The Roar of the Butterflies (2023): Season 1, Episode 3 - La Prueba - full transcript
PREVIOUSLY
Going against your president
has a price.
- What did they do to you?
- Me?
They're lying.
We need to ask for habeas corpus.
First Dad, then they'll go after
the rest of my family.
- I want to help Don Enrique.
- So let me handle it.
I can schedule an appointment.
You'll meet alone with that animal?
- Where's Alba?
- She's missed three days.
Simón.
I got the photos.
The public being unable to applaud you
is one of the most unfair things
I've ever seen.
Dad! Help!
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.
To the center, girls.
Start in the first position.
Arms in first position.
SAN SEBASTIÁN, SPAIN
AUGUST 1938
Second position, tendu front, and close.
Tendu to the side and close.
Let's keep those backs straight,
girls, okay?
Now demi-plié and stretch.
Demi-plié and stretch.
I'll be right back, girls.
Yes?
We're looking
for Asier Oyamburu.
He's not here.
You girls go home.
She's my daughter. She stays with me.
I haven't seen him in months.
Not since liberation.
I don't know where he went.
He didn't tell me anything.
He didn't want trouble.
Will you fucking shut up, lady?
You don't have to destroy everything.
- Here! Here!
- No. Hold on, hold on.
Don't worry, sweetie, I'll be okay.
I'll be okay.
- What's that?
- There's no one, sir.
Damn lying commies.
Arantxa, sweetie, I have to go
with these men but I'll be back, okay?
- No, no.
- Okay? No.
Let go.
I'll be back. See you soon, sweetie.
The CRY of the BUTTERFLIES
Okay, let me know.
I'll call you later.
And as a result, his family will…
- Miss.
- Hello.
I was just telling your mother
that his stroke was severe.
What does that mean?
We had to make some incisions
to remove a number of clots.
When can he come home?
Unfortunately, we have to wait
until he's conscious again
to know the extent of the damage
and its impact.
I'm very sorry.
Thank you, doctor.
Don Enrique will be okay, you'll see.
How do you know?
Sorry.
Thanks for coming with me.
It really wasn't necessary.
Of course.
There's no need to stay.
Looks like it's going to be a long night.
-I'm not going anywhere.
-This is all my fault, Simón.
That's ridiculous.
No, it's not ridiculous. It's the truth.
If I hadn't done what I did,
things might have turned out differently.
Guilt is a waste of time and energy.
You don't think you caused his stroke,
do you?
What they did to him
is a direct and dark message
from that monster to me.
It's still not your fault, Minerva.
You're a free-spirited woman,
but that concept doesn't exist here.
I got a job offer to be a journalist
for l'Humanité.
You're going back to Paris?
In two weeks.
Congratulations.
You're good. You deserve it.
Being an exile isn't so bad.
You know? There are places where what you
and I think isn't seen as crazy.
-I know this isn't Paris, Simón.
-Nor will it ever be.
At this rate, things will never change.
How can you expect things to change,
if everyone who could change things
runs away like cowards?
"Cowards"?
The Goat has ruled for over 20 years,
and nothing has changed.
We can't expect the future to be different
if we do nothing in the present.
Okay.
So, tell me a story
from growing up in Salcedo
that shows who Minerva is.
Did she already have
such a strong personality as a child?
Hmm. Yes.
She could do anything she put her mind to.
She was amazing.
And she always, always cared about others.
For example?
So, I'd been in Salcedo for a few years,
and she and I were good friends.
The years went by, and I would dance,
but only for the four Mirabal sisters.
At the house in the country, at sunset.
They were so nice to me.
One day, Minerva came to me
with a secret plan.
She led me to a room, locked the door,
and told me that she'd found
a dance school in La Vega
and had signed me up for an audition.
We snuck out and took a bus to get there.
It was wild.
-How did the audition go?
-Oh, it went well. Very well.
The judges were very strict, very serious,
but they really liked me.
And right before we left, they told me
that… that I was in.
What happened next?
Did you study at that academy?
No, no. When we got back to the house,
I told my father everything.
Instead of congratulating me,
he got very upset.
-Why? It's what you loved.
-No, no, no.
We had run off to another city
and lied about it.
He was an immigrant, a professor,
but he was working as a farmhand.
He could never afford to pay for me
to study and live in another city.
I got so mad at him. Poor guy.
But he was right.
It was an impossible dream.
Not in my view.
You pursued your calling in the end.
That's what matters, right?
Yes, that's true. Look, here I am now.
This is my second generation of students,
and they love me--
Oh, no, no, no. I meant over there,
in the Dominican Republic.
Oh.
No. No, no.
By the time I moved to the capital,
I was already 19.
Rather late to start formal training.
-Sorry, but living in the capital--
-Does it really matter, Pilar?
Could we drop it?
She's beautiful. Sexy.
You know, the good stuff.
- Let's get in there right now.
- Sure, sure.
- This show is a must-see.
- Let's go.
Hi, can I help you?
Hi. I'm here for an audition.
-What's your name?
-Arantxa.
One moment, please.
The girl's here for the audition.
Stop.
Eva!
Would you mind focusing
on what we're doing here?
I am focusing.
It doesn't look like it.
You're the star.
Everyone's supposed to follow your lead.
Tomás.
When you step forward,
keep in mind the limits, your mark.
- Here.
- There.
Careful with your arms.
