Bitterroot (2024) Movie Script
1
PLEASE COME BACK TO YOUR HOUSE
SPIRITS
AND NO LONGER EXPERIENCE
PAIN AND SICKNESS
COME AS PURE AS WATER
AND AS GREEN AS THE FOREST.
Hello, son.
Hello.
This weekend I have a daughter
coming in from Milwa..
Come if you're available
and see if you like her.
And son
you're grown now, you must find
a wife.
Have children for your mother
so she can be happy.
You are the only son, so make it
worth her giving birth to you.
-Okay.
-Thanks, auntie.
Come join us if you're
available.
We'll see if we can make it. See
you.
Careful, it's hot.
Don't forget, in two days
you have a date with Blong's
cousin.
.due to storm damage this year
there will not be enough for
farming.
.officials warn that millions of
people will go hungry
since neighboring countries
offered no financial assistance.
Areas affected by the conflict
have no medicine or water.
Don't make her go.
Her food will get cold,
let her keep eating.
Did you like her?
Who?
Blong's cousin.
What's this?
It is for spiritual protection.
Protection from what?
Just to be safe.
Did you like her?
I didn't have time.
In that case, let's invite her
over
before she goes back to
Minnesota.
Forget it.
She's from a good family.
She's never been married.
If we could get her,
it would be good for us--
It's been six months since the
divorce
and you're telling me to marry
again.
Every day I have to look at that
picture.
Stop it.
Don't be like that. A shaman
could have helped you.
My dear husband
I am very stressed today
so I am begging you to hear me.
Please come watch over our son
to protect and guard him.
Please come watch and guide him
to reach his destination.
Even if he travels far, may
nothing
slow him down or make him
stumble.
Watch over him and protect him
so he will marry a lovely wife
and have children and
grandchildren to fill the house.
Please, my husband, I beg of
you.
I wonder if Youlee had their
wedding yet.
They said it's going to be
August 6th.
Going in August is good
with all the fires here then.
Last year I was coughing all the
time.
Kia even got me a special
machine
to clean the air so I can
breathe better.
Did it help?
I don't know, I don't use it.
We turn it on when she comes
over.
Son, you're back?
Hi, auntie.
Hello, nephew.
Did you get my seedlings from
Kou's?
While you're there, see your
uncle.
He said he wants to talk to you.
-Kou and the others are out
back.
-Okay.
My dear, what are you up to?
Come, come.
Hello, son.
Would you like some water?
No thank you.
I'm watching this program on
forest fires.
There's a lot this year already.
You wanted to talk to me?
I have a few things
I want to talk to you about
because your mom and I
are worried about you.
So I wanted to talk to you
about your future.
She's always worrying.
Unfortunately, when you got
married
it did not work out.
So you ended up divorcing.
As Hmong people say, we must
continue our family legacy.
Therefore, I urge you to find a
new wife.
As your uncle,
I want you to find someone new.
It's been a while.
Hello.
Good to see you again.
Have a beer.
Made me a believer.
We're just joking.
If you want to go, we can ask
Pao.
I'm going to see what the others
have.
Why did you lie?
What?
You were fired from your job.
No. Laid off.
I'm looking for something else.
Why did you lie?
Mom--
I helped you look for a wife
but you don't want o..
I give you the amulet
and you don't wear it.
In the middle of the night
I hear you shout and scream.
What am I supposed to do?
Do you know I've devoted
my entire life to you?
No matter what I say, you don't
listen.
Will I have to drop dead
for you to be happy?
Hello.
I'm so happy you all have spared
your precious time to attend
this feast to celebrate
my son's graduation.
Thank you all.
My son, you have reached a big
milestone.
It is such a blessing.
Education is a great
accomplishment.
We'll meet back here for lunch.
We'll be staying in these
two areas. Don't go too far off.
Watch for holes, rocks, and
burned
stumps so you don't trip and
fall.
This was all from last year?
Yeah.
Miller Creek Fire. A good one.
You mean bad.
The worse it is, the more morels
for us.
