- Can I help you? - I hear you've got some watermelons?
- So what? Is that a crime? - Depends.
Tell your father I'm on the level.
The mosque sent me. Nothing to do with my father.
The license?
- Expired. - I'll renew it.
Come and get it at the mosque.
Sorry, we couldn't talk at the bank.
How much can you pay now?
Now, nothing.
I need a small down payment.
Go for it! It's a great deal.
It'll be half the sum of the penalties to date.
And I can postpone your installments for two months.
It'll be New Year,
business will pick up. You'll sell your fish.
You pay the bank, you'll be done with it.
It's not going into my pocket.
The bank manager, his deputy,
the regional manager...
All taking a cut.
OK, I'll bring it tomorrow.
Today would be better. You save a day's interest.
Don't change your mind or you're sunk.
Come back tomorrow.
He's useless at everything.
Once he asked to go to the toilet.
He had money on him.
He had an idea and did what he wanted.
The Little Fish said: "Mum, I have to go."
Its mother asked:
"Where are you going so early?"
Don't worry about it.
Thank God you're in good health.
Money comes and goes.
We can always adapt.
You're young, you can work. You'll make up what you lost.
Do what you think is right.
Sahand! The pickup.
The pickup?
Yes, what's wrong with it?
Here, Reza.
- Need anything? - No.
Bye.
That's my final offer.
I want the money now.
It'll take a week to sell it.
I gave you the going price.
But knock off 300,000 and I'll buy it now, cash.
300,000?
I need money.
Like everybody. I need to make a living too.
What time's this to come? We're closing.
- Get into the car. - I don't have one.
What do you mean?
We can't talk here.
We'll go to mine.
Thanks a lot.
It's too much.
I changed my mind.
I'll pay the penalties.
You kidding me?
I've already talked to the manager.
Sorry.
I can't do it.
I thought you were in trouble.
I am, but I don't want to get out of it like this.
You don't want to get out at all more like.
You're in deep shit and you're arguing over a tip.
Are you scared?
Of what?
Don't worry. Nobody will know.
I'm not scared.
I don't pay bribes.
If it's like that...
Here, keep this.
Go on! Pay your penalties before it closes.
I'll go ahead.
POLICE STATION
What do you do with an unruly student who starts fights at school?
You punish him.
We warn him.
We did. It wasn't the first time.
My husband is calm. They must have goaded him.
There are laws in this country.
You can't just beat people to death.
The law should apply to everyone.
It does.
It's not that bad.
We'll keep him tonight. He'll see the judge tomorrow.
Asghari!
Take madam to her husband.
5 minutes.
Visitor.
Here's a change of clothes.
Why do you get at Abbas?
He's a nobody.
Leave him alone.
We had a fight. It happens.
Tongues will wag at school.
I'll pay a fine and be done with it.
Check the pond before leaving in the morning.
To make sure they haven't cut the water.
If they have, what do I do?
Time up!
I'll come to court tomorrow.
Wait.
I'd rather you didn't. I'll get by.
OK, bye.
Come in.
- Yes? - I need a letter.
What kind?
From the Council saying the Company shut off our water.
The Council doesn't interfere in private affairs.
Is the area's water private?
The Company supplies it as sees fit.
Of course water isn't a private issue.
But the Council didn't ask your husband to solve it!
So you won't support him?
I just told you,
we don't intervene in private disputes.
It's not private! They're lawless.
What do you suggest?
Write saying their acts of vandalism
are harming the water supply.
Listen,
we don't want problems with these people.
Heed my advice: go back to your school.
- Are you done, dear? - Almost.
Dinner's ready.
Guard!
What's up?
- Why are you freeing him and not me? - That your business?
Shut it.
Or you'll spend the night outside naked freezing them off.
You, beat it.
Get up.
Hands.
What have I done?
Asghari! Don't forget the report.
Yes, sir!
They're both released on bail.
Bail? I want to speak to the judge.
You already spoke and he saw the report.
- Why do you want to see him? - What report?
