Austerlitz Station.
I go there often, Tuesday and Thursday, when classes end earlier...
to watch the trains that are leaving...
... the people who arrive, are lost,
or are waiting for somebody.
Lovers parting, people crying...
You don't know where, or why they're leaving...
... saying goodbye with a tiny wave through the window.
Similarly with the arriving trains, I study the people waiting.
They smile at times, their arms raised, their hands fluttering.
You see people at the end of the platform, with tense, impatient faces.
Couples find each other... they kiss...
... and they hug each other.
I like it best when they hug.
So that's what I do at Austerlitz.
And then some day I looked elsewhere.
Elsewhere there were other people...
... who also go to the station, but never leave.
Miss Bertignac, I don't see you name on the list of presentations.
I was going to register.
I can't hear you. Silence please!
- I just haven't registered. - Alright. What's the subject?
Homeless people.
That's a bit vague... can you be more specific?
Can you spare some change?
I'll trace the activities of a young SDF... a homeless person...
Her life, her story... how she found herself on the street.
Very well... nice subject.
Do you know when the term SDF came?
Does that kind of background interest you?
Yes? When did the term SDF come in?
1983 it was.
Before that they were just hobos, tramps, and bums.
People on the margins of society.
But today, 1 of 4 SDFs has a job.
What documentary sources are you going to use?
Personal testimony. I'll interview a young woman SDF.
I met her yesterday and she's agreed to do it.
I'll put you down for December 19th.
That'll give you time to prepare...
Could you please make less noise!
It's painful!
One thing though...
Be careful when you're doing this interview.
- Yes. - You never know.
Maybe you should have your parents with you.
No, it's alright. I've got it all worked out.
My mother never goes out...
... and my father weeps in secret in the bathroom.
I couldn't tell that to the teacher.
He wouldn't have let me do it, I'm sure.
- "No", like in English? - "No" as in Nora. You?
Lou.
As in "wolf"? Come on, let's go.
Hold this.
Excuse me, pardon sir... please...
You wouldn't have a cigarette?
For a little girl like me.
Thanks boss... you're cool!
Come on...
I've seen you here before... What do you do?
I look at people.
- Aren't there people at your place? - It's not the same.
- How old are you? - 13.
Where to now?
A cafe... I've got some money.
Hey, No!
Fuckin' hell... thanks! Your kid OK?
- Yeah. - Say hi... don't forget!
OK, fine!
Wait. Hey Momo, would you mind my bag for me?
That too. I'm being interviewed!
Like a film star!
- Interview about what? - Dunno. She didn't say.
She's silent as a grave!
- Yeah that's true. - You want to interview me?
Interview whoever you like, eh?
- What grade are you in? - 2nd year.
- What high-school do you go to? - Sophie Decour, in Le Marais.
And you have to do an assignment about me?
Well, it's about young people classified as having...
... "no fixed address".
Yeah, that's me!
I'm young and I've got no fixed address.
- What do you want? - A vodka.
It's OK... I'm old enough!
- Where do you live? - Near Bastille.
It's OK... It's warm.
Where do you sleep?
How about you say "tu" to me!
What about your parents?
- Don't have any. - They're dead?
No, I just don't have any.
Do you mind if I record you?
No. What do I get in exchange?
I'm joking... So laugh!
Why isn't this working?
It's the batteries.
- Was that thing expensive? - Don't know... It's my father's.
We can do this tomorrow, if you like.
OK... You're paying?
Yes.
I'll stay here for a bit.
- You'll be here tomorrow? - Yeah.
- See you tomorrow, then. - Yeah... tomorrow.
Almost 800,000 homeless in France...
... with around 100,000 in Paris.
Difficult to put a number on...
... as the undocumented and invisible are hard to count.
"Invisibles"... 17% are women.
And do you realise that 20% are under 25.
It's not fair. Life's not fair.
Among the SDF aged between 16 and 18...
... the proportion of girls is 70%!
You can take that as a starting point.
- You could do an interview with a street kid. - No.
Or have a friend with you at your presentation.
I'll do it alone... I don't know anyone.
It's like that when you're new. You'll make friends.
I'm going to bed.
- Aren't you going to have dinner with us? - I'm tired.
Rhubarb, rhubarb... is this thing working... rhubarb, rhubarb.
Is it OK? Is it working?
Yeah.
How old are you?
Almost 19, adult and inoculated.
As far as I know.
How old are you?
As I told you, 13.
How long have you been living on the street?
I'm not living...
I'm not living on the street!
I've only slept outside 10 times. I often change address.
It is temporary... I'm not a bum.
I've got several places where I can...
Fuckin' hell! these glove of yours are super-warm!
- Do you want them? - I'm not gonna nick them off you!
This bitch at the interchange pinched mine.
Gloves like these... super warm.
She nicks everything. She was with a guy just to get his tent.
She pinched everything except his underpants.
Would you rather sleep in a hostel?
So long as there's room.
There'll be guys wanting it... And I'm not interested.
Want a lay? Got to pay!
Nah, I'm joking!
Momo's the same, even he's a bastard.
The longer you stay in one place the more likely you'll be robbed.
I'm thirsty. You thirsty?
No, but...
Drink!
I realised...
it was up to me to sift the truth out of her jokes, her gestures...
... and her tales of Momo and the bitch at the interchange.
