Touched by an Angel (1994–2003): Season 4, Episode 27 - The Spirit of Liberty Moon: Part 2 - full transcript
Monica discovers a delegation member has risked her life by returning to China to find her daughter.
TESS:
More line!
Give it more line!
Haul it!
Run, angel boy,
you ain't running!
There's not enough wind.
Did I say anything
about wind?
How'd you do that?
It's a God thing.
Windowsill.
You know, it's one of my
favorite words, "windowsill."
Not much to look at in English,
but in Chinese it's practically
a work of art.
Windowsill?
I was just brushing up
on my calligraphy to get ready.
Tess, did you know
that the Great Wall of China is
the only man-made structure
that you can see from the moon
if you looked
with the naked eye?
Yes, and did you know
that you will never have
to write the word "windowsill"
in Chinese?
Andrew, get the kite back.
Yes, ma'am.
So, when do we leave?
Right now.
(dove cooing)
TESS: Baby girl,
when you stand on the moon,
what do you see
besides the Great Wall?
Oceans, mountains.
Do you see any
little squiggly lines?
What do you mean?
Like boundaries and
international borders?
The reason you don't see that
when you stand on the moon
is because God didn't draw lines
on the Earth,
people did.
They drew some lines
to keep people out
and then they drew some lines
to keep people in.
But some things
just won't stay put,
like ideas,
important ideas.
An idea is like
this kite here.
If you put enough wind
underneath it,
it's going to take off.
And it's not going to know
whether it crossed somebody
else's boundaries or not;
it's just going to fly
'cause it's got to
'cause it's got this wind
underneath it.
That's what we're going to be--
somebody's wind.
This does not have
anything to do
with flags,
country or politics.
This has to do
with human hearts.
MAN:
...doing over at Good Fun Toys.
We're only going
to consider this
if it makes sense for us
internationally, okay?
Alex wants China,
I'm leaning toward Mexico.
I know that man has
a good heart.
It's like a diamond hidden
in the ashes.
It's going to take some work
to find it.
Well, there's a lot of work
to be done here--
work that could change
many lives.
Because the courage
of one, single person
can change history,
but only if they answer the call
when it comes.
Now, for that man...
Go ahead, convince me.
Pardon me.
The chance may
only come once
and he may not even
recognize it.
For that woman,
the chance will come
for the second time
in her life,
and she will recognize it and
that may be why she'll say no.
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♪ When you walk down the road ♪
♪ Heavy burden, heavy load ♪
♪ I will rise
and I will walk with you ♪
♪ I'll walk with you ♪
♪ Till the sun
don't even shine ♪
♪ Walk with you ♪
♪ Every time, I tell you
I'll walk with you ♪
♪ Walk with you ♪
♪ Believe me,
I'll walk with you. ♪
Good morning, Hannah.
Oh, good morning,
Mr. Tanner.
Is Alex here?
Already in your office.
Wait, I need you to sign
these right away.
I don't know.
It doesn't turn on,
it doesn't light up,
it doesn't shoot anybody.
Kids are more sophisticated
these days.
I'm afraid it's just
not our kind of toy.
But this is not necessarily
designed for children.
It's portable; it'll fit
right in your briefcase.
Why would I want
to fly a kite?
Well, I can think
of a few reasons.
For one, you're
a toy maker.
No, I'm a lawyer.
There you go.
Then you really need
to go fly a kite.
This kite is
guaranteed to fly,
anytime, anywhere,
wind or no wind.
That's impossible.
See for yourself.
Well, like I said,
we're not interested in kites,
but if there's some kind of
technology here we can use...
( man clears throat )
Oh.
Good morning, Alex.
Edward. This lady
was just leaving.
Hello, Mr. Tanner.
Hello.
She's an inventor.
Interesting kite theory.
Ah.
You see, the kite is
like the soul;
everybody wants to fly,
Mr. Tanner.
Yeah, thank you
very much.
We'll be in touch.
Well, good-bye.
Portable kite, huh?
Inventors after a big weekend,
they always show up on Monday.
How was your weekend?
Fantastic.
Did you watch the game?
Did we graduate from Syracuse?
Apparently.
( Alex chuckles )
Listen, Isaacson called.
Stockholders are getting
really nervous.
We've got to lower costs.
Then we can't put
it off anymore.
We got to shut down the plants
down South
and set up in China.
What's wrong with Mexico?
Nothing.
But China is the Mexico
of the future.
Remind me never to transfer you
to public relations.
Look, China is wide open.
I mean, everything is
coming out of there.
Look.
"Made in China."
"Made in China."
Oh, "Made in China."
Everybody's going there, plus
we've got a lot of interest.
What's this?
Letters
of introduction,
inquiries, business proposals
from Chinese export companies,
investment companies.
The labor's cheap,
the material's cheap,
there are people
in there knocking
down our door,
wanting to save
us money.
What do we know about China?
Nothing.
So, we hire a consultant.
She walks us
through the
import/export game.
Whoa, whoa, whoa... she?
Uh-huh.
Her name's Monica.
She's coming in
at 9:00.
She's got great references and
she really seems to understand
the whole Pacific Rim thing.
Mm.
Let me guess...
she's pretty.
Yeah. So?
Hello, I have
an appointment
with Mr. Tanner
and Mr. Stella at 9:00.
That's his office
right there.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Oh, Monica,
right on time.
Hello.
Hi, I'm Edward.
Mind if we talk outside?
MONICA:
No.
He's brilliant.
He's quirky,
but he's brilliant.
This is a physical
impossibility.
It's a beautiful sight,
isn't it?
Yeah.
Tell him about Beijing.
MONICA:
Yes, of course.
Recent economic reforms in China
have made
rather dramatic business
opportunities possible
for many American companies.
I've reviewed your annual
reports for the last five years
along with letters of interest
from Chinese trade
representatives,
particularly in Beijing,
and I believe that...
Okay.
Okay?
Okay.
Alex says we
should go to China,
that's what I
pay him for.
We go to China.
What am I going
to pay you for?
Well, she's going to go
with us to Beijing,
she'll make the contacts,
evaluate the offers,
negotiate the trade
agreements.
You speak Chinese?
Some, but I'd feel better
if we hired a translator.
You got someone you work with?
No, I think it would be best
if there was someone in your
company who spoke the language--
someone who already knows
the toy business.
There's that girl in Contracts--
Jean... something.
Right.
She looks Chinese.
Yeah, I'll look into it.
Fine, at the same time,
figure out how this thing works.
Fascinating.
We're planning a fact-finding
trip to Beijing
and we need a translator.
Do you speak Chinese?
Because I look
Chinese to you?
Uh, well, to be honest, uh...
I do not speak Chinese,
Mr. Stella.
I am Korean.
I was born in Seoul and raised
in the United States.
Oh, sorry.
I just thought that...
Because I look Oriental?
Because my last name is Chang?
None of us meant
any disrespect, Miss Chang.
Yeah. Honest mistake.
I've been in this company
for three years
and I've never been invited
to this office.
It has at least been
enlightening.
Well, thanks for coming in.
We'll see you around.
( exhales forcefully )
Hmm.
She looks promising.
Ah, forget it.
Not Chinese.
Chang-- that's Chinese, right?
It's Korean, too.
Never mind.
Do you have plans for lunch?
Oh, yeah.
No.
No.
Good.
We can start going over
these proposals.
I know a good restaurant.
Alex, use a fork.
I'm getting it.
Well, these top four
companies seem to be
the most likely candidates
for joint venture.
Yeah, but we can't buy, though,
you know.
We can only subcontract.
Yes, a lot has changed for them
with this new open-door
trade policy.
No one particularly wants
to go back
to the days of Mao and
state-run businesses,
but economic freedom brings
with it
all the problems that come
with free society,
like crime, corruption.
Do they have the Internet?
Yes, but some e-mail and most
Web sites are still filtered
to government censors.
Some things
haven't changed.
Yeah, well, that's not
our problem.
We're not interested
in politics, just money.
Right, Edward?
That girl's name in Contracts,
wasn't it Jean?
I told you, Korean.
( speaking Chinese )
Looks like this is Jean's
favorite restaurant, too.
( speaking Chinese )
( speaking Chinese )
That's Chinese she speaks.
Is that Chinese she's speaking?
Yes, it's Mandarin
and that is
a Chinese newspaper.
Alex.
Alex.
( clears throat )
Excuse me, but
are you sitting
in a Chinese
restaurant,
reading a Chinese
newspaper,
ordering
a Chinese lunch
in Chinese?
Hmm?
Mr. Stella...
Forgive me, maybe I'm missing
something here,
but you are an employee
of Tanner Toys
and if you're lying
about this,
I think I have a right to know
what else you're lying about.
TESS:
Well...
don't this beat all.
Mr. Stella!
Excuse me
for dragging him away,
but we have something
to discuss.
Imagine us both getting a yen
for Chinese on the same day.
I got
a whole new angle
about that itty-bitty
kite thing.
Hi.
I apologize for
my partner, Alex.
He's a terrific lawyer.
He's just not really
good with people.
I'm embarrassed.
It's true,
I lied to you today--
I am Chinese;
I was born in Beijing.
You don't owe us
an explanation.
Yes, I do, because
I am a person of honor--
at least I try to be.
I want you to know
I would like to go
to Beijing with you very much,
but I can't.
We understand.
No, I want you
to truly understand.
If I ever went
to Beijing again...
I would never come back alive.
You won't come back
from Beijing... alive--
that sounds a little dramatic.
It's part truth,
part premonition, perhaps.
As much as I dream
of returning to my home,
that is an impossibility now.
So you were
born in China.
Yes, in Beijing.
TESS:
Mr. Stella,
this kite just soars.
It looks like we
have lots of time.
We'd love
to hear your story.
Or not-- it's...
Business purposes,
background research.
For the business, then.
Everything you say
will remain between us.
You have heard
of Tiananmen Square?
As much
as any American, yeah.
Most of the people
in the United States
just remember one picture
of that summer in 1989.
The student standing
in front of the tank.
Yes, he was very brave,
but there were many students
and I was one of them.
I was a small child during
the Cultural Revolution.
It was a terrible,
cruel time for my country.
I remember--
teachers, intellectuals,
anyone suspected to be an enemy
of the people was in danger.
Great danger.
They were arrested and sent
to labor camps for reeducation.
Many were tortured and murdered.
My parents were
professors at the university.
One day the Red Guard
burst into my father's office
and dragged him into the street
and beat him.
They forced him to confess his
crimes against the revolution.
It was a great
humiliation for him.
He committed suicide,
and my mother became ill.
Because of my father,
she didn't receive
the proper medical care.
She died, and I found my way
to a state orphanage
in the country.
It was very hard
and very lonely.
( baby wailing )
I thought this was the way
the world was--
you own nothing of your own,
you think nothing of your own
and you don't dare to hope
for something better.
One day a man in town
who was discovered to be hiding
counter-revolutionary
materials.
I remember how warm the fire
was that burned his books
and I remember stealing one.
It was a terribly dangerous
thing to do,
but even as a little girl,
I knew I had nothing to lose.
And what I saw inside
that book changed my life.
I couldn't read the words,
but there was a picture in
the front of a beautiful lady.
She held her head up,
she didn't seem to be afraid.
I wanted to be like her.
It was the only thing
that was mine,
and sometimes it was the only
thing that kept me alive.
Ten years later, Mao was dead,
and soon China had a new
open-door policy with the West.
