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Forgive Us Our Debts (2018)
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Good morning, Mother Superior. Be good. Thank you, sister. Okay. Leave this pallet for last. Load the others up first. Bruno, you do the 8:30 load. -But I clock off at 8:00. -Load up, then clock off. Guido, what the fuck are you doing? What the fuck are you doing? Get off. Now that was hard, wasn't it? You're not cut out for this job. -You nearly overturned it too. -But I didn't. You can go. You're firing me? You can't drive the truck! You're no use to me! Well? Get back to work! FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS Good evening. -Viktor's not here? -No, I am. -And who are you? -A friend. Where is he? Viktor's gone back home, his uncle died. -Sorry to hear that. Will he be back? -Well, his uncle won't. Here. -Is this mine? -Yes. -I haven't ordered yet. -Is this not it? -No, that's not my drink. -Sorry. Which one is it? That one, in front of you. No, on the left. -On the left. -That one. -Sorry. -No problem. Don't worry, Viktor will be back in three days. Is Viktor not here? No, Viktor's not here. -Can I have a liter of milk? -Of course. Here you are. -Thanks. -Bye. Goodbye. -Viktor filled me in about everyone. -You got mine wrong, though. That's right. I don't know why. Here it says you always sit in the corner, you drink whisky... and... you look like an old deflated dinghy. Don't look at me like that. They're his words. -What's your name? -Sorry. -What's your name? -Rina. -Rina... Can I have another, please? -Of course. Fuck. The bastards! -Guido! -Professor, I saw you were still up. I suffered from insomnia when I was 20, -so just imagine now. -Isn't that music a bit loud? No one's complained so far. -They have, but you don't hear them. -I don't want to hear them. My fridge is broken. Can I put this stuff in yours? Yes, of course, come in. -It's no use... -What? There are areas on the snooker table that are hardly ever used. -If you stick to some rules. -What rules are those? The first is... never attack head-on a country more powerful than you. If, for example, ball number seven is Germany, and ball number three is the USA... Another political-ballistic theory-- If I play with number five, which is Italy... Portugal! It's always a poor country that ends up in the hole. And look here! The tobacco industries, pharmaceutical industries and banks... the arms industry, all intact! They weren't even touched in the manoeuver. What manoeuver? -Don't you believe me? -No. See if you can do it. They're shielded by seven and three. And there's no way Germany and the USA will let Italy intimidate them. -What are you talking about? -Then try it. Try it. Right... The aim is to knock this cigarette packet off. Right? Yes. No! Stop! You can't make a straight hit at the big industries like tobacco and pharmaceuticals. Why? It's not a powerful country. The rule-- There are different rules. The second depends on fractals. Do you know what fractals are? No. A fractal is a mathematical system that is repeated to infinity. It has the same structure as a cauliflower. If you break off a piece of cauliflower, this new piece is an identical smaller version of the mother. The Italian political-economic system is like a fractal. All it does is reproduce models that have already been tried out. A cauliflower. You can't make a direct hit at the pharmaceutical or arms industries. You just can't! It's never been done. If you want to do it, you have to do it indirectly. But you'll never get anywhere! So, if I bounce it off there, I can hit ball seven, right? You can hit Germany indirectly! That's what I've been trying to do since this morning. -You've swallowed Greece! -Well... The poor Greeks. You really are insensitive! With all the problems they have already! I believe... the only way possible is... a collision! Yes. The only way to hit out at the powers that be, is to get involved, dear Guido. Pure chaos, incontrollable entropy. A collision! Professor, I'm very fond of you, but you're a crazy conspirator. Yes! I am a crazy conspirator! You're right, it's true. Come here, I'll get you a glass of licorice liqueur. You can tell me if it's any good. There's a place here for conspirators like me. -In China? -In China! There's a very remote town where money has never caught on in such a terrifying way. Just think, bartering lies at the heart of social relationships. A place that doesn't use money? There's another system that perhaps doesn't exclude people as ours does. -I wonder how one keeps in the system. -I never worked it out. I