...lipotaktis (1988) - full transcript

Ma!

What are you doing here?

Who's he?

I've been discharged, Ma. Look.

Aren't you tired of trying to fool me?

Who's he?

I got a deferment, Ma

to avoid court.

This guy's a buddy of mine.

I just got out of the hospital.

Is he the one who was looking

for you that other time?

If you don't stop I'm leaving!

Stop what?

Three years of lies.

Turn on the light

and give me my glasses.

Where's Stratos?

Mrs Kostoula...

Come here.

Go on, read it.

I had only seen his brother.

I didn't date go to his mother...

when I learnt the army

and the police were looking for him.

I brought you a pomegranate.

-Where did you steal it from?

-From Afalona.

We always had plenty of fruit

in the house when I was a kid.

Every morning my mom

she asked me where I found them.

There was a guy selling it

outside the tavern, I'd say.

-Know who I am?

-Lakis.

-Love me?

-Where are you staying?

-Here. Don't you want me?

-It's my grandmother's house.

Should I go?

-Are you raising it?

-So I can have some company.

-Where's your mother, kid?

-I don't know.

In her house.

Go get us something to eat,

we've been up since morning.

I've got some beans.

Good! And give us a few money

so we can go out.

I don't have any money.

For the first time

no one was after him.

We had spent an exhausting

week at the military hospital...

until we got

a temporary discharge.

He spent 25.000 on me.

-You're...

-Christos.

-I heard you'd come.

-Word is out already.

You have papers

or will they be after you again?

-Show him, mum.

-Let them eat.

Your name is Christos?

It was the first and only time

she addressed me that evening.

With Stratos

we hit it off right away.

And when Manolis told

the story of the hospital...

Stratos listened

attentively, perplexed.

And how come you,

a stranger, helped him so much?

Stratos is a good guy.

He went to high school for two

years and knows how to speak.

Manolis, come and sit down.

Get us some glasses.

-What have you done with Zoe?

-Drop it.

-What were you doing with her?

-Manolis.

Do you know that she threw

herself at me after you left.

Sit over there

and I'll be right with you.

-Where did you find him?

-We didn't. He just came along.

-And the girl? Isn't she with you?

-Come on now!

What d'you care about the girl?

Manolis admired Alogoyannis,

his older cousin...

and had imitated him in everything.

He was a shepherd who found

himself owner of two butcher shops.

Then came his downfall.

Now he only has about 100 sheep.

He had one weakness: the women

who came for the baths at the spa.

-Hey, dude.

-He's a regular little devil.

He's already riding a bike.

What's this, buddy?

Your third leg?

He's got a jock that's that big.

As a kid he'd ask his mother...

"Am I growing another leg?"

Do you understand now that jarheads

shouldn't take you for a fool?

When did I ever call you a fool?

You'll get drunk again

and start imitating the Prime Minister.

Last night I had a couple of drinks

and starting imitating Papandreou.

When I drink I laugh.

Look at you...

never setting foot in the house...

He hasn't been home in a week.

I'm not going anywhere tonight.

What did you see

in the old cows, damn you?

We'll have a high old time!

-Stratos is waiting for us.

-Forget about Stratos.

Alexandra lives here now.

She's engaged to the baker's son.

She's lucky. Know how much money

he's got? I talked to him.

"See that we don't have any stories

with her or you're finished."

He's a good guy.

Doesn't smoke or drink.

I even tell Alexandra,

"He seems very quiet. Is he a..."

We met a couple of years ago.

Remember me?

I know all about you

and I know how you feel.

My son was in trouble too.

But now he's married

and settled down.

Cut out the shit

and get us something to drink.

Please stop shouting

Yannis, they'll hear us.

New blouse, I see.

Did you make it

with the salesman?

I'm Eleni.

Your name is Eleni

but you didn't say where you're from.

From Katerini.

Does it matter?

All these years I've known you, you

little whore, all you do is lie to me.

Don't shout!

You'll make us the laughing stock.

Now Manolis became

the centre of attention...

talking about

his drama and troubles.

And I felt left out.

trying to understand the strength...

which lay hidden in these two

women on the last flutters of love.

For their sake Yannis

had lost two butcher shops.

Sit closer.

-Want to go for a drink?

-At this hour?

Why not? We don't work tomorrow.

-Come on, Elpiniki.

-You little vixen.

Okay.

Wait outside while we change.

They're changing their panties.

-We'll get them to give us a blow job.

-Man...

After a couple

of drinks she's out of it.

And that's when the fun begins.

Okay?

They'll give us a blow job each.

-Do it for my sake.

-You've got to be kidding.

Please, do it for me.

I thought we were

going some place else.

This establishment

is not good enough for Madam?

Ilias! Wine for us...

and ouzo for the lady.

Good thing I'm leaving

on Wednesday and I'll get some peace.

-Give me a kiss now.

-Go to your wife.

Ilias! Bring me another one.

-Take it easy, Eleni.

-Cheers, friend.

She's pure gold, a rock.

With her by my side,

I don't need any of you.

I didn't expect that of you.

Who d'you take me for,

trying to pass me off on your cousin?

-Ilias.

-Come on, now.

I was on to it right away

but I kept my distance.

We just came here for a drink.

-Right, Christos?

-That's very nice, what you said.

He's a good kid. I could tell

from the flowers he gave us.

But it wasn't right. Well,

will you bring them or what?

Things began to turn nasty.

Alogoyannis is looking

for an accomplice in me.

I can feel

the pressure on both sides.

I tell them that friendship

is not far removed from love.

"You must realize Manolis

has been in jail so long."

The ouzo!

No, Yannis, we've said

not this sort of thing here!

Wine!

-Go on now, Eleni.

-I'm not going anywhere.

I've been with him for seven years

and what did I get out of it?

But I didn't expect that.

-What happened?

-I'd tell you but...

You'd tell me what?

If it was my fault I'm sorry.

Never mind. It happens.

Eleni is too sensitive.

-No, girl.

-Go on, he's waiting for you.

We are all together here.

Let's go, I don't want to find

my friend with her throat slit.

The check!

You go, I'll get them a cab.

Goodnight.

You're a real gentleman.

-You're late.

-Kostoula, you know I love you.

-Cut it out.

-Don't I love you?

-That's what you always do.

-Mummy, I do love you.

When you were ill,

I washed and scrubbed.

I've helped many times

and no one said "thanks".

-How do you get along with Stratos?

-I keep telling him to get married.

Does the vineyard

belong to Stratos?

It's yours.

Stratos has his mother's inheritance.

Do what you want

with the vineyard.

But keep the house.

I'll come grow old with you.

-Or you'll follow me everywhere.

-Stay here and get a job.

We've got to fix up Alexandra too.

-What if they want the house?

-What for? It's a wreck.

I'm going to help them

harvest their olives.

I'll come with you.

You do the job

you've been trained for.

I'm not gonna leave you.

Let me give you a kiss.

Good night.

Where's Yannis, Manolis?

He stayed behind at the tavern

for a couple more drinks...

Yanoula's shouting

woke me up early.

Alogoyannis hadn't come home!

Kostoula made me some coffee.

-Did you sleep here?

-Where did you want him to sleep?

How should I know?

At the hotel?

How can you drink it black

this early in the morning?

Let me see your I.D.

-Come on, Ma.

