Dagli Appennini alle Ande (1990–…): Season 1, Episode 1 - Episode #1.1 - full transcript
From the Apennines
to the Andes
Strange, isn't it?
This journey begins with an arrival.
In Venice.
At Christmas.
I'm coming home for the holidays
from my boarding school in Geneva,
as Dad promised me last year.
"Once you've started middle school..."
Well, I've started it,
at last.
He'll tell me about my mother.
A mom I never got to know.
If she has ever smiled at me,
she has only done so from a picture.
The only picture
I have of her.
A mom I know nothing about,
but whom I've dreamed of almost
every night. Actually, every single night.
They aren't there!
Don't you see?
I'm sure they've just lost them.
Just as I told you.
Don't worry, madam. The second
load is coming just now. Look.
Oh, yes.
Thank you, dear.
- Are you British?
- No, madam, I'm Italian.
- Jim...
- Yes, darling?
- The luggage.
- Oh, yes, darling.
- Goodbye, madam.
- Goodbye, dear.
- And merry Christmas.
- Thank you.
Dad!
Dad!
Hi!
- Hey, young man!
- How are you doing?
I'm doing all right.
And you?
Gosh, it's always falling off.
- So, how are you?
- Fine.
- Did you have a nice trip?
- Yes.
Good.
How's school?
I have some problems
with Maths, as usual.
- Marco...
- Dad, I'm on vacation.
Besides, we need to talk about
something else. Do you remember?
Yes, sure.
Venice smells worse
every time.
Yes, but it gets more beautiful
every time you visit.
Of course,
because you live here.
- Dad, ask him to let me drive.
- No, you can't.
Please!
- The city is full of tourists and
there are police around. - Come on!
- Maybe later, in the open lagoon.
- Where are we going?
I'm taking you to eat in Burano.
In a nice place.
- Who else is going to be there?
- Nobody. Just the two of us. OK?
That's some Christmas gift!
That's really a nice idea!
Happy?
Do you have to go back
to the office right after lunch?
No, don't worry. Today
I'm not available for anyone.
How can you go a whole day without
phones, secretaries, boards of directors?
I want to see if you can adapt
to living here, with me.
Let's say it's a sort of test.
You're not sending me to
boarding school anymore...
Maybe. We'll decide
at the end of the year, OK?
I can't believe it!
It's the best news in the world!
Marco, I said
"at the end of the year".
Dad...
if you change your mind,
don't tell me until I leave again.
We'll see.
I have an idea. Why don't we make
a quick trip to Argentina?
To do what?
There's nothing left for us
over there.
Nobody's waiting for us.
Well, I'd like to see the country
in which I was born.
They say it's important.
No, it is not your birth country
that matters.
It is who you were born from
that matters.
Of course, Dad.
However, I'd like to meet
someone who knew Mom.
We could also go
and say hello to Antonio.
He hasn't written to you
in a long time.
Let's talk about Mom, OK?
About Mom.
Are you tired?
A little.
Your mother didn't have anyone,
as I've already told you.
And she died alone.
Nobody knows where
her killers buried her.
Where did you meet her?
In a village of shacks.
My company was building a dam.
Argentina - 1976
A dam in the Andes
She was a teacher
in a nearby village.
Did you see each other
every day?
Every free moment we had.
Thank you.
I...?
...adore you.
How much?
Much.
How much?
Who is it?
Your comrades?
Uh-huh.
Come on here.
Stay a little longer.
No.
It's not possible.
When I get back to the village,
I'll enter your school,
and I'll kidnap you.
You'll see.
No. We'll meet here.
But I want to take you
to Italy.
You and my son.
Wait for him to be born,
at least!
Beatriz...
You can't go on like this. You don't need
to risk your life every night.
I'm afraid, too.
But I have to do it.
This is my country.
Right...
We're not terrorists.
I've told you everything.
Bye, love.
I'm off.
How will I let you know
when I'm back?
People talk.
I'll know right away.
Maybe I'll go to the South. We have
to set up a telecommunication centre.
I'll quit my school job, then,
and I'll come to the South with you.
I promise.
Poor Mom...
Maybe it's mean of me
to make you recall these things.
No, not at all.
It's a happy memory.
If I hadn't met her,
you wouldn't be there now.
And I'd be even more alone.
Do you want to make me cry,
young man?
No, it's just that...
I like listening to you.
We're good together,
aren't we?
- Yes. - It'd be better
if there were three of us.
Don't you think?
Was Mom beautiful?
As all moms are
to their children.
But she was
the most beautiful of all.
I wish Jesus Christ were
still alive.
Why?
He could resurrect the dead,
couldn't he?
If we had prayed to him,
he could have resurrected Mom, too.
Let's go home.
Dad, can I ask you
one more question?
Sure.
Antonio knew her, right?
Why has he stopped
writing to you, now?
Sometimes he does.
And he always asks about you.
He stood by me.
And he was
my right-hand man at work.
- Good morning.
- Hi.
He knew all about me and Mom.
He knew how much we loved each other.
- Bye, Mr. Engineer.
- Have a nice day.
- Put it in the truck.
- Yes, sir.
- Come, Mr. Vigan?. There's
some hot coffee - Coming.
- Here.
- Thank you.
You'd better prepare your stomach.
You're leaving, aren't you?
- There's nothing better than
some good coffee. - You're right.
Thank you.
So, finally, tomorrow
you'll be in Italy.
Right.
- You don't want to leave, huh?
- I won't be gone for long.
But you're not coming back
to the Andes.
No, not for now.
Maybe at a later time, when
the work is finished in Patagonia.
The agreements are well under way.
They are for a telecommunication centre.
I'll spend two days in Buenos Aires
to define them.
I hope you won't leave me out
of your team.
You promised me,
do you remember?
Uh-huh.
I've even learned
Italian, now!
We're friends.
Don't forget.
No.
Be careful:
Argentina is not
the right country for love.
And your girlfriend may not be the right
person to fall in love with, in this country.
Where are you going?
Come on, get down.
- Goodbye.
- Manuel... - Go, boy.
- Bye.
- Bye.
See you soon.
Goodbye.
Dad, why did you return
to Italy that time?
Why did you leave Mom alone?
Because I wanted to marry her.
But I had to define
some work stuff first.
And also some private stuff.
You know,
you'll see Laura, tonight.
- She's coming to spend
Christmas with us. - Ah, old Laura!
- Marco, she's younger than me!
- I was just joking!
- Is her husband coming, too?
- No, he isn't. He and Laura separated.
And how did she take it?
Well, I think.
Ask her.
Are you going
to bang her, now?
Marco! Is that the language
you've learned at school?
- Frankly, you disappoint me.
- Sorry.
You didn't answer me, though.
- Are you going to marry her?
- I don't know.
I haven't even considered it.
She just needs to talk to
someone who understands her.
At the hospital she has
many patients to talk to.
Marco!
Sorry, Dad.
I like Laura. But having her
as a mother is another matter.
I prefer mine,
even if she's gone.
Don't you agree?
She's been in my thoughts
for such a long time.
It's all right, Mom.
Don't worry.
It's all straightened out.
Nobody's going to take your place.
Mrs. Laura, thank goodness
you are here!
Francesco, there's no time to waste.
We have to take him away immediately.
- Help me.
- Yes, madam.
It's not serious, is it?
Dad?
Dad, are you there?
Dad?
"The echoes of the tragedy
occurred in Argentina,
"where 30,000 people
disappeared..."
Mom!
Mom...
"There's reason to believe that
some desaparecidos are still alive.
"The pictures you see
have been provided by...
- "the well-known Mothers
of the Plaza de Mayo." - Dad!
Hurry!
Come and see!
Mom's on TV!
They said she's still alive!
Dad, she's alive!
Where are you?
Dad!
"Our association leaves
no stone unturned.
"We are committed
on all fronts.
"We just need to find
one of these faces...
"to have the strength
and hope to continue."
Francesco?
Francesco!
- Where's Dad?
- Don't worry. He'll be all right.
Mom's alive! I must tell Dad!
Where did he go?
He felt unwell.
We took him to the hospital.
- Come on, take me there.
- Yes.
Wait.
Don't run!
- Do you know where he is?
- Yes, he's on the first floor.
- Marco...
- Where's Dad? How is he?
- I need to see him.
- You can't see him. You have to wait.
- I need to tell him something important.
- We have to wait for the doctors.
He's in the ICU.
- Mom's alive!
- Marco, we can't disturb him.
I saw Mom on TV!
I need to tell Dad! Where is he?
Calm down. You'll tell him
as soon as he recovers.
But Dad doesn't know...
Mom is alive.
- You said he's in the ICU...
- Yes.
Marco...
Dad...
Mom's alive.
I saw her.
She's waiting for us.
Dad...
Did you hear me?
Mom is waiting for us.
Come on...
Let's go.
- "Desaparecida".
- Yes, exactly.
- Artieda...?
- Beatriz, Mr. Consul.
Is she a friend or a relative?
No, she's a woman
who worked for my father.
Dad thought she was dead.
Then, yesterday,
when he saw her on TV...
In short, my father thinks
he recognized her.
- And what does your father want
to know about her? - Where she is.
- Who is this woman to you?
- I want to know if she's alive.
