A FRIEND OF THE DECEASED
Tomorrow I leave with the guys.
Train to Odessa, then bus to Istanbul. I load and I’m back...
Are you going to sell these clothes yourself?
No, I know someone who's buying them wholesale...
He takes it all and I leave. Have to work as long as you’re healthy.
I'll call you back in 2 minutes.
- Zina, I overslept. I’m coming, - We’re waiting for you.
It’s me again.
Did you get paid for the translations?
I haven’t seen a cent.
They offered me another one. And I'll be paid for both.
- And you believe them? - I don’t have the choice.
It’s government money.
Tell them to go to hell...
Why don’t you translate immigration documents?
How much does it pay?
40 or 50 bucks... It depends.
How can you live on 40 bucks these days?
If you want more, you can come with me.
No thanks. You know that I’m a homebody.
- Is Katia at home? - Yes.
- Tell her hi for me. - Sure!
Shall I get you these translations?
I'll have to think about it.
Come on up.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Good. From the beginning.
- Do you have any children? - No.
Pity!
The Hindu's here, Mr. Semionovitch.
Have him come up.
Tell him you're my translator.
What does he have to offer?
He is proposing oranges of superior quality.
4 tons at 500 dollars per ton.
He has a hell of a nerve!
Offer him 400 dollars per ton.
He agrees to 450.
I'll take them at 440.
Tell him to come tomorrow at 3 p.m. We'll sign the contract.
But if they're damaged, I’ll smash his head in!
Macha will call you
for the next lesson.
Macha?
What?
Do you have some change?
Yes, I do.
Give him a 10 dollar bill.
Okay, sir.
See you.
Goodbye. Thanks a lot.
Hello.
- The usual? - Yes.
Hi. Two coffees, please.
- Hi. - Hello.
- How are you? - Fine!
You must be the only one!
Thanks.
Hello. I'm calling about the ad.
- What's your vocation? - Translator in English and French.
- We already hired someone. - Thank you.
Hello.
Have any money?
Yes, thank you.
See you.
I'm calling about the ad.
We’re looking for a dispatcher.
What does that consist of?
How’s that?
To dispatch merchandise in the Ukraine. To accompany it.
Salary: 7 million plus indemnities.
Yes, yes. Thank you very much.
Oh! My God...
- Tolian! - Dima!
Hey, is this all yours?
I wish! I've been working here for a year now.
- When did we last see each other? - At least 5 or 6 years ago.
Just a moment please.
Do you have any Absolut?
Absolut? Yes...
1,700,000.
Did you see that?
What are you doing tonight?
- Nothing. - Come on over, we'll chat.
Okay. When?
Come back at 9, I'll close.
Okay, great!
Glad to have seen you.
God bless you!
Excuse me, please.
Excuse me.
Tolia! I have a portable in my bag. Please bring it to me.
A portable?
It isn't mine. I use it for work.
The bathroom's free now.
We set up an invoice for 2 billion.
They promised to pay us on Tuesday.
Okay. I'll verify it myself.
I'm going to the theater tonight.
Alone?
No, with someone from work.
Tolia, I can’t remember...
Did I tell you that Macha Prokofieva's father died?
He liked you, you know.
Macha told me you could go by to take some books as keepsakes.
He had lots of books in foreign languages.
Your collegue doesn't have a red car by any chance?
Do you have any money?
I have money.
Do you have children?
No.
I have two.
Are you married?
I’m married.
- Your first wife? - For the moment, yes.
Do I know her?
What does she do?
She is a philologist.
She works in an ad agency,
but she was trained in philology.
What is she like?
Tell me about her.
She's not human...
She's an angel!
She’s been considering leaving me for a year now.
That’s enough! Wait...
Hello?
How’s the little one? I have some!
German powdered milk.
A bit out-dated.
But we Russians are tough...
Pampers? Yes, I’ll put them aside.
That's one intelligent guy!
Modest.
He makes a living with one finger.
Which one?
That one.
- How’s that? - Like that.
