[Ethereal melody; Soothing, bell-like percussion]
Downloaded from YTS.BZ
[Delicate violin plucking]
Official YIFY movies site: YTS.BZ
[Sustained, warm violin tone joins]
[Music fades]
[Indistinct tuning of instruments]
[Orchestral, triumphant coda]
[Tense, high-pitched note]
[Muffled, low whoosh]
[Uplifting, digital chime]
[Ethereal vocalizing]
[Delicate piano notes]
[Car engine rumbles, softly]
[Dogs bark]
[Loud honking]
He did a fine somersault.
He'll be a gymnast.
[High-energy dance music plays on radio]
Dance, Mommy! It'll make my little brother dance.
Come on, Daddy, dance.
[Music volume decreases]
Daddy, why are you turning it down?
It's not done. The sound disturbs people.
What people?
Honestly,
do you see anyone here?
At home, we're careful because of the neighbours.
But we don't even have neighbours!
And nobody ever comes over.
Mommy?
Ask him to turn it up.
Come on, Daddy, turn it up.
[Music volume increases]
There, you can dance.
[Loud thud, dog whimpers]
[Car engine and music stop]
[She whispers] What was that?
[He whispers] I don't know.
[Insects chirp; Squeaky footsteps]
[Dog whimpers]
[Dogs bark in the distance]
[Whimpering continues]
[He breathes heavily]
[Dog pants]
[Woman speaks softly, indistinctly]
[Heavy dragging and scraping]
[He pants]
[Woman speaks softly, indistinctly]
Pass me a tissue.
[Woman] Nilufar, don't stay near the window.
Thank God we're safe and sound.
[Car engine starts]
[High-energy dance music resumes]
[In an upset voice] Turn it off.
[Music stops]
You killed it.
I didn't even see it. It jumped out in front of the car.
[Woman] Sweetheart, the road isn't lit.
These poor animals get run over.
- It was just an accident. - [Dogs bark]
What will be will be.
God surely put it on our path for a reason.
[In an upset voice] He killed a dog.
God has nothing to do with it.
[Woman] It's not his fault. He didn't do it on purpose.
[Thick thud; Car engine stops]
Another sign.
IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT - [Car engine sputters, dies]
[Insects chirp]
[Dogs bark; Car hood opens]
Is it the belt?
I don't know. Start the car.
Go ahead.
[Car engine sputters, dies]
Again.
[Car engine sputters, dies]
That's enough. It's pointless.
[Motorcycle approaches]
Excuse me, please...
Is there a garage nearby?
Two kilometers away.
That's too far. I broke down with the family.
There's nothing closer.
Could I call them?
I don't have the number.
Okay, thanks.
[Motorcyclist] Sir...
I can try to repair it.
That's very kind.
[Man on phone] Come on, Rahim, we're friends.
If ever you have a problem, you can count on me.
That's right.
- Omid! - What?
Don't hang up. I'll be right back.
What's going on?
[Omid] A family broke down.
I'm going to try to help them out.
You still there, Rahim?
Are you listening?
When are you bringing the van back?
I have to be there in an hour.
Same thing every time!
Since the client isn't there,
bring back the merchandise.
Yes. I have to deliver the trousseau.
It's urgent, be a sport.
Wait, I have another call. Talk to you later.
Hi, Mom, everything okay?
[Rapid, loud flapping]
Who turned the lights on?
Omid!
Did you turn on the light?
Omid?
Sorry, I was looking for the bathroom light,
I got the wrong switch.
[Man on phone] Turn it off. It's the other switch.
Alright, sorry.
Sorry, Mom.
It was a customer.
Have you had dinner?
[Flapping subsides]
Why?
Eat, I'll be over soon.
Mom, please, the van isn't mine.
Okay.
I can't come now, Mommy dearest.
Alright.
I got it, yes.
Exactly what you asked for.
A foreign brand.
[He chuckles]
Don't worry, it'll have everything.
Anything else?
Love you.
See you later.
[Cell phone beeps; He sighs]
[Hobbled, squeaky footsteps approach]
[Man] What's his name?
[Omid] Vahid.
Vahid?
[In a disguised voice] Yes?
[Man] Omid needs the toolbox.
Through the door,
on the right, there's the closet with toolboxes.
[Man] That way?
Yes.
[Man] Thank you.
[Squeaky footsteps recede]
[He exhales, strained]
[Objects thud]
[Footsteps persist]
[He grunts quietly]
- [Omid] Turn the engine on. - [Shaky breathing]
[Engine sputters, starts]
I fiddled with it.
It's temporary.
- [Man] Thanks so much. - [Omid] You're welcome.
[Car departs]
- What? - [Vahid] The key!
- What for? - It's urgent.
And the trousseau for your sister?
Join me with the van. Don't forget my clothes.
[Omid] Careful with the bike!
- [Vahid] Of course. Relax. - [Bike revs]
[Insects chirp, dogs bark]
[Line rings]
[Cell phone vibrates; He snores]
[Vibrating continues]
[Engine starts]
[Inaudible dialogue]
[Loud honking]
[Handbrake crunches]
[Loud honking]
[Honking continues; Dog barks]
[Car revs, tires screech]
[Handbrake crunches]
[Car revs; Loud honking]
[Tires screech; High-pitched, repetitive beeps]
[Door lock clunks]
[Handbrake crunches; Beeping stops]
[Man grunts]
[Strained breathing]
[He pants]
Come out of there.