To be honest, my son has been
giving me a lot of distress.
Does he disappear at night?
Has he been wearing the amulet?
He doesn't want to, auntie.
He refuses.
Thank you for trying
to help him and his wife.
If only I could have seen
farther,
I would have been able to help
them.
What happened after the
miscarriage?
She went back to California.
Just took all her things and
left, auntie.
Yes, auntie, she just
disappeared.
I don't know what to do so
I came to plead for your help.
Please forgive me.
I should bring my husband to
kowtow to you
but you know I no longer have a
husband so
I'm just using words to ask your
help.
Please help watch my son.
Recently he's been screaming
at night like he's disturbed.
I'm afraid he's encountered bad
spirits
so I am here to ask you to check
on him.
If you insist, I'll look into it
and see if I can be of any help.
Holy spirit of this area
this food is an offering to you.
The food over there
is ours. Do not come eat with
us.
Today we came to forage
and hike in nature.
Please protect us so we
stay in good health
and return back home just as
pure.
It might be a ghost.
I'm not afraid of ghosts.
Mom.
We don't need those hoses.
The sprinklers are fine.
If you change them, you won't
know how to use it anymore.
Nevermind.
At least my son-in-law wants to
help me.
.see if it will ease my heart
I miss you more than anything
words cannot describe my longing
On days I cannot see you
it's like my world is upside
down
like there's no path
for me to go on
You're nowhere to be found
My heart yearns.
What's that?
Mushrooms.
Where did you get them?
I went with Pao Moua.
There's nothing to worry about.
If you go, stay with the group.
Don't wander off by yourself.
Aunt Chuad says we must
do a spirit calling for you.
Mom--
Are you okay?
He says your heart is weak.
They want to run more tests to
know why.
I don't want this wheelchair.
We're just taking it to the car.
The doctor says to use it. Are
you ready?
Let's go home.
Rise, my spirit, don't rest
here.
Rise, rise, let's go home.
Don't argue, please.
Why aren't you sleeping? Why are
you up?
Help me button this shirt.
You're going to get better.
Aunt said you should take it
easy
so you can recover.
Where is Lue? Has he eaten?
Don't worry about him.
Did you take your medicine?
Is he wearing his amulet?
Just rest now.
I'm bored, so bored.
My kids downloaded a movie for
me.
Let's watch it.
It's dangerous and we
don't have enough supplies.
If we can find help on the other
side
we can rescue everyone.
Brother and sister, that's
right.
Hurry up and let's go.
This is for you.
Eat your portion. Don't eat
mine.
Father.
Please help me.
Mom?
.tonight is going to be a good
night
Today is the day
to call back your spirits
Tonight is the night
to call back your soul
I'm going to call Lue here
His spirit has long fallen
in the bedroom
underneath the fire pit,
under the logs
Lost in our realm, relatives,
brothers,
doesn't matter how it was lost
I am calling you back,
I am calling you back
His spirit has longed to find
a soulmate due to sadness
Please come back
You still have parents and
good brothers, good sisters
Please rise and come back
I am calling you back
Sadness is not a place
to stay and linger
Please come back to your house
spirits
and no longer experience
pain and sickness
Come as pure as water
and as green as the forest
Rise and come back,
rise and come back
Today is going to be a good day
Tonight is going to be a good
night
Today is the day
to call back your spirits
Tonight is the night
to call back your soul,
I'm going to call Lue here...
I want to see you for a little
while
to see if it will ease my heart
I miss you more than anything
words cannot describe my longing
Mom.
Son, are you hurt?
I'm fine. How are you?
I was working in the garden
and I met your father.
He said it was too soon
for me to go with him.
I know it was hard for you
growing up without a father.
Since Kao Neng also was without
a father
I thought she would love you.
My son, I told you
don't go into the forest alone.
You must bring someone to
protect you.
Mom, please forgive me.
I don't need a wife and kids
to take care of you.
Henry and Dylan are getting big.
We'll help each other.
And May and Dan.
My dear, I know.
