THE WATCH
Based on the translation by Lu Xun
Adapted from the works of Panteleev
Directed by Zuo Lin
Featuring the Children's Chorus from the Shanghai City Orphanage
Hey, Calf. Over there.
What's the matter with the boy?
- Won't drink his milk. - I'll get him something else.
Baby's being silly.
He won't eat good food.
What do you eat?
Don't tease her, Little Mouse.
What's your name?
I'm Cuicui.
My grandpa fixes watches in the alley.
How old are you?
None of your business.
She's just like my younger sister. She's dead now.
Don't talk nonsense.
Really, Big Cat. I'm not lying.
So, Cuicui, is he your brother now?
You call him that. Brother Calf.
Brother Calf.
Look, this little monster won't eat his chicken leg.
I don't care anymore.
No time to wait on you. I'm going upstairs to make lunch.
Little fellow, you won't eat your chicken?
Give it to me. Okay?
Calf, maybe if you cry, he'll give it to you.
Cry.
Fine, I'll cry.
Mother Zhang, is someone here?
No, madam.
Oh, three little street urchins.
Mother Zhang, close the door.
Madam, have pity.
Madam, spare some leftover rice.
Madam, madam.
No, get away.
Mother Wang, we have plenty of rice. Go cook some.
No we don't.
None, I tell you.
None at all.
That's the girl's father, Master He.
Don't know how to take care of a child?
You just made him cry.
Don't cry.
I'll give you this.
What are we going to do, master?
What's wrong?
The little guy knocked out the glass from the watch.
It's all right.
Let the old man in the alley repair it.
How can we trust him?
Well, master, Old Wan is very honest.
He has worked in the alley for ten years.
Here, give me the watch.
Grandpa Wan, could you match the glass case of my watch?
This little baby is very naughty.
We don't know how he broke it.
I don't have such a glass.
I'd have to cut a new one.
Come back tomorrow morning, Madam Wang.
Sorry, I can't have such a valuable watch held overnight here.
He's our master.
Mr. He, don't worry. I won't lose it.
Master, you can trust him.
No, this watch has been passed down from
generation to generation.
How would you be able to compensate me if you lost it?
Master, with all due respect.
I cannot repay the loss if I signed away my life.
Master, they are grandfather and granddaughter.
This is my granddaughter, Cuicui.
She sleeps here and cannot go outside. Right, Grandpa Wan?
Yes, if we could, we would have run away a long time ago.
All right, you must have it ready by 9 AM tomorrow.
Please hand it over.
Go away, kid. What's your business?
Elder brother, don't go.
Elder brother?
Elder Brother Calf says I'm like his younger sister who died.
Big Cat, that watch looks just like the one we saw
in the alley. The spitting image.
If we had such a watch,
we could buy a good meal.
You little hooligans.
Little Mouse, when I become rich,
I must take you to dinner.
Brother Calf.
Cuicui.
So this is your big brother.
Good morning.
You are probably a little hungry.
Cuicui, could you split that sugar cane with your big brother?
Take it.
Go on.
Right here.
Hey, old man. Do you fix the watch?
Soon, sir. Just a little while.
A little while? I wanted it done by morning.
Soon, sir. Soon.
Bullshit. Who has time to wait? I need to get to work.
Mr. Ding, go back and tell Madam we've cancelled.
Madam, you see?
He still hasn't fixed the watch.
After you're done shopping,
come back and get it from him.
I want it back immediately, you hear?
Little rat, get away. Why do you hang around here
all the time? What nerve!
You steal from my home? Where are your parents?
Why would you steal a small bicycle wheel?
You have no family education!
Who are you to talk? Preaching your tripe?
You are the real thief.
What are my baby's pedals doing in your backyard?
My daughter took it to play with. How can that be stealing?
For play? Let her father buy one of her own.
Is it that big a deal for her to play with it?
Play with your own child.
Why look down upon us?
You're so poor, you stir-fry your shoe laces.
So we're not as rich as you.
You're full of hot air, bitch.
Good morning.
You are probably a little hungry.
Cuicui, could you split that sugar cane with your big brother?