-You keep out of it.

With all the things

she's seen...

it's only natural

she doesn't believe a word you tell her.

I'm going to go to Father's

grave and light a candle.

I dreamt about him

the other night.

"What are you doing here?"

I told him, "you've passed on."

"What are you saying, Kostoula,"

he replied.

"Go away,

my good man, you're dead."

You upset him,

but he kept telling me...

"Don't upset yourself,

he didn't become a thief..."

"he's just deserted from the army,

he's not a criminal."

Don't start saying I was

the reason he died or I'm leaving.

Come on, I'll show you Thodoros.

He was killed on the railroad tracks.

There were four in the car.

He's the only one that died.

He was a great guy.

Let's go see your father.

He'd got mixed up with pills and such.

He was married...

When his kid was born, he stopped

his wife from working as a hooker.

I've never seen a guy

with so many broads.

But he's the spitting

image of Stratos!

When we were at Yota's house,

Manolis got the photo album.

He wanted to show me

how he was when he was younger.

Did you see

Thodoros Yokaris' tomb?

His brothers fixed it

a year after his death.

Good kids.

Only they're on pills.

You look like a girl.

I had a toothache once

and they wanted to give me a pill.

-But I was scared and didn't take it.

-They live here?

Two of them do. Thodoros was the most

good looking. He was the one I liked.

Got a pair of pants for me

so Ma can wash these?

We wear the same size clothes.

I bought him the pants

he's wearing when he was in prison.

I used to be overweight.

My breast was huge.

After the second

baby I slimmed down.

This is Giorgos,

my first fiancé.

-He was killed with his motorbike.

-I didn't want to marry him.

When they brought him home,

I locked myself up in the other room.

Then I grew to love him.

Then he was killed.

Then they married me off

to Andreas.

I didn't want to get married.

I liked going

with my girlfriend, Vasso...

and take her father's sheep

out to pasture.

Eventually,

you get used to everything.

-The kid is outside?

-No.

-Where is he?

-We went to see father.

Christos lit his candle.

They brought him

to the funeral under guard.

He was completely broken up about it.

He loved his father.

They drank together

every evening.

As soon as they told me

in jail, it broke me up.

I don't know how I came

to the funeral or how I got back.

I only remember bending down

and hugging and kissing him.

After we were told all the news

by Yota, we set off for the spa.

We took Andreas' bike.

He was still away.

What's going on?

-I got out with a temporary discharge.

-Your mother alright?

I used to go up and see her.

She'd cry and I'd cry.

I'm off to feed my boss's dog.

Let's get together tonight.

-I'm a waiter at the cafeteria.

-Okay.

18 months in prison...

because he helped

a friend of his elope.

He almost went mad.

We were good friends.

-Do you hear me?

-Yeah!

He made me the cross

I'm wearing when he was in jail.

He used his boots' shoelace.

We'll see who you'll have

for company this time.

Don't remind me of it

or I'll run this right into the sea!

Manolis' trial for his third

desertion was still pending.

The deferment he had obtained

did not mean that he had got off.

And so we lived in uncertainty

over the outcome of the trial.

And we didn't know

when it would be held.

We were very busy this summer.

But it'll be quiet in winter.

Are you the only one

at the cash register?

In the morning.

So if we run short

we can come to you for a refill...

In the morning time.

Are you staying on here?

You were a good boy

but you changed.

It's high time you got married.

Find a woman

to put you back in order.

Men should settle down

as soon as they're 25.

Women when they're 18-20.

But men, at 25.

When my youngest finishes

with the army I'll marry him off.

I feel like hitting them all.

How understandable murders

in the country now seem to me!

But there is, they say,

some good in this story.

Lefteris loves Alexandra.

I have no complaints so far.

But if I see any funny

business I'll get my whip.

Kostoula had given

her daughter away all by herself...

to ensure a better life for her.

Her brother was in prison for three

years and came back tattooed...

with an unsavoury woman in tow.

what could she do?

Her courage fails her,

she finds it again and carries on.

She also has her son's shotgun.

You'll never sell that

as long as I live.

You know what a good

shot he used to be?

He never used to come home

with fewer than twenty birds.

It was piece of cake for him.

While Stratos simply lay

in wait for them. One, two, none...

He was walking

around the mountains.

Tell about the time

the policemen were after me, Ma.

He was just a kid.

He didn't have a permit.

They even came here,

looking for him.

She got scared. They told her

I would go to reformatory.

You were just a kid.

But they didn't find him.

It's not like

they wore themselves out looking.

Then he came back

with a bunch of blackbirds.

The shotgun's the only thing I bought

for myself, when I was at sea.

I sent everything here.

She regards the shotgun

as a sign of strength in the house.

She doesn't care about

her clothes or plates.

She fights on like a man,

like an outlaw.

That is why she wants her rifle.

I have a complaint.

You should have let me know in prison

when you gave Alexandra away.

I went to the betrothal alone.

They're good people and rich.

-Panagiota didn't come?

-No.

Is Lefteris

inheriting the bakery?

-They haven't come up at all.

-We went to see them.

-When did you go?

-This morning.

What did you talk about?

Things in general,

what did you want us to talk about?

You went by Alexandra's?

-What did they say to you?

-Ma, you're driving us crazy.

-Make us some coffee.

-We're all out.

We drank it this morning.

And I didn't go and buy any.

-Want to go to the square for coffee?

-It's on me.

I'm going to the tavern

for a glass of wine. I'll be by later.

He's strange.

There's no understanding him.

I kept trying to understand...

the power struggles

within the family.

I could never have done what you did.

I have my work.

He immediately tried

to find excuses for himself.

We didn't grow up together

with Manolis and the girls.

We rarely got together.

Usually I was away.

And when I was here,

Manolis was away.

When I left to go to sea

Alexandra was just a child.

In this place it is as if all

family ties have been abolished.

Manolis never remembered sitting at

the table with his parents and siblings.

Are you best buds with Stratos?

What was he telling you?

When he comes to Athens

he'll drop by the house.

Wait a minute.

Half a kilo of coffee.

Anything else?

Good kid, I don't know

how he hasn't beaten up anyone yet.

Manolis seemed to harbor

a secret admiration for Grigoris.

He stole a motorbike.

He was high. He took it and disappeared.

He'll be by.

He went to the dentist.

-Is he on pills?

-You want coffee?

Get us a couple of gins.

-Now what happened?

-Nothing, just scratches.

I didn't see a pothole.

I was going full speed too.

-I'll be with you shortly.

-We'll be waiting.

I had met Alekos

at the military hospital.

He had crashed

with his motorbike.

His arms are full of scratches.

His sight is very bad...

but has no intention

of wearing glasses.

He has magnificent eyes

and thinks it absurd to hide them.

Don't say I don't look after you.

He's the best.

I brought the tape just for you.

We've been through some rough times.

Remember that broad who came to see

me in jail and I made you kiss her?

-And when I touched her, I came.

-Man...

I met this broad last summer

and did her out of fifty grand.

I told her, "You'll give me

twenty grand. I need it."

She said she would send it.

So I called her.

-"I want fifty," I tell her.

-"I can't,", she says...

-"my husband will know."

-"You don't love me", I say.

-"I do", she says.

-I hang up.

-I call back. "I want a hundred".

-"Are you crazy?" she says.

"I really need the money."