[Man grunts]
[Man] What are you doing?
[Vahid] Shut up, scumbag.
Just shut up.
Stop wriggling.
[Grunting; Strained breathing]
- I'm burying you. - [Man] No!
[Vahid] Filthy bastard!
[Man, yelling] What're you doing?
[Man groans]
Stop it!
Stop it! I can't breathe!
Don't do this!
I have a family. Don't do this!
Is this your real name? Rashid Shahsavari.
Yes, it's me.
Listen, take my bank card.
The code is 1329. Withdraw whatever you like.
Wasn't Eqbal a good enough name?
It's shorter, snappier.
[Yelling] Stop it!
Who's Eqbal?
[Yelling furiously] Shut your mouth, you son of a bitch!
You used to say that.
Remember?
You said, "If your mother wasn't a whore,
"she wouldn't have had a shit like you."
So, you piece of shit.
Have you forgotten Eqbal?
Eqbal the Peg Leg.
Ring a bell?
It will soon.
I've never heard that name!
Who is it?
Don't get smart with me.
You think a life of misery has erased my memory?
That I can't recognize you?
That you can just blindfold us,
sit us down facing a wall, and we won't recognize you?
Our ears could hear all the same.
The sound of your steps...
I'd know the squeak of your artificial leg anywhere!
That atrocious sound still rings in my ear.
- Do you think I'm stupid? - [Rashid yells, groans]
It's obsessed me for years.
You ruined my life, asshole!
For years? I lost my leg last year in an accident!
Stop it!
I'll show you!
[Rashid] I swear! Look for yourself!
Look at my scars!
You'll see they're recent.
I'm seeing the doctor today.
Look for yourself.
[Rashid cries]
[Labored breathing]
[Breathing shakily] I'm begging you, stop.
I can't breathe.
Don't pull! It's an artificial limb!
Pull my pant leg up.
You'll see...
[Rashid grunts]
Don't pull!
[Rashid coughs]
Is that an old scar?
Where'd you go?
Get me out of here.
Help me, I'm suffocating.
Come get me out of here!
[Rashid grunts]
Come, I'm begging you.
[Insect buzzes]
Hurry up, I'm suffocating.
What did I do to you to deserve this?
Get me out of here!
[Van revs, stones crunch]
[Car alarm beeps]
- Hello. How are you? - [Clerk] Good. And you?
- Is Salar here? - Yes, upstairs.
[Clerk speaks indistinctly]
[Delicate, melancholic song plays in store]
Hello, Salar.
Vahid! How are you?
And you?
- [Vahid] Good. Thank you. - Where have you been, buddy?
How's that kidney?
Not too bad.
Have a seat.
- Am I disturbing you? - What brings you?
Since you're here on Tuesdays, I came. I didn't want to call.
It's important.
Tell me first if you've seen a doctor.
I've made you dozens of appointments. You're pushing it.
Take care of your kidney.
We always called you a jughead.
Holding your back all the time, now you actually look like a jug.
I've been swamped. I'll go.
So...
Here.
Who's that?
[He whispers] It belongs to Peg Leg.
How did you get it?
I finally found him.
I hit him with my car.
He's in my trunk.
[Book store door opens, closes]
Are you crazy, Vahid?
Don't worry, he's alive.
I need you. I have a doubt.
Can you confirm it's him?
Follow me.
What got into you?
Consider the consequences.
I didn't know what to do.
When I saw him, I lost my head.
You know what that son of a bitch did to me?
He took everything: my dignity, my wife, my job!
I lost everything!
I even dug a hole to bury him alive.
But he made me doubt. He says he's not Eqbal.
I'm just asking you to help me identify him.
This is unlike you.
We aren't killers. We're not like them.
There's no need to dig their graves. They've done it themselves.
It's your ideals you'd be burying.
Look, I didn't come here to hear that.
I don't care any more.
I'm going to finish what I've started.
I'm just asking you to confirm it's him.
Even if it is him, let him go. You won't get away with it.
Salar,
during the worst times of my life, you were there, you supported me.
I will never forget you.
If you won't help me, I won't hold it against you.
I will do what I have to do.
Don't do this, Vahid.
[Engine starts]
[Knocks on van's hood]
Yes, my friend?
Call this number.
Do what she tells you.
Alright.
[Busy, agitated chatter nearby]
[Loud, angry yelling]
[Line rings; Loud honking]
[Voice on GPS] Turn right.
[Birds caw]
You have reached your destination.
[Photographer] That's it. Smile, Goli.
- [Cell phone rings] - Sorry, two secs.
Watch my train.
- I have to answer. - No problem.
Hello?
Hello, Maryam. How are you?
Yes, the whole series is ready.
I'll send it to you tonight.
[Vahid] Excuse me...
The wedding is tomorrow. Right now, I'm doing the portraits.
The touch-ups are done. You'll have them...
Of course, don't worry.
Go ahead and make your selection. But keep us out of trouble.
Okay.
That sounds good.
Thank you. Take care.
See you later.
Hello. How are you?
We're going to take more
in the brick building over there.
[Footsteps approach]
It's nice to change settings.
Like I told you, I'm swamped.
But since Salar has sent you, I'm listening.
