Cernak (2025) Movie Script
BASED ON A TRUE STORY
JANUARY 1996
NITRA
Holy fuck, guys.
Is there a problem?
Not at all.
174, 174.5...
175 million.
Exactly half.
Is there a problem?
Not at all.
They didn't even know who we were.
We can split it 50-50.
I need a buffer for overheads.
Is there a problem?
Is there a problem?
Not at all.
All right.
May God bless you forever after.
DECEMBER 1996
HOREHRONIE
- Would you help me with my necklace?
- The regional party boss called.
He said he was also coming.
I've had him seated at our table.
Invoices are piling up.
We need to go over them.
The parlor, the hotel, everything.
Easy.
Work can wait.
Today we dance.
Are you fucking nuts?
I can open my own door.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I cannot begin to express
how honored I am
to be here among you today.
BUSINESSMEN'S BALL
I am truly thankful, as a representative
of the Movement for a Democratic Slovakia,
for this opportunity to spend some time
with the elite of the nation,
who have done so much for the development
of our beautiful region.
I don't want to ruin your evening
by talking about politics.
Let me just say a few words of gratitude.
I would like to thank the sponsor
and host of today's event,
Mikul ernk.
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you.
It's thanks to patriots like him
that we need not fear
for the future of our beautiful Slovakia.
Mikul, once again, thank you.
Have a nice evening, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you.
For the very last time
Pour me a glass of wine
Before everyday worries appear
I drink to your health
And if I'm overcome with sudden joy
I'll have a solo played for you all
This solo is for us
Let those magical melodies play
This solo is for us
Before tomorrow comes
This solo is for us
Let those magical melodies play
This solo is for us
Before tomorrow comes
Boys, here's to me and my big brain,
which has got us to where we are.
Genius.
These damn crooked floors.
Milo has short legs.
He has trouble standing up.
Maestro!
This solo is for us...
- Take a picture of us, Jano.
- Some other time.
Bullshit. We're taking a picture.
Let bygones be bygones.
What bygones?
The entertainer came to my bar and started
waving around his parliamentary ID.
He'd forgotten his place,
so I gave him a little slap
to refresh his memory.
Come on, smile, Maestro. That's it!
Thank you. Farewell.
I'll walk her home, okay?
It'll be better that way.
Excuse me.
Tell the boys to drive you right back.
Better not. I'm tired.
I'll spend the night in town.
So I don't wake you up.
Good night.
You're needlessly making enemies.
He was harassing my waitresses.
You should focus on business.
You're not helping anyone
by beating up MPs.
Good waitresses are hard to find.
Fuck waitresses.
You should worry about the Albanians
encroaching on your turf.
We're working on it.
They've brought drugs to our city.
They've raped two girls at a disco,
and they're meddling in our business.
But that's fine. You don't mind.
Look, Miki,
if you can't clean up your own town,
don't expect any big jobs.
If you've no respect at home,
you've no respect anywhere.
Hello?
- Did I wake you up?
- Miki? What's up?
- Wanna meet?
- At the flat?
- Yeah.
- What if I came in the morning?
- Sure. See you in the morning.
- Nine o'clock?
- Sounds good.
- I'll get ready.
- You're in for a treat.
- Okay.
Bye.
- Miki?
- Come to the garages in Ssov.
- What's going on?
- Move it, for fuck's sake!
What's going on? Miki?
Miki!
We'll need to get these out.
You don't fucking say.
We gotta call him an ambulance.
Do we know him?
What language is that?
- Fucking Serbian? Or Croatian?
- Something like that.
Get him out of here.
People are about to start going to work.
Quit fucking honking!
You'll scare our game! Stop!
Slow down, girl. Who gave you a license?
I said slow down!
You fucking bitch!
With a war going on at home,
you'd think they'd show some gratitude.
Instead, they do this.
Albania isn't part of Yugoslavia.
There's no war.
What? I watch the news.
- Still, they should know better.
- They should.
Here comes another one.
Slow down! That's it.
Go. Go on. Take it easy.
If that idiot had waited for a second
longer, I would've been toast.
Put it away.
We need to sort them out.
You need help?
From you?
You can't even shoot a damn deer.
I don't have the heart.
You Bratislava guys wear these coats?
Nice. You work out, you've got a coat...
Very nice.