Ah.
So...
"Beatriz Artieda.
"Date of birth: 2 August 1954.
"Place of birth: Tucum?n.
"Hijos: ninguno.
"Date of disappearance:
21 July 1977."
No woman by this name and
of this age appears to be surely dead.
Not officially, at least.
This doesn't mean
she's alive, though.
In our country, nobody appears
to be officially alive or dead.
- "Hijos" means "children", right?
- And "ninguno" means "none".
So it's only a matter
of time and rest.
Your father had been working
too hard lately, trust me.
But the doctors say he's responding very
well to the therapy. The worst is over.
These holidays won't be
very enjoyable for you.
How about opening
the gifts?
I could go back
to Switzerland.
The school is organizing a skiing holiday
for those who aren't going home.
When I come back here,
Dad will have already recovered.
- I'd like to go.
- As you wish.
- I'll send Francesco to buy the ticket.
- No, there's no need.
Thank you.
I'll call the travel agency.
They know me.
I just need Dad's signature on the
Child Travel Consent Form.
Don't worry. I'm authorized
to sign for him. I'll sign it.
This is Marco Vigan?.
A Venice-Geneva ticket, as usual.
And also an urgent ticket
for my father.
He absolutely needs
to leave tomorrow.
Yes, for Buenos Aires.
Via Geneva, of course.
No, an open ticket.
He doesn't know
the return date yet.
Great!
Yes, put them
on the company's bill.
I'll expect them
by tonight, OK?
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Dad, I really wish I could stay
here with you, but I can't.
You understand that,
don't you?
Mom has been waiting for me
for a long time.
You're a bit better now,
but who knows how she is!
She's alone, down there in Argentina.
Who knows where she is.
I must go and find her,
for me and for you.
Don't you think?
Why did Antonio believe
those people?
Why didn't we realize
she was alive?
Anyway, there's no time
to waste now.
I'll come back with her.
She'll be my Christmas gift.
We'll be a family, too.
The three of us together.
# None shall sleep
# None shall sleep
# Even you, o Princess,
# in your cold bedroom,
# watching the stars
# that are trembling with love
# and with hope.
"Vittorio, Beatriz is dead."
Hurry, sir,
we have to take off!
Wait.
Just a moment.
With this weather, we're risking
getting stuck on the ground.
- Just a few more minutes.
- We can't wait any longer.
Here's your son.
Take him away immediately.
And, for the good of all,
don't come back.
I've kept my promise, risking my neck
and betraying my country.
I've done it because I'm your friend.
Goodbye. Don't ask me any questions.
Goodbye, Vittorio.
"Vittorio, Beatriz is dead.
"I can't say more or give you
official documents.
"You can only trust my word
as a friend. Antonio"
- Are you sure you have everything?
- Yes, don't worry.
Do you have your passport
and ticket at hand?
It's not my first time
travelling.
I know. But you always have
your head in the clouds.
- That's not true!
- Come on, we've arrived.
You don't need to come
with me inside.
Of course I'm coming inside!
For my peace of mind.
- It's not necessary.
- I'm coming with you anyway.
Let's go, dear.
I'm coming, too.
- But Francesco...
- No buts about it.
Come on! I've grown up
in this airport!
You may have grown up in it,
but I'm coming with you anyway.
- Like it's my first time travelling...
- Come on, let's go.
Here we are.
Are you happy?
Here.
- Bye, Marco. Have a nice trip.
- Bye. Thanks.
Gate number 3.
Two persons.
Buenos Aires.
- You have to connect in Geneva,
do you know that? - Yes.
- Have a nice trip.
- Thank you.
- Just one bag?
- Yes.
- Have a nice trip.
- Thank you.
Do you want something to read?
I don't understand why
we're not flying via Rome.
- The route is shorter this way.
- And also cheaper, I guess.
Your parents economized
even on our honeymoon.
Who cares if we're not
flying via Rome?
We have a full month
to spend in Argentina.
- Are you going to Buenos Aires, too?
- Yes. - Yes.
True, it's shorter via Geneva.
But it's still
a 16-hour flight!
- Do you go to Argentina often?
- All the time.
I spend more time there
than in Italy.
"First-class passengers
of flight SR641 for Geneva...
"are kindly requested
to proceed to gate number 3."
- Goodbye.
- Bye. - Goodbye.
Since your parents paid
for our honeymoon,
they could have flown us
First Class!
- They had a lot of expenses.
- What about my folks, then?
Do you know how much
my wedding dress cost?
And they also paid
for the party.
"Economy-class passengers
of flight SR641 for Geneva...
It's our flight.
"are kindly requested to proceed to
gate number 3 for immediate boarding."
Sir... your drink.
Thank you.
Excuse me, would you like
something to drink?
Yes, the same thing
you served to that man.
That man is having
a double whiskey.
I know. I drink one every night,
before going to bed.
OK. I'll make you one
right away, then.
An orange juice.
Ah, that's where
my newspaper is!
- May I...?
- Sure.
- Here.
- Thank you.
Sir...
Don't you like it?
Is it not
your favourite whiskey?
Ah, you want a malt whiskey...
No, this is just fine.
Why are you laughing?
Because you're drinking whiskey
as if it were orange juice, sir.
It indeed tastes like orange juice.
That's why I like drinking it.
Thank you very much, madam.
Call me "Anna", okay?
Call me "Marco", okay?
Is it all right, sir?
Marco, do you like
detective movies?
I prefer James Bond.
But played by Sean Connery. Imitations
are always inferior to the original.
You're a refined person.
- Do you want something to eat?
- No, thank you.
Okay.
- Anna?
- Yes?
- Do you have a little piece
of chocolate? - Yes, of course.
Marco?
Marco?
Hey...
Come on, get up.
That's it.
Mom...
- Relax.
- It was false...
It was false...
Antonio was wrong.
Calm down, Marco.
Are you waiting for me, Mom?
- She's not dead.
- Shh...
That doesn't mean she's dead.
She's a desaparecida.
She's not dead.
She's not dead.
- Mom...
- I'm here with you, now.
I'll take you home.
I'll take care of you.
I'll take you to Dad.
Mom...
Mom!
Mom...
- Did you sleep well?
- Very well.
Marco! When was
the last time you ate?!
I can't show up
malnourished, can I?
I don't mean to pry, but...
- Where are you going, when we arrive?
- To my mother.
You'll meet her at the airport.
She's beautiful.
I'm sure you'll immediately
become friends.
Marco...
Your mother won't be
at the airport.
That's true.
Maybe she won't be there.
She'll be waiting for me
at home!
What's the time
in Buenos Aires?
"We'll be landing shortly
at Buenos Aires airport.
"The weather is good.
The temperature is 35 ?C."
- Is it that hot?
- Yes.
I'll have to take off some
of the clothes I'm wearing.
Yes, it may be a good idea.
Marco...
Listen...
When we land,
I have a day off.
I can come with you,
if you wish.
Okay.
Mom will be very happy!
Bye.
Merry Christmas!
- Bye. See you around.
- We'll meet somewhere for sure.
What a nice start! I've just arrived
and I've already caught a cold.
Gosh, this city is so big!
Let's see...
It must be here, somewhere.
Here it is:
Plaza de Mayo.
Marco?
Marco!
Shouldn't you call your father?
He might be worried.
No, no. He knows me.
He knows what I'm like.
- I'll call him later, from Antonio's house.
Otherwise it wouldn't be a surprise. - OK.
Imagine: he looks for me
in the house, furious.
He enters the living room,
and who does he find there? Me and Mom.
Hey, look: Corto Maltese.
Yes!
So it's read here, too!
I wonder if Mom knows of it.
I have all issues.
Do you know where the office of
the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo is?
Yes, of course.
Did you give the right address
to the taxi driver?
Yes, don't worry!
Anna, do you think
they'll help me find Mom?
I hope so. They are
a well-organized group.
They'll do
everything possible.
Yes. Besides, I have her picture,
her name and all the rest.
It's very strange that
you came.
Usually, it is the mothers
who come here.
Or the sisters, the aunts...
Sometimes the fathers,
or the brothers.
But the children never come.
And you came here
from as far as Italy!
You're a very brave boy.
My mother thinks
I'm dead,
and my father thinks my mother is dead.
It's a complete mess, you know?
Marco told me he saw a picture of
his mother in a report on the Italian TV.
This is her.
She looked the same on TV.
She hasn't even aged.
You know her, don't you?
No.
But it's been so many years...
And there are
thousands of them.
But I recognized her,
in the report.
We give many interviews,
Marco.
Reporters come here
from all over the world.
For TV reports, we normally use
photos we have on file,
old or new.
No.
This is not the way forward.
The best thing to do is
start a search by her name.
Beatriz Artieda.
We have offices
across Argentina.
And we also have
a lot of support.
Where was your father working,
at the time?
- Well... - Marco's father is
an industrialist.
Marco, what does your father build?
Houses, factories, bridges?
He builds anything, anywhere
in the world. He's always on the move.
That doesn't help much,
but we'll search anyway.
- The dates are correct, right?
- Uh-huh.
- You're 13, right?
- That's right.
So it happened at that time.
My father is also in the oil industry
and in the telecommunication one.
Are you sure?
