Boy in the Woods, The (2023)

[bunniefuu]

(crow squawking)

(crow squawking)

(dog barking)

(crow squawking)

(dog barking)

(dog barking)

(crow squawking)

(crow squawking)

(vehicle passing)

(man shouting in distance)

(man shouting in distance)

- (dog barking)

- (people whispering)

- (dog barking)

- (people whispering)

(coughing)

(coughing)

(people whispering)

(people whispering)

(people whispering)

(people whispering)

(woman humming)

Mamme.

(people talking)

(people talking)

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

Mayn kleyne mentshele.

My little man.

What would we do without you?

It's because of me

that we're here.

(people whispering, coughing)

(people whispering, coughing)

I should have built us

a better hiding place.

No, Max.

My drawings, I left them all.

You'll have to make more.

You'll have to make more.

(sighing)

Magic circle.

(giggling)

Take these.

It is all I had time to gather.

It is all I had time to gather.

Keep them safe.

Why can't you?

You'll need them one day.

One day when I'm an artist,

One day when I'm an artist,

and I can cross the sea

to hang my paintings

in fancy galleries?

To hang my paintings

in fancy galleries?

Mm. You'll be very famous.

And rich.

I'll buy you furs,

and Zonia ribbons!

I'll buy you furs,

and Zonia ribbons!

(footsteps, door opening)

(shouting in German)

(shouting in German)

Child: Mommy!

Max: Zonia. Zonia.

Stand up!

Stand up!

(old man whimpering)

Get in line!

(man speaking German

over loudspeaker)

(man speaking German

over loudspeaker)

(baby crying)

(woman crying)

Man: Get up. Come on. Get up!

(barking)

(barking)

(man screaming)

Get going! Get going!

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

(g*nsh*t)

(grunting)

(grunting)

Mamme!

(g*n firing)

(g*n firing)

Mamme!

Max! Max! Max, Max!

Max! Max! Max, Max!

Mamme! Mamme!

Zonia. Come.

Woman: My daughter,

don't hurt her!

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

(woman screaming)

(man shouting)

(man shouting)

(dogs barking)

Man: No, no, no, no.

Man: No, no, no, no.

Mommy!

You have to get away from here.

What? No, no, no.

I'm coming with you.

What? No, no, no.

I'm coming with you.

- No.

- Why no?

You're taking Zonia and not me?

Your sister is too

young. She is helpless.

Your sister is too

young. She is helpless.

But you, you run

fast, you're smart

and brave, my brilliant boy.

And brave, my brilliant boy.

You'll find a way, you must.

How? By myself?

You will find your Aunt Erna.

If they haven't

already taken her,

she will know what to do.

See those gates?

I want you to walk

straight through them.

Do not stop, you hear?

Strong and brave.

Strong and brave.

(speaking Yiddish)

(man grunting)

(man grunting)

Go. Go.

(barking)

(shushing)

- Man: Get going! Get going!

- Woman: Stop, please.

(barking)

(soldier speaking German)

(soldier speaking German)

Man: Get into the...

Man: Get into the...

(woman crying)

(man speaking German)

- (shouting)

- (grunting)

- (shouting)

- (grunting)

(shouting in German)

(engine starting)

(man speaking German)

(man speaking German)

(chains clanking lightly)

(chains clanking lightly)







(bell tolling)

Excuse me. Where is

that truck going?

They're taking them away.

Excuse me...

None of your business, boy.

None of your business, boy.

No.

Please! I'm looking

for my Auntie Erna.

Poor Jew-boy.

Try the cemetery, maybe

you'll find your aunt there.

Try the cemetery, maybe

you'll find your aunt there.

(woman weeping)

(woman weeping)

(all weeping)

(all weeping)







(women weeping)

(women weeping)







Auntie?

Auntie?

- Auntie!

- Oh, Max!

Thank God!

I heard there was a roundup.

Where's your Mamme? Zonia?

She told me to find you,

she wouldn't let me get

on the truck with her.

Let's get you out of here.







Aunt Erna: They are

clearing us all out.

Your uncle and I have found

space to hide here in town.

A bunker, with a small group.

Good. I'll stay with you

until Mamme comes for me.

Aunt Erna: They

won't allow children.

Aunt Erna: They

won't allow children.

Why not?

I'm basically not

even a child anymore.

Mamme even says

I'm a little man.

Mamme even says

I'm a little man.

(muted dialogue)

Aunt Erna: Your Mamme

knew this day might come.

Aunt Erna: Your Mamme

knew this day might come.

Max: She said you

would protect me!

