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Noces (2016)
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A WEDDING Inspired by true events. - Does it have a soul? - I don't know how to answer that. - They say before forty days, it has no soul. - I don't know how to answer that. - Is its heart beating? - Yes. - It's already beating? - That's right. You still have seven weeks to think it over. - It won't change in seven weeks? - Of course it will. But we can still do it. After twelve weeks, we can no longer intervene. But that's just it... What if I still want this after twelve weeks? We'll arrange for you to go to Holland. - You can do it in Holland? - Yes, up to eighteen weeks. They're very competent. Do you speak Dutch? - A little. - You'll be fine. - It'll be more expensive. - How much? Excluding travel costs and other expenses, 800 euros. 800 euros. And here? If you have insurance, it's 3.50 euros. - 3.50 euros for everything? - Yes. For the insurance forms, it mustn't go on record. No one will know. Even if anyone intervenes, your privacy is protected. - Your parents will never know. - They're not the problem. I respect doctor-patient confidentiality, as does everyone here. I wanted to ask you... - Have you done this before? - What do you mean? Have you ever been in my situation? Why do you ask? I don't know. Do you consider it serious? To take out a baby? It's not a baby, it's an embryo. We take out an embryo. I think it's serious. - Wednesday. - Can't they do it earlier? No, you need a week between the first meeting and the operation. - Never less. - Why? To make sure that this is what I really want. Normally, it takes even longer, but I insisted on doing it quickly. OK. I have a Pakistani inside me. I know. It's Pakistani, a Muslim. I know. Zahira, I know. When are you working in the shop? - Tomorrow. - OK, tomorrow's good. We agreed. You'll talk to him tomorrow. We'll see. Alright. Promise you'll talk to him. Promise. I'll talk to him. Happy? That's it. Just a bit more. Gently. Add the spices. Not too much. Looks good. Just a moment, Fares. This is important. Zahira's very first biryani. We'll see. We haven't tasted it yet. Wait. No, it's alright. Yes, if all goes well. They think the operation is Wednesday. But I'm not going. Yes, I understand. OK, tomorrow after class. At five. Tariq? There's still a chance. How much will it cost? 3.50 euros. - What? - I know, it's crazy. My cardiologist costs 100 euros. He found the name for what I have. The syndrome... - Brugada. - That's it. Brugada syndrome. 100 euros. - Dad? - Yes. Zahira wants you to meet Tariq. Why? She says it's important. He's the kid's father. There is no kid. But... They're willing to get married. Tariq is a Muslim. He's Pakistani. That changes everything. - What are you playing at? - Nothing. I just want things to work out. Wednesday will be a start. That'll sort out her life. - And Hina? - What about Hina? What does Hina think? If she knew, she'd agree with us. - I don't think you fully understand. - I do understand. I understand, but I also understand Zahira. You understand her? Yes, I understand her perfectly. - You do? - Yes. You'll be late for school. I spoke to him but he won't hear of it. - Do you agree with him? - What? Do you agree or are you scared of him? It's not that I agree, but I do understand him. You know how he is. You're on his side? No, that's not it. What will you do without your family? - Zahira, you'll be alone... - I'm not alone. I've got Tariq. Tariq? - Hello. - Hello. Do you know how lucky you are? Lucky? Of course. If you go on Wednesday, everything will work out fine. In another family, it'd be much worse. I'm not going. If you don't, it'll be bad. Do you hear me? Think about what you're doing. It'll be bad. - Will you always be there for me? - Of course. Promise me. I'll always be there for you. - Alright? - Yes. Catch your breath, teacher's late. Well, Miss Zahira. You're running late. You still haven't learned the importance of punctuality. Without punctuality, human potential is wasted. What good is talent and intelligence if you're not reliable? - And if you're late... - You're not reliable. It's our turn, Tariq. Our turn, our life. It's now. - It's your decision? - Yes. - Not your family's? - No. I