It's important.
- Yes. He often goes to Africa,
to the desert... - Wait.
Please try to connect me
to someone in Patagones.
Yes. Put him through
as soon as possible.
Are you related to him?
No, I met him on the flight from Europe. I'm
taking him to an acquaintance of his dad's.
He's a friend. An important person.
Antonio Godoy.
Very well.
You'll receive news from us as soon
as possible, at Mr. Godoy's address.
Good luck, Marco.
Thank you.
You seem to have
a sweet tooth!
You guessed it. I've brought a stock
of chocolate from Switzerland.
The Argentinian one is not bad.
Want some?
No, thanks. If I put on even
one kilo, I won't fit my uniform!
- You'd be a good mother.
- You should tell that to my daughter,
who is always complaining.
- Where's your daughter?
- In Rome.
- Ah, you live in Italy!
- Uh-huh. My husband is Italian.
I bet he's a pilot.
No, you're wrong.
He's a musician.
He plays! Then I must come
and visit you.
Mom will be thrilled!
- When do you think the Mothers of the
Plaza de Mayo will call me? - Soon, Marco.
Let's go to your friend, now.
Waiter?
I'm leaving again
in a few hours.
Thanks.
No, no.
I can't accept...
Sir...
- Your change.
- Thank you.
- Is Mr. Godoy in?
- Yes. Come in.
- Thank you.
- Let me take that bag.
Antonio... how wonderful!
Come and try this.
It's my own invention.
- Try it.
- Thank you.
Just a moment, please.
That's him.
Over there.
- It's good, isn't it?
- Excellent.
- Are you waiting for someone?
- No, why?
Look.
Who is he?
- I don't know.
- I'm Marco Vigan?. Antonio!
- Don't you recognize me?
- Marco...
Yes, I'm Marco!
No way!
- And where's your father?
- In Venice.
Marco!
- Is it OK like this?
- Yes, thanks.
I had seen him in pictures,
but he was so little...
- And now look at him.
- You've become a young man.
- You look a lot like your father,
you know? - And like Mom, too.
Especially my eyes.
Yes, you're right.
Did you come by plane?
Yes. I fly 7-8 times a year,
between Geneva and Venice.
- Have you ever been on one?
- No.
Marco feels at home
on a plane.
You should see how much at ease
he is. Just like a crew member!
Well, if you don't travel
by plane, nowadays...
He's just like his father,
also in his character.
Well, I have to go, now.
But I'll rest easy knowing
Marco is in good hands.
- Sure. Thank you very much, madam.
- Don't mention it.
Come on, kids, let's go.
Be well, Marco.
I'll wait for you in Rome.
With your mother.
Do you have everything?
Bags, passport, money?
And don't forget to call
your father.
Huh?
You, women, are always
apprehensive, huh?
- Bye, Marco.
- Bye.
- I'll see you out, madam.
- Thank you.
It was only a photo, Marco.
That's what the director said, too.
Of course it was a photo.
But it was my mother's!
They say many of them are
still alive.
- Almost none of them.
- No, I don't believe it.
And surely not her.
I'm going to search for her anyway.
Dad was working in the South, right?
- Uh-huh.
- Then she's there.
Okay.
I want to take you there.
Thank you, Antonio.
- I know you'll be disappointed.
- No.
But now we must call
your father.
Okay, call him.
But don't tell him too much.
He mustn't know I'm here.
It's a surprise.
People call this house
even at night!
Hello?
Hello?
Hello... Mr. Vigan?, please.
Unfortunately,
he's in hospital.
- And how is he?
- He's better, now.
- When is he coming home?
- Maybe in a few days.
- Do you want to leave a message?
- Yes. Please tell him Godoy called,
from Buenos Aires.
- Who, excuse me?
- Antonio Godoy.
- Antonio Godoy.
- Yes, thank you.
- Good night.
- Good night. Take care.
Antonio Godoy.
So, are you happy?
I haven't betrayed you.
Yes.
You're a friend.
- How's Dad?
- He's better.
Bedtime.
You need to sleep.
We're leaving very early
in the morning.
Bye.
What's wrong
with them, tonight?
Up and down...
Damn it!
- Hello?
- Hello, this is Marco.
Marco!
How are you?
- Very well.
- You're breaking up.
It must be my line.
- Are you in Geneva?
- Yes, yes.
We'll go to the mountains
tomorrow. It's freezing!
There's a metre
and a half of snow!
- How's Dad? - Much better.
But he's still in hospital.
Is he still in that room
with restricted entry?
I think so.
That's what Mrs. Laura said.
But they should discharge him,
one of these da...
Hello?
Francesco?
Hello?
Marco's confidence is
contagious.
When he talks about his mom,
it seems everything is possible.
But it's not possible.
She's dead.
Believe me: she's dead.
You're right, though:
Marco is convinced.
He's convinced his mother is alive.
That's why I want to take him there.
He may run away,
if I don't.
And Vittorio would never
forgive me.
- Vittorio means very much to you, huh?
- Those were difficult times.
And he was
a real friend to me.
Those were the years
of the military dictatorship.
I was working with him again,
and I was happy.
- Hello. How are you?
- Fine. And you?
I can't complain.
I'm glad to be
your guardian angel again.
- Get in.
- Thanks.
But I knew the real reason he was
in Argentina again, was that woman,
Beatriz.
I know what you're going
to ask me.
So, where's Beatriz?
She has changed village. I'm waiting
to know where she's moved to.
But don't worry;
it's only a matter of days.
Well, it's all so quiet...
- As if... - As if nothing of what
they say in Italy were happening.
Right.
And that's true.
In old Europe,
media always exaggerate...
when they talk about
the governments in Latin America.
Your IDs.
Thanks.
- Let me see you - You're coming
with me. - Is this an exaggeration, too?
The Government has
every right to do checks.
Let's go.
Come on, move it!
They're hotheads,
a bit like your girlfriend.
They'd better not cross
the line.
Argentina is big. It's easy for
the ?lite to make people disappear.
Welcome, sir.
- Did you have a nice trip?
- Yes, thank you.
- Good morning, sir.
- Hello, guys.
- Good morning.
- Welcome back.
- How's the work going?
- You'll see for yourself.
The first dish has been installed.
We just need to test it.
Beatriz was missing.
Had she been arrested?
Was she hiding?
It was as if she had
never existed.
He couldn't resign himself to that.
He looked for her everywhere.
Occasionally, a letter from her
would arrive. I don't know how.
"In this hellhole,
your absence is unbearable.
"I don't know if I'll get out of here alive.
The situation is worsening by the hour.
"But he, our son, must live."
"Hello, how are you?"
At last! I've been trying for weeks
to talk to you, Minister.
"I'm sorry.
I've been busy."
I know. But I haven't heard
a word from you.
"Unfortunately, we haven't been able
to locate her yet. She has disappeared."
She can't have vanished into thin air,
as if she had never existed!
"We're doing everything possible.
You have to try to stay calm."
- No.
- "Please, listen to me."
No, you listen to me.
I'm sorry,
but I've run out of patience.
I'm not going to wait
any longer.
- I want to see her as soon as possible.
- "We'll keep you informed."
Thank you.
After six months of search,
is that all you can tell me?
I'm sparing you
the worst details;
The Buenos Aires authorities are annoyed
by you looking for her in the prisons,
among the political prisoners.
Beatriz Artieda is
a dangerous terrorist,
an enemy of the State, with which
you signed your contracts.
Luis...
And the State considers
this matter closed. Vittorio...
if you insist on searching,
on demanding,
raising your voice,
involving the Italian ambassador
and international organizations,
you risk them breaking
the deal and pulling it.
Let them pull it!
We'll end up before
an international court,
and they'll have
to face a scandal.
The military doesn't care
about a scandal,
nor does it care about public
opinion and international courts.
But for Beatriz
the situation is different.
She's an Argentinian citizen.
We have martial law here.
Those who conspire against
the Government face death penalty.
Did they ask you to
threaten me and blackmail me?
No.
They don't care about
blackmail and threats, either.
They feel safe.
They think they're right.
You'd better listen to me,
Vittorio.
Try to use your head a little.
What do you think I should do?
Abandon Beatriz? Forget her?
- Leave her in prison?
- Yes, I think so.
You'd avoid
making things worse.
Besides, you have to think
about your business.
There are many interests at stake,
and not only economic interests.
Do you want to ruin
everything for a whim?
Beatriz is my woman.
My son's mother!
Yes, if she's still alive.
And if the child was born.
At least let me know...
if they're still alive.
It's difficult and
dangerous for me,
but I'll try to find out.
- Obviously, I...
- What?
I'll need a lot of money,
and a passport.
For Beatriz?
No.
For me.
Whether I succeed or not, it's obvious
that I'll have to disappear afterwards.
I'll give you all you want.
I've only found Marco.
I haven't seen Vittorio since then.
That's why that boy is...
almost like a son to me.
Look what Luca gave me! He says it's more
comfortable than my bag for the trip.
Great!
Did you pack some warm clothes?
It's very cold down there.
Here, it's cold in the South
and hot in the North. How funny!
If one didn't know,
one'd get pneumonia.
- Bye. I'll call you tonight.
- Bye.
Thank you for everything.
- See you soon!