Let's start from the first arabesque.
-The girl for the audition.
-Send her over.
- This way, please.
- I didn't see any passés.
What's your name?
Arantxa Oyamburu.
-You know how to dance?
-Mm-hmm.
Ever danced Latin dance styles?
Yes, at parties.
Go get changed.
See if you can follow the other girls.
Julio César, do the cross steps
at the beginning work for you?
Yes. Whatever you want. Mm-hmm.
Okay. Let's open up
the formation a little earlier, okay?
Any problem if I have this girl rehearse
with us?
I need to see her dance.
That's fine, but let's wrap up soon.
These guys are hungry.
Don't worry.
Hold on!
Are you going to dance in those slippers?
Ana, bring her some clothes
and shoes so she can dance.
I'm surrounded by idiots.
- Maestro.
- One, two, three.
Hi.
Hi.
Need a hand?
I'm free till 6:00 p.m.,
then I'm going to the school.
Yes, please.
Help me arrange these products.
At least that way you can pay
for all those books for your students.
Six glass bottles.
Six?
Seven glass bottles.
What about the flour order?
It never came. Don Gregorio canceled it.
Says he can't sell to us anymore.
We'll find another supplier.
I don't know where, Minerva.
The only one left is only Mr. Efraín,
and he's even more pro-Trujillo
than Mr. Gregorio.
-Forget about it.
-We can look in another town.
Get out of Salcedo,
fucking communists!
Bastards!
Ow! Shit!
- What's wrong?
- Look.
Oh, no.
Bend your finger. That's it.
Squeeze it tight.
What a mess.
I know this is all my fault.
Look, Minerva,
I don't know if this is your fault.
What I do know
is that this is just getting started.
It's going to get worse.
I don't even know why we opened the store.
You have to change something.
What was I supposed to do? Hmm?
Places.
First line. There.
There. Yes, there. Hmm?
- Maestro.
- One, two…
Stop.
You struggled with that, didn't you?
Watch and learn.
And smile. You have a pretty face.
María, give her your spot.
Ah! Stop!
Did you see that double spin? Learn it.
Ana, first thing in the morning
for rehearsal.
Gretchen, I don't like this dress.
It's too small and tight on me.
And this wig…
I can't even see with it on.
Are you finished?
No. So annoying.
Who wants to go eat with me?
Thanks.
We're in a hurry.
How are my girls? You're going to put on
an amazing show for me, right?
Little by little, but firm. Like this.
I really liked watching you today.
Thanks, boss.
What's wrong?
Are you ashamed?
You should be very proud.
Are you?
Because I'm very proud of you.
Come on. Chin up.
Let's see a smile.
A smile for me.
There you go. See? That's much better.
Your face glows when you smile.
I saw it that night at the Ovando Hotel.
I was the first to notice it.
Don't ever forget that.
-See you tomorrow.
-See you tomorrow.
Aran-- What is it?
-What's your name?
-Arantxa.
-Ar-- Ar-- Ar--
-Arantxa.
It's like a tongue twister.
We have to think of something more normal.
I mean, for audiences.
Sound good?
How are you, Patria?
I'm not well, Father.
I'm very sad.
I think I know why, my daughter.
I know your father is in the hospital.
My father's health didn't fail him
all on its own.
He was imprisoned.
Tortured.
Sometimes it's hard for us to see…
that the health of our loved ones
is declining.
People get sick. They get old.
No.
What are you saying?
Enrique Mirabal is a man-- Was…
a strong man.
Healthy as a horse.
A tireless worker.
When he got back from Trujillo's prison,
he looked 20 years older.
It's so unfair.
Patria, you went to seminary.
You know there's only one source
of justice, and that's divine justice.
Give yourself over to it.
Don't seek to cast blame
where none exists.
Remember that good Christians' health
is also God's doing.
Pray, and all will be taken care of.
- God bless you, Mom.
- God bless you.
- Thanks.
- Rosalinda!
They're beautiful.
Mmm, Héctor.
How nice of you to come this time.
I'll come more often, Mom.
Okay? I mean it.
It's so good to see you, Mom.
Yes, Son.
So, how are you?
As you can see, I'm alive.
Is anything bothering you?
Are your legs doing all right?
The only thing bothering me is not knowing
what you decided about the presidency.
Don't worry, Mom. We're working on it.
I think you'll be very happy.
Because I've decided to step down
and let Héctor fill my position.
Come here.
We'll work hard, of course,
to ensure that Héctor can continue leading
this country to greater glory.
It's a huge responsibility.
I trust you're worthy of the task
of continuing our family's legacy.
Héctor won't be working alone.
I know.
But will people
accept me as president?
Oh, fuck them. Fuck them.
Uh, José.
Mmm?
What happened with the girl
I sent to the club?
Oh, she's stunningly beautiful.
Quite the gem.
-Hmm.
-A good dancer and an excellent audition.
Although the shoes they lent her
were two sizes too small.
When does she start?
-She's still rehearsing.
-Mmm.
I made sure she has everything she needs.
Careful not to throw too much corn
that Spanish beauty's way, Brother.
There isn't room for two roosters
in that pen.
It's me.
Come in.
Hi.
I don't need to use the phone.
What brings you here then?
Good afternoon. How are you?
You could say hi the way people do.
I'm well, and you?
Good.
Very good, in fact.
I'm finally going to be able to dance.