Hey Big Cat, Little Mouse.
Where did you go?
I'll show you something neat.
What?
Nothing.
Must be something.
Come on, Calf. Show me.
It's nothing.
Don't talk bogus.
Who's talking bogus?
In your hat. I know it. Give it up.
Whip it out.
Get a load of this.
Don't make a sound, Mouse.
Let's go under that car.
You've shamed me.
I've shamed you? How?
Okay, Okay, the kids were just playing.
Don't be angry? Let's go home and give it a rest.
Shameless things.
Grandpa Wan, did you find the right glass casing?
Well... come here.
Grandmother Wang, the glass case is difficult to match.
I worked all night.
Where...?
What is it?
I clearly put it right here.
Cuicui, have you seen it?
No, Grandpa.
Did you take it out to play with?
No.
This is not good.
How much is it worth to pawn it?
Why pawn it?
Pawn it for money.
If I get rich, you must take me out to eat.
You promised, didn't you, Calf?
Yeah.
Madam. Madam.
What is it?
Master's watch has been lost.
If we pawn it, how much would you split with me?
I'll treat you to a large meal.
Is that all?
How can it be so simple?
Then what do you want to do?
We split it three ways - equal parts.
Right, three equal parts.
Shit, I stole the watch.
Why should I divide it like that?
Didn't we agree we were all together?
No matter who took it, we will split it three ways.
Who said that?
You bastard. You eat your words.
Who's a bastard?
You know who's a bastard.
- You. - Want a piece of me?
What about me?
Don't you cheat me. You shameless old man.
I know your tricks. You lying thief.
You can't call me names, Madam.
Oh, I intend to call the police.
Mother Wang. Go call the police.
Why linger here?
Madam, don't take that tone. We'll find out the truth.
Why are you interfering.
I knew it. You're in cahoots with him.
You can't be trusted.
Police! Police!
Don't shout. We'll go to the station.
And I did not steal your watch.
Let's go.
Grandpa, Grandpa.
- What's your name? - My name is Calf.
Surname?
I have no surname.
Where is your home?
I have no home.
- Who is your father? - I have no father.
- And mother? - I have no mother.
So where do you live?
Anywhere.
Where's your hometown? How did you come to Shanghai?
My parents died. I lived in the country.
I was drafted into the army. I got away.
I had a younger sister, but on the road, she...
After that, I don't know how I ended up in Shanghai.
And did you know you were heading to Shanghai?
No, I didn't recognize the road.
There were so many rickshaws and automobiles.
Once I crossed the street and...
At night, those red and green neon signs
were so beautiful.
And the big stores, so many of them.
So many diversions. So much to do.
I really wanted to see inside, but didn't have any money.
So since that time, you've been stealing to survive.
No, I sold my clothes first.
Then I lived on noodles until I used up all of my own money.
Sorry boss. I'm out of money.
You're trying to swindle me, eh?
No, I just sold my clothes.
Can you put it on my tab?
On a tab? Take off your clothes.
That should be enough to pay for your meal.
Then take a hike.
And then.
Then, I had no money. I starved for two days, then...
When I saw someone picking a cigarette butt,
I started picking up cigarette butts.
When I saw someone picking up discarded bottles,
I started picking up discarded bottles.
How did you make a living?
I... .
Little rat, you again.
Where are you from?
Come with us to see my Uncle Tooth.
Uncle Tooth, we found another one.
A real wise guy.
Get up.
You from the countryside?
You been hungry for a few days?
You need to wise up,
if you plan to make a living on the Shanghai wharf.
You have to listen to me, understand?
I don't understand.
You will in time.
Kneel. Greet him as Uncle Tooth.
Master. I kowtow to you.
Master whatever. Uncle Tooth.
Get up. Follow his lead.
Where am I going?
Where? To learn, my boy.
Turn that in.
You saw that?
Now it's your turn. Go to it.
Go.
Calf, how was your take? Got the goods?
Let's have a looksie.
What, nothing?
Three days already, and you got nothing.
That Uncle Tooth hung me, beat me up pretty bad.
He put cotton in my mouth.