- Bye, Marco.
They aren't playing
any of Madonna's songs.
Who is she?
Madonna! Don't tell me
you don't know who she is.
You'd like her a lot.
She's great!
It's still hot, around here.
Yes. We haven't arrived
in the South yet.
In my school, it's cold all year round.
All school year round, I mean.
Then, when the weather is nice and
you could have fun, they send you home!
Well, you can have fun
at home, can't you?
Yes, when Dad's free.
Maybe he won't send me to boarding
school anymore. With Mom at home,
everything will be different.
Antonio, what do you think
Mom does for a living, now?
- This road is very nice, huh?
- Yes, it's nice.
Maybe she has resumed teaching.
Or she's unemployed.
I wonder if
she still likes singing.
You knew she sang
very well, didn't you?
Yes.
Your father told me.
We'll just stop
for a bite to eat.
- Are you hungry?
- I'm starving!
You're not lacking
in appetite, apparently.
Laura always says
I'm a picky eater.
Who is Laura?
A friend of Dad's.
They were supposed to get married,
before Dad met Mom.
Now they're friends,
or at least I think they are.
Are you really a picky eater?
I don't believe it.
- There are some things
I just hate. - I see.
Milk, for example.
It makes me sick!
I'm going to make a call.
Wait here.
This is Godoy.
Is it all set?
Okay. I'll be there
in a day...
two at the latest.
Uh-huh.
Uh-huh.
Well, wait for me.
Do you know someone,
down there, in the South?
Yes, of course.
They are old friends.
- Let's get back on
the road, then. - Yessir!
Come.
You're like Dad, huh?
You can't live without phone.
What about you? What would you do
without chocolate?
When you run a company,
you'll live glued to a phone, too.
I'll make one last call, OK?
You can't resist!
- Wait in the car. It'll just take
a minute, OK? - OK.
Hello?
This is Godoy.
Yes, it's all right.
No problem.
Is it all taken care of?
I've already told you:
send whomever you want,
as long as they are
very trusted people. Is that clear?
Just do as I say.
Yes.
Don't forget.
No, I can't stay long.
OK, it's agreed.
See you tomorrow, then.
Okay, don't worry.
Hey!
Can you see what happened?
Come on, open it.
- The engine block is cracked.
- Antonio, look there. - No, wait.
- But the car is almost new.
- What can I say?
- Look.
- Marco, please...
How long will it take
to fix it?
- At least 10 days.
- Oh, no.
This is a holiday week.
It'll be ready after New Year's Day.
After New Year's Day?!
What do we do now?
- We can take a plane!
- And where can we find a plane?
No, we'll stop here.
Let's go and find a hotel.
Damn!
- That's all we needed!
- But I can't waste time.
Don't add to it.
I'll call Buenos Aires.
I'll ask them to send us
a car, or a helicopter.
- I'll leave the car here, OK?
- OK, Mr. Godoy.
Let's go.
- Where are we going?
- Into town. We'll thumb a ride.
Hello?
He fell asleep with his clothes on
and the light on!
He's dead tired, poor boy.
Yes, he's very excited.
He can't stop talking.
Yes, we'll leave again
tomorrow.
I've rented a car, of course.
You should have seen
how disappointed he was.
Yes, I called earlier.
Vittorio is still in hospital.
Is it all right, there?
How about the kids?
Give them a kiss for me.
Yes, I'll call you tomorrow.
Bye.
A kiss for you, too.
Bye.
He must be here.
- I don't see him.
- Neither do I.
- Let's try there.
- Yes.
- How could that happen?
- I don't know.
Believe me, sir,
I just can't understand.
I'm really sorry.
The clerk didn't leave his desk,
not even for a second.
I assure you he didn't see
any boy leave or enter.
This is a real mystery. I have to
find him as soon as possible.
- Come. Let's call the police.
- No...
Not for the moment, no.
As you wish, sir.
If you'll excuse me...
"San Benedetto del Tronto"
Eureka!
Captain?
Captain!
- Hey, who are you?
- A Venetian.
What a pretty, clean face
you have!
Do you know where I'm from?
From San Benedetto. Do you know it?
Of course I do!
I've been there on vacation!
Good, little Venetian!
What are you doing here alone?
I'm going to my mother,
in Patagones.
But I missed the train.
It's on my route.
I'll refill my water tank there.
- So I can come aboard!
- No! Are you crazy?
If I'm caught with a passenger
on board, I'll lose my license.
I can pay.
Even 500,000 liras.
What? No, it's not possible,
little Venetian.
I like you,
but I'm not taking on passengers.
Why don't you hire me, then?
To do what? You can't even
reach the helm yet!
But I can do anything.
You'll give orders, and I'll obey.
- Can you make spaghetti? - Hmm...
Of course, they're my speciality.
- Can you make them spicy?
- Well, obviously.
- Very spicy?
- Yes!
Okay, then. I'll hire you
as my personal cook.
As for the ride, I'll settle for
500,000 liras, okay?
- Where's your stuff?
- It's all in here.
OK, it's a deal. Get on board.
We're weighing anchor soon.
Hey, listen:
put your backpack
in my cabin downstairs.
Okay.
What are you doing here? Scram downstairs
and make some spaghetti! I'm starving!
- Forward, march!
- Yessir!
You'll stand watch tonight.
I don't care it's holiday!
Go and wake him up!
Drag him out of bed.
Bring the commander
here immediately!
It's impossible, sir.
Nobody knows where the commander
is spending the holidays.
Besides, as I've already told you,
only one fishing boat left, 2 hours ago.
Maybe, Mr. Godoy,
if you had come sooner...
I was looking for him in town.
- The boy mightn't even be on board.
- Stop them anyway. Then we'll check.
- Do you want me to call them on the radio?
- Yes, please. Good idea.
He said he wants them spicy...
So, are the spaghetti ready?
Yes, I'm coming.
Hurry!
I'm hungry!
Oh, beautiful...
How beautiful these spaghetti are!
Come on, sit down.
Help yourselves.
Help yourself.
- What about you? Why aren't you eating?
- No, no...
Come on, have a nice plate
of them! You need to grow.
No, thanks, I'm not hungry.
We, cooks, eat with our eyes.
Well done, little Venetian!
You've made them really spicy,
as I like them!
"In short, he ran away,
and I don't know why."
- Are you sure he's on the fishing boat?
- I don't know. Maybe. It's possible.
We've tried to contact them via radio,
but the reception is noisy at the moment.
- "Wouldn't it be better if you waited
for him in Patagones?" - No.
He mustn't arrive there alone.
I don't want him to.
He'll be so disappointed
not to find his mother that...
- "Did Vittorio call?"
- No, not yet.
Poor Marco... What could have
happened to him, Antonio?
I'm afraid of what could still
happen to him.
"Try to stay calm, okay?
I'll call you soon."
A kiss.
Bye.
Gosh...
Try to stare at a far point.
Don't look at the sea.
Come on, get up.
The spicy food has
kicked in, huh?
Come on.
Come on, let's go!
Come on, get up!
Let's go.
Easy, easy...
That's it.
Wait.
Wait a moment.
That's it.
There.
What kind of Venetian are you?
Do you also get sick
on gondolas?
Now that you've emptied your stomach,
you'll feel better, you'll see.
- What's that thing?
- What thing? Are you delirious?
- That thing.
- Ah, this.
This pouch is my lifesaver.
This way, if I fall overboard,
I'll have everything with me:
papers,
money...
It's also stormproof,
you know?
It's a good idea, isn't it?
Take this pill.
And try to get
some good sleep.
That's it.
Good.
Okay...
And for dinner...
I want more spaghetti!
It smells very good,
dear Cook.
Did you look outside?
We're in the whale area.
Let's go and see!
- I can't. The sauce will burn.
- Ah.
Do you know what whales do
in this area?
- Guess.
- They make love!
Well done, little Venetian!
- "'Ndd?ndd?, this is Port Authority."
- The radio.
"Do you read?
Over."
This is 'Ndd?ndd?.
Go ahead.
- "You must come back immediately."
- Are you crazy?
- "It's an order."
- I can't. There's no harbour nearby.
- "Come back."
- I can't. I have a cargo to deliver.
- "You have a stowaway on board."
- I have no stowaways. Only my crew.
- "You took on a boy."
- Yes, he's my cook, my cabin boy.
- "Are his papers in order?"
- Of course. I've registered him.
- "Is that boy Italian?"
- Yes, he's Italian.
- "How old is he?"
- 12 or 13 years old.
- "He ran away from home."
- No, he didn't! He's going to his mother.
- "No, he's the boy we're looking for.
Come back immediately." - Okay.
- Yessir.
- "It's an order."
Ah, it's an order.
I'll obey it, then.
I'll hand him over to you.
Marco...
Why didn't you tell me
you'd run away from home, Marco?
Marco!
Man overboard!
Man overboard!
Do you hear me well?
The reception is noisy, here.
We can't find the boy.
The divers are coming back.
- He's really disappeared.
- Yes. Just like that.
Well, in this season...
No, he has disappeared.
The currents are strong, here.
Who knows where they carried him to.
Yes.
Yes, a boy.
I think he's 13.
I think we should search
much further south.
Antonio...
So?