Oh, really?
Don't worry, it won't interfere
with my job at the hotel.
The rehearsals are flexible,
and we perform at night.
What theater?
At Club Caribe.
At that sleazy place?
It's the best club in the country.
It's full of whores.
But your father, your friends
and you all go there.
So what? It's a whorehouse,
Arantxa, for God's sake!
My whole life,
I've only wanted to do one thing.
Just one thing.
I thought you'd be happy and support me.
Yes, but you told me you wanted
to be a classical dancer.
I never dreamed you meant
- shaking your ass for the world to see.
- It's not shaking my--
Marcos.
This is the only real opportunity
I've gotten to dance since I arrived.
Your new job is incompatible
with this job.
I'm saying this as your boss.
Not as your boyfriend.
Very well.
If you leave me no choice…
Great.
Marcial, please prepare termination forms
for Arantxa Oyamburu.
She'll be working elsewhere.
-Can you find your way out?
-Perfectly.
Immediately. She no longer works here.
I believe that's mine.
José Ingenieros. A true visionary.
"And just as nations
without dignity are sheep,
individuals bereft of it are slaves."
I hope you don't mind
that I borrowed your book.
You can read it.
Though I'd probably suggest
something lighter.
I want to learn.
A military car.
Meaning?
Nothing good.
-Good evening.
-Evening, Mrs. Macías.
Could I please get a wake-up call
at 7:30 a.m.?
-Yes, of course.
-Great. 204.
-Very well.
-Thanks.
All right.
I'm coming.
Escenarios Hoy
Smile!
Watch out for the cable. Circle!
The line's crooked. I can't believe it.
Eva, I know, I'm convinced
that you can do much better.
Of course, Gretchen.
I just hope it's before I die.
Are the tails too heavy?
- They're fine.
- Go home. Good work.
What are you looking at?
Eva, please.
-Oh, you were…
-What's her problem?
Just ignore her. Eva's like that.
You were great.
- Yeah?
- Yeah, congrats.
- Hey. Look who I brought.
- Hey!
- Oh, Simón!
- How are you?
Simón Farías, on our island once again.
What a surprise!
How's Europe, Simón?
Good, good. Very good.
Old but wise, as always.
"Old," "wise"? The way you talk makes it
sound like you never leave the library.
You know something.
Everyone who's visited says there aren't
any traces of the war in Europe.
They say that today Paris is
an end-of-the-world party,
even better than this one.
Sorry, Minerva.
All this about Simón
and I haven't asked you about your dad.
We still don't know
how the surgery turned out.
-Minerva, you should've killed that man--
-Raúl, that's enough!
You know what people say? They say
you gave him a good slap in the face.
Oh, that's enough.
Simón, what can I get you?
-Don't worry. I can get it.
-No, what do you want?
Fine. My kingdom for some Mama Juana.
No matter how bad Gretchen wants her gone,
if Eva keeps working Petán like that,
she'll never be fired.
Shh!
I never thought you'd last, eh?
But, damn, you've got moves.
You do.
And it's not just talent.
You have guts too.
Thanks…
…but I still need to be smoother.
Nah.
You'll get it with practice.
All right, see you all tonight.
Hey, I expect a better gift from you
than the one I gave you, you hear?
-It's going to be a surprise.
-Let's see.
- See you. Hey!
- Uh… Gorgeous.
You're invited too, of course.
Today's my birthday,
and we're celebrating at the guest house.
At midnight, we'll cut the cake and have
candles and all that. You know how it is!
- See you tonight.
- Bye.
It's becoming harder for Dominicans
to justify their government's crimes.
North American officials…
Piece of shit.
Good evening.
What do you want?
I need to talk to her.
With whom?
With Arantxa?
Why did you come all the way out here?
Isn't she working the night shift
at your hotel?
Please, I really need to talk to her.
I don't know what's going on
between you two, but she's not here.
Arantxa stopped working at the hotel
a few days ago.
-What?
-Yes, I fired her.
Now she works at Club Caribe.
But there are no shows today.
So she should be back by now.
You really didn't know, did you?
At least I'm not the only one she duped.
Never mind. Don't tell her I came by.
Have a good night. Sorry to disturb you.
FLOWERS HOTEL
Arantxa!
Hey!
I'll be right back.
-Happy birthday!
-No. No, no.
It's bad luck if you say it
before midnight.
-Oh, sorry.
-Wow, you look stunning. Turn around. Hey!
-Thanks.
-No, thank you for coming.
- Welcome to paradise.
- Hey.
Trujillo will fall.
You'll see, it's only a matter of time.
Lucio, shut up.
You'll get us all killed.
-Who?
-What do you mean?
Don't you know everyone in this country
is one of The Goat's spies?
Sometimes I take a look around,
and I just can't believe it.
The way many people here act is repulsive.
That night, many people felt proud
when The Goat or his pervert son
chose their daughters.
I don't get how people
with degrees, careers,
businesses, and even families
could consider it normal in their country
to be ruled by someone
with a "lord's right,"
a feudal practice from the Middle Ages.
I used to think they handed over
their daughters and wives out of terror.
What makes it so sad
is that they do it out of devotion.
That's bullshit.
Living abroad allowed me
to see things from another perspective.
That son of a bitch has
a well-oiled machine here.
He's run the country as he pleases
for 22 years now.
You, you, me.