"Okay", she says,

"I'll see what I can do."

Don't go away, you jerk.

-I can't stand the village.

-Screw them!

Know how much I make? Nearly eighty.

And I don't need anyone.

I wondered whether everything here

could be exchanged for money.

Manolis told me that

Alogoyannis had a younger son...

he had given up for adoption and took

the house where he lived in exchange.

"Captain", I ask, "if you had a daughter

would you let me marry her?"

"Oh sure," he says.

"Why, Captain, aren't I capable

of being a family man?"

"You?" he says, "You'll have seven

kids and turn them all into bikers."

"In that case," I tell him,

"I'll open a bar"...

"hire a couple of women

and strike it rich at least!"

A real character.

Remember what he looked like?

Shall we have another drink?

Call Michalis.

Where are you going?

Have a drink.

I'm off to see

my old man and hit the sack.

Hitting it off, I see.

In the summer we have

a ball picking up tourists.

Forget it, Michalis.

I don't chase after women.

You live in Athens?

What line of work are you in?

Want my I.D.?

Get me a grilled sandwich

'cos I've got no teeth.

I get off in 15 minutes,

then we can go wherever you like.

We've got to be going.

The drinks are on me.

How're you set for money?

What do you think?

Want anything else?

He was the only one

who came to see me in jail...

I was playing football

and they called me.

The coach is looking for you. He found

out you are here and wants you to play.

-You are staying, aren't you?

-I don't know.

Remember what the shrink told you?

"Don't think so much," he would

tell him, "take up soccer."

You told him that I play soccer.

Are you staying?

I let things

take their course.

I've cut out going

down to Athens.

At one time I'd go every

weekend on the bike.

It only means trouble.

We set off down the road

to the village on foot in silence.

When we got to the square

I got up the courage to ask him.

Do I know?

I may come

for a few days to unwind.

We'll see.

What's this you're watching?

It's a detective story.

Say, Ma, can you read

the subtitles in time?

Sure can.

If I lived in other times

I'd have been educated.

And why didn't you

give me an education?

What education? I had to chase

you just to get you to go to school.

He would come, throw

his satchel and go to the mountains.

Hunting, friends, fishing. Good

thing Yota did his homework for him.

But he was always first in sports.

So, Ma, what's the movie about?

He's killed some big shot

and they're all after him.

The police and some other guys.

He loves the girl

and she loves him.

But she's involved in something

and they're tailing her.

Just like Zoe.

Remember Zoe?

-Do I remember her!

-Tell Christos.

There's nothing to tell.

Ma, you know

she brought in the money.

I can't believe men

would go with this woman.

Why? She was no good.

Still, I have no complaints.

She did whatever I told her.

At first

she called me "old lady".

"Now see here," I tell her,

"don't call me old lady again."

"Call me whatever you like.

But not old lady."

So the poor thing

called me mother.

But you're not bringing her

here again.

Christos, did he take up

with her again?

-I rather think not.

-Goodnight.

Manolis began a game

with his mother.

Every so often he would say goodnight

and then start a conversation again.

They spoke of what was said

about him in the village...

and also about Zoe.

Goodnight.

Yota caught up with her

at the ferry boat.

"I've got to go, Yota",

she said, "and save my sister."

Panagiota asked

about her parents.

"Anyway," says Yota.

"Υou shouldn't have sneaked off."

I didn't care she left. I was worried

about how he'd take it in jail.

The next day forced me

to come to some decisions.

I no longer had

any excuse for staying on.

So i tried not to think.

-Who's he?

-Let me see.

-Uncle Manolis.

-That's not true.

Same thing in the morning.

Kostoula read us our fortune

in the coffee dregs.

Manolis' foretold money,

women, a wedding wreath, rings.

It was crystal clear.

And she told me that

I would talk with someone.

I also see someone coming

into your house. See it?

It's Manolis.

-We are going to Athens, aren't we?

-Athens?

-He's staying here to work.

-Don't press him until the trial!

He'll work. What else can he do?

We need the money.

-The jewelry you got for Lefteris?

-Yes.

I'm 24 years old

and I've never worn a watch.

-And she went and bought rings.

-I had to.

-What's gotten into you?

-We woke you up?

And you want to go to Athens. You stay

here and settle down. Start training.

I've got your papers all ready.

-When did you do that?

-While you were away.

And if you buckle down to it

you'll play on the team.

-Any jobs going at the quarry?

-There's always something open.

Good thing you came,

pop down and get us some bread.

I want to come too.

Bless him.

A quiet kid and he loves his work.

Plenty of jobs,

if you have a mind for it.

Only I think pimping

is all you're good for.

-I was just kidding.

-Don't worry about it.

-Where's Andreas going?

-To get us some bread.

Are you getting any food ready?

-Here, come and get it.

-Where are you going?

-To the cafeteria.

-Can't you go in the afternoon?

Don't be late. We're eating here.

I haven't cooked anything.

Your uncle gave me

the invitations.

Your brother.

He's expecting a gift.

Well, I don't intend going.

Not that I have anything

against the girl.

But he looks the other way

when he sees me.

Except when he told me I was no longer

a member of the family. Fuck him!

-Panagiota!

-Whatever I did I only harmed myself.

Why should we send him a gift?

I sent him a bottle of Beau Mec.

Cologne for the likes of him!

The house in the next village

will soon become vacant.

Why?

You want to leave here?

I've arranged everything.

-You're not leaving here!

-You stop it.

Don't you butt in because

you fucking well turn my stomach.

We left before I could become

aware of what had happened.

Twice I found him in her house.

He wanted to say hello too.

Whenever he would see me,

he would invite me for a drink.

Well, one time it got

too much for me and I beat him up.

Then I went and turned myself in.

It was the second

time I'd gone AWOL.

Good thing he didn't nail me,

or I'd be in trouble.

Yota had a lover from the next

village and wanted to live near him.

Manolis appeared

deeply hurt by this fact.

Wouldn't it have been better

to talk to Yota instead?

She got what was coming to her too.

I made her black and blue.

Why don't you let them be?

I don't understand that.

I'm a country boy.

I considered it dangerous

for him to stay here.

I don't want you

to get upset, okay?

Why don't you stay

and I'll go to Athens?

What would you do

in Athens without me?

I'll get a job in construction. I'll get

a flat and you can visit anytime.

I didn't mean that.

Forget what you wanted

and didn't want, it's not my style.

And where

will you leave Grigoris?

I told you there's nothing

between us any more.

He's like a brother to me.

Are you leaving at noon?

We haven't decided yet.

-Are you going too?

-I don't know.

-Is everything okay?

-Yes. Why do you ask?

Fine. I'm off.

Have a good trip.

How many tickets shall I get?

Forget it.

I'm staying.

I went away certain I was leaving

behind me some unfinished business.

No, he had never spoken

to me about Grigoris.

But his insinuations before

I left hammered in my mind...

while I waited for his call.

How could you have left him there

alone? They'll tear him apart.

Yet Grigoris had ignited

flames of jealousy...

and I had begun to lose control.

He got all he could

out of you, honey.

He just wishes

he could have taken more.

All he knows, is take in return

for the pleasure of his company.

When he called me the first

time I was harsh with him.

Take me away from here.

Don't leave me all alone.

I didn't go that first weekend.

I couldn't get away.

Not that I tried it.