They've bribed the cops. I'm handcuffed like a murderer!
Better for you if the judge doesn't hear you.
There's no verdict yet.
Call your family for the bail.
Once you're out I promise you can talk to the judge.
There's no verdict.
I want to see the judge, but they say I have to wait.
In the meantime, I have to put up bail.
I don't know. Hold on...
Excuse me.
Is my wife's civil service pay slip OK?
A 50 million plus property title.
Before we close.
They want a deed worth 50 million.
Ours won't do. It's mortgaged.
I'll think of something, but we've only got two hours.
OK, see you later.
Mrs Daraï, office.
I need to go, it's urgent.
But your appointment with the mother.
- Who? - The expelled girl's.
Call her and sort it out. I'll see tomorrow.
OK. See you later.
- Sir! - It's closed!
- It isn't 2:30 yet. - It's closed.
Why?
It's 1:30.
- I've got the deed for my husband. - Tomorrow!
But my husband is in there!
He must have been transferred to prison.
Prison? He's done nothing! Open up!
I can't help you and there's nobody here.
Come back tomorrow.
I can't wait three days!
He shouldn't have done it then.
Who said he did it?
I'm just doing my job. 3 days to investigate, 3 to report!
Why is it so long?
- Can't you speed it up? - One week...
One week? To do what? I want to see your boss.
His office is on the first floor.
Hadis!
Wait!
Reza's caught. You think that'll help him?
Give it to me. Go wait in the car.
Done! They'll treat it as a priority.
We come at 9:30 tomorrow and we'll be done with it.
How did you do it?
How do you think?
You're back! It's done?
No.
He'll stay tonight too.
Why?
I don't know. Paperwork.
What's new?
The girl's mother came.
Which one?
The one you were supposed to see. The expelled girl.
Did you talk to her?
No, I'd rather you did it.
You could have done it.
To tell her what?
The poor woman was in a state...
Did she know?
To cry like that she must have.
And her daughter's so hard-working...
I'm sorry for the mother. I would really like to help.
How?
It seems an ad in the newspaper would do it.
Saying what?
They renounce their faith.
I imagine she doesn't want to.
It's not much to do.
For her daughter.
Give me the register.
If you don't bribe them you've no chance.
And they have to live too.
They've only got a civil servant's pay!
Reza wouldn't bribe them.
Even if I was in jail...
He'll learn.
When?
Life teaches everybody.
Some learn quick, others slow.
Some learn too much, others not enough.
"He'd become hot-tempered
"and...
"hot-tempered"
two words.
"And started yelling."
"Making the others
"avoid him..."
Go on. I'll be back.
Good morning, madam.
Sorry to disturb you. I'm Ziba's mother, your student.
Of course. Please...
You asked to see me, but weren't here yesterday.
Your assistant said I should speak to you.
I'm very worried.
I wanted to know what was wrong.
The authorities wrote to us about her.
She has to change schools.
To go where?
Yours is the only one here.
I know, but I've got no power to change an order.
Who does?
Who should I ask?
Who should I talk to?
As I said, it's an order from the authorities.
As the head teacher, I must carry it out.
Madam, we're neighbours.
Have we ever caused you any trouble?
What did we do wrong?
I don't know you.
But you know the situation.
Your daughter shouldn't talk about such things at school.
She must have talked.
What did she say?
And my husband?
Fired after 20 years with no compensation.
No college for my older daughter.
My son couldn't finish his studies.
What should I do?
It's like that here.
You should go someplace where nobody knows your religion.
Where?
Do you know where we come from?
Let's go in, dear.
It's done.
He'll be out in a few hours.
I'll pop in tomorrow.
I'll drop you off.
It's all right. Take a rest.
Thank you so much.
Bye.
RASHT DETENTION CENTER
For Sahand.
He thinks you were in Tehran for 4 days. Give him this.
He's at my brother's. He'll be back tonight.
Have a shower.
Reza!
Come here!
Sign.
What's the point of complaining?
You won't get anywhere...
These people are well connected.
Sell your farm and leave.