You should be glad your business is here
and not in Bratislava.
People here aren't as money-crazed.
You just don't want competition.
Yeah. Naturally.
Stick to your sheep and manure
and leave real business to real men.
We all have the same problems, Miki.
The other day,
I found a Semtex charge under my car.
You can't even trust
your closest associates.
I'm tired of this life, Miki.
It's time to start looking around
for something else.
You'd rather go fishing at the lake?
Or into politics.
That's just leaving one mafia for another.
I've done a few favors for people.
They owe me.
They've promised me new business,
government posts for my guys...
Politicians always keep their promises.
They do if you have dirt on them.
How much longer do you wanna keep this up?
Until someone hits you where it counts?
Give it up, Miki.
There's more to life than this.
What?
What the hell is this?
Have we ever done anything to cross you?
Has any of us ever done you harm?
My brother won't stand for this.
Is your brother handy with a shovel?
If so, he's already in the ground.
If not, he's still digging.
Say hi to Allah or whatever asshole
is waiting for you down there.
Nice addition to my collection.
We need to go and sort out their bars
after Christmas.
Is your mother coming to yours?
Yeah, she's coming to ours.
- Merry Christmas, then, Miki.
- Same to you, Jano.
I hit something.
Do something about it
so your mother doesn't ask.
Put some money under the tablecloth
so we don't end up broke.
- I wouldn't worry about that.
- I've already done it.
Let's pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Whoever leaves the table
will die within a year.
Old wives' tale.
If you talk like that,
you'll end up in hell.
You know the saying.
"Better to be first in hell
than last in heaven."
Come on.
Easy, I'm kidding.
They got him, along with his driver.
He fired back, but these guys were
no fuck-ups, unlike the Albanians.
Or he got unlucky.
Or that.
Who do you think did it?
We were sitting right here.
Me, Laco, Csongy and Miro.
I was telling them about my holiday.
Then Miro's phone went off.
He said my story had to wait,
he had a meeting.
With who?
- Who called him to the fucking meeting?
- Easy, Milo.
He wouldn't have gone without a bodyguard.
He must've known the guy.
Robo?
Fuck you!
I don't even remember
the last time I saw Miro.
So your people have just happened
to come over from Koice?
I got a call that Miro was dead,
so I came.
How? By rocket ship?
How did you get here from Bystrica?
Or Ppay, from Dunajsk Streda?
On fucking foot?
Your guys came by Gypsy wagon.
I had a fucking Alpina
when your people were still riding ponies.
That guy is hiding Duran.
I'd start looking there.
Who's gonna take over from Miro, huh?
You are. You've only gained from this.
So he doesn't deny it.
Are you hiding Duran?
You refuse to cut him in,
and now you're surprised?
Miro had to pay the fixers.
Yeah, right. Now tell us
that Intelligence is responsible.
Intelligence is responsible!
Miro wouldn't have taken his driver
to see Duran.
- He wasn't stupid.
- Wasn't he?
- Watch your fucking mouth!
- Fuck you and your fucking Miro...
Stop it! Stop it!
I'm listening.
Thank you.
I wouldn't have rushed it
if it wasn't urgent.
Of course.
Anytime.
How are you?
Good. I'm trying to live healthy.
I've even dropped a few pounds.
I've taken up running.
I'm sorry to hear that. What happened?
Let's skip the bullshit, Miki.
You know what happened.
Miro Skora was a prick.
He was fucking me, and I stuck by him.
But it came to a point where I thought,
"It's either him or me."
No offense,
but I prefer me.
You haven't come here to boast.
Only a little.
I've mainly come to tell you
I'm taking over Bratislava.
I want proper relationships with everyone,
especially you.
The other groups defer to you.
Miro's people aren't gonna like that.
Don't worry.
I'll take care of Miro's people.
Miki,
I know that you and Miro were friends.
But I was friends with him too,
and look what he did to me.
When the Albanians shot you up,
you didn't ask for permission.
You did what you had to do.
I've come here because I respect you.
I want to do fair business with you.
The west of the country is mine,
the center is yours,
we'll figure out the east.
No backstabbing.
You have my word.
Proper relationships.
We should've just offed him.
We can't keep doing this forever.
We need an out.
So that prick can just do what he wants?
On the contrary.
