St. Vierja Academy (2023)

[bunniefuu]

(sound of film reel)

(sound of film reel)

(clock ticking)

(clock ticking continues)

(fingers drumming on desk)

(teacher) Mr. Ruiz,

(clock ticking)

There's an elevator in

free-fall with a person inside.

The person floats, yes or no?

And which equation

describes this phenomenon?

Good luck, Mr. Ruiz.

(clock ticking)

(droning sound in the background)

(clock ticking)

(clock ticking continues)

(sound of notebook slamming shut)

(clock ticking continues)

(droning sound continues)

(phone rings)

(nurse) (English) Emergency

Room. One moment, please.

Dr. Ruiz, Dr. Ruiz.

Dr. Ruiz, you're wanted in Trauma 1.

On my way.

- (nurse) No pulse.

- (doctor) Continue CPR.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...

Stop compressions.

(continuous beep)

Asystole. 3 mg of epi.

Transtracheal, please.

(beep continues)

(nurse) 3 mg of epi, transtracheal.

(tense guitar music)

(beep continues)

(tense guitar music)

(deep sigh)

(phone ringing)

(phone rings)

(phone rings)

(ambient piano music)

(phone rings)

(ambient music)

(Spanish) What's up?

(music continues)

When did he die?

(music continues)

Panama City Panama

(music continues)

(sound of moving car)

(music continues)

(Dr. Ruiz) Wait for me, please.

(music continues)

(Dr. Ruiz) I still remember that first day.

(cumbia music)

The imposing gates of St. Vierja.

"To love and serve." Nothing but words.

(cumbia music)

(students in unison) We

have finally achieved victory

In the joyous field of the union

With the blazing radiance of glory

A new nation shines bright

(school bell rings)

(students loudly chattering)

(suspenseful music)

My name is Camilo Toro Chategui.

I'm the school principal.

They call me "Toro" (the Bull),

and I hope you don't

intend to find out why.

Also with me are Father Juan Sanchez...

(typewriter sound)

the vice-principal

and Philosophy teacher;

Professor Favio Guardilla...

(typewriter sound) Alias:

"EL MALEANTE" (THE THUG)

Civics and Spanish teacher;

Professor Julio Gomez...

(typewriter sound) Alias:

"PANTERA ROSA" (PINK PANTHER)

Zoology, Chemistry, Geology and Anatomy;

Professor Rogelio Mencina...

(typewriter sound)

Mathematics and Physics;

Professor Rodrigo Bolscher...

(typewriter sound) Alias:

"KRYPTONITA" (Kryptonite)

Geometry;

And Professor Ceferino Berrios...

(typewriter sound)

Literature and French.

(student) Pipisua!

(laughter)

(suspenseful music)

You're currently sitting

is exactly where presidents,

vice-presidents,

magistrates,

ministers

and generals once sat.

(suspenseful music)

Their names are engraved

on the walls of this hall.

Which of you will join

such an illustrious group

in the history of this country?

I want you to look at

either side of your seat,

as well as in front of you and behind you.

Many of the classmates you now see

will not graduate.

Perhaps you'll be one of them.

(suspenseful music)

I wish you good luck.

(suspenseful music)

(students chattering loudly)

Too, just a moment.

I have read your file.

Students like you

just don't fit in at this school.

I'll be watching you,

certainly, to prevent things in advance.

Understood?

(birds squawking)

(camera clicks)

(secretary) Next!

(cheerful music)

- Your grade?

- First.

Let's see...

(cheerful music)

You have Zoology, Geometry,

Civics, Mathematics,

Physics, Geology, Anatomy,

Literature, French

and, of course, we musn't

forget, Baldor's Algebra.

(book thumps against others)

Next!

(cheerful music)

Your grade?

(cheerful music)

(books falling)

(Guardilla) We're all Panamanians here.

And if not,

at least we all eat rice

with beans in this land.

So all of you must learn

how this country is governed.

Well, whether it works or not,

that's another matter.

You.

Name.

Antonio Ruiz, Prof. But they call me Too.

(Guardilla) New kid, right?

Well, let's see what they

teach in other schools.

How many articles did

the 1904 constitution have?

120, Prof.

Did you come from a school or from a cave?

Here, you will learn your subjects,

or else, you'll walk out that door.

138, sir. Sit down.

(melancholic music)

(Guardilla) You're lucky to be here.

Gentlemen, in my classroom,

there's no messing or fooling around.

For anyone who wants to fool around,

I have a quarantine zone back there, see.

So that's where you'll go.

(sighs)

If you lie down with dogs,

you'll get up with fleas.

And I'm not getting up with fleas.

(laughter)

Oh, so you want to laugh?

I'll give you something to laugh

about. Take out a sheet of paper.

Write down five signatories

of the 1904 constitution.

And you've got five minutes.

Torres.

One.

Perez.

Two.

Ah, but here, gentlemen,

we've got Tarzan's mom.

Ruiz.

Minus one.

(school bell rings)

(melancholic music)

(students chattering)

(melancholic music)

(students chattering)

(music continues)

(students chattering)

(music continues)

- (student) Everyone, here he comes!

- (students) Here he comes!

(students laugh and mock unintelligibly)

(student) Minus one!

