First Day
Can you see Morocco on a clear day?
You're half an hour late.
You just got here!
Not exactly. I was over there, watching.
So carry on watching.
- Like what you see? - I don't know.
Are you sure? Your mind's made up?
There'll be no turning back.
I don't want to turn back.
l've heard that before.
There was this French guy. He'd worked for us for two years.
He was perfect,
a regular guy...
One day in Tangiers, he wouldn't board.
He ditched the full truck on the wharf. Crazy.
He just refused to go.
Why tell me that?
No reason. To get acquainted.
I need a piss.
Need an advance?
Yeah. 10,OOO. That okay?
- Francs, pesetas, dirhams? - Francs of course.
Every fucking time, they want to know what I think.
I don't think. I don't know if you're up to it.
Your name's Popeye now.
Popeye?
Why the hell not...
What d'you do? Keep an eye on me?
Only natural the first time.
They're scared you'll get scared. Everyone's scared...
Where did you learn French?
I studied industrial automation 34It's
and instrumentation. I have a degree in it.
That's Greek to me.
It's industrial electronics.
I was always good at science.
Sorry, but there'll be no advance.
You'll be paid in three days.
You offered it! What is this rip-off?
It's no rip-off. Respect our deal in Paris:
If anyone offers you money, you say no.
Staying on my back for long?
You have clothes in the truck.
Go and take a shower. You're very dirty. Go on.
What the hell is this?
It's cool, okay. l'm just doing my job.
You can't look like that.
You have to be clean, cool and very calm.
l'm calm, no sweat...
So play by the rules.
Take a shower. That's an order.
Excuse me, the man who was here the Moroccan...
The one with you? He paid and left.
Passport, please.
Hi, Serge. Had a good trip?
I got delayed in Spain.
Rest now, you're free.
Okay.
- Remember Manu? - Yes. Why?
He's in hospital. He found stowaways in his truck.
Things turned nasty.
A batch of designer shirts ruined.
- Is Manu okay? - He's being flown home.
Seen Sarah?
l've been too busy.
We were here till 2 am then back again at 6.
We need at least one more clerk.
Hi, Serge.
- You're here? - I let him in. You can't stay, Sa Id.
You might board another truck.
Come on. See you, Nezha.
- What did she say? - She won't see you.
Maybe but she could answer the phone.
She hangs up on me.
You're getting obsessed. Forget her.
l'm trying to but I can't.
- Got any dirhams? - I haven't changed money yet.
Want me to change pesetas?
You know I don't want you to.
I have to go to the hotel.
I have to see Sarah.
She'll only stay in her room again.
She might call the cops this time.
- She wouldn't. - She said she would.
What can I do? l'm going crazy.
Where are we going?
James' place. You'll like it there, you'll see.
Who's James?
He's an American. He has good hash.
I don't like the look of this.
- Who is it? - Hi, is James in?
Hi, Sa Id, how are you?
- Who's this? - A French friend. Serge.
- Want to see James? - Is he in?
You always turn up unannounced,
right in my dance class!
Hurry up.
You, stay here.
Come on. l'm making no promises...
I hope your friend won't bother the girls...
Now walk... Slowly. There.
Don't look at your feet. Mind your feet, Renda.
Hey, Serge!
Come on up.
Never mind. Make yourself at home.
Maybe he doesn't want talk about it.
No, it's okay.
l'm interested. l'm working on that.
Excuse me. May l?
Here, this'll do you good.
Fucking joint!
Go with them. l'd rather be alone.
28 of us packed like sardines on the boat under a tarp...
We know that one, Scheherazade so keep it short this time.
I'll change the end.
There was a woman next to me.
She kept throwing up. The sea was choppy.
After 3 hours, they took off the tarp and told us to swim to the beach.
We were done in. We thought it was Spain.
But the shits dropped us off Morocco!
Why are you so keen to leave?
For work.
What do you know?
If you say so.
Let me have some.
Serge! Unbelievable.
You're here, Francois?
l'm staying with James.
You have a beard now?
Why are you here?
l'm in transit. l'm in import-export.
Your own business?
l'm a truck-driver.
The truck has to clear customs.
I heard you made a film. I didn't see it.
That's okay...
Trucker's a good job. It's nice and working-class.
James, it's crazy.
Serge and I were at high school together eight years ago.
Incredible, huh?
Come and meet Nabil.
Don't bother. l'm not into all this.
l'm not hanging around.
Serge, don't just go. Wait for me.
- Fuck, my head's spinning. - You smoked too much.
- Your eyes are red. - I can take it, okay.
Lie down in a room here.
l'm not staying here. Give me a second.
It'll soon pass.