I found a farm

where you can hide.

I found a farm

where you can hide.

You're abandoning me.

You're abandoning me

just like she did!

You're abandoning me

just like she did!

Max, your mamme did

not abandon you.

Max, your mamme did

not abandon you.

Max: I don't want to be alone!

Max: I don't want to be alone!

No. You won't be alone.

And when this is over

we'll come get you,

And when this is over

we'll come get you,

and together we'll find her.

Now come here.







Man: Hey.

Come on.

The sun is up.

- (man speaking)

- (horse walking)

(chickens clucking)

(pig snorting)

(pig snorting)

(clucking)

(clucking)

(door creaking)

My name is Jasko.

- This is Kasia and Broni.

- (baby cooing)

Here.

Thank you.

My name is...

Staszek.

We will call you Staszek.

Kasia: That is my

brother's name, Jasko.

From now on you are Staszek.

It is best we know nothing.

You can sleep in the cowshed.

You must change these clothes.

(fire crackling)

(fire crackling)

(cow mooing)

(cow mooing)

(pig snorting)

(fire crackling)

(fire crackling)

(pig snorting)

(pig snorting)

(gasping)

(gasping)

Follow me.

You can help out on the farm.

Graze the animals,

Graze the animals,

muck out the cowshed.

You have a lot to learn.

(Jasko's voice fading)

(Jasko's voice fading)

(people whispering)

Staszek?

(whispers fading)

My auntie told me to hide.

My auntie told me to hide.

And you will hide,

in plain sight.

Listen to me carefully,

because your... our

lives depends on it.

Because your... our

lives depends on it.

You are my sister's

boy, understand?

You are my sister's

boy, understand?

This past spring your

father drove his wagon

This past spring your

father drove his wagon

over a Russian landmine, was

k*lled, along with his oxen,

leaving your mother

and you destitute.

So, she sent you

to live with us.

So, she sent you

to live with us.

She volunteered for labour

She volunteered for labour

in the Great German Reich,

but she died of typhus

before she got on the train.

But she died of typhus

before she got on the train.

So, you are an orphan,

and Kasia and I are the

only family you have.

And Kasia and I are the

only family you have.

Got it?

Keep this story

clear in your mind.

Keep this story

clear in your mind.

Yes, sir.

Jasko is fine.

Jasko.

Jasko.

(crickets chirping, owl hooting)

(crickets chirping, owl hooting)







(sighing)









Mamme. Can I sit with you?

No, my little man.

Why not?

(engine starting)

(engine starting)

(speaking Yiddish)







(clanking)

(cow mooing)

(cow mooing)

(cow mooing)

(cow mooing)

I've never been in

a stable before.

Eat.

Thank you.

(baby fussing)

(baby fussing)

(singing in Yiddish)

(singing in Yiddish)

- (shushing)

- (fussing)

That always use to work

with my little sister.

My Mamme took Zonia and not me.

She didn't let me go with her.

(pig snorting)

Little piggy! Hey!

Little piggy! Hey!

Come on, little pig!

(tsking)

(snorting)

(snorting)

We will fatten him and

eat him for Christmas.

(grunting)

One more.

(grunting)

He watches me.

We live quiet lives here.

No one wants any trouble.

Am I trouble?

You're a boy. You're

supposed to be trouble.

You're a boy. You're

supposed to be trouble.

Your aunt, she pays

us to shelter you.

We need those payments, Staszek.

Have you ever snared a rabbit?

Have you ever snared a rabbit?

Max: No.

Watch how I tie this.

Thread this end through.

Like a noose. Huh?

Now, I need a branch, like this.

Tie it around a few turns.

Tie it around a few turns.

Tie it tight.

Then we need some sticks.

Then we need some sticks.

You need to block the trail

and force the rabbit

into the snare.

And force the rabbit

into the snare.

Max: Does it catch

it by its hind legs?

No, my friend.

By the neck.

What a horrible way to die.







(grunting)

(grunting)

(grunting)





Kasia: Hold her.

(Broni cooing)

Max: Hi. Hello.

Here.

- Come on.

- (Broni cooing)

Okay.

(Broni burbling)

(Broni burbling)

(chuckling) Don't eat that.

It's not for eating.

Can I see that?

(Broni fussing)

It's okay.

(door opening)

(door opening)

Any news from my auntie?

(sighing)

There will be no more

money for keeping the boy.

Her hiding place was discovered.

Everyone taken.

Everyone?