I made my way to Beijing
and determined to learn
how to read my books.
I went to school
and studied English.
I met my husband
at the university,
and Gus and I
and his best friend, George,
hung out together.
We devoured anything from the
West-- music, art, literature.
Your husband's name is Gus?
We give each other nicknames.
So, our friend Hui Guo
called himself "George"
after George Washington.
And we called
my husband "Gus"
after Auguste Rodin, the artist
who sculpted "The Thinker."
My husband was very serious.
Was?
I'm jumping ahead.
Once I started to learn
a little English,
I bought a travel book
for America.
I'll never forget standing
there
in the middle of the street
and seeing her again--
there was a lady
in my very first book,
the Statue of Liberty.
With the population
growing so quickly,
we were encouraged
to have only one child.
In that case,
most everyone wanted a boy.
That day... that day I realized
that the Statue of Liberty
was a woman.
If there's a place
in this world
where a woman could become
the symbol of freedom,
then there was hope for me
and for my daughter.
You had a little girl.
Yes, I named her Piao Yue.
It means "Free Moon."
In English
I called her "Liberty Moon."
Where is she?
I don't know.
Sorry.
Excuse me
for a moment, please.
TESS: You're not
listening to me.
This kite
doesn't even need any wind.
I'm intrigued,
I'll be right back.
Hi. Do me a favor.
Check your watch
and shake your head.
Good, good.
Now frown
a little bit.
And shrug
like there's
nothing you
can do about it.
Oh! Darn!
I-I wish I could stay,
but we've got a conference call
to Hong Kong
back at the office,
I've got to go.
It was so nice
to see you again.
( quietly ):
Come on, let's get out of here.
You go on, I'll stay.
O-kay.
Mr. Tanner...
have you tried out my kite?
Yes, I have.
It's amazing.
I'd like to take it
with me to China,
see what they think
about it over there.
Oh, they're going to love it.
Have a nice day.
We get a lot of crazy inventors
in the toy business.
You seem like
a very serious fellow.
What are you doing
making toys?
Well, just...
living the childhood
I never got as a kid.
Or maybe
I'm just making money.
Parents will spend a lot
more on their children
than they will
on themselves, you know.
I think parents
will do that anywhere.
Do you have children?
I never married.
Why not?
Never found
the right one.
Forgive me.
Have I bored you enough
with my story?
Hardly.
Hold them like this.
Just the top one moves.
Tell us more
about your husband.
Gus was the one who convinced me
that some form of democracy
was the only way
to push my country forward.
Gus and I and George began
to publish books, articles
calling for reform.
It was very risky.
Many activists had already
been sentenced to prison
and punished severely for
criticizing the government,
but nevertheless
we believed so strongly
that it was our time
to stand up,
to become the voice of
the people who long for change.
It was a very exciting time.
We were just students
leading peaceful protests,
asking only for our leaders to
listen to our ideas for reform,
but to our amazement,
the citizens turned out
to support us.
The marches got larger
and larger.
People were excited and hopeful
for the first time in years.
There were demonstrations
all over China.
MONICA:
I remember
the government was
infuriated, wasn't it?
Yes.
Saving face
is very important for Chinese.
We embarrassed our leaders
in front of the world.
We were now traitors to them
and they would never forgive us.
George was afraid.
He would baby-sit
Piao Yue.
He never spoke out.
I don't blame him.
We all must follow
our conscience.
That's why my husband decided
to join the hunger strikers.
Everyone who was there
the last few nights
remembers it differently,
but none of us would forget
the night they wrecked it--
the guardians of democracy.
We'd been in the square for 17
days, and morale was very low.
Then the students from
the art college surprised us
with our very own
Statue of Liberty.
I remember it again--
all my dreams
and hopes for my people,
and it was the last time
we were happy.
MONICA: You brought
your little girl
to the Square?
Yes.
You must understand how we
felt.
I want Liberty Moon to always
be
able to say that she was there
when democracy was born.
I remember thinking
about the moon
because I was showing
my little girl
what her name meant
in English--
Liberty, a flame of freedom,
just like the American
Statue of Liberty and the moon.
I told her
no matter where she was,
if she ever felt lost or alone,
if she ever needed me,
she could always look up
at the moon
and know I was somewhere
looking at it, too.
Jean, if this is difficult
for you, you don't have to...
No, I want you to understand.
The military moved in
and surrounded us.
It was only a matter of hours
before the crack of dawn
would come.
Gus wouldn't leave.
I took Piao Yue home,
left her with George.
I ran back to find my husband.
It's funny.
No one ever, ever believed
they would use real bullets.
( guns firing )
They killed many, many people
that night
and the next few days.
I tried to find Gus,
but I never did.
I heard later he was shot
in the back.
I looked for him
in the hospitals,
but it was chaos.
Within hours, they were
arresting all our friends.
Then I realized
I was in danger, too.
I ran back home to find George
and Piao Yue.
I never found my husband.
I never found George
and I never found
my little girl.
Then I realized
I was a wanted person.
( officers shouting in Chinese )
EDWARD: You hid
in a cupboard?
I spent several days there,
then left.
I knew George was too afraid
to ever come back to the house.
You never heard from George?
No.
I have tried to find him.
He may have changed his name.
I'm afraid if I try too hard,
it would only jeopardize
his new life.
And Liberty Moon?
Chinese people are good people.
They love children.
George has taken care of her.
I'm sure of it.
( sighs )
No one wants
their fortune cookie?
We don't have them in China,
you know.
I guess it's only in America
that you can have the liberty
to crack open
your own fortune, huh?
I already know
what mine would say.
"Go home.
Count your blessings."
I'm sorry.
That didn't come out right.
No, it did.
I have many blessings, too,
Mr. Tanner.
I am alive,
I am free,
and there's always the moon
to look at.
( Jean exhales and sniffs )
Good-bye.
It was nice
to finally meet you.
Have you gone through
these files with Alex?
No. Why?
Because there's
a proposal here
I think you
should see.
EDWARD: I just don't
believe in coincidence.
This has been put
into your hands for a reason.
Why?
So I can tell Jean
there's a company
named Liberty Moon
and she can spend the rest of
her life wondering about it?
So she can do something
about it.
What? She can't
go back to China.
Not without help.
No, no-- look, no way.
Forget it, I'm not getting
involved in this.
She'd have a better chance
of getting into Beijing
if she went with a group
of business people.
Forget it.
I can't take the risk.
Besides, what can
one man do anyway?
He can stand up, just
like Jean stood up.
Monica, I'm just
a businessman.
And Jean was just a student.
Think about
the look of courage
on that woman's face--
I know you saw it--
and now ask yourself,
"Would I have the same courage
to stand up when it counts?"
Well, this is your chance
to find out,
this is your chance
to make a difference.
I don't want to make
a difference.
I just want to make a profit.
Edward.
What does it profit a man
if he gains the whole world
and loses his soul?
I lost my soul a long time ago.
No, you didn't.
You locked it away somewhere,
like that portable kite
in your briefcase,
and you only take it out
to analyze it,
but you never really let go,
never really let it fly.
But flying, Edward,
that's what souls were made for.
And yes...
the higher you dare to fly,
the farther you may fall,
but at least you will
have flown.
All right...
but don't tell Alex.
He'd blow a gasket.
EDWARD:
Monica found this in the files.
MONICA: It's a consulting
firm in Beijing
that helps American companies
open manufacturing plants
and manage them.
Now, there's nothing here
to indicate
that this man
is your friend George.
MONICA:
But it's the same
Liberty Moon design.
It is signed by "Wu Fa Guo."
George's name was Wu Hui Guo--
they're very similar.
He could have changed his name.
George never did like his name.
EDWARD:
It's a long shot...'
but if you think
it's worth looking into...
To see my daughter again,
Mr. Tanner,
it is worth my life.
It's not going to work.
Don't worry.
The worst thingthat can
happen is that customs,
they look
at your passport,
they see
that it's expired
and they send
you back.
It's a strange feeling,
trying to sneak back
into my own country.
( chime rings )
PILOT ( over intercom ):
Ladies and gentlemen,
our estimated flying time to
Beijing is 22 hours, 18 minutes.
Those of you
on the left side of the cabin
can see the Statue of Liberty
out your window.
ALEX: We've got six
hot prospects lined up.
I'm still not sold on
this Liberty Moon outfit.
Oh, can I get
some coffee here, please?
Two. Thank you.
They may seem
a little small
for us, I know,
but that could mean
just a little more
personal attention.
We're going to be
in business
with these people
for a long time.
Hey, Al.
Hmm?
What do you think
about human rights?
Everyone's got
the right to be human.
You know what I mean.
People are saying we're
a little soft on China
because of their position
on human rights.
Since when did you get so
interested in your fellow man?
( softly ): Or is that
your fellow woman?
Look, forget it--
she's a cold fish.
( woman speaking Chinese
over P.A. system )
Don't worry,
you'll be fine.
( suitcase crashes )
Oh, my goodness.
How embarrassing.
I'm so sorry, um...
I'm in the toy business.
It's a business trip.
Um, excuse me, sir.
Could you pass me
those chattering teeth?
MONICA:
Thank you.
MAN:
Here you go.
Thank you.
MONICA:
Oh, I'm silly.
( toy squeaks )
Oh, thank you.
It's my pleasure.
( Jean speaking Chinese )
JEAN:
It's amazing.
It all changes so much.
EDWARD:
Fast food joints,
amusement parks,
shopping malls.
5,000 years of keeping Western
culture out, you know...
And it only took
ten years
to turn it
into New Jersey.
Hi.
ALEX: Tell him we're
the Tanner Toy people
and we have four suites
reserved.
CONCIERGE:
Yes, we've been
expecting you.
Oh.
CONCIERGE:
I'll have a bellman
show you to your rooms and I
have a message for Mr. Tanner.
That's me.
Yes, Mr. Wu is waiting for you
at the bar.
( speaks Chinese phrase )
( whispering ):
This must be him.
Mr. Tanner.
Yes, Mr. Wu.
Ah, yes, but please
call me George.
It's presumptuous of me,
but I thought I would invite you
to dinner tonight
before we have business
tomorrow.
Thank you,
that'd be great.
This is my associate,
Alex Stella...
How are you?
Nice to meet you.
our trade consultant
Monica.
Hello.
Nice to meet you.
And our interpreter...
Jean Chang.
I'm sorry,
my English is weak sometimes.
Allow me to speak Chinese.
Of course.
( speaking Chinese )
( speaking tersely )
Forgive me, please,
uh, my plans have changed.
I cannot guarantee
that we can
do business together.
Perhaps we can meet
in the future.
Excuse me.
What the hell
was that about?
She knows him!
Oh... yeah...
Great, that's...
that's great.
The most populated
country in the world
and she runs into
an old boyfriend.
I'm going to my room.
That was George.
He says he doesn't know who I am
and he's never heard
of my daughter.
JEAN:
He's afraid.
He must be very afraid.
TESS:
Excuse me.
Excuse me,
do you speak English?
Yes, I do.
Can I help you?
Yes, you can.
What is the name
of this garden?
Garden of Peaceful Memories.
Peaceful Memories.
That's beautiful.
I guess you have to plant
pretty early
to grow memories like that, huh?
Well, we can't
do anything
about today's flowers,
but if we could plant some
peaceful memories for next year,
boy, wouldn't that be something?
Yes, I suppose so.
Good.
I'll see you later.
JEAN:
This is my old alley.
We call them "hutong."