Isn't that Miss Biglari, who was arrested with you?
[Crystals tinkle, delicately]
Can we go outside a few minutes?
What for?
I'm listening.
It's rather delicate. I can't talk about it here.
I'm very busy, sir.
As you can see.
Go outside and I'll join you when I'm done. Thank you.
I found Peg Leg.
You called him the Gimp, I believe.
[She whispers] Who are you exactly?
I was arrested two weeks after you.
For collusion and propaganda against the regime.
I read your investigation.
I need you.
To make sure it's really him.
He's here?
Yes, don't be afraid. He can't move or speak.
He's in the back of the van.
Did you kill him?
No, the bastard's alive.
I need you to help me identify him.
[Tinkling continues; Birds caw]
I can't help you.
Salar made a grave mistake by sending you to me.
I am only just resuming a normal life.
And she's preparing her wedding, which is tomorrow.
Please leave.
He beat me so much I have to constantly hold my back.
I look like a fool.
They call me jughead.
I'm waiting for your confirmation to take care of him.
Jughead or not, I don't care!
I can't help you.
Leave or I'll have you thrown out.
Now get lost.
[Cawing continues]
Sorry, my friends.
So, how are we looking?
Ali, over here. Goli, on the other side.
Yes, that's not bad...
We've got black on black.
Go back to the way you were before.
[Tinkling continues]
Yes, that's nice.
Look at her.
I'll make a phone call and be right back. Sorry.
Hello?
Hi, Salar.
[Cawing continues]
He's in the van.
Whatever you do, Shiva, don't say a word.
- Why? - He could hear you.
We'll talk afterwards, okay?
[Keys clang in lock]
[Soft rustling]
[Rashid moans softly]
[Keys clang in lock]
[She whispers] Are you sure it's him?
No. Otherwise I wouldn't have come.
- And then what? - What do you mean?
Even if it's him, what are you going to do?
Leave it to me, don't worry.
I don't want to cause trouble for you.
- But is it him? - I don't know!
I was blindfolded the whole time.
[Goli] Shiva...
Get lost.
- Yes, sweetie? - Who is he? What does he want?
Hello, brother.
We're getting married. We came for photos. It's all legit.
The celebration is tomorrow. You see what I mean.
I have what you need.
[Goli] Ali?
[They murmur, indistinctly]
What did you say to him?
Tell me what he wants.
Don't worry. He came to tell me something.
You seem troubled.
[Shiva] Go back in.
He brought the Gimp.
- Who's that? - What?
The Gimp...
Goli...
[Ali] Bring water!
[Shiva] Don't get so upset...
[Cawing continues]
Goli, calm down, it's okay.
Go back inside.
I'm okay.
Goli!
[Goli] Where is the bastard?
[Ali] Calm down!
He'll hear you!
Open up!
Be quiet!
[Knocking]
Where'd you find him?
I don't know who you are or what you want.
But I know it's too much for Goli.
If anything happens to her, watch out.
Ali, stop it. Go back inside.
See? We can't tell you if it's him or not. Go away.
Are you kidding? That guy ruined my life.
I won't drop this until I know if it's him.
I told you to leave.
You've put us in a fine jam.
Open again, so I can see him.
Not you.
[Rashid moans, softly]
[She sniffs, retches]
He stinks of sweat like him, in any case.
- But... - What?
The only person who can identify him is Hamid.
Shiva, you can't bring that nutcase over here!
We'll go to him.
Goli is only just recovering. We can't take any risks.
Why did you two come out here?
Listen, I have nothing to lose.
But Goli is too fragile.
Hamid is the only one who can help us...
Who is Hamid?
- One of the... - What are we waiting for?
Listen.
We are expected back home.
Give me my cell phone.
Come on!
Hi, Mom.
I'm fine.
We're off to do more photos with Ali and Shiva.
Yes, that's right.
No, but this evening...
Don't worry. I'll be home late.
Alright. Love you.
Are you reassured? We're coming.
Okay. But first give me your cell phones.
Off.
Get in.
You have to go straight.
[Cawing continues]
Some photo session!
Oh please, we have plenty of photos. Stop it.
[Ali] What a mess.
[Goli] You're constantly complaining. That's enough.
I don't understand...
[She whispers inaudibly]
[Traditional, melancholic accordion music]
- Hello. - [Pharmacy clerk] Hi, how are you?
Hello.
- [Shiva] Vahid, Abolfazl. - Nice to meet you.
- [Shiva] Is the doctor here? - Yes, come in.
[Shiva] I was hoping to see him.
[Abolfazl] Of course.
- How's your health? Better? - Yes, thank you.
- You? - [Abolfazl] All is well.
[Music fades]
[Traffic hum]
Thank you, goodbye.
[Abolfazl] My pleasure, goodbye.
Hamid will throw a fit.
I got earplugs for the Gimp.
And this, to put him to sleep.
Do those things work?
Yes, Hamid recommended them and my friend told me what to do.
We can't afford to kill him.
[Music resumes]
Excuse me, may I?
- What is this? - Give them money.
[Vahid] Here.
- [Accordionist] Is that it? - Yes.
[Ali, whispering] We don't have any cash.
[Car alarm beeps]
Park next to the small truck.
There he is.
[Inaudible dialogue; Loud honking]
[Ali] Hey!
He's out of his mind!