She'd lived with Cindy, who she'd met in a hostel...
... and who worked in a supermarket deli at Porte de Bagnolet.
Bartender... I'm thirsty!
And she's suspicious of everything... And everyone.
- Not too warm, is it? - No, it's freezing.
That's my lover... Loïc.
He's so handsome! Well, maybe not the eyes, but not bad.
And he wrote me a great poem and everything, really!
He didn't copy it... he wrote it himself.
He was already in Ireland when he wrote it.
I prefer not to read it!
And all the pages from when we played "Exquisite Corpse".
That was lovely!
When she doesn't know where to sleep she calls Social Emergency Service.
Because when she turned 18 she had to leave the hostel for minors.
They said to her... - "There's the way out"!
... for my birthday!
Fuckin' hell! What's the time?
6:30.
Got to get to the centre or I'll lose my place!
One, two...
... three, four... In my class there's Lucas Miller.
He's a year behind. He's said to live alone.
I remember him the day the school resumed.
Five.
He didn't have a pen...
I passed him one across the aisle.
The teacher said..."Did you leave your things on the beach, Miller?
Lucas replied "yes" and smiled at me.
Six... He's been seeing Léa Germain, ever since...
... and never spoken to me again.
Mr Vargas gave out the fact sheets... seven.
In the box for "Brothers and sisters"...
I wrote "zero"...
I read somewhere that the absence of a subject or an object
is best expressed by either "there is not a..." or "none"
Zero doesn't express the absence...
... or the sorrow.
The classic error is to confuse megabit and megabyte.
As we saw last time...
... a byte is equal to 8 bits.
Something funny about that?
Thus, for example...
And tomorrow, mega-boobs!
An ADSL connection, whose speed is given...
as 16 megabits per second...
We divide by 8...
This gives us 2 megabytes per second.
Being 2048 kilobytes per second.
We know...
that a mega...
Excuse me sir, may I close the window?
What are you doing there?
I see... Well, you can leave again.
You're excluded until tomorrow.
- But sir... - You just get out!
I really like megabits.
Quiet!
Quiet, please. We continue to convert...
I envy the others... They have something I don't.
You can see they have no fear. They're afraid of nothing.
You go through with the bag in front.
- In front of me? - Yes, in front of you.
Go on...
Give it to me.
You're so light, it's crazy!
See you Tuesday!
With two days remaining, I know almost nothing about her.
I feel I give her nothing.
I don't say much when she asks if I have a computer, how home is for me...
We live in different worlds.
I feel guilty... going home, eating, getting into bed...
A vodka!
They have files on you. I had to see the manager...
She wrote "disorderly behaviour"! Do I talk too loud?
I'm... Thanks boss.
I'm clean. Her carpet was filthy.
Oh, I forgot to say that her grandmother had died.
She pulled some of my hair out!
No is furious.
She'd been promised a room that a woman named Myriam had.
She'd fight over a cigarette butt.
She was in a break-up and worried about her kids.
She gets really worked up sometimes.
I see a broader picture than the one she talks about...
One of rootlessness, survival, hardship, in a world we can't imagine.
But it's there, right next to us...
Like an invisible city within a city.
Women who always sleep in the same place...
With their duvet and their bags.
Men on the footpaths, under the bridges...
in stations, along the ring-road.
People lying on a piece of cardboard, or curled up on a bench.
One day, we start to notice them...
In the street, in the subway.
Not just those who are begging...
... but those trying to hide, as well.
We notice the way they walk, their crumpled jackets...
... the frayed cuffs of their trousers. We realise there are many of them.
Thousands.
"That's the way it is", people say... But I don't accept that.
I think we have to stop looking the other way...
For a start.
Bravo!
That was very very good.
Really good... a lovely presentation.
And well put together, really.
You may sit down, Miss Bertignac.
So... 800,000 SDF in France, with 100,000 in Paris.
- Lou Bertignac, you were real cool! - Thank you.
Worth 20, eh?
Thank you Mr Miller, but unfortunately I decide, for now.
It was just a suggestion!
You're very kind, thank you.
His father's the guitarist with Téléphone. He's going to be furious.
Louis Bertignac... Your generation!
There's your problem, Mr Miller.
You congratulated Miss Bertignac... Highly commendable...
But you can't help putting yourself in the spotlight!
- I didn't... - Go and think about it... in the corridor.
So...
800,000 SDF in France...
of which...
And 100,000 in Paris, of which 17% are women.
What's incredible, as Miss Bertignac said...
- You want something else? - No, that'll do.
Shall we say same time Tuesday?
I'll tell you about my presentation.
OK... if you like.
- Will you still go to the station sometimes? - Maybe... I don't know.
As I went down into the subway, I felt dizzy...
... with an overwhelming, unfathomable fear.
What are you doing?
I'm tired... Must be the weather.
Weren't you worried?
Eh?
- Weren't you worried? - Why?
Because it's 8 o'clock and I finish at 4 on Tuesdays.
What were you doing?
Nothing.
I'm frozen. I don't know what's wrong with me.
- I got an 18 for my presentation. - Aren't you cold?
The mark counts towards next term, after the holidays.
Holidays again already?!
Day after tomorrow. Are we staying home for Christmas?
Yes, it's Christmas. The year goes so quickly!
Why does it go so quickly?
My mother doesn't like traveling... or anything else.
