Broken Voices (2025)

[bunniefuu]

Okay, now relax and

sing the first note.

You can try singing

it with your mom.

Her voice is decent enough, but

sadly, she has no ability to intone.

I don't get it. She

can do it at home.

I'm sorry, not for us just now.

-Thank you. Goodbye.

-Goodbye.

Where are you off to, Karolnka?

I've got to go. My

sister's about to get out.

But not till 5:00.

Please...

Oh, all right.

-Off you go.

-Thank you.

-Hello.

-Hello.

Girls, the staccato needs

to be way more pronounced.

Like with the piano.

Play it, please.

Ready.

That's enough! Second

voice, where are you?

Are you with us, or

have you fallen asleep?

Altos only. Second part.

Stop. Simona, it looks like

you're not singing at all.

Try it on your own.

How many lines

are in this verse?

I don't know.

"And you wagoners, saddle the

horses, and you fellows, mount them.

I lost my rosary, my gold

ring, at my mother's."

That's four.

You can't learn four

lines over a weekend?

You must have air

between your ears.

Girls, is that so hard to learn?

No.

Grab your stuff and

get out of here.

Are you deaf?

And you can forget about

the radio recording.

I need to hear the second

voice. You carry the emotion.

One more time. Everyone.

Do you know which one's Judita?

What about her?

She was with her folks in Italy

on holiday and met a guy there.

He took her to a cake shop

and she said she'd have every

type of ice cream they sold.

-And you know what he did?

-No.

He brought all of them

over in a massive bowl,

like 30 kinds, and said

she had to eat them all.

Oh, wow, that'd be my dream.

No, it wouldn't, I

can promise you that.

-You'd throw up.

-No way.

-Imagine a bucket of ice cream.

-Did she eat it all?

Guess.

Did she puke?

Or did she sh*t herself?

-Tell me.

-The Path of Death?

Lucina, tell me right now!

Hey, hold on!

Wait!

Lucina, stop right there!

What took you so long?

You're some b*tch.

Thanks.

Was he tough on you again today?

Same as usual.

And when's your next concert?

No time soon.

They're doing a

recording for the radio.

Why didn't you tell us?

I don't know if he'll take

me. It's just for ten girls.

But he could choose you?

He probably won't, Mom.

But if he does, let us

know. So we don't miss it.

Thanks a million.

-You've barely touched it.

-I'll finish it.

-Hang on.

-She can have it.

Aren't you meant to be studying?

Knock it off.

You're some loser.

Give that back.

Give it back!

You're beneath the tone anyway.

I am not.

-You are.

-I don't think so.

Yes, you are. Listen.

Okay. Let's sit up straight.

We put our hands on our

diaphragms and take a deep breath.

Hands a bit lower.

We puncture the

balloon, and hiss.

One more deep breath and let's

exercise our speech organs.

Clipt clapt.

Shoulders down.

Shall we sing for Vtek?

What'll we do? "Once I

Go," we know that one.

Give us an F sharp.

One, two...

Now just you.

From the start.

Now you.

That's fine, thanks.

That'll do.

Thank you.

Back to work, girls.

Open your music folders.

Next up, a live concert by

the Canticella girls choir,

performing four pieces from

Dvok's Moravian Duets,

conducted by Vtzslav Mcha.

Quick, it's just starting.

-Coming!

-Shoes off.

It's a pity we can't see her.

How about this?

Why not?

Dear girls, parents and

friends of our choir.

We've had a successful year,

but our most successful

year ever awaits.

As you know, we're

planning our first US tour

over three weeks in the spring.

We will sing to

Czech communities

at major concert halls

in Chicago, Atlanta

and New York.

Over the years, our choir has

built up a great reputation

and I'm glad my son is following in

the family tradition so successfully.

Vtek, good luck with all

the work ahead of you.

I'm not one for speeches,

so we'll sing to you instead.

What's up? Are the

folks looking for me?

No, they're chatting downstairs.

