[opening credits]
[video slide show]
[old South African flag in the wind] [video slide show]
[commuters on the sidewalk]
I am on my way home to start the life I always believed I wanted.
I just finished my law degree at Wits University... [Great Hall, WITS University]
...in Johannesburg, South Africa.
[rural suburbs, landscape]
I grew up in a tiny village surrounded by the foothill of the Drakensberg
Memel [map of South Africa]
On the border of the Free State and Natal provinces of South Africa.
My mother passed away when I was a child. [family photograph]
Her passing away was a massive setback to my father
and he has not made his peace with God for losing her.
He is the local reverend.
Thus, for most of my childhood...
Maria, our Zulu maid, raised me. [photograph of woman and child]
The learning of my father [walking across church grounds]
the wisdom of Maria prompted me to embark upon higher education.
Being at university also meant being closer to my high school sweetheart. [couple on sidewalk]
...Christoff. [photograph of couple]
Soon after graduating from medical school...
he was called up to report for his two-year military service. [Young men in a queue; troops marching]
Growing up in Memel...
I was a political innocent. [women sitting on the ground]
As a child, one evening,
I witnessed the violent arrest of polite Indian [Police arresting a man]
who explained that he simply ran out of gas.
I was told no Indians were allowed in Free State after dark. [Anti-apartheid posters, activists]
I didn't believe that
he must have been involved in something else.
Later, as a law student...
I learned that it was, in fact, the law. [Police getting into van]
One of many cruel laws.
It was also a crime [Legal document]
for a white person to have an intimate relationship
with a non-white person.
South Africans were formally classified [SA ID book]
according to the color of their skin
and a legal wall was erected...
which could only be crossed at pains [Signs stating legal acts ]
of punishment and social scandal. [Signs stating legal acts ]
So, I have come to doubt
the values of the people
amongst whom I so happily spent my entire life. [Families in the park]
But it is 1979. [Students]
A new decade is dawning...
maybe change
hopefully a new beginning. [Street scenes with police]
for Now [Jeanette walking down corridor with friends]
I'm going home to Memel.
Life is simple there. [Sidewalk, 3 girls walking to Jeanette's car]
I'm not going to practice anyway.
Christoff and I will marry as soon as he finally finishes his military service.
Please, Jeanette, you can't be serious!
What a waste. You're a top law student.
I want to be loved.
Careers, the law, everything else...
besides, Christoff is a doctor, I don't need to work.
A housewife, really?
god's sake, it's the seventies, women can do whatever we want
and you choose to be a housewife.
Exactly, I choose.
And it's not that I want to be a housewife,
I want a family,
I want to be loved and
I want to be a mother and for that, I'll make the sacrifice.
You haven't seen him for - what has it been now? A year.
I'v e been on dates with a few men... [girls laugh]
Come on, guys, seriously!
I've been on dates with a few men that have returned from Angola,
and I can tell you this much;
you don't know what you're gonna get.
When last did you receive a letter from him?
Just keep your options open;
I think you're more in love with the idea of this fellow.
Maybe. But I'm not married to him yet.
There are plenty of fish in the sea.
Okay....
Okay, this is me. Back to the Free State.
If you change your mind, let me know. We can get a flat.
But you're not.
Promise me you're not going to become an old biddy in six months,
baking pastries at National Party meetings. [laughter]
I think you know me better than that.
Take care. Please write.
But always remember...
Rock the boat!
[distant claps and cheers]
[cricket pitch]
[car hooter]
Alright, gentlemen, let's finish this over. I have to run.
Two balls left, one wicket, six runs - let's do this! [clapping and cheers]
[cheers of encouragement]
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Yeah!
Every dog gets his day.
You were brave enough to go for the win.
I respect that.
Bye, Ravi!
See you later.
[cheers from the players]
Everyone's waiting for you. Again.
[inside Satish's shop]
Oh shit!
Satish!
Look sir, I can explain...
I can explain... I'm sorry.
[outside storeroom]
[inside Satish's storeroom]
We'll deal with him later. Lock the door.