She just wants to stay put in a place she's familiar with.
Thanks sweetheart... I had my hands full.
- All OK? - Yes.
I'll just unload here, and look!
Is that for me?
Sometimes, when I'm alone, I look at photos.
The old ones with baby Thaïs.
I'm holding her in my arms, she's quite small.
Thaïs sleeping on my mother's breast...
... the 4 of us on the maternity bed.
The photo is not very well centred.
We see the hospital room, with blue walls, the presents.
But most of all, mum's face...
Incredibly smooth... and her smile...
Merry Christmas, happy holidays!
Bravo, Miss Bertignac.
Merry Christmas, Mr Vargas.
Happy holiday, Mr Miller... Do a bit of reading and you'll be fine.
Lou Bertignac!
- Come and have a coffee with us. - I can't.
- Hey, didn't you find everything on the Internet? - For what?
Your presentation. It was fab!
It made me think for once! What about coffee?
- I don't think so... - Do I scare you?
- No. - Not a bit?
OK, cheers, Lou Bertignac!
Was your father guitarist for Téléphone?
You seem the type...
No? You don't know? OK... Merry Christmas.
The only thing I managed to find out about No's previous life...
was that her mother lived at Ivry.
She never took care of her.
No was put in custody at 12.
Since then, her mother had a son.
This evening I feel it's too late for everything.
That's what I think. That's what comes into my head.
That it's too late for her and that I should go home.
From what moment is it too late?
Yes please... on my plate.
Could you pass the bottle?
About depression...
It's the brain working too fast.
You're obsessed with the same thoughts.
- You're always thinking. - You in 4th year?
- In second. - You reflect too much.
And when you stop, you're very tired.
So I advise you to stop.
Sylvie?
- Doctors... - She's in second year!
Yes, I know!
Lou is gifted, didn't you know? She's 13.
She's certainly gifted!
Not like ours!
Yoga would be good for you.
Your energy would circulate.
Your brain is blocked.
Do you do yoga?
Not me, but I know about it.
Lou looks a bit pale.
Come on... eat up!
A bit less noise in there!
Those kids...
I saw the office you made from the old bedroom.
Are you going to leave it like that?
For the time being.
You can't allow rot to set in... excuse me...
I mean a negative energy...
that you see in the bedroom.
It's like yoga.
I'll go fetch the dessert.
You want some help?
- Need help? - No, I'm fine, thanks.
I don't think she's well.
Perhaps try a different doctor?
No, no, no, breathe, breathe!
Oh breathe! Oh my baby, no!
No, no, no, it can't be!
Oh my baby!
Yoohoo... Lou!
Goodness me, sweetie!
Are you OK darling?
Isn't that nice!
- Wait, maybe... - Is it too much?
No, we'll fit it in!
I spend the day in a department store... It's nice and warm.
We hang out with Momo.
He's too obvious to avoid detection.
The other time the guards expelled us, with their dogs.
A shitfight with Momo's dog! You don't want to know!
- Hi... are you Cindy? - Yeah.
I'm looking for No... Nora...
She told me about you.
I'm working... I haven't time to talk.
Rillettes please.
She comes over to my place... That's OK.
I work... But she won't get out of that life.
I can't help her. How many rillettes?
200g please.
I never have any problems about eating.
I go to the soup kitchens at the town hall or at the Père Lachaise cemetery.
There may be mud and fights there, but you get fed quickly.
I'll be back... I have to give something to a friend!
Otherwise, I usually go to Rue Clément...
You don't get to sit long, but it's good while it lasts.
It's warm, and you can eat as much soup as you want.
Where do you think you're going?
I'm in the queue!
- How about some respect? - Just stay there!
- Turn around. - OK.
- Don't give me the shits! - You're giving me the shits!
I been standing here half an hour.
So? I haven't eaten in 3 days.
That's true?
- What are you doing here? - Looking for you.
What do you want?
- I wanted to say thank you for the presentation. - OK.
Fine... so fuck off!
What is it? Leave me alone!
FUCK OFF!
Wash your mouth!
Go screw your father! Get away!
- What's with you?! - I'm hungry!
- Go to hell! - Stay in line!
Why don't you fuckin' fuck off, you stupid bitch!
Look, Lou... This is real interesting.
There are centres who accept SDF who have dogs.
I'll never mention that presentation for the rest of my life.
Not talking about it doesn't stop it existing.
That's not the point!
Some people do nothing for themselves, and are happy to sit in their own shit!
- Lou, please don't yell! - But it's true!
A documentary on the manta ray...
Turn off the TV please.
Hey, take it easy!
Hey Lucas! Where's Robin.
He hasn't moved off the sofa since last night.
- Where'd you go? - Val d'Isère... and you?
Les Arcs.
- Shit snow! - Really?
- Should I bring my bass tonight? - Yeah!
You want to play anything else?
Have you seen that girl again?
Crazy! I'll tell you later.
Lou Bertignac!
So what did the daughter of Téléphone's guitarist?
That's not my father!
You don't think it's funny?
Just a bit?
I never see you on the bus.
Because you're always late and you get the next one.
How's things?
One day, Mrs Cortanze, the psychologist, told my father
... that precocious kids can easily conceptualise the world.
But they might fail to handle some simple situations.
I had a place in Val-de-Marne for a fortnight.