Bang... and that’s it!
A death on the field of honor.
What should we have next: Whiskey? Gin?
- How much does this guy make? - Which guy?
The one who... bang!
No, Anatoli, you don’t have what it takes.
That’s for young guys. We take care of business!
How much?
It's difficult to say. It depends on the target.
A few thousand bucks.
Do you have something in mind?
Your wife cheats on you?
Don't be embarrassed. I'm not going to tell!
No.. Yes... Actually, yes.
Is it someone important, or...
- A colleague. - That's good, very good...
Wait...
He just had a baby. He doesn’t take any more risks.
No Dima. That's not necessary!
I don’t even have any money.
I'll lend you some. Family is sacred!
Hello! It's me.
A job for you.
No, nothing complicated. It’s for a friend.
Who's crying there?
Little Micha? All babies have that!
You’ll call him? What’s your number?
229
7 - 1 - 8 - 2. Okay!
7 - 1 - 8 - 2...
Okay, he's going to call you. His name's Kostia.
- Kolia? - No, Kostia.
- Hello. - Anatoli?
Yes.
Hello, it’s Kostia.
Which Kostia?
Dima called me last night and gave me your number.
Oh! Yes, yes...
He called me. He wants me to help you.
Can you write this down?
Yes.
I’ll need a photo,
the places he frequents,
and the hours when I can find him.
Put it all in an envelope
and slip it into P.O. box 261
at Saxagan and Tolstoy. Know where that is?
Yes, I know.
Is 2 days enough to prepare it all?
- Of course. - I’ll be waiting. Have a good day.
Hi. Is the studio open?
Take off your jacket.
What size? For a passport?
No, for me. A bit bigger.
6x9? 13x18?
Show me.
- Like that? - That's fine.
Daddy.
Good, like that. I’m going to center it now.
The chin a little lower.
Good. Don't move.
All done.
Come back in 5 days, your photo will be ready.
Thank you.
Shall we go?
You know...
I forgot...
I need it right away. I’ll pay more.
Young man, you surprise me. You ordered a 13x18.
It's an artistic format.
I really need it.
Okay, come tomorrow at 6.
It will be ready.
Excuse me, is it possible to have it sooner?
What do you mean sooner? Even sooner?
This afternoon, after lunch.
Okay. Come by at 2 o'clock. It will be ready.
Andreievski Street. Art Cafe. July 26th. 8 o'clock.
July 23rd. Kisses. See you.
I absolutely must...
Closed, I said!
I just need to leave an envelope.
Open the door!
There are still 15 minutes left!
Where are you going? Lowlife!
261.
July 26th
- And you? - A double espresso.
Your hands are trembling.
Did you drink too much?
Yes.
Hey man, is the seat taken?
Yes.
No problem.
Can I have another double espresso?
You need something stronger.
Try the Kiglevitch.
I don’t have enough money.
You can pay later.
After all, we know each other...
It tastes like melon, you'll hallucinate!
Thanks.
Okay, folks, we're closing.
I’m closing earlier today.
Goodbye.
Hurry up. I've been nice to you. Please.
My son is 18 today.
Wait.
Take some cake. Don't be angry.
Are you stupid... or what?
Stupid.
How much is the red?
- It's marked. - Where?
There's a sticker on the top.
No. It's not marked.
It must've fallen off!
So, it's free!
Hey! Asshole!
Come in here.
July 26th
Hey! Where are you?
In the kitchen.
Come here.
Do you want some coffee?
Come here.
Do you have any chocolate?
Excuse me... I... What's your name?
On my papers: Lena. Otherwise: Vika.
So, let’s say Lena.
Okay.
For you, I’ll be Lena.
What's your name?
Tolik.
Excuse me, Lena.
I’ll pay you as soon as I have some money.
Lena doesn't take money.
But if you had run into Vika, you'd have to shell out 50 bucks.
Well, bye.
You know where to find me.
Hello.
- Hi, Tolian? - Yes.
- It's Dima. - Hi, Dim!