He started calling me up

increasingly late every night...

and always drunk.

Whatever happens

remember that I love you.

Come and take me away.

That night there had been

a brawl at the "Havaneza" club.

They fought

with some guys from Seliana.

-They said he was a cop.

-Try not to get into trouble.

When you're one of the gang

you can't stay out of it.

My shirt is full of blood.

My feet ache so much

I can hardly feel them.

Still, my muscles have firmed up.

Here, feel.

Yes, I can see.

What happened?

You made it through practice?

Of course I did. At first it was hard.

That jerk made us do 15 laps.

-Shall we get some coffee?

-Get on.

No way. I'll walk.

I like walking.

Fine, we'll meet up

at Michalis' place.

I was getting

increasingly worried.

Now I kept thinking

how I would face his mother.

How were things at his place.

I'm coming to Athens for a couple of

months. See if you can find me a room.

I couldn't hack it.

I left at three.

Did we have to consume

all that booze?

-Booze? I went hunting afterwards.

-But I went to work.

He and Lefteris

are really close.

He's settled down

since he got engaged.

Gone are the days when

he'd strip the fags.

Last year he made

big money out of some fag.

Ask Michalis.

He knows all about it.

-Would you ever go with an old man?

-What can I tell you.

A hole is a hole.

Man, woman, donkey.

I remember once,

when I was in the army...

I fucked a donkey.

The next day the whole regiment

knew about it. Our C.O. says to us...

"Didn't I tell you it's better

you do it with each other?"

He asked me to go with Lefteris

to buy bullets.

Obviously he had something

he wanted to tell Grigoris.

I don't have 9 mm.

Only 6 mm.

Okay, 6 mm. Do you have money

to pay or shall I go get some?

I put in three days' work for Lefteris.

I collected wood for the fire place.

Do you know how much he loves me?

At first he liked Stratos.

But since I've been back

he's nuts about me.

-My nails hurt from playing ball.

-You should cut it now and then.

I guess so.

What were you talking about

with Grigoris?

Nothing.

-He was telling me his troubles.

-Has he been giving you pills?

Cut it out.

-I'm dead beat, Ma.

-He didn't come home at all yesterday.

He went hunting. He's nuts,

what can I do with him?

Shut up you malicious woman. Know

what she was telling me this morning?

"The bastard didn't come

home again last night."

No kind words for anyone.

Even tried to say something about you.

But I stopped her.

They're serious kids, I tell her.

"What about the girl

that was with them?" she asked.

And I said,

he's a friend of Manolis.

"Manolis, is he gay?"

"Pity, because he's a good-looking guy."

I felt mercilessly besieged

by the closed society of the village.

Fortunately Kostoula found the

solution. the words "he's a friend".

But I was sure that in this war

Manolis was not entirely disinterested.

Don't bother.

I'm not eating.

-You just finished?

-Yes.

He was friendly as always,

formal, distant...

with a profound

anguish in his eyes.

He had a different kind of charm.

I'm fixing up the kitchen

in a small house I have by the sea.

Electricity and water.

-For the summer?

-For year round.

I'm getting out of here.

The place isn't big enough for us.

Is Manolis

coming down with you?

-We haven't said anything yet.

-He's not cut out for life in Athens.

Leave him here,

so he can get a job. He's lazy.

"Dig up this debris and clear

the place, I'll pay you" I tell him.

It's been a week now

and he's not done.

Wait until he finishes with the court

martial. Then he'll settle down.

-The engagement's off!

-What engagement?

The girl's father is against it.

Scared we're after

his sheep and property.

-You know what I mean?

-Do you like her?

She's okay.

Only 15 years old and a little dumb.

-What's her name?

-Vaso.

-In other words it's finished?

-Not yet, but I told you.

Her father's scared

I'm after his money.

Fucking hell

it's too early for bed.

I suggested

we go and see Yota.

He started insulting her

for still wanting to move away.

She had also convinced Andreas.

Forget it.

Big deal.

The girl's pretty

I'll grant you that, but flighty.

You should see how she wiggles

her ass when she walks!

Between us the man

does have a point.

-You're not too level-headed either!

-Why? Got any complaints?

What will you do

with a 15-year old kid?

He'll be able to make

her the way he wants her.

And how will Manolis

get along with a 15-year old?

Why not?

You'll break her.

You'll be beating her up soon.

She'll come to heel

after a couple of beatings.

That's the only language

women understand.

And what d'you want me

to do down here? What?

It's too cold to sleep on the floor.

There's room enough

for both of us on the bed.

You're right.

And anyway I'm short of blankets.

How about getting me

a job with your team?

You'll get rich.

Ma, they're getting me

my shoes tomorrow.

If only I had let him go

to that first division team.

If only I knew...

We have to be up at five.

Don't oversleep.

Lefteris will be waiting for us.

I don't sleep any more, son.

-Keep away from the fire.

-Shan't.

-Get up. Why don't you listen?

-No.

Don't make me hit you.

I was struck by the fact that

no one cared about Stratos.

He was sleeping in the other room.

Good morning.

You're up too?

There's no room. The road's bad and

it's cold in the back of the truck.

I already told you I don't mind.

I'll stay here.

We'll be back at ten.

Get back to sleep.

A little later I heard

Manolis calling me.

They'd found another solution.

If we spot one, we'll cook him

and we'll have a party tonight!

Guys...

How could I shoot?

I'm frozen stiff here in the back.

Why didn't you shoot?

-Fucking hell and I was doing so well.

-Come on now. It wasn't easy.

-Think I got him?

-We'll search later.

-I didn't see anything.

-Shut up or I'll belt you one.

I'm sure you were praying

it would get away.

Jump in the back now

and see how you like it.

Fucking hell.

It was the first time I shot a hare.

-Not a word to anyone in the village.

-Come on now, hunting hare isn't easy.

He doesn't like losing ever.

As a boy when he lost

at soccer he cried.

And when I win in cards,

he is very silent.

As we lay in wait I was

for a while alone with Manolis.

-What sort of trees are those?

-Oaks.

Oaks?

Haven't you been up here before?

We didn't come here to talk.

Get down and don't make a sound.

The rest of the day

went by with no surprises.

On the way back

we stopped to shoot thrushes.

Once when we stopped

I asked him to let me fire.

Drop it. We don't want

to waste any cartridges.

You went and got 6mm.

You need 9mm or 10mm for thrushes.

They were all he had

and Lefteris took them.

-What's that bird there?

-My balls that's what. Go on, fire.

It was best

I keep away from him.

A little later he bagged

a quail and I went to get it.

-It's gone.

-Forget it.

I'll go.

He's hopeless.

What have I got on my back?

We didn't stop for coffee,

as we had planned.

It made me sad to think that

I may never pass by there again.

Go visit Roula.

She's a good girl,

studying in Athens.

Don't be late tonight.

It was Saint Demetrius' day.

We went to the tavern for a beer

and we must have drunk at least ten.

-What shall I get her?

-I have some bottles of liqueur.

I know.

I don't like it.

Do you have a thousand on you?

So what's going on with Roula?

Nothing, if I wanted to I could

have taken her before the army...

but I respected her.

And cut out the shit.

Roula!

Look who's here.

We'll have some wine.

Come over here.

You had company

and I didn't want to intrude.

Why?

What's your problem?

-Don't we see each other?

