During WWII, the occupiers had divided France into 3:
1- Occupied Zone 2- Non-occupied Zone
3- Forbidden zone
In the Forbidden Zone,
the population from Ardennes was constantly submitted
to a system of restrictions, similar to famine.
We decided to tell this true story
so that the generations that didn't have to endure this situation
do their best to avoid this from happening again.
THE POTATOES
Stop!
Paulette...
I brought this for the meal...
That's kind of you.
Without you, Mathilde, we'd only have rutabagas.
He loved them so much.
He missed them.
Not meat...
potatoes.
Shall I peel them? You must have so much to do.
What, for instance?
I'll do it. It'll keep me occupied.
Hello, son.
Those are some nice pants.
Yes.
They fit.
From your wedding?
They won't recognize me anymore.
- They don't like me. - Tie them.
I'm not that thin, after all.
That's because you just look at your big fat face.
Your butt, however...
It's terrible.
Good lord, we should never go to funerals.
Do you see the mice holes?
A flag must have holes. It's glorious.
- Yes, but not mice holes. - They eat the best.
In 1914, in Conscription times,
he weighed 90 kilos.
Right. Those were pre-war kilos.
- Everyone was heavier. - We wanted to lose weight.
He needed two chairs each time he wanted to sit down.
One for each cheek.
Paul's two chairs were famous.
Something was wrong when he started needing just one.
He was starving.
And he starved... to death.
Our first dead of hunger.
And under current circumstances, it could be contagious.
You're right. It wouldn't surprise me if it became an epidemic.
We must remember him
as a joyful friend who we mocked for his weight.
And he laughed as well.
As an ex-chef and gourmet cook,
he used to say an old fellow with no tummy,
was a disgrace for cooking.
Although he was retired, he would put his apron on...
- What should I do? - You won't catch it.
Sadly, war had a gruesome fate for him.
We can say that he suffered from the same deprivation
we are all coping with.
Of course, he would...
- A rabbit. - What?
His strong appetite...
...who constantly tried to protect him
against this plague
that was ravaging our fields. We thought it had left forever
our civilized lands.
That plague was "famine". Today, it has changed its name.
It is now called "restriction"...
Stay here!
As the mayor and his friend...
I want to express confidence in the future.
Rest in peace.
If I wasn't holding this...
Your turn.
A hat can be useful, sometimes.
- I trade it for two trout. - Oh, no.
No, I will give it to the widow.
It will be the best.
Paulette.
Please, accept this. With all my heart.
No, keep it.
It's for you. Please, take it.
- I will be glad if you do. - Thank you.
Look.
Well, yes. I see.
It's the last one.
Say again?
It's our last potato sack.
Good God.
This can't be our last sack.
We gathered 1,000 kg in September.
I know.
- We ate four sacks a month? - Yes.
What will we eat now?
Rutabagas.
Have you seen those who eat rutabagas?
Did you see their faces?
They're alive now, but soon they'll be buried
like Paul, who starved to death.
We just buried him and now there are no more potatoes?
Not a good time.
I don't know why you told me that just before dinner.
I'm not hungry anymore. I won't be able to eat.
Don't tell the kids.
There's no point.
Potatoes, again?
- Stop. - See?
I'm sick of eating potatoes, too.
Damn war!
Damn life!
You have a friend whose parents live in Bezonche.
Bezonche?
Yes, Guignard Alfonse. I met him in the war.
But... Why are you talking about him?
No reason.
You're thinking about a man you don't know.
You don't even know what he looks like.
No.
- He was a moron. - I'm not saying he wasn't.
The Germans showed up. He didn't want to clear off with me.
He wouldn't drop his rifle.
It's easy in the river. It's too heavy, it just sinks.
It's beautiful to see.
He sent you a letter from Germany.
I didn't even answer.
He asked you to visit his parents.
Didn't do that either.
His parents have a farm, in Bezonche.
Yes, Bezonche.
They must grow potatoes.
Yes, potatoes, probably.
You should go see them.
- In Bezonche? - Yes.
Well, that's a funny idea.
How did you get that idea?
I don't know, it just came to my mind.
It's not a bad idea.
I'm not against.
Those ideas must be considered carefully.
Of course.
We must think about it.
I mean, really...
you have some weird ideas. I wouldn't have thought about it.