- Do you have any spare time? - That's all I have.
How about, in 2 hours...
1,000 dollars?
Illegal?
What are you talking about?
My boss is divorcing. He needs a witness.
A witness?
To say you slept
with his wife. You'll have to go
to the trial and confirm:
"Yes, he caught me in bed with his wife."
Those creeps keep messing with the cars.
I couldn't put mine in the garage for 3 days.
It's a false testimony.
What isn't false these days?
It's civil, not criminal.
Who's going to prove it’s false? She won’t contest it.
It pays well until you find something else.
I'll give him your number. Arrange it with him.
He's a good guy. An ex-director of the Komsomols.
A useful contact.
Who is it?
It's Boris, Dima’s boss.
Hello.
I called. No one answered.
I just arrived. You knew my address?
That's not a problem.
So, do we agree on the principle?
It’s not the lap of luxury.
You don’t become rich as a student.
Exactly.
As long as we're healthy, we can work.
So, are you in? Here’s an advance, if you are.
If not, you never saw me.
It's cool. Let's go.
Where to?
My place, to see where you fucked my wife,
then I'll bring you home.
She has a beauty mark on her left breast
and some small ones on her ass.
A scar on her stomach.
Diagonally, like that.
Only a lover could know that.
Don't worry. It's unlikely they'll interrogate you.
The money's yours. But if they question you...
"be prepared'' like a Pioneer.
Like in Stalin's time.
Very funny.
This is where you screwed her. During April and May...
While I was in the United States.
Bastard, you really took advantage...
That’s her. Her name is Alice.
Remember every detail. The trial's Monday.
Someone will pick you up. Wait at home.
- Do you want a drink? - No thanks.
Okay, let’s go!
Do you still deny the defendant's claims?
Yes.
Am I allowed to make a declaration?
Yes.
One of her lovers is in the room.
- He is ready to testify. - What!
You son of a bitch!
- Where's your witness? - Is this what you want?
Bastard! You rotten piece of shit! I knew it!
Fuck! You’re the one who wanted the trial!
We could've arranged things amicably.
If the witness is present,
would he please stand up?
Are you ready to testify?
I didn’t hear you. Are you ready, yes or no?
Yes.
Approach the bench, please.
It's useless.
I understand now.
I agree to the divorce.
Hi Tolik!
Were you looking for me?
Yeah.
And you found me. Let's go to your place.
It smells like another woman here...
Not a young one, either...
My wife lived here.
And now?
She's gone.
Forever?
I’m going to make some coffee.
Thought about changing the lock?
What lock?
The one on your door.
Why should I?
Why? Your wife left, didn't she?
Did she have the keys?
Yes, she did.
You see.
Any idea what time it is?
No, and I don't want to know.
You should! It's already 12:30. And I have a ton of work!
What about having some coffee somewhere?
Where, for example?
You’re paying, so you choose!
The one on Saint Andre Street?
Let's go!
Thanks.
What if I made you a baby?
When?
When I'm older. In 5 years.
Want your change?
Just a minute.
A friend’s been looking for you.
Dimka, is that it? A short, stocky blond guy?
Blond, but on the contrary: tall and thin.
- He wasn't here to see me. - Yes, he was.
You don't even know my name.
So what? He showed me your picture.
Don't worry, he’ll find you.
He said he’s in Kiev for a week.
He was wearing a black jacket.
Why don't we drink some Kiglevitch or a liqueur?
Listen, I have...
totally forgotten this guy who's waiting for me.
- You can't get rid of him? - I'm late!
- Tolik, are you taking the subway? - I'm late!
I’ll call you.
My granddaughter will be 5 tomorrow.
Here is 320,000.
Wait, my boy, I have some change...
Take it for 320, Grandma.
Thank you.
Are you sulking?
- How about a drink? - I never refuse.
Close the door.
Tolian, do you know this one?
A guy goes to the doctor and says: "My head is spinning."
"Yes, I see."
Good timing. I wanted to call you.