-Well, you don't need anyone.

Why? Do you? You've got your house.

You've got your sheep.

So your father doesn't let you stay out

late. But he'll die at some point.

Cheer up. Do you remember

what we went through in basic training?

Here, have some wine.

Bread, cheese and wine.

all home-made.

I began to feel comfortable.

Soon I had begun to succumb

to the charm of these people.

He was a shepherd and so was

Roula's father and Manolis'.

-How about some real music?

-Come on, let's dance.

You're having

a good time here.

Alekos and Grigoris

are waiting for us.

Let them wait. Don't you

have a good time? Screw them!

I heard you missed

a hare at five meters.

-Where did you hear about it?

-What d'you care?

For the next hour the topic

of conversation was the hare.

-Where do you live?

-In Kalithea.

-I live in Pangrati.

-Excuse me a moment.

I tried to approach her

but she kept her distance.

I realized

the family wanted to eat.

Get off my back dammit.

Mrs. Despina will tell me

when it's time to go.

-Right, Despina?

-Right.

Get the hell out of here

and quit bugging me.

Stop acting tough.

I have to spell out a couple

of things for you. Outside.

Come on now,

he doesn't mean you any harm.

- Please tell me if I should leave.

- Stay. We're going to eat.

I'll just take my glass

of wine and sit in the corner.

I began to wonder

whether I'd been wrong.

I told you, I'm not hungry.

Why are you drinking so much?

What else can I do?

I felt ill at ease

and wanted to leave.

But I didn't find

the courage to do so.

Get him out of here.

It's almost one o'clock.

I think it's time to go.

Roula will make me some

coffee and then we'll be off.

Whatever Manolis wants.

Coffee, anyone?

-So, where are you now, Roula?

-In Athens mostly.

-And what are you studying?

-Computer programming.

I was told something

that upset me once.

Yes, I wanted to join

the police force.

I made an application.

In the end I didn't get

into the police academy.

As we left he wanted to jump down from

the porch, like when he was a kid.

I was completely confused.

Roula's contempt bothered me.

My failure in surroundings which

I considered familiar and accessible.

Help me pull off my pants.

How about a massage?

My feet ache.

The whole evening passed

before my eyes in waves.

I wanted them

to turn out the lights...

so that I could cry

without being seen.

I'm letting out the pigeons.

Come and see.

-What?

-I'm letting out the pigeons.

D'you know how high they fly?

They disappear.

We'll see.

-You have a lot of pigeons?

-They're mine.

My mother can't stand the sight

of them. They mess up the yard.

You didn't show up yesterday.

Manolis got tied up at Roula's.

We had some trouble too.

That jerk wouldn't let us in.

Called the cops.

We did get in finally. I teared up

the paper saying "Don't enter".

We ended up

by getting really high.

-Is Manolis still asleep?

-We stayed very late.

He did some really crazy things.

He'll only calm down

if you take him to Athens.

-He's not happy here.

-I'm afraid for him in Athens.

I'll try and take him with me

on the boat. I'm starting next week.

Grigoris was the lover

of Manolis' youth.

He was in love with him.

a love that was unconscious...

conducted in the lawlessness

in which they both existed.

When I was a kid

I cut off the cat's whiskers...

just for the hell of it.

Now, heaven help anyone who

harms an animal. He's done for.

Last year I had

a whole zoo here.

A hawk, goldfinches.

I still have a hedgehog and turtles.

How'll you get them down now?

I'll let the others out,

don't worry about it.

I had a dog but it died.

You've seen Alogoyannis' dog.

I gave it to him.

It was for Manolis.

Grigoris was "accursed"

in the village's harsh society.

That's why

he commits extreme acts.

He runs off with a girl

and becomes engaged to her.

She leaves him in two months.

In the village there is talk

of impotence. That's why he drinks.

He drinks

in order to survive here.

I don't get along

with the people here. They're jerks.

They mean no good.

I only have three friends.

Manolis, Alekos, Michalis.

We fucked up once

and now they spit on us.

I saw the pigeons and said,

"It's that jerk fooling around again."

I have to leave in an hour

and I'll miss the moto-cross.

Get a load of that windbreaker!

Where did you get it?

It's real leather.

How much did it cost?

20-25.

Shall we go down?

I tried to be pleasant with him.

In vain.

What have you been up to?

Your lips are chapped.

I don't care,

you can do whatever you want.

-Do you like her?

-Women don't come near me, a jailbird.

It's their loss.

Really?

Tell me,

why did you ask for my I.D.?

I've seen so many

things in my life.

Did she really

ask for your I.D.?

Once two priests

came looking for him.

One of them

must have been quite important.

And they kept asking.

"Where's Manolis?"

How should I know

where Manolis is.

Andreas says to me,

"I'll bet they're cops in disguise."

At noon manolis disappeared.

He had some business

to take care of he said.

-Is there anything left to eat?

-Didn't you eat at your in-laws?

I just had a little chicken.

I don't know, I can't eat there.

It's too short for you.

Lefteris is coming to have

dinner with us tonight.

You go to sleep. I'm going hunting.

And then we'll go for coffee.

-I'll be working two days this week.

-Good. We need the money.

I'm beginning to feel sorry

for myself. What am I doing here?

-What's the score in the Eolikos game?

-A tie in Kavala.

-Good!

-Not good at all.

-I struck out with my football pools.

-What was your bet?

But I wish it was just that.

It's Manolis.

He really goes all out.

Manolis brought four

birds and so did Lefteris.

They would provide a tasty

meal with bread and cheese.

They sent Andreas off to fetch

the grill and some bread.

Then wine.

Thank goodness.

My sons in law are good.

Andreas had accepted his fate.

all he does is work.

He has invested all his

vitality in his children.

When he takes them for a ride on

his scooter, you can feel him flying.

Who's the guy with the whistle?

That's Nikos, the gym instructor.

Do you know his surname, Manolis?

Surnames are for the police.

He has won some medals in the Balkan

games. But he's a very nice guy.

-I don't like him.

-He's very relaxed. But I like him.

-Is he from here?

-Yes.

The most interesting part of the

population was not in the parade.

All these youths with

their tattoos and their pills.

If I was the organizer I would

have them parade naked.

I'm thinking of going

to play ball today.

-Alight.

-Thank you.

I gave 3 hundreds to a junkie

who was doing the rounds.

Have you finished eating

your pastry, kid? Let's go.

Why don't you take him with you

to Athens and find him a job?

-Are you leaving tonight?

-Tomorrow morning.

Come again.

Manolis is always happy to see you.

And I had missed you.

-I can't come before Christmas.

-Come at Christmas.

-It's Manolis' name day.

-Mine too.

-We'll have a party for both of you.

-And we'll know for the trial.

I'm off.

Stratos, find a car for Christos.

-Isn't there a seat for me?

-Did you think we'd have a bus?

-Why didn't you tell me?

-We'll find something.

It's okay. I just thought

things were different.

-No problem, I won't come.

-Suit yourself.

What are you wandering around for?

What's up?

-Nothing.

-Don't go too far. We may find a car.

Don't worry about it.

Now what do you want?

A punch in the mouth?

Don't laugh.

You're getting me all riled up!

Why don't you let me

find a way of escape?

-What do you see from there?

-The children playing and the turtle.

Haven't you seen

a turtle before?