Where are you going?
They're coming.
[Inaudible dialogue]
That's enough. Get in.
What do you want?
[Goli] We're going somewhere quiet.
You have some nerve! Why are you busting my balls?
Listen, friend, this is serious.
Is he talking to me?
Shut up, Hamid!
Tell us where we can go to have a quiet conversation.
Go straight, then first right.
[Hamid breathes shakily]
You piece of shit!
Hamid!
It's him! It's that scumbag!
Let go of me!
Let go!
[Shiva] Hamid, be quiet or I'll throw you out.
I swear it's him!
That's the fucking leg he lost in Syria!
He used to take it out on guys like me!
I've been running my hand over his leg for five years, in my nightmares.
Let go of me!
[Shiva] First, we have to be sure...
Sure of what?
He made me feel his rotten leg with a blindfold on,
to prove his exploits in their fucking holy war!
- Let me go! - [Shiva] Calm down.
Did he admit to being Eqbal?
What do you mean admit? Did you speak to him?
Before I knocked him out, yes.
They're all crazy, I swear!
You expect him to admit it?
Give him two minutes, and he'll hang us all!
If we let him, he will trap us again.
As long as he hasn't spoken, I...
Watch me, I'll make him talk!
Nobody touches him as long as he hasn't admitted it's him.
Where'd you pick up this halfwit?
How many guys have their right leg cut off in the same place
and the same scars on the left leg?
Shut up. He's a friend of Salar's.
Now I understand! That wimp Salar!
[Hamid and Shiva exclaim indistinctly]
- [Hamid, screaming] Let go of me! - [Shiva] Get out!
I said let go of me!
Give me a minute.
Calm down. Why are you screaming?
- You'll have a stroke. - [Radio beeps]
If you yell like that, someone's bound to hear you.
What is this, racketeering?
No, just fooling around. We're friends.
Do we look like racketeers?
No, but there's a ruckus and strange noises in your van.
- You feeling better, Hamid? - He's our friend.
What's going on in there?
Nothing at all.
What are you guys doing?
We're talking to these gentlemen.
Hello. How are you?
I'm a wedding photographer. We came to take some photos.
- Here? - The view is superb.
- So you have an authorization? - An authorization?
- For wedding photos? - Of course.
Have you lost it?
Racketeering, disturbing the peace...
They're security guards...
- We were joking around. - I see.
He's not all there... Goli!
[Sirens blare in the distance]
There's nothing to see.
We're just taking a look, that's all.
[Shiva] We're going to the other side, the view is nicer.
Quick.
Goli, give me a smile.
[Camera clicks]
Ali, go over there. I'll photograph Goli alone.
- [Guard] We've disturbed you. - [Vahid] Not at all.
Okay, that's it.
Off we go.
- Got a little gift for us? - Excuse me?
What does he want?
Your friend's not well.
- Are you a doctor? - Excuse him.
I don't have cash. Next time.
You plan on remarrying?
- Excuse me? - [Van door opens]
Do you have any cash?
I have a terminal, otherwise.
Here.
- [Van door closes] - [Vehicle alarm goes off in the distance]
[City traffic blares]
Go ahead.
- Is that not too much? - No point skimping.
Alright, here goes.
[Van engine stops]
All of you, get out, please.
Excuse me?
I disturbed you for nothing. I'm going solo.
I don't want to bother you with my business.
Oh, it's your business?
Personally, as long as I haven't killed the bastard,
I won't budge.
I'm perfectly comfortable here. Thanks.
[Vahid] I won't say it again:
If you don't get out, I won't go anywhere!
Me neither. I won't say it again.
Well, we're leaving.
- Let's go, sweetheart. - Where to?
He's right and we have things to do.
Do you realize?
He's the one who found him. He can do what he wants with him.
Leave if you want to.
Without you? But you're not well.
No, I'm not well!
Even if it is him and they leave him to you,
what will you do with him?
This is a quagmire, darling.
The further you go, the more you sink.
It's gonna be the end of you all.
We're leaving and forgetting all of this.
It all happened before you and it has to stop someday.
So it falls on today. Leave it to me.
We're getting married. Leave it to you?
Listen everyone: The scumbag has to talk.
Or I won't be alive for the wedding tomorrow.
[Birds chirp]
Listen, Goli, I'm saying this for you.
I know you are.
Can I have a cigarette?
What are you going to do?
I'm not really sure.
Do you always act before you think?
Why do you say that?
That's what you do.
You get carried away, make hasty decisions...
And then, you become sensible. That's good.
[Van rumbles]
[Hamid] I thought you'd quit smoking.
True, it's really tempting when flirting.
Stay here, I have to talk to you.
Right now, your problem is that the guy hasn't confessed, right?
If we go somewhere out of the way,
I swear on my mother's grave
that I can make him talk in a jiffy.
Using their methods?
Not at all, I'll cook him a nice meal,
offer him a good shower... Are you serious or what?
They let us hang upside down for three days to get a name.
We didn't see the light of day for three months.
And you have pity for them?
Not at all.
It's not because they resorted to violence that we should, too.
Will it never stop?
Shiva, get real.
You kidnapped him,
tied him up,
knocked him out.
What more can we do?
[Vahid] I'm the one who did all that. I had no choice.
[Hamid] Now you don't either.
If he walks away from this, we're all in big trouble.
