The Roar of the Butterflies (2023): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript
Arantxa, a visitor. Pilar Macías.
PREVIOUSLY
I'm writing a book about Minerva Mirabal.
You got a letter
from the government.
"You are invited to the celebration
with the honorable president
of the nation."
Are we seriously going?
Nothing good can come
from this government full of crooks.
Mr. Enrique Mirabal?
You're under arrest
for anti-government conspiracy.
Where are they taking him?
- Maybe Asier can help us.
- Minerva?
That son of a bitch
hated being rejected by a woman.
You're the prettiest Spaniard
to visit Ciudad Trujillo.
They're going to declare November 25
International Day for the Elimination
of Violence against Women.
This story is inspired by real events.
All characters and events depicted
have been created for dramatic purposes.
Any similarity with reality
is purely coincidental.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
MARCH 12, 1956
Mr. Galíndez.
Professor.
Long time no see.
I see that they're treating you
as you deserve,
so I won't beat around the bush.
Do you know why you're here?
-No?
-Mm-mmm.
Ah, no?
I don't believe you, Galíndez.
I don't believe you.
What do you think about this?
Because you can't deny it.
This is a thesis.
You're familiar with it, right?
A thesis…
…that you defended at Columbia University,
in New York City,
in the United States of America,
with your name on it, and it says:
"The Trujillo Era:
A Case Study
of Latin-American Dictatorship."
700 pages devoted to me.
I'll continue.
"The eldest son
of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo was born…"
No mention of my mama's surname, eh?
"…born in 1929,
when his mother was married to a Cuban
who did not acknowledge him as his son."
Son of a bitch.
Son of a bitch.
You were a professor in my university.
We trusted you.
Your family ate with that money.
So how dare you betray me and this country
by writing this much shit?
Because it's all shit!
I think that it's time
for you to eat your own words.
Eh?
Eh? Yes, yes.
That's it.
That's it.
You're going to swallow them.
Have another page.
Come on.
Swallow, asshole.
Swallow, asshole, swallow.
Give it.
Ah? Yes.
Look at me. Look at me.
Look at me! Look at me.
Clean up this mess.
The CRY of the BUTTERFLIES
Do you know why you're here?
No.
Honestly, I don't know where to start,
but since I don't have much time
let's get to the point.
You need to understand that going against
your president has a price.
I haven't done anything to him.
Are you sure?
What about your wanting to submit
a habeas corpus?
The only thing I want is to prove
that you have no reason
to keep my father under arrest.
Having a subversive daughter
under his roof
is reason enough to have him here.
My father is a good man,
and I want you to release him.
Going to that court isn't the best path,
because if you manage to get him freed,
I don't think your dad
will want to keep on living.
Do you meet with young revolutionaries
in Salcedo, La Vega and Ciudad Trujillo?
No.
So, you don't know Raúl Machado,
Lucio Collado or Narciso Vertía?
No.
I know very unpleasant ways
to make you talk about this topic.
Stand up.
Open it.
- Oh, Dad. Oh, Dad.
- What did they do to you?
Me? I'm fine, Daughter.
Your father says that he's fine.
Do what they tell you.
It's enough just to be alive.
When can he go free?
That depends.
- On what?
- On you.
I don't understand.
We don't like the image of our benefactor
to be unjustly sullied.
So, I'll make you a deal.
Drop the habeas corpus,
and I'll release your father.
If I file it,
you'll also have to release him.
If you file it, he will certainly go free.
But, you know, in here we know
how to leave a man looking fine
on the outside
and destroyed on the inside.
And after him,
your sisters and mother
could go through the same thing.
It's okay, it's okay.
Look how he is
because of your bad decisions.
It was just a little caress
from the president.
How do I know you'll keep your word?
You don't.
But you have to trust in something,
for God's sake.
And I trust that you'll go to that court
to do the right thing.
My dad is going with me.
When you keep your end of the bargain.
Take her!
No, no. Dad.
- Dad. No.
- Hey. Hey.
-Emilio, what's going on here?
-Nothing's going on, sir.
-Bow your head as I'm speaking.
-Yes, sir.
You don't see that this bar
looks like a pigsty?
Those three up there are the most
important international artists to visit.
-Yes, sir.
-And why is it they suffer without drinks?
Put a waiter behind each one.
Don't make me repeat it.
Yes, sir.
-Maestro.
-How are you, Mr. Petán?
How was the trip?
Fine, thank you. It was great.
Are you comfortable at the hotel?
Do you need anything?
-No, everything's fine. Thanks.
-Everything's perfect here.
The tickets are sold out.
This is going to be a full house.
That's good to know.
I even thought about having another show,
but since you're all so tired from your
highly successful international tours,
I didn't want to overstep your generosity.
-Thank you very much.
-One big thing.
Tomorrow night,
my mother will attend the show,
so if you hear a lady singing along loudly
to the boleros, don't be afraid.
She's just a crazy fan.
We'd be honored.
We'll dedicate a song to her.
Ah, Mom! I'll have to be on my toes
because she'll want to sing onstage.
Well, I won't keep you.
I'll let you keep rehearsing,
with peace and happiness, eh?
- Luis.
- Sir.
If you need anything,
come directly to me, okay?
- Yes, sir.
- I want you to be treated like kings.
-Excuse me.
-Thank you very much.
In this country,
battles are won through contacts.
Asier is the contact.
But what can Asier really do, Mom?
What we need is to ask a favor
of someone with government ties.
We don't know anyone here in the capital.
This isn't Salcedo.
Let's wait for Minerva to come.
And when we know what happened,
then we'll decide what to do next.
Meanwhile, let's stay calm.
What if Minerva doesn't come back?
What happened, Minerva?
We said at 10:00 a.m.
I'm sorry. I know I'm late.