We can't be late for your sister's engagement.
We have to renegotiate the dowry.
Don’t start. They are Kshatriyas, we are Vaisyas.
He is marrying down in cost, okay?
I don't want to hear about this again; that's how it works.
[Sahil's house, outside]
Really, mom?
He's getting married soon
he's not a baby anymore. [Ravi's bedroom]
You'll always be my babies.
You look very handsome. She's a lucky lady.
Will you still be able to do the delivery in Vrede after the meeting?
You'll have your van back on Monday.
You can borrow my car while we're gone.
When are you gonna stop this nonsense?
It's dangerous.
What if they catch you?
I don't want to read about my sister
"jumping" out of the fourth floor window
from a police building in Joburg or PE.
Without action, you aren't going anywhere.
Gandhi. Smart man.
They'll be here soon.
Ravi's a good man.
I want to see your sister happy, [Inside Satish's House]
I want her to have everything of the best, don't you?
Yes
But the dowry's too much. We can't afford it.
I can't see why we would risk going out of business
just to uphold a fucking caste system.
Listen, have some respect.
It's important to me and it was important to your mother.
This is your sister's future.
This is her fourth engagement. This one has to work.
you understand?
Her happiness depends on it.
For me,
my children's happiness means everything.
That's why I worked all my life.
But you're still young.
One day when God blesses you with children,
then you'll understand
hmm? Come, let's get dressed.
[Gideon's garden]
Sir...
Jeanette phoned from a payphone, she's in Heidelberg.
Thank you, Maria.
Well, she should be here way before nightfall then.
can't wait to see her, is her room ready?
Yes, it's perfect,
I've cleaned all the family photos
they in a box, in a study.
Thank you, Maria. What will I ever do without you?
[Inside Sahil's house]
The date is set, just the dowry's left now.
Well Sahil and I, we've agreed on the amount.
Because they are Kshatriyas, the amount is a bit more than usual,
for Ravi is marrying down in caste.
Is that correct, Sahil?
[storeroom where thief is being held]
Will you steal from our shop again?
What?
Please, I won't steal from your shop again.
Good boy.
Next time you steal from me, that doorway will be the last thing you see.
[door crashes open]
[dirt road]
[tyre burst]
[panting]
Are you okay?
I don't know.
Oh shit, I took the spare out to make space.
Where are you going?
Home... Home, Memel.
I can give you a ride, but I have to make a delivery first,
I have to be back in Natal before sunset.
I'm Jeanette, by the way.
I'm Ravi.
Let's get your car off the road.
I just want to get some of my stuff out of the car.
We can get your stuff on the way back.
[car door slams]
[Landscape]
[Inside car]
What do you do for a living?
I work in our family shop.
You?
I just finished my studies.
What did you study?
Law.
Are you married?
No.
But soon, I suppose.
Me too.
[In Gideon's house]
[Outside Sahil's house]
[Sahil whistles]
[Outside house in Vrede]
Thank you.
[car is turned on]
[dirt road]
I'll just take the most important stuff, then we can go.
Will someone be able to help you with your spare tyre tomorrow?
It's Sunday, but I'll ask my dad.
[car is turned on]
[inside car]
[outside Gideon's house]
[sound of car pulling up]
My princess!
I'm glad you're safe, I was worried sick about you.
Where's your car?
Dad, this is Ravi.
I had a flat tyre and he tried to help me, but I didn't have a spare,
so he offered to bring me home.
Nice to meet you, Ravi.
And thank you, thank you very much.
Evening Reverend, Jeanette. What's this coolie doing here?
You know the law, what are you doing here?
Can you see the sun? I don't.
Sergeant, this is Ravi.
He, he gave Jeanette a lift, she had a flat tyre, that's all.
Oh. That's nice.
Now get in your car and leave before I arrest you.
Is that really necessary, my goodness.
Gertjie, I'm telling you, he was just helping her.
Reverend, you know coolies don't belong in the Free State after sunset.