(crickets chirping)

(mooing)

- (g*ns firing in distance)

- (gasping)

- (g*ns firing in distance)

- (gasping)

(mooing)

(g*n firing in distance)

(horse neighing)

(horse neighing)

(mooing)

Kasia: Jasko, what is that?

Kasia: Jasko, what is that?

Jasko: Hunters in the woods.

The price for a

Jew just went up.

Go back inside.

Go back inside.

(scraping)

(scraping)

(Broni fussing)

You want to hear a

story little man?

You want to hear a

story little man?

A rooster and a hen,

let the story begin.

A cat and a mouse.

My time has run out.

My time has run out.

(knocking)





Jasko Rudnicki?

Yes?

Officer: We have been

told you are hiding Jews.

Jasko: Jews?

Jasko: Jews?

I'm sure I do not need to tell

you how this works Mister...

Rudnicki.

Yes.

If you do not tell

us where they are,

If you do not tell

us where they are,

and we find them,

we will k*ll the Jews

and hang your entire family.

And hang your entire family.

You have a family in there, yes?

You have a family in there, yes?

You know I do.

Captain: Hm. Indeed.

- (fussing)

- Broni.

Captain: What will it

be, Mr. Jasko Rudnicki?

Captain: What will it

be, Mr. Jasko Rudnicki?

Well, then...

I am not hiding any Jews.

Ah.

Then... you would not

mind inviting us in.

Then... you would not

mind inviting us in.

Hm?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Petryk!

The loft.

Petryk: Yes, Captain.

(rustling hay)

There is no one here.

There is no one here.

Captain: The stable.

Petryk: Yes, Captain.

Captain: No. Stay.

(groaning)

What a day.

What a day.

(groaning)

Truly exhausting.

Truly exhausting.

And exhilarating.

And exhilarating.

(Broni fussing)

Mm. Hello.

(Broni fussing)

(Broni fussing)

Ah, what a...

sweet little thing.

Sweet little thing.

Boy?

It's a boy.

Captain: A blessing.

Captain: A blessing.

You will grow up to

be a big, strong,

hard-working, honest man, hm?

Hard-working, honest man, hm?

(Broni cooing)

Huh? Hey, just like your papa.

(Kasia gasping)

Two boys.

So far apart in age,

and such a young mother.

And such a young mother.

This one cannot be yours.

I'm her nephew, uh...

I'm her nephew, uh...

My mother sent me here when

she went to be a labourer

in the Great German Reich.

In the Great German Reich.

Ah, is that so?

Please, please. Take

a chair. Sit. Sit.

Sit. Sit. Sit with me.

Sit. Sit. Sit with me.

Would you, a light, please?

Hm?

(chuckling)

(match lighting)

(match lighting)

(chuckling)

A worker in the Reich

you were saying.

A worker in the Reich

you were saying.

Volunteered herself, sir.

Captain: Hm.

Does she write?

You must have letters from her.

You must have letters from her.

Uh, sh...

Sh...

She... She doesn't know how.

She... She doesn't know how.

Hm?

I haven't heard from

her since she left.

I haven't heard from

her since she left.

I'm worried I won't

see her again.

I'm worried I won't

see her again.







Nonsense.

Your Mother is working

in a German factory,

doing her part for

the w*r effort.

Doing her part for

the w*r effort.

Making you...

Making you...

making all of us...

proud, son.

Hm.

Hm.

Just think of that.

Your mama. So proud.

Petryk: Captain! I found

something in the stable.

Captain Bagan!

Captain: Come with me.

(exhaling)

No, no.

Captain Bagan: What

have you found, Petryk?

Vegetables. Hidden.

This is tasty food for...

(speaking indistinctly)

This is tasty food for...

(speaking indistinctly)

Why were those vegetables

in the cowshed?

I'm sorry.

Captain: You need to

have packaged vegetables.

(crying)

Kasia: No!

(Broni fussing)

No!

(crying)

Captain: Get on your knees!

- Get on your knees.

- (crying)

(Broni screaming)

Kasia: No!

Kasia: No!

(Broni & Kasia crying)

(Broni & Kasia crying)

(Broni crying)

(Broni crying)

(sighing)

(sighing)

I told them that you

feed it to the pigs.

Good, that is good.

Good, that is good.

You cannot stay here anymore.







(people whispering)





(people whispering)

(people whispering)





(people whispering)

(people whispering)







Jasko: Here.

Grab some branches. (grunting)

Cover the hole.

Cover the hole.

You should be dry in here.

(grunting)

(grunting)

Further down this slope

there's a river for water.

Lots of berries in

this part of the woods.

Don't eat the mushrooms

off the ground.