Nothing.
He's lost at sea.
No...
English subtitles by YRR
to the Andes
Strange, isn't it?
This journey begins with an arrival.
In Venice.
At Christmas.
I'm coming home for the holidays
from my boarding school in Geneva,
as Dad promised me last year.
"Once you've started middle school..."
Well, I've started it,
at last.
He'll tell me about my mother.
A mom I never got to know.
If she has ever smiled at me,
she has only done so from a picture.
The only picture
I have of her.
A mom I know nothing about,
but whom I've dreamed of almost
every night. Actually, every single night.
They aren't there!
Don't you see?
I'm sure they've just lost them.
Just as I told you.
Don't worry, madam. The second
load is coming just now. Look.
Oh, yes.
Thank you, dear.
- Are you British?
- No, madam, I'm Italian.
- Jim...
- Yes, darling?
- The luggage.
- Oh, yes, darling.
- Goodbye, madam.
- Goodbye, dear.
- And merry Christmas.
- Thank you.
Dad!
Dad!
Hi!
- Hey, young man!
- How are you doing?
I'm doing all right.
And you?
Gosh, it's always falling off.
- So, how are you?
- Fine.
- Did you have a nice trip?
- Yes.
Good.
How's school?
I have some problems
with Maths, as usual.
- Marco...
- Dad, I'm on vacation.
Besides, we need to talk about
something else. Do you remember?
Yes, sure.
Venice smells worse
every time.
Yes, but it gets more beautiful
every time you visit.
Of course,
because you live here.
- Dad, ask him to let me drive.
- No, you can't.
Please!
- The city is full of tourists and
there are police around. - Come on!
- Maybe later, in the open lagoon.
- Where are we going?
I'm taking you to eat in Burano.
In a nice place.
- Who else is going to be there?
- Nobody. Just the two of us. OK?
That's some Christmas gift!
That's really a nice idea!
Happy?
Do you have to go back
to the office right after lunch?
No, don't worry. Today
I'm not available for anyone.
How can you go a whole day without
phones, secretaries, boards of directors?
I want to see if you can adapt
to living here, with me.
Let's say it's a sort of test.
You're not sending me to
boarding school anymore...
Maybe. We'll decide
at the end of the year, OK?
I can't believe it!
It's the best news in the world!
Marco, I said
"at the end of the year".
Dad...
if you change your mind,
don't tell me until I leave again.
We'll see.
I have an idea. Why don't we make
a quick trip to Argentina?
To do what?
There's nothing left for us
over there.
Nobody's waiting for us.
Well, I'd like to see the country
in which I was born.
They say it's important.
No, it is not your birth country
that matters.
It is who you were born from
that matters.
Of course, Dad.
However, I'd like to meet
someone who knew Mom.
We could also go
and say hello to Antonio.
He hasn't written to you
in a long time.
Let's talk about Mom, OK?
About Mom.
Are you tired?
A little.
Your mother didn't have anyone,
as I've already told you.
And she died alone.
Nobody knows where
her killers buried her.
Where did you meet her?
In a village of shacks.
My company was building a dam.
Argentina - 1976
A dam in the Andes
She was a teacher
in a nearby village.
Did you see each other
every day?
Every free moment we had.
Thank you.
I...?
...adore you.
How much?
Much.
How much?
Who is it?
Your comrades?
Uh-huh.
Come on here.
Stay a little longer.
No.
It's not possible.
When I get back to the village,
I'll enter your school,
and I'll kidnap you.
You'll see.
No. We'll meet here.
But I want to take you
to Italy.
You and my son.
Wait for him to be born,
at least!
Beatriz...
You can't go on like this. You don't need
to risk your life every night.
I'm afraid, too.
But I have to do it.
This is my country.
Right...
We're not terrorists.
I've told you everything.
Bye, love.
I'm off.
How will I let you know
when I'm back?
People talk.
I'll know right away.
Maybe I'll go to the South. We have
to set up a telecommunication centre.
I'll quit my school job, then,
and I'll come to the South with you.
I promise.
Poor Mom...
Maybe it's mean of me
to make you recall these things.
No, not at all.
It's a happy memory.
If I hadn't met her,
you wouldn't be there now.
And I'd be even more alone.
Do you want to make me cry,
young man?
No, it's just that...
I like listening to you.
We're good together,
aren't we?
- Yes. - It'd be better
if there were three of us.
Don't you think?
Was Mom beautiful?
As all moms are
to their children.
But she was
the most beautiful of all.
I wish Jesus Christ were
still alive.
Why?
He could resurrect the dead,
couldn't he?
If we had prayed to him,
he could have resurrected Mom, too.
Let's go home.
Dad, can I ask you
one more question?
Sure.
Antonio knew her, right?
Why has he stopped
writing to you, now?
Sometimes he does.
And he always asks about you.
He stood by me.
And he was
my right-hand man at work.
- Good morning.
- Hi.
He knew all about me and Mom.
He knew how much we loved each other.
- Bye, Mr. Engineer.
- Have a nice day.
- Put it in the truck.
- Yes, sir.
- Come, Mr. Vigan?. There's
some hot coffee - Coming.
- Here.
- Thank you.
You'd better prepare your stomach.
You're leaving, aren't you?
- There's nothing better than
some good coffee. - You're right.
Thank you.
So, finally, tomorrow
you'll be in Italy.
Right.
- You don't want to leave, huh?
- I won't be gone for long.
But you're not coming back
to the Andes.
No, not for now.
Maybe at a later time, when
the work is finished in Patagonia.
The agreements are well under way.
They are for a telecommunication centre.
I'll spend two days in Buenos Aires
to define them.
I hope you won't leave me out
of your team.
You promised me,
do you remember?
Uh-huh.
I've even learned
Italian, now!
We're friends.
Don't forget.
No.
Be careful:
Argentina is not
the right country for love.
And your girlfriend may not be the right
person to fall in love with, in this country.
Where are you going?
Come on, get down.
- Goodbye.
- Manuel... - Go, boy.
- Bye.
- Bye.
See you soon.
Goodbye.
Dad, why did you return
to Italy that time?
Why did you leave Mom alone?
Because I wanted to marry her.
But I had to define
some work stuff first.
And also some private stuff.
You know,
you'll see Laura, tonight.
- She's coming to spend
Christmas with us. - Ah, old Laura!
- Marco, she's younger than me!
- I was just joking!
- Is her husband coming, too?
- No, he isn't. He and Laura separated.
And how did she take it?
Well, I think.
Ask her.
Are you going
to bang her, now?
Marco! Is that the language
you've learned at school?
- Frankly, you disappoint me.
- Sorry.
You didn't answer me, though.
- Are you going to marry her?
- I don't know.
I haven't even considered it.
She just needs to talk to
someone who understands her.
At the hospital she has
many patients to talk to.
Marco!
Sorry, Dad.
I like Laura. But having her
as a mother is another matter.
I prefer mine,
even if she's gone.
Don't you agree?
She's been in my thoughts
for such a long time.
It's all right, Mom.
Don't worry.
It's all straightened out.
Nobody's going to take your place.
Mrs. Laura, thank goodness
you are here!
Francesco, there's no time to waste.
We have to take him away immediately.
- Help me.
- Yes, madam.
It's not serious, is it?
Dad?
Dad, are you there?
Dad?
"The echoes of the tragedy
occurred in Argentina,
"where 30,000 people
disappeared..."
Mom!
Mom...
"There's reason to believe that
some desaparecidos are still alive.
"The pictures you see
have been provided by...
- "the well-known Mothers
of the Plaza de Mayo." - Dad!
Hurry!
Come and see!
Mom's on TV!
They said she's still alive!
Dad, she's alive!
Where are you?
Dad!
"Our association leaves
no stone unturned.
"We are committed
on all fronts.
"We just need to find
one of these faces...
"to have the strength
and hope to continue."
Francesco?
Francesco!
- Where's Dad?
- Don't worry. He'll be all right.
Mom's alive! I must tell Dad!
Where did he go?
He felt unwell.
We took him to the hospital.
- Come on, take me there.
- Yes.
Wait.
Don't run!
- Do you know where he is?
- Yes, he's on the first floor.
- Marco...
- Where's Dad? How is he?
- I need to see him.
- You can't see him. You have to wait.
- I need to tell him something important.
- We have to wait for the doctors.
He's in the ICU.
- Mom's alive!
- Marco, we can't disturb him.
I saw Mom on TV!
I need to tell Dad! Where is he?
Calm down. You'll tell him
as soon as he recovers.
But Dad doesn't know...
Mom is alive.
- You said he's in the ICU...
- Yes.
Marco...
Dad...
Mom's alive.
I saw her.
She's waiting for us.
Dad...
Did you hear me?
Mom is waiting for us.
Come on...
Let's go.
- "Desaparecida".
- Yes, exactly.
- Artieda...?
- Beatriz, Mr. Consul.
Is she a friend or a relative?
No, she's a woman
who worked for my father.
Dad thought she was dead.
Then, yesterday,
when he saw her on TV...
In short, my father thinks
he recognized her.
- And what does your father want
to know about her? - Where she is.
- Who is this woman to you?
- I want to know if she's alive.
Ah.
So...
"Beatriz Artieda.