But I couldn't sleep. There was a girl with me.
She was always yelling on the phone, coming and going...
I couldn't even shower because of the disgusting wet mats.
I tried to get a job...
I sent a CV to McDonalds.
No reply. And no job... can't get into the better centres.
I phoned about a training course, but didn't get any response.
You can only make one call a day.
I don't know what to do.
- I'm home! - Hello, Lou!
Mum and Dad... Nora, Margot's cousin, is coming to study in Paris.
Could she stay here? In the spare bedroom?
- Of course, darling! - What a nice idea!
- I'm home! - Hello, Lou!
Daddykins... you wanted me to work on my English...
I know a bilingual girl who's coming back from Ireland.
But her parents are dead. Could she stay here?
- Of course. - What a nice idea!
I'm home! Bonsoir, Lou!
A girl was kicked out of home because she didn't graduate.
It's so unfair...
That's terrible! She must come and stay here.
The world is an evil place and we have a room.
Your father's right! Come on lover, our friends await.
As usual!
Go on darling, I'm listening.
Please don't interrupt what I have to say.
- Alright... - Don't cut me off!
- It's extremely important. - Just get to the point.
You told me to contact a homeless person, for my presentation...
Someone who knows life on the street first hand.
I interviewed a 19-year old girl.
She's become a sort of friend.
I was worried you might forbid me from seeing her again.
But now I know what to do.
- We can have her stay here. - But... - Let me finish!
You'll say we aren't running a shelter here... I don't care!
We have a bedroom to spare. You like to say the world's an evil place...
This is a chance to save a life. Doesn't a life matter?
Perhaps we could meet her?
It's more complicated than that!
Than what?
I didn't know when she'd come back, but I kept hoping.
I was quite sure she would.
Today's the day.
Come on in! I'll run a bath.
- You're OK? - I'm fine.
There's a bathrobe and a towel, OK?
That's fine.
There's some shampoo there too, on the side.
- Wait, Lucas... what are you doing? - I'll be in my room.
You wouldn't have any clean clothes that'd fit her?
My mother's got some stuff in a chest.
I'll have a look.
Hello, Mum?
I'll be there with No in an hour.
Tell Dad.
My parents welcomed us... I made the introductions.
Don't like it? Tastes change with age.
Mum had made a zucchini gratin.
For the first time in ages, she wasn't in her dressing gown.
She stayed with us till the end of the meal.
And for the first time in ages, she really seemed to be with us.
She wasn't there only with her body, but also with her spirit.
No didn't eat anything. She must have disliked zucchinis.
My father, taking us to school, serviette still around my neck...
My brother saying to me in the car "Eat your breakfast!"
- There we are. - Thank you.
- You often go... - Here, Lou.
Some comics for No... She'll die laughing.
Thanks.
And would you give her these chocolates?
With a kiss from me, OK?
- Look who's spoiled! - They're not for me.
- Sorry... - Here...
- I saw it was minus 15 degrees in Bucharest. - Minus 15!
But he's not going to Bucharest... He's going to Sofia.
Bulgaria... that's not Bucharest?
No, Sofia's the capital of Bulgaria.
"Sophie blows bubbles"
Sophie-Sofia, Bubbles-Bulgaria.
My manager's name's Sophie.
That's easier to remember.
Would you like something warm to drink?
No, sorry... I fell asleep again.
Come in!
It's good for you to rest, Nora... Come and sit down.
She likes to be called "No".
Have a little bit.
There... enjoy!
Thanks.
So, what did they do to you?
They took a blood sample and checked me all over.
I really don't feel very well.
I'll help you tidy up tomorrow.
- You want me to go with you? - No, no.
It was as if she was returning from a long journey...
... where she had crossed deserts and oceans...
walked barefoot on mountain trails...
... along endless highways...
... trekked across unexplored lands.
She returned from far away.
She returned from hidden places.
All this in a spirit really for me of...
Sometimes my father talks to her for hours. I don't know what about.
It's like a secret.
He also got her an interview about finding work.
She still keeps her things in her suitcase...
... finishes the coffee my father's left in his cup...
... doesn't turn on the light, and walks without a sound.
You off to school?
No... I'm home... it's 5pm.
Fuckin' hell! I slept all day.
Have a good day?
Yes... and Lucas asked all about you.
He asks lots of questions. Léa Germain is really jealous...
... because he spends so much time talking with me about you.
So... we're together now?
No started leaving her room.
My father had a key copied for her.
She never comes in late.
I saw no photo of her family.
She says she wants to visit her mother, but I feel that's just talk.
She's becoming part of the family...
... spends time with Mum...
... telling of run-ins with social workers.
Mum's most at ease speaking with her.
- Lou Bertignac! - I'll miss my bus!
Wait! If she liked the comic, I have more at home.
Wait, driver!
Give her that, OK?
Say hi to your dad!
What?
Hello everybody!
- What is it? - Look at this.
Look, this is crazy!
That's small and looks big... and that's big and looks small.
It's normal, or we'd see nothing.
We're right there!
See, I'll crash!
- Looks like a nipple. - No... it's skin.
Could be a nipple if it's skin.
Tomorrow I'll wear jeans with boots.
On top... I don't know.
Need to find something?
- No, we'll go shopping. - Sit up, girls!
That mean us?
Yes... to sit down to dinner.