never succeeded, and I never will. -When were you there? -Three months before she died. It was my first trip on an Italian passport. Professor, if you go to China, who'll put my stuff in the fridge? Have they decided to take you on at the warehouse? Not yet. -Guido, take this. -No. You can't be without electricity. You just can't. Come on! It's too much. One hundred fifty euros too much? Take it. -I'll pay you back as soon as I can. -Don't worry, I won it. -I've found a bar full of mugs. -Thanks, Professor. Have you got a light? Remember to pay your debts! Good morning. -Good morning, sir. -Zegni, nice to see you. -How are things? -Fine. -Mrs. Sala? -She's just popped out. -Wait here. She won't be long. -No. I'll wait downstairs. -As you wish. -Thank you. -Goodbye. -Goodbye. Bye. I have this to offer you. If you succeed, I'd be happier than you. -He's given us a hard time. -Let's hear it. His name's Sergio Gavarino. An engineer, who in the 1990s paved the buildings in the Arab Emirates. He's now bankrupt. He borrowed the sum of 260,000 euros from us back in 2009. We've only seen 60. Nothing we could do. We wrote it off last week. How much? -This is a Category A debt! -How much? -No less than 19,000. -Nineteen thousand? It offers great potential. If there's a lot of potential, get your own debt collectors to do it. I can do it for 16,000. Out of the question. I won't buy anyone over four percent. Yes, but this is no routine case. It's 200,000 euros! Which we might never get back. I'm sure you'll find a way to get the money. We have a rule. Four percent or nothing. All right, four percent. And I've got three other interesting businessmen. Why don't you give me a few pen pushers, or workmen, losers, people like that? Walking dead. You know my thoughts, right? The hard-core. We have plenty of those, look. We have a client called Maurizio Pegollo, occasional construction worker, his debt amounts to 30,000 for court expenses. Then we have Mr. and Mrs. Massi, both unemployed but with two inherited homes. They took out loans at two different times, when their children were born. Crazy, first they have kids, then apply for a loan. It's madness. What about this? Fifteen thousand to go on holiday! Okay, all of them at three percent. -You're a rogue. -Yes. -Hi there. -Hi. -Can you give me a hand? -Is it stuck? Yes, it's stuck. Oh, no, fuck! I'm sorry. Come and wash your hands. -Here's some soap. -Thanks. -Here. -Thanks. -I'm making myself a coffee. Want one? -Whisky? -Whisky? At this hour? -Yes. Of course, help yourself. -Shall I do it? -Yes. -Here. -Thanks. Everything okay? -Yeah, you? -Yes. Thanks. Sorry, I have to run. Okay. Where are you running to dressed like that? I have something to sort out. -Dressed like what? -You look nice. -Bye. -Thanks. Thanks for the whisky. Bye. Paying off a debt restores one's dignity. I cannot pay off my debt. I misunderstood. I thought that's why you were here. I don't see any other reason. I'll never have that kind of money. I have other debts too, and I've just lost my job. This is rather annoying, Mr. Rabaglia. What job are we talking about, if I may ask? Warehouseman. Warehouseman? And how do you intend to settle your debt with us? I'll be honest with you, I hope you don't expect us to write off this sum. -It doesn't work that way. -I want to work for you. You want to work for us? I don't have any money. I can only pay you with my time. I'll work for free until my debt is paid off. I've seen how you do it. I can do it too. -Hello, Candy! -Hi. -How are things? -Fine, and you? Fine. Take a look at this, then tell me I'm not number one. I've brought home five out of ten cases! -Five out of ten? -Yes. Well done. You can say that again! Make sure the right person hears it! What about the other five? Give me a bit more time for the other five. Three need persuading. I'll take Angelo with me now. You're not taking Angelo today. You're taking him. -Who? -The guy in the waiting room. -Who the fuck is he? -A new guy. You have to train him. -Did he say that? -Yes. -I'll have a word with him. -He's not in a good mood today. Why do I always have to train the dumbasses? I'm not doing it. I can spot idiots straightaway! And that guy's an idiot! No! I'm the best here. Let Rolando take the idiot out. I said no! I've got work to do. I'm not taking him! Let's go. -What was your previous job? -Warehouseman. Warehouseman... With that face, you'll have lasted half an hour! I meant before. Your real job. -I was a computer technician. -And? What? Did you get fired? No, I resigned 'cause I always dreamed of being a warehouseman. I mean if they went bust