I can't help it. When you laugh,
I feel like making love to you.
You were snoring right after.
You always fall asleep afterwards.
I think about many things.
Yesterday, I remembered that idea.
You should go to Bezonche.
I think it's a good idea.
I don't know yet.
I must think about it first.
I can't bring 200 kilos of potatoes on my back.
Even with 50,
they would notice me. - Not on your back.
It's an occupied zone. This is the forbidden zone.
I will need a pass.
That's not even a possibility.
Imagine I make it through with my 200 kg of potatoes.
What will I find right after?
French guards.
As if the German weren't enough.
Not only guards, but customs officials, too.
That's even worse!
They are all dirtbags.
The guards get bumped off occasionally.
Customs officials get away with it.
Has an official ever been bitten by a suitcase?
Has any of them died on duty? On the battlefield?
They have a nice life.
Many of them are retired.
- There's a place for bastards. - Some of them are good.
Some of them are just fools.
Like your brother. He's an official.
He's probably a dirtbag,
but since he's your brother, I'll just say he's a fool.
Well, precisely.
We'll be able to trick them.
"Trick them ...
If we're not as fool as they are.
Alright, tell me how!
Not bringing anything, for instance.
Not bringing anything?
You don't seem to understand.
I have to explain everything to you, always.
"Not bringing anything"...
Yes, right...
- You're always late. - Someone has to.
Smart answer.
- Do you know the word "honor"? - Yes, miss!
You hear it often.
Yes. Honor and remember.
Word of honor.
- Honor the fallen. - Very good.
Henri, can you tell me what honor is?
Honor is less than potatoes.
What do you mean?
Nothing. It means nothing.
Potatoes have more value than honor.
Explain.
Dad got a letter from the mayor
asking him to give his word of honor
there weren't 50 kilos of potatoes in the house.
We all got that letter.
If everybody gave their word,
it's because honor means less than potatoes.
Hey! Clovis!
- Hi. - Yes.
We could have shaken hands yesterday at the funeral.
A funeral is a good occasion.
An occasion to meet an official?
I'm also your brother-in-law.
If I saw you with a bag,
I wouldn't say you're my brother-in-law.
I would say: "Damn! Good grief!"
- It depends on what's in the bag. -In the bag? Nothing interesting.
Just what we're allowed to have: potatoes.
Potatoes?
I would say you're a fool.
You should send them by train,
cash on delivery.
You won't have problems. No one will bother you.
I don't shake your hand because I could fall off my bike.
Just because of that.
Hey!
- Tobacco? - No, I don't have any today.
I'm sorry.
I have an idea.
I won't bring the potatoes because the Germans will arrest me.
What will you do?
The Guignards will send them by train.
That's a good fabrication.
We will get the potatoes, then.
A government officer will bring them to us.
I will pay him for that.
That's what I meant.
I didn't need you to think for me.
I do it on my own, sometimes.
Let's hope they send them.
The Germans can stop them.
They'll find nothing.
I have another idea.
- It might not be so good, after all. - Talk.
I could bring another 20 kg,
but not to eat them.
Precocious potatoes.
- We'd plant them right away. - What about the frost?
Spring will come earlier this year.
20 kg, just to try.
We could gather them at the end of May.
I know they'll give them to you.
Their son is his brother in arms.
Anyhow,
you should have written to Guignard.
His parents would have liked that.
You must always write to your friends.
I can say I answered.
He would've told them.
I'll tell them my letter was lost.
I'll bring them his letter so they can see it.
- Did you throw it? - It's where you left it.
- I left it nowhere! - You must have put it somewhere.
Maybe it's in the calendar sleeve.
It just says: "Hello from Germany".
"Hello from Germany"?
It's good you remember that.
But you should show it to them. Unless it was them.
- Did you take anything? - No.
No, we didn't. Hello, grandfather.
Good God!
It's under the kids mattress.
It's at the foot, near the door.
Oh! It's folded in eight.
Let me see.
"Hell... many".
"Hello from Germany".
There's not doubt. That's it.
I will iron it.
Stop.
That was enough.
Well, we're done.
That was hard work.
Now, we must plant them.
- Only the potatoes are missing. - They'll soon be here.
With your 20 kg, you'll get 200.
Don't say that.
It's useless. Don't say any figure at all.
The less we speak...
