Committed by a regime who will stop at nothing in order to try to hang on to Pa.
But there can be no turning back now and as my father once advised:
"continue to expect the best while preparing for the worst."
So darling, please, I beg you, try your best not to worry.
Morning Dad.
- Your mother sends her love. - How is she?
Still busy.
I hope she'll be rewarded one day for what she's doing.
- Good afternoon. You want to go through? - Thank you.
Professor Finnie. Forgive me. Forgive me, sorry.
Sorry to trouble you. My name is Dr Michael Aris.
- I am married to Aung San... - Of course.
I've been watching your wife's progress with admiration.
I'm sorry to trouble you, but I believe you have some influence
with the Nobel Peace Prize Committee. Would you be willing to forward her name?
It is difficult to envisage a stronger contender.
Anything that raises her international profile,
will afford some measure of protection.
The issue of Suu's safety weighs heavily on me at the moment.
Look, if you have some kind of CV,
I'll certainly ensure it's seen by Vaclav Havel and his committee.
Well, that would be tremendously helpful. You see,
I'm haunted by the fear that her luck is about to run out any day now.
Let me see what I can do.
Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you.
Karma! Just the man I was looking for. Follow me.
Dr Aris, I've got to...
I'm going to need your help Karma. Instead of sitting around worrying,
I've hatched a little plan of action. Now, somewhere here...
Somewhere are copies of all Suu's old essays.
There's one she wrote about her father. Another on Burma under colonialism.
Now, you take a look at these. See what you can dig out.
We're going to put together an application to the Nobel committee on Suu's behalf.
That's brilliant.
You get stuck in there and we'll see how we go.
Good man.
It's not much use my saying to you "Be careful!"
But please be very judicious in everything you do.
It's all a matter of timing.
If I have any authority left at all as your very loving husband,
please listen to me.
Please be as gentle with yourself as I would be if I were there.
Dad, dad!
- Ta da! - Careful.
Oh, goodness.
Well, well, well.
It looks like Christmas has come early.
- Kim. For crying out loud, be careful. - All right, Mr Perfect.
Hello? Yes.
What?
Oh dear.
Yes. I'm sorry.
Lucinda, I'll call you later.
Okay, dear. Bye bye.
Dad?
That was your Aunt Lucinda.
I'm sorry to have to tell your grandfather has died.
And I shall have to go to Scotland to organise the funeral.
Good morning.
It's time to wake up.
Morning.
Sleep well?
Now, I don't want you to be frightened,
but this morning we have woken to find the house surrounded by soldiers.
Perhaps it will all come to nothing. But in case I am arrested,
I have made arrangements for you to be sent back to England.
So I want you to know that whatever happens,
you will be well taken care of. All right?
Yeah.
Yes, yes, I understand.
But are all the lines to Burma down, or just this one?
I see. Just this one. Thank you.
Stop. Follow me.
While you are in Rangoon, you are to abide
by the conditions under which your wife has been detained.
No contact with your embassy or any person engaged in politics.
- Is that understood? - Yes.
Enjoy your stay.
What do you want? Chocolate? We don't have any.
Boys.
Daddy!
Where is everyone?
- Mummy is on hunger strike. - On hunger strike?
Mikey. Mikey.
They arrived early in the morning and arrested most of my colleagues.
Except for me. I'm under house arrest.
So I've told them I won't eat,
until they take me to join them all in prison.
- The cut the phone line. - With a pair of scissors.
I can't tell you how relieved I am that you are here.
- When did you last eat? - About three days ago.
- Four. Four. - Three. Three.
Ssh.
I must say there's never a dull moment. What on earth am I going to do with you?
Fears are growing about the fate of Dr Michael Aris,
who vanished two weeks ago. He has not been seen since arriving in Rangoon,
to visit his wife Aung San Suu Kyi.
Despite urgent requests from the Foreign Office for clarification,
the Burmese authorities have refused to provide any further information
about his well being or whereabouts.
An Embassy official said that their only information...
Now listen, Suu.
If you die,
the boys will lose their mother.
And your people their best defender.
- Can I try something? - What?
Sit.
Stand.
I wish to put a proposition to you.
It has been twelve days since my wife has eaten,
and I must impress upon you
how very rapidly her health is declining.
She is prepared to abandon her hunger strike,
if you will offer her a firm assurance,
that her colleagues will be well treated.
I cannot emphasise enough the grave danger she is in.
She will not survive more than a day or two.
I ask you to consider very carefully,
the public consequences if you fail to act promptly.
Madam. The authorities wish to assure you that
no harm will come to your colleagues.