or they fired you. The company went bust, and we were all made redundant. What about the warehouse? Did that go bust too? No, they got rid of me. Why did they get rid of you? Why did they get rid of you? Are you married? Any kids? Didn't they tell you all about me? I'm sorry to be a nuisance to you, but I'm not that keen about being with you either. So show me how to do this damn job and no hard feelings. -No hard feelings? -It's just an expression. Listen up... Willy. Do you know why I called you Willy? Do you? Fuck, I have to drag things out of you with pliers. It's easy. I ask you a question. If you know, say yes. Otherwise, say no. -Do you know or not? -No. -Didn't you watch Wile E. Coyote? -Yes. Wile E. Coyote thought he knew everything, but he didn't know shit. Then Road Runner came along... The ostrich, and he screwed him every time. He's not an ostrich. Then what? You a philosopher? What do you mean? You're in exactly the same situation I was in eight years ago, Willy. Except now I have a beautiful home and a wonderful family... and I'm a respectable person. I'm not married, I don't have kids, and I live on my own in a dump. Well, fewer expenses. You'll save money. When the firm went bankrupt, I did a series of short-term jobs. Short-term jobs? They're not called short-term jobs. They're shit-term jobs. Crap jobs. Unlike this one, where we take no crap. This is how it works... There are three stages to this job. The first stage is finding them, okay? You trace them, you get past all the filters, secretaries, assistants, etc. And then you pester them. But really pester. -Don't they report you for stalking? -We get reported all the time. Especially from people in the second stage. What's stage two? -Make them ashamed. -I'm not with you. It's obvious they're ashamed to be in deb. I'm ashamed too. You'll understand better when I show you. I have to recover a debt from one of these smart alecks. -May I? -Thanks. No, I haven't finished. -It's only the crust. -Get him another slice. -It's self-service in here. -No, this is enough. I know it's self-service, but can't you... No, I'm sorry, I can't. If you make an exception for us... you can keep the change. Get my friend a slice of pizza. Another cheese slice? -I said I was all set. -What kind do you want, cheese? -I don't want any more. -Well? Come on! -Cheese. -Right, cheese. Why did you do that? Didn't you enjoy having power over that girl for a moment? Be honest. -No, not one bit. -Pity. It would have helped. I'm not like you. You're not like me... If the debtors still refuse to pay up, you have to convince them some other way. -Understand? -If they don't have the money? The dead don't have money, they do. I don't have any money, but you beat me up. When I tell you they have the money, you have to believe me. But there must be people who are no longer-- They're not people. They're called "debtors." I'll introduce you to the poor wretches later. But these are crafty ones, okay? These have blood in them, and we have to get it out, okay? Here's your pizza. Nice! Thanks. Where's my change? -But you told me I-- -What'd I say? The pizza costs a few euros at most. -Do you want an 18-euro tip? -No, here's your change. I'm teasing. I said you could keep the change. Thanks a lot. A couple of napkins. If you can, fetch me a couple of paper napkins. Here we are. -Here. -Thanks a lot. Here you are. Come on, it'll go cold. Eat your pizza. She's pretty. -I'm not hungry anymore. -You're not hungry? Okay, I'll eat it. We'll have some fun. Let's get down to business. And he's the one who should be ashamed? The engineer will leave through that door. Know how I know? -You've been studying him. -Well done, Willy. Well done. He's meeting the councilor. They're going out to lunch at 1:30, at that restaurant. Here they are now. Follow me. Nice and calm. Nice and calm, Willy. -Mr. Caprera! -Leave us alone. Of course I'll leave you alone. But not before... you pay off your debt to my client's company-- -I don't know you! Go away! -For 95,000 euros... borrowed in June 2013. -Know him? -Never seen him before. That's not true. Mr. Caprera, I've been to see you three times! We can't make it. We'll call you another time. -And we spoke... -We'll call you. ...about this outstanding debt Mr. Caprera still hasn't paid. This 95,000 euro debt. This loan was taken out in 2013! -Mr. Caprera! -Bastard! Stop following me! I'll stop following you, but not before you pay off the debt you owe my client-- If you don't stop, I'll call the police! Of course. We aren't doing anything illegal. I will be happy to talk to the police force about your