You saw what happened in Bratislava.
They were all at each other's throats.
This way, we'll never have peace
for business.
Either we get them in line,
or they'll start fucking with us.
And we won't allow anyone to fuck with us.
- Am I right?
- Right indeed.
Let's start with this guy.
Call Miro's guys.
Tell them we know who killed him.
This is the Slovak Republic.
As minister,
I'm not beholden to American interests.
I answer to Slovaks,
not to some capitalist naysayers
who would prefer if Slovakia
had never come into existence.
Madam, we are fighting corruption.
And as regards
all of these fabricated affairs,
I can guarantee you...
- Your mommy uses Azurit.
- So?
Everything was so soft that I fell asleep.
Remember, today we're holding
our special lottery bonus quiz.
Question number one...
minister, increasing numbers of people
are hearing gunfire in broad daylight,
as with the murder of the purported
Bratislava crime boss, Miroslav S.
Purported boss.
The case is still under investigation.
It may have been a robbery.
I can assure you that the police
have been instructed to find the killers,
no matter the cost.
Our government will not tolerate
the mafia.
BOSS OF BRATISLAVA
No more gunfire in broad daylight.
Slovakia is a sovereign, safe country.
We have the situation fully under control,
I assure you.
Let's be honest here.
People don't care about gangsters.
They care that they have a job,
that they have food on the table,
and that their children
have a future in this country.
BOSS OF DUNAJSK STREDA
BOSS OF UPPER NITRA
BOSS OF KRL'OVSK CHLMEC
BOSS OF IERNA NAD TISOU
BOSS OF PRIEVIDZA
What are you doing?
We'll do a little exhibition.
Let people know who the boss of Poprad is.
He'll have a bust in the city.
As befits an honorable citizen like him.
MEMBER OF THE POPRAD UNDERWORLD
Everything all right?
Yeah.
Any trouble?
Not really.
We've bought out the land.
The district authority office
will stand here.
We just have to put out a tender,
pick the construction company,
and start building.
- How much?
- 30 million for the raw construction.
We should get that approved, no problem.
We could use a little buffer,
in case we run up extra costs.
- How about 70?
- Seems reasonable.
If it were up to the Regional Party HQ,
I'd approve it straightaway,
but district authorities
are controlled by the interior ministry.
- Then ask the minister about his cut.
- You wanna bribe the minister?
Come on. We know the people in government.
They'd never take a bribe.
- The most they'd take is a box of sweets.
- The most.
No one's gonna do business with you
if you act like arrogant pricks.
Get a shave.
Miki.
Someone wants to meet with you.
Who?
I see.
Do I want to meet with him?
I don't think you can refuse.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
Nice, nice.
- What do I owe you?
- Miki, don't insult me. This is a gift.
You're far too kind.
It's my pleasure.
Thank you.
We need to talk to the police chief.
I get that they need to seem busy,
but they've been on us for three days.
These guys aren't police.
They want us to know they're watching.
- Should I call the guys?
- It's just a courting ritual.
Someone wants us to be their bride.
It's not in the best condition.
At three and a half mil, it's a steal.
Take it or leave it.
The owner won't be here for the sale?
The owner has had an accident.
His car blew up.
He was shot.
Right, shot.
A great tragedy.
You fix the place up,
kids are gonna love it.
And for a monthly fee, our firm will
make sure you never have any trouble.
I'll consult with my wife
and get back to you.
We can take care of your wife too.
What?
It's fine. We'll find another buyer.
What about the office?
Have they put out the tender?
- Not yet.
- I see.
Someone's delaying it.
Should we go and have a look around?
No need.
I've been watching you for a while,
Mikul.
For work or pleasure?
Work.
The secretary of the intelligence service
has nothing better to do than watch me?
I see I should devote more time
to maintaining secrecy.
Miro told me a lot about you.
- Good things, I hope.
- Only the best.
He said that when you put out a hit,
you pay on time.
At least you did with Remi.
I hope you can keep your mouth shut
better than he could.
I can.
Because I only work with people I trust.
That makes two of us.
Look.
I'm flattered by your attention,
but I'm not looking for friends
or business partners.
I'm more of a solo player.
It's nothing personal.
I've spoken to the interior minister.
He was reluctant, but I persuaded him.
He'll approve the deal,
but he wants five mil.