Don't eat the mushrooms

off the ground.

Only those that grow on trees.

But not the yellow ones.

And when all the mushrooms

and berries are gone?

And when all the mushrooms

and berries are gone?

The snare that I taught

you, to catch a rabbit.

There is twine in the sack,

flint for a fire,

and a knife.

Ration your food.

What about Jew-hunters?

Never make a fire too

close to the shelter.

Always cover your tracks.

Always cover your tracks.

How much?

What?

How much is a Jew worth?

What am I worth?

Sometimes...

the police pay in sugar...

the police pay in sugar...

or vodka.

It's too risky for

my family, Staszek.

It's too risky for

my family, Staszek.

That is not my name.

You heard the chief,

they will k*ll us.

You heard the chief,

they will k*ll us.

Kasia, Broni, all of us.







(people whispering)





(crying)

(crying)

(trees creaking)

(wind gusting)

(wind gusting)

- (whispering)

- (thunder rumbling)

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

(twig snapping)







(exhaling)

(exhaling)

(coughing)







- (dog barking)

- (man shouting)

Man: What have you

found? What have you got?

Man: What have you

found? What have you got?

(barking)







(scraping)

Max: Come on. Come

on. (groaning)

Where are you?

Do you see what I look like?

Like an animal.

Why did you make me a Jew?

(grunting)

(grunting)

What did I do to you?!

What did I do?!

What did I do?!

Why did you do this to me?!

Why did you do this to me?!

(scraping)

(scraping)

(fire crackling)







(crickets chirping, owl hooting)

(crickets chirping, owl hooting)

- (twig snapping)

- (gasping)

(men whispering)

(twig snapping)

(twig snapping)

(men shushing)







- (squawking)

- (men gasping)

- (squawking)

- (men gasping)

(men laughing)

There's your Jew.

Pluck it and serve

it to your family.

Pluck it and serve

it to your family.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

(laughing)

Man: What an idiot.

Man: What an idiot.

(warbling)

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

Zonia.

(scratching)

(sighing) Mamme.

(sighing) Mamme.

(scratching)

(scratching)

Tatte.

Uncle Jacob.

Uncle Jacob.

(scratching)

Auntie Erna.

Magic circle.

Magic circle.

(speaking Hebrew)

(voices whispering)

(voices whispering)

Mamme?

Mamme: Mayn kleyne mentshele.

Mamme: Mayn kleyne mentshele.

My little man.

I lost the pictures.

You're all fading away.

When will we be together again?

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

(voices whispering)

(voices whispering)

- (twig snapping)

- (gasping)

- (twig snapping)

- (gasping)







Hello?

Don't be scared.

Where'd you even come from?

Where'd you even come from?

Hungry?

I only found a mushroom.

I only found a mushroom.

Are you a forest spirit?

No, I'm a little man.

Careful of the mushrooms.

You have to know

which ones to pick.

You have to know

which ones to pick.

Come.

Go ahead and sit.

(exhaling)

What happened to your shoes?

Fell apart.

Long time in the woods.

How long have you been walking?

My mamme went to find food.

My mamme went to find food.

She never came back.

They took your tatte?

No. He told me to wait

while he went looking.

I stayed in the secret spot

for as long as I could,

I stayed in the secret spot

for as long as I could,

but I got hungry.

What's your name?

Yanek.

Yanek. I have a

secret spot too.

You can come stay with me.

I haven't seen my mamme in ages.

I haven't seen my mamme in ages.

You have to learn how

to survive without them,

for a while.

It's okay.

I can teach you.

I'm fast, I'm smart, I'm

strong, and I'm brave.

I'm fast, I'm smart, I'm

strong, and I'm brave.

I'll protect you.

(exhaling)

How old are you?

Twelve.

Twelve.

Wait, no, the

leaves are falling.

Wait, no, the

leaves are falling.

I'm 13.

Soon you'll become

a bar mitzvah.

Actually I'm thinking

of becoming Christian,

Actually I'm thinking

of becoming Christian,

because the Christian

God protects His people.

(sighing) We wouldn't

have to hide anymore.

How do you become Christian?

Max: (chuckles) See, if I knew

that, we wouldn't be here.

Come on.













(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

(croaking)

Yanek?

(sighing)

(sighing)

(humming)

(chirping)

(chirping)

- (gasping)

- (grunting)

Jew! Stop struggling,

you little swine.

(screaming)

(crying)

(crying)

Regina! Whoa. Whoa, whoa.

Regina!

Regina: What do you want now?

I caught myself a Jew!