At two in the afternoon

on October 28, 1987, no.

Fuck off then!

How could I leave?

He had my money.

I only had five hundred.

It wasn't enough.

Hey, a friend is coming up.

Wait here, he'll bring you.

And come closer, dammit!

I've found a car.

You'll go instead of me.

The jerk.

I felt an intense desire

to leave for Athens.

But I didn't want to give them

the feeling that they had won.

I'm all fucked up

over this mix-up.

Don't worry,

we'll find something.

-Hang on to it.

-Do you have holes in your pockets?

We leave our clothes behind.

You never know.

I wondered whether it was

an indication that I should leave.

On the soccer field he turned

into a kind and innocent child.

After the game was over he ran

to celebrate with his mates.

Get the shoes out of the bag.

Everything needs washing, Ma.

They must be expensive.

They will also buy me a tracksuit.

-Stratos, I may play in the A team.

-Why not?

Cut down on the smoking

and the booze.

Come on down.

We're going to eat in the tavern.

My poor aching feet.

Will you give them a rub?

I had saved it for Lefteris

but he didn't come. It's the cream.

You finally managed to come.

-I'd tell you a thing or two but...

-Now what am I supposed to do?

-Nothing.

-Come now, don't quarrel.

How was Manolis to know there

wouldn't be a car for you?

The gist of it is that

you don't care about anyone.

The three of us ate

in the tavern that evening.

Manolis didn't say

a word until we left.

Why did you pay the bill?

We'll pay for Stratos now?

D'you know how

much money he has?

He doesn't give

my mother a single penny.

-What does he know about me?

-Nothing.

-And your friends?

-Nothing.

-Not even Michalis?

-Not even Michalis.

I told him to make a move on you.

He asked me

to find him a room.

Really?

Some people are getting

too bold for their good.

I need to talk with him.

I spoke to him about

his behavior the past few days.

He listened to me

with his head down.

Why did you go with me?

-That's different.

-In what way?

You know I love you.

We're never going to part.

We'll be like brothers.

He kept insisting

he was not a homosexual.

He went with fags

only for the money.

-Hello Christos.

-What's up? I just got in.

The police came

for a deposition.

-What for?

-For my gun and the uniform.

-What happened to them?

-How should I know?

It's been two years

since I was with my unit.

He wouldn't have called

if he wasn't in a tight squeeze.

I prepared the deposition

with the lawyer and sent it to him.

I wanted to see if he'd call me

as soon as he received it.

-Hello.

-Is Manolis Tsolakis there?

Manolis? No.

Do you want to talk to Stratos?

Is he there?

Let me speak to him.

After ten days

I couldn't stand it.

I called the tavern

in case he was there.

Hello.

Stratos told me you complained

about me not calling.

Don't get upset when I don't call.

Remember I love you.

Today we were having fun at Ilias'

and I came back now.

And when did you find

the time to get drunk?

-Grigoris is here too.

-Let me speak to him.

-He's shy.

-Let me speak to him dammit.

-Hey.

-How're you doing?

-Fine. We're sitting here drinking.

-Are you alright?

Yes, I'm fine.

When are you coming down to Athens?

Come on.

Yes, we will.

Here's Manolis.

-What do you want?

-Nothing.

Ten days is a long time to hang

about waiting for a phone call.

-Were you really waiting?

-Not for the whole 10 days.

Once I went to a nightclub

and once to the theatre.

But I can't concentrate.

But I feel as if I know what

you're doing at any given time.

-What did I do Thursday evening?

-I don't mean that.

I stayed home and watched TV.

The next day he called again.

I'm not well.

I don't know what I want.

I'm sick of all this routine.

Come to Athens.

But call me again

when you're sober.

Now what?

Think I'm lying?

No, but you never do the things

you say when you're drunk.

I'll be waiting.

I'm thinking of putting in

a few days' work first.

So I can buy some

clothes for Christmas.

-Will you make it?

-Otherwise, I'll come on Saturday.

-Come at once.

-And who'll pay me my daily wages?

I think you should come.

I can't speak to you now.

I'll call you tomorrow

to let you know if I'm coming.

He didn't call,

or the next day or the next.

After two weeks

I became obstinate.

No, I was not going to play

the part he wanted.

Hello?

This telephone call

was completely unexpected.

How're you doing?

He had found a job

in Athens for the winter.

My old man's in hospital.

It's serious.

-Manolis must have told you.

-When?

Didn't he come to Athens?

-Well, he hasn't been here.

-Maybe he didn't come to Athens.

He may have gone to Patras.

He's been going down that way lately.

Anyway, he's not at all well.

I saw him the other day.

He was tending sheep

with a broken rifle.

How are the others?

Stratos, Yota?

What a bitch. Did you know

she doesn't sleep with Andreas?

The other day he told me,

"I haven't fucked in two months."

-"She doesn't want to."

-"Leave her, you jerk," I tell him.

"And what about the children?"

he says, "I have the children."

-Think they're his?

-Tell me...

did Manolis have a fight

with her boyfriend?

Know who was her boyfriend?

Manolis' boss.

And not just him.

I feel so sorry for Andreas.

-Know what a great guy he is?

-How's Stratos?

He's fine.

He's the best over there.

I asked him why doesn't

Manolis work with him.

"No work," he tells me,

"and anyway he'd quit."

He's right.

Michalis' presence took me

back to the beginning...

enchanted by the world

I had seen for the first time...

and which would

never become mine.

It's not only Manolis who

draws me there, I told myself...

knowing full well that things

would be much more difficult.

I was sure I didn't know him.

I felt that they all

knew me in there.

Come on, let's go for coffee.

-How're you doing? How's business?

-Lousy. Money's real tight.

It cost me 150.000 to get

the fucking car repaired.

I owe money,

I don't have much work.

I paid for the coffee.

he pretended not to want to.

But he took me up

to the village.

Stop at the corner.

I wanted to get some pastries

for Mrs. Kostoula. He found it absurd.

-Come on now.

-Stop.

Manolis has really settled down.

He works every day.

Okay, he drinks and so what.

He makes 1.000, 1.500.

Spends 500, 700 on booze.

What's it to him?

Manolis must have gone hunting.

-Any news of the court martial?

-No.

We'll have to wait

until after the holidays.

I asked him about his work.

he said jobs were scarce.

At least now I have time

for the house in the vineyard.

Want to go for a walk?

He made me tell him the story

about the hospital again.

He interrupted me the whole time.

I would have begun to suffocate if

it wasn't for the wonder in his eyes.

Therme must have

been beautiful once.

It's beautiful now too.

But sometimes

you don't know what to do.

A new cafeteria opened today.

This way one doesn't have

to go to the spa every day.

What?

No hello?

What are you doing here?

I was just telling Manolis

you'd forgotten us.

-Have you seen him?

-No.

He must have gone hunting.

He'll be back any time now.

I haven't been feeling

very well lately.

Very often I can't stop

my hands from shaking.

It must be because

I smoke too much.

I rather think

it's because we're getting old.

How're you doing?

While we smoked

they tell me about Stratos.

How he hasn't been working

and how he gets up at noon.

I've quit playing ball.

That jerk got me

all riled up.

He only let me play

as a substitute.

He asked me literally

in the last minute.

I said I couldn't

because I was in pain.

I did them the favor

but for the last time.