Okay.
Then tell him we want 80.
- My understanding was 70.
- Milk used to cost two crowns.
Prices are going up.
The government should do
something about it.
Fine.
What do you get out of it?
Personally, nothing.
But there's a referendum
coming up in two months,
and next year is an election year.
Exploding cars and severed heads
aren't exactly conducive
to good election results.
The police should do their job.
They do what they can,
but it seems that a lot of your friends
have recently found a hobby
in dying dramatic deaths.
We would appreciate it
if you could talk to them.
Talk to them?
So that they stop dying?
So that they die more discreetly.
I have no illusions about them.
You sow the wind, you reap the whirlwind.
We just want to make sure
some inexperienced clods
don't come to power on the back
of this and ruin our business.
I just had to sort a few people out.
Things will calm down.
Then may God bless us
forever after.
Feel free to stay.
Have something nice.
My treat.
Damn right, your treat.
Well?
Did it come through?
How much?
Blessed 80, just like my nan
before her heart attack.
It's come through! It's come through!
We're building the goddamn
district authority office!
We're millionaires! And legally too!
Mostly so. It's all on me!
The whole evening is on me!
four, six...
Miki, you want a double?
- No, thanks.
- A win like this calls for a proper drink.
I gotta drive home after.
All right. To us, gentlemen.
No bloody calluses,
no sweaty butts in old cars...
- No empty balls!
- "No empty balls"?
- No blue balls!
- Only impotents don't get blue balls.
To happy balls!
Make up your mind!
My glass is running dry.
To the smiles of the women
who take care of our balls.
Any other toasts?
To my brother.
It's been a year since his death.
To Vlado.
He'd be proud to see how far we've come.
Amen!
You little slut...
- Leave me alone!
- Bullshit, leave you alone...
What?
Get him out of my fucking sight.
Fucking hell!
He's shat himself.
He thinks he's fucking God.
I made him God, goddamn it.
I'm God's fucking God!
He's mourning, and you make a scene.
Bullshit. He lost it.
One day, he'll lose it for good
and kill us all.
You'll beg me to take him out first!
Take him home before he says
something he'll regret.
He'll stain my seats.
They've seen worse. Put down some plastic.
He fucking lost it.
You'll come begging me yet!
You'll come begging.
Here, take this. Fucking take it!
Where's Miki?
Miki?
Jesus.
Miki...
What's this, a wake? Why is it so quiet?
- Where's Miki?
- Doing paperwork. He'll be here in a sec.
He's very quick.
You want a drink?
Hi.
What's up?
A friend wants to take over
the Rolling Stock Company.
He only needs a signature,
but the owner is refusing to cooperate.
Let the locals take care of it.
I thought you could talk to them.
The budget is 20 mil.
There's some coffee money in it for them.
That's a lot of coffee.
Sounds like a tough job.
Good things in life are tough.
The current owner is the secretary
of the district authority office.
A political nominee
with government connections.
Those in power are gonna be pissed.
Too bad. You can't please everyone.
You want to steal my company.
2,000 employees is a lot.
It's too much stress.
Let's not play semantics.
You're trying to steal my fucking company.
- You stole it from the state.
- I privatized it.
Let's not play semantics.
Last I heard, ernk blew up your car,
and now you're fraternizing with him?
We made up.
Some band of bums you are.
Dumb and Dumber have got nothing on you.
Leave me alone.
You've misunderstood.
We promised our friends from Bratislava
that you'd be sensible.
You think I'm scared of you?
I'm more scared of your hairdresser.
I apologize, Secretary.
If you're not interested, you may go.
The boys meant well.
The boys are in over their heads.
They don't know who they're messing with.
They don't.
Miki, what the fuck?
He's right. Who does your hair? Your mom?
Goddamn meatheads.
They get juiced up
and role-play the mafia.
They think I'm scared of them.
Wastes of skin.
Don't worry. I'll be home in a sec.
Yeah, I'll call you tomorrow.
Notary, do you attest that the secretary
provided his signature
while of sound mind?
Excuse me?
Louder. I can't hear you.
Louder. Don't be shy.
Drop dead.
Drop dead? Okay.
Bury him.
- Thank you.
- Minister, how did you vote?
Like any good Slovak should.
We want no nuclear weapons in our country,
nor any Americans to bring them over.
