Dad, tell me a story.
I can tell you about Burma.
The time when it was called the Gold Country.
Would you like to hear it?
Okay!
There was once a beautiful country, Burma.
Everywhere, there were forests of teak and ebony.
At that time, tigers roamed the jungles...
... and herds of elephants roamed the Great Plains.
It was like sapphires as blue as the sky...
... and rubies even redder than your cheeks.
Jewelry that even a princess like you would not dream of.
And then?
In fact, this is a sad story.
Soldiers came from a far country...
... and took everything that was precious.
Thus we have become very poor.
My treasure!
Sit here, my darling.
I got to go, but mom is there.
Hello!
What is needed urgently is to form a government.
Without popular support...
... our government will have no democratic legitimacy.
Let's go!
General... General... General...
Mr Aris.
The doctor is waiting to see you.
- Hello, Michael. - Hello, how are you?
- Please, take a seat. - Thank you.
It's always very difficult to predict the progress of something like this.
It could be as little as five months or as long as five years.
Enough time for you to put your affairs in order, I hope.
Would you like me to ask the nurse to...
... arrange for your wife to come and collect you?
My wife?
Would that she could.
She lives in Burma now, you see.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Could we pass these around, please?
Thank you.
Today I thought we might talk about...
... how the Bhutanese people have always placed great emphasis...
... on family loyalty, the bonds of community...
... and respect for their elders.
- Bloody rain! - Yes, come in.
So it's definitely cancer then?
Prostate cancer, as a matter of fact.
And did they give you any indication as to how long before?
In anything from a few months to five years.
- Good God, Michael. - No, no.
I could achieve a lot in five years.
And what about Suu?
Surely she'll want to return to Oxford when she hears this.
Anthony, you know as well as I do if she ever leaves Burma...
... they will never allow her to return.
And what about you, Michael? You haven't seen her for three years.
She's your wife, for God's sake. She's the mother of your children.
Surely the military would roll out the red carpet...
... if she asked to be allowed to come home.
She can't possibly walk away now. Too much blood has been spilled.
Countless lives have been lost.
Millions upon millions of people are counting on her.
Whatever happens, Anthony, you must promise me...
... you'll keep an eye out for the boys.
Of course, of course! You can count on me 100 percent, you know that.
Yes.
- Hello, darling. - Hello, angel.
How is the book going?
Slowly.
That smells good.
- We're having Burmese tonight. - All right.
Stop it!
- Did you think of a title? - Yes.
Well, it's original. It's...
- There's a storm coming. - Hi, Mum. Hi, Dad.
- Hello, did you have a good day? - It's okay day. I'm starving, though.
Well, supper's at seven.
- Do you have much homework? - It's all done.
- Kim... - Well, almost.
- You'd better get started then. - Hi, Dad.
- Hello, Alex. - Hi, Mom.
Meanwhile, in Burma today, violence has erupted on the streets of Rangoon...
- Suu? - Hmm?
... an incident in which students were mown down by the authorities.
Eye witnesses at the incident claimed that hundreds of students...
... taking part in a peaceful demonstration at Inyar lake...
... were shot and killed by soldiers at point black range...
... many more protestors sustained serious injuries.
They are demanding an end to the military dictatorship...
... that has ruled the country with an iron fist since a coup in 1962.
Burma's government is known as one of the world's most oppressive...
... and secretive regimes.
But despite the authorities' determined attempts...
... to crush this uprising, it appears that the students' movement...
... is rapidly gaining massive popular support.
Hello.
- I'm glad to hear your voice. - What is it?
Your mother is at the General Hospital.
You should come quickly.
My mother has had a stroke.
I'll sort you out a flight.
Be good, won't you? Help Daddy around the house.
It will be hard for me to get to a phone...
... so don't worry if it's a while before you hear from me.
- How long are you going to be away? - A week. Or maybe two.
Right, that's it. Come on, come on. We're very late. Come on, rush!
Come on. On time. Okay. Bye.
Bon voyage, I love you.
Driver, please hurry. Please. I love you. Bye.