He didn't see us. He's blindfolded.
[Vahid] He knows where I work.
Oh shit!
Well done, Vahid!
You act like a pro, confiscate our cell phones
and he knows where you work?
What a joke!
[Vahid] I didn't think things would go this far.
[Engine chugs]
[Shiva and Hamid] What's that?
- [Hamid] What's going on? - [Vahid] I don't know.
- We've stalled. - [Engine dies]
[Loud honking]
Excuse me.
You look like you've done this all your life.
Your colleague shit himself!
[Petrol station attendant] Let me handle this.
What's wrong, sweetheart?
You okay?
Is something wrong?
Not at all.
Looks like the bride and groom put the horse before the cart.
Are you related to the groom?
- The bride. - Congratulations.
There you go.
40 liters, 120 tomans.
The code is 1962.
- Shall I add a zero? - Come on!
You should share your happiness.
A package deal for the wedding and the birth.
It's a bit steep, isn't it?
I'm kidding.
Does that suit you?
How long have you known him?
I met him today.
Shiva, don't give me that. Who is he?
Why do you trust him?
Salar sent him to me.
Anyone can show up on his behalf and you believe them?
I'm not a pro like you.
Nonsense.
No need to be a pro to see he's one of them.
[Shiva clicks her tongue]
Can't you see he's silent as a tomb?
He already knows everything about us.
And now, he wants to split.
[Shiva] Like that?
He's been worming information out of us.
[Shiva] And the guy, Eqbal?
His accomplice, of course.
Don't touch him.
[Shiva] Let me.
What's wrong?
[Vahid grunts, breathes heavily]
What is it? You okay?
Get up.
To the van.
[Van starts, tires screech]
The fool! Catch him!
[Goli] Catch him, Ali!
Stop, Hamid!
Stop!
What the hell are you doing?
[Wind blows]
[Hushed conversation]
Never mind.
Maybe the dose was too strong and he croaked.
[Shiva] I checked earlier. We just need to wait.
- Wait for what? - [Shiva] For him to wake up.
What's the use? Awake or not, we're gonna bury him.
[Ali] He has a right to know.
How 'bout that.
The silent majority comes up with an opinion.
Were you waiting to see which way the wind blew to go with it?
Well done.
Hey, halfwit!
The guy heard your voice. He'll find you in a split second
and demolish you, you'll see.
Shiva, you trust Salar's friend?
Are you sure he won't rat on you?
I say he'll spill the beans with the first slap.
As for you, Mr Know-it-all,
you're clueless!
And what is it you understand?
We can each voice an opinion.
You're a fine one to speak!
You got a real catch, that's for sure.
You think we don't know him?
You know how his daddy was promoted overnight,
like a rocket?
You are so naive.
Stop venting your anger by needling everyone.
Grow up!
[Shiva] Goli! Calm down. Don't go along with him.
Me, calm down?
And zombify myself with more meds?
I've had it up to here!
He's going to tell me I'm wound up for a bride.
When I got out of jail, that bastard said I had collaborated.
So my life outside would be a bigger prison.
I wanted you to be here
to hear the story from that scumbag's mouth.
Listen, Ali,
in prison,
I was blindfolded
and taken out of the cell.
They made me get on a platform.
I heard a woman say, "Should I put it on?"
And then that bastard,
"Yeah, go ahead. But since she's young,
"put the noose at an angle so her neck breaks quickly.
"She'll suffer less."
Every second, I expected
to fall into the void.
I stood there for three hours.
Then I heard his voice again.
[Her voice breaks] He said,
"Take her down.
"She must first be deflowered to go straight to hell."
He said
that if I was a virgin, I'd go straight to heaven.
That he'd make sure I was in hell, even on earth.
Believe me, I wanted to tell you all this before we got married.
I was waiting for an opportunity.
So, Hamid,
you want to hang me instead?
Nice. You compare me with those people?
- That's enough! - You, shut up!
You didn't spend a single hour blindfolded with that son of a bitch!
I've been holding back until now,
but now I can answer you!
I stopped waiting for answers long ago, pretty boy.
Since they moved me to another cell
by dragging me naked across the floor.
What was your daddy doing at the time?
Selling dollars on the black market
to secure your future.
He played his cards right.
Many people will have to own up.
[Shiva] Alright, Hamid.
We can't wait. But that's not what justice is.
Don't talk to me about justice.
You make me sick.
Was abandoning me without a penny to my name just?
Or your promise to stay together forever?
I didn't leave because of that.
You've always been and always will be broke.
You confuse friend and foe.
Stop it! You're all scared, that's all!
You're just a bunch of wimps!
You're just afraid it'll come back to haunt you.
You idiots! I'm telling you, let me handle this!
It's in your own interest!
You'll get revenge, while being non-violent goody two-shoes.
[Shiva] I'm not talking about violence,
I'm talking about a crime. Get it?
Shiva, we're at war!
This is no joke! If you don't kill, you get killed!
Ali the Neutral!
Help me bury him and let's get this over with.
[Ali] Call me neutral, a collaborator, if you like.
I know those who were supposed to liberate us
kill our youth while reciting prayers.
You want us to kill him?
Please, spare me your grand speeches.
What a heap of shit...
From afar, you reminded me of that play we saw.
With just a tree...
Waiting for Godot .