Why did you leave
the fourth question off the ballot,
thus contravening the ruling
of the Referendum Commission?
Because this is a referendum on NATO.
Why don't you want
direct presidential elections?
Do you fear that the incumbent
might be voted in for a second term?
I have nothing to fear,
and I wish the president good health.
And you too. You look a little pale.
Excuse me.
I have an appointment with the boss.
Are you and the PM going to discuss...
I'm not going to see the PM.
I'm going to church.
Excuse me.
Wait here.
Nice speech. I almost believed it.
If we lose the elections,
I'll be the first one to go to jail.
Then you shouldn't lose the elections.
That's your job.
- You're letting ernk walk all over you.
- I'm doing no such thing.
Yeah, right.
So the secretary of the district authority
office just went on a long holiday.
Sort him out.
The PM has given the green light.
- I'd rather hear that from him.
- You know how he is.
Until we get the referendum results,
he'll be off in the woods.
If he's in the woods,
tell him to dig around a bit.
Maybe he'll dig up the secretary.
Take care of it.
I've already started.
Lord Almighty,
we beseech thee most humbly
for the sake of this child.
The world will tempt him.
He'll have to resist
the devil's offerings.
Deliver him now from the bane
of original sin
and hold your protective hand over him
on his journey through life.
- Amen.
- Amen.
Dear parents and godparents,
you've brought this child to be baptized.
Do your best to raise it so that
the Lord's life is ever strong in it.
Protect it from sin,
for sin threatens the life of God in man.
And if you are indeed prepared
to take on this role,
remind yourselves that you were yourselves
baptized, and renounce sin.
Do you renounce Satan
and all his works and all his pomp?
I do renounce them.
Do you renounce Satan
and all his works and all his pomp?
I do renounce them.
Do you renounce Satan
and all his works and all his pomp?
I do renounce them.
Miki, my son couldn't have wished
for better godparents.
Don't mention it.
Anything you need...
Anything for family, Miki.
Good.
May we all meet again,
dancing at my son's wedding!
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
Cheers.
Cheers.
Has Robo got a fart stuck in his ass?
I wanted him to be godfather,
but he said I was only gonna
drain money from him.
That's it?
I don't know, Miki.
The east is his turf.
He may feel like you're encroaching.
- I'm not.
- Well...
My boys tell me he's gone to
a soothsayer to cast a curse on you.
Nice place you have here.
We have the same problem, you and I.
We should talk about it.
Yes, this is ernk.
Who was it?
Intelligence.
They want to meet and talk business.
But?
Just me and the old man, tte--tte.
At a cabin in Tle.
In the woods, alone...
I wanna know what he's after.
Is something wrong?
Just a bad feeling.
It's all right. I must've slept wrong.
Can you drive over to Tle?
Isn't the meeting in the afternoon?
I want you to drive ahead.
I'll come and join you later.
What am I gonna do there all by myself?
but then I thought, "Why wait?"
Why beat around the bush?
"It can't hurt to ask."
And so I'm here, Mr. ernk.
Mr. ernk?
I was thanking you
for agreeing to see me.
I suppose it's not every day
that you see people like me.
- People like you?
- You've never seen Behind the Scenes?
I answer viewers' letters,
introduce new programming,
that kind of thing.
I don't have time to watch TV.
You should make time.
This month, we're showing
three new Hollywood titles
and "an Evening with Tom Cruise."
What do you want?
Mr. ernk...
Sorry.
I'm scared for my life.
I've come to ask if I'm safe.
Definitely.
Health and safety are very important.
Milo, wrap this up.
- How much would it cost?
- We'll get to it.
- Good afternoon, Mr. ernk.
- Hi.
- I just wanted to ask...
- I'm on my way.
Sorry for the holdup.
- Are you there yet?
- I've just arrived.
I'm alone, like we agreed.
- Good. I'll see you in a bit.
- I'm looking forward to it.
How's it looking?
There's birdsong, murmuring streams,
the sun is shining...
- The old man says he's already there.
- Nope. I'd have seen him.
But there are these two guys
who came an hour ago.
They took two plastic bags inside
and never came back out.
Guess they're painting the walls.
What's up?
He wants to off me.
Robo just talks a big game,
but he's a wuss.
He'd never follow through.