But who will love and care for
you?
PLEASE COME BACK TO YOUR HOUSE
SPIRITS
AND NO LONGER EXPERIENCE
PAIN AND SICKNESS
COME AS PURE AS WATER
AND AS GREEN AS THE FOREST.
Hello, son.
Hello.
This weekend I have a daughter
coming in from Milwa..
Come if you're available
and see if you like her.
And son
you're grown now, you must find
a wife.
Have children for your mother
so she can be happy.
You are the only son, so make it
worth her giving birth to you.
-Okay.
-Thanks, auntie.
Come join us if you're
available.
We'll see if we can make it. See
you.
Careful, it's hot.
Don't forget, in two days
you have a date with Blong's
cousin.
.due to storm damage this year
there will not be enough for
farming.
.officials warn that millions of
people will go hungry
since neighboring countries
offered no financial assistance.
Areas affected by the conflict
have no medicine or water.
Don't make her go.
Her food will get cold,
let her keep eating.
Did you like her?
Who?
Blong's cousin.
What's this?
It is for spiritual protection.
Protection from what?
Just to be safe.
Did you like her?
I didn't have time.
In that case, let's invite her
over
before she goes back to
Minnesota.
Forget it.
She's from a good family.
She's never been married.
If we could get her,
it would be good for us--
It's been six months since the
divorce
and you're telling me to marry
again.
Every day I have to look at that
picture.
Stop it.
Don't be like that. A shaman
could have helped you.
My dear husband
I am very stressed today
so I am begging you to hear me.
Please come watch over our son
to protect and guard him.
Please come watch and guide him
to reach his destination.
Even if he travels far, may
nothing
slow him down or make him
stumble.
Watch over him and protect him
so he will marry a lovely wife
and have children and
grandchildren to fill the house.
Please, my husband, I beg of
you.
I wonder if Youlee had their
wedding yet.
They said it's going to be
August 6th.
Going in August is good
with all the fires here then.
Last year I was coughing all the
time.
Kia even got me a special
machine
to clean the air so I can
breathe better.
Did it help?
I don't know, I don't use it.
We turn it on when she comes
over.
Son, you're back?
Hi, auntie.
Hello, nephew.
Did you get my seedlings from
Kou's?
While you're there, see your
uncle.
He said he wants to talk to you.
-Kou and the others are out
back.
-Okay.
My dear, what are you up to?
Come, come.
Hello, son.
Would you like some water?
No thank you.
I'm watching this program on
forest fires.
There's a lot this year already.
You wanted to talk to me?
I have a few things
I want to talk to you about
because your mom and I
are worried about you.
So I wanted to talk to you
about your future.
She's always worrying.
Unfortunately, when you got
married
it did not work out.
So you ended up divorcing.
As Hmong people say, we must
continue our family legacy.
Therefore, I urge you to find a
new wife.
As your uncle,
I want you to find someone new.
It's been a while.
Hello.
Good to see you again.
Have a beer.
Made me a believer.
We're just joking.
If you want to go, we can ask
Pao.
I'm going to see what the others
have.
Why did you lie?
What?
You were fired from your job.
No. Laid off.
I'm looking for something else.
Why did you lie?
Mom--
I helped you look for a wife
but you don't want o..
I give you the amulet
and you don't wear it.
In the middle of the night
I hear you shout and scream.
What am I supposed to do?
Do you know I've devoted
my entire life to you?
No matter what I say, you don't
listen.
Will I have to drop dead
for you to be happy?
Hello.
I'm so happy you all have spared
your precious time to attend
this feast to celebrate
my son's graduation.
Thank you all.
My son, you have reached a big
milestone.
It is such a blessing.
Education is a great
accomplishment.
We'll meet back here for lunch.
We'll be staying in these
two areas. Don't go too far off.
Watch for holes, rocks, and
burned
stumps so you don't trip and
fall.
This was all from last year?
Yeah.
Miller Creek Fire. A good one.
You mean bad.
The worse it is, the more morels
for us.