Did Boris pay you?
- Yes, thanks. - Have a drink.
You don’t have to thank me. But you must pay Kostia.
And to be frank, there's also my percentage.
You can pay me another time.
Listen...Maybe... it’s no longer necessary.
What, no longer necessary?
It’s no longer necessary.
Tell Kostia...
"Let the guy live."
You shouldn't take this so lightly.
Once you hire a killer, someone has to die.
Don’t play with this, otherwise we will end up in the cemetery.
Better have a drink.
- How much do I owe? - You know very well.
Of course.
100, 200, 300, 450...
I'm opening. Just a moment...
Good.
If you have too many dollars, I know some good investments.
Excuse me, I have to work.
The Plan above all!
Okay, thanks...See you.
Do you have any Earl Grey?
Hello?
- Hello, Anatoli? - Yes.
It's Kostia.
Call me back. I'm in the bathroom.
Okay.
- Hello, Anatoli? - Yes.
- It's Kostia again. - Yes.
Don't worry, there's been a delay,
but I've almost found your wife's colleague.
- Hello, are you listening? - Yes, of course.
Can I help you?
No, I'll manage.
- When do you think you'll find him? - In a day or two.
Don't worry. There won’t be any problems.
21 Krasnaflotskaia Street, please?
About 20 meters after the bus stop.
- Thanks. - Sure.
It's open!
Hello.
It's for the announcement.
You’re a bodyguard, aren’t you?
So?
Someone wants to kill me...
- I made a mistake. - Stop!
Sit down!
So, tell me about it.
Someone wants to kill me.
It's a long story.
- I can take care of it. - How much?
If I work alone...
500 dollars.
That's a lot.
400?
I only have 350.
Ivan!
Enchanted, Anatoli!
- Do you smoke? - No thank you.
Go on, tell me about it...
Who, where, when? How many?
He’s alone. He doesn't know my address.
He only knows which cafe I go to.
It's obvious...
What's obvious?
We need some bait.
Some bait?
You're the one he wants?
We'll use you!
Wait a minute! What if...
That's my problem!
- Show me the caffe tomorrow. - No, not tomorrow!
Today!
Okay.
I'm going to get changed.
I'll wait for you outside.
May God give you good health and happiness.
Thank you.
May God give you good health and happiness.
Could you spare some change?
It’s closed!
It's closed, I said!
I didn't recognize you. That brings luck!
We just had the coffee machine fixed. Just back from the country?
- From the country house. - Where is it?
- Near Jitomir. - That’s far away!
I'll wait here.
Hello.
- Do you have any Bielomor? - No.
Gauloises or Gitanes.
- And some tomato juice. - 50,000.
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
So here goes:
You sit down. You drink your coffee.
I’ll be at a nearby table.
If he shows up, wait a minute,
then leave as if you’re going to pee.
And come here.
Come here directly.
Hide here.
But you’ll have to pay me on the spot.
Any questions?
No.
Okay, it's 3:30.
Go take a walk around town
and be at the cafe at 6 o'clock.
What if he finds me before?
He won’t rub you out in town.
I'm not serving any more coffee. We're closing!
It's me!
I’ll walk you to the subway. Be here tomorrow at 6.
- What if he gets me in the subway? - He doesn't know where you live.
Okay, I'm watching.
But don’t turn around and don’t look for me.
A glass of Kiglevitch and 2 sandwiches.
Do you know what time it is?
9:30.
Isn’t your name Kolia?
No, not Kolia.
Careful, you’ll choke!
What’s the matter?
What’s the matter, man?
There you are!
It's me, Ivan. Come here!
Careful!
This is for you.
Light!
Nice piece.
The dough.
Here.
Do you have anything for the flu?
You choose: Smirnov, Stolychnaia...
Thank you very much.
Hi, Lena.
You are mistaken.
I'm not Lena.
Lena, wait! Is this a joke?
I know her.
- Vika, you know him? - Never saw him.
- Hi. - Come in.
- Shall we have a drink? - Okay.