-I saw Dad.
-How is he? Is he okay?
They've really hurt him.
They held me. I expected the worst.
Sons of bitches. I'm sorry.
-We have to go in.
-No, no, we can't.
I made a deal with Anglat
not to submit the habeas corpus
so they would release him.
Minerva, the last thing we'll do
is trust the leader of the torturers.
That asshole won't release him.
-We need to go in now, please.
-No, no, no. No.
Minerva, they're lying to you.
They're trying to hide the abuse.
We need to ask for habeas corpus.
Asier, I was there.
I saw what they're capable of.
They started with Dad and then they'll go
after the rest of my family.
Look, the only thing they want
is for the world to not find out.
Either you fight or you give up.
There are no miracles on the fence.
I'm not afraid to fight,
but I won't play with my dad's life.
You can understand that, right?
-I'm sorry. I really am.
-No, no, no, no, no.
You don't have to apologize.
We'll find another way to do this, okay?
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Hi, Juan.
- Good morning.
Yes, sir. No, that's no problem.
No, no. I understand.
That's very kind of you.
Thanks. No, thank you.
Ah. What's up, darling?
Carmencita, can you connect me to my dad?
Sure. The bar, right?
Yes.
Thanks again.
-What are you doing here?
-Marcos, you scared me.
I called my father.
Sorry.
I know it's work hours,
but things are slow.
Why do you call from here?
You can call from my office.
-To avoid bothering you.
-Or perhaps you're hiding something?
Marcos, please don't start this again.
I can't be bothering everyone
every time I need something unimportant.
But I'm not everyone.
And nothing is a bother
when it comes to you, Arantxa.
Next time, call from my office, okay?
-Okay.
-Good.
Let's serve our customers.
I'm not going to submit the habeas corpus.
We all decide together, Minerva.
You weren't there.
They're destroying him, Dedé.
So, what now?
What aren't you telling us?
We have to file. Dad's life is at risk.
-They'll kill him!
-Enough, Dedé. I said "no."
Submitting it would provoke them,
and Dad's life is in their hands.
- What are you doing, honey?
- Pack your things. We're going to Salcedo.
What do you mean?
We can't do anything more here?
Just wait for them to keep their word.
Mr. Minister, what you
requested urgently has just arrived.
I'm sorry we couldn't help you.
How are you?
This is a nightmare, but I'm okay.
Although they're all very upset.
Now we just have to wait and hope.
You'd better go.
Well, since I'm driving, they can wait.
I hope it's not long
before we see each other again.
I promise.
-Let's go.
-Let's go.
- Be very careful.
- God bless you, my child.
Goodbye.
Minerva, if you hear anything,
or want to talk,
call the hotel and ask for me.
Thank you.
I'll miss you.
-Me too.
-Take care.
Have a good trip.
You don't know how grateful I am
that you decided.
I won't take too much time,
because I know you're very busy.
Look.
This is Dedé's photo of you with Minerva.
Last night, I looked through
the few mementos I've kept.
I found a photo with Minerva,
from around the same time.
- Look, here are Teresa and Dedé.
- Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Where's Patria? Did she not like photos
or was she mad at her sisters?
Ah, no. Patria married very young,
at the age of 16.
She lived with her husband
in another town,
but they got together some Sundays and…
for family celebrations.
Very good.
Let's record this, okay?
You don't mind, right?
The first question is one I ask everyone:
"If you had to define Minerva in one word,
what would it be?"
Admirable.
Yes. An admirable woman.
Admirable.
I agree.
You had the privilege of sharing
many years with an admirable woman,
and now all of humanity will admire her.
Isn't that great?
-Good afternoon.
-Ah, thank my lucky stars.
Come with me, hmm?
Come. I have to tell you something.
Honestly, I'm here today on business,
but can you guess
who I wanted to see today?
You.
Did something happen?
It happens that you're the prettiest one
in the new edition of the magazine.
I got the photos.
Really?
That's good. I'm glad.
I'll buy one when it comes out.
No, why would you buy one?
I'll send you a copy.
Thank you.
Or, even better,
I'll give it to you personally.
Let's have dinner tonight
and then talk about the interview, okay?
I have a social event tonight and must--
Do you like boleros?
Yes.
So, tonight, after your shift,
come to Club Caribe.
Do you know what I have there?
The concert of the most important group
in all of Latin America.
And I organized it. Hmm?
It's sold out,
but there's always space
for the prettiest Spaniard, hmm?
-Okay.
-Bring a girlfriend.
Thank you very much.
I'll ask Marcos, my boyfriend, to come.
Ah…
Okay, uh, that's fine.
Bring him.
Tonight will be unforgettable.
I'm sure.
Have a good afternoon.
Mrs. Chea, María Teresa.
Jaime has a friend
who's a Trujillo official.
That sounds very bad.
He's a friend from school
who ended up there.
That's fine, Jaime. It's not important.
Mom, we're thinking about asking him
to see if he can do anything more.
Sorry, but I don't think it's a good idea
to get involved with those people.
Mrs. Chea, with all due respect,
at this point, we're all involved.
And can we trust in General Anglat,
the Goat's right hand?
Mom, that's the worst mistake
we could make.
Time goes by,
and we keep thinking that dad will appear
like magic through that door.
I can't go on like this,
twiddling my thumbs.
Mom, we need to try something else.
Good morning.
BOOKSTORE
Minerva.
Hi, Gabriel.
-Is everything all right?
-No.
With that look on your face,
I don't even need to ask.
Suddenly, I'm some sort of monster
to everyone.
People who know me ignore me,
and those who didn't know who I was
look daggers at me.
If certain people in Salcedo think
you're a monster, that speaks well of you.
I got the material you ordered.
As it had been a while
since you'd been in the bookstore,
I took the liberty of starting to read it,
and I finished it in a single night.