Thank you.
Reverend... Jeanette...
I'm just glad you're here! I was so looking forward to this.
How are things going, Dad? Alright?
[Sahil's garage]
Where were you? We were supposed to leave an hour ago.
Sorry, I had to help someone with a flat tyre.
Give me the keys.
[car door slams]
[Jeanette's car parked on dirt road]
[singing]
[landscape, group of women walking down dirt road]
[singing]
[Chatura at her shrine]
[Gideon in his bedroom]
[dirt road]
[church building]
Isabella Christina Steyn, I baptise you in the name of the Father [inside church]
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love.
We thank you for this beautiful child.
Lord Jesus, help us as a congregation to support this family in educating this child,
who, through her baptism, has now become yours. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
[dirt road]
[Gideon's garden; street]
Who are you looking for?
Oh, I'm looking for Jeanette.
I fixed her flat tyre and I brought the car back.
How do you know Jeanette?
I don't, I just helped.
I'm gonna go wait in the car.
Hi. I was afraid that nobody would be able to help you.
With it being a Sunday and all.
I had a spare tyre at home and, well...
I had nothing else to do this morning.
And I was afraid that they might steal your books.
Well. Here's your car back.
That's very kind of you, young man. What do we owe you?
No money, please. Honestly. I had nothing else to do.
How did... how did you get there?
I mean, is someone picking you up here?
I... I didn't really think about that. My car is where your car was.
I'll quickly take you back to your car, it's the least I can do.
It's not that far outside town, I'll be back in time for lunch.
Okay. Well, thank you very much.
[Memel streets]
[dirt road]
Well, I have to go. Thanks again.
No trouble. I had nothing else to do.
I'll probably never see you again.
So let me say...
you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in real life.
[Inside Gideon's house]
Where did these come from?
They've been in my cupboard all these years.
Thought they would look better than the church council photos.
I've tried to forget her for too long.
[Sahil's house, kitchen]
Where have you been?
I went to help a friend who had car trouble.
Hmm. Do you want something to eat, son?
No... no, thank you. I'm not hungry.
Hmm. In love already?
No, I only met her yesterday.
Ha! [sings]
[Jeanette's bedroom]
Can I help?
It's all organised chaos, I'll sort it out.
How's Christoff?
I don't know.
Ever since he became an ops medic, I haven't heard much.
Don't worry, I'm sure he's safe, dear.
That's the problem. I don't.
When he first went to the border, I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat.
But he wrote letters. And then he stopped.
I don't feel butterflies anymore.
Everything will come back, once he's back home.
You'll see.
Do you remember when I was a little girl,
and you told me that falling in love was something magical?
Something you can't control.
It just happens.
It wasn't like that with Christoff. Other people rooted for us,
saying we would be this beautiful couple,
and next thing we were this trophy couple.
And now we're about to be married
and he feels like a stranger to me.
A memory of someone I knew a long time ago.
I feel so guilty.
[whispering] No... okay, okay.
[landscape, sun setting]
[outside Sahil's store]
[keys jangling]
[Gideon's kitchen]
I think I should buy him something nice to say thank you.
I mean, he really went out of his way to help me.
I know his shop.
In Newcastle?
Yes. My sister stays there. They buy there all the time.
[landscape]
[car driving past]
[in Jeanette's car, street in front of Sahil's shop]
[inside Sahil's shop]
Morning ma'am, can I help you?
Morning. Does Ravi work here?
Yes... who can I say wants to see him?
I'm Jeanette.
Ravi!
Hi. What are you doing here?
I, I wanted to give you something for helping me over the weekend.
What is that, beef?
- Yes, my father... - We are hindus
and we are vegetarians. Ravi, you know better.
I'm sorry, I didn't know.
I have customers waiting.
Ravi, you have a lot of work to do.
Engaged men don't stand around in shops with women when there's work to do.
Sorry. Let me walk you out.
[footsteps]
[street outside Sahil's shop]
Thank you for the gifts.
I'm sorry.
Don't worry about it.