don't want this. If we don't keep it... it's over between us. Do you understand? I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. - Can I see the screen? - Why? - I don't know. - It's very technical, you know. - Can we see... - Are you sure this is what you want? Yes. I'm going to disinfect you. Will someone pick you up? - My brother's waiting for me. - Good. - Will you be able to rest tomorrow? - Yes. When can I go back to school? In a couple of days. Where does it go? - What? - Well, the baby. What do you mean? Once you take it out, where does it go? Miss, it's not a baby. OK, but where does it go? Everything we extract is placed in a plastic bag which is then frozen. Frozen. The bag will go to a company specialized in the burning of medical waste. Burning. Can we just wait a moment? - Wait? - Yes. - Just a while. - As you wish. I think... I'd rather stop. Are you sure? Yes. I'm sorry... Don't worry about us. It's no problem at all. Thank you. Zahira? - Where were you? - I'm right here. I called twenty-five times. - You didn't answer. - I'm here. Did it go OK? - Did it hurt? - Not really. Are you OK? Daughter, your mother and I... didn't know each other either. And look. I was stressed on our wedding day, like a madman. What's she like? Pretty? Will I like her? I was in the same state. That evening, I made her laugh. It was wonderful. One of the greatest nights of my life. Here, you can choose. Other families aren't like this. Here, you have the choice. After the mess you made, everything can still work out. This is an incredible opportunity, Zahira. And you'll be able to talk to them. We'll arrange all this. - I'm going to Pakistan? - No, no. - They're coming here then? - No. You'll see them online. OK. We have to keep up with the times. Hi, three mojitos and a sparkling water. - Lemon or lime? - Lime. Thanks. - Bye. - Bye. Did you tell him I'd be here? - Maybe. - But I didn't ask you. I haven't committed a crime. Neither has he. No, neither has he. Here, this is for you. - Cheers. - Cheers. Are you alright? - Please, get up. - It's OK, I'll stay down here with you. Please, get up. - Are you sure? - Yes. We have to go. - Why? - I'll explain later. - Why are we leaving? - I'll tell you later. Why aren't you allowed to go out? It's tradition. - But your brother goes out. - Yes. So, tradition says: "No nightclubs for Zahira"? If you like. Does tradition also say: "No Ardennes for Zahira"? I reckon so. That's a shame. My uncle has a place in the Ardennes. Well, that's tradition for you. Right. Tradition is useful when I feel like saying "no". I'll be off then. Thanks. That made my night. Good luck. This one's a sort of Pakistani Freddy Mercury. Jeez, even the third one. He's the worst of all. Here. - Why not buy some time? - How? Just do what they want. What are they asking you to do? Talk to all three, get to know them. Well, do it. When do you talk to the first one? Tonight or tomorrow. You'll work it out. - I don't know. - But you can't marry one of those guys. Drop it, Aurore. What would you know? - Don't chew me out. - No, sorry. - Did you know I spoke to Imran? - Imran? Who's he? My future husband, for your information. A cousin from back home, in the photos. - When did you talk to him? - Last night on Skype. Mum woke me up for it. - And? - And? It was horrible. You don't like him? No, I don't. Of course I don't. - What do other girls do? - I don't know. And I don't give a damn. You're the only one. - Only you resist. - Yes, I resist. Of course I resist. Did you see what Mum was like when she heard you were pregnant? And Dad, with his heart? They're your family, Zahira. God is watching you. God is watching us all. Look at Hina. Does she seem unhappy? Zahira? Is Hina unhappy? Follow your sister's example. You take after her in every other way, but not this. Is Hina weak? Does she have no character? You're the only one. Only you. Everything alright? Fine. Leave the phone alone, Amara. Put it down. I'm very happy. The big moment has arrived. I can finally give you this. Go and try it on in your room. Hello. Hello. How are you? I don't know... I don't know what to say. You're very... You're very pretty. What do you like? What do I like? Yes. I like watching films. Me too. Just a moment. There. Can I just ask... How