Marvelous César Vallejo.
He's a great poet.
Honestly, I don't think I can read it.
Not until Dad comes home, at least.
I can't sleep. I can't concentrate.
I feel so guilty.
You don't have to feel guilty.
If there's one benefit
to having a business in this town,
it's knowing what the rabble are saying.
And they say many things:
that you slapped him,
that you insulted him,
that you screamed at him
to stop persecuting revolutionaries.
Yup. What can you do?
At the end of the day,
what offends the beast the most
is a woman who thinks.
Who stands up for herself.
Yes, but the one paying for it is Dad,
and no one can take my remorse away.
The dead receive more flowers
than the living
because remorse
is worth more than gratitude.
Who said that?
First Spanish edition.
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
It's a gift.
Thank you.
- Carmen Pérez.
- Present.
Alba Narváez.
Alba Narváez.
Rosa González.
Present.
Hey, Rosa, where's Alba?
Do you know where she is?
I don't know anything.
She hasn't come for three days.
Mercedes López.
Present.
María Teresa Mirabal.
Present.
Alba!
Alba!
Mrs. Carmen!
♪ Your kisses recreated ♪
♪ Here in my mouth ♪
♪ Full of illusion and passion ♪
♪ My crazy life ♪
♪ The happiest hours of my life ♪
♪ Were with you ♪
♪ That's why my soul always misses ♪
♪ The sweet relief ♪
♪ I could swear to you before an altar ♪
♪ My sincere love ♪
♪ You can tell the whole world ♪
♪ That I love you ♪
♪ Your lips taught me to feel ♪
Arantxa.
♪ What tenderness is ♪
A whiskey double
on the rocks for me, please.
And a martini for her.
♪ And I never tire of blessing
Such sweetness ♪
Here you are, sir.
I love it.
I love this place, too.
♪ Your kisses recreated here in my mouth ♪
♪ Filling… ♪
Hello? Yes?
Who's calling?
Ah, Asier, we were waiting for your call.
I'll tell her right away.
Minerva!
It's Asier. He wants to talk to you.
Asier, what happened?
Minerva, I've been thinking
about the situation for days,
and I feel that we need to do
something more.
That's why I'm calling.
I wanted to ask, what are the odds
of you reconsidering…
…I can't see another way.
And maybe we could convince
the lawyer again.
Yes, sorry.
If you think you can talk with the lawyer…
Sorry. I can't.
Hello, Aitor.
Hi, Dad.
Hi, honey.
-You look very beautiful.
-Thanks.
Look how you've left this button, woman.
Fasten it.
Ah, Dad. Let me.
-I'll let you, but do it up.
-I'll do it. You're doing it wrong.
There. That's better.
Perfect.
You look very handsome, too.
Yes, but you're very beautiful.
- Ah, Dad.
- No, you're very beautiful.
Shall we?
Let's go.
- Why hasn't it started yet?
- No idea.
-Did you know about this?
-Not a thing.
We begin this ceremony of celebration
thanks to the Educational
and Cultural Exchange Treaty
between the nations of Spain
and the Dominican Republic.
Our distinguished guests include
the most excellent Mr. President,
Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina
and the Ambassador of Spain,
Mr. Manuel Aznar Zubigaray,
who shall speak first.
Good morning.
Out of all the treaties signed
between the Kingdom of Spain
and the Dominican Republic,
it is the one on education and culture
that allows us to create
an impenetrable shield
against state interference
and against all unrest
that attacks Hispanic heritage
and general well-being.
Therefore, this embassy
has decided to grant an award
to all compatriot educators
who were welcomed
in this wonderful country.
And finally, as a sign of our gratitude,
the President of the Republic,
Generalissimo Rafael Leónidas Trujillo,
will personally hand out the medals.
Thank you.
Congratulations.
Don't even think about it.
I'm gone a minute, and you're in trouble.
I'm not getting into trouble, honey.
I will ask about Don Enrique.
And I suppose you'll speak
in a respectful, friendly way.
You'd be crazy to approach the president.
This is none of your business.
Yes, it is.
And smelling like a still won't help you.
I can't miss this opportunity.
So let me handle it.
Excuse me.
Forgive my boldness.
Forgiven.
Good afternoon.
Good afternoon.
Might I have a few words with you,
if you don't mind?
I can't give you the time you deserve
at the moment.
Many people are waiting for me.
But it would be a pleasure…
…to schedule an appointment.
Take the lady's contact information
and schedule an appointment
as soon as possible at the Palace.
Please give me your information.
Yes.
Arantxa…
So, nothing.
You accomplished nothing.
I told you. He was busy.
But what did he say?
Because you two had a chat.
He told his secretary
to schedule a meeting.
-You'll meet alone with that animal?
-Dad.
You've already forgotten
what he did to your friend, right?
Why do you think I did it?
He was eyeing you, Arantxa.
And you let him look at you that way.
What are you insinuating?
I'm used to it.
Your friends from the bar
look at me the same way.
Look. Today we're celebrating.
I couldn't let your bad temper
ruin such an important award.
The award was ruined from the moment
that son of a bitch touched this medal.
You promised to stay out of politics.
-You promised me.
-I'm not involved in anything.
I can't anymore.
I just want to help Don Enrique.
Well, in your state,
I don't think you can help anyone.
In what state?
Answer me. In what state?
- Maybe…
- Maybe what?
-Maybe you've drunk too much.
-Are you saying that I'm drunk?
You can't tell me what I can
and cannot drink.
-Enough.
-Don't tell me, "Enough"!
Know your place!
I'm your father, and you're my daughter!
Sometimes it seems to be
the other way around.
Stop here!
-What are you doing?
-Let me out.
I told you to stop here!
I won't let you speak to me like that.
Here.
See you at home or wherever.