When we were just learning to talk,
to walk, Trujillo was already president.
The gringos and the priests
are his staunch allies,
and those who oppose him here
are either imprisoned or killed.
Okay, Simón, where are you going
with all this?
'Cause if you keep talking like this,
we'll have no choice but to go live
in France with you.
Do you all live here?
No, my house is in Gazcue.
This is where all the ballet dancers live.
Well, everyone except Eva and you.
I've really been missing out.
The neighbors don't complain?
The house is Petán's.
No one complains about a Trujillo.
Do you dance?
No, no, no. I just like to sing.
Over here, beautiful!
- Come on.
- No, no, no.
-Please. For my birthday.
-I'm tired.
See? Go.
You too. You too, come on.
It's 12:00 a.m.! Listen up!
One, two, three!
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday, dear Tomás ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
You get three wishes.
Bravo!
- Congratulations!
- Thanks.
We have to fight him from abroad.
Convince the modern world
that no country can be controlled
by such a murderous dictator.
In France, I met many people
willing to help our voices reach
the United Nations, the OAS.
I agree.
But, Simón, we're just
a tiny island in the middle of nowhere.
No one gives a shit about us.
That'll take 20 years.
That's not true.
You couldn't be more wrong, Lucio.
You don't think Russia
has an interest in the Caribbean?
Why do you think
Washington treats Trujillo so well?
Another discussion
between washed-up intellectuals…
…where we end up talking
about Yankees and Russians.
While people are given bread and circuses.
I can't stand it.
It's as simple as-- As the saying goes,
"Dead dogs don't bite."
So, Trujillo dies and then what?
One of his asshole followers
or his son will cling to power.
If we want a lasting solution,
tyranny must be democratically overthrown
by the people.
Not by some murderer.
I'll drink to that.
- Sure.
- Cheers.
To a return to how it was.
Dad.
-Dad!
-Hmm?
-What?
-Come on, get up. Let's go.
Let go of me.
-What are you doing here?
-Let go of me.
Fine, I'll let go.
Dad, you can't be drunk on the sidewalk.
I'm not drunk.
I was waiting for you.
Waiting for me? Why?
Waiting for me by the door?
Is that it? What's next?
Waiting for me outside the hotel?
Is that where you were? The hotel?
Yes, I told you.
Yeah, you told me all right.
You told me.
I don't know why you lie to me.
Dad, I don't understand you
when you mumble.
I don't understand why you lie to me!
Shh. Don't yell.
What do you mean?
Marcos was looking for you.
So…
…are you going to tell me where you were
or just keep lying?
I don't work at the hotel anymore.
I work at Club Caribe.
So now you work directly
for that son of a bitch Petán Trujillo!
Please lower your voice.
Besides, I'm not in the mood
to talk to you when you're drunk.
I'm not drunk! Where are you going?
Get over here!
I am in the mood to talk, so sit down.
I said, "sit down."
Now you're going to tell me
what you do there.
What do you do?
Do you serve them at their tables?
Do you bring them drinks?
Do you take their hats?
What do you do there?
I don't serve anyone.
I'm a dancer.
Are you out of your mind?
Are you out of your mind?
A dancer at that dive?
Dad, you know that the only thing
I've ever wanted to do in life is dance.
I can't believe you've chosen to go
to ground zero of this regime.
I'm paid to dance. Not for my politics.
Don't kid yourself.
You're paid to whitewash the regime.
That, and to show your ass to those pigs!
-I'm making a life for myself.
-You're ruining it!
It's impossible to talk to you!
You have no clue what you're doing.
What about you?
Do you have any clue what you're doing?
At least I have principles.
Well, thanks to those shitty principles,
we've ended up in this godforsaken place.
And because of you,
that's the only place I can dance.
So long as you live under my roof,
I won't allow you to work
for those murderers!
Fine. I'll leave. I'd like to see how
you'll pay the rent.
I hope you're know what you're doing
because there's no coming back.
Sweetie…
you have no idea how hard it's been
to raise you here on my own.
Far from home, far from everything.
I've done the best I could,
but you're impossible.
If your mother could see you now,
if she could see who you're working for…
If you hadn't hidden like a coward,
my mother would be watching
me in a theater in San Sebastián!
Don't touch me!
I've already read Animal Farm.
The Stranger by Albert Camus.
That one too. I loved it.
Dostoevsky, Marx…
They're all banned books.
Banned topics.
Socialism is a forbidden word
for Trujillo.
Your turn.
Have you read José Martí?
"Wings I saw springing
from fair women's shoulders,
and from beneath rubble
I've seen butterflies flutter."
"All is beautiful and unceasing,
all is music and reason,
and all, like diamond,
is carbon first, then light."
-You're beautiful, Minerva.
-This isn't the time or place, Simón.
What's wrong?
I had a great time.
See you tomorrow.
Minerva.
I want you to know…
I've given this a lot of thought.
Nothing would make me happier
than for you to come to Paris with me.
-Simón…
-There's nothing for you here, but there…
Simón, I can't go with you.
I want to stay here with my family,
with my dad.
I want to study law in my country.
I want to contribute where I'm needed.
There are still so many things
to fight for.
This is just the beginning.
I'm sorry.
No.
You have nothing to apologize for.
You're the bravest person I know,
Minerva Mirabal.
But if you ever change your mind…
Help us!
- No, God! No!
- Mrs. Carmen, what's wrong?