And whipped me with a leather strap.
After that, you handed something over every day?
No, I got away, then ran into Little Mouse and Big Cat.
So why were you three fighting just now?
- He... - He what?
He hit me.
What for?
For a piece of cow bone.
This is a misdemeanor for you two, so you will be
staying in jail for three days.
You, however, not only stole some steamed buns,
but caused harm and injury to bystanders.
So you should be sent to the detention center
to learn your lesson.
Call Officer Hu Dekui.
Hu Dekui!
Hu Dekui, send this child to the Children's Education Center.
Yes, sir.
No, it wasn't me. It was him.
Take him to the branch office first. They might have a truck.
Yes, sir.
Who stole the watch?
This child.
Sarge, this woman lost a gold watch.
She claims it was Old Wan who stole it.
But he insists he didn't.
Officer, I did not steal the watch.
Stole or cheated. Either way, the watch is lost.
He must take responsibility.
Yes, madam.
We'll send him to the judiciary for imprisonment,
but we must first conduct an investigation.
Officer, no. Please grant me a pardon.
Let me return to my shop. I will look for the watch.
You can't let him go, Officer. He'll run away.
Don't worry, madam. We won't release him.
Take him away.
Let's go.
Madam, I implore you. I didn't steal the watch.
I wouldn't lie nor cheat.
I beg you, madam. Let me go.
I have a granddaughter at home
with no one to look after her.
Quit your yammering. Take him away.
Grandmother Wang, please promise me.
No one is looking after Cuicui.
Please look after her for me.
Stop stalling. Take him to the judiciary.
Goodbye, Mrs. He.
Goodbye.
- Thank you, officer. - Don't mention it.
Slowly, please.
Are you in charge of taking people to the branch office?
How far is this place?
I remember where the hospital was, Officer.
You're tired of walking, aren't you?
Why are you limping?
Do your feet hurt?
No. I took some beriberi medicine for it.
Beriberi? Does it make you itch?
Yes, it itches.
Officer, let me massage it for you in the bathhouse.
Please come in.
Just you? Does this little fellow need a bath.
No, he doesn't.
You're warm. Take your clothes off.
Sit here and don't move.
Well, you're a fine lad. I hadn't had a bath in a while.
You've been a good boy, sitting here.
No one appreciates the youth nowadays. Thank you.
Everyone has his job to do.
We should all be able to follow through.
You do look a bit tired.
Not really. We have a utility room to set up.
Old Lei works the hardest.
Mr. Lei does his best with the utility room.
The graduates are responsible and diligent.
He's the best in our class.
No matter what happens, he always bears the burden.
Everyone calls him, "water buffalo."
On the invoice, it says there are 20 bundles of wood.
There are only 18 here.
That's odd. It's impossible to be in error.
I must not have filled the empty spaces.
So sorry.
Why are you dilly-dallying? Back to work!
Are there more children coming in?
We have little room left.
Only one, Director.
All right, then.
Mr. Lei, can you take care of him?
I need to meet with the trustees.
It's really difficult.
Every month, the number of children increases.
The foundation gets no subsidy from the state,
but that hasn't stopped the board of directors from trying.
They'll see it through.
In this cold weather, the children don't eat.
Barely clothed, they wander the streets. Such is their lot.
These kids are forced to steal for a living.
Only the toughest survive.
Look at him. He comes from the countryside.
Yes, this child is fairly honest. But just now...
Excuse me?
Nothing important.
From now on, he will follow your example.
Is there anything else.
No. Thank you. Goodbye.
Goodbye, Calf.
Come with me, Calf.
You see that we are very quiet here.
Okay, let's go.
We want to thank the children
for helping with the lumber.
Mr. Lei is back.
Hello, Mr. Lei.
Children, is it not best to work with your own hands.
Yes sir.
We will need your blood and sweat to build the utility building.
Yes, sir.
Good, we start tomorrow.
Soon the utility building will be complete!
Yes!
Children, don't be impatient. It's a big room, a large task.
You know what this means?
Why must you discourage them?
I know you mean well.
But you know how much firewood needs to be carried in?