outstanding debt with my client's company-- -Go to hell! -Since June 2013! Mr. Caprera! You've owed this debt since June 2013, to my client's company, a total of 95,000 euros! Mr. Caprera! Hold this a sec. -Do you smoke? -Yes. There we go. Now what? Now... we have to let him think he's shaken us off. What do you think? It's crazy. You're pillorying him. Pillorying? What do you mean? I'm shaming him. -Does it work? -More than you can imagine. -You didn't do that to me, though. -So what? You're a poor wretch, Willy. It's different. Come on, let's go in. Are you coming? Get rid of that cigarette. Sit down where I tell you. May I? Thank you. Mr. Caprera, I'm here to remind you -of your outstanding debt with-- -Please! Do you want to ruin me? Do I want to ruin you? You're joking, aren't you? Please, I'm waiting for an important person. Mr. Caprera, I am here to remind you of your debt. Here's the councilor now. What do I do? Stay here or leave you alone? We'll talk. We'll talk about it. Now go! -Mr. Caprera, hello. -Mr. Cherubini, how are you? -Fine, and you? -Everything's fine. -Please, have a seat. -Thank you. -I'll be right with you. -Good. Okay, come to my office tomorrow morning, and we'll discuss how I'm going to pay off the debt. You have my word. Your word! What do you reckon, Willy... can we accept the word of a debtor? It's the last thing a debtor has left, his word. He would be stupid to risk that too, right? It would be stupid. Let's go. It's not too late to change your mind. This is one step further, Guido. Do you understand? -You're not convinced. -I am convinced, I told you. I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll do it! -Give me that thing. Give me that thing! -It's not a game! It's not a game, Guido. Here. Hide it behind your back, understand? Approach him with your head down. Keep your head down. Then you ask, "Got a light?" or something like that. Then you know what you have to do. He's turned the light off. He's coming out. Do you feel up to it? Go on. Go on, go on! Got a light? Remember your debt. Come on, come on! Fuck, you did it! You really did it. -What the fuck have I done? -Fucking hell! Fuck, you were spot on! A neat, accurate job. you were amazing! No, I wasn't. I wasn't. All right, all right! Let's go and celebrate. -We'll buy a nice bottle. -Pull over, let me out. -Let you out? What do you mean? -I want to get out. Stop. -Let me out! -Fuck you! Get out then! Where the fuck are you going? What an asshole! Come on, you did a great job. Leave me here. I'll see you tomorrow. Guido! Hi! -Hi. -I'll buy you a coffee. -Normal? -Yes. -Good evening. -Hi. -Let's sit. -I'm in a hurry. I just wanted a word. -How's your mother? -The usual aches and pains. Listen, Guido, you're four months behind. -Here's your coffee. -Perfect. Thanks. -Sugar. -Thanks. I'm going outside to smoke. -If you need anything... -Thanks. I haven't raised rent like everyone else has. But I rely on that money. I've found another job. Give me more time. I'll pay. I'll give you two weeks. Please give me a bit longer. I swear I'll pay you. Really. Goodbye. -Here you are. -No, thanks. I'm broke. It's on the house. Viktor called. He's not coming back yet. -Sorry to hear that. -You're sorry? Okay. I have to call my sister... and tell her I can't leave yet. You have a sister? I want to live in Hamburg with her. -All the people I know want to leave here. -Why, don't you want to? -No, it's the same to me. -Don't you have anyone? -Who? No. -I don't know... A wife, a child, a cat. The professor. -Who's the professor? -A friend, a neighbor. -Does he come to the bar? -No. He hasn't set foot in here since they removed the snooker table. -And you're fond of the professor? -Yes. He's totally crazy. -The professor doesn't count. -What do you mean? Then no. I don't have anyone. Do you really want to leave? Why should I stay? I don't feel at home in Italy. And the people are resigned and sad. And I don't want to become sad too. Go on! Go on! Go on, go on! -Mr. Fantinari. -Yes, that's right. Who are you? I'm here to remind you of your debt of 80,000 euros that you owe my client. -How do you intend to pay it off? -I don't have debts, I take out loans. I have a business to run. I keep an eye on my loans. If you don't leave me alone, I'll call my lawyers, and they'll bust your ass. I have an appointment now, because I have a real job. Is that clear? What the fuck are you doing? Are you letting him go? -What do I do? -You messed up. Come on. Mr. Fantinari, you can hide as much as you want, but I'll find you. And if you don't intend to pay, my client will get the money back one