What's this got to do with Robo?
Who were you talking about?
What's this big game he's been talking?
The boys say he's been telling everyone
he's gonna be boss of the whole country.
But he's a pissant.
He would never dare to act on his own.
I resent having to do this. Every life
is precious, but I see no other way.
- Sometimes we have to make tough choices.
- Mr. ernk,
Mikul...
Don't forget. This Saturday, we're showing
Tom Cruise films all evening long.
Take care.
Next week, we're doing Schwarzenegger.
Let's go, boys.
Did you see him? He drools like a pig.
He should've worn a bib.
What?
Get the boys. We're going to Koice.
What's going on?
Robo has thrown in with Intelligence
to take me out.
You think you might be exaggerating?
He's gone to a soothsayer
to cast a curse on me.
You think that's normal?
Maybe it was a good curse.
Are you fucking retarded?
Where are you going?
We've got a tail.
koda Favorit, jean jackets...
They're just police.
For fuck's sake.
Today of all days?
Turn the boys around.
Tell them to lie low for a while.
And no phones. We may have been tapped.
What about Robo?
Listen.
You either take it or leave it.
But it's a full-blooded S600.
The first one with satnav.
Put in a CD, and the car will tell you
where to turn, fill your tank...
It's like in America,
except we're in Koice.
I don't think I need a Mercedes.
Bullshit. Everyone needs a Mercedes.
Power brakes, xenon headlights,
side airbags...
If the sun exploded, this car
would be the safest place on earth.
The previous owner had to escape to Italy.
His mom will buy him a new one.
Nowhere else are you gonna find
a ride of this caliber for...
Fuck!
Where the fuck were you today?
Take it easy, all right?
- I came as soon as I could.
- "Take it easy"?
I was fucking shot at today,
and I'm supposed to take it easy?
I had nothing to do with it.
If I had, I wouldn't be here.
Are you sure?
Hey, hey! Calm the fuck down!
As if anyone would go
behind your back, Miki.
Whoever came at you did so behind my back.
And when someone does
something behind my back,
I want to get them as much as you do.
Where were you, Miki?
With a girlfriend.
I'd give you her number, but I'm worried
she might run off with you.
Miki,
they knew where to find me.
You should check your men.
See if you have rats.
One of them dropped this.
I've had Intelligence check the number.
It's in the guy's own name.
- Who is he?
- This third-rate little cunt
who's been telling everyone
what great friends we are.
I know how he rides his bike.
I'm sure it was him.
He also had an accomplice.
I'll get them both.
I'll cut off their stupid heads
and display them in the city.
Robo,
whoever's after you is after me too.
We'll get them together.
- He bought it.
- We'll see about that.
- We'll escort you home.
- No need.
Miki, you shouldn't drive alone
until Robo's been sorted out.
I can take care of myself.
For fuck's sake, guys.
Are you out of your minds?
I almost shot you.
What department are you from?
You think I've got binoculars?
Criminal police.
Have you nothing better to do?
We needed overtime, and the bosses,
they never say no to tailing you.
Someone in Koice
has tried to take out Robo,
yet you sit in front of my house
like chickens.
Koice isn't our district.
Tell your boss we need to talk.
You need to learn some manners.
- Hey, is this a bad time?
- What do you want?
I've found the bike driver.
Fuck. Do I know him?
- Could you come to Bratislava tomorrow?
- For fuck's sake, Miki.
I'm in Koice.
I'll drive down in the afternoon.
Okay. I'll let you know
the time and place.
See you tomorrow.
When I give the signal, go for it.
The fucking roads...
The guys upstairs have until 2005.
If they don't build a motorway to Koice,
I'll personally shoot them all.
Are your cars in the shop?
We wanted to keep a low profile.
Where is he?
He's holed up in a flat.
We've sent a guy to check if he's there.
We'll get going as soon as he calls.
- Is something the matter?
- Nothing.
We're sitting ducks out here.
Let's go inside.
Sure.
I was starting to feel cold.
You want something to eat?
They have a good restaurant here.
Miki,
can we talk in private?
Of course.
Don't think I need your help.
I would've found that fucker
with or without you.
I've already sent him a message.
What message?
We paid a little visit to his brother.
He was crying like a kid,
swearing that they hadn't met in years,
but I said fuck it.