You alone?

Family?

How old are you?

I promised my mamme

I would be brave.

I promised my mamme

I would be brave.

Lord.

You oaf of a man!

You oaf of a man!

Can't you see he's just a child?

They want us to be rid of them.

They say they're parasites,

They say they're parasites,

feeding off the honest

work of peasants.

Regina: Well, they

needn't concern themselves

Regina: Well, they

needn't concern themselves

with this one,

doesn't look like he's been

feeding off much at all.

Now release him before

I tie you to the horse

Now release him before

I tie you to the horse

and drag your boarish a*s

straight back to your wife!

And drag your boarish a*s

straight back to your wife!

(grunting)

What a mess.

What a mess.

Come child, inside.

Let's see to those wrists.

(door closing)

Thought you'd come here

and show off your spoils?

Thought you'd come here

and show off your spoils?

Man: I have to take him in.

Chief's orders.

Regina: Well then, a toast

Regina: Well then, a toast

to the bravest of

child-catchers.

Drink.

(gulping, panting)

(gulping, panting)

Regina.

Drink to it.

Damn you, Regina! Damn you!

Damn you, Regina! Damn you!

- Hey!

- Regina: Run boy!

Man: Get off me!

(shouting)

(shouting)

(panting)

(panting)

Yanek? Yanek? Where are you?

Yanek! Yanek.

I thought you were gone.

I was looking for

something to eat.

I was looking for

something to eat.

I won't leave you.

That's what they said.

Yanek, I'm back now.

(sobbing)

You abandoned me.

You abandoned me.

Yanek.

Yanek, I'm sorry.

I said I will not leave you.

Don't do that again.

I'm sorry, Yanek.





(plopping)

(plopping)

(sighing)

(sighing)

Ay! Max, it's...

Max, it's freezing!

Ay! Max, it's...

Max, it's freezing!

Ah!

Yanek, not that

much! Not that much!

Not that much, Yanek!

- (laughing)

- Yanek!

(shushing)

(giggling) No! Max!

(laughing)

(laughing)

Yah!

Maybe there are

fish we can catch.

Maybe.

Just maybe we can conjure

up a golem from the mud.

Just maybe we can conjure

up a golem from the mud.

What's a golem?

To trap them for...

To trap them for...

You don't know?

It's magical,

powerful, fierce!

Tell me!

More than 100 years ago

a great rabbi wanted

to protect his people,

so he made a creature

to protect his people,

so he made a creature

out of earth and sand

and water and clay.

The rabbi wrote the

secret, all-powerful,

The rabbi wrote the

secret, all-powerful,

true name of God

on a piece of paper

true name of God

on a piece of paper

and slipped it in

the creature's ear.

(giggling)

The sacred spell turned the

clay into a living being.

A golem.

A golem.

Whoa.

The golem did wonderful

things for the Jews.

The golem did wonderful

things for the Jews.

It saved them from hunger,

it even cracked the heads

of ugly peasants who beat them.

Of ugly peasants who beat them.

Soon the enemies of the Jews

saw what a mighty protector

they had, and ceased

to plot against them.

They had, and ceased

to plot against them.

And the Jews had no

more use for the golem.

And the Jews had no

more use for the golem.

So, the Rabbi removed

the piece of paper

So, the Rabbi removed

the piece of paper

from the golem's ear...

(snapping fingers)

and the spell was undone.

(snapping fingers) Boom.

(snapping fingers) Boom.

Just like that. Gone.

Back into earth and sand.

Gone? Just like that?

Gone? Just like that?







Gone.

Until we need to

conjure up another,

then it will rise again.

Like now?

Yes! Yes, Yanek!

The time has come!

Yes! Yes, Yanek!

The time has come!

He will strike down the

Nazis, snuff them out.

Hitler is no match

for our golem!

(giggling)

(giggling)

Winter will be here soon.

We should dig a bunker

before the ground freezes.

(grunting)

(birds chirping)

Dead souls.

What?

Going up to heaven.

It's what makes them sing.

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

You hear that?

We'll use this as a

door, keep the cold out.

Last winter in our ghetto

Last winter in our ghetto

there was a boy

sitting on the street

with eyes that didn't

blink and purple lips.

With eyes that didn't

blink and purple lips.

So many days and he

never ever moved.

So many days and he

never ever moved.

Then one sunny

morning he was gone.

Then one sunny

morning he was gone.

Just a pool of water.

Like he melted.

What if that happens to us?

What if that happens to us?

Yanek, don't talk like that.

We'll make it out

of this winter.