All right?
It's called music.
Well, this has been one of the most bizarre few weeks of my entire life.
Thank you, for everything. I couldn't have got through this without you.
- It's going to be quiet. - I know.
I'll continue to play merry hell behind the scenes.
Let's pray this limbo is short lived.
I'll be fine Mikey. Please don't worry.
- The boys must be your first concern now. - I know. I know.
Go.
Burmese authorities have announced that elections will be held in May.
However, Aung San Suu Kyi has been disqualified as an electoral candidate,
on the basis of an obscure law
prohibiting anyone married to a foreigner from becoming president.
Yes. I understand.
Very well. Goodbye.
- That was the most off wand of calls. - Who was it?
The Embassy.
They simply said the boys are no longer eligible for Burmese citizenship.
They will therefore cancel their passports with immediate effect.
It beggars belief, really it does.
They have obviously decided keeping the children from Suu,
is the most effective way of breaking her spirit.
At least they've finally announced the elections.
Let's wait and see.
Hopefully everything is about to be resolved.
Yes, hope.
How we all cling to hope.
This is a day few people in Burma ever expected to witness,
across the country, remarkable scenes,
as thousands of people excitedly cue in order to cast their vote
in the first election for 40 years,
and here at Life we bring you the first estimated tally.
Aung San Suu Kyi, 392 seats.
The Burmese Military 10 seats.
Oh, my goodness, boys. What fabulous news.
In Burma an extraordinary victory for Aung San Suu Kyi,
and her party the National League for Democracy.
In a country where public gatherings of more than five people are banned,
The National League of Democracy look set
to be celebrating until well into the night.
Ma Suu.
Aung San Suu Kyi!
Hey!
I just want to go and talk to them. Don't be ridiculous.
You're not going to shoot anybody.
Take a seat, Dr Aris.
Now that the elections are out of the way,
I am pleased to say I have some good news for you!
It seems the authorities are finally willing to come to an arrangement.
If you were to write a letter to your wife,
encouraging her to come home to Oxford at her earliest convenience,
they would see no problem in allowing you to ﬂy out.
I see.
Well, since I haven't the slightest intention,
of ever making such a request of my wife,
I shall bid you goodbye.
Those ruthless, conniving bastards.
If they think I'm going to take this lying down, they've got another think coming.
Let's go.
Despite their resounding defeat at the polls,
there is still no sign that the Burmese military will release Aung San Suu Kyi,
to take up her elected role as the new Prime Minister.
Instead she remains under lock and key,
while leading members of her party, the National League of Democracy,
are arrested one by one.
Now the monks have taken to the streets to protest,
and the monasteries are being stormed by soldiers.
Let me assure you, Dr Aris,
that behind the scenes we are doing everything possible.
However, it is our point of view that extending economic sanctions
against Burma, would only play into the hands of Beijing.
They would seize this as an opportunity to tighten their economic stranglehold.
Forgive me, I have a very important meeting to get to,
and I wish you all the best of luck, sir.
Hello. Professor Finnie.
- How are you? - I've known better days.
Well, I very much hope I am ringing with news that will cheer you.
Oh?
The joy and pride I and our children feel at this moment,
is marked by sadness and continuing apprehension.
I am not sure if the Nobel Peace Prize has ever been given
to someone in a situation of such extreme isolation before.
It has certainly never been given to a woman in that condition.
Suu is now in the third year of her political detention,
at the hands of Burma's military rulers and we her family,
are denied any contact with her, and know nothing of her condition,
except that she is quite alone.
Selfishly I also hope,
that our family's situation will be eased
somewhat as a result of this supreme gesture of recognition
for her moral and physical courage,
and that we may at last be allowed to pay her visits again.
We miss her very much.
I miss you too.
One of us is going to have to make a speech
at the actual prize ceremony. Any takers?
I think if your mother still has access to a radio,
it would mean a great deal to her if it was one of you.
I'll do it.
Good. Good man.
Live from Oslo, the BBC World Sen/ice brings you the Nobel Peace...
I now call upon Michael, Alexander and Kim Aris,
to come forward to receive the gold medal and the diploma,
on behalf of their wife and mother.
The Nobel Prize Laureate 1991, Aung San Suu Kyi.
...to take to the podium to make a speech.
I stand before you here today,
to accept on behalf of my mother, Aung San Suu Kyi,
this greatest of prizes, the Nobel Prize for Peace.
Because circumstances do not permit my mother to be here in person,
I will do my best to convey the sentiments I believe she would express.