- Did you come from England? - Correct.
How long are you staying?
However long it takes.
- Uncle Leo. - You are as beautiful as ever.
Did you hear? The whole uproar started after our General in his great wisdom...
... decided to ban any denomination that wasn't a multiple of nine.
Well, nine is his lucky number.
The universities can't provide lunch any more.
That's why the students have taken to the streets.
All this just because of the superstitious whims of a madman.
Call me if you need me.
I will. Thank you for everything, Uncle Leo.
Suu... Suu!
Mum.
- How are you feeling? - Tired.
- Did you hear about the massacre? - Yes.
The riots it triggered made headline news across the world.
- How's my little boys doing? - Not so little these days.
Thank you.
Come on.
There's no need for that. Come on, have a good day. Don't be silly.
Come on, have a good day. Off you go.
And Kim, put your collar down. Yes, okay.
- Goodbye. Goodbye. - Goodbye, Dad.
Is she talking to others?
Only a few.
Did she say the duration of her stay at customs?
She said "However long it takes."
Okay, return immediately.
What are you doing?
They're looking for students We got to go.
Hold on. She can't leave in this condition.
She should stay here.
Wait, wait.
Don't do anything hasty. Calm down first.
I suggest we take her back to bed and then go down to see what's happening.
Oh!
- Help the others out there! - All right, all right!
Let them be! These are patients!
Stop!
I wear the red scarf. I have the right to kill you.
Violence has once again erupted on the streets of Rangoon...
... when new demonstrations were met with wave after wave of reprisals.
This morning, soldiers opened fire on protesting students...
... close to Rangoon General Hospital, killing and injuring many.
A curfew has once again been reintroduced.
- Hello? - Mikey.
- Suu, darling! How are you? - It's so good to hear your voice.
You too. You too.
You managed to dodge the bullets then.
Despite myself, I was beginning to worry.
I'm sorry, I couldn't get away until now.
Don't worry.
And I've been missing you all so much.
Yes, me too. Of course.
How's your mother?
The doctors have said there's nothing more they can do.
So I'm going to take her home.
Oh, I'm sorry, Suu. Of course, of course.
But so many other things are happening.
I hardly know where to begin.
- Hello? - Hello?
Hello? I've lost you. Can you hear me?
Hello?
- Hello? - Oh, hello. I can hear you again.
- Are the boys all right? - Oh, the boys, they're fine.
Well, they're already in bed, but you mustn't worry about them.
Well, you tell Alex many happy returns of the days.
- Yes, of course. - That I'll make it up to him when I...
- As soon as I come home. - Of course, darling.
So we're trying to organise the visas. We hope to join you soon.
- Mikey? - Oh, goodness, this is useless. Hello?
Suu.
You're back? Oh, my goodness!
- Aunt Mon. - Oh, my!
Two grandchildren already?
Yes, two grandchildren.
Give me that.
No, let me, you must be tired. I'll put it in your room.
Come on, kids.
I'm happy to be home.
So am I.
Daw Suu, my name's Nita May and I have a message from your husband.
He wanted me to tell you that their visas have finally come through.
And that they will be arriving at the end of the week.
Thank you.
Ma Suu, Ma Suu, there are people here to see you.
A writer and his friends.
Daw Suu, you look like your father.
Sorry for coming so early.
We have just learned of your arrival...
... and cannot pass up the opportunity.
This is a very important period.
- There is so much to discuss. - Let's start then.
Wait for me here.
Your shoes.
I'm surrounded by bad vibes right now.
None of the thirty-seven spirits.
It's a ghost.
So...
... could it be him?
Yes.
This is one of the ancestors.
But...
... a spirit came to assist.
Coming from afar.
A woman?
Maybe.
Should I remove it?
The spirit turning into a ghost is even more dangerous.
In this case...
... how do I get rid of it ?
If the people are at peace...
... they will not need the spirit...
... and it shall return to where it came from.
Thank you very much.
Your advice is always valuable to me.
Leo, so happy to see you.