(distorted voices) Minus one! Minus one!

(distorted voices) Minus one! Minus one!

- (Ruiz) No, no, no, no!

- (student) Minus one!

(music continues)

(sobbing)

(music continues)

(music fades)

Don't worry, man. That's

just how he is. The guy's nuts.

They don't call him "Maleante"

(the Thug) for nothing.

I'm Pablo.

Too.

Maleante likes to screw you over,

and if he sees you cry,

man, he'll like it even more,

but the guy isn't that bad.

If you become friendly, he'll take you

to have a good time with a

wh*re to a motel or to La Gruta.

Have you gone?

Sure, what do you think?

Well, maybe not with him,

but believe me, I know those places.

I'll give you a tour one of these days.

I have no interest.

Look, to survive here, you must accept

that the profs are going to screw you.

And if you think things are bad now,

wait till we get to the fifth year.

That's when things get really hairy.

See that corner? That's

the Bermuda Triangle, man.

Physics, Chemistry and Trigonometry.

They're going to screw

us all there one day.

See that hallway over here?

That is the humiliation hallway, brother.

See how they're abusing those poor fools?

Look, bro, you should avoid that place.

- Too late for me.

- Damn! They already got you, then.

And what about that guy?

Oh, that's what happens

when you confront Toro.

Is it true that many of

us won't get to finish?

Yes, but that's just a problem for

those who don't have money, man.

If your family has money,

they can always make a

donation or find another school.

- Hey, you go to the club, right?

- What club?

What club? The Union Club,

brother. I haven't seen you there.

Oh, right, but we don't go much,

because we usually go to our

beach house on the weekend.

Really? Where?

- Where what?

- Where's your beach house?

Coronado. Yes, it's in Coronado.

Yes, we have a house in Coronado too,

but I have to tell you, if you

want to meet these people,

the club is where it's at, brother.

And there are also many females, hot ones.

(sound of moving school bus)

(upbeat music)

(music continues)

- Hey, new kid! Where do I drop you off?

- Ehm...

This one coming up!

(upbeat music)

(music continues)

(music fades)

(cheerful music)

Both cars go at different speeds

and they arrive at the same spot.

Since they go at different speeds,

the time elapsed is different.

You were going so well.

What happened?

Apart from Mr. Arias, who

else can correct this for me?

No one?

I'm not surprised.

Please, Mr. Arias,

enlighten your classmates.

Both cars arrive at the same time,

so X and Y are the same number.

(students murmur in realization)

Very good, Mr. Arias. Very good.

Gentlemen, why can't

you all be like Mr. Arias?

(typewriter sound) Alias: "THE BRAIN"

Life won't give you anything for free.

And if you think that once you graduate,

we won't see each other anymore,

let me tell you something.

We'll see each other again at the U,

and there, I will fail you again.

Mr. Ruiz, come up to the blackboard.

(cheerful music)

Mr. Ruiz, do you know where Superman lives?

In planet Krypton, Prof.

(imitates the sound of a buzzer) No, sir!

(laughter)

Who can tell me? Where does Superman live?

(students in unison) On

the dark side of the moon.

Sit down, pig-head.

(laughter)

(sound of moving school bus)

(sound of moving school bus continues)

(typewriter sound) Alias:

"EL FULO" (BLONDIE)

(sound of moving school bus continues)

Hey, idiot, that's my spot.

Yeah? It doesn't have your name on it.

Didn't you hear me? That's my seat!

If you want, you can sit next to me.

All right, all right, Fulo.

He'll sit with me. It's OK.

Come here. That's Fulo,

and he's bigger than you.

How dare you, man?

- He'll beat the sh*t out of you, silly.

- I don't care!

Look, you have to know

the rules of the jungle,

and you just broke one

of the most important ones.

The oldest guys sit further back.

You were sitting way back, man.

So where's the line?

That's the thing, there isn't

one. You have to play smart, man.

(sound of moving school bus continues)

(student) Versalle's bus! Versalle's bus!

(battle music)

Ready?

Take aim...

Fire!

(music continues)

(ambient music)

(students chattering)

Everyone, get off and

line up next to the bus.

(suspenseful music)

Versalle's principal has just phoned me

to tell me

that my students

conducted a spitting

attack on one of their buses.

Does anyone have the ba*ls

to tell me whose brilliant idea that was?

(music continues)

What do you have to say?

(music continues)

That's what I thought.

(music continues)

I must assume everyone is

willing to pay for what they did.

(music continues)

I'm going to phone

the principal of Versalle

to tell him that you

have very generously volunteered

to clean the bus this Saturday morning.

So I'll see you all here at 7:00.

And wear your uniforms!

(music continues)

(students chattering and giggling)

(Ruiz) I'll be right back.

I need the restroom.

(student) Pass me a rag.

(woman) Camilo! (Loud moaning)

That's so good, baby! (Loud moaning)

Oh, Camilo!

That's so good, baby! (Loud moaning)

(door rattling)

(knocking on the door)

(cheerful music)

What... what the heck are you doing here?

Didn't I leave you cleaning the damn bus?

Yes, Father, but I heard a strange moan.

- (secretary) Camilo, please.

- Sure. Let's check out those documents.

Tell the others to leave

and don't bother me again.