This one's called
"the Hutong
of Yellow Canaries."
This was my home.
Here, Piao Yue played
with the neighbor's kitten.
Over here,
Gus would sit
and write his poetry
in the sun.
He was a poet?
Yes.
Oh, I'd almost
forgotten.
We always kept copies in here...
in case we were searched.
( laughs )
I... I can't read it.
"It's funny to watch
my little girl.
"She... toddles
along the hutong.
"Will she go here?
"Will she go there?
She plops down
on her bottom."
( chuckles )
"She screams
with delight.
"She'll go
wherever she likes.
"She'll cry out
with a happy voice
any word
that comes to mind."
"How long will it last,
"this childhood
of Liberty Moon?
What must I do
to save China?"
Hey.
You are the bravest
person I know.
Where've you been?
Uh, Jean took me on a tour.
Oh, okay.
By the way,
that nutty guy?
-Yeah?
-Called back.
George?
Yeah, he wants
to set up
a meeting,
tomorrow.
Great.
( telephone ringing )
GEORGE:
Everything we've seen today
is suitable for
our joint venture project.
This one's
a little different
from the others,
isn't it?
Yes, it was put
on my list
at the last minute.
I thought it might
be worth a look.
It's an older building
that the state
can renovate
to your specifications.
( shouts )
( soldier speaking
Chinese )
( speaking Chinese )
( softly ):
What's going on?
The soldier's asking
what we're doing here.
George says we're
here on business
to look for
factory space.
The soldier says
this is impossible;
no foreigners
allowed here.
George was confused.
He was told this was
to be renovated.
The soldier says yes.
No one can enter
until...
until the prisoners leave.
GEORGE:
We have five minutes.
ALEX:
For what?
Oh, my God.
It's Gus.
That is my husband.
( guards shouting )
Touched By An Angel #426
"Spirit of Liberty Moon, Pt 2"
Closed captioned
Captioning sponsored by
CBS PARAMOUNT TELEVISION
There are many, many things
that have brought you and your
husband to this moment, Jean,
but don't waste a minute now
asking why or how.
Hurry, you don't have
much time.
( speaking Chinese )
ALEX:
What is going on?
What do you mean
we've got five minutes?
And correct me,
but I thought
they stopped using prison labor
on export deals.
GEORGE:
They have.
It officially
does not happen.
It was a mistake.
A mistake that can last
only a little longer.
Thank you.
( crying )
( speaks Chinese )
Edward...
Keep quiet.
American business?
We have made
a terrible mistake.
Someone from my office
shall be punished
for this confusion.
Jean, please.
( speaking Chinese )
Let us all go
to the car immediately.
Yeah, good idea.
ALEX:
Chinese dissidents.
Missing children.
Tiananmen Square!
My, God, Edward,
have you lost your mind?
I mean, this is
your business
you're screwing with here--
your livelihood!
My livelihood!
I realize that, Alex.
Edward...
we've been friends
for 20 years
and you do this to me?
And for her?
Her name is Jean.
Well, you've put us all
in danger.
I mean, they could throw us out.
They could lock us up!
I mean, the whole world
is trying
to get these
people out
and we bring one
back in!
Now there's an idea.
Maybe we could contact
one of those human rights
organizations.
They might be able
to help us get Gus out.
ALEX:
Us?
Us?
( grunts )
Okay.
All right.
You... are out of here.
I mean, did you see the way
that that general guy
looked at her?
He knows there's
something screwy.
They're going to find out
who she is,
they're going to figure out
how she got here,
and then we are cooked.
Mr. Stella,
it seems to me
if you can't find a
place in your heart
for what happened today,
if you can't see
that no business deal
is more important
than a human life
or a restored family,
if none of this means
anything to you,
then it seems to me
that you are
already cooked.
Lady, you're fired.
No.
No, you're not.
Edward, please!
JEAN:
Mr. Stella
is right.
To try to help my husband now
would only endanger his life
and yours as well.
Gus is too sick to survive
the anger of the state.
It is best to continue our work
and forget
this day.
But what about
your daughter?
I must be patient.
I have found George.
He has found my husband.
When it is time,
when it is safe,
perhaps he will tell me
where she is, too.
Then we'll stay.
All of us.
EDWARD:
Thank you all very much.
You've made an exceptionally
impressive presentation
and we will seriously consider
your offer.
( speaking Chinese )
Oh, tell them
thank you for lunch
and those, uh,
crunchy things.
Those were fried
chicken feet.
Um, just tell them
good-bye.
( speaking Chinese )
Thank you.
Okay, okay, we are on a roll.
I think those are our guys.
I thought Liberty Moon's
presentation was
better organized
and more generous.
Uh-huh, thanks
to our friend.
Nope, forget it.
No way, José.
I'm going for a nap.
Right on.
ANDREW:
Thank you.
I have a New York
newspaper here
in case anybody wants
to read it.
That'd be terrific,
thanks.
It's too bad-- Liberty Moon's
a solid company.
Yeah. Well, George knew he
blew his chances with us
when he took us
to that labor camp.
There's no way he could get
in business with us now
without sending up
a huge red flag.
Did he give you any hint about
what happened to Piao Yue?
Not yet.
But I have hope.
He must know
where she is.
It's different here.
Sometimes it's safer
to know nothing.
Monica...
Hmm?
MONICA:
"The official Chinese
News Agency acknowledged
"that Huang Chao Kung,
long considered a victim
"of Tiananmen Square's 1989
three-day massacre,
"in fact spent most of the last
nine years in prison.
"The government also reports
that Huang
"renounced his participation
in the democracy movement
"before dying of natural causes.
He was 35."
The clerk said the Hong Kong
papers weren't delivered today.
And now we know why-- they were
probably carrying this story.
It's not
the true story.
Gus would never have said
those things.
They can't tell those lies.
I won't let them.
Nobody's going to believe it.
He knew he was dying.
He told me never to forget
what he was dying for.
You know what?
I had forgotten.
Until I saw his face
one last time...
and it all came back.
It was a miracle.
Alex?
Edward, don't-don't... get up.
Some soldiers just came
to my room.
I don't know
what they were saying,
but I think
it's about Jean.
They had some
old picture of her.
Jean? Stand up slowly...
and walk towards me.
Edward, keep talking
to Alex.
( soldier shouting in Chinese )
Run!
( shouting in Chinese )
( pots crashing )
MONICA:
Why won't you tell me?
Monica,
I have watched
many political
prisoners in China
die of "natural causes."
There's nothing
natural about it.
Gus died terribly
and painfully...
and to describe it
actually hurts
my spirit.
You stayed with him?
Of course I did.
And he died
with hope.
And we're going
to keep that hope alive,
but first we've got
to find Jean.
You don't know
where she is?
No, because
we're not the ones
who are supposed
to find her.
( knocking )
EDWARD:
Come in.
Hello.
You know, when I was
in seventh grade,
I remember this chapter
from my geography book:
"China, Land
of Contrasts."
Man, what they don't
teach you in school, huh?
What are you doing?
Alex was right,
we don't belong here.
There's a flight out at 8:00,
if you're interested.
What are you afraid of?
Oh, I don't know--
my business going down
the tubes?
Imprisonment? Torture?
How's that
for starters?
I think you're afraid
of getting truly involved
with anything besides
the bottom line.
You listen, I'm on to you.
I know what you're up to.
I don't know how it
happened exactly,
but you're no trade
consultant, you're...
you're a political activist
and you used me.
That's not why
you're angry with me, Edward.
You're angry because I asked you
to let your soul fly,
and you did
and look what happened.
All of a sudden that labor pool
of 1.2 billion Chinese faces--
which all looked alike to you--
became one
beautiful individual
whose life matters to you.
And you're so terrified
of losing her
before you understand why.
Edward, you can't leave now.
This is what
your soul was made for.
I'm no hero, Monica, I'm
the wrong guy to save her.
Maybe she's going to save you.
I don't know, Monica,
I thought there
might be a chance...
This is her house.
Were you followed?
No, we were
very careful.
You shouldn't stay,
they'll find you, too.
We... can't leave--
not without you.
How can we help you?
( speaks Chinese )
We'd better get out of here.
Come on, let's go this way.
( conversing quietly )
Mr. Tanner, I was unaware
that we had an appointment.
Game's over, George.
You're going
to stand there
and tell this woman
you know who she is
and where her
daughter is.
My wife is a state official.
She doesn't know
anything about my past.
I never told her
about Tiananmen.
MONICA:
Mr. Wu,
no one wants to endanger you
or your family,
but please, please, don't tell
us that you don't know Jean.
You arranged for her
to see her husband.
You've already taken risks
to help her,
now help us to get to the truth.
You actually believe the truth
will make any difference?
The truth is the difference.
No...
the truth only makes reality
a lot harder to live with.
The truth is that Jean
and Gus were my friends.
Reality is that it is still
dangerous to admit that.
The truth is that democracy
is a wonderful dream.
Reality is that most of us
don't want democracy
as much
as we just want stability.
The truth is that China
is not what it could be.
Reality is at least it's not
what it used to be.
The truth gets you killed;
reality keeps you alive.
So I ask you what you want
from me, truth... or reality.
I want my daughter.
A neighbor told me Gus had been
shot and was dead
and you were arrested.
So I went
into hiding;
I took the baby
with me.
I made it to the south.
I found a family there
who could take her in--
take care of her
until I got back.
( clears throat )
Where's
this family now?
There are sometimes terrible
floods in the south.
Thousands of people died
that year.
I tried to find
the family,
but they were gone.
There is a chance,
of course,
that she survived
or that they moved on;
but I'm afraid I just don't know
where she is.
I'm so sorry.
GEORGE:
I named my company
Liberty Moon
in the hope that someday
Piao Yue might grow up
and recognize it
and inquire.
It was a slim chance,
but our hopes are hung
on slimmer ones than these
sometimes.
For example, I never
imagined it would be Jean
who would find
me this way.
How long have you known
about Gus?
About a year.
I only hope that seeing him
gave you some peace.
It gave me more than that,
George.
When I saw his face,
I remembered who I am,
and I was no longer afraid.
Tell me, George,
what will you have to see
before you're no longer afraid?
How much danger
is she in?
She is in this
country illegally.
She's a dissident who
has gone unpunished.
She's been recognized,
and I'm sure they
want to find her
before she makes
any trouble.
What kind of trouble?
She spoke to her husband
before he died.
She knows the truth
and the reality.
( car horns honking )
( bicycle bell ringing )
Maybe she left a message.
Alex, have you seen Jean?
Well, what with her being
a fugitive and all,
I wasn't expecting her.
Alex, please,
was she here?
( sighs deeply )
I think I saw
her walk out.
MAN:
Mr. Tanner?
The lady who was not here...
she left a message.
"Edward, thank you
for all you have done.
"Please thank Monica as well.
"It is possible we will not see
each other again.
"You see, George was right,
reality is the safest route.
"But I have nothing left
to lose now,
"and so I have the luxury
of living in the truth.
"And I'm going to make sure
"the world knows
the truth about my husband.
"You are a kind man, Edward.
"I hope someday you will find
peace in your own truth.
Jean."
Where is the last place
she lived in truth?
WOMAN:
Behind me is one
of the government buildings
of the People's Republic
of China.
If you look the other direction,
you'll see
the view most widely associated
with Tiananmen Square,
the Gate of Heavenly Peace.
We will first make our way
to the Great Hall of the People.
Please begin walking
in that direction.