It is good to have you back. Come on, let's go. Please, after you.
Mummy... Mummy!
Mummy.
- Oh! - I've missed you.
You better be prepared for complete chaos.
Oh?
Come on, come on.
Wow...
Mon Mon! How are you?
Lovely to see you.
- Ah! - Tom.
- Dr Aris. - Hello.
- How do you do? - You're looking shell-shocked, Doctor.
Well, I suppose I had taken it for granted.
Suu was leading a solitary life, quietly nursing her mother.
Not all historians get to be a part of history in the making.
You must enjoy your ringside seat.
Please let me know if you need anything.
Oh, thank you. I will.
Bye.
Michael, I'm glad you're here.
Down, down, down, down. A little further, little further.
Okay. Stop, stop, stop. There you go. Step away, step away.
- What is he saying? - Uh... he's saying...
... that public discontent with government policies...
... can no longer be ignored.
And that because he's not totally free of responsibility...
... for the events of the past few months...
... and because he's getting on now...
... he's going... he's going to resign.
There will now be a referendum on Burma's political future.
- Hello. - Hello?
Mum.
Some men from Rangoon University want to speak to you.
They said it's urgent.
Madam, my colleagues and I are academics from the history faculty...
... and we believe you are the only person...
... who can lead Burma into democracy now.
As the daughter of Aung San...
... the people will automatically unite behind you.
Your father fought and won independence for Burma.
Here's an opportunity to finish what he began.
Let's seize this opportunity.
Quite apart from having no relevant experience...
... as you can see, my hands are more than full.
May I ask that you take some time to consider?
Hey, banish those dogs.
Come.
General, six professors from the University...
... came to tell Aung San Suu Kyi that the people supported it.
That's it?
They are fighting for democracy.
They want it to take the lead.
- It shall not proceed further? - That's it.
Well, okay.
Aung San Suu Kyi will go to Shwedagon tomorrow.
Hear this, Aung San Suu Kyi will go to Shwedagon tomorrow.
Your shoes.
Bad advice will send you to your death!
Finally, the idea of ​ consulting the people...
... is not the solution.
It was your idea.
As it turns out...
... I have been badly advised.
General Sein Lwin...
... I have a mission for you.
You will dismantle the centres of opposition and deter troublemakers.
That's a lot of people.
Our prisons are big enough.
The most important thing...
... is to keep an eye on Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters.
Stop any gathering.
- At your orders, sir. - Okay.
We have only respect and admiration for you.
Madam, we will have to continue on foot.
All right.
Let's go.
- Michael. - Stop the car. Stop, stop.
- Dad! - Boys, come on.
Keep up.
Suu!
Dad!
- Dad, we're gonna get some food. - What?
- We're gonna go get some food. - Okay, but don't go too far.
Stay right there. We don't want to lose you.
It may be a little late to be saying this.
But you realise I've never actually spoken in public before.
And there's no time like the present.
We'll be watching from the side.
Reverend monks, my fellow Burmese...
... the purpose of this gathering...
... is to make the world hear the people's will.
The purpose of this gathering today...
... is to affirm the desire of the entire country to be a multi-party democracy.
This is what we want to demonstrate.
Some of you do not know my story...
... and that's quite normal to want to know what it is.
Because I have lived abroad and I married a foreigner...
... they say I do not understand the complex history of this country.
Let me honestly say...
... that's true, I lived abroad.
And I am also married to a foreigner.
But this does not lessen my love and my devotion to my country...
... mitigated or otherwise.
My father gave everything he had for the political life of Burma...
... and he paid with his life.
As the daughter of my father...
... I cannot remain indifferent to events taking place right now.
The goal we hold so dear to our hearts is now in sight.
We call for free elections in the shortest possible time.
Let us not divide.
Unite forward together towards our goal.
Daw Suu!
A million people?
Maybe not quite a million.
And the press?
Aung San. Aung San Suu Kyi...
... the daughter of General Aung San...
... until now an Oxford housewife and mother of two...
... emerged today as Burma's bright new hope for the future.