(door slams shut)

(students chattering)

Hey, Toro says we can go!

(students in unison) Yeah!

- (Ruiz) Yeah!

(students in unison) Yay! Come on!

Great!

Well,

- I think we're done.

- Only these two are left.

- I have to tell you something.

- Yes, of course. What?

I found Toro having sex with the secretary.

That's the best-known

secret in the world, man.

They maybe be priests,

but the're not saints.

Hey, my mom is coming to pick me up.

Do you want us to give

you a ride or something?

- No, no, no, no. I'll go by myself.

- Sure?

- Yes, yes. You don't need to do that.

- Oh, OK.

(cheerful music)

(sigh)

(ambient music)

(students chattering loudly)

(Sanchez laughs) They have

the poor guy wasting saliva

in front of the whole

class and nobody pays...

- Father.

- Too, I'm very busy right now.

Could you come back later?

What do you think of Too?

(Fulo) A little idiot.

I had to put him in his place

on the bus the other day.

Really?

He'll learn.

Maybe he's arrogant because

his parents have money.

How do you know that?

You should have seen the

big house where he lives.

Hey, Sancho, I think someone stole my pen.

It was gold-plated.

As it happens, I saw

Too with a golden pen.

(melancholic music)

I'll have a chat with him.

See? (French) Qu'est-ce

que c'est? Enough is enough.

The next one who throws a piece

of paper will face the consequences.

(students making noise)

(French) Mon Dieu. Pay attention! Mon Dieu.

(cheerful music ends)

I've been told that a very

valuable pen has disappeared

and that someone here

might have borrowed it.

I want you to take out everything

you have in your book bags

and place it on your desks.

(melancholic music)

(belongings rustling)

(music continues)

- What is this?

- That pen...

My office after class.

(music continues)

Let's continue.

(music continues)

(knock on the door)

Come in.

(door creaks open)

I warned you to be careful.

It's a shame you didn't listen to me.

(sigh) Father, I found

that pen in the hallway.

And why didn't you hand it in?

I tried to tell you, but you

told me to come back later.

My office is not the lost and found.

Theft, Too, is punishable by expulsion,

but, in this case, I'm

willing to make an exception.

Now, I must impose a punishment.

It's the only way.

We don't want others to think

I'm playing favorites, do we?

(melancholic music)

Oh! What is this? Look who's here.

The new cleaner is

the little idiot himself.

What happened, little idiot?

Are they making you

clean for stealing the pen?

(chuckling)

(urinating on the floor)

(melancholic music)

(sound of zipper closing)

Oops, sorry.

Looks like you're gonna

have to clean a bit more.

(chuckling)

(music continues)

(sigh)

First president, Arias -

Manuel Amador Guerrero.

Third president, Ruiz.

Manuel Amador Guerrero.

Who whispered it to you?

Three signatories of the 1904 constitution.

Manuel Amador Guerrero,

Eusebio Morales, Nicanor de Obarrio.

Who signed the 1904

Treaty on behalf of Panama?

Philippe Bunau-Varilla.

Which construction is known

as "the white elephant"?

Saint Thomas Hospital.

(suspenseful music)

(Guardilla) Who designed the flag? Torres.

Manuel E. Amador Guerrero,

son of the first president.

Hey, look at this bravado.

What is this, huh? What is this?

You guys want to fight?

With pleasure. Close the door.

(desks scraping on the floor)

(Guardilla) Three minutes to

beat the crap out of each other.,

After that, you touch gloves,

and I don't want any more fights.

(battle music)

(students in unison) Fulo! Fulo!

Fulo! Fulo! Fulo! Fulo!

(punching sounds)

(students cheering)

(sound of record scratch)

(whacking sound)

(music continues)

(student) Toro is coming! Toro is coming!

(desks scraping on the floor)

(music continues)

Isthmian...

Toro, how may I help you?

I thought I heard some

commotion around here.

Commotion? Hmm.

No, no, we haven't heard anything.

- Right, kids?

- (Students in unison) No.

And what the hell happened to you?

Me? Well, I... I fell

down the stairs, Father.

Continue.

(deep sigh)

(sigh)

(Torres) You gave him a good beating.

Yeah? Then why am I in so much pain?

Maybe I was trying to be positive.

As it stands, you two beat

the sh*t out of each other,

but for you, that's still a win,

because the guy didn't knock you out, man.

I've got an idea. Why don't you

come to my house this afternoon?

We can study a little and

then cool off in the pool.

What do you think?

- I don't have a bathing suit.

- Don't worry, I'll lend you one.

(sound of moving school bus)

(sound of moving school bus continues)

(door opening)

What's the matter?

- Come, I want to show you something.

- Coming.

Hey, what's that?

It's an Atari Punk; Take

this. The latest, man.

My dad brought it to me

from the United States.

Let's play.

(game sound)

Up, up!

(game sound)

Yes! I beat you, dude.

(both in unison) Again!

Up!

(woman) Going on another trip

again? Stop running that company.

Your secretary calls you

and you get in the car.

Son of a b*tch!

(man) Someone has to work in this house.

(woman) Don't you see

what I do for this thing?

(man) What f*cking work do you do?

Maria does everything around here.

I have to work to pay for your lifestyle.