Try somewhere else.
Or they'll shut the water off.
And you can't do anything...
Better to sell today than tomorrow.
You shouldn't have fought them...
You don't have to sell.
Or to fight either.
This is Abbas's doing.
He's a bosses' man. He does what he's told.
He was told to poison the water.
Reza...
They want this land and you can't do a thing about it.
Don't be stubborn.
I'll make a complaint.
I'll get damages.
Take your family away.
If you sue now, it'll take a year to get compensated.
You have to pay back the loan in two months.
You want to pay a 36% penalty again on top of the loan?
I'll get what's my due.
You won't even be able to defend yourself.
- Here's the verdict. - Already?
Abbas's arm's broken?
You beat him up and you're asking me?
No, yet it's a police medical report.
They're all on the payroll. Judge, cops, police doctor...
Even the mayor.
You sold the car cheap to pay the bank.
To be done by New Year.
You were in jail, you have to compensate him, our fish are dead.
We've lost everything.
If you'd paid the banker,
this wouldn't have happened.
Reza, you have to do like them.
Find "friends",
bribe the judges.
Otherwise they'll crush you!
We'll sell the land
to pay the bank.
We'll even pay Abbas.
With what's left, we'll leave
We'll go elsewhere.
This house and land are all we've got.
We can't lose them.
It hasn't come to that yet.
There are other options.
Let me handle it.
If I fail, we'll sell to the Company.
If Abbas drops his claim,
we'll be OK thanks to the insurance.
I'll give private lessons,
you'll farm again, we'll get back on our feet.
Sit there.
Hello.
How are you?
Fine thanks, Madam.
Aren't you in 11th grade?
Yes, madam.
Why are you so small?
But you're pretty.
I read your file.
I see you're a good student, very intelligent.
How is your father?
Fine thanks.
Is his arm OK?
There was nothing wrong with it.
It wasn't broken?
No, Madam.
So it was fake?
You know why you're here?
No, Madam.
I want you to help me.
Men's pride can sometimes cause problems
that only women's intelligence can solve.
You know your father and my husband fought?
No, Madam.
Your father reported
my husband for a broken arm.
The court condemned us to pay him 13 million.
You know what your father did?
No, Madam.
Got a false certificate from a police doctor.
You admit that's not right?
Yes, madam.
Nobody should abuse their position.
Everybody might be tempted to.
Me, for example...
I could create problems for you, couldn't I?
I could, I'm the head teacher.
I can expel you, make you repeat a year.
Can't I?
Yes, madam.
Go tell your father we can't pay this sum.
Even if we could, we wouldn't be bullied.
Go talk to him and come back with good news.
Very well.
Off you go.
How did it go?
Is her family well off?
More or less.
Why is she so scrawny?
I'd like to talk to you about something.
I don't know if I can.
What?
Please, don't mess with these people.
Who?
The girl's father, Abbas.
And the Jafarabadis in general.
You and your husband aren't from here.
You don't know them.
They're a dirty lot.
Woe to whoever crosses them.
You know why the girl's so small?
She's 3 years younger than her papers!
They're her elder sister's.
Died aged 3.
Her father killed her, Abbas.
In a tribal fight, he smashed her against the ground.
Then he told the police it was the others.
And he won the case.
The guy was jailed and he got compensation.
I don't know what to say.
Forget them.
Reza...
Reza!
Pay them if you have to and be done with it.
If you don't dare, my brother can come with you.
It's fine.
I was away for 4 days. I can prove it.
I'm not saying you did it.
Look at the contract. It's your signature, no?
The exclusions clauses are there.
Robbery, disputes with neighbours, chemical contamination.
"Analysis results show
"that death was due to external contamination."
Meaning, deliberate.
So it wasn't an accident.
The insurance doesn't cover that.
And we can't do anything.
For you it's not an accident.
But my life is ruined.
Sir.
Sit down.
Don't lose your temper. You've suffered a loss.
You have to find who did it.
I understand you.
Is the boss there?
I've got an urgent request.
I need to see him.
I'll come back.