I've still got the uniform and

the shoes. Let them come get them.

I wore myself out for them.

He's really tired himself out.

Even works on Sundays.

Does any job that's going.

Not like Stratos.

You can't live with just one job.

Why doesn't he do

something else?

Instead of acting

high and mighty?

I'm not telling him anything.

We hang around together.

I gave him money for a glass

of wine the other day.

Mother and son formed

a united front against Stratos.

Lefteris' sweater.

Let's go see

if I can get paid.

And why shouldn't you get paid?

Tonight I'd like us

to go somewhere alone.

Why?

We have so much to talk about.

-I'm all fucked up.

-What's wrong?

What can I tell you?

Is this any kind of life.

That's not an ass.

That's a UFO.

Put it on.

-A gift for me?

-No.

-What have you brought me?

-I decided not to bring you anything.

Is that so?

Well I got you a present.

You shouldn't have.

What present?

So, Grigoris, what's the problem?

Broads?

Among other things.

Better drop it.

Well are we going in?

Grigoris didn't come.

We would meet

at the disco, he said.

-You've brought the camera.

-Yes, how did you know?

You went through my bag.

-You shouldn't have done it.

-Why?

I wanted to see if you had

brought Lefteris' sweater.

I told my mother,

"You'll see, he's brought it."

-And you pretended you didn't know.

-I don't want you to upset yourself.

-I've brought you a present. I forgot.

-What?

A little hash.

Don't ask how

I got my hands on it.

I said to myself, "He'll enjoy

it and it's not bad for him like..."

I told you.

I'm through with the pills.

1, 2, 3...

4, 5, 6, 7...

-And 8. How much do we owe him?

-Eight.

-Okay. Goodnight then.

-Where are you going?

-26 days to civvy street.

-Yes, man.

Feels like eternity.

I'll see you later.

Done.

-Come. You'll hold the door.

-Get up and do a little dancing.

I'll be back in five minutes.

What were they doing in there?

It seemed like ages.

What about me?

Don't I get a scarf?

-Why did you give it to him?

-He liked it.

Are you glad I came?

If I gave you a couple of punches

and you'd come running!

If you gave me a couple

of punches I may do the same.

Get it well into your head.

I'm never coming here again.

Forget what you've been used

to with your gigolo friends.

-At least with me.

-You don't say. Seriously?

Manolis' words

Floated in the air.

A present for your name day.

Shall we go?

Was it the image of me that he gave

his friends that was crumbling?

Or he didn't like my attitude?

Let me have a couple

of pills to pay for the gin.

Leave him alone.

He'll get over it.

They're for the bartender.

-What's this shit?

-Where's the scarf?

-Give it to Grigoris.

-I'm not giving it to anyone.

-Not even to me?

-Not even to you.

I thought

they had gone to dance.

-Have you seen Manolis?

-No.

-Are you okay?

-Fine.

Where were you?

I was looking all over for you.

Really? I was right here.

Go get the drinks.

We're going on to the "Havaneza"

afterwards, right?

Alekos' high spirits

won me over.

The "Havaneza" was a night-club

just outside the village.

That broad dances

to anything, even the news.

She's here every night

and she always starts the dance.

So, will you give me your tie?

-Why?

-Because I fancy it.

My song, my song!

That's what she did

all night with each new song.

Manolis went up to ask

for his special request.

Will you take me home?

Who's she?

He's flipped out.

-Shall I give the joint to the kid?

-Go ahead.

I'll be back.

That's the way I want to die.

When drunk,

we don't know what we say.

Alekos will take you home.

We're taking the kids back.

Go away my good man.

I don't have any money.

Impossible.

You know that I have helped you

but I need the money.

I've got kids too.

That night I fell asleep immediately.

I didn't even hear Manolis.

Take it, but you've left me

penniless and it is Christmas.

I'm sorry but I've got

my family to think of too.

-I have two kids.

-Anyway, goodbye.

Get me the card to complete it.

-When is Alexandra's wedding?

-Now they say at Easter.

They're expecting an uncle

of Lefteris from Australia.

You will come to the wedding?

I'll be so relieved

when that's over.

She began to tell me various

stories about her son.

Stories she had told me before.

God only knows how I managed

to get the girl away from them.

I went to Athens and got her.

It was Yota, who had got mixed up

with the Yokaris brothers.

They were the ones

who ruined Manolis.

I was never to find out what

was the brothers' hidden secret.

Shall we sing some carols?

Go away,

we've already heard them.

-Aren't you working?

-He didn't go to work today.

Though I told him

Panagiotis was waiting.

It's Christmas.

I'm taking it easy.

Isn't that right, Christos?

Don't tell me,

I'm already on leave.

Today we'll relax

and tomorrow we'll get drunk.

Got anything to eat?

I'm thinking of going

down to the spa.

Get us some shortbread.

Get me half a kilo too.

You know how much I like shortbread.

I can eat tons of them.

Come and I'll buy

you an orange drink.

Are we drinking

orange juice now?

How did you sleep?

He didn't say a word.

I told him

of the side effects of pills.

I don't take them anymore. I stopped.

My teeth were falling out.

Christos, come closer.

He's better than his "mother."

His "mother" was

Manolis' new fiancée.

-Are you planning to marry her?

-If she gives me half her property.

-Things have progressed I see.

-Her son loves me.

We're old friends.

One day she tells me...

"Do you want me for a sister-in-law?"

"I want you," I tell her...

"but Manolis is young

enough to be your son."

Don't listen to her, Manolis.

She's got lots of money.

Alogoyannis had

arranged the match.

And you should

see her in the nude.

I've seen her. I've often gone

to her house and she'd be dressing.

Her belly is a mess.

-It doesn't seem to bother him.

-Has he seen it?

They' re just friends.

Has he told you he's been with her?

I don't think so.

Manolis went hunting and I went

to take photographs of Thodoros.

-'Morning.

-'Morning.

-You from these parts?

-No.

-Are you staying here?

-Yes.

-Where are you from?

-From Athens.

-Where are you staying here?

-What's it to you?

No, nothing,

you don't have to tell me.

-Know Stratos Tsolakis?

-No.

I'm staying with him.

-Has anything happened?

-Nothing, son.

-He never listens to me.

-Shut up. We're being heard.

While I was away Yota

and Andreas had had a fight...

because he hadn't paid me

for the shortbread.

-Did he take the kids with him?

-He took them for a ride.

They'll all be killed

on that scooter.

In her rage Yota will remember

her relationship with Giorgos...

the soldier who was killed.

I was the one who

ran after him...

followed him to Samos.

He used to beat me

but I liked it.

He was jealous of me too.

I knew he went with other

women but I didn't care.

And the more I wasn't jealous

the more furious be became.

Alexandra doesn't let

Lefteris stir a step.

If I knew he beat her,

I would have taken her away.

She's a good girl

and I love her.

I had begun to like this girl who

was slowly sinking into inertia.

He would tell me...

"Yota,

she'll be the death of me."

He had become involved

with a divorcée...

over forty she was.

She got him the motorbike

on which he was killed.

He would have married her.

But I loved him even more.

Until he was killed.

-And they married me off to this jerk.

-Shut up! He's the one who feeds you.

I couldn't bring her

back to her senses.

She would sit in a corner

and not say a word.

"Mrs. Kostoula," the doctor told me,

"she's in a bad way."