... when you're trying to fall asleep.
- You slip away... - Not with me.
It just happens...
It's when you're stark naked.
I've never dreamt of that!
The other time I was with Nico in my dream!
This is dirty!
- Lou Bergerac can do the bottles. - Don't call me that!
Can I do bananas flambé?
No that's my specialty! Could you peel them?
Watch out!
Careful!
You screamed like a baby!
Your father's in Brazil, and you don't visit?
- That'd be fantastic. - It's not for me.
- Some Coke? - No.
- Coke? - Yes please.
Cute, eh? It was your mother's. I can keep it.
Where's your mother? Does she ever come here?
No, she's with another schmuck...
They live in Neuilly... Fine by me!
Stop fooling with that security thing. You'll wreck it.
You'll set off the alarm!
Now you've made a hole in it!
Cool it! You're annoying.
Must be weird, living alone.
And you've seen where he lives!
Fuckin' great.
- I'm home! - There's good news, Lou.
About No...
The social worker called... Well you tell her.
I have a part-time job as a hotel room-maid.
Starts at 6:30am.
If it works out, could be full-time, with something on the side...
- I start Monday. - This Monday?
- I have to get up early. - Hello!
Come and hear some good news.
Can I tell him?
No has got a part-time job as a hotel maid.
It could be full time, with payment on the side.
Wait... let her tell.
I found a part-time job as a maid in a hotel... mornings.
I might get extra at night at the bar.
What's "on the side"?
It's temporary...
... I can get extra in the bar... late in the evening.
Early morning and late evening?
- Every evening? - She doesn't know.
It's so annoying! She finds a job, and you just...
Let's just be happy for her!
We have an agreement, don't we, No?
Of course.
They'll be us... You take pink and me blue.
With the little apron, it'd be so cute!
- No! - Yes, I want the same!
- She'll be you! - No matter... different style.
She's like Monique, the "mother" at the children's home!
She was the Ho-Ma! "Home ma"... that's the mother.
The mother of the home? Get it?
The home-ma... Ho-Ma.
- Shall I wrap them? - No, I'll take them!
But I won't wear them now!
Fantastic!
- The queen herself! - Lovely!
- Pretty cool, eh? - Princess! - Sexy lady!
I'll be the housemaid princess! Fantastic!
No time for lunch. 15 minutes for a sandwich...
... but it was cool... on a big bar stool...
- Worn out? - Yeah!
- Guess how many rooms. - 100, 200?
Are you crazy?! 200?!
Are you serious?!
20 rooms! Think about it! You can barely make your bed.
Think about it, 20. Vacuuming...
And the boss! He's always right behind me.
- Paid just to watch me! - You didn't like him?
- What's he like? - Gross, horrible... worst ever.
- Do you get a break? - You want to know?
I started to smoke a cigarette. But I didn't have time to finish it.
He screamed "I warn you!"
"I don't pay lazy people to smoke!"
He went red... his veins were swollen.
He nearly had a heart attack!
Nothing is absurd with her.
Once, we counted all the dogs that we saw.
We also collected old Metro tickets...
... to see how they knew they were invalid.
I look so beautiful!
You're so chic!
I know her work's hard, but she never complains.
Perhaps with her experience she could work in another hotel.
Take with meals or you risk gastralgia...
... a burning in the stomach. Do you have that?
No.
Dosage...
It is quickly and totally absorbed...
If you have a bad back, avoid heavy loads.
- Take care of your body, it's important. - Of course.
I look after myself, but I'm bent over all the time...
... making the beds, cleaning the floors...
That's why the boss suggested I do a trial run behind the bar.
It's better pay, being late, and not so tiring.
I want to earn more, to rent a room. I won't be here forever.
But take your time... We like having you here.
I've unloaded the pallets.
I'm exhausted... I shifted 8 tons of butter this morning.
8 tons!
Could you carry 8 tons?
Then when I see you, I'm happy!
Hi! It's cool you could come! Wait till I change.
- Howdy, No... - Hi Faysal!
Have a nice day!
See you tomorrow... if I have the same boss.
I'll smash your face in!
No violence, please!
We're off to the soup kitchen...
... with the pensioners... It's weird...
Eating the soup's no bad thing...
We're home!
Mum?
She must have gone out.
- Want a sandwich? - She never goes out alone.
- What'll I put on it? - I usually have Nutella.
I'm home!
Well, where have you been?
- Where were you? - The hairdresser.
What for?
No special reason. I just felt like it.
- I picked up some chicken. Hungry? - Are we ever!
You've made some sandwiches. Has Dad called?
I don't know. We just got in.
- What'll we have with it? Fries? - If you like.
I've got a geography test. Will you test me, No?
Yes!
She doesn't need to be told to do homework.
She likes schoolwork.
She was reading before she was 4!
All on her own.
Have you always lived here?
Yes, I came when... ... I was pregnant with Lou.
- You don't work? - I used to work, yes.
Did you stop, to take care of Lou.
No, I stopped because... 5 years ago I had a second child...
a little... girl... little Thaïs...
but she's... She died at 2 months old.
She had what's called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome...
Her... breathing stopped.
I believe it's that the brain stops telling the baby to breathe.
I found her dead in her room in the morning.
She'd stopped breathing. The ambulance came quickly, but...
But, well... it was too late.
Like some wine?