We're exactly in the same situation.
You've never wanted to listen to me.
But now, believe me, it's up to us to take ourselves in hand.
No use waiting for a miracle.
All you think about is getting revenge.
He didn't kill you...
Of course he did! Worse even.
Those sons of bitches stole the five best years of my life.
He did that to at least a hundred people.
How many years does that come to?
The problem is not an individual.
You're confusing a submissive agent and the system.
What system? You drive me bonkers!
Those scumbags created the system!
You think he's just submissive? He's at the root of evil!
Don't forget he wanted to deflower Goli!
He believes body and soul in the hell he wants to send us to.
Give me a break!
Fifty years of constant speeches!
Here. You want to kill him?
Get up! Go ahead, kill him!
Give me the key.
The key!
Give it to me instead of looking at me like that!
[Vahid] Are you nuts?
Move over, I'll open it.
Easy!
[Cell phone vibrates]
Halfwit! It's in there!
- I'd taken it from him... - Open.
Here it is.
Don't answer. They'll localize us right away.
It's his house.
Of course. They always call from a safe number.
[Vibrating stops]
- [Vibrating resumes] - Don't answer.
Hello?
[Distressed, child's voice on cell phone]
Alright.
Who was it?
His daughter. She was crying. Her mother fainted in the kitchen.
Good grief, it's a trap!
What trap?
We have one of their men, so they're laying a trap.
She was crying. She wasn't putting on an act.
Jeepers!
I'm going to help her. You can do what you like.
I'm coming with you.
He's right. I'm going too.
Going where? You could get caught.
Kidnapping an intelligence agent is no small matter!
You coming, handsome?
[Hamid mutters to himself, annoyed]
[Dog barks]
[Vahid] It's there.
If it were a trap, they'd already be here.
[Hamid] Give them a minute, brainiac.
[Cell phone vibrates]
[Goli] Answer.
Pick up and put it on speaker phone.
[Nilufar, on cell phone] Hello? My daddy?
[She cries] Come quick. I'm afraid Mommy will die.
Daddy, please!
Hello, Daddy?
[Call ends]
I'm going.
If you see anything funny,
leave right away with the van.
Wait, I'm coming with you.
[Doorbell rings]
[Nilufar] Yes?
- Hey... - Sweetie, can you open?
We're friends of your daddy's. We've come to help your mommy.
[Nilufar, crying] Mommy...
Come here, sweetie. Come into my arms.
Don't cry. Mommy will be better soon. Don't be afraid.
Tell me, pumpkin, do you want a little brother or a little sister?
I want my mommy to be better.
Of course, sweetheart, she will be.
Tell me, do you know what happened to your daddy's leg?
Will you be quiet, Hamid?
Ma'am!
We have an emergency.
- What's wrong with her? - She's pregnant.
What's her name?
[Nilufar] Azam Pourniaz.
Her address?
Mohammadi Avenue...
Shahin Street, number 39.
Her ID?
We were in a rush and forgot it.
Are you her husband?
No, he's my uncle.
Your daddy needs to be here, sweetie.
Her father is busy.
We tried to reach him. You can't let her die.
It's the law, sir. The father must be present.
What does that mean? What if I found her in the street?
Take care of her!
What's going on? Tell me.
We don't have her ID for admissions.
How many months along?
She fainted, she fell and didn't open her eyes again.
- Are you her first child? - Yes.
It's her second pregnancy?
That's right.
- Do you know if she has an illness? - No.
It's urgent. Her water has broken.
Work it out. I'm taking her down to the OR under my responsibility.
- Thank you very much. - [Doctor] Hurry.
[Receptionist] Sir! Do you have a bank card?
- [Vahid] Yes. - Take this to the cashier and pay.
- Where's the cashier? - [Nurse] There.
Here.
[Cashier] Card, please.
Of course.
Take this one.
Would you like some?
I'm not hungry. It's for you.
Nilufar?
Yes?
Can I ask you a question?
Yes.
Isn't there an aunt or an uncle
whom you could call?
There is, but...
Daddy told me never to call anyone else but him.
I'm not allowed to call other people.
Mommy's family lives in the provinces.
I can't call them.
[Nurse 2] For Mrs Pourniaz...
Yes?
Congratulations, princess.
You have a little brother. He's as beautiful as you are.
Can I see them?
Of course, you're going to see them.
Does your uncle know how to give a gift or just how to make a scandal?
- What? - Nothing.
Stay here, I'll be right back.
Go sit down.
[Sirens blare in the distance; Indistinct conversation]
Help yourselves.
Thank you very much.
- The baby's born? - Yes.
Good.
- So? - It's a boy. The mother's well.
You bring good news!
Mission accomplished, you must be proud.
Do you have cash?
[Ali and Goli] No.
What for?
I don't believe it.
You're shelling out for them?
Pastries are customary and the nurse wants a tip.
Forget it. You've done enough already.
I can't leave the girl by herself.
Do you have a bank card?
[Ali and Goli] Yes.
Take out 200 tomans each, I'll manage with that.
No thank you. I'm staying here.
Go ahead and do your good deeds.
Okay, suit yourself.
Oh, I see...
Coming from him, I can understand.
He doesn't know me and it's his van.
- But you, you don't trust me? - [Car alarm beeps]
That's not the issue. We'd rather be prudent.