To be honest, my son has been
giving me a lot of distress.
Does he disappear at night?
Has he been wearing the amulet?
He doesn't want to, auntie.
He refuses.
Thank you for trying
to help him and his wife.
If only I could have seen
farther,
I would have been able to help
them.
What happened after the
miscarriage?
She went back to California.
Just took all her things and
left, auntie.
Yes, auntie, she just
disappeared.
I don't know what to do so
I came to plead for your help.
Please forgive me.
I should bring my husband to
kowtow to you
but you know I no longer have a
husband so
I'm just using words to ask your
help.
Please help watch my son.
Recently he's been screaming
at night like he's disturbed.
I'm afraid he's encountered bad
spirits
so I am here to ask you to check
on him.
If you insist, I'll look into it
and see if I can be of any help.
Holy spirit of this area
this food is an offering to you.
The food over there
is ours. Do not come eat with
us.
Today we came to forage
and hike in nature.
Please protect us so we
stay in good health
and return back home just as
pure.
It might be a ghost.
I'm not afraid of ghosts.
Mom.
We don't need those hoses.
The sprinklers are fine.
If you change them, you won't
know how to use it anymore.
Nevermind.
At least my son-in-law wants to
help me.
.see if it will ease my heart
I miss you more than anything
words cannot describe my longing
On days I cannot see you
it's like my world is upside
down
like there's no path
for me to go on
You're nowhere to be found
My heart yearns.
What's that?
Mushrooms.
Where did you get them?
I went with Pao Moua.
There's nothing to worry about.
If you go, stay with the group.
Don't wander off by yourself.
Aunt Chuad says we must
do a spirit calling for you.
Mom--
Are you okay?
He says your heart is weak.
They want to run more tests to
know why.
I don't want this wheelchair.
We're just taking it to the car.
The doctor says to use it. Are
you ready?
Let's go home.
Rise, my spirit, don't rest
here.
Rise, rise, let's go home.
Don't argue, please.
Why aren't you sleeping? Why are
you up?
Help me button this shirt.
You're going to get better.
Aunt said you should take it
easy
so you can recover.
Where is Lue? Has he eaten?
Don't worry about him.
Did you take your medicine?
Is he wearing his amulet?
Just rest now.
I'm bored, so bored.
My kids downloaded a movie for
me.
Let's watch it.
It's dangerous and we
don't have enough supplies.
If we can find help on the other
side
we can rescue everyone.
Brother and sister, that's
right.
Hurry up and let's go.
This is for you.
Eat your portion. Don't eat
mine.
Father.
Please help me.
Mom?
.tonight is going to be a good
night
Today is the day
to call back your spirits
Tonight is the night
to call back your soul
I'm going to call Lue here
His spirit has long fallen
in the bedroom
underneath the fire pit,
under the logs
Lost in our realm, relatives,
brothers,
doesn't matter how it was lost
I am calling you back,
I am calling you back
His spirit has longed to find
a soulmate due to sadness
Please come back
You still have parents and
good brothers, good sisters
Please rise and come back
I am calling you back
Sadness is not a place
to stay and linger
Please come back to your house
spirits
and no longer experience
pain and sickness
Come as pure as water
and as green as the forest
Rise and come back,
rise and come back
Today is going to be a good day
Tonight is going to be a good
night
Today is the day
to call back your spirits
Tonight is the night
to call back your soul,
I'm going to call Lue here...
I want to see you for a little
while
to see if it will ease my heart
I miss you more than anything
words cannot describe my longing
Mom.
Son, are you hurt?
I'm fine. How are you?
I was working in the garden
and I met your father.
He said it was too soon
for me to go with him.
I know it was hard for you
growing up without a father.
Since Kao Neng also was without
a father
I thought she would love you.
My son, I told you
don't go into the forest alone.
You must bring someone to
protect you.
Mom, please forgive me.
I don't need a wife and kids
to take care of you.
Henry and Dylan are getting big.
We'll help each other.
And May and Dan.
My dear, I know.
But who will love and care for
you?