- I was incredible, huh? - Yes. Yes, indeed.
However, a quarter of a century of brutal oppression...
... will not be undone in one day.
There is still a great deal to do.
Glory days of the Raj. Used to house a staff of eighty Brits...
... before Ne Win had them all kicked out.
Okay, here we are.
Wonderful.
- I think we should go. - No, there's time for a few more.
- Thank you, Tom. - Thank you, you're welcome.
- What's wrong, Kim? - You already missed Alex's birthday.
And now you're going to miss mine.
It's too dangerous for you to remain here.
And I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to either of you.
Anyway, a new term's beginning...
... and you both need to be there when it does.
Come here.
Please. Try to be brave for me, hmm?
- Look after your brother. - I will.
And you. I want you to write to me every day.
Bye, Mummy.
- Be strong. - We will.
- I love you. - Love you too. Bye.
The leaflets of the NLD!
- Positions, please. - No, I think you should be on the...
One, two, three...
First Statement.
I understood.
Sein Lwin, you know what to do.
Yes, sir!
Let's go!
We have to unify all minorities...
... but Rijina is in the middle of the mountains.
Democracy will only work if we include everybody.
- They're coming, they're coming! - They're coming!
- Please, put your gun down. - Suu, I think they should leave.
No, no, no. Please, put your gun down. Put it down.
We shall not respond with violence under any circumstances.
Dr Aris, your visa is cancelled.
You are to come with us to the airport.
Do I have time to pack?
One minute.
Now, you have a very busy schedule. You're gonna have to pace yourself.
Make sure you eat well and get good rest whenever you can, okay?
- We'll be back. - Let's go!
Mon Mon, take good care of my mother.
Don't worry, I will.
I'll try another one.
Ah! Lucinda, my saviour.
Come in, come in, dear.
- Anthony's still here? - No, no, he just left.
I encourage you all to espouse the cause of democracy...
... and the defense of human rights.
It is essential that we fulfil this peacefully...
... without further loss of lives.
We, the National League for Democracy...
... have come to ensure that you, the people...
... can finally make your voice heard.
There is our village.
Opposite is another village.
- No lumps. - It needs more oats.
No, a little salt.
There.
Here we are. Here.
Looks good.
Ma Suu... your mother died... she's gone...
My mother?
The arrangements for the funeral of Dhaw Khin Kyi...
... the widow of Burma's great national hero, Aung San...
... were conducted in lavish style.
While the authorities sought to prevent civil servants from attending the funeral...
... locking some in their offices and refusing sick leave...
... the gathering was the largest in Burma since the coup.
At least 100,000 people surrounded the coffin on its procession to a burial.
A problem solved.
Let's get the others as soon as possible.
Thank you.
You have been a very dutiful daughter.
Your father would be proud. And now your duty is completed.
You will understandably be eager to get home again.
As soon as you are packed and ready...
... our limousine will take you to the airport.
That won't be necessary, General Nyunt.
For the time being, my duty remains here in Burma.
There is an election to be fought.
What about those young boys of yours? They will be missing their mother.
Well, the sooner these elections come, the sooner I can rejoin them.
Perhaps on your return, you could urge General Ne Win to make haste.
She said she would only go after the elections.
Apply more pressure on this woman!
Okay!
This meeting is prohibited! Go home!
All in a row, all in a row!
I will not hesitate to shoot! Ready!
The soldiers, they look very serious. We should come back some other day.
No. Just ignore them.
We will continue in a calm and orderly fashion.
Stay here first.
Go home! That's an order!
If you still do not comply, I will open fire!
One!
Two!
Stop! Gather your men! We're leaving!
Yes!
Let's go!
We have to go, we have to go.
Aim.
- One... - One...
- Two... - Two...
Three!
What is more dangerous than a general?
Two generals.
So...
... it's you who had threatened to shoot?
Yes!
And you.
You have taken the initiative to save it, true?
You will all have the opportunity to learn a good lesson.
Your weapon.
Hey, give it to me.
Take him out.
Her father, the martyr, was a constant threat to us.