- Alba! Alba!
- What's going on?
Going against your president
has a price.
- What did they do to you?
- Me?
They're lying.
We need to ask for habeas corpus.
First Dad, then they'll go after
the rest of my family.
- I want to help Don Enrique.
- So let me handle it.
I can schedule an appointment.
You'll meet alone with that animal?
- Where's Alba?
- She's missed three days.
Simón.
I got the photos.
The public being unable to applaud you
is one of the most unfair things
I've ever seen.
Dad! Help!
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.
To the center, girls.
Start in the first position.
Arms in first position.
SAN SEBASTIÁN, SPAIN
AUGUST 1938
Second position, tendu front, and close.
Tendu to the side and close.
Let's keep those backs straight,
girls, okay?
Now demi-plié and stretch.
Demi-plié and stretch.
I'll be right back, girls.
Yes?
We're looking
for Asier Oyamburu.
He's not here.
You girls go home.
She's my daughter. She stays with me.
I haven't seen him in months.
Not since liberation.
I don't know where he went.
He didn't tell me anything.
He didn't want trouble.
Will you fucking shut up, lady?
You don't have to destroy everything.
- Here! Here!
- No. Hold on, hold on.
Don't worry, sweetie, I'll be okay.
I'll be okay.
- What's that?
- There's no one, sir.
Damn lying commies.
Arantxa, sweetie, I have to go
with these men but I'll be back, okay?
- No, no.
- Okay? No.
Let go.
I'll be back. See you soon, sweetie.
The CRY of the BUTTERFLIES
Okay, let me know.
I'll call you later.
And as a result, his family will…
- Miss.
- Hello.
I was just telling your mother
that his stroke was severe.
What does that mean?
We had to make some incisions
to remove a number of clots.
When can he come home?
Unfortunately, we have to wait
until he's conscious again
to know the extent of the damage
and its impact.
I'm very sorry.
Thank you, doctor.
Don Enrique will be okay, you'll see.
How do you know?
Sorry.
Thanks for coming with me.
It really wasn't necessary.
Of course.
There's no need to stay.
Looks like it's going to be a long night.
-I'm not going anywhere.
-This is all my fault, Simón.
That's ridiculous.
No, it's not ridiculous. It's the truth.
If I hadn't done what I did,
things might have turned out differently.
Guilt is a waste of time and energy.
You don't think you caused his stroke,
do you?
What they did to him
is a direct and dark message
from that monster to me.
It's still not your fault, Minerva.
You're a free-spirited woman,
but that concept doesn't exist here.
I got a job offer to be a journalist
for l'Humanité.
You're going back to Paris?
In two weeks.
Congratulations.
You're good. You deserve it.
Being an exile isn't so bad.
You know? There are places where what you
and I think isn't seen as crazy.
-I know this isn't Paris, Simón.
-Nor will it ever be.
At this rate, things will never change.
How can you expect things to change,
if everyone who could change things
runs away like cowards?
"Cowards"?
The Goat has ruled for over 20 years,
and nothing has changed.
We can't expect the future to be different
if we do nothing in the present.
Okay.
So, tell me a story
from growing up in Salcedo
that shows who Minerva is.
Did she already have
such a strong personality as a child?
Hmm. Yes.
She could do anything she put her mind to.
She was amazing.
And she always, always cared about others.
For example?
So, I'd been in Salcedo for a few years,
and she and I were good friends.
The years went by, and I would dance,
but only for the four Mirabal sisters.
At the house in the country, at sunset.
They were so nice to me.
One day, Minerva came to me
with a secret plan.
She led me to a room, locked the door,
and told me that she'd found
a dance school in La Vega
and had signed me up for an audition.
We snuck out and took a bus to get there.
It was wild.
-How did the audition go?
-Oh, it went well. Very well.
The judges were very strict, very serious,
but they really liked me.
And right before we left, they told me
that… that I was in.
What happened next?
Did you study at that academy?
No, no. When we got back to the house,
I told my father everything.
Instead of congratulating me,
he got very upset.
-Why? It's what you loved.
-No, no, no.
We had run off to another city
and lied about it.
He was an immigrant, a professor,
but he was working as a farmhand.
He could never afford to pay for me
to study and live in another city.
I got so mad at him. Poor guy.
But he was right.
It was an impossible dream.
Not in my view.
You pursued your calling in the end.
That's what matters, right?
Yes, that's true. Look, here I am now.
This is my second generation of students,
and they love me--
Oh, no, no, no. I meant over there,
in the Dominican Republic.
Oh.
No. No, no.
By the time I moved to the capital,
I was already 19.
Rather late to start formal training.
-Sorry, but living in the capital--
-Does it really matter, Pilar?
Could we drop it?
She's beautiful. Sexy.
You know, the good stuff.
- Let's get in there right now.
- Sure, sure.
- This show is a must-see.
- Let's go.
Hi, can I help you?
Hi. I'm here for an audition.
-What's your name?
-Arantxa.
One moment, please.
The girl's here for the audition.
Stop.
Eva!
Would you mind focusing
on what we're doing here?
I am focusing.
It doesn't look like it.
You're the star.
Everyone's supposed to follow your lead.
Tomás.
When you step forward,
keep in mind the limits, your mark.
- Here.
- There.
Careful with your arms.
Let's start from the first arabesque.
-The girl for the audition.