I know you're a decent family man.
You're in trouble.
I spoke to my boss. I found a solution.
There's an exception clause.
To apply it, you need two letters.
First, get one from the prison,
certifying you were incarcerated when it happened.
We know you weren't anymore, but we'll fix that.
Then go and see the electricity company.
Give the employee a tip to testify
there was a 10-hour power cut in the area that day.
With all that I'll go to the commission
and get a partial indemnity.
- Thanks. - You're welcome.
God has a solution for everything.
Excuse me...
How much do I owe you for your help?
Leave please. It doesn't matter.
Dad, did you know the Xbox can see us?
For example, if I pretend to hit you,
the Xbox shows it. Cool, isn't it?
- It's costly, dear. - Costly?
Yes, I asked.
Where did you see that?
One day mum was busy, and left me at my friend's.
- When you were in Tehran. - Tehran?
Ah yes, in Tehran.
Will you buy me it, dad?
We'll talk about it, angel.
I'll buy you it soon.
Please, no empty promises.
I'll buy him one.
No, Madam, nothing serious.
Just a chat.
As the head of the high school, she can talk to your daughter.
- It's not right. - What?
He won't let her come.
- Today? - No, never.
Put her on.
Hello?
She hung up.
Is she going to sue me?
No chance. They'll marry her, that's all.
Coward!
Hiding in your wife's skirts?
If she calls back you'll be sorry for the rest of your days.
How can I help you?
I want to sell my farm.
- This act is mortgaged. - Yes.
I took out a credit, two years ago.
I'll redeem the loan on the first payment.
No problem.
We'll make a contract with an initial payment,
that could help you.
But we need a letter of guarantee.
The remainder will be paid when the mortgage is lifted.
Abbas must withdraw his complaint.
It's a private affair. Nothing to do with the Company.
You did everything to get my farm.
Now I'm selling. Your guard has to withdraw his complaint.
Good morning, how are you?
Thanks.
It's about the property next to the site...
I spoke to the CEO.
Given your financial and personal situation,
the Company prefers not to make any commitment to you.
You're not buying?
As I said, it's not the right time.
My client is very sensitive about the Company's image.
He doesn't want it said that you were in need
and he took advantage, to devalue your property.
Is that your intention?
Not at all. But people gossip, you know.
Please.
I believe I've hurt you.
I'm sorry. I understand your situation.
To help you, I could buy it myself.
Of course I don't have the Company's means.
I can offer you 50% of their bid last year.
Here's my card.
Think about it and let me know.
We need a dependable guy on the Council,
who won't get corrupted.
The mayor's one of them.
They bought him.
I can't. I'm done in.
Accept and I'll look after everything.
For Abbas's compensation declare yourself bankrupt.
Your credit is public money.
Slip the employees something and they'll fix it.
Make a complaint for your fish and get damages.
You have to get at them.
Not let yourself get robbed.
Otherwise, they'll take our land.
You switched off your phone?
No more battery.
You couldn't have told me Abbas came here this morning?
So you'd come and protect me?
Everything you do comes back on us.
Sahand got in a fight at school.
What happened?
He hurt the police chief's son. He's in hospital.
He won't talk to me about it.
You have to go to the school tomorrow.
He's becoming another you.
Your wife is head of the girls' high school.
So we're colleagues.
And I know you.
Maybe you remember, when you came from Tehran,
we went to college together.
I was in the year ahead of you.
And then I've heard about your recent problems.
It's small here. Word gets around.
All that to say
I know what I'm talking about.
I'm listening.
Don't take this badly.
But your son seems badly brought up.
He's rebellious.
What makes you say that?
I told you.
I've got 10 years' experience.
I've been a teacher, supervisor
and head for short time.
You end up being a child psychologist.
He's never had this kind of problem before.
Let's hope it's the last time.
But he badly messed up one of his classmates.
Nine stitches all the same.
Sahand?
Your son.
I spoke to him.
He said he complained to the supervisor
about things this boy said.
Nothing was done.
He wasn't looking for a fight.