way or another. No, aim for my weak spot. More determined! Start again! A man can't change his face. You're like those working-class paupers who buy a nice new suit believing they've covered the stink, but they haven't. It's written all over their faces that they're poor wretches... Mr. Fantinari. That's better. -Franco, here are your beers. -Thanks, Fabrizio. What are you looking at? This is no place for poor wretches like you. Do it again! Let me hear it more determined. I want to see bloodshot eyes! -Mr. Fantinari! -Louder! -Mr. Fantinari! -Come on! Mr. Fantinari! -Mr. Fantinari! -Not again! I'm here to allow you to pay off -your debt of 80,000 euros... -I don't believe it! ...that you borrowed from my client in July 2010! -Who are these guys? -Who are they? Madmen! A couple of madmen! They've been pestering me all day. I told you, they're madmen! A pair of clowns, in fact. Guys, I've had enough for today. We want Mr. Fantinari to settle the debt of 80,000 euros he borrowed from my client in July 2010. So, Mr. Fantinari, how do you intend to settle-- Listen, you've gone too far now! What the fuck? There's worse. They usually punch you. -Go after him! -Mr. Fantinari! How do you intend to settle your debt of 80,000 euros...? Forgive us, gentlemen. My regards. You can't walk on the green. Yes. -Hi, Ernesto. -Good morning. -What are you doing? -Cutting the hedge. I've been here since this morning. I'll get some help next time. Mr. Fantinari! I'm here to remind you about the loan you took out with my client in July 2010. Not here too! Enough! This is my home! It's private property! -Public sidewalk. -I don't give a damn! It's my home! It's private property! -What's going on? -Paola... Your husband takes out loans and doesn't pay them back. Eighty thousand euros. Did you know your husband was insolvent? -Who are they? -Let's go inside. What do they want? Don't you see it's the bank that owes me money? Not me who owes them. We're not from the bank. Give me money. -Let's go inside. -No, I want to know what they want. It's okay. Is this enough to pay your kid's keep for a few days? Here, champ. We'll take care of you. Okay... Okay... Let's go! Outstanding! You were amazing! -You were amazing! I'm speechless. -Then drive. If we don't stop, celebrate, and have a drink, I'll abandon you here. Got that? You can go to Fantinari's for dinner. They'll welcome you with open arms. -You're such a bastard! -Aren't you? It would seem so. Nice, eh? Where are you going, girls? Hi. Good evening. -Where are you going? -Inside. What's your name? -Ilda. -Ilda? Let's go. -We have to go. -Let's get a drink. -No, they're waiting inside. -Who? -Our boyfriends. -Your boyfriends? -You have no taste in men. -Bye. Have a nice evening. You have a nice evening too. Bye, Ilda! Pretty, eh? You're having fun! -You're having fun. -I'm having fun? You're not a shit. You're a little shit. A little shit... Want some real fun? -Yes. -Come on! Go screw yourself! Fuck off! Bruno, you've unloaded pallet A3 into the wrong storeroom! I did tell you! Ren, quit buzzing round that cage. Get a move on, please! Move it! How long did you stick it out with this swine? Too long. Did he treat you like that too? Wait a sec. Are you afraid to dirty your hands? Come on, hurry up. What the fuck are you doing? Guido, put me down, please! Guido! Stop fucking laughing! Put me down! Guido! Guido, fuck! Guido! Don't... Guido, put me down! You were right, boss, I'm not cut out for this job. Guido! In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Tell me, my son, how have you sinned? I have argued with my wife a couple of times. -In front of the children? -No! Never in front of the kids. Anything else? I stole a newspaper from a rest stop. I don't even know why. Yes. What else? I treated a waitress badly. -Did you lose your temper? -No. I enjoyed it. I didn't feel guilty. The fact that you're telling me now means you do feel guilty. Nothing else? Not that I remember. If you forgive yourself, God too, through his humble servant, will forgive you. For penance, say one Our Father. Got a light, please? Remember to pay your debts. -Go on, take it. -No. I know you need it. Come on! Thanks. -See you tomorrow. -Bye. Show more respect! That's enough! -Hey! -Don't touch it! -Leave me alone, boys. -Professor, come with me. Leave him alone. Look who's here! You're coming up in the world. You've forgotten your old friend. I haven't. It's just... things are a little complicated right now. -Did you win today, Professor? -Why, do I usually lose? Thanks for the loan. I can pay you back now. What's this? -Can't you accept a gift