My mother probably scared you enough to make sure
you'll never come here again but
I'd love to. I'll send message with Maria.
[car starts up and pulls away]
Is this the friend you helped?
She had a flat tyre and I helped her to fix it.
She came here to say thank you.
I'm not stupid.
I just helped.
[Aneesha's bedroom]
It was your mother's.
Dad, is it true that we're gonna lose the shop because of the dowry?
Nonsense.
Your brother's still young, don't mind him.
I've seen many winters, my darling.
But summer and spring always follows. We'll be fine.
I just don't want to be a burden.
You're going to be the most beautiful bride
the world has ever seen. And I love you.
[outside Gideon's house]
[car pulling up, door slamming]
Hello, Princess.
And this? Christmas is still two weeks away.
Oh, just because.
Where were you?
I went for a drive, hoping I'd run into some familiar faces.
And?
What have you been up to?
Oh, same old, same old.
[police station commander's office]
[knock on the door]
Captain.
Van Zyl.
This is Major van Staden and this is Captain Piet Theron.
Captain.
They're from the Security Police.
They're going to conduct a few days of observation in our area.
If you gentlemen need anything, ask Van Zyl.
They'll be using my office while I'm away for training.
And you'll make sure they feel welcome.
Thank you, Sergeant.
No problem, Captain. Thank you. Good day.
[Gideon's house, front door] [knock on the door]
Hello, Samuel!
Afternoon, miss.
Are you back from school?
Yes, I've finished there now. How are you?
Healthy, but not very well.
I have to go to my brother's funeral.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
I just brought the keys for the boss.
Okay.
Everything is cleaned nicely and locked up on the farm.
My dad's not here now, do you want to wait?
No, I have to hit the road.
I'll be back on the farm after the weekend. Give my regards to the boss.
I will.
- Keep well. - Thanks
My pleasure
Go Well
Thank you!
[inside Sahil's shop]
We had one roadblock on our way back. Otherwise no problems.
Oh...
Hello, mom.
Hi, darling.
Where's the groom?
He's in the back.
When is Aneesha coming to see the house?
I'll organise a date with Satish. Why so urgent?
Never mind, we'll... we'll speak later.
Hello, dad. Successful trip?
It went good. Slowly but surely we'll win, son.
Glory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal,
not in reaching it. Gandhi. Smart man.
Will you close up today?
See you tonight, son.
[police station commander's office] We're looking for a syndicate, helping ANC members disappear.
For the past six months a type of Bermuda Triangle has cropped up
between Memel, Newcastle and Harrismith.
We follow suspects, sometimes for months,
but the moment they enter the triangle, they disappear into thin air.
We suspect they're being transported across the border
with Swaziland, from somewhere within the triangle.
We have a strong suspicion that the coolies are helping them.
The Natal Indian Congress.
Major, shouldn't you rather be in Newcastle then?
Well, the communists have been trained well to identify Security Police members.
We have to try and blend into the community here in Memel, move under the radar,
so that we can keep an eye on things and movements in Newcastle.
Are you aware of any leftist elements here in the Memel district?
No, Captain.
No, livestock theft is our biggest problem here.
Thank you, Sergeant.
Major. Captain.
[garden] Tell me, are you done with the studies now?
Yes. If I pass everything.
You will, you're smart.
Tell me, when is Christoff coming back?
One of these days now, isn't it?
I'm not completely certain, you know how it goes there.
No-one lets you know what's going on.
It's about time now.
Oh, I can't wait for your wedding!
You're falling behind, girlfriend.
Oh and I can't wait to introduce you to everyone at the ACVV.
You know most of them but...
we're responsible for the snacks for the church and the National Party's
functions and meetings
and it will be so nice to have you on board too.
[inside Sahil's house]
So what do you like to do when you're not working?
I like reading, watching movies
and playing cricket.
And you?
I would like to travel.
[garden] Gertjie told me an Indian dropped you off at home.
That must have been quite an ordeal for you, girlfriend.
No, it wasn't that bad.