We like the odd glass of wine.
"Roche Mazet".
Well then I stopped working.
After a lot of sick leave, I quit at the Education Dept.
Then afterwards, I...
But I couldn't go back.
As I had serious depression, they put me in...
... what is politely called a rest home, but is just a mental hospital.
So I went there, for 4 years...
Now I take less drugs. I'd taken a lot. It was hard for...
For Lou... right?
It was quite hard for her. She was boarding for 4 years.
- No, I'm late... The teacher will kill me! - It's OK.
- What happened? - I'll fix it.
- What about drum lessons? - No beginners.
- What did you break? - Nothing!
Hurry up, Lou!
- Go on! We'll shut the door! - It needs to be locked.
He's frightened I'll let more homeless in.
The naughty evil SDF!
Wait there!
It's to thank you for everything. Not that it's nearly enough.
It's almost new. It was my workmate's brother's.
It's the latest one, with speakers... You can listen anywhere.
It should be compatible with your computer.
Should work fine.
You're crazy... It must have cost a lot.
Forget it!
- So thank you! OK?! - No... thank YOU!
- You! - You!
No... thank you
No, thank YOU!
YOU! YOU!
- Thank YOU! - No, thank YOU!
This lesson concerns the uneven growth of the population.
You have two documents, I want you to briefly analyse...
... something I know you're used to doing.
Document 1 "Back to School in Algeria"...
Document 2...
"Because of an accelerated aging population,
... the EU wishes to raise the retirement age."
- I'm home! - Let us know if you won't be home.
I just had a hamburger with a workmate.
So how was Russia? Bulgaria?
Excuse me... As usual when I come in, I need to pee.
But where were you?
You OK?
Don't glare at me like this! I only took two.
I'm stressed, I'll put them back. Don't say anything, OK?
I see how her job will complicate things.
She's coming home later and more tired.
Some evenings she doesn't want to eat when she comes home.
She promised me she would see a doctor, once she had her Medicare card.
At night she comes and goes, runs the bath, opens and closes the window.
I hear her vomiting in the toilet, despite the closed door.
Fucking hell!
I'm going to see my mother.
- Are you sure she still lives here? - The other day I called.
I said "Mrs Bourguia?" She said "speaking"... I hung up.
See the window on the right, on the 5th floor?
- Yes. - That was my room.
Here it is!
She won't recognise me!
It's me... it's Nora.
Mum?
I can hear you!
Mum!
Open the door. I know you're there.
Open up, fuck it!
Come on, open the door!
Don't leave me out here!
Open the door!
Come on... let's go.
You've got me... Come on.
Come on, you can't stay here...
Come on...
- Can I count it? - Just be careful!
Plus what I paid for the tequila.
- I'll pay you back. - Forget it!
Not counting unpaid overtime.
- You gotta scream! I'll go! - Forget it.
Tomorrow I begin to 2am...
In the bar... and being night-clerk too.
- The bar and what? - Night clerk.
A heap of tips straight in my pocket.
- You coming? - What about your mates?
No, they couldn't... and Nico's sick.
Ashamed of me?
Don't be stupid... come on!
He's ashamed.
- Bottoms up, Lou Bertignac! - Bottoms up!
First night on the bar, I'll shout!
No one will ask for ID!
Can't make it... Mum's taking me to Normandy.
Everybody's abandoning me.
I'd much rather stay in Paris than visit my aunt.
"Oh no! It's Auntie Sylvie's birthday!"
Where in Normandie?
Near Deauville... A mansion where it freezes.
- Is it big? - Big, boring and fuck-all to do!
It'll be dinner at 3, for hours.
That'd be so boring!
I hate being stuck for hours, just eating.
I feel I'm wasting my life.
Like when you're sleeping, eh!
You sleep for a third of your life.
So if you live to 80, you've slept 26 and a half years.
- I won't sleep that long. - Me neither!
It's not all at once!
No, but 8 hours sleep a night...
... for 26 and a half years... that's 8 years of life.
It doesn't matter. Pull the crackers.
- If you sleep 6 hours... ... you'd be tired.
No, it's not like that!
If you sleep 6 hours, you get 2 extra hours a night.
So that means altogether you'd get another...
...7 years.
7 years of life... do you realise... 7 years!
If you are inside, only 1 turn, if you go out, 2 full turns.
Okay? Note any messages... There shouldn't be anything important.
Can we call you at the hotel?
Good it's just for one night!
- What about your number, there? - It's on the fridge.
Have you got your bag?
What time are you back?
It depends on the traffic. You will have gone to work.
If the doorbell rings?
Well, take a look. Best you don't open it.
- This is really weird! - Isn't it!
- Goodbye, then. - See you tomorrow.
And No, we're trusting you, right?
Can I use the land line?
Again? Who is this guy?!
Stop teasing her! You can use the phone, darling!
- Another piece of pie? - No thanks.
- You can go outside with the boys. - No thanks.
Hi, No... it's me again. I guess you're still asleep.
I hope everything's alright.
Call me when you wake up. 'Bye.
It was me before... I didn't leave a message. Kiss kiss!
Don't push, dear!
- Oh fuckin' hell! - Yoo-hoo!
How wonderful! How was it?
You're home early! I'm so happy to see you!
No, can I speak with you for a moment?
- Why? - Just a second.
- What is it? - I don't know... Don't worry darling.