Miss, would you mind
taking this picture, please?
GUIDE:
Oh, okay.
Thank you.
Mm-hmm.
( shouting in Chinese )
( whistle blowing in distance )
( whistle blowing in distance )
JEAN:
Piao Yue...
( calls out in Chinese )
Piao Yue!
Piao Yue!
Liberty Moon!
Liberty Moon!
Piao Yue!
Jean!
Piao Yue!
Jean!
Jean!
Jean!
( people talking indistinctly )
EDWARD:
So, what do we do,
call the American embassy?
She's a Chinese
citizen.
Funny, a lot of good
that's done her.
You know, not once in my life
have I ever had the urge
to grab a microphone and stand
up in the middle of Times Square
and speak my mind...
about anything.
And all of a sudden it's nice
to know I can if I want to.
Okay, so...
going to the embassy is out
and, obviously, going
to the police is out.
I'd give every last dime I have
to get her out.
I don't believe money
is the answer, Edward,
but love--
love can move mountains.
No.
I'm not the love type.
I mean, she's... she's...
she's special.
Yes, she is.
I know what being in love
is like, I'm...
But this is something else.
It's deep... deeper...
than that.
Like what?
Like when we were there
at the factory
and I realized her husband
was still alive,
I felt something
I've never felt before.
It wasn't jealousy.
It was a sincere happiness...
for her.
I'm happy for you, Edward.
A love like that
can nourish your soul.
The one I lost?
Ah, the one
you're finding again.
Oh, yeah.
( keys rattling in lock )
( guard barking orders
in Chinese )
This may be the wrong time
to mention this,
but, um... do you remember
the game plan?
What game plan
was that, Al--
the long-term
or the short-term?
The one about turning
the long-term
into the very short-term,
the one we agreed on
back at the Purple Pub
our senior year--
the "let's play the
game hard for 20 years,
"go to business school,
buy, divide, conquer
"and retire before we're 42
with more money than God
and time left to enjoy it"--
that game plan.
Yeah, I remember that one.
So?
So... are we still playing?
I don't know.
( sighs )
Well, you damn well
better find out,
because you are risking
everything
for some woman you've known
for a couple of weeks.
She's not some woman, Al.
She's a...
...friend.
Oh, and I'm not?
Please explain this to me,
because, for the last 20 years,
I've been going around thinking
that we were friends.
Well, maybe we're just two guys
trying to help each other
make a lot of money.
And you got a problem with that?
Yeah, I do now.
And I met somebody
who's trying to help me
become a better person,
trying to help me become
something... higher.
( sighs ):
Okay.
Okay.
I thought that we were
in business together,
but apparently,
now it's group therapy.
So... look, just tell me
what you want.
I mean, what are you
thinking here?
I don't want to build a plant
in China, Alex.
I don't want to run
into Jean
while she's being reeducated,
stamping "Made in China"
on one of our action figures.
I want out
of this country.
I want her out, too.
That's what I'm thinking.
Okay, I'll tell you what.
I'll go back to New York,
hold down the fort,
and you do whatever it is
you have to do here.
I appreciate that.
EDWARD:
Remember her?
She told me
you were her friend once.
I need you to be her friend now.
And what?
Help her.
Find her a good lawyer,
get her out on bail.
I can't begin
to educate you
on the ignorance
of that statement.
Look, tell me what I need to
know to get her out of there.
Please.
( sighs )
I'm going to try to explain
something to you.
Most everyone who was arrested
for participating in Tiananmen
Square served three years.
Some, like Gus,
were rearrested
before they even
hit the streets.
Others discovered they could
not get jobs anymore,
or go anywhere without
being followed.
Those who got out and made it
to the States, stayed out.
Now here comes Jean,
daring them to do
something about her,
forcing them
to deal with her.
She's tying herself to the stake
and lighting the match.
Did she ever tell you
why her nickname
was Jean?
Nope.
It's French
for "Joan" of Arc.
She knew exactly
what she was doing.
She can be more trouble
to the Chinese in prison
than she can be out.
She knows that
once she's in there,
she'll become a martyr.
So they can't... leave her out,
and they can't keep her in.
( sighs )
Exactly.
The sooner it hits the news,
the safer she will be.
Once the world knows she exists,
they have to keep her alive.
What are you saying?
I'm saying,
it will all happen very fast,
if it is not happening already.
She'll go on trial.
It'll last maybe
only a matter of minutes.
She'll be found guilty.
They'll put her back
in her cell
and leave her there
in the dark for years
until she becomes sick.
And when the fever's high
or the teeth become infected,
she won't get
medical treatment.
Or maybe she'll slip on
the floor during interrogation
and die of cerebral hemorrhage
and seven broken ribs.
Or maybe some common criminals
will suddenly get the urge
to beat her to death
in exchange
for a shorter sentence.
Why are you so angry with her?
I thought you considered us
inscrutable.
She just doesn't understand
how it works.
No, perhaps she does.
She just can't accept it.
That's what bothers me
about her.
That's what I love about her.
( phone rings )
( speaking Chinese )
Trial's over.
And wh... and what?
Ten years.
TESS:
Well, it's a very
unusual request.
It's not as if it's never
been done before, though.
It's quite an act of
sacrifice, Monica.
It's not a sacrifice;
it's a privilege.
Tess, you said
when this started
it was about people
being given a chance
to make a difference.
Well, this is my chance,
and I want to take it.
But we don't know
how long it could take--
maybe even
the whole ten years.
ANDREW:
No, not that long.
( stirring )
( grunts )
Monica.
Hello, Jean.
How did you get here?
Not the way
that you did.
I don't understand.
You did a very brave
thing the other day,
standing up and
telling the truth,
defending your husband
and your beliefs.
I thought I had
nothing left to lose.
But Monica--
my little girl, I saw her.
I looked right into her face.
She is alive.
I know.
A minute longer,
I would have seen her
before I spoke out,
and I could be holding her
right now...
right now.
You couldn't have known, Jean.
You did what you knew
you had to do,
and then
a wonderful miracle occurred,
because God granted you
the grace
to look into the face
of your little girl
before you were taken away.
There's no God in China.
Yes, there is.
He loves you very much.
He sent me here to be with you,
to stay with you
and to encourage you and to...
I am an angel, Jean.
Angel.
I'm not afraid of you.
Good.
You're not supposed to be.
When I was in orphanage,
I used to think... that I had
an angel watching over me.
You did.
You do.
You could say I volunteered.
I admire you so much, Jean--
your courage
and your passion.
And I believe I have
as much to learn from you
as you do from me.
What do I need to learn?
There's no one left to trust now
except your creator.
Am I going to die?
Yes.
Are you going to stay here
with me?
Yes.
Through everything?
Through everything.
I want to help you die
with the same courage
that you have lived with.
( sniffles )
Then... then tell me.
Tell me about God.
( bell clanking,
chickens clucking )
I hope
what I have done
can change even
one person's life.
Then I have made
a difference.
You've made a difference
in Edward's life.
He cares about
you very much.
I care for him, too.
I would like to have
told him that.
( cell door creaks )
( barks commands in Chinese )
( door slams,
echoes in corridor )
JEAN:
Monica... Monica...
I'm scared.
Say something.
Say something about God.
MONICA:
It's all right, Jean,
I'm with you.
When you pass
through the rivers,
I will be with you.
When you walk
through the waters,
they will not
overtake you.
When you walk
through fire,
you will not
be burned.
Jean,
what's going on?
Monica, listen to me
very carefully.
She had a kite with
a moon and a torch.
She knows who she is,
I believe that.
Jean!
( guard barking orders outside )
Listen, tell her
how much I loved her.
Promise.
She's the daughter of a poet.
Tell her the truth.
She'll know what to do with it.
Say it.
I promise.
I will tell her the truth.
She will know
what to do with it.
( cell door opens )
( guard speaks harshly )
No!
( fists pounding flesh )
( prisoners grunting
with effort )
( grunts and cries )
( loud blows )
( silence )
( guard gives order )
Monica.
( exhales )
Monica!
I'm here.
You're not alone.
Monica!
( cries out )
( grunts )
( heavy door slams )
Jean.
Pro... mise.
I promise.
Tell me... again... God.
Well... on this side
there is life,
and there with him...
there is life also
and it is there you shall
behold him... face to face.
ANDREW:
Jean.
It's time.
( crying softly )
( softly ):
Edward.
( louder ):
Edward.
( mumbles sleepily )
What are you doing here?
Where have you been?
How did you get in here?
Edward, there's something
I need to tell you.
Jean fell down
a flight of stairs today.
She fell down
a flight of stairs?
How do you know?
I was there.
Don't be afraid, Edward.
I'm an angel.
This is...
this isn't true, um...
I'm dreaming.
No, it's all true.
I am an angel,
and God sent me to be with you
and Jean on this very difficult,
this very long journey.
Jean's journey is over now
and she's at peace.
( sighs )
We spent many hours
talking about God
and his love for her
and for you.
God loves you very much, Edward.
Before she died,
Jean wanted you
to know
that she cared about you
very much,
that you had a chance
to make a difference in her life
and you took that.
I loved her.
I know.
And I know that
your heart is broken.
But God will mend it
if you trust him with it now.
Will you?
I'll miss her.
( speaking Chinese )
( phone ringing )
( sighs deeply ):
I just heard.
How long will it last,
this childhood of Liberty Moon?
What must we do to save China?
Save China?
We could not even save Jean.
You remember the last thing
she said to you?
What will you have to see
before you're no longer afraid?
What will you have to see?
I do not know.
How about a little girl's face.
EDWARD:
So that's it?
No chance?
GEORGE:
No, it is impossible.
Even with a bribe.
We cannot tour all the
orphanages in the area.
You know, there's
a very good chance
that Zhang Piao Yue
was adopted
and she's not in
an orphanage at all.
I don't think so,
George.
I don't think God would have
brought me all this way
to find a little girl
who doesn't need to be found.
I've been considering
a belief in God.
It's a good idea.
I just have trouble
believing a thing I cannot see.
What about the wind?
Hmm? And the air?
You can't see them, but
you know they're there.
You know where I can
get some paint?
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Ni hao.
You speak English?
Yes, I do.
Kite.
My name's Edward.
What's your name?
My name is Piao Yue.
You know what that means
in English?
Yes.
Statue of Liberty.
It has been a pleasure,
Mr. Tanner.
( gives thanks
in Chinese )
You learned much
in only one month.
Yes, I have.
Thanks again.
Well, we're all set.
My wife has
pulled some strings.
Of course
she has.
And the adoption papers
will be finalized
six months earlier
than expected.
She'll be out of the orphanage
and home with us
by June.
Maybe this means
summer camp in Maine, huh?
Every summer-- you promised.
Yes, I did.
You'd think a girl with a chance
to live in America all year long
would have taken it.
I just told her the truth.
She knew what to do with it.
Listen, I want you to work hard
on your English, okay?
When you come see me
next summer,
maybe you can tell me
what this says.
Good-bye,
Miss Liberty.
Good-bye.
Bye, George.
Mr. Tanner, zai jian.
Zai jian,
Mr. Wu.
Bye-bye.
So, am I ever going
to see you again?
I don't think so.
I thought you might
like to have this.
How on earth did you...?
It was lost, but now it's found.
God is very good at that.
Yes, he is.
Well... so long, then.
Good-bye.
You okay?
Come on, Angel Girl.
Let's go home.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT ( over P.A. ):
Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to the United States
of America.