He was sweet, actually.
His name is Ravi.
He really went out of his way to help me.
Otherwise I would have slept by the roadside.
I hear you had to take him back to fetch his car.
And all of that on a Sunday. What a cheek.
[inside Sahil's house]
Thank you.
Do you like movies?
Yes, I do. What are your favourites?
Star Wars.
Love Story.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. To name a few.
I haven't seen any of those.
Let me show you the house.
[garden]
- It was lovely, we must do it again. Bye bye! - Bye!
I'm going to Newcastle tomorrow. Do you want to visit your sister?
Why? What about work?
I need you to trust me.
What are you up to now, dear?
It won't end well.
Okay, I'll come with you, only once.
We have to leave early.
[birds singing]
[outside Sahil's house]
[Jeanette's bedroom]
[inside Jeanette's car]
[landscape, car driving past]
[side of the road]
[inside Sahil's shop]
From Jeanette.
[letter being opened]
Can you watch the shop for a few hours?
Yes, why?
Thanks.
Who's Jeanette?
[dirt road leading up to farm gate]
[gate scrapes as it opens]
[car door slams]
[inside Sahil's shop]
Excuse me.
Where's Ravi?
A black lady came into the store earlier with an envelope.
Ravi read the note and left.
Just like that?
Yes, she said it was from... Amm... Jeanette.
Do you know her?
[Gideon's farm, field next to dam]
[boathouse]
[field next to dam]
What is this?
I don't know.
Don't worry too much about it.
It's not for us to decide.
Okay, watch.
[stone skipping on water; Ravi laughs]
[splash]
Geez, no.
Here, help me across. Okay, okay.
[stone skipping on water]
Yes!
[landscape, dam and boathouse]
No meat... [field]
...I promise.
Thank you.
Well, we have to eat.
For today. It's wonderful here.
Do you like movies?
I love movies.
Any favourites?
I loved Star Wars.
That's my favourite new movie.
But my favourite of all time is Love Story.
What a wonderful thought never having to say you're sorry.
I want that.
If only for a day.
I have to fetch Maria.
When can we do this again?
I'll send word.
One rule, no goodbyes.
[dirt road, car driving past]
[sidewalk outside Sahil's shop]
Where were you?
What are you doing, my boy?
Since when do we just leave during business hours?
Who's Jeanette?
I'm sorry, Dad. It's just a friend.
She's not just a friend,
I saw how you were looking at her in the shop.
It's nothing to worry about.
She's not welcome here, I don't want you to see her again.
You are engaged, son.
Don't dishonour yourself or our family.
Go home. We'll talk tonight.
[car keys jangling]
[outside Gideon's house]
Afternoon, princess. How was your day?
Afternoon, Dad.
Hi, Maria.
Hi.
Maria, how is your sister?
She's better now, thank you.
I... I've invited two gentlemen for dinner,
so we'll be four.
It's okay. Anything special?
Oh no, your food's always great; whatever you feel like.
[footsteps]
[dinner table, Gideon's house]
[cutlery clinking against plates]
Your father tells me you're studying law.
At which university?
Wits.
We were initially a bit late with her applications
and it was the only university with space for her.
It certainly wasn't my first choice.
What's wrong with Wits?
It's a breeding ground for liberals and communists.
Evil is everywhere, isn't it?
I guess you're right, miss.
I guess.
So how long will you be here in our neck of the woods, Koot?
Hard to say, Reverend, but probably a week or two.
We've uncovered a few of these cells, we know what to look for.
Terrorists are very lackadaisical in the rural areas,
so it's only a matter of time.
Well, I hope you catch the bastards before Christmas.
May I be excused? It's been a long day.
[chairs scraping against the floor]
Good evening, everyone.
Night, Princess.
Gentlemen...
[street outside temple]
[chanting]
[inside temple]
I don't want to hurt anyone, especially Aneesha.
My son,
yours is not an easy decision to make.
But it is one that will define the life you live.
Everyone must find their own dharma.