I'm the one who pays for everything.

If I don't go on business, we

are going to lose the house,

don't you understand?

(woman) You don't need to go with her!

(melancholic music)

(switches off the console)

(music continues)

(music fades)

Take this.

Hey, do you want to eat?

OK.

Hello, Maria. This is my friend, Too.

(glass shattering)

I don't know what got

into me. You scared me.

Let's go to the pool. Maria,

can you bring us two soft drinks?

Yes, of course.

(upbeat music)

Sorry about Maria.

She's a good person, but

sometimes she is very clumsy.

She's not very educated.

It's hard to find good employees.

I imagine you have the same

problem at your house, right?

Yes, you're right.

(sigh)

(water splashing)

(laughing and splashing)

Do you need anything else?

That's all.

- Pablo!

- Just relax.

(water splashing)

Pablito, my love,

I think it's time your friend went home.

Mommy, but we just got into the pool.

It's getting late already.

I'm sure his mom is missing him.

Get dressed, and we'll

take him home together.

(Ruiz) It's this one.

(sound of moving car)

Thank you.

Thank you!

Aren't you going in?

Yes, yes, I'm going in. See you later.

(sound of moving car)

(upbeat music)

(music continues)

(puddle splashes)

(music continues)

(door closes)

(sound of TV show)

- Get out of the way! Out of the way!

- You complain a lot, huh?

(sound of TV show)

What happened to you?

I fell down playing soccer.

Without the uniform?

Why didn't you tell me where you worked?

Are you ashamed?

All my classmates are rich.

Is that why you wake up so early?

To take the bus somewhere other than here?

Can you imagine what they would

do to me if they found out about this?

It was a mistake.

- What was a mistake?

- All of this.

You should have never forced

me to enroll in that school.

I was better off in public school!

(melancholic music)

(music continues)

(sigh)

(sigh)

(sound of TV show)

(music from TV)

(music continues)

- Marisol, turn down the TV.

- No.

Marisol, your brother has to study.

(music continues)

(door closes)

(melancholic music)

(knocking on the door)

- Who is it?

- (Marisol) Me.

I am studying for tomorrow's

test. Don't bother me.

I have to pee.

- Then do it later.

- (Marisol) I can't hold it in!

(melancholic music)

(mosquitos buzzing)

(music continues)

(Gomez) 2.8 million years ago,

the Isthmus of Panama emerged

due to the movement of tectonic plates,

leading to the emergence of volcanoes

and basalt deposition.

Perez?

What is basalt, Prof?

Let's ask Mr. Ruiz.

- Mr. Ruiz!

- Yes, I have to catch the bus, it's late!

(laughter)

(school bell rings)

For next week,

you should each bring an example

of a geological rock of Panama.

(students making noise)

This exam has five questions.

You have 30 minutes.

(papers rustling)

That's not going to help. Not one bit.

Ruiz.

Torres.

Valla.

Fulo, come here.

(chair scraping on the floor)

(slapping sound)

(students in unison) Oooh!

Go sit down!

Shitty whitey.

I'm not your dad or anyone's dad here.

I don't have to accept your

nonsense and insolence.

And in case you didn't notice,

I grew up in the streets.

In the streets, that insolence has a price.

Anyone else wants to be cheeky?

(melancholic music)

(school bell rings)

(music continues)

(laughter)

(student) He peed himself.

(upbeat music)

(music continues)

Wait for me here.

(music continues)

(music continues)

Put these on.

- Where did you get them?

- It doesn't matter.

(music fades)

Hey!

I owe you.

(ambient music)

(students making noise)

(cheerful music)

Excuse me, professor Pip... (clears throat)

Berrios, Berrios.

The following students must

go to the spiritual father's office.

Arias, Perez, Rodriguez,

Ruiz and Torres.

You may continue.

(French) Merci.

You have to be careful with

that guy. He's touchy-feely.

Let's continue.

(French) Nous avons. Vous avez.

(melancholic music)

(birds chirping)

(music continues)

Remember what I told you.

Don't let him get close to you.

(music continues)

(birds chirping)

(bells tolling)

(music continues)

(door closes)

Hello, Too. Take a seat.

(bells tolling)

(suspenseful music)

(music continues)

How's it going?

It's going well, Father.

Do you have any concerns?

No, Father.

St. Vierja is a very difficult school.

You must be stressed.

A bit.

(bell tolling)

Do you like girls?

You're approaching an age

where you start thinking about girls.

Do you often think about girls?

Sometimes.

(sigh)

Do you get horny?

Do you masturbate?

(suspenseful music)

Why don't we do an inspection?

Just to make sure everything works fine.

(music continues)

(music continues)

(sobbing)

(music continues)

(sigh)

(music continues)

Everything works perfectly.

Very well. You shouldn't be ashamed.

It's perfectly normal, Too.

My door will always be open

for any questions or queries.

(sobbing)

Do you have any questions?

(music continues)

That's all, Too.

See you soon.

Please, tell the next one to come in.

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(birds chirping)

(footsteps going down the stairs)

(sigh)

How did it go with Bonavilla?

Son of a b*tch.

I told you not to allow

him to get close to you.

A distraction would be good for you.

Why don't go to your place this weekend?

No.

Besides, we are not

usually there on the weekend.