"Date of birth: 2 August 1954.
"Place of birth: Tucum?n.
"Hijos: ninguno.
"Date of disappearance:
21 July 1977."
No woman by this name and
of this age appears to be surely dead.
Not officially, at least.
This doesn't mean
she's alive, though.
In our country, nobody appears
to be officially alive or dead.
- "Hijos" means "children", right?
- And "ninguno" means "none".
So it's only a matter
of time and rest.
Your father had been working
too hard lately, trust me.
But the doctors say he's responding very
well to the therapy. The worst is over.
These holidays won't be
very enjoyable for you.
How about opening
the gifts?
I could go back
to Switzerland.
The school is organizing a skiing holiday
for those who aren't going home.
When I come back here,
Dad will have already recovered.
- I'd like to go.
- As you wish.
- I'll send Francesco to buy the ticket.
- No, there's no need.
Thank you.
I'll call the travel agency.
They know me.
I just need Dad's signature on the
Child Travel Consent Form.
Don't worry. I'm authorized
to sign for him. I'll sign it.
This is Marco Vigan?.
A Venice-Geneva ticket, as usual.
And also an urgent ticket
for my father.
He absolutely needs
to leave tomorrow.
Yes, for Buenos Aires.
Via Geneva, of course.
No, an open ticket.
He doesn't know
the return date yet.
Great!
Yes, put them
on the company's bill.
I'll expect them
by tonight, OK?
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Dad, I really wish I could stay
here with you, but I can't.
You understand that,
don't you?
Mom has been waiting for me
for a long time.
You're a bit better now,
but who knows how she is!
She's alone, down there in Argentina.
Who knows where she is.
I must go and find her,
for me and for you.
Don't you think?
Why did Antonio believe
those people?
Why didn't we realize
she was alive?
Anyway, there's no time
to waste now.
I'll come back with her.
She'll be my Christmas gift.
We'll be a family, too.
The three of us together.
# None shall sleep
# None shall sleep
# Even you, o Princess,
# in your cold bedroom,
# watching the stars
# that are trembling with love
# and with hope.
"Vittorio, Beatriz is dead."
Hurry, sir,
we have to take off!
Wait.
Just a moment.
With this weather, we're risking
getting stuck on the ground.
- Just a few more minutes.
- We can't wait any longer.
Here's your son.
Take him away immediately.
And, for the good of all,
don't come back.
I've kept my promise, risking my neck
and betraying my country.
I've done it because I'm your friend.
Goodbye. Don't ask me any questions.
Goodbye, Vittorio.
"Vittorio, Beatriz is dead.
"I can't say more or give you
official documents.
"You can only trust my word
as a friend. Antonio"
- Are you sure you have everything?
- Yes, don't worry.
Do you have your passport
and ticket at hand?
It's not my first time
travelling.
I know. But you always have
your head in the clouds.
- That's not true!
- Come on, we've arrived.
You don't need to come
with me inside.
Of course I'm coming inside!
For my peace of mind.
- It's not necessary.
- I'm coming with you anyway.
Let's go, dear.
I'm coming, too.
- But Francesco...
- No buts about it.
Come on! I've grown up
in this airport!
You may have grown up in it,
but I'm coming with you anyway.
- Like it's my first time travelling...
- Come on, let's go.
Here we are.
Are you happy?
Here.
- Bye, Marco. Have a nice trip.
- Bye. Thanks.
Gate number 3.
Two persons.
Buenos Aires.
- You have to connect in Geneva,
do you know that? - Yes.
- Have a nice trip.
- Thank you.
- Just one bag?
- Yes.
- Have a nice trip.
- Thank you.
Do you want something to read?
I don't understand why
we're not flying via Rome.
- The route is shorter this way.
- And also cheaper, I guess.
Your parents economized
even on our honeymoon.
Who cares if we're not
flying via Rome?
We have a full month
to spend in Argentina.
- Are you going to Buenos Aires, too?
- Yes. - Yes.
True, it's shorter via Geneva.
But it's still
a 16-hour flight!
- Do you go to Argentina often?
- All the time.
I spend more time there
than in Italy.
"First-class passengers
of flight SR641 for Geneva...
"are kindly requested
to proceed to gate number 3."
- Goodbye.
- Bye. - Goodbye.
Since your parents paid
for our honeymoon,
they could have flown us
First Class!
- They had a lot of expenses.
- What about my folks, then?
Do you know how much
my wedding dress cost?
And they also paid
for the party.
"Economy-class passengers
of flight SR641 for Geneva...
It's our flight.
"are kindly requested to proceed to
gate number 3 for immediate boarding."
Sir... your drink.
Thank you.
Excuse me, would you like
something to drink?
Yes, the same thing
you served to that man.
That man is having
a double whiskey.
I know. I drink one every night,
before going to bed.
OK. I'll make you one
right away, then.
An orange juice.
Ah, that's where
my newspaper is!
- May I...?
- Sure.
- Here.
- Thank you.
Sir...
Don't you like it?
Is it not
your favourite whiskey?
Ah, you want a malt whiskey...
No, this is just fine.
Why are you laughing?
Because you're drinking whiskey
as if it were orange juice, sir.
It indeed tastes like orange juice.
That's why I like drinking it.
Thank you very much, madam.
Call me "Anna", okay?
Call me "Marco", okay?
Is it all right, sir?
Marco, do you like
detective movies?
I prefer James Bond.
But played by Sean Connery. Imitations
are always inferior to the original.
You're a refined person.
- Do you want something to eat?
- No, thank you.
Okay.
- Anna?
- Yes?
- Do you have a little piece
of chocolate? - Yes, of course.
Marco?
Marco?
Hey...
Come on, get up.
That's it.
Mom...
- Relax.
- It was false...
It was false...
Antonio was wrong.
Calm down, Marco.
Are you waiting for me, Mom?
- She's not dead.
- Shh...
That doesn't mean she's dead.
She's a desaparecida.
She's not dead.
She's not dead.
- Mom...
- I'm here with you, now.
I'll take you home.
I'll take care of you.
I'll take you to Dad.
Mom...
Mom!
Mom...
- Did you sleep well?
- Very well.
Marco! When was
the last time you ate?!
I can't show up
malnourished, can I?
I don't mean to pry, but...
- Where are you going, when we arrive?
- To my mother.
You'll meet her at the airport.
She's beautiful.
I'm sure you'll immediately
become friends.
Marco...
Your mother won't be
at the airport.
That's true.
Maybe she won't be there.
She'll be waiting for me
at home!
What's the time
in Buenos Aires?
"We'll be landing shortly
at Buenos Aires airport.
"The weather is good.
The temperature is 35 ?C."
- Is it that hot?
- Yes.
I'll have to take off some
of the clothes I'm wearing.
Yes, it may be a good idea.
Marco...
Listen...
When we land,
I have a day off.
I can come with you,
if you wish.
Okay.
Mom will be very happy!
Bye.
Merry Christmas!
- Bye. See you around.
- We'll meet somewhere for sure.
What a nice start! I've just arrived
and I've already caught a cold.
Gosh, this city is so big!
Let's see...
It must be here, somewhere.
Here it is:
Plaza de Mayo.
Marco?
Marco!
Shouldn't you call your father?
He might be worried.
No, no. He knows me.
He knows what I'm like.
- I'll call him later, from Antonio's house.
Otherwise it wouldn't be a surprise. - OK.
Imagine: he looks for me
in the house, furious.
He enters the living room,
and who does he find there? Me and Mom.
Hey, look: Corto Maltese.
Yes!
So it's read here, too!
I wonder if Mom knows of it.
I have all issues.
Do you know where the office of
the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo is?
Yes, of course.
Did you give the right address
to the taxi driver?
Yes, don't worry!
Anna, do you think
they'll help me find Mom?
I hope so. They are
a well-organized group.
They'll do
everything possible.
Yes. Besides, I have her picture,
her name and all the rest.
It's very strange that
you came.
Usually, it is the mothers
who come here.
Or the sisters, the aunts...
Sometimes the fathers,
or the brothers.
But the children never come.
And you came here
from as far as Italy!
You're a very brave boy.
My mother thinks
I'm dead,
and my father thinks my mother is dead.
It's a complete mess, you know?
Marco told me he saw a picture of
his mother in a report on the Italian TV.
This is her.
She looked the same on TV.
She hasn't even aged.
You know her, don't you?
No.
But it's been so many years...
And there are
thousands of them.
But I recognized her,
in the report.
We give many interviews,
Marco.
Reporters come here
from all over the world.
For TV reports, we normally use
photos we have on file,
old or new.
No.
This is not the way forward.
The best thing to do is
start a search by her name.
Beatriz Artieda.
We have offices
across Argentina.
And we also have
a lot of support.
Where was your father working,
at the time?
- Well... - Marco's father is
an industrialist.
Marco, what does your father build?
Houses, factories, bridges?
He builds anything, anywhere
in the world. He's always on the move.
That doesn't help much,
but we'll search anyway.
- The dates are correct, right?
- Uh-huh.
- You're 13, right?
- That's right.
So it happened at that time.
My father is also in the oil industry
and in the telecommunication one.
Are you sure?
It's important.
- Yes. He often goes to Africa,
to the desert... - Wait.