No, when you came here, we spoke of rules to follow...
... so all could go well. - So I'm drunk.
If you can't obey them... STOP THAT!
- Listen to me! - I have to work!
You're not to drink or take drugs while you're with us.
Understood?!
Fucking shit!
Shit, I've buggered my knee!
That's possible. 850 students like that and we can shut up shop.
Of course you realise that we need to find something...
We'll go into it thoroughly and see what we come up with...
... so the teachers can work normally...
... and everyone wins.
- I understand. - No other way.
What, no class?
Didn't the nurse call you? I had a stomach ache.
Take a bath, or go lie down.
- Where's No? - She's asleep.
What are you doing?
- Is it late? - 7 o'clock.
- Did you sleep well? - Yes.
How was work?
Great... I made heaps.
There's always one or two idiots but it was OK.
I missed class this afternoon... Awful stomach ache.
You got your periods?
I'd better make myself decent.
Can I come with you to the hotel?
- Your father won't like it. - I can do as I please!
No... he'll blame me.
- What has he said to you? - Nothing. It's OK.
Isn't No eating with us?
Yes, but not tonight. She doesn't want to be a bother.
I hope she's eating properly.
She doesn't have regular meal times.
Her dinner's in the morning... Wakes up to moussaka... Same at night.
- How's her job going? - Good.
- Does she talk about it? - No much.
- She IS going there? - Of course!
- How are you sure? - You'd have been called!
She told me and I believe her. You assume she lies.
- You don't believe anything. - If there's something, tell me.
But there's nothing. Has something happened?
Do you want some yoghurt, sweetheart?
You're hiding something!
I just want straight answers to straight questions.
She lives here, so I need to know a bit more about her!
- Isn't that normal? - Normal! Everything's normal!
So what's the solution?! What is it?!
- What I do wrong? - You're a fucking pain in the neck!
Don't talk like that! What am I supposed to do?
- Look at the state you're in! - I've done nothing!
No... This can't go on like this!
You made promises, and I can't keep mine if this goes on.
You calm down!
What have I done? Tell me what I've done to you?
What?
You and I had an understanding...
You go back to bed... Go to your room now!
If we can't help you, you'll have to go elsewhere...
People who are sick should have treatment.
- I can't help you. - It's you who needs treatment!
That's enough!
Ah, Lou... I'm sorry, sweetheart.
Has she gone?
She trusted you... and you've thrown her out?
- I suggested she go to a hostel. - We're all she has!
- She's sick. - You're disgusting!
We can't give the help she needs.
You're a liar and mum's a screw-up!
Nobody's a screw-up... She's not well.
- She agreed... - She has fun... Young people have fun!
I always said we'd be there for her...
I thought she'd listen to reason.
You're a disgusting liar!
I despise you!
Lou! Lou, I'm closing!
I thought of her suitcase on wheels.
I thought of Austerlitz station.
This evening, I'll wait at the hotel. She'll be there.
I'll ask her to come home... say I can't live without her.
But I told you, it's really important. I have a presentation, with Axelle Vernoux.
I can't come home now... we've still got a lot of work.
Her mother will feed us... don't worry.
OK then... 'bye!
I'm home!
Hello, Lou!
I'm pooped. I'll go lie down.
Lou! What's going on?!
At least give us a kiss!
But I'm dead tired!
Hi, darling...
Hello, Lou.
Listen...
Camille called me and asked me to repr...
- Have you got lipstick on? - So what?!
I may go back to the Department, part time.
- What do you think? - Now everyone's happy.
I'm really sorry sweetheart... No can come back if she wants to.
- Have you heard from her? - No.
I called the hotel... She was on tonight.
They didn't have her new address.
They wouldn't, unless you told them.
Don't give me that... it's just a excuse!
Who's the girl living with you?
Bullshit! Who told you that? Don't bug me.
Is everything alright?
She woke me at 6, with croissants.
Laughing and chatting, at fucking 6 o'clock!
Nice time for croissants!
- Let her have a key! - No, I won't.
- Why? - I'm just not.
- What did you do? - She was watching TV.
I can go shopping, and even do homework at your place.
I'll need to make an excuse. Not that my mother cares.
You've got a presentation!
I've already said I'm doing one with Axelle.
Just say you're doing one with me as well.
Your mother won't be there?
- No, just a maid. - Her name?
Oh, fuck!
No, her name was Olympus Goujes... But interesting answer!
This is Lucas... You needn't come in this afternoon.
No really, it's OK.
OK... Monday.
Make it later... 7, 7:30?
5 hours, OK?
Miller, your mobile!
- I've sorted it out. - Glad to hear it.
No has changed since she started working at night.
I'll make coffee.
There's a unsettling aspect to No, that I don't understand.
I'm frightened I'll find her dead, or the apartment stripped bare.
But No is there.
I want to hold her face between my hands, so my fears would fade away.
Fucking damned shit!
Is it freezing outside?
You OK?
Yeah.
Good sleep?
Yeah.
That is...
You want coffee?
No, I don't feel well.
That's you!
I have to go. Give me a plastic bag for my shoes.
- Yeah, two seconds. - No, come on!
Don't worry...
Come on, move it, you fucking slug! I've got to go!
- Look yourself... they're over there. - Come on!
Come on, I'll buy you a drink.
Hi, everyone!