Yeah, I know, but it's not fair, man.

I invited you to my house.

Since we are friends,

you can invite me over

to hang out at your place.

No, it's not a good idea.

Honestly, I didn't want to say it, but...

It's just that my mom and dad fight a lot.

I don't like being there.

I'd like to escape from all of that.

Look, let me talk to my parents,

OK? Let's see what they say.

Give me a couple of days.

All right.

(sound of school bus engine)

(upbeat music)

(music continues)

(doorbell rings)

- Do you want something?

- Good afternoon.

Do you need someone to clean your car?

Well, not really. Do you

go to school at St. Vierja?

It's funny, a student like

you looking for a job like that.

Well, the truth is that I'm trying

to raise funds for the school.

Oh, that's very good. What is your name?

- Too.

- I'm Alberto. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Alberto.

Well, thank you.

(gate opens)

Too, my grandchildren go to St. Vierja.

I think I should help you.

How much do you want to charge me?

How about five dollars?

Done. And when do you want to come?

Can it be on Saturday around 9:00?

OK. Done.

- See you soon.

- OK, I'll wait for you.

(cheerful music)

(gate closes)

(music fades)

(suspenseful music)

(Bonavilla) Everything

works perfectly. Very well.

(sobbing)

(sobbing)

(music continues)

(sobbing)

(music fades)

(sound of school bus engine)

(sound of moving school bus)

Did you talk to your parents?

Yeah.

Saturday at 10:00.

But they won't be there.

My grandfather will.

He's a forgetful old man.

You know how old people are.

Don't worry, I know

how to handle old people.

Hey, I have something to tell you.

What?

I'm going to talk to

Sancho about Bonavilla.

Go on, man, but I'm telling

you, you're wasting your time,

Sancho has his peculiarities too.

What do you mean?

Don't worry. You'll

understand sooner or later.

(students chattering)

(whacking sound)

(whacking sound)

(whacking sound)

(whacking sound)

(whacking sound)

(suspenseful music)

(whacking sound)

(door creaks open)

(whacking sound) (grunt)

Don't you know how to knock?

Can't you see I'm busy?

(music continues)

(whacking sound) You will be respectful.

(whacking sound)

You're not going to be late.

(whacking sound) You're not

going to fail the Physics exam.

(whacking sound) Understood?

Anyway, hey, did you get

a rock for Pantera Rosa?

Green jasper.

This is great.

The little idiot has

brought a rock for everyone.

(rock shattering)

(cheerful music)

(sigh)

Arias.

Green jasper, professor.

- Bartuano.

- Green jasper, professor.

- Calderon.

- Green jasper, professor.

Duarte.

Green jasper, professor.

Perez.

(cheerful music)

What the f*ck is this?

It's pyrite, professor.

(laughter)

Do you think I'm stupid?

Take out a sheet of paper.

(papers rustling)

(sound of moving car)

(upbeat music)

Groovy, man!

Don't you have someone to wash your car?

Yes, but I like doing it.

(music continues)

Hey, Too, are you going to

introduce me to your friend?

Ah, this must be your grandfather, right?

- Mr. Ruiz?

- What?

My name is Alberto, Alberto Garca.

He's my friend Pablo.

Very nice house, Mr. Garcia.

Pablo is just passing

by, but he's leaving soon.

He doesn't have to go.

- Pablo, are you in St. Vierja, too?

- Of course.

"To love and serve."

And what are you doing to raise funds?

Funds? What funds?

Uh, the funds, yes.

Remember, the school funds.

Oh, those funds. Well, I don't know.

I haven't thought it through very well yet.

Why don't you both come in

and have a soft drink in the back?

Come on.

(cutlery scraping)

How long have you known each other?

Since Too started in St. Vierja,

a few months ago.

- And you, Mr. Alberto, what do you do?

- I am retired.

Oh, OK, it's great that you

can live with Too's parents

in your advanced age.

(cheerful music)

Yes, you're right.

Well, I'm going to leave you alone.

I imagine you have lots

of things to talk about.

Too, you and I, we'll talk later.

(music continues)

What's wrong with you? Are

you crazy? Why did you say that?

Why did I say what? You told

me he's your grandfather, right?

I imagine this isn't his place.

Right, but you don't

have to rub it in his face.

(cutlery scraping)

(sound of car engine)

Could you explain to me what's going on?

The truth is that I don't have

to raise funds for anything.

(rag drops in the bucket)

I came here to pretend

that I lived in a fancy house

and I invited my friend Pablo.

(sigh)

I'll finish washing the car and leave.

Rest assured, I won't bother you again.

(wringing out the rag)

(melancholic music)

Someday, you'll learn that

in order to maintain a lie,

you have to lie more.

Before you know it, you'll

have a heap of lies piling up.

Sooner or later, the weight will crush you.

Here's your money.

(music continues)

(Snchez) Today, we

celebrate St. Vierja's Day,

our patron saint.

St. Vierja is also one of

the patron saints of children.

It is because of his devotion to children

that this school bears his name.

St. Vierja's Day is a great joy for us.

That is why we must strive...

- Hail Mary Most Pure.

- (Bonavilla) Conceived without sin.

(Snchez) ...to reach that ideal...