This is my sis.

Hi there. Fancy a drink?

Sure.

Maybe not.

I see. A nice girl.

Karolna's also in the choir.

Yeah? In B group?

For now.

Oh, "for now."

Nice dress, by the way.

You should do something

with the hair though.

Shall we go?

Simona is so pissed off.

But it's her own fault.

Excuse me, you're

a soprano, right?

-We met at rehearsals.

-Yeah.

Not bad.

Mom, please!

No way.

Dad.

Kaya, grab your coat. We're off.

The girls are staying.

And you're coming with us.

I'll be okay.

You're not going

home alone so late.

But I won't be alone.

I can bring Lucka home. My

husband's picking us up.

We won't put you out.

It's on our way. No trouble.

You see, Mom? Please, I'm 15!

I'll keep an eye on them. And we'll

be home by 1:00, right, Judita?

Please, Mrs. Kaanov.

But just till 1:00.

Not a second later.

Fantastic, thanks!

We'll drop her

right at your door.

Thank you.

Absolutely no way.

Hi.

Do you know what time it is?

I told you to be home by 1:00.

What did you drink?

I'll speak to you

in the morning.

Damn.

Are you drunk?

How was it?

I dunno.

How do you mean, you don't know?

Weird.

In what way?

It just was.

Lucie?

Do you reckon he'll

take you to America?

Oh, my...

What's up?

Everything's kind

of topsy-turvy.

I said, do you reckon

he'll take you to America?

We'll see what happens.

I hope you get to go.

What are you laughing at?

Nothing.

Did you know Mcha came to

our rehearsal a month back

and today he praised me?

Hey, do you hear me?

Can you please quit that?

Karolna...

Sorry.

Here she comes.

What is it?

Nothing. Can we go?

What happened?

I want to go.

What are you doing?

I'm going to ask Mcha myself.

Don't go anywhere.

Do you hear me, Dad?

Don't, he'll kick me out.

Nonsense.

It's my fault!

I came late, so he chewed

me out. It's my fault.

Have you got spare gloves?

It's not a ski trip.

You'll go on a walk and get wet.

I'm not five, Mom.

The room's all

yours for two weeks.

Wonderful.

It'll just be a pain

anyway. Nonstop rehearsals.

Yeah, and?

School starts in half an hour.

I know.

So why are you

still in your PJs?

What are you doing there?

This was Grandad's.

You might like it.

Some of them are really nice.

Thanks.

See you then.

Which one of you is

Karolna Kaanov?

That's me.

Come over here.

How many times have I

said not to go this way?

Dad, you know what happened?

I do, they called us.

Yay!

It's just a tryout. Don't be

upset if it doesn't work out.

You'll be fine. Lucie is there.

I know.

Above all, don't let it

k*ll your love of music.

Right.

Let's go then.

-The Kaans?

-That's us.

You're the last of the singers.

They're waiting for you.

-See you then.

-See ya.

Three, two, one...

Come on, let's get her.

Get her!

-Let's go, sis.

-What the hell are you doing?

One... two... three!

Hope you like it here with us!

It'll be just like at

home with your sis.

Karolnka. Take a seat.

-Hi.

-Good evening.

-You've settled in? All good?

-Yeah.

Vtek and I have been

discussing you for a while.

We were thinking next season,

but this is how it's worked out.

Thank you.

Nothing to thank us for yet.

You're here as a

substitute for now

but that doesn't mean you have

no chance of joining us for good.

Learn this ASAP.

So much music?

Yeah. It's Latin. The other

girls will help you with it.

I'll try.

It's not a matter of

trying, just learn it.

That's all. You can go.

Come on, open up.

Open up, Kaena!

You're some b*tch!

-What are you staring at?

-Nothing.

So on your way then.

Is she still here?

No.

Come and listen to something.

Quick, before she comes back.

Oh, my God.

Told you.

Here.

What is this?

Andula. That girl who was here.

Why is she recording herself?