Do you know why I called you?
Kostia's been killed.
That's life.
May his soul rest in peace.
Do you want me to call someone else?
That's not necessary.
What a life! Now there's a widow and an orphan.
We worked on trust.
I didn't pay in advance. The 470 are all here.
- Take it. - No, please. Stop it!
Take it.
Was he a friend?
What friendship do you mean?
Haven't you learned to adapt?
Friendship disappeared with our glorious Soviet past.
Today, there's no friendship, there are only... business relations.
And Kostia...
You could count on him.
He was a good guy.
The bullet whistled and... ah! ah!
The bullet whistled and my comrade fell!
I have to go.
Wait, let's finish the bottle!
No, I'm going.
I'm gonna have another one.
What's wrong, Tolichka? Are you upset?
It was your fault.
Put yourself in his place. You're with your girl,
someone tries to pick her up. How'd you have reacted?
I'm doing to marry him.
It doesn't change anything.
Does it still hurt?
It doesn't hurt anymore.
We met at an orgy at some banker's place.
He's nice, but a little crazy.
He wants to get married.
We'll take a cruise for our honeymoon.
No need.
I understand.
That happens to me, to.
We'll take a cruise for our honeymoon.
Cyprus, Spain, Capri, the Canary Islands.
We'll come back in mid-September.
Don't worry. Nothing changes between us.
Here.
Drink to my happiness.
Or keep it... We'll drink it together.
You’re not angry anymore?
No.
Good.
See you.
Hey, do you need some dough?
No thanks.
Okay, so, see you later.
Could you point out 5 Roudenko Street?
Straight ahead, left after the cranes.
- Thanks. - You're welcome.
What do you want?
Excuse me...
I am a friend of Kostia's.
Excuse me, what's your name?
Marina.
Tolik.
I owed Kostia some money.
Come in.
- Would you like some coffee? - Thanks.
I’m sorry about what happened to Kostia.
It can’t be easy for you.
Sit down.
You’re the first to have spoken to me like that.
When he disappeared,
some people were calling.
They were only interested in one thing. The confirmation of his death.
His death seemed to annoy them.
Maybe he owed them some money...
Did you know him well?
Not really.
We had some business together.
All that I know is...
that he was reliable, you could count on him.
Drink your coffee. It will be cold.
Thanks.
Life is so hard without him.
It wasn't easy with him, either. He worked nonstop.
He was almost never home.
He promised to quit this business.
He wanted to take courses at the International Institute.
But he needed a lot of money for that.
Are you in a hurry?
Yes.
I’ll leave you my number.
In case you need some help.
Will you come to see me?
Everyone disappeared so suddenly.
It burned down this morning, I saw everything.
Two guys approached.
One of them threw a bottle of gasoline inside.
The other was smoking.
Then the one who was smoking threw his cigarette.
And my God, then everything went up in flames.
How horrible!
The salesman escaped
with his shirt on fire.
Oh! My God!
- Hello? - Yes.
Excuse me, could I speak with Anatoli?
That's me.
This is Marina. You came to see me last week.
Hello.
Excuse me, but could you come by today...
at 7?
Of course I can.
I'll be waiting for you.
Goodbye.
Hi. Come on in.
Hello.
Shall we forget the formalities?
Okay.
In that case, put on your houseslippers.
Go into the living room. I'm coming.
Tolian, excuse me,
but I'm tired of being alone.
It's been almost a month.
Sit down.
Pour the wine.
I’m going to serve the salad.
Thanks.
So, here's to our acquaintance...
Pity we didn't know each other before.
Kostia never introduced me to...
...his friends.
Better late than never, don't you think?
Tell me about yourself.
What do you do for a living?
Before foreign languages. Now, nothing special.
Kostia spoke English very well.
Why do I always talk about him?
The dead... should remain modest.
Just a minute.
I love to cook.
It's been ages since I've invited anyone here.
It's not much fun to live alone.
He woke up.
He's crying.
- Who does he look like? - Me.