Please try to connect me
to someone in Patagones.
Yes. Put him through
as soon as possible.
Are you related to him?
No, I met him on the flight from Europe. I'm
taking him to an acquaintance of his dad's.
He's a friend. An important person.
Antonio Godoy.
Very well.
You'll receive news from us as soon
as possible, at Mr. Godoy's address.
Good luck, Marco.
Thank you.
You seem to have
a sweet tooth!
You guessed it. I've brought a stock
of chocolate from Switzerland.
The Argentinian one is not bad.
Want some?
No, thanks. If I put on even
one kilo, I won't fit my uniform!
- You'd be a good mother.
- You should tell that to my daughter,
who is always complaining.
- Where's your daughter?
- In Rome.
- Ah, you live in Italy!
- Uh-huh. My husband is Italian.
I bet he's a pilot.
No, you're wrong.
He's a musician.
He plays! Then I must come
and visit you.
Mom will be thrilled!
- When do you think the Mothers of the
Plaza de Mayo will call me? - Soon, Marco.
Let's go to your friend, now.
Waiter?
I'm leaving again
in a few hours.
Thanks.
No, no.
I can't accept...
Sir...
- Your change.
- Thank you.
- Is Mr. Godoy in?
- Yes. Come in.
- Thank you.
- Let me take that bag.
Antonio... how wonderful!
Come and try this.
It's my own invention.
- Try it.
- Thank you.
Just a moment, please.
That's him.
Over there.
- It's good, isn't it?
- Excellent.
- Are you waiting for someone?
- No, why?
Look.
Who is he?
- I don't know.
- I'm Marco Vigan?. Antonio!
- Don't you recognize me?
- Marco...
Yes, I'm Marco!
No way!
- And where's your father?
- In Venice.
Marco!
- Is it OK like this?
- Yes, thanks.
I had seen him in pictures,
but he was so little...
- And now look at him.
- You've become a young man.
- You look a lot like your father,
you know? - And like Mom, too.
Especially my eyes.
Yes, you're right.
Did you come by plane?
Yes. I fly 7-8 times a year,
between Geneva and Venice.
- Have you ever been on one?
- No.
Marco feels at home
on a plane.
You should see how much at ease
he is. Just like a crew member!
Well, if you don't travel
by plane, nowadays...
He's just like his father,
also in his character.
Well, I have to go, now.
But I'll rest easy knowing
Marco is in good hands.
- Sure. Thank you very much, madam.
- Don't mention it.
Come on, kids, let's go.
Be well, Marco.
I'll wait for you in Rome.
With your mother.
Do you have everything?
Bags, passport, money?
And don't forget to call
your father.
Huh?
You, women, are always
apprehensive, huh?
- Bye, Marco.
- Bye.
- I'll see you out, madam.
- Thank you.
It was only a photo, Marco.
That's what the director said, too.
Of course it was a photo.
But it was my mother's!
They say many of them are
still alive.
- Almost none of them.
- No, I don't believe it.
And surely not her.
I'm going to search for her anyway.
Dad was working in the South, right?
- Uh-huh.
- Then she's there.
Okay.
I want to take you there.
Thank you, Antonio.
- I know you'll be disappointed.
- No.
But now we must call
your father.
Okay, call him.
But don't tell him too much.
He mustn't know I'm here.
It's a surprise.
People call this house
even at night!
Hello?
Hello?
Hello... Mr. Vigan?, please.
Unfortunately,
he's in hospital.
- And how is he?
- He's better, now.
- When is he coming home?
- Maybe in a few days.
- Do you want to leave a message?
- Yes. Please tell him Godoy called,
from Buenos Aires.
- Who, excuse me?
- Antonio Godoy.
- Antonio Godoy.
- Yes, thank you.
- Good night.
- Good night. Take care.
Antonio Godoy.
So, are you happy?
I haven't betrayed you.
Yes.
You're a friend.
- How's Dad?
- He's better.
Bedtime.
You need to sleep.
We're leaving very early
in the morning.
Bye.
What's wrong
with them, tonight?
Up and down...
Damn it!
- Hello?
- Hello, this is Marco.
Marco!
How are you?
- Very well.
- You're breaking up.
It must be my line.
- Are you in Geneva?
- Yes, yes.
We'll go to the mountains
tomorrow. It's freezing!
There's a metre
and a half of snow!
- How's Dad? - Much better.
But he's still in hospital.
Is he still in that room
with restricted entry?
I think so.
That's what Mrs. Laura said.
But they should discharge him,
one of these da...
Hello?
Francesco?
Hello?
Marco's confidence is
contagious.
When he talks about his mom,
it seems everything is possible.
But it's not possible.
She's dead.
Believe me: she's dead.
You're right, though:
Marco is convinced.
He's convinced his mother is alive.
That's why I want to take him there.
He may run away,
if I don't.
And Vittorio would never
forgive me.
- Vittorio means very much to you, huh?
- Those were difficult times.
And he was
a real friend to me.
Those were the years
of the military dictatorship.
I was working with him again,
and I was happy.
- Hello. How are you?
- Fine. And you?
I can't complain.
I'm glad to be
your guardian angel again.
- Get in.
- Thanks.
But I knew the real reason he was
in Argentina again, was that woman,
Beatriz.
I know what you're going
to ask me.
So, where's Beatriz?
She has changed village. I'm waiting
to know where she's moved to.
But don't worry;
it's only a matter of days.
Well, it's all so quiet...
- As if... - As if nothing of what
they say in Italy were happening.
Right.
And that's true.
In old Europe,
media always exaggerate...
when they talk about
the governments in Latin America.
Your IDs.
Thanks.
- Let me see you - You're coming
with me. - Is this an exaggeration, too?
The Government has
every right to do checks.
Let's go.
Come on, move it!
They're hotheads,
a bit like your girlfriend.
They'd better not cross
the line.
Argentina is big. It's easy for
the ?lite to make people disappear.
Welcome, sir.
- Did you have a nice trip?
- Yes, thank you.
- Good morning, sir.
- Hello, guys.
- Good morning.
- Welcome back.
- How's the work going?
- You'll see for yourself.
The first dish has been installed.
We just need to test it.
Beatriz was missing.
Had she been arrested?
Was she hiding?
It was as if she had
never existed.
He couldn't resign himself to that.
He looked for her everywhere.
Occasionally, a letter from her
would arrive. I don't know how.
"In this hellhole,
your absence is unbearable.
"I don't know if I'll get out of here alive.
The situation is worsening by the hour.
"But he, our son, must live."
"Hello, how are you?"
At last! I've been trying for weeks
to talk to you, Minister.
"I'm sorry.
I've been busy."
I know. But I haven't heard
a word from you.
"Unfortunately, we haven't been able
to locate her yet. She has disappeared."
She can't have vanished into thin air,
as if she had never existed!
"We're doing everything possible.
You have to try to stay calm."
- No.
- "Please, listen to me."
No, you listen to me.
I'm sorry,
but I've run out of patience.
I'm not going to wait
any longer.
- I want to see her as soon as possible.
- "We'll keep you informed."
Thank you.
After six months of search,
is that all you can tell me?
I'm sparing you
the worst details;
The Buenos Aires authorities are annoyed
by you looking for her in the prisons,
among the political prisoners.
Beatriz Artieda is
a dangerous terrorist,
an enemy of the State, with which
you signed your contracts.
Luis...
And the State considers
this matter closed. Vittorio...
if you insist on searching,
on demanding,
raising your voice,
involving the Italian ambassador
and international organizations,
you risk them breaking
the deal and pulling it.
Let them pull it!
We'll end up before
an international court,
and they'll have
to face a scandal.
The military doesn't care
about a scandal,
nor does it care about public
opinion and international courts.
But for Beatriz
the situation is different.
She's an Argentinian citizen.
We have martial law here.
Those who conspire against
the Government face death penalty.
Did they ask you to
threaten me and blackmail me?
No.
They don't care about
blackmail and threats, either.
They feel safe.
They think they're right.
You'd better listen to me,
Vittorio.
Try to use your head a little.
What do you think I should do?
Abandon Beatriz? Forget her?
- Leave her in prison?
- Yes, I think so.
You'd avoid
making things worse.
Besides, you have to think
about your business.
There are many interests at stake,
and not only economic interests.
Do you want to ruin
everything for a whim?
Beatriz is my woman.
My son's mother!
Yes, if she's still alive.
And if the child was born.
At least let me know...
if they're still alive.
It's difficult and
dangerous for me,
but I'll try to find out.
- Obviously, I...
- What?
I'll need a lot of money,
and a passport.
For Beatriz?
No.
For me.
Whether I succeed or not, it's obvious
that I'll have to disappear afterwards.
I'll give you all you want.
I've only found Marco.
I haven't seen Vittorio since then.
That's why that boy is...
almost like a son to me.
Look what Luca gave me! He says it's more
comfortable than my bag for the trip.
Great!
Did you pack some warm clothes?
It's very cold down there.
Here, it's cold in the South
and hot in the North. How funny!
If one didn't know,
one'd get pneumonia.
- Bye. I'll call you tonight.
- Bye.
Thank you for everything.
- See you soon!
- Bye, Marco.
They aren't playing
any of Madonna's songs.