You see, even passed out,
that scumbag causes trouble between us.
Even dead, they're a scourge on humanity.
Why don't you come with us?
Where?
To celebrate the birth of that bastard's puppy?
Come on! It's a child!
So what? He'll be worse than his dad.
All the miscarriages in prison,
wanna talk about that?
My friends, after they fall,
you'll all have to explain yourselves.
They think they're connected to God and hide behind the sharia.
How about you? Will you answer for your failings?
I'm sure you won't.
This morning, I instantly knew you were losers.
I'm wasting my time.
Turns out, I'm the biggest idiot in this group.
Would you give it a rest?
Are you just confusing us to do as you please again?
Nonsense!
You either dump me or come for me,
and you manage to make me feel unwanted.
What did I do?
You didn't call me when my mother died.
- What? - You abandoned me.
You're lily-livered. Always running from hardship.
That's right! I'm running away from you!
Your behaviour, your decisions!
You make me sick!
That's it, I'm outta here.
[Ali] He really left.
Shiva, are you coming?
Congratulations to the newly-weds.
[Ali and Goli] Thank you.
I wish you happiness.
Sorry I ruined your day.
I apologize.
We should part ways now.
Try to convince Goli.
She'll be easier to convince now.
She let off some steam. She feels better.
What are you going to do with him?
I'm not sure.
But don't worry.
No matter what happens,
I'll never denounce you.
Vahid, here.
- Thank you. - You're welcome.
[High-pitched beep]
You're still here?
I couldn't just walk away from you.
Maybe you don't trust me.
I don't know.
Maybe I made Salar a promise.
[Dog barks]
[Van engine rumbles]
[Rashid moans and grunts, softly]
[They grunt]
[Grunting stops]
[Vahid pants]
[He breathes in strained gasps]
[Vahid] I didn't think you had it in you.
[Shiva] Why?
[Vahid] You said you were against violence.
[Shiva] I'm not a coward.
He would have killed you.
[She breathes heavily]
[Dog barks]
[Rashid breathes shakily]
In the name of all the saints, untie me.
[Vahid] I recognize your expressions!
While beating us, you said it pained you!
Do you know what you did to me, you scumbag?
What were you getting revenge for?
We were just poor workers demanding our rights.
We were going hungry.
- We hadn't been paid in eight months. - What are you talking about?
[Vahid] Why did you ruin our lives?
I'd slaved away all my life in that inferno
to feed my family.
You turned me into a bastard like you!
What's this crazy talk about? Untie me.
[Vahid] Shut up! Crazy talk?
I wouldn't have hurt a fly,
and today I dug your grave.
If I hadn't had a doubt,
you'd already be buried.
I don't have anything to do with this. You're mistaken.
[Vahid] Be quiet and listen carefully.
I assure you, lying won't help.
If I were the man you think I am, you'd already be dead.
I said, untie me.
[Vahid] You killed me a hundred times. Have you forgotten?
I'm a zombie. One of the living dead.
When you put the noose around my neck, you killed me.
What noose? Why would I do such a thing?
[Vahid] You put it on,
you tipped the stool and I pissed myself.
It's got nothing to do with me!
[Vahid] You said, "Your fiancée is dead, think of someone else."
She committed suicide because of you!
What do I have to do with your fiancée?
If it was me, I would have killed you both.
She killed herself because of you, you bastard!
- I told you, it's not me... - I'm going to kill you!
Come here.
I really don't know what you're talking about.
Come here.
I have a family too, I understand.
I'm not the person you're talking about. Let me go.
Stop this.
[Vahid] You're talking to me about family?
You who brought prisoners' families in front of the prison
to extort confessions from them!
How dare you?
What prisoners?
[Vahid] What prisoners?
Make your last wishes, it's all over!
For your wife, your daughter, your son,
ask for what you want!
Why are you hitting me?
Clearly you've got the wrong man.
I don't have a son.
I only have a daughter.
You've been abusing me all day over a misunderstanding.
Let me go.
I don't have a son.
[Vahid] Are you sure of that?
You don't have a son?
Your son was born a little while ago.
He's born?
[Vahid] I took your wife to the hospital.
Son of a bitch.
Son of a bitch!
You touched my wife, you filthy bastard?
I'm gonna kill you, you swine!
I'm gonna kill you!
[Vahid] Shut your mouth, asshole!
Not everybody's like you!
I would never harm your wife!
I took her to the hospital.
She was lying on the trunk you were sleeping in!
She pulled through.
Is she okay?
- Did you see her? - Yes.
Was she okay?
She's okay.
But I'm going to deprive you of her.
You're going to be desperate to see her, bastard.
Let me tell you something.
You're not a killer.
Otherwise, you wouldn't have taken care of her.
Think about it.
Listen carefully to what I'm about to say.
I'm not saying it because I'm afraid to die.
I'm saying it because you took her to the hospital.
Listen...
Actually...
Where are you? What's your name?
Answer me.
[Vahid] See how it feels?
- Shut up. - [Vahid] You shut up!
You blindfolded us...
I'll find you. I'll recognize your voice.
Stop wasting your time.
Alright,
you win.
You guessed, I'm Eqbal.
AKA Peg Leg.
So what?
What are you going to do?
- [Vahid] It's you? - Do what you want!
I'm going to strangle you!
You scum!