We must remember that the lonely struggle
taking place in a heavily guarded compound in Rangoon,
is part of the much larger struggle, worldwide, for the emancipation,
of the human spirit from political tyranny and psychological subjection.
The lessons of the past will not be forgotten.
It is our hope for the future that we celebrate today.
Music.
Those old generals can't cling on for much longer after this.
- It's just a matter of time in my opinion. - I certainly hope so.
We'll just have to wait and see. The military move in mysterious ways.
- Your mother would be very proud of you. - Thank you.
Well done.
Oh, yes, thank you. Yes.
No, no, no, no, no. No.
Well, why not?
Okay.
- To Suu. - Mum.
Kim, take of your shoes, and don't want any mud in the house.
Dinner is at 7:30 tonight. Uncle Anthony's coming around.
What's wrong?
I miss Mum.
"The art of people is a true mirror of their minds."
A-ha. Is that a new face I spy?
What's your name?
Do you speak English?
So what's your name?
- Arun. - Arun.
Come here, let me show you something.
It's all right. I won't bite.
"You may not think about politics, but politics thinks about you."
Those were my father's words.
Something for you to think about while you stand there.
Your Grace, it's very kind of you to find the time to see me, thank you.
My dear Michael, there is not a day when I don't think of Suu.
I wonder what more we could be doing.
I'm rather hoping you bring me good news of some kind.
Well, no, I regret to say things are moving extremely slowly.
The fact is that the generals are clearly indifferent to American
and European disapproval. So without Asia coming on board,
I fail to see how we are going to make much headway.
No time like the present! Excuse me.
My friends. Hello there.
I wish I could have your time for a quick word. It's nice to see you again.
We carefully considered your request to join our association.
And on a whole, we are inclined to accept it.
I'm delighted! We should make a toast!
However, though America and Europe are in many ways our competitors,
we are nonetheless reliant on their good will.
The democratic process takes time.
It is not something you achieve over night.
We understand.
That's why we think a gesture from you will be appropriate.
What kind of gesture?
Ma Suu.
Madam. Your restricted residence is at an end.
You are now free to come and go as you please.
Yes, hello. Hello?
- Mikey! - Suu? Suu, is that you?
You may not believe this, but I'm calling you from the British embassy.
I'm free! Tell the boys, I'm free again.
- I can't believe what I'm hearing! - All my colleagues have been freed.
If I get my skates on we might even be able to be with you as early as tomorrow.
- Yes, tomorrow will be a big day. - A wonderful day.
And I'm hoping I'll be hosting the first reunion meeting of the NLD.
- One of the happiest days of my life. - Hopefully, it will be tomorrow morning.
I'll call the airport. With the time difference, it may be the day after,
- but we'll see you very soon! - Yes! Because, Mikey, the fight goes on!
- What goes on? - The fight goes on!
Suu!
I don't think I have seen you looking quite so radiant.
I'm so happy you're here.
- Hello, mum. - Alexander.
Where's my little boy?
- It's so wonderful to see you all here. - Daw Suu, we need to go.
I just need to finish this quickly. All right?
You carry on. You carry on.
- Dad. - Yes, yes.
There you are.
- I've been looking everywhere for you. - Oh, you know me.
I'm never very far.
You have no idea how long I've waited to hold you in my arms again.
Oh Mikey. I have to keep pinching myself.
I used to think about you, and try to picture what you would be doing.
And often I talked to you. Sometimes out loud.
You would always be reassuring. And reminded me of your unwavering love.
Well...
I suppose you know the world is now united in declaring you a saint?
I don't care much for that cult of personality, as you know.
And anyway, a saint is only a sinner who keeps on trying.
- Well, what are your sinful qualities? - Have you forgotten?
My terrible temper for one. My impatience for another.
- And I'm stubborn. - I know.
Well, I've certainly read some wonderful descriptions of you.
The Female Mandela. The Star of Burma.
My favourite was on the front page of The Times.
There was a beautiful picture of you, and beneath it said, The Steel Orchid.
Is that how you see me?
Well, seeing you isn't something I've done very much of recently.
Michael,
if you should ever wish to be free...
To start again. I want you to know that I will understand completely.
I won't deny this prolonged separation has been very hard.
Not just for me, for the boys, too. But I want to make something clear.
Throughout everything, from the very beginning,
we have always shared a common dream for Burma.
And far from being an obstacle,
I have always considered it to be the very thing that bound us.
You really must be the most indulgent husband that ever lived.
Oooh!
That was the last time I saw her.
Since then it's been one refusal after another.
I could fill in one of these bloody forms in my sleep now.
- Oh, thank you. - You're welcome.