How many cement bricks to bring in? How can we start tomorrow?
You're a noble young man, but you have to use your head.
This is useless.
We'll drive a pile, make the foundation,
then bring in the material, right?
You have a fine spirit, younger brother.
But have you ever built a house?
I have many years experience.
You have to make the foundation solid,
so the material can connect.
You don't want to waste your energy.
Right now, we barely have enough rice.
The children may not have enough to eat.
So I think...
You want to make money is what you think!
I? Oh, f... Director, can you please!
Settle down.
Mr. Yin has a point.
The material won't arrive by tonight.
Okay, everybody wash up.
Go take a break.
Sir, don't give in to him.
Chunky, go attend to Brother Calf.
Make sure he takes a bath.
That old man is so square.
Why does the director kiss up to him?
He's a religious clerk and the general accountant manager.
The budget of the entire hospital is in his hands.
You're in the upstairs dorm.
What's your name?
Call me Chunky.
Right here.
This one's empty. You sleep here.
And behind there is the bath.
This utility building is paid for by donations.
As is all the machinery inside.
When it opens, we won't have to depend on those donations.
We can start building immediately.
I believe we can certainly help you
make this building a success.
We'll need just one more week at most.
We have more than twenty people daily raising funds.
No thanks needed, of course.
It's for the sake of the children that we're here.
Well, we have to go.
- See you tomorrow. - See you tomorrow.
Jump in the tub and wash up. When you're done, put these on.
Don't forget to wash behind the ears.
And hand over your dirty clothes to me.
Need soap?
No need.
Soap's right here.
You should use it.
It's very important to keep yourself clean.
Look at yourself.
What's your name?
How old are you?
What? Are you cold?
Water's too cool?
I'll get you some hot water.
All right, I got you some boiling water.
It's very important to keep yourself clean.
So the first thing a kid does when he gets here
is take a good bath.
I'm sure you haven't bathed in a good while.
Where do you live?
Ever been to school?
Why don't you speak?
Are you mute?
You have something in your mouth.
Show me.
Silly child. You must be hungry.
Wash up. Then we'll go eat.
We are running out of rice. If we don't cut down
to one meal per day, we won't last the month.
Can we discuss it in two days?
Perhaps someone will make a donation by then.
At two meals a day, the children should be fine.
It's not that I don't care about them,
but how can maintain that care without funding?
I can barely feed my own kids,
how can I take are of others?
Make the announcement.
Come on, let's eat.
Please settle down.
The director has an announcement.
It's not good news.
Because of our budget this month,
we don't have enough rice.
Starting tomorrow, until further notice,
we are going to limit ourselves to two meals a day.
Please eat.
No talking. Only eating.
Everyone here is limited to two bowls.
No dishes, and a few vegetables in a salty soup.
There's very little oil in the soup,
let alone nutrition for these children.
Now you're taking away an entire meal? What rubbish!
Our rations are low.
The board of directors has very little money.
What else can we do?
Those guys eat okay.
Especially that old Mr. Yin Xiaochong. He's a clever man.
Didn't he pocket some canned goods last month?
But we have no proof.
Don't jump to conclusions.
Believe me. I donated this large building to you.
And for what reason?
Of course, I'm not perfect.
I haven't acquired government sponsorship.
Government sponsorship would make things worse.
What's the matter with you, Calf?
I can't eat good outside either.
I can play anywhere out there.
And I can't be too flippant in here.
Shit, I gotta get out of here.
You wanna ditch? I'll tell Mr. Lei.
Xiaoxiao, shut up.
Calf, you're being stupid.
We're students here. We have a chance to study.
We can learn to drive and other skills.
And we play together here.
Do you really want to live out in the streets?
Did you take a blanket?
Don't have one.
Use mine. I only take small naps.
Wanna wash your face? I got a wash basin.
I have a hand towel.
Mr. Lei says no matter what you own,
you can help each other out
and share.
You know, Mr. Yin is a sly old fox.
We have to deal with him together
or he'll get us.
Yeah, we need to stick together on this one.
Mr. Lei says he's always licking the president's boots.
Director Den won't even tell him off.