I shot him in the head
and set his body on fire.
He burned like a candle.
What did his brother have to do with it?
Nothing.
He was a regular waiter.
But now the fucker knows
that if he doesn't show up,
I know where to find his mother, father...
I won't let anyone fuck with me.
And don't think I'm stupid.
I won't stop until I've got every
single fucker that knew about it.
Miki,
no one is untouchable.
I hear you like seeing the soothsayer.
Sometimes.
- Why?
- Just curious.
If I were you, I'd ask her
how many years I had left to live.
I have asked.
Yeah?
What did she say?
That I'd live to be 82.
That means she fucked you.
I don't know. I ran into a friend,
we grabbed a drink,
and then I blacked out.
- Must've been the trauma.
- So you didn't see the killer?
Don't think so.
Can't you see that my client's in shock?
He's not telling you anything else.
Okay, is that it? Let's go.
- Yes?
- Is this a bad time?
- I'm calling to apologize.
- For missing our meeting?
You could've called.
I came and waited for you for nothing.
You didn't come.
And that's not why I'm calling.
I promised that my friends
would die more discreetly,
but Robo wouldn't listen.
He wanted to go out in style.
Actually,
it's your fault.
Mine?
This is how you killed Miro:
by luring him out to a hotel.
Thanks for the inspiration.
And for clearing my way.
At least I can follow through.
When Robo recovers, he'll come after you.
And this time, he'll have powerful allies.
That's strange.
What is?
That he's still alive.
My watch must be working wrong.
What do you want, Mikul?
We'll see.
Our beautiful little Slovak Republic
may be only five years old,
but we've already succeeded
in laying the foundations
on which our nation will rest
for decades to come.
Twenty, 30 years from now,
our children and grandchildren
will reap the fruits of our labor,
and whoever is here with us now
will be proud of what we've achieved.
May this stone
be not only the symbolic foundation
of a single district authority office
but also a symbol
of the solid foundations
of our independent Slovak Republic.
Nice speech. Straight from the heart.
- Thanks.
- I hear you like to hunt.
My boys and I are going bear hunting
to keep the population under control.
Maybe some other time.
- Cheers!
- Don't film us when we're drinking.
What's the occasion for this gathering?
I'm celebrating my birthday.
Who are all the people in attendance?
- My friends.
- Friends from where?
From all over Slovakia.
What's your birthday wish?
Good health.
Health is the most precious thing of all.
What's your response
to all the rumors going around?
I think we should drink to his health.
To our boss.
- Purported boss.
- Exactly.
- Cheers, Miki.
- Let's go and have a drink.
Thanks.
- You shouldn't have gone to the trouble.
- No trouble.
Like a royal crown.
May you reign for years to come.
Yakuza.
It's nice, man.
Yakuza two.
- I should have it sharpened.
- For those dull heads?
Fuck.
Hi. I don't remember you leaving.
- I didn't wanna wake you.
- Right.
You forgot your... animal.
I couldn't take him to hospital with me.
Okay. I'll drop her off.
- Miki, "him," not "her."
- Excuse me? "Him?"
- Him.
- Him, sure.
- You're the best. Bye.
- Bye.
Come here.
Jesus.
My girl's gone to a photo shoot.
I'll drop this rat off at her mom's.
- What's up?
- The whole city is swarming with cops.
They're looking for you.
Calm down.
Calm down!
Take it easy.
Call the lawyer and tell him
to come to Ssov.
We'll find out what this is about.
I gotta go.
- License and registration, sir.
- Hi.
Is there a problem, boys?
Step out of the vehicle.
This is a police operation, sir.
Put your hands on the roof of the car.
Hold my dog.
Hands on the roof.
Step back. Step back further.
- Is something wrong?
- We have orders to check the exit roads.
What for?
Warrant's not out yet. We don't know.
We're just meant to do road checks.
Let him go.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
- Nice day to you, boys.
- Goodbye.
We shouldn't have fucked
with Intelligence!
I said they'd come after us,
but you wouldn't listen.
Calm down.
We don't know what this is about.
Don't we?
We shouldn't have got involved
with the Rolling Stock Company.
And I didn't even know
you were gonna take out Robo!
They've put out warrants
for the three of you.
I wasn't even there!
Shut up, or you won't be here either.