And you decide if this karma will lead you closer to moksa,
or if it will delay your journey.
[street outside Gideon's house]
Pleasant Reverend, Major.
We need to keep an eye on the daughter, I have a feeling.
With pleasure, Major.
[inside Sahil's shop]
[paper bag crinkles]
I'm going to make the deliveries. See you later.
[car keys jangling]
[landscape, car driving past]
[Gideon's garden]
It will look better on this side.
Here's the little one.
Plant it over there
This old back of mine...
But you're not that old, Dad!
It's an old rugby injury. Pack the soil well. I will get the hose pipe
[across the street from Gideon's house]
[women chatter]
I don't know if I should water them, the wind has turned.
I think there's a storm coming.
Would you like some coffee, Dad?
That would be first class, thank you, sweetheart.
[Gideon's kitchen] [kettle whistle]
[hot water poured into a cup]
[keys jangling]
[Gideon's garden]
You look pretty. Thank you.
I'm going to visit Fransien for a while.
Enjoy.
[across the street from Gideon's house]
[car driving off]
[police station commander's office]
It looks like we'll be heading home as early as this weekend.
[field next to dam, jetty]
[car door slams]
[footsteps on wooden jetty]
[boathouse]
[door is unlocked]
[door slams shut]
[Gideon's garden]
Afternoon, Reverend.
Afternoon, dear; what're you doing here?
I thought Jeanette was visiting you.
[police station commander's office]
Well I never... You think you know someone.
[Gideon's garden]
Maria, do you have any idea where Jeanette might be?
No.
Well she said... she... Fransien.
[mumbling] What are you doing, my angel?
[boathouse patio]
Let's run away.
I have some money that my mother left me.
We can start over somewhere else.
[water lapping against jetty]
If we get caught and go to jail, my father will be destroyed.
He deserves better.
Let's just get away from here.
Let's go to Swaziland.
I have never felt anything like this before.
It feels like home. And I never want to leave.
[water lapping]
[dinner table, Gideon's house]
[footsteps]
[front door opening]
[door closing]
Why are you just sitting there like that, Dad?
I'm just thinking.
How was your afternoon?
Fine, thanks. Fransien sends her regards.
She was here.
[clock ticking]
Where were you?
What were you doing on the farm?
Oh, I just wanted to see it again.
[cutlery thrown on plate]
Why are you lying to me?
What are you up to?
Answer me.
[keys land on table]
Sorry, Dad.
[door closes]
[Sahil's house, sitting room]
Tomorrow after the puja service, we will go to Satish.
[Gideon's bedroom] Dear Lord
I am small and humble before you.
I know I wasn’t there when Jeanette was a child. I was here.
On my knees before You.
I was mad about her mother's death. I was sad.
I know I was selfish, Lord
And yet, You never left me, You put my pieces back together.
That's why I’m humbly
kneeling before You,
pleading,
begging
for wisdom,
patience,
give me insight.
I cannot give my princess, my gift from You...
I don't want to push her away again.
Help me, heavenly Father,
for I am weak and I get angry and I don’t understand everything.
Help me to keep my child’s love. Amen.
[Ravi's bedroom]
[bed groans]
[landscape, dawn]
[birds singing]
[bells ringing]
[temple] [bells ringing]
[Gideon's house, dining room]
[birds singing]
Please trust me.
[Satish's store]
Hi, Aneesha.
Hi.
Is your father here?
Yes, he's in the back.
Thank you. You wait outside.
[tapping on calculator]
Good morning, Satish.
Sahil,
I thought we were supposed to meet tomorrow?
I know but it can't wait. The engagement is off.
Why?
My son is in love with someone else.
And he feels it is unfair towards your daughter to continue with this marriage.
This is unacceptable...
[Aneesha sobs]
You bastard!
I'm so sorry...
Get out of my shop, get out of my shop!
[Gideon's house, front door]
Fransien, hi!
Hi, girlfriend. Listen, I can't stay
you won't believe what Gertjie told me last night.
I'm so grateful you're still with us.