Eat something, I'll be right back.
Can you imagine? He went back to sleep.
I love to watch him sleep.
What about you? Are you married?
Yes. I was married.
Listen. Please excuse me.
You know, I have so much...
I have to go.
Of course, Come by whenever you want...
Absolutely.
- Do you have my phone number? - Yes, uh no.
Thanks.
Tolia...
Can I kiss you?
Something happened?
- What's going on? - Everything's fine. Why?
You seemed strange on the phone.
Not at all. Shall we sit down somewhere?
I'm inviting.
I'm working.
What about tonight?
I can't.
Tomorrow?
I have a lot of work.
This weekend?
I'm leaving for 10 days.
I see.
You lost weight.
I've been working a lot.
You should get some rest.
Yeah...
I should go to Europe in a red Ford.
Tolik.
I've been called Tolik for 35 years!
You pack a suitcase, put it in the trunk...
Are you happy with him?
It's different with him.
You're right. I have to get some rest.
See you.
- Who’s there? - It’s me, Lena.
- Who? - Lena.
Can I?
Of course.
Do you know anyone with good connections?
In what sense?
I need to punish a faggot. I don't want to mix my friends up in it.
What happened?
Oh! Good God!
This asshole gave me to his partner from Istanbul.
Which asshole?
Your husband, is that it?
So?
I must be the lousiest whore to sell myself to an asshole.
This guy was your choice.
He wanted to get married. No one forced him to.
Last night in a restaurant, he asked this tan-face if he liked me or not.
The asshole says "yeah" and my asshole hands him my passport.
Then, he hit me to shut me up.
And I believed him like a stupid little girl.
I wanted to get married in a church.
And that bastard...
Go to sleep.
You didn’t come to bed?
I’m hungry.
Do you have a picture of him?
A picture of whom?
Of this asshole.
Yeah, I do.
Do you have some money?
How much do you need?
500 bucks.
I can find it.
Listen carefully.
Write when and where we can find him on the back of the photo.
Put the photo in an envelope with the money.
Go to the post office at Saxagan and Tolstoy. Know where it is?
Yes.
Put the envelope in P.O. box 261.
That's it.
Thank you.
Are you looking for Ivan?
He's at the lake. Fishing.
Any bites?
There will be.
I have some work. Are you interested?
You know the post office at Saxagan and Tolstoy?
So?
P.O. box 261.
There’s an envelope.
You'll find everything you need. And the money.
Okay. I'm going.
Good luck.
Miralda Restaurant, 6 p.m. Sunday August 25th, at the latest.
Yes.
Hello? Is that you, Tolia?
Hi. It's Marina.
Hello.
Tolia, I wanted to ask you...
If you can't, too bad.
My son will be 10 months old on Sunday.
I don't want to have a party. I'm in mourning...
It’s still an important occasion.
Come by, we'll eat together, okay?
Okay.
At 8 o'clock or earlier if you like.
- Okay. - See you.
Hello Tanichka! You are more and more beautiful.
- Any calls for me? - No.
- No one? - No.
Give me some Cognac.
As usual.
Add a plate, I have a guest.
And bring me the newspaper!
Thanks.
Tanioucha...
Are you sure that no one called?
If that were the case, I'd have told you, Mr. Lvovitch.
Here's to you.
Excuse me.
I just want to tell you you’re in danger.
Where did you get that from?
So, that's it.
Here.
Call me, if you're still alive.
He just fell asleep.
I haven't finished cooking yet.
I'll be fast.
Dear Marina,
with the intention of becoming a model citizen,
I passed my rescue licence today.
so I dedicate this modest performance to your son.
Here's to him!
Wow, you impress me!
Come into the living room.
Can you help me tie my apron?
My hands smell like herring.
Tighter?
Thank you.
It seems...
that he just woke up. Go and see him.
You can hold him.
Hey little guy, what’s wrong?
Papa...
Subtitles: Susan Quarles
LOGO$ Laser subtitling Paris
Technical work: jafforidza