Captioning sponsored by
CBS PARAMOUNT TELEVISION
More line!
Give it more line!
Haul it!
Run, angel boy,
you ain't running!
There's not enough wind.
Did I say anything
about wind?
How'd you do that?
It's a God thing.
Windowsill.
You know, it's one of my
favorite words, "windowsill."
Not much to look at in English,
but in Chinese it's practically
a work of art.
Windowsill?
I was just brushing up
on my calligraphy to get ready.
Tess, did you know
that the Great Wall of China is
the only man-made structure
that you can see from the moon
if you looked
with the naked eye?
Yes, and did you know
that you will never have
to write the word "windowsill"
in Chinese?
Andrew, get the kite back.
Yes, ma'am.
So, when do we leave?
Right now.
(dove cooing)
TESS: Baby girl,
when you stand on the moon,
what do you see
besides the Great Wall?
Oceans, mountains.
Do you see any
little squiggly lines?
What do you mean?
Like boundaries and
international borders?
The reason you don't see that
when you stand on the moon
is because God didn't draw lines
on the Earth,
people did.
They drew some lines
to keep people out
and then they drew some lines
to keep people in.
But some things
just won't stay put,
like ideas,
important ideas.
An idea is like
this kite here.
If you put enough wind
underneath it,
it's going to take off.
And it's not going to know
whether it crossed somebody
else's boundaries or not;
it's just going to fly
'cause it's got to
'cause it's got this wind
underneath it.
That's what we're going to be--
somebody's wind.
This does not have
anything to do
with flags,
country or politics.
This has to do
with human hearts.
MAN:
...doing over at Good Fun Toys.
We're only going
to consider this
if it makes sense for us
internationally, okay?
Alex wants China,
I'm leaning toward Mexico.
I know that man has
a good heart.
It's like a diamond hidden
in the ashes.
It's going to take some work
to find it.
Well, there's a lot of work
to be done here--
work that could change
many lives.
Because the courage
of one, single person
can change history,
but only if they answer the call
when it comes.
Now, for that man...
Go ahead, convince me.
Pardon me.
The chance may
only come once
and he may not even
recognize it.
For that woman,
the chance will come
for the second time
in her life,
and she will recognize it and
that may be why she'll say no.
Captioning sponsored by
CBS PARAMOUNT TELEVISION
♪ When you walk down the road ♪
♪ Heavy burden, heavy load ♪
♪ I will rise
and I will walk with you ♪
♪ I'll walk with you ♪
♪ Till the sun
don't even shine ♪
♪ Walk with you ♪
♪ Every time, I tell you
I'll walk with you ♪
♪ Walk with you ♪
♪ Believe me,
I'll walk with you. ♪
Good morning, Hannah.
Oh, good morning,
Mr. Tanner.
Is Alex here?
Already in your office.
Wait, I need you to sign
these right away.
I don't know.
It doesn't turn on,
it doesn't light up,
it doesn't shoot anybody.
Kids are more sophisticated
these days.
I'm afraid it's just
not our kind of toy.
But this is not necessarily
designed for children.
It's portable; it'll fit
right in your briefcase.
Why would I want
to fly a kite?
Well, I can think
of a few reasons.
For one, you're
a toy maker.
No, I'm a lawyer.
There you go.
Then you really need
to go fly a kite.
This kite is
guaranteed to fly,
anytime, anywhere,
wind or no wind.
That's impossible.
See for yourself.
Well, like I said,
we're not interested in kites,
but if there's some kind of
technology here we can use...
( man clears throat )
Oh.
Good morning, Alex.
Edward. This lady
was just leaving.
Hello, Mr. Tanner.
Hello.
She's an inventor.
Interesting kite theory.
Ah.
You see, the kite is
like the soul;
everybody wants to fly,
Mr. Tanner.
Yeah, thank you
very much.
We'll be in touch.
Well, good-bye.
Portable kite, huh?
Inventors after a big weekend,
they always show up on Monday.
How was your weekend?
Fantastic.
Did you watch the game?
Did we graduate from Syracuse?
Apparently.
( Alex chuckles )
Listen, Isaacson called.
Stockholders are getting
really nervous.
We've got to lower costs.
Then we can't put
it off anymore.
We got to shut down the plants
down South
and set up in China.
What's wrong with Mexico?
Nothing.
But China is the Mexico
of the future.
Remind me never to transfer you
to public relations.
Look, China is wide open.
I mean, everything is
coming out of there.
Look.
"Made in China."
"Made in China."
Oh, "Made in China."
Everybody's going there, plus
we've got a lot of interest.
What's this?
Letters
of introduction,
inquiries, business proposals
from Chinese export companies,
investment companies.
The labor's cheap,
the material's cheap,
there are people
in there knocking
down our door,
wanting to save
us money.
What do we know about China?
Nothing.
So, we hire a consultant.
She walks us
through the
import/export game.
Whoa, whoa, whoa... she?
Uh-huh.
Her name's Monica.
She's coming in
at 9:00.
She's got great references and
she really seems to understand
the whole Pacific Rim thing.
Mm.
Let me guess...
she's pretty.
Yeah. So?
Hello, I have
an appointment
with Mr. Tanner
and Mr. Stella at 9:00.
That's his office
right there.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Oh, Monica,
right on time.
Hello.
Hi, I'm Edward.
Mind if we talk outside?
MONICA:
No.
He's brilliant.
He's quirky,
but he's brilliant.
This is a physical
impossibility.
It's a beautiful sight,
isn't it?
Yeah.
Tell him about Beijing.
MONICA:
Yes, of course.
Recent economic reforms in China
have made
rather dramatic business
opportunities possible
for many American companies.
I've reviewed your annual
reports for the last five years
along with letters of interest
from Chinese trade
representatives,
particularly in Beijing,
and I believe that...
Okay.
Okay?
Okay.
Alex says we
should go to China,
that's what I
pay him for.
We go to China.
What am I going
to pay you for?
Well, she's going to go
with us to Beijing,
she'll make the contacts,
evaluate the offers,
negotiate the trade
agreements.
You speak Chinese?
Some, but I'd feel better
if we hired a translator.
You got someone you work with?
No, I think it would be best
if there was someone in your
company who spoke the language--
someone who already knows
the toy business.
There's that girl in Contracts--
Jean... something.
Right.
She looks Chinese.
Yeah, I'll look into it.
Fine, at the same time,
figure out how this thing works.
Fascinating.
We're planning a fact-finding
trip to Beijing
and we need a translator.
Do you speak Chinese?
Because I look
Chinese to you?
Uh, well, to be honest, uh...
I do not speak Chinese,
Mr. Stella.
I am Korean.
I was born in Seoul and raised
in the United States.
Oh, sorry.
I just thought that...
Because I look Oriental?
Because my last name is Chang?
None of us meant
any disrespect, Miss Chang.
Yeah. Honest mistake.
I've been in this company
for three years
and I've never been invited
to this office.
It has at least been
enlightening.
Well, thanks for coming in.
We'll see you around.
( exhales forcefully )
Hmm.
She looks promising.
Ah, forget it.
Not Chinese.
Chang-- that's Chinese, right?
It's Korean, too.
Never mind.
Do you have plans for lunch?
Oh, yeah.
No.
No.
Good.
We can start going over
these proposals.
I know a good restaurant.
Alex, use a fork.
I'm getting it.
Well, these top four
companies seem to be
the most likely candidates
for joint venture.
Yeah, but we can't buy, though,
you know.
We can only subcontract.
Yes, a lot has changed for them
with this new open-door
trade policy.
No one particularly wants
to go back
to the days of Mao and
state-run businesses,
but economic freedom brings
with it
all the problems that come
with free society,
like crime, corruption.
Do they have the Internet?
Yes, but some e-mail and most
Web sites are still filtered
to government censors.
Some things
haven't changed.
Yeah, well, that's not
our problem.
We're not interested
in politics, just money.
Right, Edward?
That girl's name in Contracts,
wasn't it Jean?
I told you, Korean.
( speaking Chinese )
Looks like this is Jean's
favorite restaurant, too.
( speaking Chinese )
( speaking Chinese )
That's Chinese she speaks.
Is that Chinese she's speaking?
Yes, it's Mandarin
and that is
a Chinese newspaper.
Alex.
Alex.
( clears throat )
Excuse me, but
are you sitting
in a Chinese
restaurant,
reading a Chinese
newspaper,
ordering
a Chinese lunch
in Chinese?
Hmm?
Mr. Stella...
Forgive me, maybe I'm missing
something here,
but you are an employee
of Tanner Toys
and if you're lying
about this,
I think I have a right to know
what else you're lying about.
TESS:
Well...
don't this beat all.
Mr. Stella!
Excuse me
for dragging him away,
but we have something
to discuss.
Imagine us both getting a yen
for Chinese on the same day.
I got
a whole new angle
about that itty-bitty
kite thing.
Hi.
I apologize for
my partner, Alex.
He's a terrific lawyer.
He's just not really
good with people.
I'm embarrassed.
It's true,
I lied to you today--
I am Chinese;
I was born in Beijing.
You don't owe us
an explanation.
Yes, I do, because
I am a person of honor--
at least I try to be.
I want you to know
I would like to go
to Beijing with you very much,
but I can't.
We understand.
No, I want you
to truly understand.
If I ever went
to Beijing again...
I would never come back alive.
You won't come back
from Beijing... alive--
that sounds a little dramatic.
It's part truth,
part premonition, perhaps.
As much as I dream
of returning to my home,
that is an impossibility now.
So you were
born in China.
Yes, in Beijing.
TESS:
Mr. Stella,
this kite just soars.
It looks like we
have lots of time.
We'd love
to hear your story.
Or not-- it's...
Business purposes,
background research.
For the business, then.
Everything you say
will remain between us.
You have heard
of Tiananmen Square?
As much
as any American, yeah.
Most of the people
in the United States
just remember one picture
of that summer in 1989.
The student standing
in front of the tank.
Yes, he was very brave,
but there were many students
and I was one of them.
I was a small child during
the Cultural Revolution.
It was a terrible,
cruel time for my country.
I remember--
teachers, intellectuals,
anyone suspected to be an enemy
of the people was in danger.
Great danger.
They were arrested and sent
to labor camps for reeducation.
Many were tortured and murdered.
My parents were
professors at the university.
One day the Red Guard
burst into my father's office
and dragged him into the street
and beat him.
They forced him to confess his
crimes against the revolution.
It was a great
humiliation for him.
He committed suicide,
and my mother became ill.
Because of my father,
she didn't receive
the proper medical care.
She died, and I found my way
to a state orphanage
in the country.
It was very hard
and very lonely.
( baby wailing )
I thought this was the way
the world was--
you own nothing of your own,
you think nothing of your own
and you don't dare to hope
for something better.
One day a man in town
who was discovered to be hiding
counter-revolutionary
materials.
I remember how warm the fire
was that burned his books
and I remember stealing one.
It was a terribly dangerous
thing to do,
but even as a little girl,
I knew I had nothing to lose.
And what I saw inside
that book changed my life.
I couldn't read the words,
but there was a picture in
the front of a beautiful lady.
She held her head up,
she didn't seem to be afraid.
I wanted to be like her.
It was the only thing
that was mine,
and sometimes it was the only
thing that kept me alive.
Ten years later, Mao was dead,
and soon China had a new
open-door policy with the West.
I made my way to Beijing
and determined to learn
how to read my books.
I went to school
and studied English.