come you speak French? We lived with my uncle in France, for fifteen years. He still speaks French with me. Do you speak Pakistani? Yes, of course. You are very beautiful. I wanted to tell you... I have to tell you... It's important. As soon as I saw your photo... What photo? Your mother sent me a photo of you. When I saw it, I knew. You knew what? I knew that I love you. I love you. Just by touching the photo... It's hard to say, but... I know that I love you. Mum's here. - It's done. She's chosen Adnan. - What? I'm telling you, Adnan is the one she has chosen. - For sure? - It's done, I'm telling you. Thank you, God. - Been there long? - No. You OK? I can't come on Friday. - OK, Saturday then. - No, I can't. - I don't want to. - You don't want to what? I don't want to. What? Have fun, hang out, see me? Exactly. I don't want to see you. You came to see me to say you don't want to see me. Right. So, you're giving me the elbow? Right. That makes sense. Yes, it does. What's wrong? We can't, Pierre. It's too dangerous. Dangerous? - You could get killed. - I see... - You wouldn't understand. - So now what? We let it go because you're scared? Yes? Turn off the light and go to bed. I have to wake you up earlier tomorrow. - Earlier? - So you can Skype with Adnan. Now's the time to tell him. Tell Adnan? Yes. He couldn't do it later. He has to go to work. What couldn't he do later? Don't make me repeat myself. You know what I mean. But I haven't decided. Adnan is the one you chose. No. I don't like any of them. None of them. I don't understand. You told me that Adnan was very nice. You said he was kind to you. Yes, he's very nice. He's the only one who speaks French. What's your problem? About the other two, you said: "I hate them." Don't take this lightly, Zahira. Adnan is the one you have chosen. Right? Yes. I'll say this one last time. To be totally clear. Imran was the first one you spoke to. The second was Tanver. The last one was Adnan. The one who is nice. The one who speaks French. The one you like best. Adnan's the one you like best. Yes. Perfect. Then Adnan it is. Yes. Tomorrow morning, you will talk to him on Skype. Is everything clear? Crystal clear. Good. It's time to sleep. - It's Zahira. She slept at Aurore's. - Thank God. I'll go get her. - Is she coming home? - Don't worry, I'll bring her back. - What did she say? - Dad, I'll handle this, OK? I spoke to my father. He'll be home later than expected. He won't be here until Wednesday. - Did you tell him? - Of course. Since my mother left, we've got plenty of room. I've got to thank you. It's Amir. I'll talk to him. Well? Well... She's not coming home. - What? What did she say? - She said... she'll come back if we don't force her to marry. And that she loves us. Is that all? Yes. She doesn't want to marry, Dad. If we want her to marry, she won't come home. What's wrong? Zahira's staying with Aurore. She doesn't want to marry. - What? - You heard me. She refuses to get married. My God. No. This can't be. Stop. Don't hurt yourself. Stop, Dad. What a shame. Stop. She'll be the death of us. Stop. She's the bane of our lives. This is Zahira. I can't answer right now... Stop it. This is Zahira. I can't answer right now... Stop it. They slammed doors as they returned, laughing loudly in the hall. They passed before you, insolent and spineless, smelling of wine. Once, I hid behind a door. It was early in the morning. We had just got up and they were returning. Polynices saw me. He was pale, his eyes shining, so handsome in his evening clothes. He said to me: "Oh, you're here?" He gave me a big paper flower he had brought home. And you kept that flower, didn't you? Last night, before you crept out, you looked at it for a time to give you courage, didn't you? Did you know your brother? I knew you would speak ill of him. Very good. You can sit back down. Now, you have one page to answer this simple question: In what ways did this great tragic heroine go beyond her time and place? You have one hour. Zahira. - You must come home. - Leave me alone. Your mother hasn't eaten since you left. Stop. You must stop. You. Aren't you ashamed? Ashamed for us? I'm telling you, Zahira. Either you come home or you die. Is that clear? Understand? Let go of her. Hey, calm down. Get off