(Bonavilla) Hello, Too. How have you been?

(Sanchez) ...that He teaches us.

St. Vierja has shown...

Too. Too, what are you doing?

(Snchez) And we must ask ourselves...

(rapid breathing)

if we are willing to follow Him...

(rapid breathing)

(Sanchez) ...and make

the same sacrifices He did.

(Sanchez) Those are questions

we should ask ourselves.

Among us there are many who reflect

the same devotion that St.

Vierja had towards children,

starting with the founder of this school,

Father Bonavilla.

Yes?

Prof, I've been told that

you sometimes organize trips.

- What the hell are you talking about?

- To go out and have fun.

To go out and have fun.

What kind of fun are you talking about?

Any kind.

You're not old enough yet.

Yes, I am.

Well, I'm not, but I know I can handle it.

I've had beer.

(Ruiz) But I'm also

interested in other things.

Hmm.

What kind of things?

Females.

Oh, so you like females?

Congratulations. (Chuckle)

I was thinking,

well, you know, we have certain needs.

So you want me to take you to a whorehouse?

You think I'm stupid?

Do you know what happens if

we're caught in a place like that?

Remember what I said about the fleas.

Professor, I know what you do with others.

Hey, what I do with others

is none of your business.

And get out of here. You're pissing me off.

I'll slap you if you don't.

It'll be a shame, prof.

What are you talking about?

If Toro finds out about your trips.

(suspenseful music)

Tomorrow at 6:00.

(music continues)

(cheerful music)

(music continues)

(doorbell rings)

- (woman) Hello?

- I'm here for the appointment.

(woman) Welcome.

(music continues)

(music fades)

(sound of footsteps)

Hello.

This is Too.

It's his first time.

Well, my first time here.

Whatever.

Hello, Too.

I'm Virginia.

(sigh) Hello.

You have one hour.

Don't worry.

I will take good care of your son.

No, he's not my son.

As far as I know.

(door creaks)

(sigh)

Everything is so pretty. Very romantic,

Why don't you sit down

and stop avoiding me?

I'm not avoiding you.

(romantic music)

What's wrong, my love?

Aren't you interested in me?

(romantic music)

(music continues)

My love?

Don't you like me?

(music continues)

(sigh)

(music stops)

(nightstand drawer opens and closes)

Thank you.

(Virginia) Why did you come here, then?

I don't know.

You're beautiful. I... I'm sorry.

You don't need to apologize.

It happens to many men.

They come here looking for something,

and when they're here, they can't find it.

They have a fantasy that

does not fit with reality.

How old are you? Twelve, thirteen?

Is this part of a bet?

Did your friends challenge you?

Nobody challenged me.

Then, what is it?

(melancholic music)

Did something happen to you?

Did someone do something to you?

(music continues)

(sobs)

(music continues)

Where? At home?

(sobbing)

At school?

(music continues)

Whatever happened

does not define your sexuality.

(music continues)

Who did it? The idiot who brought you?

Prof? No.

What is this? A school outing?

(laughter)

- What school do you go to?

- St. Vierja.

St. Vierja, yes.

You're rich, then?

No, I'm not rich.

I'm the son of a maid.

The son of a maid

surrounded by millionaires.

Let me guess. You're

pretending to be one of them.

And while you're

pretending to be one of them,

someone's taking advantage of you.

(music continues)

(sigh)

(music fades)

The chicks say tweet,

tweet, tweet... (laughter)

- (Virginia) Very well, then.

- (Ruiz) My favorite foods are...

(Virginia) And how do frogs jump?

(laughter)

(upbeat music)

- Well, I think it's time to go.

- One moment.

(moaning) Too? Too?

(moaning) Oh, Too,

what are you doing to me?

(moaning) What a beast. You're an animal.

(moaning)

(moaning)

(knocking on the door)

(Virginia) One second.

(nightstand drawer opens and closes)

Come back whenever you want, Too.

This is my phone number.

(Mencina) Remember

that you must not only

show the final result,

but how you got to it.

(Dr. Ruiz) Over the following four years,

it became clear that Toro's

prophecy was becoming true,

when one by one, my

classmates began to disappear.

(ambient music)

(Mencina) Gentlemen, I'm not surprised

by how appalling these results are.

Prof,

I see that you didn't give

me a point for this answer.

(snicker)

Take a seat, Mr. Ruiz.

Gentlemen,

Mr. Ruiz has approached

me to claim a point.

You have no right

to claim anything from me.

You are lucky

I've given you such a generous score.

When I was sitting where you are now,

no one was generous with me.

And, despite that,

I was a perfect-score student.

How many of you can say that now?

In the history of this school,

nobody

has been able to accomplish that again.

No one.

Listen carefully, Mr. Ruiz,

I'll give you the point

so that you don't come

to me with crocodile tears.

But I assure you

that you won't receive

any more gifts from me.

(students making noise)

(melancholic music)

I know your secret.

If you don't want me to reveal it,

you'll have to deliver a package

to the smokers' group daily.

(music continues)

(Mr. Garcia) Hey, Too!

How much does the heap weigh now?