A hot chocolate and a vodka. I have cash and I'm over 18.
Nothing smaller?
No money? Too much money? They still complain!
- Earn much? - Not bad.
- Lot of cash! - My little presents!
Sometimes I get more!
I need cash! To go see my little darling! My Loïc!
My buddy Jeff told me that Loïc works in advertising at Wexford...
... lives in a large house in the country with dogs, cats, lots of rooms...
... and a huge kitchen! With his friends, they roast poultry on a spit...
... light lamps in the garden, make music... It must be insane!
As soon as I have the money, I'll go. I'll do a hairdressing course.
First a new tooth, and a film star smile!
Another vodka? I've got change now!
I'm home!
Could you answer your phone? I left you two messages.
What about?
Nothing... just checking you were alive. It's after 8.
I told you about the presentation with Lucas Miller!
- You get a lot of presentations... - I can't help that.
- Have you eaten? - Yeah. What are you doing?
We're going to redo the office... painted all white.
You mean No's bedroom?
Yes... the spare room.
We'll change all the furniture.
The desk isn't deep enough for Dad's computer.
That'll work out well. It can go right into the corner.
You like the one with the black top?
Yes, I prefer it... and it's a standard size...
You are late, gentlemen!
Lou, I'm closing!
- I'm coming. - Well hurry up!
In 2 different situations...
... one with glucose, and one without.
And for euglena, the chlorophyll cells...
... we have one instance in light and one in darkness.
Sit down and pay attention.
Start by placing the strip on the slide,
as you saw last week.
Napoleon was head of a vast powerful territory...
... resulting in a conquered entity stretching from Belgium and Holland to northern Italy.
Yes?
- Excuse me, sir. - Hello.
I had a medical appointment...
You're 15 minutes late and I can't allow you into class.
Go and see the dean.
The Consulship of 1799...
- What about the ambulance? - I didn't dare. There was the concièrge.
I carried her up to my place, put her head under the shower...
Then put her on the bed.
- We better check her! - It's OK... She's sleeping.
There's nothing we can do.
- Besides she drinks like crazy. - You too sometimes!
With her, it's the hard stuff!
Then the pills she pops... she's always stoned.
- She has to stop. - Then what?
What does your friend want, Lucas?
Are you kicking her out?
I don't know. I can't look after her.
She needs someone to love her.
What can you do? You're 13!
I just need to spend more time with her.
She doesn't listen to me!
But she listens to me.
It's more complicated than that.
You sound like an oldie.
I'm gonna be sick!
What's this? What is it? What are you doing?
What the fuck are you doing?! You're disgusting! Where is this from?!
- You're a whore?! - Give me my money!
Calm down!
OK?
Asleep?
I'm sorry. It just made me angry.
I called the hotel to say she was sick.
- Did you say who you were? - Her sister.
- What have you done? - I called my father.
I'm leaving for Brazil.
Lou, the school called... you're not going to class?
- What do you care? - Don't talk to me like that!
Unless I tell you, you never ask me anything!
You don't give a damn about me, my presentation, the friends I don't have...
You make fun of me and No... All you do is sit on your sofa!
You don't want to know about a sick alcohol-addict!
No way you love me!
It's been hard, extremely hard.
I think it's important we talk... that you talk to her.
No, no, if you're back Wednesday, that'll be OK.
You know... I think she's...
I'll go talk to her.
We have to talk... the three of us.
- Who is it? - It's me.
- Did you get my message? - No... what?
The concièrge here got in touch with my mother.
She wants to call the cops. She must not find her here!
Well, hello!
- Sorry about this. - It's alright.
- Where are you going? - Don't know yet.
- You'll call and let me know? - Yeah.
- See you Monday, anyway. - Yeah, see you Monday.
Why've you got your bag?
I'm not going back home.
The cops'll grab you. The Juvenile Squad catches runaways.
They can't track me... I've disabled my phone.
Is your waffle nice?
So good!
- How's your fag?! - Great.
Tastes so NICE!
Top class!
But "how do you do it?" "How do you do it?"
- How do you start smoking? - With patches!
I take two puffs now... It was only one puff, the other day!
What about the concert?
That thing with Michel Sardou... That smokers create the mood!
And us with "hoo-oo-oo-oo!"
When he gets his girl worked up! "What have you got?"
"What have I got?" "Yes, what have you got?"
"Ah, bravo, Madam!" "Bravo, Madam! But you lost it!"
"Bravo! But I lost it!"
This'd suit us fine!
Yeah!
Come on!
I don't want any stories.
I know you... But what is she doing with you?
- How old are you? Any parents? - She's my half-sister.
It's just for a night.
- I didn't think you had family. - Just a bit.
I don't want any crap... Watch yourself!
I don't speak Arabic!
- You're name's Bourguia! - You piss me off!
Nice language!
You leave when?
We're leaving for Ireland tomorrow... to visit our cousin Loïc.
It's a surprise from Nora.
That's right.
You look a bit smarter than your sister.
No fooling around. Alright?!
Will you stop that racket!?
- No police around! - No, but...
Think, we'll be in Ireland in 14 hours.
The lady said there's a hairdresser on the ferry.
I'll get my hair done!
I need a smoke.
I'll mind your things.
No, I'll change in the ladies, I'm too cold.
Mum!
Subtitles by FatPlank