She wants to be an opera star.

She's got the boobs for it.

But that's about it.

Girls, the professor's

here with me.

What a bloody snitch.

Don't be silly, girls.

Is that really

necessary, Judita?

It's a cool demo.

What's up with the

girl whose place I got?

Simona? She didn't

turn up for the bus.

Is she ill, do you think?

How would I know?

Is she the one Mcha threw

out of the rehearsal?

Who hasn't he thrown out?

You're afraid she'll

still come, right?

I don't care.

Don't worry.

Good evening.

It's half past 10:00, girls.

Wanna turn out the light for us?

I'm sure you can

handle that yourselves.

Lucka.

'Night then.

You and Mcha are on

such familiar terms?

Here we go.

-Christ, no.

-Thank you.

Here you go.

This is the notation you got

yesterday. Keep it in this folder.

C2.

B5.

A3.

B11. What's this?

The toilet cleaning rota.

You never know with Mcha,

sing out of key and it's

toilet cleaning for you.

Gross.

Good morning.

Welcome once again.

We've finally got

a full contingent.

We've got two tough weeks ahead.

We've got to work up

the entire tour program.

And of course, we have to say

who's going, and who isn't.

I'm not so crazy about

this phase either.

There are 30 of you here.

Only 20 can go to America.

Bloody brilliant.

That's how it is.

But it's also up to you.

And thank you, Lucka,

for 20 of you, it certainly

will be brilliant.

You know the drill.

You've got your notation.

Bring it to rehearsals in

those folders. That's an order.

I'll gradually shape you

into the ideal lineup.

So let's start.

Girls.

You've got it wrong, girls.

A4, switch with A7.

Folders too.

You two as well. C1, C4.

Karolna, can you

sing the scales?

Get a move on. We

haven't got all day.

Normally, no stress, just

like your regular warm-up.

In D.

Now a fourth higher.

Another fourth.

Can we go higher?

All good. I was

worried where it'd end.

Swap places with 7.

Hi.

So what does it mean

that I have 11 now?

Nothing at all.

Everything can change again.

Let's warm up.

Very gently.

You're going to

need this, right?

Not to underestimate you.

Thanks.

It's bloody cold out.

We could've done with

a dog team today.

For sure.

-Why aren't you changing shoes?

-My slippers are under you.

No, the other ones.

-Thanks.

-What's the book?

Call of the Wild, Jack London.

Way back when, I read

everything by him.

The Star Rover, The

Valley of the Moon, this.

"It was as though he had just

heard his own sentence of death.

For a moment he sat and stared at

the spot where the fire had been."

What do you like about it?

That it's narrated by a dog.

It's kind of cruel but beautiful.

Do you have a dog?

No. My sister's allergic

to fur. We have fish.

We can't have everything.

Come here.

We're playing a game. How

often Mcha looks at you.

But it has to be at least three

seconds. Peekos don't count.

What are peekos?

Glancing looks.

Want to play too, princess?

I dunno.

You do, going by what I've seen.

I'm in the lead.

At least two. Didn't he give

her that scales test today?

-That doesn't count.

-Yes, it does.

Okay, one for this morning.

And two for just now, eh?

This list will decide

things in the end.

Mark my words.

Stand straight, place your

hands behind your neck

and gently massage

the top of your spine,

so that your neck is

relaxed for singing.

Excellent. And breathe.

Shoulders back now.

Ready?

One, two.

Girls.

What are you singing there?

It's "O beatae viae..." Okay?

I keep hearing "Betty."

It's not about Betty

howling at the moon.

Or Betty drinking.

Does anyone knows what it means?

A beautiful life?

Not quite. It's the happy path.

Or the blessed path.

Okay, from the top.

You just listen to

the others for now.

Try it again.

Girls, be careful

where you come in.

Look at me.

And it's "Sancta," not "Santa!"

Not so sharp.

Sauna time.

So it's Jesus Christus,

then Sancta Maria.

You're not getting in?