(suspenseful music)

(sound of school bus engine)

(music continues)

(door creaks open)

(door closes)

(upbeat music)

(shuffling papers)

(music continues)

(Guardilla) Panama, January 10th,

1973. Father Camilo Toro Chategui.

Dear Father, It is a

pleasure to write this letter

to recommend the student Antonio Ruiz

for the scholarship offered by the school.

Too has been a student of exemplary merit

throughout his elementary school years.

I'm sure Too will benefit a great deal

from the academic

rigor St. Vierja can offer.

Sincerely, Professor Favio Guardilla.

(music fades)

(exhaling cigarette smoke)

Mass in kilograms

by height in meters.

(whispering) We have a situation with Ruiz.

[inaudible] immediately.

Mr. Ruiz, you are

requested at Sancho's office.

(suspenseful music)

I think you should take all

your belongings, Mr. Ruiz.

(music continues)

(music fades)

Mom, why are you here?

Too, I have bad news.

You are expelled from school immediately.

Huh? Why?

You know very well why.

I'm surprised you're asking why.

(rustling)

(whimpering) Please, Father,

there must be an explanation.

Sorry, the decision is final.

I've already consulted this with Toro.

The rules in this school are very strict.

Father, I'm innocent, although

that doesn't matter to you,

because all you care about is

my skin color or my bank account.

(melancholic music)

Gentlemen, the price to pay

for being on drugs is very high,

and we will not tolerate it in St. Vierja.

(suspenseful music)

(music continues)

(school bell rings)

(students) Drug dealer!

(students) Get out! Stoner! Pothead!

(students) Drug dealer!

(students) Drug dealer!

Drug dealer! Drug dealer!

(door creaks open)

(door closes)

(book bag thuds)

Son, explain to me what happened.

They blackmailed me, Mom.

(Ruiz) Someone found out where I live.

They threatened to reveal my secret

if I didn't accept to be the drug dealer.

I know it was a bad decision,

but I didn't want to become

the laughingstock of the entire school.

Not after five years. I

didn't know what else to do.

What did you expect? It was

going to happen sooner or later.

(melancholic music)

(sobbing)

I know God will help you, son.

(knocking on the door)

(singsong voice) Come in.

(door creaks open)

Hi, my love!

What happened?

I was expelled from school.

Why?

I was blackmailed.

I don't know who's behind all this.

- You must expose whoever did it.

- But how?

(music from TV)

(knocking on the door)

(Maria) I'll get it.

(music from TV)

I'll be right back.

- What are you doing here?

- I saw what happened to Too.

(Maria) It's awful how they treated him.

You don't have to tell him

anything. I just want to help.

Thank you.

He's a good boy. He's done a good job.

I know.

And if there's anything

I can do, let me know.

(Ruiz) Who was it?

(Maria) Someone I know.

Someone like... Professor Guardilla?

If you know, why do you ask?

What does he have to do with us?

With me?

We were friends many years ago.

Such good friends that he wrote

a letter for me to enter St. Vierja?

He wants to help you.

(melancholic music)

(sound of school bus engine)

(Ruiz) "To love and serve."

- What are you doing here?

- I need your help.

- I don't talk to drug dealers.

- I'm not a drug dealer.

I was being blackmailed.

They were going to reveal

certain things about me.

Like the fact that Maria is your mom?

You've been fooling me all this time.

I thought we were friends, but...

(melancholic music)

Who are you really?

I've been fooling myself.

(music continues)

I'm not club material,

but, in a manner, we're all

hiding something, aren't we?

(music continues)

- What the hell do you want?

- I want to return to St. Vierja,

I want to graduate. I've already

invested a lot of time there.

I need you to help me

expose the person who did this

and take him to Sancho.

Look, if after this, you

don't want to hear from me,

I'll understand.

(music continues)

What's your plan?

(battle music)

(Ruiz) Meet the crazy one at

the place where they smoke

and tell him you're my replacement.

(music continues)

You will give him a fake drug package

and you'll put the money in my locker.

After leaving the envelope in my

locker, you'll wait until someone shows up,

(music continues)

And you will take a

Polaroid picture of them.

(music continues)

Then, you'll deliver the photo to Maleante.

He'll know what to do.

(music continues)

(Sanchez) I need some...

- Don't you know how to knock?

- We have to talk.

Get out!

(footsteps walking away)

You have to readmit Too.

He was being blackmailed.

You have to kick out the real drug dealer.

Be careful what you ask for.

His family is very influential and

has donated a lot to the school.

(scoffs) - (Sanchez) With

Too, we did you a favor.

Besides, it's not my call.

It's Toro's.

(suspenseful music)

- Well, this photo doesn't mean anything.

- sh*t, Toro, that's bullshit.

Of course it doesn't mean anything

if you don't want to see the reality,

which is that Fulo, the son

of one of your biggest donors,

that shitty whitey,

is involved with drugs.

It's too late.

(music continues)

I wonder how the archdiocese will respond

when they learn you're

screwing your secretary.

And I don't give a sh*t that

you fire me, understand?

(battle music)

(students making noise)

(music continues)

(knocking on the door)

Father!

- Hello.

- Hello.

- Can I come in?

- Yes, of course, come in.

Thank you.

(door closes)

(sounds from the street)

Where's Too?

He's at school. He'll be back soon.

Do you mind if I take a look?

No, no, of course not. Come in.