Or maybe, we won't see each other anymore.
Hey! You'll damage the door.
- Same address, Miss?
- Yes.
What year did you and your father
arrive in the Dominican Republic?
In 1939.
1939.
And Minerva died in November of 1960,
so you had 20 or 21 years together.
You must have so many stories to tell.
From when we were young, in Salcedo.
My father was a university professor.
We came in a second wave of immigrants,
but when we arrived,
there were no jobs left.
Therefore,
the Immigration Office
sent us with a work contract
to the property of Mr. Enrique Mirabal.
We lived right there,
in a neighboring house.
So, yes,
I was Minerva's best friend.
And she was mine.
But when I was about 19,
my father got a position
at the University of Ciudad Trujillo.
Well, that's what Santo Domingo
was called back then.
Yes, I know.
So I went with him--
With my father, to the capital,
and I lived there until my return to Spain
many years later.
But by then Minerva was studying
in Ciudad Trujillo, right?
Did you see each other?
Hmm. Well, yes.
But… very seldom.
But I think I can only talk about…
our childhood in Salcedo.
All right?
Mm-hmm.
- Mom.
- Hmm?
This is about the business.
Look, if they make faces at me, I get it.
But why do the vendors invent excuses
for not selling to us?
And the customers?
There's no sign of them.
When will it stop?
Dad!
Dad.
Oh, no! Be careful with his head!
Help me!
- Let's go inside.
- God.
Slowly. That's it.
- Hey.
- Be careful. It's hot.
Do you know how long it's been
since I've had avocado at home?
Patria's secret avocado recipe.
- Ah, but…
- Ah, well.
Yes, it's a secret…
- Whatever.
- But it is here…
Shh.
Let's thank the Lord.
Lord, bless our food
and bless the hands that prepared it.
Thank you, Lord, for bringing our family
together around this table again.
Amen.
Amen.
- Precious.
- Yes.
- Who's hungry?
- Over here.
- No, Dad first.
- Mom, can you pass me Dad's plate?
Is that enough?
- Yes. A little, you know.
- Yes.
- Smells good.
- Mm-hmm.
Do you want me to bring you some dessert?
You haven't eaten anything, Dad.
You need to recover your strength.
No.
I'm sorry, Dad.
For everything.
Calm down, my daughter.
Calm down.
Good morning, Mr. President.
Arantxa.
What a pleasure.
Finally I found some time,
since I wanted to speak to you.
Thank you.
Thank you for granting me
a moment of your time.
I wanted to mention someone important
to me whom I grew up with, now--
We'll have time.
Now, please take a seat.
These two.
Good.
Can you put these two sacks here?
FUEL - OIL - CORN
I'd swear that you're Minerva Mirabal.
But working hard? I don't know.
Simón.
When did you arrive?
Two days ago.
I'm still dizzy on land.
It's been a long time.
How many years have passed? Three?
Tell me everything.
Well, a lot has happened,
but if I start, I won't be able to stop.
You'll get fired.
Impossible.
Technically, it's my store too.
I heard about Don Enrique.
It's terrible.
How are you?
It must be very hard on you.
You know, I'd like to see him,
give him a hug.
Of course. He'd love to see you.
He always liked you.
I would have made a great son-in-law.
Well, let's go and see him.
He's resting at home.
Well, I suppose the propriétaire
doesn't need to ask to leave the store.
You suppose right.
Help me down.
Okay, I'll be back.
Then, right in the middle of Act Two,
I hear a loud noise behind me.
I turn around, and what do I see?
The Mr. Archbishop, legs splayed open…
…fast asleep, snoring with his mouth open,
and my secretary, who was beside him,
didn't dare to hit him and wake him up.
So, we're all staring,
and I gently touch his leg.
The poor man wakes up
screaming in the middle of the opera.
The entire retinue is trying not to laugh.
It was an unusual situation.
I thought that etiquette was sacred
in such a prestigious theater.
Of course.
It's sacred, but that man,
poor thing, was already old.
He died, in fact.
Oh, I'm sorry.
You probably have never been to the opera.
You arrived here quite young, right?
So you've witnessed how this country
has developed.
I still have many more ideas.
I want the Dominican Republic
to be the center of the Caribbean,
for its music to be heard
in concert halls around the world,
for its artists to be known here, there.
I love artists like yourself.
No, I'm-- I'm not an artist.
I'm just a hotel manager.
We'll see about that.
Young lady, I have a gift:
my ability to see inside people.
I can perceive talent. It's like an X-ray.
And in the report that will be published
in the press,
which is very good, by the way,
you name your passion.
Dance.
When I was small,
my mother taught me classical dance.
She was my teacher.
When we moved here,
I started to lose some of that.
But inside, I still feel like a ballerina.
So, why don't you dance?
Well, it's not that easy.
I've never had the opportunity.
We'll have to do something about that,
won't we?
How?
Right here,
right now,
you have the opportunity to dance.
Oh, no. No, no. No.
What do you artists call it? Goodness.
When you show what you can do.
-An audition?
-Exactly. An audition.
No, honestly, it…
- Yes, yes.
- Ah!
Okay…
Look…
for the public to be unable to applaud you
is one of the most unfair things
I've ever seen.
Thank you.
Ah.
Hi, Simón!
Girl, I can't believe it!
Look how you've grown.
It seems like just yesterday
I was telling you scary ghost stories.
- And she's still scared.
- Minerva.
-Mate, where's Dad?
-I don't know.
He left a while ago
for a walk around the property.
He should be resting.
Why are the dogs barking so much?
Minerva, is everything all right?
Dad!
Dad!
Dad!
Dad!
Simón!
Mate!
Don Enrique! Don Enrique!
María Teresa!
-Don Enrique, answer me.
-Ah, what's happened to you?