-Send her over.
- This way, please.
- I didn't see any passés.
What's your name?
Arantxa Oyamburu.
-You know how to dance?
-Mm-hmm.
Ever danced Latin dance styles?
Yes, at parties.
Go get changed.
See if you can follow the other girls.
Julio César, do the cross steps
at the beginning work for you?
Yes. Whatever you want. Mm-hmm.
Okay. Let's open up
the formation a little earlier, okay?
Any problem if I have this girl rehearse
with us?
I need to see her dance.
That's fine, but let's wrap up soon.
These guys are hungry.
Don't worry.
Hold on!
Are you going to dance in those slippers?
Ana, bring her some clothes
and shoes so she can dance.
I'm surrounded by idiots.
- Maestro.
- One, two, three.
Hi.
Hi.
Need a hand?
I'm free till 6:00 p.m.,
then I'm going to the school.
Yes, please.
Help me arrange these products.
At least that way you can pay
for all those books for your students.
Six glass bottles.
Six?
Seven glass bottles.
What about the flour order?
It never came. Don Gregorio canceled it.
Says he can't sell to us anymore.
We'll find another supplier.
I don't know where, Minerva.
The only one left is only Mr. Efraín,
and he's even more pro-Trujillo
than Mr. Gregorio.
-Forget about it.
-We can look in another town.
Get out of Salcedo,
fucking communists!
Bastards!
Ow! Shit!
- What's wrong?
- Look.
Oh, no.
Bend your finger. That's it.
Squeeze it tight.
What a mess.
I know this is all my fault.
Look, Minerva,
I don't know if this is your fault.
What I do know
is that this is just getting started.
It's going to get worse.
I don't even know why we opened the store.
You have to change something.
What was I supposed to do? Hmm?
Places.
First line. There.
There. Yes, there. Hmm?
- Maestro.
- One, two…
Stop.
You struggled with that, didn't you?
Watch and learn.
And smile. You have a pretty face.
María, give her your spot.
Ah! Stop!
Did you see that double spin? Learn it.
Ana, first thing in the morning
for rehearsal.
Gretchen, I don't like this dress.
It's too small and tight on me.
And this wig…
I can't even see with it on.
Are you finished?
No. So annoying.
Who wants to go eat with me?
Thanks.
We're in a hurry.
How are my girls? You're going to put on
an amazing show for me, right?
Little by little, but firm. Like this.
I really liked watching you today.
Thanks, boss.
What's wrong?
Are you ashamed?
You should be very proud.
Are you?
Because I'm very proud of you.
Come on. Chin up.
Let's see a smile.
A smile for me.
There you go. See? That's much better.
Your face glows when you smile.
I saw it that night at the Ovando Hotel.
I was the first to notice it.
Don't ever forget that.
-See you tomorrow.
-See you tomorrow.
Aran-- What is it?
-What's your name?
-Arantxa.
-Ar-- Ar-- Ar--
-Arantxa.
It's like a tongue twister.
We have to think of something more normal.
I mean, for audiences.
Sound good?
How are you, Patria?
I'm not well, Father.
I'm very sad.
I think I know why, my daughter.
I know your father is in the hospital.
My father's health didn't fail him
all on its own.
He was imprisoned.
Tortured.
Sometimes it's hard for us to see…
that the health of our loved ones
is declining.
People get sick. They get old.
No.
What are you saying?
Enrique Mirabal is a man-- Was…
a strong man.
Healthy as a horse.
A tireless worker.
When he got back from Trujillo's prison,
he looked 20 years older.
It's so unfair.
Patria, you went to seminary.
You know there's only one source
of justice, and that's divine justice.
Give yourself over to it.
Don't seek to cast blame
where none exists.
Remember that good Christians' health
is also God's doing.
Pray, and all will be taken care of.
- God bless you, Mom.
- God bless you.
- Thanks.
- Rosalinda!
They're beautiful.
Mmm, Héctor.
How nice of you to come this time.
I'll come more often, Mom.
Okay? I mean it.
It's so good to see you, Mom.
Yes, Son.
So, how are you?
As you can see, I'm alive.
Is anything bothering you?
Are your legs doing all right?
The only thing bothering me is not knowing
what you decided about the presidency.
Don't worry, Mom. We're working on it.
I think you'll be very happy.
Because I've decided to step down
and let Héctor fill my position.
Come here.
We'll work hard, of course,
to ensure that Héctor can continue leading
this country to greater glory.
It's a huge responsibility.
I trust you're worthy of the task
of continuing our family's legacy.
Héctor won't be working alone.
I know.
But will people
accept me as president?
Oh, fuck them. Fuck them.
Uh, José.
Mmm?
What happened with the girl
I sent to the club?
Oh, she's stunningly beautiful.
Quite the gem.
-Hmm.
-A good dancer and an excellent audition.
Although the shoes they lent her
were two sizes too small.
When does she start?
-She's still rehearsing.
-Mmm.
I made sure she has everything she needs.
Careful not to throw too much corn
that Spanish beauty's way, Brother.
There isn't room for two roosters
in that pen.
It's me.
Come in.
Hi.
I don't need to use the phone.
What brings you here then?
Good afternoon. How are you?
You could say hi the way people do.
I'm well, and you?
Good.
Very good, in fact.
I'm finally going to be able to dance.
Oh, really?
Don't worry, it won't interfere
with my job at the hotel.
