your mouth.
Look at yourselves.
They don't give a shit
about your ideology.
Use your brains
before it's too late.
Police. You're surrounded.
Come out with your hand up!
Yasmin, I...
I promised your dad.
Yasmin, I'm not a coward anymore.
If you turn coward,
I'll just up and leave.