Besides, 200 kg in this bloody field...
It's a battlefield.
It's good for nothing.
Too many soldiers have stepped on it since always.
If we manage to make something grow in there,
it will be worth it.
Hello.
I'm here to see the train timetable.
So... "Depart from Perceval: 7:16 am".
"Arrival at Bezonche: 9:51 am".
Do you have a pass?
Oh...
They wouldn't give me one for what I'll travel.
I'm going to see my friend's parents.
That's good.
Well, yes. I promised. Although it took me too much.
What if you have trouble?
I gave my word.
Of honor.
Like the one you gave for the potatoes.
Here, read this.
"If you go to Clovis' house,
"you will find hundreds of kilos..."
"Hundreds".
I don't even have 10.
"...of potatoes
"he hides next to the toilets.
"It's a good hiding place for a man
"for whom the potatoes are more worthy than honor".
"Signs:
"Someone who has no potatoes
"but has honor".
- Isn't this an anonymous letter? - Looks like it.
I'll show it to the teacher.
She might know who wrote it.
I wouldn't do that...
I think she wrote it.
We're close to Merbourg.
Umm... Excuse me, sir.
- Is that a pass? - Yes, madam.
Oh, you're a salesman.
Are the inspectors too strict?
It depends. It's variable.
Merbourg.
Identity check.
Only the passengers supplied with a pass will carry on.
Present your papers.
Don't leave your compartment. Stay where you are until check.
Ladies and gents, papers.
It's a prefecture certificate.
- I need a pass. - It's an official document.
- I want to see a pass. - I don't have one.
Then, get off, immediately.
My wife and I.
Identity card.
That will do.
I need a pass.
A pass.
No, get off.
- I don't have a pass. - You get off too.
Your hat! Your hat!
Your hat!
Get on! Come on, get on!
Get on!
Excuse me, sir.
Do you know the Guignards farm?
There are many Guignards here.
Their son is a prisoner in Germany.
The Guignards from Montazin.
- Is that an officer's wife? - She's a hooker.
Really?
Hey, there must be 20 in there.
They're all bitches.
I didn't know that kind of brothel, with a flag.
Well, yes. It replaces the red light.
This is Guignards farm.
Do you grow potatoes?
Yes, but we don't make tons of them.
I don't have any.
The Guignards?
Just for their use. But that's not growing.
Thank you.
Right. Goodbye. Come on, go!
Hello.
Is this the Guignards farm?
Yes. I'm Mr. Guignard.
I'm here because your son asked me to stop by.
It's a man who comes on behalf of Alfonse.
Hello, madam.
I come on behalf of him... yes.
Right...
I got this from him.
It's been a while.
I answered him right away.
But I haven't had news ever since.
It is quite old. You can barely see the letters.
Tell him to go inside. We will talk.
I have to finish changing the litter.
We went to war together.
We were always together until the Germans showed up.
I left.
But he didn't want to desert.
He wouldn't drop his rifle.
He's a patriot,
in a way.
Don't blame him.
Of course not, but we miss him anyway.
He might not be so bad.
No, he's not bad. He's in a farm.
His boss was mobilized, so he's replacing him.
You must give him his address.
It's in Poland!
He eats potatoes in that place. It's unbelievable.
He put on 12 kilos.
School is over. I won't say no to a glass of wine.
Let's go.
- Cheers. - To us.
That's good.
- Do you want some? - No, thank you.
Here.
This is his last photo.
His boss' wife is next to him.
I saw a woman who looked very much like her.
My Goodness!
He's got fat since the last time I saw him.
Of course, if he eats as he should.
He works hard, too.
Yes, but he eats his fill. You can tell by seeing this photo.
Thank you.
By the way, what kind of potato do they grow in his farm?
The quality is not good. It's potatoes for pigs,
you see.
Speaking about it,
you grow potatoes here too, right?
Things have changed since the war started.
We grew wheat and beets because it was more profitable.
We never thought about growing potatoes.
We received them from Tourny, where they grow bintje.
I don't know if you like potatoes as much as I do.
My favorite variety is the bintje.
They don't send us anything now.
But you grow some potatoes for your consumption, I suppose.
Yes, but they're not nearly as good.
But you plant a little more than what you need,
I guess.
Before, I had a couple of kilos extra to sell,
but I don't know why the last harvest was quite mediocre.