Mr. Lei said the director's a "complex man."
What are we going to do if we don't have enough food?
We have to pull together and build the utility building.
Mr. Tao taught us to work hard.
We can feed ourselves.
And not depend on the board of directors.
Mr. Lei said that.
Mr. Lei.
Why isn't everyone asleep?
Where's Calf sleeping?
Over here.
Good. You got so many things.
We're sharing.
See how clean you are.
Isn't this better than living on the streets?
All right. Everyone in bed.
One two three four
Two two three four
Three two three four
Four two three four
Calf, the director is looking for you.
That him?
That's him.
Calf, come here.
Do you know these people?
They lost a watch
and you picked it up, yes?
Sir, it was this child who stole the watch.
He was the only one on that day;
he came to my shop that morning.
You'd better search him.
You heard him.
Nothing.
He must have hidden it someplace.
How would we find it?
Did you find the watch, Officer?
I searched the bed, the blankets. Nothing.
This Calf is a poor but honest child.
Why do you treat him like a thief?
Calf, let's go. Time for school.
My God! I was sentenced to three months in jail.
Such injustice.
My hard luck, Cuicui.
Who will look after you, my poor child.
This child is behaving strangely.
I'm still a little suspicious about the watch.
You better watch him closer.
Why are you sitting here?
Why aren't you working?
I... I'll go now.
You're being lazy. Sitting here daydreaming for days.
I'm not feeling too chipper.
Look, everyone else is playing and singing.
I... I...
Are you sick?
Maybe.
Nonsense. You're not sick.
Get to work now.
We should eat and not feel guilty.
A river that's dammed cannot flow.
Come on, have some meat. Why feel guilty?
What are you doing?
You're trying to scab?
Don't try it. I'm telling.
Calf, don't be unreasonable.
I'm still hungry.
Not only you. We're all still hungry.
You have to endure with patience,
at least until we finish the utility building.
Then everyone can earn their own living
without depending on anyone else.
Then we'll have plenty of food. Right, Xiaoxiao?
Tell him how we should live.
We want to live well and work hard,
no matter how badly anyone treats us.
Okay? Anyway, the lumber that my classmates donated
should arrive today.
It's a happy day. If you want to spoil it,
I'm telling you, don't. If Mr. Yin finds out,
he'll punish you again and you'll never eat.
The university students have contributed a lot of funds.
I see you still praise them. Youths like to be praised.
As long as they donate more, not only to the utility building,
but enough food for the rest of the year.
How can that be?
If Mr. Lei knew that, he'd be working twice as hard.
Why do you defend him?
He doesn't understand many things.
You know this.
I tell you, he's dangerous. Be careful around him.
Don't let him make trouble.
Dangerous? How dangerous?
For the past two years, Mr. Lei has worked very hard every day.
He did everything for those kids without complaint.
And do you know why?
Not for the center. Then why?
For the children?
Even those who have children don't work so hard.
He has never married and has no children.
He can't cheat me, but he can cheat you.
First day he came here, I could tell he was a...
Come in.
Director Den, Calf was making trouble.
What happened?
He stole my vegetables, said it wasn't enough.
Nonsense. You can see we've ordered enough for everyone.
Calf, are you making trouble again?
We're building a hospital here, not a school for thieves.
Tell me why you stole his vegetables.
I didn't steal.
You deny it?
Stand up.
You're confined to the black room and you can forget breakfast.
Mr. Yin, the donation of building materials has arrived.
Which do you wish for us to unload first?
They're here. Good, good.
Unload according to the order of building logistics.
Use the back entry way.
Come, you're headed for the black room.
This pile goes here. That pile over there.
Mr. Yin.
Liu, checking supplies. Take over.
These items are very good.
After I got your letter, I checked on the market conditions.
How much do you have?
See, only for cement and lumber.
Five for cement. Wood comes to a total of 500.
46,400 inches by 36 by 100 root...
Add again...
Very good. Very good. Just leave it all to me.
You get one half now, the other half later. We'll negotiate.
Okay. This is a good price for these items.
This time we can have another shipment.