from a friend? -I prefer to pay you back. Have you changed? Guido? Professor... -Come on, come inside. -Some other time, Professor. -Here! -What's wrong, Guido? -How's work going? -The warehouse job is fine. Guido, why are you telling lies? Last night, I finally realized how you can do it. How you can do what? Be inside! The system, obviously! To be inside the system... you have to have a bit of the system inside you. It's the only way. Otherwise, they're just clumsy attempts. -Hi. -Hi. Let's go somewhere. We're in a good mood tonight. -Come on! Have you eaten? -No. I'll buy you dinner. -Now? -Yes, now. I can't. How can I? What are you doing? -Excuse me. We're about to close. -Is it 2:00 already? -It's past 2:00. -I'll be off, then. Fuck. -There's no one left. -No. Let's go. I'll close the shutters. -Let's go. -Coming. Thanks. -We're eating here? -Of course. Come on. -Pick a table. -Over there. -Isn't it nice? -Yes. I closed early today. Viktor deserves it for postponing his return again. -Yes. -So you'll be staying longer? -Do you mind? -Very. Sorry, the kitchen is closed. -No! How come? -I'm sorry. All right. Look, I wanted to bring this young lady to a nice place. Something simple will do. -We're closed. I'm sorry. -It's all right. Let's go. -Even something cold will do. -I can't. I'm sorry. There's a pizzeria nearby. A pizzeria? We don't want a pizzeria. -Guido, that's enough. Let's go. -Okay, I get it. -Sir, you're embarrassing me. -Don't be silly. You're the waiter. Take this money, and bring us something to eat. What are you doing? Rina. -Where are you going? -I'm seeing you in. -Want to have a drink? -The bar's closed. -Come on, just one. -What's this? Offering me a tip, too? -Can't we take these off? -Take them off? No. Why not? Because we look scarier like this. So, which do you prefer? -Metallic gray or red? -I don't know. You must have a preference. -Metallic gray. -Metallic gray? You've no fucking idea about cars. Red's better. No? -Here he is. -What do we do? What we do is... wave and smile, okay? See how scary we are? Red's better, isn't it? -Are you sure it's him? -The file says "fish farm." How much does he owe? How much? Too much for him. What if the bank's got it wrong? You know what? Fuck the fish! Fancy a game? Are you any good? I bet you played with dolls when you were a kid. Or hopscotch, eh? The first to score wins. Shall we play for who buys lunch? Are you ready? What the fuck! No, that's cheating! You can pay this time. I haven't seen you in ages. I've been very busy. You're a liar. You won't get away with it that easily. I never lie. Who was that girl I saw? What girl? Don't act smart with me. I saw her leave here the other day. Who was she? -An old friend. -Really? What was she doing here at that hour? It's none of your business. Go back in there. I have work to do. I certainly won't! You merely have to say your bank has nothing to do with their debts now. They can come and complain to us. All right. But, of course, I'll check it myself. Goodbye, sir. Goodbye. Hear that? They act like saints because someone complains. But when we buy debts off them, they keep quiet. Listen, put a bit of pressure on our lady friend next time. It will be a pleasure. Tell me about the new guy. -Rabaglia, right? -Yes. -What's he like? -He's good. He's really good. -Guido. -Hi. Welcome. -Thanks. -Thanks. It's nice here. Yes, it's one of the best areas in Rome. The air's clean. It's behind the cemetery. We don't discuss work at home. Put that here. Darling! Hi. -This is Guido! -Guido, at last! Nice to meet you. Dorota. Franco talks about you all the time. Oh, please. -Look what he's brought. -Thank you. -Give it to me! -Kids! Kids, come and say hello to Guido. Kids! Want some wine? -Yes, please. -Of course. -Thanks. -Here we are. -Do you have kids? -No. -Are you married? -No. -She'll ask for your fingerprints next. -Sorry. -Come on, kids. -Just a sec. -Can we play after dinner? -Of course. After you've done your homework. -I've done mine. -So have I. -No, you haven't. -Cheers! Thanks. -You have a lovely family, you know. -Thanks. I wanted to thank you for today. It's done me good. There's no need to thank me. If you can't spend a day with friends... Because we are friends... I want to show you something. I wish to officially notify you... that your debt has been paid off. Here. It wasn't easy. I had to work hard at it, Willy. Your debt is with me now. I thought we were friends. Of course. He asked me to give you this too. Stay with us, and this will be your monthly wage. You'll have to become self-sufficient. I'll take you to the bank tomorrow. -The