Maybe the land's running dry.
Anyhow, we can't complain.
It seems on the other side of the line
people don't have anything to eat.
I come from there.
I crossed the line.
I don't even know how I made it.
I wanted to bring some potatoes back.
Of course.
I have two kids.
We opened the last sack of potatoes eight days ago.
I don't have anything to give you.
It's been a bad year.
I understand.
I was too lucky this morning. It couldn't last.
At least I met some brave people.
It's almost noon.
You must be hungry.
If I don't find precocious potatoes, I will plant these, of course.
But with the precocious, I'd gain 3 months.
In early June, there would be leaves in my field.
And then, flowers.
Unless it frosts.
It won't.
Here.
There you go.
Spring is coming sooner this year.
It's perfect. The only thing missing is the precocious.
Wait.
I think he's asking the neighbor for some.
I would have never thought Alfonse had such good parents.
Oh, my.
Don't forget to give me his address before I leave.
Good God!
- That's spare rib! - 1 kilo.
If it fits in the suitcase.
Don't worry, I will make it fit in.
I also have two pieces of dried cheese.
It will fit in too.
- Not everybody likes it. - I will. I like everything here.
But you can't die of thirst.
- Come on. - No, no!
Easy, easy...
Unless you don't like it.
I can't say I don't.
Be quiet, you!
Are you deaf or what?
Shut up you idiot!
Well, I was right.
Marcel doesn't have
any precocious.
Maybe you know someone who does grow precocious potatoes?
What if you go to Saingery's?
- It's the seed merchant. - Oh, of course!
- We didn't think about that! - He's closed.
- We should give it a try. - But first, finish your wine.
It would be a shame not to finish it.
I told you. Not everything's good.
I won't have time to choose.
- When does your train leave? - At 3:10 pm.
It's 3:05.
Do you have a pass? How did you go through?
- I just did. - You won't do it twice.
You better miss the train and go by land.
In a truck. It'll be safer with all that load.
Can I do that?
Of course you can.
You need nerve.
- And some luck. - Luck, of course...
Everybody's lucky.
I've been lucky so far.
See?
You have to be in deep shit first to see if you're lucky.
Well, that's it. I missed it.
It might be better like that.
That's all I could do.
Your suitcase was empty.
Hello, sir.
Is there a truck to Perceval?
I left my bike there.
And I missed my train.
You don't have a pass, of course.
We'll see.
Serge?
Isn't that a stupid game.
This gentleman would like to pass.
Right now?
If it's possible.
It depends.
- On what? - On what's on that suitcase.
- I don't understand. - I suppose it's not rat poison.
- That's not your problem. - Unfortunately, I don't like you.
Wait.
Maybe we can get to an agreement.
- What will you have? - Wine.
No, no wine for me.
A coffee.
I really need to know.
Potatoes.
Oh, my! In Paris, they're lacking meat and butter.
- We don't have anything at home. - Right.
But I mean, potatoes...
I have some pork.
It's quite good with beans.
Can I take a look?
It's not big piece if you cut it in two.
What is this?
Clearly, it's not brie.
And your potatoes?
It's potatoes.
There must be 40 kilos.
30, but I need them. It's precocious potatoes.
My father has planted precocious, too.
Alright...
But I need 25 kilos, at least.
I'll give you 5 kilos.
And half of the pork.
And some cheese.
10 kilos, half of the pork and no cheese.
7 kilos.
- 10! - 8!
10, and that's my last word!
Keep everything and manage alone.
Sir! Check, please!
We're near Merbourg. You must hide.
Go the rear. Crawl and you will find a passage.
There's a guy there. He'll make some room.
Don't do anything stupid. It's not a good time.
Okay, go.
You're not too comfortable.
Well, there's first class and second class.
I travel in 2nd class and you travel in 1st.
Where are you going?
I'll try to enter Belgium.
I live near the border.
- It smells funny here. - It will bring us luck.
Halt! Stop. Inspection.
Keep going.
Now, get out.
Of course, sir. If you want to take a look, go ahead.
Trust me, it's just manure for wheat,
for potatoes
and all those good stuff we grow for you.
See?
Why don't we stop for a second?
If you want to.
What can I say?
It's so good to be out...
I'm not used to it. I should do it more often.
There aren't many beautiful girls like you
around here.