Stop! Where are you going?
His truck's inside.
- Back up! - Look at the state he's in.
Okay, you two, go ahead.
- Please. - Back up.
You're sure you're okay?
- Stay there! - They pay me first.
Got any pesetas?
Come on!
Come and see my truck.
- Seriously? - Yeah, seriously.
530 horsepower, V8 engine, the Ferrari of trucks.
I bet it goes like the wind.
90 mph, no sweat but the boss curbs it at 60 mph.
Tough. And how many gears? 5? 6?
Are you kidding? 12 forward and 3 in reverse.
3 in reverse?
And that's not all. Those black wires are the ABS system.
The tank: 130 gallons. 2,200 miles without a refill.
Anti-skid and disc brakes.
I want to see the chassis.
We found three there once.
Three of them, hidden there.
We couldn't get them out. We had to dismantle the damn axles.
Fixed phone, CB, CD-player...
Air conditioning, electric brake...
Brilliant.
- What's brilliant? - It's like a house on wheels.
We're not always driving.
In this job, you can wait for hours, days even.
- There's a second bed? - A foldaway.
On long trips, if it's urgent, you need two drivers.
What's that?
Compressed air, to clean the cab. Cut it out.
Sarah's got short hair now.
When did she cut it?
After her mother died. She just cropped it off.
ItŐs grown back.
She shouldn't have.
What's the time? She'll kill me...
Just a minute...
I want you to tell Sarah...
"l saw Serge.
"He's happy. He's forgotten you." Okay?
That might not work.
It depends on you. Lie to her.
I'll say I didn't see you. We can't talk about you anyhow.
l'm not asking that.
- l'm late. - Will you help?
l'm really late.
Help me and I'll get you to Europe.
I promise.
What're you doing? Bastard! That's my place!
Bastard yourself!
Just calm down!
Cut it out!
What's going on?
He rushed at me, ma'am.
Who did? Get back to work.
Who broke the glasses?
I'll show you. Come on, asshole.
Cut it out!
Know how much they cost? What's got into you?
Get back to work.
Right now!
Why'd you hit him? Are you crazy?
Answer me when I talk to you.
You're treating me wrong.
Rachid's got my job now.
I never gave Rachid your job.
- Talk about a job... - Why's that asshole here?
I need to talk to you.
What about?
Lots of things.
I bet you haven't eaten today.
Help yourself.
Have a seat.
My brother arrives tomorrow.
He was at the funeral, remember?
He threw grass over his shoulder
- at the cemetery. - It's a tradition.
"Your bones will become grass."
He's religious like mother. He's coming back for the 30th day.
- He looks rich. - Why d'you say that?
I heard him mention his boat in Florida.
- His wife has it all. - I can't stand her.
She's as snooty as they come.
- She's beautiful. - It's all show. Emilie's pathetic.
You've seen how she talks?
What does your brother do?
He runs a supermarket chain.
He's selling this hotel and taking me with him.
But your studies...
I'll enrol over there.
A Canadian diploma is better.
Mother liked you but she was self-centred.
Know what she told me once?
"l took Sa Id in to brighten up my old age."
l'm selfish too. I can't take you there with me.
So what'll you do now?
I don't know.
I don't get it. When she was dying,
you wanted to stay in Morocco and run the hotel.
Now you're going to leave like the other Jews?
How should I know?
Why not go out for once?
Aren't you sick of being shut in?
I'll come with you if you want.
Mourning ends at midnight?
I haven't been very kosher.
But l'd like to get out. Have you seen how I look?
What's wrong?
I can't sleep at night.
Let's go out, then. It'll do you good.
- Here's what I want you to do. - Think you're the boss?
Get me cigarettes and buy yourself some gum.
You pain in this ass!
Hello, Serge?
Did I wake you?
Sarah and I are going to a club.
You're crazy. Not the Marco Polo.
The Macumba. She knows the owner.
Excuse me...
Do you have a room?
The hotel's not open right now.
Sorry, a customer.
Hello, honey, how are you?
ItŐsIt's so good to see you. Come on. Look who's here!
- The math theory doesn't work. - How come?
Pedro's fascinated by Islamic architecture.
The mathematic point as the base of all geometry.
It's all a matter of stars.
Orion's belt: three equidistant stars in a line.
It was fascinating!
I believe Islam hates architecture.
- Why do you say that? - The Prophet says it.
ŇItŐsIt's vanity to wish to build."
- Waiting for someone? - No.
- Why d'you ask? - No reason.
l'd like to get together one day, to talk.
James is great but he always goes out in a crowd.
It's hard to talk to people.
Yeah, sure.
I told Sarah l'd stay with her tonight, for safety, see.