He was leaving when this boy blocked his path.
Sahand wanted to go past.
The other boy fell.
It was an accident.
That's what he told you.
Sahand never lies.
Asghari, 4th grade.
Asghari, head's office.
Our problem, is that every parent
thinks their child is perfect.
And they forget
that they're their first models.
I should teach him to turn the other cheek?
You haven't changed.
Just like at university.
You think you're a hero.
I'd even say you're still paying for your stupidity then.
You got expelled.
And now you're paddling in fish shit.
You come here your tail between your legs.
I have to tell you:
don't make this kid end up like you.
May I?
Come in, Asghari.
Describe how Sahand had a go at his classmate.
On my way home,
I saw Sahand hitting Ali.
I wanted to go and stop him.
He took a stone
and hit Ali with it.
If you can't apologise, I'll do it for you.
But I don't want to.
Your problem won't be solved till his father calls.
Apologize and be done.
You want to be expelled?
I have enough worries as it is. Don't add to them.
We'll go to the police station. You apologise to his father.
He'll call the head teacher and we'll be done with it.
Come on.
- I want to see the chief. - Why?
It's personal.
He's off on mission.
- Where? - The cemetery.
You can't go through.
- I want to see your boss. - He's busy.
- Will he be long? - No idea.
Can I wait here?
If you like. But I think it could take a while.
Asghari!
Thanks.
It's horrible since this morning.
What happened?
A non-Muslim woman died.
We're here to stop them burying her here.
She committed suicide.
A high school girl.
She was expelled and she killed herself.
Why not bury her here?
A non-Muslim can't be buried in a Muslim cemetery.
You afraid she gets a bye into paradise?
Careful. You're a Muslim, aren't you?
Get back!
The body returns to the morgue.
- Till when? - We'll tell you.
Stay there. You'll go back when it's settled.
Yes, sir.
- Hello. - What are you doing here?
I came with my son. To present our apologies.
He deserves a lesson. Bring him to the station.
Come on!
Armpits.
Torso.
Neck.
Wash well under the chin.
The ears.
Inside too.
Good. Now the face.
Harder.
And the shoulders.
The other.
Back of the neck.
The hair. Rub hard.
Come under the water.
Rub hard.
Rinse the soap from your ears.
You OK, son?
Hadis!
I didn't come to fight.
But to say sorry.
You're just a wimp.
Look out for your wife first, hanging around people.
Then come.
Beat it!
Reza!
You OK?
What happened?
Abbas is saying things about you.
What's he saying?
Where have you been hanging out?
What do you mean?
What the hell are you up to?
Don't talk to me like that.
Answer me! Where did he see you?
I went to Samavat's about school.
I forbid you to go to that bastard's!
It was for school I'm telling you.
Samavat is high up, influential, rich.
He's our last chance...
That jerk should stay out of my life!
You got us into this shit and you're complaining?
Why refuse help?
Why are you so stubborn?
You screwed up everything. That'll do!
Reza! I didn't know Abbas worked for Samavat.
Or even that Samavat was in the Company.
The school roof was leaking. I'd no budget.
He offered to help.
I went to get the check and ask his advice.
Reza!
Listen to me!
You know what?
You're taking it out on me. You can't cope.
It's always the same, you cause problems then disappear.
If you're not up to solving them, let me do it.
Compensation must be paid.
He's got the certificate. Nothing we can do.
A fake certificate.
His arm was never broken. I've a witness.
Proving it would cost you more than the compensation.
As for your complaint about the fish,
I see no solid proof.
It's a personal grudge. I can prove it.
You have to prove he killed your fish.
You got an eyewitness?
A surveillance camera?
Did he leave a trace?
Then you can't prove anything.
If I were you, I'd make peace with my neighbour.
I'd save my time, money and energy.
- Who's there? - Hello. It's Reza.
A friend of Omid.
He's no longer here.
Yes?
Excuse me. Have you got his address?
No.
I did say to Omid to work on his social intelligence.
His emotional quotient, EQ.