I met my husband
at the university,
and Gus and I
and his best friend, George,
hung out together.
We devoured anything from the
West-- music, art, literature.
Your husband's name is Gus?
We give each other nicknames.
So, our friend Hui Guo
called himself "George"
after George Washington.
And we called
my husband "Gus"
after Auguste Rodin, the artist
who sculpted "The Thinker."
My husband was very serious.
Was?
I'm jumping ahead.
Once I started to learn
a little English,
I bought a travel book
for America.
I'll never forget standing
there
in the middle of the street
and seeing her again--
there was a lady
in my very first book,
the Statue of Liberty.
With the population
growing so quickly,
we were encouraged
to have only one child.
In that case,
most everyone wanted a boy.
That day... that day I realized
that the Statue of Liberty
was a woman.
If there's a place
in this world
where a woman could become
the symbol of freedom,
then there was hope for me
and for my daughter.
You had a little girl.
Yes, I named her Piao Yue.
It means "Free Moon."
In English
I called her "Liberty Moon."
Where is she?
I don't know.
Sorry.
Excuse me
for a moment, please.
TESS: You're not
listening to me.
This kite
doesn't even need any wind.
I'm intrigued,
I'll be right back.
Hi. Do me a favor.
Check your watch
and shake your head.
Good, good.
Now frown
a little bit.
And shrug
like there's
nothing you
can do about it.
Oh! Darn!
I-I wish I could stay,
but we've got a conference call
to Hong Kong
back at the office,
I've got to go.
It was so nice
to see you again.
( quietly ):
Come on, let's get out of here.
You go on, I'll stay.
O-kay.
Mr. Tanner...
have you tried out my kite?
Yes, I have.
It's amazing.
I'd like to take it
with me to China,
see what they think
about it over there.
Oh, they're going to love it.
Have a nice day.
We get a lot of crazy inventors
in the toy business.
You seem like
a very serious fellow.
What are you doing
making toys?
Well, just...
living the childhood
I never got as a kid.
Or maybe
I'm just making money.
Parents will spend a lot
more on their children
than they will
on themselves, you know.
I think parents
will do that anywhere.
Do you have children?
I never married.
Why not?
Never found
the right one.
Forgive me.
Have I bored you enough
with my story?
Hardly.
Hold them like this.
Just the top one moves.
Tell us more
about your husband.
Gus was the one who convinced me
that some form of democracy
was the only way
to push my country forward.
Gus and I and George began
to publish books, articles
calling for reform.
It was very risky.
Many activists had already
been sentenced to prison
and punished severely for
criticizing the government,
but nevertheless
we believed so strongly
that it was our time
to stand up,
to become the voice of
the people who long for change.
It was a very exciting time.
We were just students
leading peaceful protests,
asking only for our leaders to
listen to our ideas for reform,
but to our amazement,
the citizens turned out
to support us.
The marches got larger
and larger.
People were excited and hopeful
for the first time in years.
There were demonstrations
all over China.
MONICA:
I remember
the government was
infuriated, wasn't it?
Yes.
Saving face
is very important for Chinese.
We embarrassed our leaders
in front of the world.
We were now traitors to them
and they would never forgive us.
George was afraid.
He would baby-sit
Piao Yue.
He never spoke out.
I don't blame him.
We all must follow
our conscience.
That's why my husband decided
to join the hunger strikers.
Everyone who was there
the last few nights
remembers it differently,
but none of us would forget
the night they wrecked it--
the guardians of democracy.
We'd been in the square for 17
days, and morale was very low.
Then the students from
the art college surprised us
with our very own
Statue of Liberty.
I remember it again--
all my dreams
and hopes for my people,
and it was the last time
we were happy.
MONICA: You brought
your little girl
to the Square?
Yes.
You must understand how we
felt.
I want Liberty Moon to always
be
able to say that she was there
when democracy was born.
I remember thinking
about the moon
because I was showing
my little girl
what her name meant
in English--
Liberty, a flame of freedom,
just like the American
Statue of Liberty and the moon.
I told her
no matter where she was,
if she ever felt lost or alone,
if she ever needed me,
she could always look up
at the moon
and know I was somewhere
looking at it, too.
Jean, if this is difficult
for you, you don't have to...
No, I want you to understand.
The military moved in
and surrounded us.
It was only a matter of hours
before the crack of dawn
would come.
Gus wouldn't leave.
I took Piao Yue home,
left her with George.
I ran back to find my husband.
It's funny.
No one ever, ever believed
they would use real bullets.
( guns firing )
They killed many, many people
that night
and the next few days.
I tried to find Gus,
but I never did.
I heard later he was shot
in the back.
I looked for him
in the hospitals,
but it was chaos.
Within hours, they were
arresting all our friends.
Then I realized
I was in danger, too.
I ran back home to find George
and Piao Yue.
I never found my husband.
I never found George
and I never found
my little girl.
Then I realized
I was a wanted person.
( officers shouting in Chinese )
EDWARD: You hid
in a cupboard?
I spent several days there,
then left.
I knew George was too afraid
to ever come back to the house.
You never heard from George?
No.
I have tried to find him.
He may have changed his name.
I'm afraid if I try too hard,
it would only jeopardize
his new life.
And Liberty Moon?
Chinese people are good people.
They love children.
George has taken care of her.
I'm sure of it.
( sighs )
No one wants
their fortune cookie?
We don't have them in China,
you know.
I guess it's only in America
that you can have the liberty
to crack open
your own fortune, huh?
I already know
what mine would say.
"Go home.
Count your blessings."
I'm sorry.
That didn't come out right.
No, it did.
I have many blessings, too,
Mr. Tanner.
I am alive,
I am free,
and there's always the moon
to look at.
( Jean exhales and sniffs )
Good-bye.
It was nice
to finally meet you.
Have you gone through
these files with Alex?
No. Why?
Because there's
a proposal here
I think you
should see.
EDWARD: I just don't
believe in coincidence.
This has been put
into your hands for a reason.
Why?
So I can tell Jean
there's a company
named Liberty Moon
and she can spend the rest of
her life wondering about it?
So she can do something
about it.
What? She can't
go back to China.
Not without help.
No, no-- look, no way.
Forget it, I'm not getting
involved in this.
She'd have a better chance
of getting into Beijing
if she went with a group
of business people.
Forget it.
I can't take the risk.
Besides, what can
one man do anyway?
He can stand up, just
like Jean stood up.
Monica, I'm just
a businessman.
And Jean was just a student.
Think about
the look of courage
on that woman's face--
I know you saw it--
and now ask yourself,
"Would I have the same courage
to stand up when it counts?"
Well, this is your chance
to find out,
this is your chance
to make a difference.
I don't want to make
a difference.
I just want to make a profit.
Edward.
What does it profit a man
if he gains the whole world
and loses his soul?
I lost my soul a long time ago.
No, you didn't.
You locked it away somewhere,
like that portable kite
in your briefcase,
and you only take it out
to analyze it,
but you never really let go,
never really let it fly.
But flying, Edward,
that's what souls were made for.
And yes...
the higher you dare to fly,
the farther you may fall,
but at least you will
have flown.
All right...
but don't tell Alex.
He'd blow a gasket.
EDWARD:
Monica found this in the files.
MONICA: It's a consulting
firm in Beijing
that helps American companies
open manufacturing plants
and manage them.
Now, there's nothing here
to indicate
that this man
is your friend George.
MONICA:
But it's the same
Liberty Moon design.
It is signed by "Wu Fa Guo."
George's name was Wu Hui Guo--
they're very similar.
He could have changed his name.
George never did like his name.
EDWARD:
It's a long shot...'
but if you think
it's worth looking into...
To see my daughter again,
Mr. Tanner,
it is worth my life.
It's not going to work.
Don't worry.
The worst thingthat can
happen is that customs,
they look
at your passport,
they see
that it's expired
and they send
you back.
It's a strange feeling,
trying to sneak back
into my own country.
( chime rings )
PILOT ( over intercom ):
Ladies and gentlemen,
our estimated flying time to
Beijing is 22 hours, 18 minutes.
Those of you
on the left side of the cabin
can see the Statue of Liberty
out your window.
ALEX: We've got six
hot prospects lined up.
I'm still not sold on
this Liberty Moon outfit.
Oh, can I get
some coffee here, please?
Two. Thank you.
They may seem
a little small
for us, I know,
but that could mean
just a little more
personal attention.
We're going to be
in business
with these people
for a long time.
Hey, Al.
Hmm?
What do you think
about human rights?
Everyone's got
the right to be human.
You know what I mean.
People are saying we're
a little soft on China
because of their position
on human rights.
Since when did you get so
interested in your fellow man?
( softly ): Or is that
your fellow woman?
Look, forget it--
she's a cold fish.
( woman speaking Chinese
over P.A. system )
Don't worry,
you'll be fine.
( suitcase crashes )
Oh, my goodness.
How embarrassing.
I'm so sorry, um...
I'm in the toy business.
It's a business trip.
Um, excuse me, sir.
Could you pass me
those chattering teeth?
MONICA:
Thank you.
MAN:
Here you go.
Thank you.
MONICA:
Oh, I'm silly.
( toy squeaks )
Oh, thank you.
It's my pleasure.
( Jean speaking Chinese )
JEAN:
It's amazing.
It all changes so much.
EDWARD:
Fast food joints,
amusement parks,
shopping malls.
5,000 years of keeping Western
culture out, you know...
And it only took
ten years
to turn it
into New Jersey.
Hi.
ALEX: Tell him we're
the Tanner Toy people
and we have four suites
reserved.
CONCIERGE:
Yes, we've been
expecting you.
Oh.
CONCIERGE:
I'll have a bellman
show you to your rooms and I
have a message for Mr. Tanner.
That's me.
Yes, Mr. Wu is waiting for you
at the bar.
( speaks Chinese phrase )
( whispering ):
This must be him.
Mr. Tanner.
Yes, Mr. Wu.
Ah, yes, but please
call me George.
It's presumptuous of me,
but I thought I would invite you
to dinner tonight
before we have business
tomorrow.
Thank you,
that'd be great.
This is my associate,
Alex Stella...
How are you?
Nice to meet you.
our trade consultant
Monica.
Hello.
Nice to meet you.
And our interpreter...
Jean Chang.
I'm sorry,
my English is weak sometimes.
Allow me to speak Chinese.
Of course.
( speaking Chinese )
( speaking tersely )
Forgive me, please,
uh, my plans have changed.
I cannot guarantee
that we can
do business together.
Perhaps we can meet
in the future.
Excuse me.
What the hell
was that about?
She knows him!
Oh... yeah...
Great, that's...
that's great.
The most populated
country in the world
and she runs into
an old boyfriend.
I'm going to my room.
That was George.
He says he doesn't know who I am
and he's never heard
of my daughter.
JEAN:
He's afraid.
He must be very afraid.
TESS:
Excuse me.
Excuse me,
do you speak English?
Yes, I do.
Can I help you?
Yes, you can.
What is the name
of this garden?
Garden of Peaceful Memories.
Peaceful Memories.
That's beautiful.
I guess you have to plant
pretty early
to grow memories like that, huh?
Well, we can't
do anything
about today's flowers,
but if we could plant some
peaceful memories for next year,
boy, wouldn't that be something?
Yes, I suppose so.
Good.
I'll see you later.
JEAN:
This is my old alley.
We call them "hutong."
This one's called
"the Hutong
of Yellow Canaries."
This was my home.