- That okay? - Sure, go ahead.
Look, James she wants to dance tonight.
Coming, Sarah?
- What's wrong? - Nothing.
- l'd like to go. - Not yet.
It'll liven up later. It's quiet till midnight.
My feet hurt in these shoes.
- I can give you a massage. - It's okay.
Come and sit down.
Let's not go just yet, not now you're out.
l've been thinking. You'll get compensation.
Six months' pay while you look for another job.
Why didn't you tell me sooner?
I didn't dare to.
No? I think you forgot.
I just didn't dare to, okay!
Look, Serge is here.
Get lost! You have no right!
Calm down! The cops are here!
Shit, they'll take us in!
What's going on here?
Nothing. Everything's okay.
What do you mean, nothing?
She's Sarah, from the Hotel Marsa.
This is Serge, a French friend. We've done nothing wrong!
Okay, move along now.
I'll fetch your scooter.
Talk to me. l'm not a dog. Just give me a reason.
There's no reason. It hurts too much to see you.
Not seeing you kills me.
You're always in my mind.
You're freezing.
What are you doing?
Stop the bloody engine!
Take the scooter. We'll walk.
- What's up? - l'm changing the sheets.
Forget the sheets.
Just relax...
We can't, Serge. It's the wrong time.
- I don't believe you. - It's true.
I don't care.
Leave the light on.
Slowly...
Sorry.
Cigarettes... You smoke now?
No, one of my lovers left them.
Sure, I believe you.
Does the beard bother you?
No, but it's odd. Why did you grow it?
- No reason. - Really?
I keep screwing up since we split.
You do?
Me too, I think.
When I told her about us, she went to the cemetery, all in black.
For her, I was dead.
Then she fell ill. Maybe she did it on purpose.
She got David from Montreal.
Know what he told me? That our love killed her.
I promised not to see you again.
Wash them tomorrow...
Sa Id keeps snooping around.
If he sees blood who knows what he'll think.
There's no water first thing.
Are you asleep?
l'm too wound-up.
What's on your mind?
My brother arrives tomorrow.
How can we see each other?
We'll manage somehow.
Your brother can't rule your life. What does he want?
To take me to live with him...
- In Canada? - Yeah, in Montreal.
Before meeting you, I dreamt of going.
It meant freedom.
Feel how hard I am?
Oh, come on, you're not listening.
Forget that. I want to make the most of this.
Me too.
Did you masturbate, thinking about me?
- I never stopped. - Stop it. Show some respect.
I'll say nothing more.
Second day
Sa Id!
- Are you well? - Yes, God be praised.
- Where are your glasses? - They're broken.
What? Let me see.
Call in the shop around 5. I'll mend them for you.
Shall we go?
Your mother made him wear his glasses.
My mother was my mother. l'm me.
Okay, you can come out.
- l'd like a coffee. - I know a place.
- You're closing down? - l'm not.
I just do what the boss says.
- You want to throw everyone out? - They'll have to leave,
and fast!
I know, I offered a cheap rate,
but we're closing, I can't help it.
No way, it's not right!
You sent them here so you talk to them.
They want the boss.
She's out. She does what she wants with her hotel.
There's nothing to discuss.
No way, we don't agree.
I can find them a p,lace in the medina
as long as they clear off.
Where can we go? We're waiting for the boss.
This isn't possible.
- You're alone? - David's at a conference.
He'll be here on Sunday.
Are you wearing make-up? I must look a fright.
Boston, Montreal, London Casablanca, Tangiers...
I haven't slept for two days.
Remember Farida?
Your husband's Mr Bennani?
- We've parted. - Oh, sorry...
It's recent. It's no problem. l'm still eating.
Nothing ever gets Farida down.
So Sarah says...
Were you held up by customs?
I had to explain to them why I was staying at the Marsa.
I don't want you there. It's not comfortable.
You can't stand noise. The Nigerians play music all night.
Don't put me in the Minzah.
David isn't here for once. Let me see something new.
Stay with me. l'd appreciate the company.
l'm warning you, it's pretty basic.
Hood down?
Does it hurt?
It happens. It soon passes.
You're always doing too much.
A pregnant woman has to walk a lot. l've studied medicine.
Stop talking and breathe normally.
- Calm down... - You're the one who isn't calm.
I had an odd dream last night.
There was an old man in my baby's crib.
An old, baby-sized midget. Other people were there.
They knew but said nothing.
And?
And I heard the muezzin's call.
I woke up and it was dawn.
It was moving. Things were fine.
- How do you feel now? - better.
We can carry on. Where's Emilie?
I don't know. I'll fetch her.
l'm e-mailing a friend. Sorry.