bank? -The bank. Where do you think we get our debtors from? Do you accept? And this man owes us 50,000 for a debt run up in 2010, a construction company that went bankrupt once. He's crafty, but he has the money. Four percent. Let's hope the debt is real this time. Last time with Fantinari, we got into a legal dispute. Okay, four percent. You're being trained by one of the best in the field. I know. -He'll be teaching me the trade soon. -Yeah, right. The total amount. -Can you give me Rinaldi's file? -Rinaldi. Here it is. Is this where we're going? Not to the ex-factory girl? No. We're going to Rinaldi's first. It's a case I've been putting off for days. I thought you worked part-time in a restaurant, Mr. Rinaldi? -I thought we'd be able to retain a fifth. -They're already taking a fifth. -I see. -I earn 600 euros a month, and they take off 120. And we have to live off 480 euros a month. With two kids! Can't you see how we live? Don't you have any income? No, I lost my job two years ago, and I haven't found another. -Any property? -No. -A relative? -Nothing! Nothing at all! Don't be like that, Mr. Rinaldi, or you'll make me change my mind. What do you mean? I don't understand. I was thinking... of declaring... your debit irrecoverable. Forgive me, what does that mean? That you will cancel our debt? I believe, considering your circumstances, that you're unable to pay off even a part of your debt. Listen, I'm ashamed, you know. I'm really ashamed... I don't care how ashamed you are, Mr. Rinaldi. Though, not paying your debts is something to be ashamed of. Yes... Well... I was expecting a little gratitude, at least. Of course. I expected at least... that you treat me and my colleague to a nice meal. And you... how much do you need for a nice meal? One hundred euro? One hundred-fifty? Two hundred euro? Huh, Guido? I reckon 200 euros will cover it. Let's make it 200. -Here. -No, give it to my colleague. There. Is that not enough, Guido? If not, look around. There might be something we can take. All right. Two hundred euros will do. But I want that too. Yes. No, you've got the wrong idea. I'll leave you the frame. I want the photograph. The photograph? Yes, these are my terms for writing off your debt. I want the photo. Because I want to keep... a picture... of you... smiling. Turn around. Tell me if they're at the window. Yes, they're clearly looking out of the window. It costs me to write off their debt. It has to cost them something, too. -And what do you do, Mrs. Lorace? -I work for a cleaning company. You clean stairways in apartment blocks? I see. Here it says you live with Mr. Sergio Listri. -Is that right? -Yes. Do you contribute to the household expenses? When I can. Because here it says your situation is really... bad, disastrous, complex. What do you say, Guido? Well, Mrs. Lorace is... -having a hard time right now, maybe-- -Mrs. Lorace... your debt amounts to 15,800 euros... with which you bought a car. -How are you going to pay off this debt? -I don't know. I can't right now. -I needed the car for-- -I know, you needed the car. Everyone needs a car. But you have this relative... Ilenia Lorace, who has an apartment in the Avellino area. My aunt has nothing to do with it. -You can't do that. -No, you're wrong. I believe we can. She's the only relative in the family estate. We can do that, can't we, Guido? Of course we can. Can you really lose a house because of a car? Of course not, but she fell for it. -But you were saying... -What? We scared her. She believed us. You once asked me what the hardest part of this job was. This is it. Don't let yourself get involved! This is a businessman in telecommunications. He had a share in Edocom. Just imagine. He's only been in trouble for a few years, but I'm sure he has money. We'll aim for a 60 percent settlement. -Mr. Paladini? -Yes? We're from Cobufin. We spoke on the phone this morning. Third floor. -Are you okay? -Yes, I'm fine. Go back to bed. Be right there. Don't stay up late. I'm fine, yes... What's the matter? What's up? What's up? What's wrong? Guido? What's wrong? Will you tell me what happened? I've done some terrible things. What did you do that was so bad? Things... Wicked things. Really wicked things. Really wicked? Well? Isn't it fabulous? It's a real gem, see? They didn't have it in red. I slept so well last night! I feel full of energy, like a lion. -Where are we going? -To persuade a guy who lives in my area. Fill your lungs! Breathe in! Smell that fresh air! The other day, you were over there. My house is behind there. Can you see that row of cypress trees? Look to the right, to the roofs