her. - What's going on here? - Stop this. Sir, who are you? - What got into him? - Nothing. - I'm going to call the police. - No, please don't. Please don't? Are you joking, Miss Kazim? - He won't do it again. - Won't he? I don't give a damn. He needs to know that people don't fight in the street here. If he does it again, then call the police. But just give him a chance. - A chance? - Yes, a chance. You can't understand. I know it seems incredible, but you can't understand. Please, don't. You can go back to class. Go back to class, Miss Kazim. What are you going to do? Go to class right now and it'll be better for everyone. What's wrong? Remember when I went for the abortion? I didn't go through with it. What? - What were you thinking? - I don't know. But it's my baby. I don't have the right to... I really don't know. - Do you realise? - Yes. Of course I do. - Can you still do it? - Not here. - But that's not the worst thing. - What is? Now it has a soul. It has a soul. What are you talking about? Where? Below to your right. At the bottom of the drawer. - What are you doing with that? - It was in there. It's loaded. What are you planning to do with that? - Nothing. It's the neighbourhood. - What do you mean? It's dangerous nowadays. - Dangerous? - Yes. Dangerous. Get the price tags. It's Andr. Zahira asked me to come. I figured as much. - I'm listening. - Zahira wants to work it out. So do we. The important thing is, she doesn't want to lose you. She loves her family, her brother and sisters. She holds nothing against you. She also says that when you get angry, you scare her. She never dares talk to you. She never has. She just wants this to be over. She knows what to do. She doesn't want to marry someone she hasn't chosen. This discussion doesn't make any sense. - This discussion is pointless, Andr. - Why? Why? I have a message for her, too. Tell her that if she doesn't marry, she'll lose everything. Everything. Her father, her mother, her big sister, her brother, her little sister. Everything. A Pakistani must marry a Pakistani. That's how it is. It's what everyone does. - There are exceptions. - No. - No exceptions? - None that I know of. Not even one in a thousand. And it won't be my daughter. But it's her life. Her life. - Put yourself in her shoes. - You do that? You put yourself in her shoes? Can you do that? - That's impressive. - I just want things to work out. I've watched Zahira grow up. I've always known her. I've seen all of your children grow up. Zahira can't stay with you. I don't agree to it. She's always done it. You've always agreed to it. Not anymore. But she'll come back home. Of course she will. - She's over 18, she can do what she wants. - Over 18? So what? I don't know. I understand how she's feeling. That's your thing. Understanding people. You've got it all worked out. You people know everything. And we are just crazy, huh? No, I never said that. And that's not what I think. See that street? How many unmarried women do you think live there? - How many? - I have no idea. On that street alone, there are at least fifteen. - Fifteen unmarried women. - So? That's more than in the whole of Pakistan. There are no single women in Pakistan. Do you think they're happy here? Don't you think they need a family? What does that have to do with it? I don't pester you about your unmarried women. They are unhappy. I know them. Some of them are customers. Do what you like with your unmarried women, your values, your traditions, your customs. Do whatever you like. But don't interfere with my daughter. She's my daughter, not yours. Got it? Https://t.me/RickyChannel Are you alright? Are you alright? - I'm fine... - Dad, are you OK? Some water. You'd better go now, Andr. It's for the best. I knew it would be like this. - What about your mother? - We had more of a chance with my father. She loves you. Of course she loves me. What do you think? My father loves me too. And I can't tell you how much Amir loves me. That's not the problem. My father can't go back to Pakistan. Why not? If he promises his daughter's hand but can't make her marry, he'll be rejected by the entire community. He can't go back. That's how it is. Can't they just not give a damn? No, they can't. If you don't save face, then it's death. Lose your