Who is she?
Madonna! Don't tell me
you don't know who she is.
You'd like her a lot.
She's great!
It's still hot, around here.
Yes. We haven't arrived
in the South yet.
In my school, it's cold all year round.
All school year round, I mean.
Then, when the weather is nice and
you could have fun, they send you home!
Well, you can have fun
at home, can't you?
Yes, when Dad's free.
Maybe he won't send me to boarding
school anymore. With Mom at home,
everything will be different.
Antonio, what do you think
Mom does for a living, now?
- This road is very nice, huh?
- Yes, it's nice.
Maybe she has resumed teaching.
Or she's unemployed.
I wonder if
she still likes singing.
You knew she sang
very well, didn't you?
Yes.
Your father told me.
We'll just stop
for a bite to eat.
- Are you hungry?
- I'm starving!
You're not lacking
in appetite, apparently.
Laura always says
I'm a picky eater.
Who is Laura?
A friend of Dad's.
They were supposed to get married,
before Dad met Mom.
Now they're friends,
or at least I think they are.
Are you really a picky eater?
I don't believe it.
- There are some things
I just hate. - I see.
Milk, for example.
It makes me sick!
I'm going to make a call.
Wait here.
This is Godoy.
Is it all set?
Okay. I'll be there
in a day...
two at the latest.
Uh-huh.
Uh-huh.
Well, wait for me.
Do you know someone,
down there, in the South?
Yes, of course.
They are old friends.
- Let's get back on
the road, then. - Yessir!
Come.
You're like Dad, huh?
You can't live without phone.
What about you? What would you do
without chocolate?
When you run a company,
you'll live glued to a phone, too.
I'll make one last call, OK?
You can't resist!
- Wait in the car. It'll just take
a minute, OK? - OK.
Hello?
This is Godoy.
Yes, it's all right.
No problem.
Is it all taken care of?
I've already told you:
send whomever you want,
as long as they are
very trusted people. Is that clear?
Just do as I say.
Yes.
Don't forget.
No, I can't stay long.
OK, it's agreed.
See you tomorrow, then.
Okay, don't worry.
Hey!
Can you see what happened?
Come on, open it.
- The engine block is cracked.
- Antonio, look there. - No, wait.
- But the car is almost new.
- What can I say?
- Look.
- Marco, please...
How long will it take
to fix it?
- At least 10 days.
- Oh, no.
This is a holiday week.
It'll be ready after New Year's Day.
After New Year's Day?!
What do we do now?
- We can take a plane!
- And where can we find a plane?
No, we'll stop here.
Let's go and find a hotel.
Damn!
- That's all we needed!
- But I can't waste time.
Don't add to it.
I'll call Buenos Aires.
I'll ask them to send us
a car, or a helicopter.
- I'll leave the car here, OK?
- OK, Mr. Godoy.
Let's go.
- Where are we going?
- Into town. We'll thumb a ride.
Hello?
He fell asleep with his clothes on
and the light on!
He's dead tired, poor boy.
Yes, he's very excited.
He can't stop talking.
Yes, we'll leave again
tomorrow.
I've rented a car, of course.
You should have seen
how disappointed he was.
Yes, I called earlier.
Vittorio is still in hospital.
Is it all right, there?
How about the kids?
Give them a kiss for me.
Yes, I'll call you tomorrow.
Bye.
A kiss for you, too.
Bye.
He must be here.
- I don't see him.
- Neither do I.
- Let's try there.
- Yes.
- How could that happen?
- I don't know.
Believe me, sir,
I just can't understand.
I'm really sorry.
The clerk didn't leave his desk,
not even for a second.
I assure you he didn't see
any boy leave or enter.
This is a real mystery. I have to
find him as soon as possible.
- Come. Let's call the police.
- No...
Not for the moment, no.
As you wish, sir.
If you'll excuse me...
"San Benedetto del Tronto"
Eureka!
Captain?
Captain!
- Hey, who are you?
- A Venetian.
What a pretty, clean face
you have!
Do you know where I'm from?
From San Benedetto. Do you know it?
Of course I do!
I've been there on vacation!
Good, little Venetian!
What are you doing here alone?
I'm going to my mother,
in Patagones.
But I missed the train.
It's on my route.
I'll refill my water tank there.
- So I can come aboard!
- No! Are you crazy?
If I'm caught with a passenger
on board, I'll lose my license.
I can pay.
Even 500,000 liras.
What? No, it's not possible,
little Venetian.
I like you,
but I'm not taking on passengers.
Why don't you hire me, then?
To do what? You can't even
reach the helm yet!
But I can do anything.
You'll give orders, and I'll obey.
- Can you make spaghetti? - Hmm...
Of course, they're my speciality.
- Can you make them spicy?
- Well, obviously.
- Very spicy?
- Yes!
Okay, then. I'll hire you
as my personal cook.
As for the ride, I'll settle for
500,000 liras, okay?
- Where's your stuff?
- It's all in here.
OK, it's a deal. Get on board.
We're weighing anchor soon.
Hey, listen:
put your backpack
in my cabin downstairs.
Okay.
What are you doing here? Scram downstairs
and make some spaghetti! I'm starving!
- Forward, march!
- Yessir!
You'll stand watch tonight.
I don't care it's holiday!
Go and wake him up!
Drag him out of bed.
Bring the commander
here immediately!
It's impossible, sir.
Nobody knows where the commander
is spending the holidays.
Besides, as I've already told you,
only one fishing boat left, 2 hours ago.
Maybe, Mr. Godoy,
if you had come sooner...
I was looking for him in town.
- The boy mightn't even be on board.
- Stop them anyway. Then we'll check.
- Do you want me to call them on the radio?
- Yes, please. Good idea.
He said he wants them spicy...
So, are the spaghetti ready?
Yes, I'm coming.
Hurry!
I'm hungry!
Oh, beautiful...
How beautiful these spaghetti are!
Come on, sit down.
Help yourselves.
Help yourself.
- What about you? Why aren't you eating?
- No, no...
Come on, have a nice plate
of them! You need to grow.
No, thanks, I'm not hungry.
We, cooks, eat with our eyes.
Well done, little Venetian!
You've made them really spicy,
as I like them!
"In short, he ran away,
and I don't know why."
- Are you sure he's on the fishing boat?
- I don't know. Maybe. It's possible.
We've tried to contact them via radio,
but the reception is noisy at the moment.
- "Wouldn't it be better if you waited
for him in Patagones?" - No.
He mustn't arrive there alone.
I don't want him to.
He'll be so disappointed
not to find his mother that...
- "Did Vittorio call?"
- No, not yet.
Poor Marco... What could have
happened to him, Antonio?
I'm afraid of what could still
happen to him.
"Try to stay calm, okay?
I'll call you soon."
A kiss.
Bye.
Gosh...
Try to stare at a far point.
Don't look at the sea.
Come on, get up.
The spicy food has
kicked in, huh?
Come on.
Come on, let's go!
Come on, get up!
Let's go.
Easy, easy...
That's it.
Wait.
Wait a moment.
That's it.
There.
What kind of Venetian are you?
Do you also get sick
on gondolas?
Now that you've emptied your stomach,
you'll feel better, you'll see.
- What's that thing?
- What thing? Are you delirious?
- That thing.
- Ah, this.
This pouch is my lifesaver.
This way, if I fall overboard,
I'll have everything with me:
papers,
money...
It's also stormproof,
you know?
It's a good idea, isn't it?
Take this pill.
And try to get
some good sleep.
That's it.
Good.
Okay...
And for dinner...
I want more spaghetti!
It smells very good,
dear Cook.
Did you look outside?
We're in the whale area.
Let's go and see!
- I can't. The sauce will burn.
- Ah.
Do you know what whales do
in this area?
- Guess.
- They make love!
Well done, little Venetian!
- "'Ndd?ndd?, this is Port Authority."
- The radio.
"Do you read?
Over."
This is 'Ndd?ndd?.
Go ahead.
- "You must come back immediately."
- Are you crazy?
- "It's an order."
- I can't. There's no harbour nearby.
- "Come back."
- I can't. I have a cargo to deliver.
- "You have a stowaway on board."
- I have no stowaways. Only my crew.
- "You took on a boy."
- Yes, he's my cook, my cabin boy.
- "Are his papers in order?"
- Of course. I've registered him.
- "Is that boy Italian?"
- Yes, he's Italian.
- "How old is he?"
- 12 or 13 years old.
- "He ran away from home."
- No, he didn't! He's going to his mother.
- "No, he's the boy we're looking for.
Come back immediately." - Okay.
- Yessir.
- "It's an order."
Ah, it's an order.
I'll obey it, then.
I'll hand him over to you.
Marco...
Why didn't you tell me
you'd run away from home, Marco?
Marco!
Man overboard!
Man overboard!
Do you hear me well?
The reception is noisy, here.
We can't find the boy.
The divers are coming back.
- He's really disappeared.
- Yes. Just like that.
Well, in this season...
No, he has disappeared.
The currents are strong, here.
Who knows where they carried him to.
Yes.
Yes, a boy.
I think he's 13.
I think we should search
much further south.
Antonio...
So?
Nothing.
He's lost at sea.
No...
English subtitles by YRR