The rehearsals are flexible,
and we perform at night.
What theater?
At Club Caribe.
At that sleazy place?
It's the best club in the country.
It's full of whores.
But your father, your friends
and you all go there.
So what? It's a whorehouse,
Arantxa, for God's sake!
My whole life,
I've only wanted to do one thing.
Just one thing.
I thought you'd be happy and support me.
Yes, but you told me you wanted
to be a classical dancer.
I never dreamed you meant
- shaking your ass for the world to see.
- It's not shaking my--
Marcos.
This is the only real opportunity
I've gotten to dance since I arrived.
Your new job is incompatible
with this job.
I'm saying this as your boss.
Not as your boyfriend.
Very well.
If you leave me no choice…
Great.
Marcial, please prepare termination forms
for Arantxa Oyamburu.
She'll be working elsewhere.
-Can you find your way out?
-Perfectly.
Immediately. She no longer works here.
I believe that's mine.
José Ingenieros. A true visionary.
"And just as nations
without dignity are sheep,
individuals bereft of it are slaves."
I hope you don't mind
that I borrowed your book.
You can read it.
Though I'd probably suggest
something lighter.
I want to learn.
A military car.
Meaning?
Nothing good.
-Good evening.
-Evening, Mrs. Macías.
Could I please get a wake-up call
at 7:30 a.m.?
-Yes, of course.
-Great. 204.
-Very well.
-Thanks.
All right.
I'm coming.
Escenarios Hoy
Smile!
Watch out for the cable. Circle!
The line's crooked. I can't believe it.
Eva, I know, I'm convinced
that you can do much better.
Of course, Gretchen.
I just hope it's before I die.
Are the tails too heavy?
- They're fine.
- Go home. Good work.
What are you looking at?
Eva, please.
-Oh, you were…
-What's her problem?
Just ignore her. Eva's like that.
You were great.
- Yeah?
- Yeah, congrats.
- Hey. Look who I brought.
- Hey!
- Oh, Simón!
- How are you?
Simón Farías, on our island once again.
What a surprise!
How's Europe, Simón?
Good, good. Very good.
Old but wise, as always.
"Old," "wise"? The way you talk makes it
sound like you never leave the library.
You know something.
Everyone who's visited says there aren't
any traces of the war in Europe.
They say that today Paris is
an end-of-the-world party,
even better than this one.
Sorry, Minerva.
All this about Simón
and I haven't asked you about your dad.
We still don't know
how the surgery turned out.
-Minerva, you should've killed that man--
-Raúl, that's enough!
You know what people say? They say
you gave him a good slap in the face.
Oh, that's enough.
Simón, what can I get you?
-Don't worry. I can get it.
-No, what do you want?
Fine. My kingdom for some Mama Juana.
No matter how bad Gretchen wants her gone,
if Eva keeps working Petán like that,
she'll never be fired.
Shh!
I never thought you'd last, eh?
But, damn, you've got moves.
You do.
And it's not just talent.
You have guts too.
Thanks…
…but I still need to be smoother.
Nah.
You'll get it with practice.
All right, see you all tonight.
Hey, I expect a better gift from you
than the one I gave you, you hear?
-It's going to be a surprise.
-Let's see.
- See you. Hey!
- Uh… Gorgeous.
You're invited too, of course.
Today's my birthday,
and we're celebrating at the guest house.
At midnight, we'll cut the cake and have
candles and all that. You know how it is!
- See you tonight.
- Bye.
It's becoming harder for Dominicans
to justify their government's crimes.
North American officials…
Piece of shit.
Good evening.
What do you want?
I need to talk to her.
With whom?
With Arantxa?
Why did you come all the way out here?
Isn't she working the night shift
at your hotel?
Please, I really need to talk to her.
I don't know what's going on
between you two, but she's not here.
Arantxa stopped working at the hotel
a few days ago.
-What?
-Yes, I fired her.
Now she works at Club Caribe.
But there are no shows today.
So she should be back by now.
You really didn't know, did you?
At least I'm not the only one she duped.
Never mind. Don't tell her I came by.
Have a good night. Sorry to disturb you.
FLOWERS HOTEL
Arantxa!
Hey!
I'll be right back.
-Happy birthday!
-No. No, no.
It's bad luck if you say it
before midnight.
-Oh, sorry.
-Wow, you look stunning. Turn around. Hey!
-Thanks.
-No, thank you for coming.
- Welcome to paradise.
- Hey.
Trujillo will fall.
You'll see, it's only a matter of time.
Lucio, shut up.
You'll get us all killed.
-Who?
-What do you mean?
Don't you know everyone in this country
is one of The Goat's spies?
Sometimes I take a look around,
and I just can't believe it.
The way many people here act is repulsive.
That night, many people felt proud
when The Goat or his pervert son
chose their daughters.
I don't get how people
with degrees, careers,
businesses, and even families
could consider it normal in their country
to be ruled by someone
with a "lord's right,"
a feudal practice from the Middle Ages.
I used to think they handed over
their daughters and wives out of terror.
What makes it so sad
is that they do it out of devotion.
That's bullshit.
Living abroad allowed me
to see things from another perspective.
That son of a bitch has
a well-oiled machine here.
He's run the country as he pleases
for 22 years now.
You, you, me.
When we were just learning to talk,
to walk, Trujillo was already president.