I can't resist these machines.
I prefer to fly this way.
It's awkward, David not being here.
We need men at the cemetery. He was going to see to that.
I don't know how we'll manage now.
You're right. I forgot that.
Where are you sending it?
Australia. I won't be long.
I'll wait with Farida.
- Which one do I read? - The Achkaba prayer for women.
Here. This one.
- How far gone? - Nine months.
- Any other children? - No.
By the time I was 26,
l'd had 8 children.
But women today are different...
Let me see.
You have a big belly for a first pregnancy.
- Is that bad? - It's low...
God willing, it's a boy.
The doctor said a girl.
God will help you.
May He bless you and fill you with joy.
Praise be to God.
Seen to the stone?
I haven't had it engraved yet.
David wrote the epitaph himself.
I have to see the craftsman. What marble did you get?
The most expensive, right?
Oh come on...
"Simon Toledano insurance broker."
"Daniel Amar, stockbroker."
"Nadia Bensoussan, died aged 6."
- Like Samuel. - l'm sorry, Emilie, really I am.
Don't be. I think of him all the time.
These names sum up the story of Tangiers.
How's the new novel going?
l'm stuck on the last chapter. I can't find an ending.
ls there anything sacred for you? Really sacred?
Something, no. Someone, yes.
Still seeing that boy?
- Can you still put me up then? - Yes, let's go.
Hamid, the future champ. His friend...
Want to give us a demonstration?
Go on, son, show them.
Show them what you can do.
He manages pretty well, you'll see.
The other day, he won a race. You should have seen him...
God willing, he'll be a champion.
He's got competition in the blood.
He goes to school?
Of course, but he's best at sports.
It's funny how you eat. You dunk your bread in your coffee.
It's disgusting after, full of crumbs and grease...
It's the French way.
No, l'm not alone...
The bus station? I don't know it.
The Syrian Mosque? Okay, I'll ask my way.
Okay, see you later.
I arranged to meet Sarah. I can't make it.
Oh yeah, how come?
Say I had to leave early.
l'm glad for you and Sarah. Did you see her face?
Not just her face, all of her. She was twice as beautiful.
Only natural. A couple multiplies everything by two.
And parting breaks you in two.
l've missed her so much.
All this is thanks to me.
I brought her to the Macumba.
We had a deal. You haven't forgotten?
Stop thinking of Europe. It's all a pipe dream!
All the illegals come back. Stop pissing everyone off!
You promised, Serge.
One driver found a kid your age, dead in his axle housing.
He needed two years to get over it.
You don't realise.
We may strike soon to get laws passed.
If the EU doesn't step in to stop kids boarding our trucks,
no one'll do the crossing.
Give me a break! I got you and Sarah together.
Get me to Spain and we'll be quits.
When I said that, I was desperate. I was wasted.
A man keeps his word.
You're not a man, Serge.
Serge had a call about some urgent business.
What urgent business?
He said he had to leave early but he's lying.
- How do you know? - I called Nezha.
He leaves at 4 as planned.
Why are you doing this? You have no right to spy on Serge.
I did it for you. He's a liar.
Worse, he's a traitor. You mustn't trust him.
What are you trying to tell me?
He's with someone else?
That's for sure.
You're twisted. And evil too deep down.
First, you bring us together. Now you want to part us.
I just want you to be happy.
You hurt me and say it's for my good. You worm.
It's true. Go to the port. His truck's there.
But he's with someone else.
Shut your mouth!
You think l'd go and spy on him?
I can do it for you.
Just go.
- I hate to see you like this. - Leave me.
The Nigerians are moving to the medina.
Don't stay here. Look, you're the only woman alone here.
Did you bring Serge here?
Yes, I come often to look across at Spa' in.
I bet it's clear today. Too bad my glasses are broken.
Are you Popeye?
Easy, l'm the only European.
- l've waited an hour! - What's with the beard?
They said to clean up.
They didn't say shave.
l've been thinking. l'm not loading the goods.
Come and sit down.
Why not?
l'm not right for this.
You agreed in Algesiras yesterday.
Yesterday, l'd have driven into a wall.
It's simple. Today's different.
You have to honour your commitment.
Or?
Your parents could have problems. Sarah Anoun too.
I'll be right back.
Excuse me when's the bus to El-Hosseima?
- At 3:30. - Thanks.
It's still a while till my bus. Come on.
There'll be another truck
with 2 pounds of goods, just behind you.
We'll call customs and the cops'll focus on it.
They'll pay no attention to you, see.
The driver'll do a couple of months,
then get his pay. We take care of everything.
Hi, how are you doing? Everything okay?
It's risky. He's changed his mind. I had to threaten him.