(melancholic music)

(door creaks shut)

(music continues)

(deep sigh)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music fades)

Hello, Too.

Why are you here?

We have received new

information about your case.

We want you back.

We made a mistake. I'm sorry.

Apology accepted, Father.

But I think it's too late.

It's been a month since I was expelled.

I mean, it'd be almost impossible

for me to catch up on my subjects.

I don't think I have enough time.

What if I agree to help you?

You can study with me every day.

Do it, son. It's worth the effort.

I can try.

OK, then.

I'll see you tomorrow.

- Father, one more thing.

- Yes?

Have the bus come pick me up here tomorrow.

(hopeful music)

Of course.

(music continues)

(music continues)

(student 1) Hey, where are we?

(student 2) I don't know. Who lives here?

(music continues)

(student 3) It's Too.

Look! Too lives here.

(music continues)

(music swells)

(music swells)

(applause)

(music continues)

[inaudible]

(cheerful music)

Thank you, Professor.

(music continues)

You have a month to

prepare for the final exam.

Each student will have

a 30-minute appointment.

Late arrivals will not be accepted.

Students must go through

questions from six professors.

Each professor will ask one question.

And the students will

have five minutes to answer.

Every question

must be answered satisfactorily

in order to pass.

What if we don't pass?

That's simple.

You will have to repeat the year.

Sancho will be in charge.

And in the event of any

irregularity, he will be the final arbiter.

Is that clear?

(students in unison) Yes, father.

Good luck.

(sigh)

(Maria) Son, you have to sleep.

I have to keep going a little more, Mom.

(Maria) What time is your exam tomorrow?

7:30.

(hopeful music)

(upbeat music)

(music continues)

(clock ticking)

Oh, Too. Oh, Too.

(clock ticking)

(clock ticking continues)

(clock ticking continues)

(voices muttering)

(clock ticking continues)

Well, gentlemen,

my watch says it's 7:30.

And Mr. Ruiz has not shown up.

(chuckle) As far as I

can see, he has failed.

Well, the official clock says 7:20.

We have to go by the official clock.

(Mencina) Well...

Guardilla is right.

We have to wait.

(cheerful music)

(clock ticking)

(cheerful music)

(fingers drumming on desk)

(clock ticking)

(cheerful music)

(music continues)

(clock ticking)

(music continues)

A watched pot never boils.

(music continues)

(ambient music)

(clock ticking)

(music continues)

(clock ticking)

(clock ticking continues)

(music continues)

(music fades)

Mr. Ruiz,

there's an elevator in

free-fall with a person inside.

The person floats, yes or no?

And which equation

describes this phenomenon?

Good luck, Mr. Ruiz.

(suspenseful music)

(fingers drumming on desk)

(music continues)

(clock ticking)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music fades)

(hopeful music)

(sound of chalk on blackboard)

(music continues)

(sound of chalk on blackboard)

Given M is mass in kilograms

and G is the acceleration,

when the elevator is in free fall,

the person's acceleration decreases

due to the acceleration of the elevator.

That means,

right, that the net acceleration is zero

and the person's weight is zero.

However, according to Newton's first law,

the person won't float,

unless

unless they propel themselves.

(music swells)

I will accept your answer, Mr. Ruiz.

(applause)

(music swells)

Hey, Prof, who's the

perfect-score student now?

(hopeful music)

Look, I'm not very good at these things,

but...

I want to give you a little reminder.

(emotional music)

Too,

make your life extraordinary.

(applause)

Pablo Torres.

(applause)

Antonio Ruiz.

(applause)

(emotional music)

(applause continues)

(music continues)

(music fades)

(birds chirping)

(melancholic music)

(music continues)

You.

(Ruiz) I hope you believe

that I've had an extraordinary life.

(heart monitor beep)

(heartbeat)

(melancholic music)

(memory of the secretary moaning)

- (secretary) Oh, Camilo!

- (Toro) What the heck are you doing here?

Tell the others to leave

and don't bother me again.

(door closes)

(Sanchez) You're going to

clean the restrooms after school.

(whacking sound)

(whacking sound)

(Sanchez) Don't you know how

to knock? Can't you see I'm busy?

(melancholic music continues)

(Toro) Many of the classmates you now see

will not graduate.

Perhaps you'll be one of them.

(Sanchez) I'll be watching you

to prevent things in advance.

(Bonavilla) Everything

works perfectly. Very well.

My door will always be open

for any questions or queries.

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(sounds of footsteps going down the stairs)

(melancholic music swells)

ST. VIERJA ACADEMY Inspired by True Events

(cheerful music)

(Gomez) Hand me that cheat sheet right now.

(sarcastic laugh)

Now, you're going to eat it.

(cheerful music)

Let's see who else dares to be foolish.

(cumbia music)

(Maria) Is that true, son?

(Ruiz) Mom, I haven't done anything.

(Mary) Please, Father, can't

you give him another chance?

I know my son is not like that.

There must be an explanation.

I'm sorry

the painting has fallen.

(laughter)

Listen carefully. (French) coutez.

[inaudible] (laughter)

(French) Continuez.

(students making noise)

(French) Continuez, s'il vous plat.

Je m'appelle...

(cumbia music continues)

(Director) Cut.

(music fades)