Look at us. We're

building our own bunker.

Look at us. We're

building our own bunker.

Hey. Yanek.

Go pick that up.

Move it over there.

Yanek: This?

(grunting) Ow.

Come on.

Come on.

(grunting)

Try harder. Do it.

Try harder. Do it.

(grunting)

Go.

It's too heavy, Max.

Come on. You can do it. You

have to be stronger, Yanek!

(grunting) I can't.

Yanek.

(sighing)

(sniffing)

Nothing left.

(grunting)

(grunting)

So hungry it stings?

When we are older and

out of these woods,

we can move to the city,

and, hey, you can help

me sell my paintings,

and we'll wear fancy clothes,

and feast whenever we want!

And we'll wear fancy clothes,

and feast whenever we want!

Right?

Like... Like, ten times a day?

Like... Like, ten times a day?

Twenty if you like.

- (twig snapping)

- (man shouting)

(gasping)

Run! Run, Yanek!

Man: Go!

Max: Run faster!

- (grunting)

- Come on!

(whimpering)

Yanek! Come on!

Man: Hey!

Max: Come on!

(grunting)

(grunting)

Man: Come on! Come on!

- (g*n firing)

- (Max & Yanek shouting)

Faster, Yanek! Yanek!

Max! (grunting)

(screaming)

Yanek!

Yanek!

Yanek!

Hey

Hey!

(panting)

(panting)

- (g*n firing)

- Ah!

(grunting)

(panting)

(panting)

Man: Did you see him?

This way.

(voices whispering)

(voices whispering)

Man: Little rat.

Where are you?

Man: Little rat.

Where are you?

(rustling)

(rustling)

Man 2: Must've scurried away.

Let's go.

Let's go.

(voices whispering)

(voices whispering)

(voices whispering)

Voice (whispering):

Cat and mouse.

My time has run out.

(sighing)

(sighing)

(sighing)

Mamme: My brilliant boy.

What will we do without you?

Max: What will we

do without you?

Max: What will we

do without you?

- Mamme: Max.

- Yanek: Max.

(retching)

(grunting)

(grunting)

(screaming)

(crying)

(crying)

Yanek?

Yanek?

Max! Max!

Yanek. Yanek.

Yanek. Yanek.

- Yanek. I'm sorry.

- You're hurt!

I'm sorry, this is my fault.

I'm sorry, this is my fault.

Yanek, mamme was

wrong, I'm not strong,

Yanek, mamme was

wrong, I'm not strong,

and I'm not brave and fast.

What? Yes, you are.

We're not going to make it

out. How? How do we survive?!

We're not going to make it

out. How? How do we survive?!

The golem.

- No, the...

- It'll protect us.

Yanek, the golem is

just a stupid story.

Yanek, the golem is

just a stupid story.

It's not true. It's

fake. It's not real.

The only thing that's real in

this world is hunger and pain

The only thing that's real in

this world is hunger and pain

and ghosts and Jew-hunters.

They were trying to k*ll us.

They were trying to k*ll us.

(sniffling) Yanek.

- It's okay. It's okay.

- Yanek, they want to k*ll us.

- It's okay. It's okay.

- Yanek, they want to k*ll us.

(crying)

(crying)

(wind gusting)

(wind gusting)

(clanging)

Yanek.

Ya?

Are you awake?

Ya.

I'm forgetting their faces.

I found this ages ago.

Kept it for you.

Kept it for you.

In case you ever lost

your other paintbrush.

Smart.

An artist can never

have too many brushes.

An artist can never

have too many brushes.

Well, now you have one anyway.

You won't forget me will you?

What do you mean?

If we don't get to

be always together,

move to the city, and

wear fancy clothes,

move to the city, and

wear fancy clothes,

when you are a really old man,

with wrinkles and white hair

with wrinkles and white hair

and a walking stick,

will you still remember me?

Will you still remember me?

Promise?

Promise.

You know, I used to think

God had abandoned me,

You know, I used to think

God had abandoned me,

but now, I think...

maybe he sent me you.

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

- (g*n firing)

- woman: Guards!

(women screaming)

Max: Mamme?

- (g*n firing)

- Zonia?

(g*n firing)

Yanek!

- (g*ns firing)

- (woman screaming)

- What?

- (shushing)

Man: On the ground!

(g*n firing)

(people crying)

(g*n firing)

Yanek, come on.

Let's go take a peek.

Maybe it was the Russians.

Maybe we've been liberated.

Yanek, come on.

Come on, let's go.

(gasping)

Wha...

Take off their coats and shoes.