Answer me. Don Enrique.
Help!
Help!
PREVIOUSLY
I'm writing a book about Minerva Mirabal.
You got a letter
from the government.
"You are invited to the celebration
with the honorable president
of the nation."
Are we seriously going?
Nothing good can come
from this government full of crooks.
Mr. Enrique Mirabal?
You're under arrest
for anti-government conspiracy.
Where are they taking him?
- Maybe Asier can help us.
- Minerva?
That son of a bitch
hated being rejected by a woman.
You're the prettiest Spaniard
to visit Ciudad Trujillo.
They're going to declare November 25
International Day for the Elimination
of Violence against Women.
This story is inspired by real events.
All characters and events depicted
have been created for dramatic purposes.
Any similarity with reality
is purely coincidental.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
MARCH 12, 1956
Mr. Galíndez.
Professor.
Long time no see.
I see that they're treating you
as you deserve,
so I won't beat around the bush.
Do you know why you're here?
-No?
-Mm-mmm.
Ah, no?
I don't believe you, Galíndez.
I don't believe you.
What do you think about this?
Because you can't deny it.
This is a thesis.
You're familiar with it, right?
A thesis…
…that you defended at Columbia University,
in New York City,
in the United States of America,
with your name on it, and it says:
"The Trujillo Era:
A Case Study
of Latin-American Dictatorship."
700 pages devoted to me.
I'll continue.
"The eldest son
of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo was born…"
No mention of my mama's surname, eh?
"…born in 1929,
when his mother was married to a Cuban
who did not acknowledge him as his son."
Son of a bitch.
Son of a bitch.
You were a professor in my university.
We trusted you.
Your family ate with that money.
So how dare you betray me and this country
by writing this much shit?
Because it's all shit!
I think that it's time
for you to eat your own words.
Eh?
Eh? Yes, yes.
That's it.
That's it.
You're going to swallow them.
Have another page.
Come on.
Swallow, asshole.
Swallow, asshole, swallow.
Give it.
Ah? Yes.
Look at me. Look at me.
Look at me! Look at me.
Clean up this mess.
The CRY of the BUTTERFLIES
Do you know why you're here?
No.
Honestly, I don't know where to start,
but since I don't have much time
let's get to the point.
You need to understand that going against
your president has a price.
I haven't done anything to him.
Are you sure?
What about your wanting to submit
a habeas corpus?
The only thing I want is to prove
that you have no reason
to keep my father under arrest.
Having a subversive daughter
under his roof
is reason enough to have him here.
My father is a good man,
and I want you to release him.
Going to that court isn't the best path,
because if you manage to get him freed,
I don't think your dad
will want to keep on living.
Do you meet with young revolutionaries
in Salcedo, La Vega and Ciudad Trujillo?
No.
So, you don't know Raúl Machado,
Lucio Collado or Narciso Vertía?
No.
I know very unpleasant ways
to make you talk about this topic.
Stand up.
Open it.
- Oh, Dad. Oh, Dad.
- What did they do to you?
Me? I'm fine, Daughter.
Your father says that he's fine.
Do what they tell you.
It's enough just to be alive.
When can he go free?
That depends.
- On what?
- On you.
I don't understand.
We don't like the image of our benefactor
to be unjustly sullied.
So, I'll make you a deal.
Drop the habeas corpus,
and I'll release your father.
If I file it,
you'll also have to release him.
If you file it, he will certainly go free.
But, you know, in here we know
how to leave a man looking fine
on the outside
and destroyed on the inside.
And after him,
your sisters and mother
could go through the same thing.
It's okay, it's okay.
Look how he is
because of your bad decisions.
It was just a little caress
from the president.
How do I know you'll keep your word?
You don't.
But you have to trust in something,
for God's sake.
And I trust that you'll go to that court
to do the right thing.
My dad is going with me.
When you keep your end of the bargain.
Take her!
No, no. Dad.
- Dad. No.
- Hey. Hey.
-Emilio, what's going on here?
-Nothing's going on, sir.
-Bow your head as I'm speaking.
-Yes, sir.
You don't see that this bar
looks like a pigsty?
Those three up there are the most
important international artists to visit.
-Yes, sir.
-And why is it they suffer without drinks?
Put a waiter behind each one.
Don't make me repeat it.
Yes, sir.
-Maestro.
-How are you, Mr. Petán?
How was the trip?
Fine, thank you. It was great.
Are you comfortable at the hotel?
Do you need anything?
-No, everything's fine. Thanks.
-Everything's perfect here.
The tickets are sold out.
This is going to be a full house.
That's good to know.
I even thought about having another show,
but since you're all so tired from your
highly successful international tours,
I didn't want to overstep your generosity.
-Thank you very much.
-One big thing.
Tomorrow night,
my mother will attend the show,
so if you hear a lady singing along loudly
to the boleros, don't be afraid.
She's just a crazy fan.
We'd be honored.
We'll dedicate a song to her.
Ah, Mom! I'll have to be on my toes
because she'll want to sing onstage.
Well, I won't keep you.
I'll let you keep rehearsing,
with peace and happiness, eh?
- Luis.
- Sir.
If you need anything,
come directly to me, okay?
- Yes, sir.
- I want you to be treated like kings.
-Excuse me.
-Thank you very much.
In this country,
battles are won through contacts.
Asier is the contact.
But what can Asier really do, Mom?
What we need is to ask a favor
of someone with government ties.
We don't know anyone here in the capital.
This isn't Salcedo.
Let's wait for Minerva to come.
And when we know what happened,
then we'll decide what to do next.
Meanwhile, let's stay calm.
What if Minerva doesn't come back?
What happened, Minerva?
We said at 10:00 a.m.
I'm sorry. I know I'm late.
-I saw Dad.
-How is he? Is he okay?