Here, Piao Yue played
with the neighbor's kitten.
Over here,
Gus would sit
and write his poetry
in the sun.
He was a poet?
Yes.
Oh, I'd almost
forgotten.
We always kept copies in here...
in case we were searched.
( laughs )
I... I can't read it.
"It's funny to watch
my little girl.
"She... toddles
along the hutong.
"Will she go here?
"Will she go there?
She plops down
on her bottom."
( chuckles )
"She screams
with delight.
"She'll go
wherever she likes.
"She'll cry out
with a happy voice
any word
that comes to mind."
"How long will it last,
"this childhood
of Liberty Moon?
What must I do
to save China?"
Hey.
You are the bravest
person I know.
Where've you been?
Uh, Jean took me on a tour.
Oh, okay.
By the way,
that nutty guy?
-Yeah?
-Called back.
George?
Yeah, he wants
to set up
a meeting,
tomorrow.
Great.
( telephone ringing )
GEORGE:
Everything we've seen today
is suitable for
our joint venture project.
This one's
a little different
from the others,
isn't it?
Yes, it was put
on my list
at the last minute.
I thought it might
be worth a look.
It's an older building
that the state
can renovate
to your specifications.
( shouts )
( soldier speaking
Chinese )
( speaking Chinese )
( softly ):
What's going on?
The soldier's asking
what we're doing here.
George says we're
here on business
to look for
factory space.
The soldier says
this is impossible;
no foreigners
allowed here.
George was confused.
He was told this was
to be renovated.
The soldier says yes.
No one can enter
until...
until the prisoners leave.
GEORGE:
We have five minutes.
ALEX:
For what?
Oh, my God.
It's Gus.
That is my husband.
( guards shouting )
Touched By An Angel #426
"Spirit of Liberty Moon, Pt 2"
Closed captioned
Captioning sponsored by
CBS PARAMOUNT TELEVISION
There are many, many things
that have brought you and your
husband to this moment, Jean,
but don't waste a minute now
asking why or how.
Hurry, you don't have
much time.
( speaking Chinese )
ALEX:
What is going on?
What do you mean
we've got five minutes?
And correct me,
but I thought
they stopped using prison labor
on export deals.
GEORGE:
They have.
It officially
does not happen.
It was a mistake.
A mistake that can last
only a little longer.
Thank you.
( crying )
( speaks Chinese )
Edward...
Keep quiet.
American business?
We have made
a terrible mistake.
Someone from my office
shall be punished
for this confusion.
Jean, please.
( speaking Chinese )
Let us all go
to the car immediately.
Yeah, good idea.
ALEX:
Chinese dissidents.
Missing children.
Tiananmen Square!
My, God, Edward,
have you lost your mind?
I mean, this is
your business
you're screwing with here--
your livelihood!
My livelihood!
I realize that, Alex.
Edward...
we've been friends
for 20 years
and you do this to me?
And for her?
Her name is Jean.
Well, you've put us all
in danger.
I mean, they could throw us out.
They could lock us up!
I mean, the whole world
is trying
to get these
people out
and we bring one
back in!
Now there's an idea.
Maybe we could contact
one of those human rights
organizations.
They might be able
to help us get Gus out.
ALEX:
Us?
Us?
( grunts )
Okay.
All right.
You... are out of here.
I mean, did you see the way
that that general guy
looked at her?
He knows there's
something screwy.
They're going to find out
who she is,
they're going to figure out
how she got here,
and then we are cooked.
Mr. Stella,
it seems to me
if you can't find a
place in your heart
for what happened today,
if you can't see
that no business deal
is more important
than a human life
or a restored family,
if none of this means
anything to you,
then it seems to me
that you are
already cooked.
Lady, you're fired.
No.
No, you're not.
Edward, please!
JEAN:
Mr. Stella
is right.
To try to help my husband now
would only endanger his life
and yours as well.
Gus is too sick to survive
the anger of the state.
It is best to continue our work
and forget
this day.
But what about
your daughter?
I must be patient.
I have found George.
He has found my husband.
When it is time,
when it is safe,
perhaps he will tell me
where she is, too.
Then we'll stay.
All of us.
EDWARD:
Thank you all very much.
You've made an exceptionally
impressive presentation
and we will seriously consider
your offer.
( speaking Chinese )
Oh, tell them
thank you for lunch
and those, uh,
crunchy things.
Those were fried
chicken feet.
Um, just tell them
good-bye.
( speaking Chinese )
Thank you.
Okay, okay, we are on a roll.
I think those are our guys.
I thought Liberty Moon's
presentation was
better organized
and more generous.
Uh-huh, thanks
to our friend.
Nope, forget it.
No way, José.
I'm going for a nap.
Right on.
ANDREW:
Thank you.
I have a New York
newspaper here
in case anybody wants
to read it.
That'd be terrific,
thanks.
It's too bad-- Liberty Moon's
a solid company.
Yeah. Well, George knew he
blew his chances with us
when he took us
to that labor camp.
There's no way he could get
in business with us now
without sending up
a huge red flag.
Did he give you any hint about
what happened to Piao Yue?
Not yet.
But I have hope.
He must know
where she is.
It's different here.
Sometimes it's safer
to know nothing.
Monica...
Hmm?
MONICA:
"The official Chinese
News Agency acknowledged
"that Huang Chao Kung,
long considered a victim
"of Tiananmen Square's 1989
three-day massacre,
"in fact spent most of the last
nine years in prison.
"The government also reports
that Huang
"renounced his participation
in the democracy movement
"before dying of natural causes.
He was 35."
The clerk said the Hong Kong
papers weren't delivered today.
And now we know why-- they were
probably carrying this story.
It's not
the true story.
Gus would never have said
those things.
They can't tell those lies.
I won't let them.
Nobody's going to believe it.
He knew he was dying.
He told me never to forget
what he was dying for.
You know what?
I had forgotten.
Until I saw his face
one last time...
and it all came back.
It was a miracle.
Alex?
Edward, don't-don't... get up.
Some soldiers just came
to my room.
I don't know
what they were saying,
but I think
it's about Jean.
They had some
old picture of her.
Jean? Stand up slowly...
and walk towards me.
Edward, keep talking
to Alex.
( soldier shouting in Chinese )
Run!
( shouting in Chinese )
( pots crashing )
MONICA:
Why won't you tell me?
Monica,
I have watched
many political
prisoners in China
die of "natural causes."
There's nothing
natural about it.
Gus died terribly
and painfully...
and to describe it
actually hurts
my spirit.
You stayed with him?
Of course I did.
And he died
with hope.
And we're going
to keep that hope alive,
but first we've got
to find Jean.
You don't know
where she is?
No, because
we're not the ones
who are supposed
to find her.
( knocking )
EDWARD:
Come in.
Hello.
You know, when I was
in seventh grade,
I remember this chapter
from my geography book:
"China, Land
of Contrasts."
Man, what they don't
teach you in school, huh?
What are you doing?
Alex was right,
we don't belong here.
There's a flight out at 8:00,
if you're interested.
What are you afraid of?
Oh, I don't know--
my business going down
the tubes?
Imprisonment? Torture?
How's that
for starters?
I think you're afraid
of getting truly involved
with anything besides
the bottom line.
You listen, I'm on to you.
I know what you're up to.
I don't know how it
happened exactly,
but you're no trade
consultant, you're...
you're a political activist
and you used me.
That's not why
you're angry with me, Edward.
You're angry because I asked you
to let your soul fly,
and you did
and look what happened.
All of a sudden that labor pool
of 1.2 billion Chinese faces--
which all looked alike to you--
became one
beautiful individual
whose life matters to you.
And you're so terrified
of losing her
before you understand why.
Edward, you can't leave now.
This is what
your soul was made for.
I'm no hero, Monica, I'm
the wrong guy to save her.
Maybe she's going to save you.
I don't know, Monica,
I thought there
might be a chance...
This is her house.
Were you followed?
No, we were
very careful.
You shouldn't stay,
they'll find you, too.
We... can't leave--
not without you.
How can we help you?
( speaks Chinese )
We'd better get out of here.
Come on, let's go this way.
( conversing quietly )
Mr. Tanner, I was unaware
that we had an appointment.
Game's over, George.
You're going
to stand there
and tell this woman
you know who she is
and where her
daughter is.
My wife is a state official.
She doesn't know
anything about my past.
I never told her
about Tiananmen.
MONICA:
Mr. Wu,
no one wants to endanger you
or your family,
but please, please, don't tell
us that you don't know Jean.
You arranged for her
to see her husband.
You've already taken risks
to help her,
now help us to get to the truth.
You actually believe the truth
will make any difference?
The truth is the difference.
No...
the truth only makes reality
a lot harder to live with.
The truth is that Jean
and Gus were my friends.
Reality is that it is still
dangerous to admit that.
The truth is that democracy
is a wonderful dream.
Reality is that most of us
don't want democracy
as much
as we just want stability.
The truth is that China
is not what it could be.
Reality is at least it's not
what it used to be.
The truth gets you killed;
reality keeps you alive.
So I ask you what you want
from me, truth... or reality.
I want my daughter.
A neighbor told me Gus had been
shot and was dead
and you were arrested.
So I went
into hiding;
I took the baby
with me.
I made it to the south.
I found a family there
who could take her in--
take care of her
until I got back.
( clears throat )
Where's
this family now?
There are sometimes terrible
floods in the south.
Thousands of people died
that year.
I tried to find
the family,
but they were gone.
There is a chance,
of course,
that she survived
or that they moved on;
but I'm afraid I just don't know
where she is.
I'm so sorry.
GEORGE:
I named my company
Liberty Moon
in the hope that someday
Piao Yue might grow up
and recognize it
and inquire.
It was a slim chance,
but our hopes are hung
on slimmer ones than these
sometimes.
For example, I never
imagined it would be Jean
who would find
me this way.
How long have you known
about Gus?
About a year.
I only hope that seeing him
gave you some peace.
It gave me more than that,
George.
When I saw his face,
I remembered who I am,
and I was no longer afraid.
Tell me, George,
what will you have to see
before you're no longer afraid?
How much danger
is she in?
She is in this
country illegally.
She's a dissident who
has gone unpunished.
She's been recognized,
and I'm sure they
want to find her
before she makes
any trouble.
What kind of trouble?
She spoke to her husband
before he died.
She knows the truth
and the reality.
( car horns honking )
( bicycle bell ringing )
Maybe she left a message.
Alex, have you seen Jean?
Well, what with her being
a fugitive and all,
I wasn't expecting her.
Alex, please,
was she here?
( sighs deeply )
I think I saw
her walk out.
MAN:
Mr. Tanner?
The lady who was not here...
she left a message.
"Edward, thank you
for all you have done.
"Please thank Monica as well.
"It is possible we will not see
each other again.
"You see, George was right,
reality is the safest route.
"But I have nothing left
to lose now,
"and so I have the luxury
of living in the truth.
"And I'm going to make sure
"the world knows
the truth about my husband.
"You are a kind man, Edward.
"I hope someday you will find
peace in your own truth.
Jean."
Where is the last place
she lived in truth?
WOMAN:
Behind me is one
of the government buildings
of the People's Republic
of China.
If you look the other direction,
you'll see
the view most widely associated
with Tiananmen Square,
the Gate of Heavenly Peace.
We will first make our way
to the Great Hall of the People.
Please begin walking
in that direction.
Miss, would you mind
taking this picture, please?
GUIDE:
Oh, okay.