Doesn't the country inspire you?
We're too close to the road.
Fair enough.
Besides, I left my bike. I better not leave it there.
Guards!
Good God.
Damn country! It's always uphill.
We really got hit.
I'll take a piss.
This round's on me.
No, thank you.
You should. Even if there's not much to piss,
it can be useful.
It's not right to look.
- Hey, colleague! - Yes.
Come see what I found.
It's potatoes.
Looks like seedlings.
Unbelievable.
There's no way I'm going to plant them.
There's at least 15 kilos.
If you pay attention, we might find the roast.
There's a good one there.
- We'll put them in our bags. - We must take every one of them.
What did I say? Every pissing opportunity is a chance.
You seem to take things rather well.
Maybe it'll be less funny tonight.
We're not there yet.
I see Clovis planting something in the field.
What is he planting?
I don't give a hoot.
Nice potatoes.
Don't be scared. I won't take them from you.
I have no advice to give you but...
You should eat those potatoes instead of planting them.
- Do as you wish. - Precisely.
But seeing those beautiful, ready-to-eat potatoes
that you'll put on earth for them to rot...
There'll be others.
How do you know you'll be here to see them grow?
- You might me dead by then. - Stop...
I have a rule:
"Eat while you can".
Do what you please, and leave me...
I'm not thinner than you.
You don't always eat your own food.
Oh... Just wild rabbits.
They belong to everybody.
They belong to he who can catch them.
Just like potatoes, maybe.
Let me give you a piece of advice:
Don't hover around too much.
You are warned...
I didn't hear.
I saw him digging a field.
I didn't know he would plant it.
Plant what?
That's the question.
A kilo of salt.
Does he even have something to plant?
Some people know how to get by.
Yes. Some people are lucky.
That doesn't mean we're jealous, no.
I'll take a look. I'll be right back.
It's potatoes.
Potatoes?
- Are you sure? - I saw it.
Why didn't you tell us?
I earned my place.
I want some seed potatoes.
Maurice!
Clovis is planting potatoes.
What do I care?
He has too many while we have nothing.
- They'll frost, anyway. - Clovis is a smart guy.
- He knows potatoes. - Maybe he'll sell them.
I just wish they won't frost.
Don't worry about frost, Bayochet.
Be careful with the moon.
Don't worry about that.
- They're varnished. - Clovis!
I have this for you.
It's from the prefecture. Compulsory work.
Apparently, they need some French workforce.
- When will they come? - Thursday.
They say you'll have many privileges: bonus...
And a bomb on my head. Ugly things happen at night.
But you haven't left yet.
Look, there's a pair of shoes I'd like to have.
I wonder what they're made of. It's not leather.
I really like them.
Don't piss me off with your cork shoes!
I can't believe that's on your mind.
I'm leaving and you're interested in shoes.
- God dammit! - I didn't do anything wrong.
Just when I'm planting these potatoes!
You haven't left yet.
What are you going to do?
- And the kids? - I will garden.
It's not about gardening.
What will you do with those precocious I planted?
Precocious potatoes are demanding.
As soon as they sprout, they need to be taken care of.
You don't step on them.
Then, you hoe them.
If it freezes, you mulch them.
You have to tend them, love them.
You must love them to be able to do everything.
I know you won't do that.
I will snatch every potato I planted.
I can't leave all that to rot.
Too bad if they think I'm crazy!
Will you have lunch?
I'm not hungry.
You're causing some stir with your potatoes.
Everybody talks about them.
You should've seen Bayochet's face.
He looked as if he was choking
with one of your potatoes.
He said: "It's not a crop for him.
"He's no greengrocer specialist".
My Goodness!
You talk too much, you laugh too much. It's not good.
- Last night he had one of his fits. - It was not a fit!
It's my migraine.
Don't worry, son.
I will live long enough to see your potatoes grow.
Sure, Dad. You'll see them.
And they'll be beautiful.
We'll enjoy them together.
They're still bad-mouthing.
They weren't so mean before. But now, they're hungry.
They're like snails. They fast, they slaver.
Isn't it a bit short?
Everything below the butt is shot fabric.
Yes, but anyway.
- Is Maurice here? - Maurice!
I'm coming!
Be reasonable.
- Did you forget the hot butter? - My sister has some.
Don't do anything stupid.