We have no one else.
It may mean trouble. It's not my decision.
Mine neither.
- What do I have to do? - We'll explain.
I'll be right back.
The mechanic still isn't here.
The number's wrong.
Sorry. I'll finish this and redo it.
Been here long?
Sarah came looking for you. I knew you'd be in.
We're having lunch.
Don't sit there, come on.
- Want me to send for a sandwich? - l'm not hungry.
Where's my schedule?
Everything's in order.
Larache first then a pick-up in Kenitra.
An extra trip...
Only another 90 miles. It's fast roads all the way.
I need the bathroom.
What's up with him?
He's edgy, he's late with his deliveries...
He's exhausted, he needs rest.
Come on, others work just as hard.
This is for you.
I know the Air Canada ones.
This is British Airways.
Does it smell nice?
It seems familiar.
I know, but why?
What the hell's he up to?
I hope he's not on drugs.
It's none of my business but bad love doesn't suit him.
What d'you mean?
Since you've been together...
If that's love, God spare me. I don't want to end up insane.
No chance of that, you're a mean and bigoted bourgeois.
And a virgin with acne.
Why did I do? Have you blown a fuse too?
Who says l'm a virgin?
It's not acne, it's herpes.
It makes my life hell.
You can be so mean.
l'm sorry.
Serge is unusual. He's just not a slob like the others.
That's the problem.
A slob? Why do you look down on truck-drivers?
You don't know them. Serge has his reasons for doing this.
He earns his living. That's enough.
I don't agree.
He's playing the adventurer.
But those days are over.
The job's serious now.
Had news from Lorin?
His case comes up next week.
He says the drugs were planted.
They all say that. They're all innocent.
- I hear prison's tough here. - Like anywhere. You adapt.
They really put 80 men in one cell?
Could be...
- Been to see him? - Are you crazy?
It's not my problem. I don't want any hassle.
I have to be going.
You've got 5 minutes. Sarah wants a word.
I want to come to Kenitra too if I can.
As far as we're concerned you can go.
l'd rather go alone.
- You don't want your coffee? - No, thank you.
You forgot your schedule.
I don't need any questions...
l'm not asking any. l'm clinging on like a hooker.
- Don't dirty yourself... - You got revenge.
You hated me leaving you.
Now you're sure of yourself.
You think you can win me with caresses.
Caresses? It's not that.
What is it, then?
I did all I could to see you again. I was wrong.
- How did it go with your brother? - He sent his wife.
She's hard to take but she means well.
- When are you off to Canada? - No idea.
I thought it was planned. It's for the best.
I don't agree.
You keep changing your mind. Montreal... Tangiers...
Well, Tangiers was my mother and Montreal... is nothing.
- It's your future. - Without you?
- Face it, even if it hurts. - You just made that up?
Get lost!
Sorry, but Nezha and your family are right.
I can't build anything with you, or anyone else.
- Want some? - No.
Go! Go play over there!
- You drive like that? - Like what?
You're high.
I know the road by heart.
Okay, Sarah...
I know we say this each time but...
we must stop seeing each other.
Are you serious?
Yes, it's better to end this.
Got a girlfriend?
A girlfriend?
A girl you sleep with.
No, girls don't interest me.
You prefer boys?
- No, they don't interest me either. - Weird.
That's how it is. What's the time?
Why don't you wear your watch?
- No idea. - I have to go.
We only swam once.
- I have something to do. - Can I tag along?
If you want.
- Why don't you ask about this? - The scar?
I didn't like to.
I was in prison in Meknes.
You can do anything in prison...
- If you pay the rate. - What rate?
You use black-market Marlboros.
With money, you can live.
Without it, you're dead.
One day, they stole my savings.
Something snapped in me.
I slit my chest with a razor blade.
I wasn't sent to hospital.
The next day, they gave me stitches without anaesthetic.
Seen the result?
Two weeks later, I was freed.
l'd become a nuisance.
You prefer this frame?
- It's a bit big. - Let's try another.
Excuse me...
It's mended. Be careful the arm's fragile.
This is Francois, James' guest.
l'm not surprised you're in the movies.
No, l'm more of a director. l'm writing a new film here.
What's it about?
Two twins who want to get to Europe.
One makes it, not the other.
Put them on.
Wear them all the time or you'll end up seeing nothing.
It's like talking to a wall.
- See you. Thanks. - No.
Stay. I'll test your eyesight.
Maybe the lenses need changing.
Have you decided?
The other pair's nice.
You like it?
I like this one too.
Come to lunch tomorrow and meet a friend.
She's a writer. I have her book.
I think I put it here somewhere.
It could interest another writer.
Have a seat!