Does Suu know about the diagnosis yet?
For Christ's sake. You are going to have to tell her.
All in good time, Anthony. All in good time.
And how exactly are you proposing to break the news?
Hello?
Mikey.
Suu!
How wonderful. At last. What a tonic to hear your voice.
- How are you, darling? - You received my letter then?
- I'm still trying to take it in. - Yes, of course, of course.
Well, the good news is, I fully intend to fight it all the way.
And nothing will boost me quite like coming to see you.
And if all goes well with the visa and I rather think this might
be the ammunition that could make them relent once and for all.
There is every chance we might be able to see each other in time for my birthday.
- We could celebrate together. - All right. Yes.
So courage, Suu. Courage. Be of good cheer.
- Hello? Are you still there? - Yes, I'm still here.
Yes, good. An old student of mine,
a former monk named Karma,
- has agreed to accompany me. - Oh good.
Yes.
- Take good care. - All very soon. It won't be long.
- And Suu? Suu? - Hello?
- Mr Gordon... - Ssh.
Suu. Suu.
Mr Gordon, we have to explore every way of putting pressure on the authorities.
I gather from Anthony that a lobbying campaign is already underway.
He has already spoken with both Desmond Tutu and the White House.
I want to assure you Suu, none of us has any intention of resting,
until Michael's visa is confirmed.
- Thank you. Thank you. - Yes.
No, no, no, no, no. You are your own worst enemy.
Please, Michael. I beg you, go back to bed.
- It's nearly midnight. - I know, I know.
Ten minutes, Karma. Give me ten minutes.
There is a mountain of unanswered correspondence to deal with.
It can't wait any longer.
Who'll supervise my students when I'm gone?
People depend on me. I can't just be lolling around in bed all day and night.
Please, please, I'll go back to bed in ten minutes.
- You promise? - I promise.
- See you tomorrow. - Goodnight.
- Hello? - Mikey.
Suu. How are you?
Have you heard anything yet?
- Quickly, before they cut the line. - Yes.
I just need to know. Is there any sign at all that they will let you come?
Yes. Any day now.
I promise you. Not long now.
- I've been wondering. - What?
Should I...
- Do you think I should come and see you? - No, no, no no.
Darling, you are not even to consider it.
We didn't come all this way just to fall in the final furlong.
We are being helped at the very highest level now.
There's every reason...
Mikey?
Hi, Dad.
That was your mother.
She said to send you her love.
Madam, the General has considered your letter very carefully,
and he asks me to inform you that unfortunately
the authorities simply do not have the resources,
to deal with your husband's medical needs.
No one is asking you to do that.
The Norwegian government has offered a plane with private equipment.
And the Dalai Lama one of his own doctors to attend to Michael while he is here.
Of course a wife would wish to be with her husband at such a time.
I am here to offer you a seat on the next ﬂight home.
You could be with Dr Aris by this time tomorrow.
But then you will never let me return.
You are free to choose, Madam.
Your husband and children.
Or your country.
Now, what kind of freedom is that?
Another refusal.
And all the while, time slipping through my fingers.
I'm simply not ready to go yet, do you hear me?
And what's to become of Kim? And Alex?
- Michael, take some deep breaths... - No, no. No.
Come on.
Oh, God. I feel like I'm losing my mind.
Michael, please, calm yourself. Calm yourself.
Hi, Dad.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm so sick of being sick.
- Allo? - Who's speaking, please?
- I'm the maid, madam. - I'd like to talk to my husband, please.
He had a very bad night and they decided he'd be more comfortable at the hospice.
They left a number. His friend, Karma. Do you want the number?
Yes. Yes, please.
- Hello? - Karma?
Madam, I'm afraid the news is not good. Michael is in a hospice now.
- He is slipping away very fast. - There must be something we can do.
- They've explored every avenue. - I'm sorry.
- Hello? - What? Karma?
Hello?
- Hello? - Karma?
- Hi, Mum. - Kim.
He doesn't have much time left.
But I can't. My hands are tied.
- I'm sorry. - I know.
But he's dying.
Please, try to understand. Kim.
It would be the end of everything your father and I fought for so long.
- Hello? - Kim?
Kim?
No...
Mum sends her love.
- Karma? - Yes?
- You know it's my birthday tomorrow. - Yes, I know.
A fitting time,
for me to take my final bow, I think.
The husband of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi
has died of cancer on his 53rd birthday.
Dr Aris, an Oxford University academic, was prevented from seeing his wife,
with whom he had two sons, for the past three years.
Mikey!
Aung San Suu Kyi!