Yes, tell me.
I'm interested in those cork shoes.
- Good quality. - Yes, well, whatever.
Here.
She seems to really like them.
We'll get in without making any noise
and we'll catch both of them in bed.
- Do you have the key? - Huh?
The key.
- The key? - Yes.
Alright, wait.
Wait, hold this for me.
Be careful!
You're tickling me.
- There's no key. - I lost it.
You'll have to call Fifine.
He'll clear off by the back. Good grief! It won't work.
We'll do it some other time.
Is that you?
- Do I bother? - You were staying at your sister's.
He didn't want to.
That doesn't surprise me.
Good God!
Well, Fifine, have an excellent night.
You'll be the first.
Where exactly did it sprout?
In the third row.
Be careful.
Watch your step.
- That is fabulous. - You might not believe me,
but I think about your potatoes at night, when I can't sleep.
It distracts me from my migraine.
I think about them, too. Maybe too much, even.
I want them so bad, I fear it will bring me bad luck.
If only the wind turned to the North...
Oh, it won't.
You'll have to wait forever to pick them.
Take it easy. That plant must be really fragile.
Don't worry.
You know, potatoes like this
are respectable.
He too is astonished by what you managed to do.
Have you got any news since your check-up?
Not yet.
Dandelions.
I must eat something.
If I can call this "eating".
There's plenty this year...
dandelions.
I really don't fancy dandelions.
My wife doesn't like it either. We prefer potatoes.
- Everybody does. - But we don't waste it.
Does anybody waste potatoes?
- Don't you understand? - No.
But I know I could kick your ass.
Speaking of potatoes, your face could look like one.
You're stronger. And my belly's empty.
Well, go ahead. What are you waiting for?
Come on.
- Stick it well. - Is it straight?
There are not many bastards who could climb a fence here.
I know, but it's not the same to enter an open field
than to jump over a fence.
That Bayochet guy is a chicken.
He won't dare.
Don't worry about him. You won't see him.
He's leaving.
He's going to Germany.
Bayochet?
He's going to work there.
He was called?
He wanted to.
He's weak. I didn't think they would take him.
They're not so picky after all.
He told me: "At least, I will eat to my fill
"and I'll send packs".
That's bad.
Better him than you.
You won't miss that moron.
He's not a moron.
He's a pathetic guy, like you and me.
I'm not scared of thieves.
There are none around.
Just Larobesse.
I didn't make a fence only for Larobesse.
No, I did it for wild boars.
They charge and destroy everything.
Except fences.
Wild boars respect fences.
That's why I made one.
- Fifine! - Yes.
I need a padlock.
For wild boars?
- A big one? - Let's make it big, why not.
Right, put that nail.
Good.
It was pretty last year, when there was no fence.
We could see the potatoes.
And you didn't seem to distrust people.
Turn it off.
Hello, Fifine.
- The padlock didn't work? - It's not that.
I would like a good lock.
Sure, you need a lock for your door.
They go together.
Just one key?
Yes. It's the restriction.
Don't lose it.
It wasn't devastated. No, it's not that.
I think someone is prowling, waiting for...
Waiting for what?
Waiting to do something against the potatoes?
You think too much.
It wasn't a friendly visit.
Try to sleep.
You see, if you hadn't made that fence...
It's the fence's fault.
If you hadn't made it, you'd see footsteps
and you'd say: "Look, someone was here".
That's all.
It wouldn't keep you from sleeping.
Yes.
That's true.
But if there's a fence and someone gets in,
it's because they have bad intentions.
It could be a woman.
With her child.
I think there were two of them.
A tall and a short one, I think.
I found different footsteps.
Larobesse wouldn't mind for nothing.
It's too soon for the potatoes. There's nothing to steal.
Do you still want to go and see?
I brought a big lock and I installed it.
I don't think he could enter with a lock like that.
It makes you laugh.
Yes, a little bit.
You like it when I laugh.
You said that.
Well, yes. But it depends on the day.
They were here again.
I see footsteps.
But they used a key.
- They didn't force the lock. - They had a copy.
Or an original key.
Good God!
Good grief!
It's plenty of beetles.
- They're everywhere. - Everywhere?
Well, yes.
- Everywhere! - They couldn't bring them.
What do I know! Maybe they did.
In a box?
Look at them!