We can not afford a second martyr.
Do not misunderstand me.
The tree whose roots have been cut...
... eventually fall alone.
In an unprecedented escalation of intimidation...
... Aung San Suu Kyi narrowly escaped being shot by the military yesterday...
... while out campaigning in the province of Danubyu.
Jesus Christ, Suu.
I encourage you all to espouse the cause of democracy...
... and the defense of human rights.
It is essential that we fulfil this peacefully...
... without further loss of lives.
Democracy!
- Follow us! - I was just listening.
A good day, today. Isn't it, U Win Tin?
Daw Suu! Daw Suu! Everywhere we went today...
... they were picking people up and taking them away.
Where are they taking them?
Some of them were taken as forced labourers at the borders...
... carrying weapons and drugs through the jungle...
... on the account of the generals.
And the others?
We should write to the UN and Amnesty International...
... and tell them exactly how the Burmese people...
... are being treated by the military.
Yes. Pen and paper, please.
My darling, as you may have heard, every day brings new atrocities...
... committed by a regime who will clearly stop at nothing...
... in order to try to hang on to power.
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. - Good afternoon.
- Would you like 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, of course.
I've been watching your wife's progress with tremendous admiration.
I'm sorry to trouble you, but I believe you have some influence...
... with the Nobel Peace Prize Committee and I was wondering...
... if you'd be willing to forward her name?
It is difficult to envisage a stronger contender.
Anything that raises her international profile...
... at the moment will afford some measure of protection.
As you can imagine, 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...
... 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 about the dates of these bloody elections...
... 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! - Be careful.
Oh, goodness.
Well, well, well.
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 on the phone.
I'm sorry to have to tell you your grandfather has died.
And I shall have to go to Scotland to organise the funeral.
I'll tell you...
... this woman must be isolated.
And all those who support her.
We may as well isolate the world.
General...
... I have an idea on the issue.
Continue.
Give me the reins.
I can make it be forgotten, here and elsewhere.
Give me a number.
Five.
Sein Lwin , you may leave.
Now...
... you alone make me accountable.
You have carte blanche to solve this problem.
- You can count on me. - Good.
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 both to be sent back to England.
So I want you to know that whatever happens...
... you will be well taken care of. All right, hmm?
Yeah.
Aung San Suu Kyi, you are officially under arrest.
Apart from your children...
... everyone else must leave.
Leave quickly for home, as discreetly as possible.
Out.
Go away.
Take that.
Leave now, leave now, leave now, leave now.
Take everything. Leave no documents here.
Clean out the library.
These are my jokes.
They do not make you laugh, that's all.
Take your small brother and go find your father. Go!
Take all folders.
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 have no intention of eating...
... 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.
Shh.
I must say there's never a dull moment in this family.
What on earth am I going to do with you?
Fears are growing about the fate of the British academic...
... Dr Michael Aris, who vanished nearly two weeks ago.
He's 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 so far refused to provide any information...
... about his well being or whereabouts.
An British Embassy official said that their only information was that...
Now listen, Suu.
If you die...
... the boys will lose their mother.
And your people their best defender.
- Can I try something? - What?
Sit down.
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 suits you?
Aung San Suu Kyi is worried about you, apparently.
Here, eat.
What is that sound?
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 seem quiet when you're gone.
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!
The Burmese authorities have finally announced...
... that elections will be held in May.
However, Aung San Suu Kyi has been disqualified...
... from putting her name forward as an electoral candidate...
... on the basis of an obscure law prohibiting anyone married...
... to a foreigner from becoming Burmese president.
Yes. Yes, I... I understand.
Very well. Goodbye.
- That was the most off hand 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 begets 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 finally announced the elections.
Let's wait and see about this...
... and hopefully, 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, there's been remarkable scenes...
... as thousands of people excitedly queue in order to cast their vote...
... in the first elections for 40 years.
And here at Life, it's 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 landslide 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... Ma Suu.
I'll put flowers in your hair.
Aung San Suu Kyi!
Look... look at this.
This woman won.