Before the market price increased 97 fold, we paid
a good wholesale price. Add my half and we'll sell.
But...
You're not unloading. Why are you here?
I need to pee.
Hurry.
All right. We've reached a verbal agreement.
A verbal agreement. When should we move the goods.
How about tonight?
The earlier the better. How's eight o'clock?
Eight? Too early. The children are still awake.
Okay, ten o'clock. I don't like to drive here in the dark.
All right, ten. I'll be waiting by the back door.
Thief! You really did steal that watch.
No wonder no one could find it. You had it buried here.
Mr. Yin. Mr. Yin. I...
Let's take a walk to the police station.
No, forgive me, Mr. Yin.
Let's go.
I won't steal ever again. I promise to be good.
I'll do whatever you want, Mr. Yin.
Oh, really? Fine then.
There will be trucks cars arriving.
Help me load up the lumber.
Load them up?
Isn't this for the utility building?
When I say load, you load. No questions.
And don't discuss this with anyone.
Hand it over.
I think I'll hold onto this for a little while.
When you've finished your task, I'll return it to you.
Ten o'clock. They'll be here soon.
Over here. Move this wood up.
Hurry. Hurry.
A little quieter.
Be careful, son.
Who's he?
A student.
Hurry. Hurry.
Can you trust him?
Don't worry. He'll listen to me.
Get up. Get up.
Come on.
I saw someone on the grounds moving our lumber.
That dirty old fox Mr. Yin has Calf helping him.
What do they want with some old wood?
Same reason our canned goods keep disappearing.
But that wood is for the utility room.
They're all adults. And they're stealing from us?
We should have seen this coming.
That old man probably ate all our rice.
Yeah, we better tell Mr. Lei tomorrow.
That bastard Calf. We should beat him up.
No, let's just ignore him.
He's no one.
Mr. Lei, yesterday the wood was up to here.
Now it's nearly gone.
Mr. Lei, we still have the cement.
We had 30 packs, now we're down to this.
Mr. Lei, there was a truck. Two of them.
Look at those tracks. Two different kinds.
What a mess! We have a thief!
Someone stole this from under us.
How did the thief come in?
He must have climbed over the wall.
No, he would have gone out the back gate.
And why would the gate be open?
Didn't you return the key to Mr. Yin?
The key...
I have to phone the police immediately.
Director, don't act in haste.
We can settle this matter without the police.
Yes, director. We don't need any outside interference.
No, we need to report this to the police.
Mr. Liu, get the doorman to fetch me a car.
Yes, sir.
And get my walking stick and hat.
This is horrible. Horrible.
Calf, come to the house with me.
Tell me the truth.
Last evening, you were seen moving the lumber on the grounds.
I didn't.
Chunky said he saw it with his own eyes.
No, he's... he's lying.
Chunky never lies.
He's the class leader.
Tell me the truth now.
I couldn't sleep last night. I took a walk outside.
What for?
Nothing. I came back to the dorm and everyone ignored me.
No one would talk to me.
They're all good children.
All living together as one, helping each other out.
They're all happy living under one roof.
This was my biggest accomplishment for the past two years.
Certainly, if you hadn't acted out of line,
they wouldn't have cause to mistreat you.
I didn't.
I didn't do anything wrong.
I don't know why they all ganged up on me.
They took away everything they shared with me.
Okay, okay. Don't cry.
All right. We go to Mr. Lei and tell him how we feel.
Maybe if you explain it to them, they might believe you.
Oh, such a big baby.
Mr. Lei, your friend's here.
Come, sit down.
You know, your donation has just been...
I know. What can we do?
You might want to speak to your kids.
They seem to have something to say.
Mr. Lei, we want...
You want what? Sing it out.
Well, in any case, Calf here feels he's been wronged.
It isn't like he's complicit in this crime.
Mr. Lei, never mind Calf.
We've come to discuss something else.
Director Yin has been taking advantage
of your classmate's donations.
He pockets our canned goods.
Fills his own purse. He has the nerve to say he's been robbed.
Calf has been stringing us along. We want him to come clean.
But I have no proof. How can we prove this?
No proof? I have proof.