That Indian that helped you so nicely last weekend,
turns out he's a wanted terrorist!
No, man.
I promise!
The Security Police - you know,
those men in the suits that turned up here?
Marie from next door says they had dinner with you the other night.
In anyway,
they're here to expose a terrorist cell, and this..
Ravi
he's apparently the leader.
Gertjie says they're going to bring him in before the weekend.
He apparently has an accomplice right here in Memel.
Terrible, isn't it?
Anyway, I have to run. Stop by over the weekend.
Okay, bye.
[door closed]
[Aneesha's bedroom]
[police station commander's office]
[cigarette lighter clicks on and off]
And now we just wait.
They'll start panicking.
It looked like she had seen a ghost.
I can't believe my future sister-in-law is becoming a terrorist
while my brother is risking his life
for our country...
Thank you for your help, Mrs Van Zyl.
Please don't tell anyone what we're busy with.
[footsteps]
[street outside Gideon's house]
[car door slams]
[cigarette lighter clicks]
I'll do the talking, hey?
[knock on door]
Afternoon, gentlemen, how can I help?
Is your daughter home by any chance, Reverend?
Why?
We noticed her car isn't here.
She might be able to help us.
We think she knows of or may even be involved in terrorist activities in Newcastle.
Well, as the Captain so astutely observed, she isn't here.
I'll tell her you were here; excuse me.
We also suspect that she's engaged in a relationship with the Ravi chap.
Any evidence?
Just a matter of time.
[door closed]
[Gideon exhales shakily]
[Satish's store]
How did she take it? [Satish's store]
I want to spend some time with her; will you close the shop?
Sure.
Let's be there for her tonight.
But tomorrow, let's pay the little shit a visit.
[footsteps]
[Aneesha's bedroom]
[hallway, Satish's house]
[gunshot]
[Aneesha's bedroom]
[sobbing] Aneesha... Aneesha, Aneesha!
[sobbing]
[landscape]
[car driving past]
[Sahil's shop]
I just heard the Security Police is looking for you.
Why?
You're suspected of being a terrorist leader,
of a cell they want to close down before the weekend.
Why do they think it's Ravi?
They must have been watching my house when you dropped the letter yesterday.
Are you absolutely sure it's Ravi they want?
Did you hear the news about Satish's daughter?
It's horrible.
They said he found her.
What do you mean 'he found her'?
Her body. She killed herself.
Thank you. Please give us a moment.
We'll have to take him over the border tonight.
What about the police? They may be watching us.
I don't care about the police.
Satish will kill Ravi. Satish is a dangerous man.
I've heard all these stories about him and his son.
We can't compromise our entire operation just to save Ravi.
Surely the cause is bigger than some guy that cheated on his fiancée.
Your brother made a mistake.
But surely you don't expect me to stand by and see him killed?
He's my son.
What about me, Dad?
What about when I risk my life for you
and for the cause every time we go on these missions?
While Ravi plays cricket with the boys.
While Ravi mixes his spices.
While Ravi fucks his white girlfriend.
I believe in what we were doing.
You made me believe.
Do my feelings and my sacrifices mean nothing to you?
I can't make this sacrifice.
I'm not strong enough.
Gandhi said, take care of this moment.
That's all I can do for now.
I love all of you.
I'm leaving at nine o'clock tonight.
I'm sorry. You deserve better.
I love you, my child, I do.
[Chatura sobs]
[outside Sahil's shop]
Please be here.
[outside Satish's house]
[car drives past]
[Satish's house, sitting room]
[sofa creaks]
I'm not going to wait.
I'm going to visit Ravi tonight.
[Satish cries]
[Memel street]
[cigarette lighter clicks open and shut]
Should we pick her up now?
Oh no, she's going to lead us straight to eye of the storm.
When she leaves again, we can follow her. [cigarette lighter clicks open and shut]
[Jeanette's bedroom]
[knock on the door] [Jeanette's bedroom]
Princess?
I have to go away for a while.
Is it something I did?