They've really hurt him.
They held me. I expected the worst.
Sons of bitches. I'm sorry.
-We have to go in.
-No, no, we can't.
I made a deal with Anglat
not to submit the habeas corpus
so they would release him.
Minerva, the last thing we'll do
is trust the leader of the torturers.
That asshole won't release him.
-We need to go in now, please.
-No, no, no. No.
Minerva, they're lying to you.
They're trying to hide the abuse.
We need to ask for habeas corpus.
Asier, I was there.
I saw what they're capable of.
They started with Dad and then they'll go
after the rest of my family.
Look, the only thing they want
is for the world to not find out.
Either you fight or you give up.
There are no miracles on the fence.
I'm not afraid to fight,
but I won't play with my dad's life.
You can understand that, right?
-I'm sorry. I really am.
-No, no, no, no, no.
You don't have to apologize.
We'll find another way to do this, okay?
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Hi, Juan.
- Good morning.
Yes, sir. No, that's no problem.
No, no. I understand.
That's very kind of you.
Thanks. No, thank you.
Ah. What's up, darling?
Carmencita, can you connect me to my dad?
Sure. The bar, right?
Yes.
Thanks again.
-What are you doing here?
-Marcos, you scared me.
I called my father.
Sorry.
I know it's work hours,
but things are slow.
Why do you call from here?
You can call from my office.
-To avoid bothering you.
-Or perhaps you're hiding something?
Marcos, please don't start this again.
I can't be bothering everyone
every time I need something unimportant.
But I'm not everyone.
And nothing is a bother
when it comes to you, Arantxa.
Next time, call from my office, okay?
-Okay.
-Good.
Let's serve our customers.
I'm not going to submit the habeas corpus.
We all decide together, Minerva.
You weren't there.
They're destroying him, Dedé.
So, what now?
What aren't you telling us?
We have to file. Dad's life is at risk.
-They'll kill him!
-Enough, Dedé. I said "no."
Submitting it would provoke them,
and Dad's life is in their hands.
- What are you doing, honey?
- Pack your things. We're going to Salcedo.
What do you mean?
We can't do anything more here?
Just wait for them to keep their word.
Mr. Minister, what you
requested urgently has just arrived.
I'm sorry we couldn't help you.
How are you?
This is a nightmare, but I'm okay.
Although they're all very upset.
Now we just have to wait and hope.
You'd better go.
Well, since I'm driving, they can wait.
I hope it's not long
before we see each other again.
I promise.
-Let's go.
-Let's go.
- Be very careful.
- God bless you, my child.
Goodbye.
Minerva, if you hear anything,
or want to talk,
call the hotel and ask for me.
Thank you.
I'll miss you.
-Me too.
-Take care.
Have a good trip.
You don't know how grateful I am
that you decided.
I won't take too much time,
because I know you're very busy.
Look.
This is Dedé's photo of you with Minerva.
Last night, I looked through
the few mementos I've kept.
I found a photo with Minerva,
from around the same time.
- Look, here are Teresa and Dedé.
- Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Where's Patria? Did she not like photos
or was she mad at her sisters?
Ah, no. Patria married very young,
at the age of 16.
She lived with her husband
in another town,
but they got together some Sundays and…
for family celebrations.
Very good.
Let's record this, okay?
You don't mind, right?
The first question is one I ask everyone:
"If you had to define Minerva in one word,
what would it be?"
Admirable.
Yes. An admirable woman.
Admirable.
I agree.
You had the privilege of sharing
many years with an admirable woman,
and now all of humanity will admire her.
Isn't that great?
-Good afternoon.
-Ah, thank my lucky stars.
Come with me, hmm?
Come. I have to tell you something.
Honestly, I'm here today on business,
but can you guess
who I wanted to see today?
You.
Did something happen?
It happens that you're the prettiest one
in the new edition of the magazine.
I got the photos.
Really?
That's good. I'm glad.
I'll buy one when it comes out.
No, why would you buy one?
I'll send you a copy.
Thank you.
Or, even better,
I'll give it to you personally.
Let's have dinner tonight
and then talk about the interview, okay?
I have a social event tonight and must--
Do you like boleros?
Yes.
So, tonight, after your shift,
come to Club Caribe.
Do you know what I have there?
The concert of the most important group
in all of Latin America.
And I organized it. Hmm?
It's sold out,
but there's always space
for the prettiest Spaniard, hmm?
-Okay.
-Bring a girlfriend.
Thank you very much.
I'll ask Marcos, my boyfriend, to come.
Ah…
Okay, uh, that's fine.
Bring him.
Tonight will be unforgettable.
I'm sure.
Have a good afternoon.
Mrs. Chea, María Teresa.
Jaime has a friend
who's a Trujillo official.
That sounds very bad.
He's a friend from school
who ended up there.
That's fine, Jaime. It's not important.
Mom, we're thinking about asking him
to see if he can do anything more.
Sorry, but I don't think it's a good idea
to get involved with those people.
Mrs. Chea, with all due respect,
at this point, we're all involved.
And can we trust in General Anglat,
the Goat's right hand?
Mom, that's the worst mistake
we could make.
Time goes by,
and we keep thinking that dad will appear
like magic through that door.
I can't go on like this,
twiddling my thumbs.
Mom, we need to try something else.
Good morning.
BOOKSTORE
Minerva.
Hi, Gabriel.
-Is everything all right?
-No.
With that look on your face,
I don't even need to ask.
Suddenly, I'm some sort of monster
to everyone.
People who know me ignore me,
and those who didn't know who I was
look daggers at me.
If certain people in Salcedo think
you're a monster, that speaks well of you.
I got the material you ordered.
As it had been a while
since you'd been in the bookstore,
I took the liberty of starting to read it,
and I finished it in a single night.
Marvelous César Vallejo.