honour, and you lose everything. What are you going to do? I don't know. I've got no idea. What are you doing here? Aurore's not here. She's at her mother's. Hello. Yes, I know. I saw her earlier. - Anyway, she's with Frank. - Really? Why are you here, then? I'm here because... I realised that I'm not scared of death. Is that so? - Doesn't it bother you leaving me out here? - No. I'm fine with it. I'm hot. I had a spare T-shirt but... I'd like to wash my hands too. - Got everything you need? - Yes, don't worry. Aurore has a really nice place. - You've never been here before? - No. - I'm coming out. - I'll go downstairs. Don't worry, I'm dressed. Aurore will be here in five minutes. I asked her to come back. OK. That's fine. She's coming with Frank. Fine. - Did you see it? - Yes. - What? - A shooting star. - Seriously? Did you see it? - Yes. - I missed it. - Shall we make a wish? - Can I do it if I didn't see it? - Sure. - I've never heard that rule. - Just chill. I'll make a wish anyway. Done. Done. Done. - Zahira? - Done too. - Aurore said you're leaving. - Yes. - For how long? - At least two years. - Australia, right? - Yes. Two years in Australia? Why the sudden interest? I'm not that interested. - Which city? - Sydney. They say it's the most beautiful city in the world. - You're definitely going? - I signed the contact. - You're not scared of leaving? - I'm more scared of staying. It can't be that bad, right? What's wrong? My baby sister. I know why you're here. I know. I know that you know. - Of course I do. - I'm in the right? Of course. But I don't want to. I came to tell you that I know how you're feeling. It's normal. You mustn't worry. Aurore? Hina. - It's been such a long time. - Yes. - How are you? - Fine. You? - Fine. - Can you stay? I don't know yet. It's all been a bit hectic. - Looks like Barcelona agrees with you. - You see. - Have you seen your parents? - I saw them earlier. Amara too. - She looks wonderful. - Your family is full of beautiful girls. I should go. - See you later. - OK. - See you later, I hope. - Me too. Don't look at me like that. And remember, all this, everything that's being asked of you, it seems difficult, but not doing it would be worse. Believe me, it'd be worse. Look at Abbas. You have no idea how much I love him. At first, I didn't want to. I really didn't, just like you. But now... The worst thing that could happen would be to lose him. I... I heard that... I have to have my hymen reconstructed? That's nothing. I had it done too. - Really? - Yes. - I didn't know. - You don't know everything. Mum and Dad didn't know. - What? - No. They never knew. Could you imagine Abbas? I'm happy you're telling me. But still, it's unfair. Unfair? Yes. Not just that, but the whole thing. Of course it's unfair. We're women. What do you think? But it's unfair. Everything is unfair in life, Zahira. Everything. There are men and there are women. Handsome men, beautiful women, ugly people. The rich and the poor. Healthy people, the sick, the disabled. Nothing is fair, ever. It doesn't exist. But if something's unfair, you have to fight it. You only fight if you can change things. And if they're worth changing. Otherwise, there's only one thing to do. Accept. If you can't see that, you create unhappiness. For everyone. The whole family, but especially you. To what end? Would you be happy? Without Amir? Without Amara? Without me? Without seeing us again? Can you imagine the shame? For Dad? For Mum? The misery they'd feel? Could you be happy like that? I'm thinking of you. I'm here for you. For you. Hey, look at me. I understand. I understand completely. Don't ever leave again. I won't, promise. - Are you hurt? - It's nothing. I marry you to Adnan Zaki, son of Haider Zaki. The dowry stands at two million rupees. Do you accept this marriage? Yes, I accept. I marry you to Adnan Zaki, son of Haider Zaki. The dowry stands at two million rupees. - Do you accept this marriage? - Yes, I accept. I marry you to Zahira Kazim, daughter of Mansoor Kazim. The dowry stands at two million rupees. - Do you accept this marriage? - Yes, I accept. This is my father. This is my mother. This is my sister. Zahira, congratulations. And these are my cousins. That's my family. Yes, it's done. The biggest mistake of my life. It's