The gringos and the priests
are his staunch allies,
and those who oppose him here
are either imprisoned or killed.
Okay, Simón, where are you going
with all this?
'Cause if you keep talking like this,
we'll have no choice but to go live
in France with you.
Do you all live here?
No, my house is in Gazcue.
This is where all the ballet dancers live.
Well, everyone except Eva and you.
I've really been missing out.
The neighbors don't complain?
The house is Petán's.
No one complains about a Trujillo.
Do you dance?
No, no, no. I just like to sing.
Over here, beautiful!
- Come on.
- No, no, no.
-Please. For my birthday.
-I'm tired.
See? Go.
You too. You too, come on.
It's 12:00 a.m.! Listen up!
One, two, three!
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday, dear Tomás ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
You get three wishes.
Bravo!
- Congratulations!
- Thanks.
We have to fight him from abroad.
Convince the modern world
that no country can be controlled
by such a murderous dictator.
In France, I met many people
willing to help our voices reach
the United Nations, the OAS.
I agree.
But, Simón, we're just
a tiny island in the middle of nowhere.
No one gives a shit about us.
That'll take 20 years.
That's not true.
You couldn't be more wrong, Lucio.
You don't think Russia
has an interest in the Caribbean?
Why do you think
Washington treats Trujillo so well?
Another discussion
between washed-up intellectuals…
…where we end up talking
about Yankees and Russians.
While people are given bread and circuses.
I can't stand it.
It's as simple as-- As the saying goes,
"Dead dogs don't bite."
So, Trujillo dies and then what?
One of his asshole followers
or his son will cling to power.
If we want a lasting solution,
tyranny must be democratically overthrown
by the people.
Not by some murderer.
I'll drink to that.
- Sure.
- Cheers.
To a return to how it was.
Dad.
-Dad!
-Hmm?
-What?
-Come on, get up. Let's go.
Let go of me.
-What are you doing here?
-Let go of me.
Fine, I'll let go.
Dad, you can't be drunk on the sidewalk.
I'm not drunk.
I was waiting for you.
Waiting for me? Why?
Waiting for me by the door?
Is that it? What's next?
Waiting for me outside the hotel?
Is that where you were? The hotel?
Yes, I told you.
Yeah, you told me all right.
You told me.
I don't know why you lie to me.
Dad, I don't understand you
when you mumble.
I don't understand why you lie to me!
Shh. Don't yell.
What do you mean?
Marcos was looking for you.
So…
…are you going to tell me where you were
or just keep lying?
I don't work at the hotel anymore.
I work at Club Caribe.
So now you work directly
for that son of a bitch Petán Trujillo!
Please lower your voice.
Besides, I'm not in the mood
to talk to you when you're drunk.
I'm not drunk! Where are you going?
Get over here!
I am in the mood to talk, so sit down.
I said, "sit down."
Now you're going to tell me
what you do there.
What do you do?
Do you serve them at their tables?
Do you bring them drinks?
Do you take their hats?
What do you do there?
I don't serve anyone.
I'm a dancer.
Are you out of your mind?
Are you out of your mind?
A dancer at that dive?
Dad, you know that the only thing
I've ever wanted to do in life is dance.
I can't believe you've chosen to go
to ground zero of this regime.
I'm paid to dance. Not for my politics.
Don't kid yourself.
You're paid to whitewash the regime.
That, and to show your ass to those pigs!
-I'm making a life for myself.
-You're ruining it!
It's impossible to talk to you!
You have no clue what you're doing.
What about you?
Do you have any clue what you're doing?
At least I have principles.
Well, thanks to those shitty principles,
we've ended up in this godforsaken place.
And because of you,
that's the only place I can dance.
So long as you live under my roof,
I won't allow you to work
for those murderers!
Fine. I'll leave. I'd like to see how
you'll pay the rent.
I hope you're know what you're doing
because there's no coming back.
Sweetie…
you have no idea how hard it's been
to raise you here on my own.
Far from home, far from everything.
I've done the best I could,
but you're impossible.
If your mother could see you now,
if she could see who you're working for…
If you hadn't hidden like a coward,
my mother would be watching
me in a theater in San Sebastián!
Don't touch me!
I've already read Animal Farm.
The Stranger by Albert Camus.
That one too. I loved it.
Dostoevsky, Marx…
They're all banned books.
Banned topics.
Socialism is a forbidden word
for Trujillo.
Your turn.
Have you read José Martí?
"Wings I saw springing
from fair women's shoulders,
and from beneath rubble
I've seen butterflies flutter."
"All is beautiful and unceasing,
all is music and reason,
and all, like diamond,
is carbon first, then light."
-You're beautiful, Minerva.
-This isn't the time or place, Simón.
What's wrong?
I had a great time.
See you tomorrow.
Minerva.
I want you to know…
I've given this a lot of thought.
Nothing would make me happier
than for you to come to Paris with me.
-Simón…
-There's nothing for you here, but there…
Simón, I can't go with you.
I want to stay here with my family,
with my dad.
I want to study law in my country.
I want to contribute where I'm needed.
There are still so many things
to fight for.
This is just the beginning.
I'm sorry.
No.
You have nothing to apologize for.
You're the bravest person I know,
Minerva Mirabal.
But if you ever change your mind…
Help us!
- No, God! No!
- Mrs. Carmen, what's wrong?
- Alba! Alba!
- What's going on?