He's a great poet.
Honestly, I don't think I can read it.
Not until Dad comes home, at least.
I can't sleep. I can't concentrate.
I feel so guilty.
You don't have to feel guilty.
If there's one benefit
to having a business in this town,
it's knowing what the rabble are saying.
And they say many things:
that you slapped him,
that you insulted him,
that you screamed at him
to stop persecuting revolutionaries.
Yup. What can you do?
At the end of the day,
what offends the beast the most
is a woman who thinks.
Who stands up for herself.
Yes, but the one paying for it is Dad,
and no one can take my remorse away.
The dead receive more flowers
than the living
because remorse
is worth more than gratitude.
Who said that?
First Spanish edition.
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
It's a gift.
Thank you.
- Carmen Pérez.
- Present.
Alba Narváez.
Alba Narváez.
Rosa González.
Present.
Hey, Rosa, where's Alba?
Do you know where she is?
I don't know anything.
She hasn't come for three days.
Mercedes López.
Present.
María Teresa Mirabal.
Present.
Alba!
Alba!
Mrs. Carmen!
♪ Your kisses recreated ♪
♪ Here in my mouth ♪
♪ Full of illusion and passion ♪
♪ My crazy life ♪
♪ The happiest hours of my life ♪
♪ Were with you ♪
♪ That's why my soul always misses ♪
♪ The sweet relief ♪
♪ I could swear to you before an altar ♪
♪ My sincere love ♪
♪ You can tell the whole world ♪
♪ That I love you ♪
♪ Your lips taught me to feel ♪
Arantxa.
♪ What tenderness is ♪
A whiskey double
on the rocks for me, please.
And a martini for her.
♪ And I never tire of blessing
Such sweetness ♪
Here you are, sir.
I love it.
I love this place, too.
♪ Your kisses recreated here in my mouth ♪
♪ Filling… ♪
Hello? Yes?
Who's calling?
Ah, Asier, we were waiting for your call.
I'll tell her right away.
Minerva!
It's Asier. He wants to talk to you.
Asier, what happened?
Minerva, I've been thinking
about the situation for days,
and I feel that we need to do
something more.
That's why I'm calling.
I wanted to ask, what are the odds
of you reconsidering…
…I can't see another way.
And maybe we could convince
the lawyer again.
Yes, sorry.
If you think you can talk with the lawyer…
Sorry. I can't.
Hello, Aitor.
Hi, Dad.
Hi, honey.
-You look very beautiful.
-Thanks.
Look how you've left this button, woman.
Fasten it.
Ah, Dad. Let me.
-I'll let you, but do it up.
-I'll do it. You're doing it wrong.
There. That's better.
Perfect.
You look very handsome, too.
Yes, but you're very beautiful.
- Ah, Dad.
- No, you're very beautiful.
Shall we?
Let's go.
- Why hasn't it started yet?
- No idea.
-Did you know about this?
-Not a thing.
We begin this ceremony of celebration
thanks to the Educational
and Cultural Exchange Treaty
between the nations of Spain
and the Dominican Republic.
Our distinguished guests include
the most excellent Mr. President,
Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina
and the Ambassador of Spain,
Mr. Manuel Aznar Zubigaray,
who shall speak first.
Good morning.
Out of all the treaties signed
between the Kingdom of Spain
and the Dominican Republic,
it is the one on education and culture
that allows us to create
an impenetrable shield
against state interference
and against all unrest
that attacks Hispanic heritage
and general well-being.
Therefore, this embassy
has decided to grant an award
to all compatriot educators
who were welcomed
in this wonderful country.
And finally, as a sign of our gratitude,
the President of the Republic,
Generalissimo Rafael Leónidas Trujillo,
will personally hand out the medals.
Thank you.
Congratulations.
Don't even think about it.
I'm gone a minute, and you're in trouble.
I'm not getting into trouble, honey.
I will ask about Don Enrique.
And I suppose you'll speak
in a respectful, friendly way.
You'd be crazy to approach the president.
This is none of your business.
Yes, it is.
And smelling like a still won't help you.
I can't miss this opportunity.
So let me handle it.
Excuse me.
Forgive my boldness.
Forgiven.
Good afternoon.
Good afternoon.
Might I have a few words with you,
if you don't mind?
I can't give you the time you deserve
at the moment.
Many people are waiting for me.
But it would be a pleasure…
…to schedule an appointment.
Take the lady's contact information
and schedule an appointment
as soon as possible at the Palace.
Please give me your information.
Yes.
Arantxa…
So, nothing.
You accomplished nothing.
I told you. He was busy.
But what did he say?
Because you two had a chat.
He told his secretary
to schedule a meeting.
-You'll meet alone with that animal?
-Dad.
You've already forgotten
what he did to your friend, right?
Why do you think I did it?
He was eyeing you, Arantxa.
And you let him look at you that way.
What are you insinuating?
I'm used to it.
Your friends from the bar
look at me the same way.
Look. Today we're celebrating.
I couldn't let your bad temper
ruin such an important award.
The award was ruined from the moment
that son of a bitch touched this medal.
You promised to stay out of politics.
-You promised me.
-I'm not involved in anything.
I can't anymore.
I just want to help Don Enrique.
Well, in your state,
I don't think you can help anyone.
In what state?
Answer me. In what state?
- Maybe…
- Maybe what?
-Maybe you've drunk too much.
-Are you saying that I'm drunk?
You can't tell me what I can
and cannot drink.
-Enough.
-Don't tell me, "Enough"!
Know your place!
I'm your father, and you're my daughter!
Sometimes it seems to be
the other way around.
Stop here!
-What are you doing?
-Let me out.
I told you to stop here!
I won't let you speak to me like that.
Here.
See you at home or wherever.
Or maybe, we won't see each other anymore.