Without a penny on a teacher's pay
and a family, what got into him?
What did he want to change?
What could he change?
Preaching morals to his students to end up in jail,
leaving a family down and out.
These days, the best you can do,
is keep your head down.
Keep an eye on the dollar.
And you stay in tune.
- To drink? - Black.
- Hello, where is Sara? - In the car.
Sara!
Hurry up.
Hello.
What are you doing here?
They came for him in the middle of the night.
The landlord didn't want any problems.
He kicked us out.
I can't live on my translations.
You should have told me.
So you'd do what?
All his friends have abandoned him.
They all had an excuse.
I thought you knew, and you'd end up coming.
I knew nothing.
I've been really busy lately.
We all have our problems.
What's he accused of?
Guess.
Breach of national security.
Anti-regime propaganda.
He risks getting 6 years.
6 years?
And banned from teaching.
Remember at the factory, you and Omid
got arrested for protesting at the quality of the meals.
Remember what you told me when you got out?
In this country, you're either an oppressor or oppressed.
There were no other options.
But you found another one.
You went up north.
You created your farm, started a family.
You don't worry about others.
I have a dream,
it's to be able to translate a book with no hassle.
When did you last see him?
Last week. They gave me a few minutes.
He started a novel.
I envy Omid's strength.
Cut the engine.
You don't want to go and talk?
I apologize.
That's not enough.
We must speak. Our life is collapsing.
Stop!
I'm sorry. What did I do wrong?
What's up?
Cut the engine.
I'm going to settle it all.
Screaming like that?
I need 500 ,000.
For what?
I need it.
I don't have it.
- I need it! - I don't have it!
- We'll discuss it this evening. - I need it now!
Where do you think I can find it?
In this big school, there's not that amount?
What are you up to?
I need this money.
I'll give it back.
My turn.
Ace! Two-nil!
Cheat! You're using both hands.
Who was it?
Abbas's son.
What did he want?
Abbas has been arrested, a drugs case.
Not our business, is it?
Take Sahand to your brother's.
But why?
Reza?
These people are dangerous.
Even for their own children.
You wanted me to fight?
I'm fighting.
Go get your things.
Ever since Abbas got arrested, everybody's talking about you.
You'll have to be quick.
He'll be out in a few days.
He'll be mad.
Go tell Samavat
you know he gets his opium from Abbas.
That you don't want him to get into trouble,
but if the Company continues supporting Abbas,
they'll all be implicated in drug trafficking.
Threaten him.
He'll have to fire Abbas.
What's it to do with Samavat?
Samavat is the Company in person.
He's the real boss.
Bye.
Open.
RASHT PRISON
Remember me?
I was here not long ago.
You said I could come and see you.
How much was there?
Three grams.
So, 2 million fine, 70 lashes and 5 years in prison.
But he may get off.
If it's his first time.
It is.
If you pay, he'll be out in a week.
A week?
You his partner?
Are you scared he'll talk?
I said, he's my friend.
I'll introduce you to a guy at court tomorrow.
He'll fix it.
Something else.
He's in a bad way. He's been smoking for 40 years.
He can't cope without it.
Tell him Samavat says hello.
That he's looking after everything.
Do you want sauce?
Good evening.
Go with your uncle.
- Coming in? - No thanks.
OK, see you.
Let me go with you. I need clothes.
You have to wait a few days.
Take care.
If you talk, you're in deep shit.
I'll denounce you.
And say you were paid.
Don't try it. Mind your own business.
If you do the right thing, I'll be pay you back.
Thanks for coming.
My condolences.
You were right to come.
Nobody will suspect you.
I'll make you mayor.
Thanks for getting rid of him. But keep your eyes open.
The one who killed your fish to set you against Abbas
is lurking around. Watch out.
Got a light?
What a weird world.
You never know what might happen.
Samavat has a new offer. Things have changed.
We're looking for someone to replace Abbas.
Rather than buying your farm
we propose that you represent the Company in the region.
Think it over.
ADAPTATION: MASSOUMEH LAHIDJI