A year later Thodoros

Yokaris was killed too.

Thodoros and Giorgos

were best friends.

They were the ones who

had turned Yota into a hooker.

He's probably gone home

to get himself something to eat.

If he messes up

my kitchen heaven help him!

What d'you want?

Manolis is not here.

I'd like to say

something to Christos.

Grigoris was uneasy.

The police

had picked up Pantelis.

-Did you give him anything?

-Not me. Manolis.

Is he crazy? He'll spread

the word to the entire village.

-Where is he now?

-He went to milk Alogoyannis' sheep.

And then he would go hunting.

D'you think that's the reason.

I had begun to be alarmed.

"Could it be?" I asked myself.

-Was only Pantelis picked up?

-Yes.

He'll get us into trouble.

Grigoris?

-Did he make a run for it?

-I don't know. He came to warn me.

My feelings of guilt

had woken up inside me.

I thought that everyone was looking

at me behind the closed shutters.

-Does my mother know anything?

-No.

-What have you done!

-Take it easy. What happened?

You won't bring the police

in here again. Do you hear me?

-Have you all gone mad in here?

-Kostoula?

-Get out of here! Get out!

-Did you hear it?

-Get your things and go.

-Want me to belt you one?

-Don't!

-Kostoula!

-Is anything wrong?

-Nothing, nothing.

Keep it down,

we're being heard.

Why are you going on at me?

Do what you want,

but harm no one.

-What's he talking about?

-The girl you raped last night.

-What are you saying?

-That's what the police believe.

They found her in a bad

state outside the village.

Are you all paranoid or what?

Let's go before I blow up.

Things were serious.

But I was unable

to hide my relief.

Nothing happened.

My cousin came to take her

to his house. She started acting up.

-Like she was high.

-But she was high!

Anyway. She got us all riled up.

In the end we left her

where they dump the garbage.

In the garbage?

Where they dump it.

3-4 kilometres from the village.

You left her

in the middle of the night?

We should have all had her.

But I had my court

martial to think about.

Go inside.

I'll try and find Grigoris.

And don't worry.

It's nothing.

Don't trust him.

Manolis is full of lies.

We've been listening

to that for three years.

Take him with you to Athens

and find him a nice girl.

Whoever marries him

will live like a queen.

What will he do with him in Athens?

What am I listening to this shit?

Listen to me, son. Manolis loves

to work. Take him with you.

I felt trapped.

And saddened at the thought

of such a prospect.

What's the matter?

I'm leaving.

I thought about it.

I can't take it anymore.

I can't.

The same thing all over again.

I saw that he hesitated to speak.

For him I was always

Manolis' friend.

I've got some self-respect.

I want to be able and talk,

without feeling ashamed.

I'm getting out.

Tell them.

-Me?

-Mark my words.

They'll spoil it for Alexandra.

Why don't you wait until

after the holidays?

I'm leaving.

I'll sleep at the pub tonight.

And tomorrow

I'll open up the house.

I'll live there

and paint it during the day.

-Do you have blankets?

-I'll find some.

You can come whenever you can.

I left him in his world.

But his proposition haunted me,

when I got my ticket for Athens.

-How about some coffee?

-I've drunk too much already.

-Where's Manolis?

-He's sleeping.

Has he got anything for tonight?

Pantelis took the last joint.

-How is he doing?

-They've let him go.

But her mother

is pressing charges.

He's got nothing?

When are you coming back?

When are you leaving?

-Tomorrow. First thing.

-Already?

Let's go

and I'll buy you a drink.

I didn't go.

I returned home to find Manolis.

He had woken up and left.

People are spiteful.

They've been bad-mouthing us...

to Lefteris' family ever since

the engagement. And now this.

Don't worry about it.

I told you nothing happened.

Manolis told me as well,

but I don't trust him.

And just when they were

getting fond of him. Damn him!

Why not?

He's a good boy.

Anyway, they're coming tonight.

They are really nice people.

They're so fond of Alexandra!

-Where were you?

-At the spa.

-Did you find Grigoris?

-Yes.

-What d'you want him for?

-I'm going to lie down.

He had drunk wine

and his head ached.

-What did Grigoris tell you?

-He didn't tell me. I told him.

They didn't touch her I tell you. Just

fooled around with her and left her.

She's sick, poor thing. Her folks

let her do as she likes...

You should see

the things she used to do.

-Where's Stratos?

-He didn't come home tonight.

Give me a cigarette.

Get down.

I wondered whether I should

tell them of Stratos' plans.

I felt that I had no right.

Yet...

I hope he doesn't

come now I'm smoking.

I don't know.

I feel ashamed in front of Stratos.

He told me he wasn't coming.

He's staying at his house.

For Christmas?

-Forever.

-And who'll cook, do his washing?

If his shirt isn't ironed

he yells at my mother.

Don't tell Manolis

and get him all riled up.

And there's the property.

That's his too.

-Where's Andreas?

-Drinking somewhere.

-How did you get here?

-Kyriakos dropped us off.

Only the three of us sat

at the Christmas table.

Missing were Manolis

who was sleeping...

Andreas who always gets drunk

during the holidays and Stratos...

who is getting ready

to leave the village.

The in-laws

are coming tonight.

Don't worry, I'm leaving.

I'm going visiting.

And Andreas?

Will you babysit for me?

Don't come back before ten.

I admired the secret understanding

between the two women.

Andreas shouldn't

have done that to me.

It's been four years since

I've been home for Christmas.

And where is Stratos?

I'm off to milk Alogoyannis' ewes.

He's dead drunk.

Wait for me here.

Have some coffee.

He was with

Alogoyannis all night.

It was obvious that he no longer

wanted us to be seen together.

Anyhow he shouldn't

have said it, Christos.

Our girl just got engaged.

Stratos knows how

to carry on a conversation.

Don't worry.

He'll cool off and he'll be back.

Yes.

It's not easy living alone.

He came back two hours

later dead drunk.

-Where's your mother, kid?

-With Uncle Kyriakos.

-Where did you say?

-Leave the child alone.

Go and wash.

We're expecting company.

Michalis was right.

Yota slept with Manolis' boss.

And everyone

in the house knew it.

He hasn't shown up yet.

I saw her

for the first time at a loss...

faced with all the impasses.

He picked the day.

He'll come, don't worry.

I don't think he's gonna push it.

He was upset.

He's not going

to break up my family.

-Where's she gone to?

-To find Stratos I imagine.

-What for?

-How should I know?

Silly woman.

Where are you going?

For one more time I felt

left out of the events.

Now I had remained alone

to welcome the in-laws.

-We're going home.

-Can you drive?

I would find an excuse,

something...

that Yota's child got sick and that

Stratos had taken it to hospital.

-Andreas took the children.

-I know.

-Did you find him?

-Stratos?

He's in the square.

Go on, get out of here!

Shut up.

Go and keep him company, son.

He's been drinking

and doesn't know what he's saying.

-Like this or with my things?

-Anyway you want and stop bugging me.

Don't pay any

attention to him son.

As soon as the holidays are over

I'll send him in Athens.

His nerves are shattered too.

When we go to the village

we'll go hunting.

-Never.

-Why? I'll do the shooting.

That's exactly why.

I may fire a shot

at you too and end it all.

If it does you any good.

And where would

I find such a friend?