I want to be with Ravi.
Pray with me.
Maria, come sit with us.
Dear Lord, we stand at a crossroads today.
You gave me
and Maria
the wonderful privilege to raise this amazing child.
And I praise You, Lord, because she is brave.
Brave enough to go in search of happiness and true love.
Dear Lord
may she find what she is searching for.
And may she always know You,
in her victories and in her losses.
And please guide her
in the days that she might be unsure.
Give us strength
Lord. May the love that we have for each other never fade.
I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Amen.
[kiss]
[Sahil's shop]
I'm sorry about your sister.
How's your father doing?
He's broken.
His princess is gone.
Is your brother around?
It's fine.
I'll see him, when I see him.
Be at our house before nine o'clock tonight.
[street outside Gideon's house]
[birds singing]
[across the street from Gideon's house]
[cigarette lighter clicks open and shut]
Do you think Reverend knows, Major?
[dirt road]
Afternoon! Where to, soldier?
Memel, sir. The Reverend's house.
The Reverend's house? What business do you have there?
Confessing your sins, right?
Yes, something like that.
Listen, toss that duffel bag of yours in the back and get in.
Thank you.
[Ravi's bedroom]
Do you think she's worth it?
I love you, my dear,
no matter what happens.
And I really hope that things work out for you.
But even if it doesn't, then I'll be here,
okay?
[kitchen, Gideon's house]
[Jeanette exhales audibly]
Just in case.
Thank you, Dad.
I love you, Dad.
I love you too.
[street outside Gideon's house]
[footsteps]
[cigarette lighter clicks shut]
[knock on the door]
[kitchen, Gideon's house] [knocking]
Wait right here.
[Gideon's house, front door]
Christoff...
[kitchen, Gideon's house] Evening, Reverend.
I'm glad you're home safe.
[Gideon's house, front door]
I'm really sorry, but you just missed Jeanette.
Oh... I see.
Do you know when she'll be back?
By tomorrow evening, I'm guessing.
Son...
[door closes]
[across the street from Gideon's house]
I told you he fucking knows, Major.
[Sahil's garage]
I'm just going to walk, Dad.
I'll quickly go and check on your mum. I'll be there before nine.
[across the street from Gideon's house]
[cigarette lighter clicks open and shut]
[car being turned on]
Wait.
She's going to Newcastle. We'll catch up with her.
[dark road]
[car driving past]
[second car driving past]
[street outside Sahil's house]
[car being turned on, pulling out of driveway]
[street outside Sahil's shop]
[car pulling up]
I forgot something in the car, one second.
[guns being cocked]
No, don't shoot.
Get back into the car, old man.
I know you're hurt, boy, but don't do something stupid now.
Your son needs to take responsibility.
Is this her?
[screeching brakes]
Police! Drop your guns!
Good. This Indian guy fucked a white girl.
Drop your weapon.
[gunshots]
[Jeanette crying]
You're fine, you're gonna be fine.
[Ravi grunting]
No... goodbyes...
[Jeanette crying]
FEW MONTHS LATER...
[jail cell]
Dear Jeanette. [jail cell]
We hope this finds you well.
We are so glad to hear that you are on your way home again.
Gandhi said...
[Sahil's house] forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.
The terrible murder of our son showed us
that we were not as strong as we thought we were.
But we are trying.
We hope you find peace and love,
and everything our Ravi wanted to give you.
Please visit us if you can.
Thank you so much for loving our son.
And seeing all the good we saw in him.
Sahil and Chatura.
[jail cell]
The police thought they stopped the terrorist cell the night that Ravi died.
Our relationship was a violation of the Immorality Act.
I was arrested and pleaded guilty.
I was sentenced to serve a few months in jail.
[Church]
My father made his peace with God.
He came to see me every week.
Maria also came a few times.
Good morning, brothers and sisters.
Welcome to the house of the Lord. It's my great privilege...
[field next to dam]
After all is said and done, I now know Maria was right.
Falling in love is magic.
I hope it happens again.
[end titles]