Thank you.
Mm-hmm.
( shouting in Chinese )
( whistle blowing in distance )
( whistle blowing in distance )
JEAN:
Piao Yue...
( calls out in Chinese )
Piao Yue!
Piao Yue!
Liberty Moon!
Liberty Moon!
Piao Yue!
Jean!
Piao Yue!
Jean!
Jean!
Jean!
( people talking indistinctly )
EDWARD:
So, what do we do,
call the American embassy?
She's a Chinese
citizen.
Funny, a lot of good
that's done her.
You know, not once in my life
have I ever had the urge
to grab a microphone and stand
up in the middle of Times Square
and speak my mind...
about anything.
And all of a sudden it's nice
to know I can if I want to.
Okay, so...
going to the embassy is out
and, obviously, going
to the police is out.
I'd give every last dime I have
to get her out.
I don't believe money
is the answer, Edward,
but love--
love can move mountains.
No.
I'm not the love type.
I mean, she's... she's...
she's special.
Yes, she is.
I know what being in love
is like, I'm...
But this is something else.
It's deep... deeper...
than that.
Like what?
Like when we were there
at the factory
and I realized her husband
was still alive,
I felt something
I've never felt before.
It wasn't jealousy.
It was a sincere happiness...
for her.
I'm happy for you, Edward.
A love like that
can nourish your soul.
The one I lost?
Ah, the one
you're finding again.
Oh, yeah.
( keys rattling in lock )
( guard barking orders
in Chinese )
This may be the wrong time
to mention this,
but, um... do you remember
the game plan?
What game plan
was that, Al--
the long-term
or the short-term?
The one about turning
the long-term
into the very short-term,
the one we agreed on
back at the Purple Pub
our senior year--
the "let's play the
game hard for 20 years,
"go to business school,
buy, divide, conquer
"and retire before we're 42
with more money than God
and time left to enjoy it"--
that game plan.
Yeah, I remember that one.
So?
So... are we still playing?
I don't know.
( sighs )
Well, you damn well
better find out,
because you are risking
everything
for some woman you've known
for a couple of weeks.
She's not some woman, Al.
She's a...
...friend.
Oh, and I'm not?
Please explain this to me,
because, for the last 20 years,
I've been going around thinking
that we were friends.
Well, maybe we're just two guys
trying to help each other
make a lot of money.
And you got a problem with that?
Yeah, I do now.
And I met somebody
who's trying to help me
become a better person,
trying to help me become
something... higher.
( sighs ):
Okay.
Okay.
I thought that we were
in business together,
but apparently,
now it's group therapy.
So... look, just tell me
what you want.
I mean, what are you
thinking here?
I don't want to build a plant
in China, Alex.
I don't want to run
into Jean
while she's being reeducated,
stamping "Made in China"
on one of our action figures.
I want out
of this country.
I want her out, too.
That's what I'm thinking.
Okay, I'll tell you what.
I'll go back to New York,
hold down the fort,
and you do whatever it is
you have to do here.
I appreciate that.
EDWARD:
Remember her?
She told me
you were her friend once.
I need you to be her friend now.
And what?
Help her.
Find her a good lawyer,
get her out on bail.
I can't begin
to educate you
on the ignorance
of that statement.
Look, tell me what I need to
know to get her out of there.
Please.
( sighs )
I'm going to try to explain
something to you.
Most everyone who was arrested
for participating in Tiananmen
Square served three years.
Some, like Gus,
were rearrested
before they even
hit the streets.
Others discovered they could
not get jobs anymore,
or go anywhere without
being followed.
Those who got out and made it
to the States, stayed out.
Now here comes Jean,
daring them to do
something about her,
forcing them
to deal with her.
She's tying herself to the stake
and lighting the match.
Did she ever tell you
why her nickname
was Jean?
Nope.
It's French
for "Joan" of Arc.
She knew exactly
what she was doing.
She can be more trouble
to the Chinese in prison
than she can be out.
She knows that
once she's in there,
she'll become a martyr.
So they can't... leave her out,
and they can't keep her in.
( sighs )
Exactly.
The sooner it hits the news,
the safer she will be.
Once the world knows she exists,
they have to keep her alive.
What are you saying?
I'm saying,
it will all happen very fast,
if it is not happening already.
She'll go on trial.
It'll last maybe
only a matter of minutes.
She'll be found guilty.
They'll put her back
in her cell
and leave her there
in the dark for years
until she becomes sick.
And when the fever's high
or the teeth become infected,
she won't get
medical treatment.
Or maybe she'll slip on
the floor during interrogation
and die of cerebral hemorrhage
and seven broken ribs.
Or maybe some common criminals
will suddenly get the urge
to beat her to death
in exchange
for a shorter sentence.
Why are you so angry with her?
I thought you considered us
inscrutable.
She just doesn't understand
how it works.
No, perhaps she does.
She just can't accept it.
That's what bothers me
about her.
That's what I love about her.
( phone rings )
( speaking Chinese )
Trial's over.
And wh... and what?
Ten years.
TESS:
Well, it's a very
unusual request.
It's not as if it's never
been done before, though.
It's quite an act of
sacrifice, Monica.
It's not a sacrifice;
it's a privilege.
Tess, you said
when this started
it was about people
being given a chance
to make a difference.
Well, this is my chance,
and I want to take it.
But we don't know
how long it could take--
maybe even
the whole ten years.
ANDREW:
No, not that long.
( stirring )
( grunts )
Monica.
Hello, Jean.
How did you get here?
Not the way
that you did.
I don't understand.
You did a very brave
thing the other day,
standing up and
telling the truth,
defending your husband
and your beliefs.
I thought I had
nothing left to lose.
But Monica--
my little girl, I saw her.
I looked right into her face.
She is alive.
I know.
A minute longer,
I would have seen her
before I spoke out,
and I could be holding her
right now...
right now.
You couldn't have known, Jean.
You did what you knew
you had to do,
and then
a wonderful miracle occurred,
because God granted you
the grace
to look into the face
of your little girl
before you were taken away.
There's no God in China.
Yes, there is.
He loves you very much.
He sent me here to be with you,
to stay with you
and to encourage you and to...
I am an angel, Jean.
Angel.
I'm not afraid of you.
Good.
You're not supposed to be.
When I was in orphanage,
I used to think... that I had
an angel watching over me.
You did.
You do.
You could say I volunteered.
I admire you so much, Jean--
your courage
and your passion.
And I believe I have
as much to learn from you
as you do from me.
What do I need to learn?
There's no one left to trust now
except your creator.
Am I going to die?
Yes.
Are you going to stay here
with me?
Yes.
Through everything?
Through everything.
I want to help you die
with the same courage
that you have lived with.
( sniffles )
Then... then tell me.
Tell me about God.
( bell clanking,
chickens clucking )
I hope
what I have done
can change even
one person's life.
Then I have made
a difference.
You've made a difference
in Edward's life.
He cares about
you very much.
I care for him, too.
I would like to have
told him that.
( cell door creaks )
( barks commands in Chinese )
( door slams,
echoes in corridor )
JEAN:
Monica... Monica...
I'm scared.
Say something.
Say something about God.
MONICA:
It's all right, Jean,
I'm with you.
When you pass
through the rivers,
I will be with you.
When you walk
through the waters,
they will not
overtake you.
When you walk
through fire,
you will not
be burned.
Jean,
what's going on?
Monica, listen to me
very carefully.
She had a kite with
a moon and a torch.
She knows who she is,
I believe that.
Jean!
( guard barking orders outside )
Listen, tell her
how much I loved her.
Promise.
She's the daughter of a poet.
Tell her the truth.
She'll know what to do with it.
Say it.
I promise.
I will tell her the truth.
She will know
what to do with it.
( cell door opens )
( guard speaks harshly )
No!
( fists pounding flesh )
( prisoners grunting
with effort )
( grunts and cries )
( loud blows )
( silence )
( guard gives order )
Monica.
( exhales )
Monica!
I'm here.
You're not alone.
Monica!
( cries out )
( grunts )
( heavy door slams )
Jean.
Pro... mise.
I promise.
Tell me... again... God.
Well... on this side
there is life,
and there with him...
there is life also
and it is there you shall
behold him... face to face.
ANDREW:
Jean.
It's time.
( crying softly )
( softly ):
Edward.
( louder ):
Edward.
( mumbles sleepily )
What are you doing here?
Where have you been?
How did you get in here?
Edward, there's something
I need to tell you.
Jean fell down
a flight of stairs today.
She fell down
a flight of stairs?
How do you know?
I was there.
Don't be afraid, Edward.
I'm an angel.
This is...
this isn't true, um...
I'm dreaming.
No, it's all true.
I am an angel,
and God sent me to be with you
and Jean on this very difficult,
this very long journey.
Jean's journey is over now
and she's at peace.
( sighs )
We spent many hours
talking about God
and his love for her
and for you.
God loves you very much, Edward.
Before she died,
Jean wanted you
to know
that she cared about you
very much,
that you had a chance
to make a difference in her life
and you took that.
I loved her.
I know.
And I know that
your heart is broken.
But God will mend it
if you trust him with it now.
Will you?
I'll miss her.
( speaking Chinese )
( phone ringing )
( sighs deeply ):
I just heard.
How long will it last,
this childhood of Liberty Moon?
What must we do to save China?
Save China?
We could not even save Jean.
You remember the last thing
she said to you?
What will you have to see
before you're no longer afraid?
What will you have to see?
I do not know.
How about a little girl's face.
EDWARD:
So that's it?
No chance?
GEORGE:
No, it is impossible.
Even with a bribe.
We cannot tour all the
orphanages in the area.
You know, there's
a very good chance
that Zhang Piao Yue
was adopted
and she's not in
an orphanage at all.
I don't think so,
George.
I don't think God would have
brought me all this way
to find a little girl
who doesn't need to be found.
I've been considering
a belief in God.
It's a good idea.
I just have trouble
believing a thing I cannot see.
What about the wind?
Hmm? And the air?
You can't see them, but
you know they're there.
You know where I can
get some paint?
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Ni hao.
You speak English?
Yes, I do.
Kite.
My name's Edward.
What's your name?
My name is Piao Yue.
You know what that means
in English?
Yes.
Statue of Liberty.
It has been a pleasure,
Mr. Tanner.
( gives thanks
in Chinese )
You learned much
in only one month.
Yes, I have.
Thanks again.
Well, we're all set.
My wife has
pulled some strings.
Of course
she has.
And the adoption papers
will be finalized
six months earlier
than expected.
She'll be out of the orphanage
and home with us
by June.
Maybe this means
summer camp in Maine, huh?
Every summer-- you promised.
Yes, I did.
You'd think a girl with a chance
to live in America all year long
would have taken it.
I just told her the truth.
She knew what to do with it.
Listen, I want you to work hard
on your English, okay?
When you come see me
next summer,
maybe you can tell me
what this says.
Good-bye,
Miss Liberty.
Good-bye.
Bye, George.
Mr. Tanner, zai jian.
Zai jian,
Mr. Wu.
Bye-bye.
So, am I ever going
to see you again?
I don't think so.
I thought you might
like to have this.
How on earth did you...?
It was lost, but now it's found.
God is very good at that.
Yes, he is.
Well... so long, then.
Good-bye.
You okay?
Come on, Angel Girl.
Let's go home.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT ( over P.A. ):
Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to the United States
of America.
Captioning sponsored by
CBS PARAMOUNT TELEVISION