They won't stop eating.
They eat and lay eggs at the same time.
They're perfect little bastards.
As filthy as it can get.
Don't do that! You must not swat them.
They lay eggs even when they die.
You're right.
It's worse than fire.
We couldn't see anything. They burn too fast.
I'm surprised they don't eat fire, too.
I must find lead arsenate.
- Arsenate, of course. - What is it?
It's war. Arsenate and lead, no survivors.
Where will you find that?
I know it's scarce.
It is used to kill people. That's more urgent than beetles.
- But I'll find it. - It's expensive in the black market.
I don't care!
Maybe with your 2 pairs of hands...
Yours, maybe.
I'm peeling the potatoes the Guignards sent.
He saw me. He's finishing his coffee.
They call him Littlearms. He has short arms.
Anyway, he's quite influential. He's well-known in Berlin.
- This is Clovis. - Looking good.
You're interested in lead arsenate?
You want 50 or 100 kilos...?
No, that is too much.
I need some for my potato field. The beetles are ravaging it.
One kilo.
I'm not interested in that.
I thought you wouldn't.
- How much for a kilo? - 500 francs.
500 francs?
It cost 40 before the war.
Before the war, I ate for 40 cents.
Now, they charge me 500 francs for steak and chips.
Excuse me.
Hey!
I like you. I'll make you a discount.
- He lives near the border. - Yes.
You'll bring me a nice box of cigars
and I'll give you some arsenate.
Poison for poison, I like mine better.
I will try but it's not easy to pass.
You know a customs officer.
You're damn right. I know one.
- My brother-in-law. - Fantastic!
What if they see you with those cigars?
You want me to say they won't catch me?
- Alright. - What if you go to jail?
Well, maybe.
Do you think it's worth it?
Then I should leave everything behind. Is that your advice?
Your potatoes are driving you crazy.
The Guignards send us some.
It's not the same.
My potatoes are different.
Your potatoes are pure conceit.
Conceit?
Conceit.
What if I asked my brother to help you?
You know he's a customs officer.
He might say yes.
Listen to me, Mathilde.
Screw your brother and the customs.
If you had liked my potatoes, you would have never said that.
I don't want to ask that fool anything.
I respect my potatoes, so I'll try to save them by myself.
I'd have appreciated your support, you know.
I just can't give up.
- He should ask for help. - Why?
I would love to say no to him.
He says you're a fool, not a scumbag. But he's wrong.
The box from Bezonche.
- It's sawdust. - Where are the potatoes?
What happened?
They stole them?
They put sawdust instead.
I paid 30 francs for sawdust.
There's not a single potato.
Someone stole the potatoes.
It's dangerous for them to travel alone.
They put sawdust instead.
It's well organized.
They might do it again the next time.
You'll know it then.
Just like serials: "To be continued".
What do we do now? What are we going to eat?
Dandelions, just like everybody else.
Are our potatoes ready to eat?
No, they're being eaten by these bugs.
There are hundreds, and they don't cry over the victims.
We must do something.
Like what?
I am sick of potatoes!
I am sick and tired!
I have had it up to here.
Do you understand?
- What is wrong with you? - I don't know.
They're almost ripe. We can't lose them now.
Stop trying to impress us with your potatoes.
Shut up!
Pure conceit, huh?
Pure conceit.
Pure conceit!
Bring your grandpa.
I can bring the sawdust home If you want.
I'll put it in the stove. It burns nice.
At least, it'll be useful.
It will replace the chairs he broke.
Clovis is violent.
He's really very violent.
I mean, it's his age.
Were you violent, too?
Just like him.
Maybe you should have talked to him, showed him that you care.
When I do, he brushes me off.
We need those potatoes so much.
He needed support much before now.
Since he had the idea of planting them.
His need didn't come from his belly.
Not only from his belly, I mean.
Sometimes, you just want
to do something extraordinary,
that will leave people in awe.
It can be anything, like potatoes.
It happens really fast.
Like a fit of madness.
A need to rise above other people,
to be better than others.
And then, there's nothing you can do.
You must do it at all costs.
Not everybody makes it.
Usually, you're forced to give up.
I've had lots of crazy ideas like that one.
But I never quite knew how to accomplish something extraordinary.
Hello, grandmother!
You will leave the kids with us.
You better have this evening for yourselves.