always the same. I fly in with no luggage and leave with a half a house. We'll see each other in a week. - You're coming back? - No. Weren't you told? I'm not going back to Barcelona. Where are you going? I'm going to Islamabad, then straight to the village. I'll be there in two days. What will you do there? I'll take care of the preparations. - It's lot of work. - What preparations? I thought you knew. For the ceremony. Your wedding ceremony. You knew this. There'll be 300 guests. We have a week to do everything. It's not really enough. - I didn't know. - You knew the wedding would be held there. It's more convenient for everyone. It's better for you, and Adnan too. - I didn't know it'd be now. - That's how it is. OK, let's go. Give Dad and Amara a kiss for me. I'm happy it all worked out. Take care. Why didn't you tell me? Why wasn't I told? What are you talking about? The ceremony in Pakistan. Zahira... you knew it would be held there. - I thought it would be later. - What difference does it make? I'm asking you. What difference does it make? None. This is very important. She already knows. She's known for a long time. - Are you sure? - Yes, certain. Will she still make the trip? Yes. She'll do it. What are you doing? Nothing. Let's go to bed. We have to be at the airport two hours in advance. - Did I give you your passport? - No, you wanted to keep it. You're right. It's Amir who has his passport. Why is it only us two leaving? Your father has to stay to watch the shop. He'll fly out next Sunday. Amir and Amara will come with him. Why are we leaving early? There's much preparation to be done. Don't worry. We'll make it in time. If I asked you to run away with me, what would you do? If I asked you to run away with me, right now, what would you do? Shall we go? I won't go. Don't come looking for me. Forgive me. Mum? Everything will be fine. - Don't worry. - What is it? Dad had a bad turn. - My God. He's not going to die. It'll be alright. Mum, it's going to be alright. Everything will be alright, Mum. He's not going to die. He's not going to die. - Is he OK? - Where are you? Tell me how he is. You have to come back. Seriously, how is he? He's fine. Fine. What about Mum and Amara? They're fine. You have to come back, Zahira. I have to go. Hello? Hello? How do you say neck? And ears? And lips? I know how to say something. - Go on. - I've wanted to say this for a long time. - Where did you learn that? - I did some research. OK, but I would say: - Is that "I don't love you"? - No. It's what a girl says. - What do you mean? - Girls say that. - But I won't say it to you. - Why not? Because I won't. Found your papers. Come 10 a.m. tomorrow. Amara. Will you be alone? Yes. If anything changes, I'll tell you. Miss you. Miss you too. See you tomorrow. Red envelopes, red paper... - A love letter? - That's all I could find. - Can I read it? - It's a love letter, so no. How is he? He's fine. We had a fright, but he's OK. That's good. - It's that syndrome... - Brugada syndrome. Nasty business. You shouldn't worry. It was a close call, but he should be fine now. - Is your mother OK? - Yes. - Your sisters? - Everyone's fine. Really, everything's fine. What do you know? I know everything's OK. Zahira is fine. - Do you... - That's all I know. Nothing more. - Can I help at all? - No, I don't think so. What can I do? I don't know. Tell me what to do. I honestly don't know. - What can I do? - Nothing at all. - I missed you. - I missed you too. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. What's wrong? - I can't stay. - Wait, Zahira. This is serious. I know it's serious. I know everything. You don't know everything. For us, it's over. It's over. - For Dad, Mum... - I know. - Amara, Hina... - I know. - Me too. - I know. Me, Zahira. If you know, why are you doing it? I'm leaving. Zahira. You're my baby sister. Https://t.me/RickyChannel DearAmir, I've decided to leave. I can't tell you where, but I promise that I'll keep you up-to-date. Time can heal everything. We have to wait. I hope Dad will get better. Give Mum a kiss from me, and one for Hina and Amara. She can have my teddy bears and my toiletries. I'm going to miss you all very much. I love you all. I love you. Zahira. |
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