This is absurd.
Bring the phone. Phone!
Aung San Suu Kyi!
Hey, hey!
Go back immediately.
Aung San Suu Kyi!
Hey!
Stop! Go back!
Don't be silly.
I just want to go and talk to them. Don't be ridiculous.
- I will just go and speak to them. - I have the authority to shoot.
You're not going to shoot anybody.
Go! Go back!
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.
Hmm... 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 thing 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 on Rangoon.
Now, forgive me, I have a very important meeting to get to...
... and I wish you all the best of luck, sir.
- Hello. Professor Finnie. - Good morning, Dr Aris.
- 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'm 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 whatsoever...
... 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.
Well, you know 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.
And now, live from Oslo, the BBC World Service...
... brings you the Nobel Peace...
There is no more power!
We no longer have the radio!
It's all right, don't worry. I'll handle it.
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.
Ma Suu, I have another radio!
Quick, quick!
Batteries are required, wait.
Now it's the turn of young Alexander Aris...
... the eldest son of Aung San Suu Kyi...
... to take to the podium and make a speech.
I stand before you here today...
- Alex! - ... 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.
But it is our hope for the future that we celebrate today.
What is that noise?
Music.
Well, those old generals can't cling on for much longer after this.
- It's just a matter of time in my opinion. - Yes, I certainly hope so.
We'll just have to wait and see how things unwind.
The military move in mysterious ways.
Your mother would be very proud of you, young man
- Thank you. - Well done.
Oh, yes, thank you. Yes.
No, no, no, no, no. No.
No, why not?
Okay.
To Suu.
- Mum. - Mum.
Kim, take off your shoes. I don't want any mud in the house.
Dinner is at 7:30 tonight, a little later. Uncle Anthony's coming around.
What's wrong?
I miss Mum.
"The art of the 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. Come.
"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 of the matter is that the generals...
... are clearly indifferent to American...
... and European disapproval. So without Asia coming on board...
... I fail to see how we're 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.
The panel of Keidanren association has carefully considered your request...
... to join our association.
And on a whole...
... we are inclined to accept it.
Oh, 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 goodwill.
Democratic process takes time.
It is not something you can achieve overnight.
We understand.
That's why we think a gesture from you will be appropriate.
What kind of gesture?
Ma Suu.
The police chief is here to see you.
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. - What?
I can't believe what I'm hearing!
And all my colleagues have been freed too.
If I... 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. - Oh, it will be a wonderful day.
And I'm hoping I'll be hosting the first meeting, reunion meeting of the NLD.
It will be one of the happiest days of my life.
And hopefully, it will be tomorrow morning.
I'll call the airport first thing.
I don't know, 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 am 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've 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 all, 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? - Can you really have 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 before we left London.
There was a picture of you, 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.
Look...
... 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 perfectly 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.
Ooh!
That's 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?
Oh, for Christ's sake, Michael. 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?
Ma Suu, Ma Suu, a letter from England!
Hello?
Mikey.
Oh, 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, darling. - All very soon. It won't be long.
- And Suu? Suu? - Hello?
- Mr Gordon... - Shh.
Suu... Suu.
Mr Gordon, we have to explore every conceivable way...
... of putting pressure on the authorities.
Well, I gather from Anthony...
... that a lobbying campaign is already well underway.
He just spent the morning in discussions with Desmond Tutu...
... and the White House when we talked.
I want to assure you, Suu, none of us have 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. Just give me ten minutes.
There is a mountain of unanswered correspondence to deal with.
It can't wait any longer.
Who will supervise my students when I'm gone?
There are people who 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.
Oh, 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, 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.
It took longer than expected.
But I knew that someday...
... even the daughter of General Aung San...
... will eventually give up.
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 resource...
... to deal with your husband's medical needs.
No one is asking you to do that.
I understand 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, 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?
Uh... 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.
There must be something.
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 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...
... had been prevented from seeing his wife...
... with whom he had two sons, for the past three years.
Mikey!
Mike!
Mikey...
Aung San Suu Kyi!