The glasses change you. You look so calm and serious.
They soften your face.
- Are you from Tangiers? - No, Zoujbral, near Oujda.
- Your family's there? - My family...
My mum died when I was 10.
I grew up with my father. He died at the age of 95
but I hardly knew him, he worked so much.
- What did he do? - He worked the land for others.
He had a cow. He died 3 years ago.
My older brother kept the cow and the house.
So I hit the road, heading north.
Less 300/o...
One thousand dirhams.
Farida's a pain. She made me wait all day once.
We have nothing else to do.
l've been waiting all my life.
It's even worse in Tangiers.
I look at Spain and know I can't go.
You're lucky. You can move.
- Ask Serge to get you across. - Forget Serge.
l've never killed but I wouldn't think twice with him.
Yes, Popeye, okay. Can you drive a truck?
The keys.
Do you understand? Can you drive? D'you speak French?
The keys!
How long will you be?
You don't even understand.
I can't wake her.
Take her some cheese and milk.
She's so sophisticated, how come she's with my brother?
- Where's the cheese? - In the fridge.
David's a bit wrangler...
His money bothers you? He's a self-made man.
The bread's better toasted.
I can't see myself living with them.
- You put dates in it? - An experiment. We'll see.
Maybe l'm like you, not made for a family or a man.
I wonder about you at times.
You think being single is fun here?
- Serge and I have split up. - You told me.
If you're no longer in love...
- You hate him too? - No, I don't.
But I get the impression
that he's just a means of revenge for you.
That's easy to say.
- Revenge for what? - I don't know.
- I'll go now. - Sleep here.
l'd rather go.
Why go and mope in that hotel?
Don't insist.
I don't like you riding that scooter.
l'm like your mother. She worried about you.
Especially at night. You go so fast.
You always talk about her...
The odd thing is, you never do.
I thought l'd start living after she'd gone.
That's how I saw the future.
But the future's now.
Come in.
That's nice. l'm starving.
Here... To make you dream.
You don't have to come...
David told me to sound you out. I couldn't see how.
He wants to know how you feel.
l'm supposed to persuade you but I don't like forcing people.
Do you want to stay because of that boy?
I can understand that.
I don't want to talk about it. It's too painful.
"You seem to hurt me more and more
"But each hurt makes my love stronger than before
"l know flowers grow through rain How can love grow through pain?"
Strange business, huh?
You wrote that?
No, Marvin Gaye did.
I saw some migrating birds.
Storks, I think, in a big V.
In that case, they weren't storks.
- They weren't? - No.
- Have a light on. Slept well? - Very well.
The call to prayer woke me but not for long. Is that a telescope?
Yes, any optical instrument draws me like a magnet. I can't help it.
I spend nights on end watching the stars.
At first the telescope fascinated me.
It can see so far that it finds things that are no longer there.
Then I got interested in the stars.
I know them all now. Maybe I'll even discover one.
And you'll call it Farida. A good name for a star.
Who knows?
Third day
Hello, Sa Id.
You know that restaurant below James' place...
They do shows for tourists. You could try there.
No, I can't do acrobatics anymore.
l've grown rusty over the last three years.
Forgive me asking,
but you know people, you have friends in Tangiers?
No, no friends. I don't trust people. They lie.
Don't worry, I have my bicycle.
How much can I get for it? D'you think I should paint it red?
If it's all you have, you shouldn't sell it.
You should hold onto it.
Here's what I promised you.
l've made coffee if you want.
I'll be right up.
- Why didn't your brother come? - Because of work.
He'll be here next week.
He'll sort things out.
By the way, Serge and I have split up.
You're evil, laughing at me!
You don't realise: you always say it's over.
Until the next time he's here.
He does what he wants. You love being treated like shit.
I bet you cried all night again.
No, I didn't. I didn't shed a single tear.
I feel like killing Serge.
It's hard stopping myself.
Good job guns are hard to find...
If you want, I can get one.
No way! I could never commit a crime of passion.
I can't be strong and forget him, I can't be mad
I can't be reasonable.
l'm as mediocre as at school.
- You seem happy that way. - Why?
You don't want to face things.
Serge'll end up in jail. I had my doubts before.
He kept asking about the dealers down in the harbour.
He's mixed up with them now.
What are you saying?
You say people lie but you trick everybody.
You don't respect anyone. You even lie to me.
Serge told me about the Macumba. You tricked me.
It's not serious.
It suits you to say so.
All l'm saying is Serge is trafficking.
He had a call. You should have seen him.
He turned away but I understood.
Especially when he cancelled your date.
He turned away and you heard nothing.
You understood though... You're good at accusing others.