I've never had a sauna.

Honestly?

It boosts the organism.

You know how it is. A singer

with a cold is out in the cold.

"Sweetheart, I

miss you so much."

"I can't wait to get home."

"Oh, how I miss you."

"Why rehearse in the mountains?"

"No idea. And it's

bloody freezing."

"Did you pack enough socks?"

"And underwear?"

Do you think he wears

boxers or briefs?

You don't know?

You're some idiot.

You're crazy.

So?

Not sure, I just

saw the top of them.

Take your time,

nicely in legato.

Girls, girls.

You're making it sound

like The Bartered Bride.

This isn't a joyful song.

You need to sing more legato,

to get the sadness in.

One more time.

Girls? This isn't funny.

Karolna!

Why are you naked?

You b*tches!

We sing here each year and

there are always fewer people.

Bad advertising maybe?

Or somebody made the Boss angry.

If you feel like

fainting, grab my hand.

What?

If you feel weak, grab my

hand, so you don't fall down.

It happens.

Karolna, you'll sing the

beginning instead of Andula.

What?

But why?

It's no big deal.

I just want to

try something out.

Very nice.

Wow!

Okay, give me a sec.

How about...

Dirty Dancing!

Grease.

Some musical.

Pretty Woman.

-A hat.

-A helmet.

-A halo.

-Vinnetou?

-Cool Hand Luke.

-Pretty Woman.

-Rocky!

-Some Western.

Three words.

-Saturday Night Fever?

-Yes!

So it goes.

Okay, let's give it a go.

Everyone ready? Let's do this.

Don't look at me Like

you're bad to the bone

There are mornings

when it never ends

There's some wine

left in this bottle

Let me pour another glass

Don't tell me yet again

You've heard it all before

Your tears, those

salty brown eyes

Tonight's master of

ceremonies It's all his fault!

All my fault!

Turn the light

off. I'm sleeping.

Do you hear me?

Yeah, God's sake.

Listen, Anika.

You're singing it great, but let's

try somebody else on your solo.

Karolna.

Her again?

Girls.

Come over here.

Come on.

Karolna. Come here.

All good? Have you got all

the lyrics off by heart?

Not yet, there's loads of it.

I see.

I guess we'll have to

send you home then.

Vtek!

A symbolic drop.

Permanent members of the A

section may address me informally.

I'm Vtek.

Karolna.

Nice to meet you.

You do know he didn't give it

to you 'cause of how you sing?

All you can do is

draw a treble clef.

Why aren't you asleep?

I heard the guitar.

Come sit down over here.

What are you doing here

this late, Mr. Mcha?

It's Vtek. Call me Vtek.

I'm playing, as you can see.

In that?

Yeah, in this.

I'm taking a break.

Cooling down.

Do you play guitar?

No.

Don't you fancy

finally trying a sauna?

The sheets are over there.

It's a long time since we

had a voice like yours.

Honestly?

I don't like to repeat myself.

My sister's better than

me. More hardworking.

Yeah.

She's good too.

I'm a bit of a slacker.

Your parents call

you that? I disagree.

Don't be crazy.

You're amazing.

You've got what it

takes to go far.

You've got intonation,

range, a beautiful voice,

sensitivity.

You're truly exceptional.

I have to get out.

f*ck you.

Hey!

Come back, sis!

Lucie, please!

Lucie!

Karolna! What's got into you?

Come inside.

No, keep it.

And get straight into bed.

Karolna!

You look awful.

Let me.

You could get pneumonia.

It's not worth the risk.

I'll call your parents.

They'll be at work.

Give me their number.

I don't want to go home.

Here.

Thank you.

I'll sweat it out, I swear.

-See you then.

-See ya.

You need to get all better.

What about the tour?

Put that out of

your mind for now.

Are you off too?

As you see.

Wait, Lucka. Two voices

down is quite a blow.

Our folks are

waiting down below.

As you like.

Your choice. I hope

that's clear to you.