Hey! You'll damage the door.
- Same address, Miss?
- Yes.
What year did you and your father
arrive in the Dominican Republic?
In 1939.
1939.
And Minerva died in November of 1960,
so you had 20 or 21 years together.
You must have so many stories to tell.
From when we were young, in Salcedo.
My father was a university professor.
We came in a second wave of immigrants,
but when we arrived,
there were no jobs left.
Therefore,
the Immigration Office
sent us with a work contract
to the property of Mr. Enrique Mirabal.
We lived right there,
in a neighboring house.
So, yes,
I was Minerva's best friend.
And she was mine.
But when I was about 19,
my father got a position
at the University of Ciudad Trujillo.
Well, that's what Santo Domingo
was called back then.
Yes, I know.
So I went with him--
With my father, to the capital,
and I lived there until my return to Spain
many years later.
But by then Minerva was studying
in Ciudad Trujillo, right?
Did you see each other?
Hmm. Well, yes.
But… very seldom.
But I think I can only talk about…
our childhood in Salcedo.
All right?
Mm-hmm.
- Mom.
- Hmm?
This is about the business.
Look, if they make faces at me, I get it.
But why do the vendors invent excuses
for not selling to us?
And the customers?
There's no sign of them.
When will it stop?
Dad!
Dad.
Oh, no! Be careful with his head!
Help me!
- Let's go inside.
- God.
Slowly. That's it.
- Hey.
- Be careful. It's hot.
Do you know how long it's been
since I've had avocado at home?
Patria's secret avocado recipe.
- Ah, but…
- Ah, well.
Yes, it's a secret…
- Whatever.
- But it is here…
Shh.
Let's thank the Lord.
Lord, bless our food
and bless the hands that prepared it.
Thank you, Lord, for bringing our family
together around this table again.
Amen.
Amen.
- Precious.
- Yes.
- Who's hungry?
- Over here.
- No, Dad first.
- Mom, can you pass me Dad's plate?
Is that enough?
- Yes. A little, you know.
- Yes.
- Smells good.
- Mm-hmm.
Do you want me to bring you some dessert?
You haven't eaten anything, Dad.
You need to recover your strength.
No.
I'm sorry, Dad.
For everything.
Calm down, my daughter.
Calm down.
Good morning, Mr. President.
Arantxa.
What a pleasure.
Finally I found some time,
since I wanted to speak to you.
Thank you.
Thank you for granting me
a moment of your time.
I wanted to mention someone important
to me whom I grew up with, now--
We'll have time.
Now, please take a seat.
These two.
Good.
Can you put these two sacks here?
FUEL - OIL - CORN
I'd swear that you're Minerva Mirabal.
But working hard? I don't know.
Simón.
When did you arrive?
Two days ago.
I'm still dizzy on land.
It's been a long time.
How many years have passed? Three?
Tell me everything.
Well, a lot has happened,
but if I start, I won't be able to stop.
You'll get fired.
Impossible.
Technically, it's my store too.
I heard about Don Enrique.
It's terrible.
How are you?
It must be very hard on you.
You know, I'd like to see him,
give him a hug.
Of course. He'd love to see you.
He always liked you.
I would have made a great son-in-law.
Well, let's go and see him.
He's resting at home.
Well, I suppose the propriétaire
doesn't need to ask to leave the store.
You suppose right.
Help me down.
Okay, I'll be back.
Then, right in the middle of Act Two,
I hear a loud noise behind me.
I turn around, and what do I see?
The Mr. Archbishop, legs splayed open…
…fast asleep, snoring with his mouth open,
and my secretary, who was beside him,
didn't dare to hit him and wake him up.
So, we're all staring,
and I gently touch his leg.
The poor man wakes up
screaming in the middle of the opera.
The entire retinue is trying not to laugh.
It was an unusual situation.
I thought that etiquette was sacred
in such a prestigious theater.
Of course.
It's sacred, but that man,
poor thing, was already old.
He died, in fact.
Oh, I'm sorry.
You probably have never been to the opera.
You arrived here quite young, right?
So you've witnessed how this country
has developed.
I still have many more ideas.
I want the Dominican Republic
to be the center of the Caribbean,
for its music to be heard
in concert halls around the world,
for its artists to be known here, there.
I love artists like yourself.
No, I'm-- I'm not an artist.
I'm just a hotel manager.
We'll see about that.
Young lady, I have a gift:
my ability to see inside people.
I can perceive talent. It's like an X-ray.
And in the report that will be published
in the press,
which is very good, by the way,
you name your passion.
Dance.
When I was small,
my mother taught me classical dance.
She was my teacher.
When we moved here,
I started to lose some of that.
But inside, I still feel like a ballerina.
So, why don't you dance?
Well, it's not that easy.
I've never had the opportunity.
We'll have to do something about that,
won't we?
How?
Right here,
right now,
you have the opportunity to dance.
Oh, no. No, no. No.
What do you artists call it? Goodness.
When you show what you can do.
-An audition?
-Exactly. An audition.
No, honestly, it…
- Yes, yes.
- Ah!
Okay…
Look…
for the public to be unable to applaud you
is one of the most unfair things
I've ever seen.
Thank you.
Ah.
Hi, Simón!
Girl, I can't believe it!
Look how you've grown.
It seems like just yesterday
I was telling you scary ghost stories.
- And she's still scared.
- Minerva.
-Mate, where's Dad?
-I don't know.
He left a while ago
for a walk around the property.
He should be resting.
Why are the dogs barking so much?
Minerva, is everything all right?
Dad!
Dad!
Dad!
Dad!
Simón!
Mate!
Don Enrique! Don Enrique!
María Teresa!
-Don Enrique, answer me.
-Ah, what's happened to you?
Answer me. Don Enrique.
Help!
Help!