I know Serge better than you. You see nothing.
You dream. That's why you love him.
- He just wants to shag you... - Don't talk like that!
I won't have you judging me!
Even if l'd rather dream as you say, let me dream'.
Why are we meeting here? James says it dangerous.
It's not. You just need to bare your teeth
or you'll be eaten, that's all.
Have you tried to cross often?
Five or six times. Why?
Tell me how you did it. I want the truth this time.
- Did you keep my lighter? - I don't think so.
Sorry, I didn't realise.
Where are we going?
l'm buying pesetas. Stay near me.
What d'you want? Pesetas? Dollars?
- Got pesetas? - How many?
Ten thousand dirhams.
Too much to do here. Come with me.
How come no one's around?
Why don't you talk? It's freaking me out.
- Is it far now? - Almost there.
It's me.
Wait, I'll be right back.
If I come to Paris one day, can you put me up?
I couldn't afford a place there.
That's why I came to stay with James.
I don't know how long I'll stay. It depends.
l'm 5,OOO pesetas short.
My commission! Try a bank if you're not happy.
Bastard! Give me my money back
or I'll knife you!
May your mother's religion be cursed!
l'm gonna kill you.
Your passport, please.
Get in the truck and follow us.
I'll get penalised for late delivery.
This truck's suspect. l'm doing my job.
The goods list... Open it up.
Unload the boxes.
What have you done? l've never had a check like this.
They trust my drivers.
Say something!
I gave them your schedule just now. I hope for your sake that...
Check the cab.
- This box is heavier. - Open it.
- Nothing. - Nothing at all.
Nothing to report.
My drivers are above reproach. You could have trusted me.
It's not a matter of trust it's the rules.
Rules! Loosen them like in Tunisia or factories will close.
We can't there's too much trafficking.
Get four porters and put it all back.
Sorry, Serge, I thought you'd screwed up.
What if I had?
Do people have to stay the same and always follow the same path?
I know a guy who quit his job and left his wife and kids...
What happened to him?
No idea. No one heard from him.
That's Morocco for James.
Now there's electricity, TV. It's all geared to tourism.
He hates us for leaving the Stone Age.
They're going to argue. They always do.
Get the bottle. He's had enough.
For James, Morocco is the past.
I had noticed.
He loves Morocco but not the Moroccans.
He thinks he's smart.
He puts put on an act with strangers.
Emilie, next to Francois.
Sa Id, near James to keep an eye on him.
Sarah, near me.
They're like an old couple.
We are an old couple, aren't we?
We've been arguing for 12 years. I'll get dessert.
- Let me help. - It's okay.
Why d'you say that?
Farida's someone who's chosen to stay.
It wasn't easy for her, keeping her job and getting this house.
She's told Said: Leaving isn't a solution.
She told you, huh?
Why don't you say something?
What are you here for?
l'm looking for Sarah. I can't find the house.
It's back there but she won't see you.
You heard what I said? She doesn't need more hassle!
Seen Renoir's The River?
It's on at the Beckett. l'm introducing it.
It's one of my favourite films.
- What's it about? - First love.
l'm not too keen.
Doesn't a little boy die in the film?
Yes, he's bitten by a snake.
It's really beautiful.
I don't call that beautiful.
You sense the fragility of life in the film.
The tart's delicious.
l'm glad.
- How's that maniac James? - He's sleeping.
He's quite a character.
He was 20 and a millionaire when he got here. His passion was boys.
- It ruined him. - I can believe that.
He's sold each floor of his house off.
He lives on the top floor.
- He's never worked? - He's a vet.
He still has a few old European clients.
Someone's at the gate...
It's Serge. I saw him earlier.
Hold on, Farida. It's for me.
I came to say good-bye. I leave tonight.
Okay, he's a friend.
Let's go for a walk.
You're pretty quiet.
Sorry about yesterday. And all the rest.
What do you mean?
Sometimes I lose control. Don't hold it against me.
- It's busy here. - It's Sunday.
When do you leave?
Tonight. I have to meet someone first.
What about?
Business. l'm in a real mess. I don't understand.
ls it serious?
You won't tell me?
I won't do the Tangiers run again. I'll stay north of Madrid.
Excuse me.
I didn't sleep a wink. l'm beat.
I thought of something.
You couldn't come to Kenitra
but you can come on the ferry.
Then we drive across Spain. It takes two days.
You never asked me along before.
With your mother gone, I can.
l'm not sure I can leave.
You're moving to your brother's?
I haven't decided.
Maybe I'll stay in Tangiers like Farida.
- Where's your meeting? - At McDonald's.
I'll be late if I don't go now.
Tell me... Can I call you?
Will you answer?