Hi. It's me.

Do you want the leftovers?

No.

You sure? Dad made it.

Give it here.

That frown will

give you wrinkles.

Hello.

-Bloody hell.

-Hello.

The girls haven't been at rehearsals

for ages. I was concerned.

Girls, you have a

visitor. Please come in.

Thanks.

-Hi, girls.

-Hello.

Jaroslav!

The girls didn't tell us much

about the camp, to be honest.

Thanks.

No?

Did something happen?

Nothing strange,

as far as I know.

Apart from Karolna's illness,

but these things happen.

Someone always falls ill.

Every pre-tour

camp is demanding.

It's tough for the

girls, and for me too.

It's a kind of stress test.

-Feeling better?

-Yeah, I can even sing again.

She's almost done with the antibiotics.

You're going back to school Monday, right?

That's great.

What about you, Lucka? Why

haven't we seen you this week?

We were unaware of that.

I'm super busy.

Busy at school, you mean?

Yeah.

The girls were so sorry

they had to leave early.

They were so keen to

make a good impression.

-Especially before the tour.

-Mom!

Karolna said you were

pleased with her performance.

And with Lucie's.

Sure, yeah.

Do you mind if I speak

to the girls alone?

Lucka, you just missed out on

the last tour to Austria, right?

I was second below the cutoff.

Girls.

Foreign tours may sound great, but

in reality, they're a total pain.

There's a concert every day.

Your vocal chords and feet hurt,

you're forever on the move.

I can't take anybody who

crumbles at the first obstacle.

On the contrary, I need

people I can rely on.

Who the choir can rely on.

It's not my fault I got sick.

Wait a sec.

I wanted you to hear

it from me, personally.

Because I have decided...

to take you on the tour to

the States. Both of you.

-For real?

-Yeah.

Thank you!

Mom!

So cool!

Stand back from the train.

Girls!

So, girls, you're

on the 11th floor.

You're on the 11th floor too.

You're on the 13th.

This bed's mine, ladies.

Oh, wow!

Oh, my God.

I'm missing my bow tie.

Katka, come here, please.

Do me a favor.

I forgot my bow tie and I can't

go to the audience like this.

But across the street,

I saw a suit shop around the

corner. Pop over there fast.

-Now?

-Yes, now. I need to write my speech.

I'm not sure...

-I'll go buy it.

-Really?

How's your English?

-Yeah. A regular bow tie, right?

-A white one.

Thank you.

You've got ten minutes, max.

What do we do?

We've got to leave now.

Let's go, girls,

we're running late.

-Will you wait for her?

-I will.

Wake up Katka.

Where the hell were you?

Are you taking the piss?

I said ten minutes. The whole consulate

will be waiting, because of you.

Give it to me.

And fix yourself up,

you look dreadful.

Let's go!

Let's go. I'll fix

your hair on the way.

Thank you.

We're glad you can

be here with us today

and be part of the

new, successful story

that our country

is going through.

Welcome to America.

What the hell was that?

Are you out of your mind?

Don't you remember what

I told you at home?

You've gone too far now.

Tomorrow, you stay at the

hotel. No concert for you.

I'd have no problem putting

you on the next plane home.

-Over here, Kaja.

-Let's take a photo.

Give us a smile, Kaja.

Girls, wake up.

Karolna, Kaja, wake up.

You can't lie about here.

Get up and go to your rooms.

Is everyone back already?

You don't have the key?

The girls have it.

About time.

What am I doing here?

What do you think?

You fell asleep.

What time is it?

Six.

-So I've been asleep here two hours?

-Yes.

Look.

I want to apologize.

I got a bit carried

away this morning.

Let's forget about

today. This time.

Tomorrow, you will

sing as usual.

Thanks.

I came across this.

It's beautiful.

It's yours.

-Really?

-Yeah.

You can practice your English.

You're very beautiful.

You're beautiful.

Move a bit.

Girls, it's time.

Smile, you want

to look your best.