What, Max? Wh...

What, Max? Wh...

Yanek, they can't

feel the cold, okay?

Okay? They can't. I promise.

Okay? They can't. I promise.

(grunting)

(grunting)

(exhaling)

(straining)

(grunting)

- Yanek.

- What?

Someone is alive over there!

I see something moving.

Yanek, come on. Come on.

What are you doing?

Yanek, I need your help.

No. We can't. The

water is too cold.

No. We can't. The

water is too cold.

We can! We have to!

Somebody's alive over there!

I don't... I don't know.

Please, Yanek!

Yanek: I... I...

Yanek: I... I...

I'm sorry.

(shouting)

(gasping) Yanek, get up!

Come on. Yanek, come on.

- It's freezing.

- Up.

Yanek: It's freezing!

(whimpering)

Max: Hold onto the

stick. Stay with me.

Max: Hold onto the

stick. Stay with me.

Yanek, come on.

(whimpering)

(whimpering)

(gasping)

- Yanek!

- (crying out)

Max: Almost there.

(Yanek gasping)

She's dead.

(baby crying)

(gasping) Yanek, a baby!

(gasping) Yanek, a baby!

(crying loudly)

Please, I'm freezing.

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

Please, we have to go

back to the bunker!

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

Mamme. Mamme, what do I do?

(crying)

(crying)

Yanek, I need you

to guide me across.

Strong and brave.

(grunting)

(grunting)

(crying)

Ah! Yanek! The baby! Help!

(crying)

(crying)

Max, Max. Grab the stick!

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

Yanek, come on. Take

off your old clothes.

(shivering)

(shivering)

Come on. Take them off.

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

Yanek. Yanek, come

on. You'll freeze.

Listen to me!

Listen to me!

Someone will hear it.

At least take stuff, please.

Okay. Come on. Let's go.

- (baby crying)

- Max: (shushing) Be quiet.

- (shushing)

- (baby fussing)

- (shushing)

- (baby fussing)

- (baby crying)

- (shushing)

Max, what did you do?

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

(singing in Yiddish)

(singing in Yiddish)

(baby cooing)

(baby cooing)

It's okay.

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

Yanek: So cold.

(shivering)

(shivering)

Told you we needed those

coats more than them.

(Yanek coughing)

(coughing)

I can't let you get sick.

I can't let you get sick.

I have to find you some food.

(man yelling in Russian)

(man yelling in Russian)

Alone?

Are you sure?

Are you sure?

What are you doing here?

Where are you running to?

My hiding space.

Ah.

(speaking Russian)

(speaking Russian)

We saw the pits.

Pits?

Your knife, give it

to me. I need it.

You are Russian soldiers?

You are Russian soldiers?

Not quite.

Pah!

(Russians laughing)

(Russians laughing)

You can't be here, boy.

This place, it's about

to become the frontline.

This place, it's about

to become the frontline.

Turn around, and go

back the way you came.

Move boy!

Get out of here!

Da.

Okay.

Okay. Okay.

(crying)

We have to get rid of this baby.

We have to get rid of this baby.

I'm going to Jasko.

He'll know what to do.

(baby fussing)

(baby fussing)

(whispering) No. Max, no.

(whispering) No. Max, no.

(baby fussing)

(baby fussing)

(baby crying)

It's okay. (shushing)

It's okay. (shushing)

(Max shushing)

(baby fussing)

(baby crying)

Staszek.

Staszek.

(baby crying)

- Staszek.

- I found a baby.

I can't... Everyone

else was dead.

I need a grown up

to take care of it.

Please.

Good God, boy.

Good God, boy.

(baby fussing)

(panting)

Me and Yanek can't

take care of it.

Me and Yanek can't

take care of it.

It cries too much.

You are right, you cannot...

Who is Yanek?

Who is Yanek?

He's my best

friend. (stammering)

He found me. Maybe

he's an angel.

He found me. Maybe

he's an angel.

Please, can you and Kasia

please take the baby?

Uh...

Uh...

We will find someone for her.

Thank you.

Thank you. I have to get back

to Yanek. I think he's sick.

Thank you. I have to get back

to Yanek. I think he's sick.

(baby crying)

Staszek, the Russians are close.

Staszek, the Russians are close.

There is talk of

a German retreat.

Bring your friend

to the cowshed.

Bring your friend

to the cowshed.

After dark.

Thank you! Thank you, Jasko!

(baby coughing)

(grunting)

(baby fussing)

(grunting)

Yanek, Yanek. I'm taking

you somewhere safer.

It's so hot.