of those apartment blocks. In there. That's where my home is. -Guido! -Professor! Do you know him? Who is he? -You father? Uncle? A friend? -Yes, he's a friend. Get in the car. Leave it to me. -You mustn't touch him! -I won't. -Wait in the car! -What are you doing here, Guido? -Wait, there must be some mistake. -What mistake? The professor asked for a loan to renovate his lovely home. And now he won't pay it back. That's all, you see? -He hangs up when I phone him. Right? -Now I know who you are. Hello. -Hello. -There's a mistake. His house isn't lovely. It's a dump like mine. Sorry. -That's all right. -What did you do with your loan, then? Guido, will you explain? What are you doing? -Are you with these corpse carriers? -"Corpse carriers"? -Weren't you working at the warehouse? -He doesn't work at the warehouse anymore. Listen to me a minute. Franco... What did he do with 20,000 euros? I won't listen! -Where are the 20,000 euros? -Do you know... you're really annoying? I am? I'm going to ruin you. We're going to ruin you! I want you to tell me what you did with the loan. My wife was ill. But it seems a bank considers it more reasonable to invest money on flooring than pay for medical treatment. -What does it matter to you? -It does matter! It matters a lot. I'm sorry to hear about your wife. I'll say an Our Father for her, a Hail Mary, -but you have to pay up. -Do you mind if I digress a moment? Towards the end of the 1400s, you would not have been allowed to recite the Lord's Prayer. It was customary that creditors could not pronounce the words "as we forgive our debtors" without really doing so. He would have been considered a liar, an impostor. -Please... -A braggart! I mean no offense. Just putting things straight. The position of things is important. -You know, in math, fractals... -Professor, wait. Please, just a second... -What now? -Can't you see he's just a crazy old man? -He politically analyzes snooker. -You're pissing me off. -Pay us back! You have the money! -I don't have the money! You do have money! You have a pension of 640 euros! Now let's sit down and see how we can go about it. Guido, tell him, please! What can we do? I hope he's not offended by what I said. What do I do? Where do you fit in with these people? Don't worry, professor. I'll take care of it. How will I pay him out of 640 euros? -Is this your wife? -No, you can't do that! -Guido! Leave it! -Is this her? -Get off! What the fuck! -What the fuck are you doing? -Here, go away. You're no longer in debt. -No? -We've done it before. Free him too. -How fucking dare you, you little shit! -Leave him alone now! -No, stop! Take this paper! -I'll settle it! -I don't want it. You can keep it. You're one of those people who are worthless, who aren't worth shit. Keep that paper! You can go now. You're free! But it costs me to write off debts! Fuck you, Guido. -Go home. -Will you come too? -No, go home. We'll talk later. -Please... -Professor! Go home! -Come with me, Guido. Franco! Go away, or else... Wait! I don't believe it! I got you out of trouble. I taught you the trade. I offered you my friendship. Wait, damn it! I invited you to my home. Wait for me. I let you meet my kids! And he acts the hero. He writes off his friend's debt and feels so kind. -What the fuck are you saying? -You beat a man up just three days ago. And you were right to because that's how the job works. -This isn't a job! -What is it? A perversion, an anomaly, shit. But it's not a job. -You didn't have qualms before. -What do you know about my qualms? I know it didn't stop you from humiliating a man before his son. And now you act so pure because it's someone you know. He's a poor old man, a friend! Are you such shit that you can't see that? Do you really think I don't want to write your friend's debt off? Do you really think I want to squeeze some money out of that pathetic old man who's dead? Because they're all dead in here. They're all dead in here! Look at all these debtors! We buy them, but they're dead, they're already dead! You and I are already dead! I've tried... but I can't do it. I'm not like you. -You can say that again. -You're pathetic. You convince yourself that they're crafty, loaded with money. Pathetic. I don't give a damn. I do my job and go home composed, be assured of that! I placed my trust in you. Go on. Fuck you, Willy! Viktor. Hey, Guido! -Where's Rina? -Rina? On a plane. She flew out today. Sit down. Be right with you. Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, amen. FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS |
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