I saw everything with my own eyes.
Be realistic. It's your word against his.
We can tell them how we feel.
To what purpose?
You said our donations were stolen now? Are you certain?
Mr. Lei has always told you to tell the truth. *
I see you've learned from me too.
That's right. We don't act in haste.
And be courageous in the truth.
You hear that, children.
Don't act in haste,
and be courageous in the truth.
We must endure patiently.
Wait until we have proof.
Mr. Lei. We believe...
Believe what?
Nothing.
It's no use.
Hope I wasn't too hard on them, Mr. Tao.
Well, it's been a long time since we studied together.
Write this, "ten grievances regarding Mr. Yin Xiaocheng."
First, he doesn't let us eat enough.
Second, he whips our butt with bamboo.
Third, he takes off our cotton trousers to whip us.
Fourth...
Calf, where are you going?
I have to go pee.
What trouble is Calf getting himself into?
Watch him. I don't trust him.
Okay, write down the fourth thing.
Fourth, he forces us to carry our poetry books on our backs.
Fifth...
The lumber and cement moved well,
but there is the matter of the 32 bars of gold.
I'll pay it. Four o'clock tomorrow.
I'll deliver it personally.
Good. Make it so.
See you at four tomorrow.
Good, see you tomorrow.
You. Why are you here?
I have news, Mr. Yin.
Inside.
Chunky's writing a list of complaints accusing you, Mr. Yin.
Accusing me?
Yes, ten grievances. Actually accusations.
How can such a thing be possible?
I don't believe it.
Come take a look.
Ninth, he stole our wood.
And tenth, he used the pretense of charity
to further his business.
Shit. Dirty old fox. We don't need him.
We should expel him.
Right, kick him out.
Get that down.
Kind of late to work so hard on your calligraphy.
Get some sleep.
Inside!
Don't just stand there like a dummy, Calf.
Eat something.
Some bread. And this.
And this.
Come, eat.
You did a good job this time.
If they ever do anything like this again,
you tell me at once.
I will certainly put you to work.
Now eat.
You are the only obedient one.
You'll work for me now.
I will then return what is yours.
Look at how you've beaten him.
What did you do this for?
What for?
- Do you know who this boy is? - Who?
This is the boy who smuggled the lumber and the cement.
He can't be.
Chunky's my most responsible student, the most promising.
A bookworm. That's what he is.
A future overlord of the West Bridge.
Ask the police about his record.
That's in the past.
Our mission is to reform these children.
All problem children.
Let them walk the correct path.
Find their strengths in society.
You don't need to sing the same old song to me.
This is not an administration meeting.
I know you don't understand the purpose of education.
You only understand money.
Certainly. If I don't raise the money,
how will everyone eat?
They don't eat enough. You keep them hungry.
Is that what you teach them?
Ten grievances.
The first, "he doesn't let us eat enough."
I didn't need to teach them that.
That's just a fact.
You mean that I take things into my own pocket?
You have been embezzling!
Speak with caution.
You're looking at a lawsuit for slander and defamation.
Don't threaten me. I'm not afraid of you.
So what?
If not for these kids,
I would have left this crooked place long ago.
And Director Den, old and weak.
Make you earn things for yourself.
Are you finished?
No. The students have issued ten grievances.
That's too kind for you. But I've no time to quarrel.
I will meet with Mr. Den.
Den's not in.
He went to meet with the president regarding the stolen lumber.
At the same time, he'll invite the board of directors
to meet here tomorrow afternoon.
Good, I will also attend this meeting.
What for?
I want...
Never act rashly
and be courageous in the truth.
I want to invite the president to appear in public.
Explain the lumber situation to the students.
Otherwise, they'll feel bad.
The goal they worked so hard to achieve has been
taken from them.
They deserve an explanation.
Okay, you have shown me proper etiquette.
Mr. Lei, we've worked together for years.
I know you won't put me on the spot.
Old fox.
Calf, I ask you.
Why did you betray your friends?
I didn't.
Don't lie to me.
I saw it with my own eyes.
Chunky suffered the beating meant for you. You were his friend.