Will you come to bed?
I am in bed.
I mean, your bed.
This is my bed.
Go to sleep.
How could I sleep if you won't sleep with me?
I thought maybe tonight you would go to Belgium.
What for?
To buy cigars.
You're telling me this now.
It's too late.
I don't want to.
Maybe I was too stubborn.
I didn't prove worthy.
Poor people are never worthy.
Everything's against us:
rich people, guards,
beetle that eat our food.
Who could stop them?
Why?
What's the point?
In the end, we're all going to die.
We will be eaten.
There's no need to work hard to fatten death.
Being alone on your bench doesn't suit you.
Clovis!
Who's there?
Open up! It's me, Maurice!
- What do you want? - There's people in the potato field.
They're in your field.
Who?
Fifine and...
You'll see. They've been coming here for a while.
I didn't know where they were. But they entered by the door.
Yes!
Of course.
In your field!
By the door!
Damn Fifine.
Let's go.
Come on!
Shut up or I'll leave you.
Will you walk, yes or no?
No!
You're drunk and a cuckold.
I'm more of a cuckold.
Don't bother.
Oh, it's you!
The customs officer!
It's the first time I take so much pleasure in seeing an officer.
I almost didn't recognize you without your pants.
This changes everything.
Go ahead, Ernest. At least, you'll be useful now.
While you're here, no one will steal my potatoes.
And you, Fifine, I offer you the key to paradise.
It would be a shame asking you for it.
You make really good use of it.
You were caught, for a change.
Don't be so grumpy.
No, I don't want to.
Get back to your bench. You're mean.
No, get away...
But... What did Fifine say?
Fifine is a beautiful girl.
You're telling me this now?
Take this!
Don't even think about Fifine.
There's enough to make one.
Come and see.
I have something for you.
No need to ask who brought them.
Customs officers can be soft-hearted, too.
So?
Big calamity.
Landing, soon.
You can't trust officers.
They still believe in their Führer.
- He hasn't said his last word. - He won't have time.
They're all kids.
It seems they'll occupy the factory's store.
- What about my potatoes? - What about them?
You were a soldier!
You took whatever you wanted. They'll do the same!
This is what we'll do.
You'll go to the pinewood and you'll watch them from there.
If something happens, you'll go get me at the foundry.
You, bring me a fork. I'll leave it in the field.
Come on, quick!
You're out of breath, Dad. Sit down.
I have better things to do.
Maurice!
- There are at least 20 at the door. - They're harmless.
Look, they're all upstarts.
They can't scare you, Fifine.
Maurice!
Ask them for tickets. They won't insist.
Maurice!
- Little bit. - Tickets!
20 francs.
There's enough for everybody.
- They will be sick. - Too bad.
In your salad... But not too much.
Goodbye, gentlemen. Goodbye.
I didn't see any of them.
They must be in their camp.
I'm scared for tomorrow.
No, I heard they're leaving at dawn.
Here, I brought you some hot coffee. Real coffee.
I shouldn't drink,
but it won't make any difference.
You don't look so good right now.
- You better go to bed. - Are you kidding me?
I'm better here.
Your mother doesn't sleep because of me.
Now, that's a purge...
I wonder what they give them to eat.
It reminds me of something.
It was in Argonne.
It was 1917. Spring, 1917.
There were two of us in the patrol: a guy named Picard Auguste
and myself.
We ran into two Germans
that were patrolling, just like us.
But they hadn't seen us. They thought they were alone.
So, they lowered their pants...
It was one hell of a target.
We couldn't miss it.
Picard took aim
but didn't shoot.
I said: "Shoot! What are you waiting for?"
He said: "You shoot. I can't do it".
Alright. So I took aim...
"What's wrong? You're not shooting either".
"No, I can't shoot".
We couldn't do it.
So, we let them leave.
They weren't German anymore.
They were regular guys who went to take a shit,
like you and me.
Damn.
Help me jump.
They will find me inside.
I was right to put that big lock.
They would've blown the padlock.
Oh, no!
Big tragedy.
The major regrets what happened.
He says the sergeant will be punished.
He's willing to compensate you, it you don't file a complaint.
You'll do as you wish.
Big tragedy.
Profound regret.
I ask nothing.
I just want my potatoes.
Of course.
That's what he died for.
Subtitles: Eclair Media