- We'll stay in touch. - Of course we will.
I thought it was all over.
No, it's not over.
That's a short cut.
Stop pushing, Sa Id.
- What did she say? - No idea.
Oh, it hurts!
- Let's call an ambulance. - What now?
Come on, push!
- What's happening? - James' car won't start.
- What are you doing? - I'll have it in the car!
What's he doing now?
What can I do? It won't start.
Try the ignition, then second.
Second gear, I said!
It hurts!
I didn't know that trick.
Go and close the gate, right now!
Take the scooter back.
- l'm not your servant. - Help me out!
No, l'm not helping you.
Do I know you?
No, you don't.
But I know your contact won't be turning up.
You saw me look at my watch? You're smart.
Calm down, Popeye.
What's going on? You're the contact?
No, not me, someone else.
But he can't make it, that's all.
How come he can't make it?
Hi there. A French friend... Abdellatif, a brother...
Build two rooms on the roof and you'll have your peace.
The work costs a lot. Got to go...
- Not watching the second half? - l've got my radio.
Bring your friend to dinner some day.
We grew up together. He's still with his parents though.
How touching. Got my money?
You didn't pick it up at McDonald's.
Cut it out. I want my money!
Not so loud. Come on.
I was told not to pay you. I didn't ask why.
You had a check? Get in.
They checked but the goods were well hidden.
Are the goods in your truck?
How should I know?
I gave them the keys, waited all night, then got it back.
I did my bit, so cough up.
I don't have your money.
That's normal. Money's risky.
You risk nothing. Even a full search found nothing.
What does that mean?
What did they do with the truck?
- l'm just a link in the chain. - Meaning?
I don't know who I work for. I know as much as you.
I don't know what they did with your truck.
Nothing's clear.
You said l'd be paid in three days. It's been three days.
I don't have your money.
I guess the hides for the dope didn't match up. It happens.
Well I think differently.
You focused suspicion on me. That's why I got checked.
What do you say?
You're paranoid.
- Where are we going? - Scared?
No, l'm not scared.
Have a seat.
Order a slap-up meal. My treat.
It's better than McDonald's.
Maybe they did it to test you.
To see if they can trust you for next time.
There won't be a next time.
How many will we be?
Listen, don't bring that guy.
He'll ruin everything.
Okay? I don't want to work with him.
Whatever you say, it won't change a thing.
And don't do like last time.
- Well? - It's a girl.
- Did it all go okay? - Fine. Her name's Kenza.
Where were you?
Waiting for friends. Emily Cohen, Sarah Anoun, James Wilcox...
Delighted. Hurry up.
l'd rather speak afterwards.
You have to be different, huh? Okay, here we go.
It's starting.
I want to see the film.
He's persuaded me. The fragility of life...
Hold on
you missed the title card. It says,
ŇIn India, women honour guests with rice-flour paintings.
We offer you this film." It's an offering, see.
Aren't you going?
I don't feel like it.
This is the story of my first love
on the banks of a great river,
A first love must be the same anyplace
and it might have been France, America
England or Timbuktu...
Sorry, I had to leave.
It's all those dates. I got taken short at the hospital.
Funny you should know Serge.
I met him when we were 18.
He was distraught when he got his exam results.
He never sees anyone from school.
l'm not surprised.
Serge seals himself off, all the time.
He's unsociable, a true loner.
Sometimes it scares me.
The "Ibn-Batuta". Maybe that's his ship.
When'll he be back?
I don't know.
When we said good-bye, we'd made up.
It's never been like that before.
Yet I sensed we'll never meet again. He seemed to know it too.
It's better that way.
I like all these acrobats here.
Sa Id did that before coming here. Didn't he say?
There's so much he's done...
- Have you known him long? - Three days.
- But I may not see him again. - Why not?
He didn't turn up at the cinema as planned.
I was waiting for him, actually.
Maybe he's inside and you'll see him after.
I doubt it. I have to go back in.
Not quite yet...
- I want to walk in the sea. - I'll come too.
Got all your papers?
Yeah...
- Tomorrow at ten? - Fine.
Where will you stop?
- Call me when you get there. - Okay, Nezha.
So I can let them know.
You don't have to wait.
I'll stay till the check, as usual.
They've done it. Didn't you notice?
You bet I noticed.
I hope it taught you a lesson.
If you want me to stop driving for you, say so.
I'll think about it.
See you.
Have a good trip.
ls it you, Sa Id?
If it isn't, l'm getting the cops.
It's me...
When I say, run for the cab. It's open.
Make it snappy.
Go!
Why're you doing this?
Because I promised.
Subtitles: Ian Burley
Processed by Eclair Video - Paris