It's me, Eqbal the Peg Leg!
I'd give my life for the regime, you fool!
I lost my leg in Syria.
I sacrificed it for the regime and our Supreme Guide.
You see? Nothing's more important to me.
What are you going to do? Uh?
You think we're gonna let deadbeats like you
endanger the regime because their pay check is late?
Seriously? You're kidding yourself.
We've had thousands of martyrs, of wounded.
It's not to...
let you betray us.
Let you deliver us to the enemy.
That's not how it goes.
Listen to me and shut up.
- [Vahid] Shut up! - You shut up.
Listen to me carefully.
Either you deserved your sentence and you got it.
Or you didn't deserve it and justice will be done in heaven.
Do you understand? That's all.
[Vahid] So,
you talk like ISIS?
They killed innocent people and said,
"If they were guilty, it served them right.
"Otherwise, they'll go to heaven."
Bunch of bastards!
Doesn't matter what you do, who you talk to,
or what you believe in. I don't care!
If I leave this place
and my family's safe and sound,
I'll leave you alone.
I'll close my eyes and ears.
And if I die,
I'll reach my goal of becoming a martyr.
I won't say another word.
[Vahid] Say your last wishes, I'm burying you.
I'm going to kill you.
[Shiva] You scumbag!
[Vahid] What are you doing, Shiva?
[Shiva and Vahid grunt]
[Eqbal groans]
Filthy bastard, you dream of becoming a martyr?
Who are you? How many of you are there?
- You dream of dying? - Don't touch me.
- Shut up! - Don't touch me!
You wanna be a martyr?
I am the Angel of Death. I'm here to grant you your wish.
Bastard, you said you wouldn't speak any more.
Shut up.
You shut up.
Aside from regrets, not a word out of you.
You filthy bastard,
if you say one more word,
I'll beat your face in with a shovel.
- What are you... - Shut up!
Shut up!
You're only allowed to say you're a piece of shit!
Got that? Shut up.
[Eqbal chuckles]
You scumbag.
- Think you're still an inspector? - Yes.
Yeah right, piece of shit. You're a nobody.
Just a filthy piece of shit, got that?
- Got that, you scum? - Clown.
You're the clown. You're just a steaming pile of shit.
It's you, understood?
[Eqbal moans]
You're fighting for the regime? You think the country belongs to you?
You're fighting for the Guide?
You scum.
All the wealth going out the window, is it our fault?
While you help yourselves to the country.
You filthy bastard.
You think I'm gonna let you get away with it?
Ruining people's lives, like mine?
[Eqbal breathes shakily]
I know your despicable voice.
The only thing it can still say is that you're a heap of shit.
You asked me how much I was paid to wave my veil on a stick.
[She lowers her voice] You made your artificial limb squeak on purpose
to boast about your exploits in Syria.
Do you remember?
With your filthy mouth,
you would whisper in my ear.
How many dollars did it take to make you strip?
You're going to die a martyr.
I'll make your dream come true.
You'll see. I'm going to send you to the sky.
Your voice has been ringing in my head for so long.
Say you're sorry, you scumbag.
- [In a strained voice] I'm sorry. - Say it.
No, not like that!
You said my voice should etch the walls of the prison.
Now yours has to etch the earth!
I'm sorry.
You said I stripped naked.
- Now your son is going to see you naked. - [He breathes shakily]
In a photograph, since you'll have fallen a martyr.
Say you're sorry.
- I'm sorry. - Louder.
Louder!
[He yells] I'm sorry!
- You piece of shit! - I'm sorry!
I'm sorry!
- I'm sorry. - You piece of shit!
[She cries] You piece of shit!
[Uninhibited crying]
I swear I'm just like you.
I have to make a living...
I'm sorry.
When you refused to confess,
I felt humiliated.
I thought you were making fun of me.
Like when I was little.
I swear.
[Van door opens]
I swear I'm sorry.
[Van door closes]
I had a guilty conscience, but got used to it with time.
Let me see my son, I'm begging you.
I want to see my son.
[He wails] I'm sorry!
I'm sorry!
Give me your hands.
Your cell phone and papers are here.
I'm leaving you with a utility knife
so you can free yourself.
The road is a fifteen-minute walk away.
[Van rumbles]
[He sobs]
[Birdsong]
[Radio chatter nearby]
Omid, how's it going?
It's really nice of you. Sorry for the trouble.
Not at all.
- Can I bring you something? - No, thank you.
[Vahid] Leave it, Mom.
- I can do it. - [Vahid] No!
Give me that.
- Hello. How are? - Good. And you?
- Congratulations. - Thank you.
- Go inside. - No, thank you.
Goodbye.
Thank you.
You didn't buy everything. Some things are missing.
What kind of trousseau is this?
I'm alone doing it, Mom.
You tell her.
It looks stingy.
I'm doing my best. Don't embarrass me in front of my friend.
Go serve the tea. It'll be alright.
[Hobbled, squeaky footsteps approach]
[Footsteps stop]
[Bird whistles]
[Footsteps recede]
[Footsteps continue receding]
IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT
[Whistling continues]
[Traffic hum in the distance]
[Footsteps stop; Bird flutters its wings]
[Whistling and traffic hum continue]
[Traffic hum fades; Whistling continues]
[Whistling stops]
SDH created by Eugenia Saúl for MUBI