No, no, no. You have to

keep your clothes on.

No, no, no. You have to

keep your clothes on.

You have to stay warm.

Why am I under the earth?

It's our secret spot.

Yanek, Jasko said the

w*r is almost over.

Yanek, Jasko said the

w*r is almost over.

The golem has risen and

it's crushing the Nazis!

You'll see your mamme

and your sister again.

No. No, Yanek.

You are my only family now.

Yanek?

Yanek. Are you awake?

Yanek. Are you awake?

God, please cover him

with your feathers.

(singing in Yiddish)

(singing in Yiddish)

Sleep. Get your strength back.

Tomorrow we'll go to Jasko's.

(expl*si*n blasting)

(a*tillery fire in the distance)

Yanek.

Wake up. We need

to go to Jasko's.

Yanek.

Why are you so cold?

Yanek, what's wrong? Wake up.

(expl*si*n going

off in the distance)

Yank, come on!

Come on!

Time to get up now.

Time to get up now.

Yanek?

Yanek?

Yanek.

Yanek, why aren't you waking up?

Yanek? Yanek, please wake up.

Yanek? Yanek, please wake up.

Please?

Please don't leave me alone.

Please don't leave me alone.

Yanek.

The w*r is almost

over... You can do it.

The w*r is almost

over... You can do it.

(expl*si*n in the distance)

Jasko: Staszek!

Jasko?

Staszek!

Jasko.

Staszek.

(grunting)

(grunting)

Yanek won't wake up.

Wait out here.

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

(voices whispering)

No.

No, no. Jasko.

No.

Like this...

Like this...

He didn't want to go

into the freezing river

He didn't want to go

into the freezing river

but I pulled him in.

It's because of me.

It's because of me.

I couldn't even keep him alive!

(crying)

(crying)

I was supposed to protect him.

(giggling)

He is a hero, you know?

He is a hero, you know?

Staszek saved a baby girl.

Strong and brave.

Jasko: Kasia!

The Soviets have taken the town!

The Germans are gone!

The Germans are gone!

(gasping)

They're gone?

Gone, Staszek.

No more hiding.

No more hiding.

(Kasia laughing)

My name is Max.

Jasko: Max.

Jasko: Max.

- I can be Max!

- Kasia: Max!

(Kasia laughing)

(Kasia laughing)

Please take me home.

Hey.

(horse snorting)

Ready?

(horse snorting)

(horse snorting)

That's good.

An old man's walking and

holding onto the young.

An old man's walking and

holding onto the young.

Girl: Hello. (chuckling)

Max: Hello.

I introduce to

you, Maxwell Smart.

- This is...

- I am...

This is the descendant.

Yeah.

I was always wondering what

happened to your mother.

All my life.

She's a survivor.

Speak in Yiddish.

She might understand.

(speaking Yiddish)

(speaking Yiddish)

Son: She knows Yiddish,

but she can't speak.

She can't find the words.

She can't find the words.

Do you remember the river?

How freezing the water was?

How the two children,

How the two children,

the two boys came and saved you?

How they came, went

into the water,

How they came, went

into the water,

and took you out from

the arms of your mother?

You owe him your life.

You owe him your life.

(speaking indistinctly)

(speaking indistinctly)

- (all laughing)

- Son: It's okay.

(laughing) She says it's okay.

(laughing)

I feel better, and I

don't feel as guilty.

It's true.

Yanek died, he's a hero.

He saved you and

you have children.

He saved you and

you have children.

They will have children

and children and children.

A continuation of life forever.

A continuation of life forever.

The bones of

children in the woods

The bones of

children in the woods

The broken

branches of a tree

The broken

branches of a tree

The feel of pounding

in your blood

The smell of earth

beneath your feet

The smell of earth

beneath your feet

Don't forget to

wear your gloves

Don't forget to

wear your gloves

Don't forget to

wear your shoes

Don't forget to

wear your shoes

It started

hailing from above

The sky is purple

as a bruise

The sky is purple

as a bruise

And so it gets

under your nails

And so it gets

under your nails

And so it gets

into your nose

And so it gets

into your eyes

And so it gets

into your eyes

You'll never get

it out your clothes

You'll never get

it out your clothes

We have to even

out the piles

They'll see the earth

is freshly churned

They'll see the earth

is freshly churned

They're bound to

be here in a while

They're bound to

be here in a while

They'll find

whatever isn't burned

All these children

in the woods

What does it

matter here today?

What does it

matter here today?

It isn't bad it isn't good

It isn't bad it isn't good

They'd only grow up anyway