When we were writing the grievances, he slipped outside.
When I asked him, he said he had to pee.
He's a traitor.
Mr. Lei, where did Chunky go?
It's cold. Put some clothes on.
Chunky was punished by Mr. Yin in the Black room.
He accused him of stealing the lumber and cement.
That's bull. This is all Calf's fault.
- Calf, you're a jerk. - You're a rotten guy.
Settle down.
Children, remember what I said about restraint.
We never act in haste.
Calf has done wrong.
But we are good friends.
How we behave will affect him too.
In his short time here, his understanding is different
from the rest of you. That's clear.
You cannot achieve anything if you act by yourself.
Everyone needs to learn to live with one another.
If one person has a problem, everyone must resolve it together.
Then we can make progress.
Calf did what he did for a reason.
Tell us, Calf.
What hold did that old fox have on you?
Why would you want to be his accomplice?
Tell us. We won't think less of you.
We know you came here late, but what you did hurt everybody.
For the sake of a little selfishness
everyone got hurt.
Tell us what really happened.
Tell us. Tell us.
All right. He won't talk.
But we won't force him.
But just so you know.
We can't complete the utility building
because of you.
Chunky was beaten by Mr. Yin
and is forbidden to eat because of you.
You think you are above Chunky and everyone else?
You only arrived recently.
Everyone has been so good to you.
Generous and giving.
They accepted you as a brother.
But now?
You don't need to cry.
Everyone will still respect you.
Whatever you do affects us all.
Mr. Yin stole the lumber and sold it.
We know, but we have no proof.
Can you help us expose that old fox in public?
- Can you, Calf? - For Chunky's sake?
For ours and the utility buildings'.
Okay.
Don't let Mr. Yin hear you children.
Gather around.
As for the lumber theft,
I've arranged with my classmates
to meet at four o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Everyone believes that this child Chunky should be
turned over to the police.
Yes, Mr. President. Most certainly.
I agree, but I believe that
the building of the hospital should be our top priority.
We have a responsibility to carry this project forward.
Yes, yes.
I agree with Mr. Yin. He's the chief director.
Down with the director.
Down with the old fox.
Return the lumber.
Return the cement.
Free Chunky!
Down with the old fox.
What's the meaning of this?
Mr. Yin, you are a cruel man.
The lumber and cement that our students
worked so hard to build your utility building with,
you sold for your own personal gain.
What proof do you have of these allegations?
Of course we have proof.
If you bring it forth, I shall deal with the matter personally.
I will immediately fire him and call the police.
We have proof.
Calf.
Go.
Go, Calf.
Don't be selfish. Do the right thing.
President, it's true.
Mr. Yin secretly stole the lumber and cement.
I saw it with my own eyes.
He's lying, Mr. President. How can we believe a street urchin.
He's not lying. He really has the proof.
Calf, tell him.
Tell him.
The man is here.
He's the man who did business with Mr. Yin.
He is the proof.
He has three gold bars he intends to exchange for the material.
He said that Mr. Yin agreed to this sale at 4 PM
Search him if you don't believe me.
Search him. Search him!
Yeah, search him!
I was afraid of him. I dared not speak out.
Because he held on to my watch.
Now I want to take Mr. Lei's advice.
I don't want the watch anymore.
Because I stole that watch
and Mr. Wan went to jail for it.
No one is looking after his granddaughter now.
I felt so bad, so I'm willing to return it to him.
From now on, I want to listen to Mr. Lei
and live with everyone to be a good boy.
Director Yin has no honor.
Down with Director Yin.
Director Den Gao, is this what you've accomplished?
Your students have just now led a small rebellion.
Force them out of here.
President, I will not force them out.
They are a flock of homeless children.
How can I force them out?
I've been so blind before.
I regret now that I didn't force him out.
You're taking their side?
Very well, then. You'll get nothing more from me.
You can support this school by yourself.
That won't be a problem.
After we're done with the utility building.
They can earn their own living.
Who needs your help?
Do we want to earn our own living?
Yes!
We start work immediately on the utility building, okay?
Okay!
The End
Subtitles by T. L. Young