You're all wanted men.
They say you threatened someone
and stole his car.
Sound familiar?
- The brickworks guy.
- We also stole his factory.
Isn't that the bigger problem?
- A petty thing like that?
- Elections are coming up.
They need to look busy.
In fact, they've got nothing on you.
- Who did you call?
- The secretary of the Interior Ministry.
They'll say they questioned you
and then let you go.
Okay, then.
Jano and I will turn ourselves in.
Milo will stay out.
He'll take care of business
if things drag on.
No, that's too risky.
We have too much dirt on them.
They won't overstep the line.
- It's just for show.
- It is, isn't it?
The massive search operation for members
of ernk's group was unsuccessful.
When they found out about it this morning,
they turned themselves in.
On Friday evening, Mikul ernk
was celebrating his birthday.
Around 250 guests were in attendance.
Our TV channel brought
exclusive coverage of the party.
I didn't receive a summons or anything.
The paper said we were wanted,
armed, and dangerous.
- As you can see, we're unarmed.
- They made such a big fuss about it.
They put us in the news like we were
Palestinian terrorists or something.
Why do people say you're the boss
of the Slovak underworld?
Someone's dreamt something up,
and they want to close a case with it.
I don't see any boss around here.
People also say you have
connections in the government.
I have no such connections.
I had nowhere to acquire them.
Have you ever come into contact
with any criminals?
I don't even know
who's a criminal anymore.
You'll give that back, right?
- How long do we have to wait?
- Fuck, I don't know.
Done? All copied out?
- Everything okay?
- Don't know.
Did you come voluntarily?
Yes. We saw a report on the news.
I'm a wanted man. I can't go
in my own car. You'll have to drive me.
I... I only have an old Lada.
I was transporting some scrap yesterday.
Please.
We'll be out in a few days.
I know.
SEVEN YEARS LATER
I told you they had nothing.
All it took was patience.
I admit it dragged on a bit.
It dragged on a bit, huh?
Mikul ernk.
Here you are.
The ex-deputy of the Intelligence Service
died today, aged 63,
due to complications from an embolism.
After the 1998 elections, he was charged
with several criminal offenses,
including the abduction
of the president's son
and the murder of Rbert Remi.
As one of the central figures
of the 1990s,
who allegedly had connections
to organized crime,
he avoided prison thanks to the pardons
of ex-PM Vladimr Meiar.
He was only found guilty
of embezzling 11 million crowns.
Because he appealed the ruling,
and because the court of appeals
will not convene due to his death,
the former deputy
is innocent under the law.
The economy minister was caught speeding
on an Austrian motorway.
He was driving at over 150 miles
per hour in a 60-mile-an-hour zone.
Arguing that he was in a rush
to a government meeting,
he has no intention to step down.
Let's be honest.
People don't care about this stuff.
They care that they have a job,
that they have food on the table,
that we're investing in our economy,
and that their children have a future.
I'd only wear this as punishment.
Such were the times.
You had to go with the flow.
Is Jano out yet?
He's been home since yesterday.
We need to get the gang together
and celebrate.
We'll get down to business tomorrow.
After you.
Mikul ernk, you're under arrest on
suspicion of multiple criminal offenses.
One attempted homicide and six homicides.
You're also suspected of extortion,
grievous bodily harm, and economic crimes.
How are you?
Your mom would like to see you.
It's easier on her
if we talk on the phone.
Easier on her?
You're all over the news.
Every single detail.
Who you killed,
how you killed them...
Everywhere you look,
there's Mikul ernk.
I've been framed.
You've been framed?
It's all politics!
They couldn't get anyone from the former
government, so they're coming after me.
But they've got nothing.
Ivka, you know me.
- You think I'd do all that?
- Oh, please.
What... What do you mean, "Oh, please?"
Not even your mother believes it anymore.
She prays.
Every day, she begs God to help you.
To save you.
But she's not stupid.
I'll be home by Christmas.
They've got nothing on me.
Nothing. No evidence, no witnesses.
It's all just stupid hearsay.
Your friends are testifying against you.
It's Milo, right?
I knew it.
I was an idiot to trust him.
No, Miki.
All of them.
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Give us today our daily bread,
and forgive us
our trespasses, as we...
forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation...
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
They're...
not...
letting him go,
are they?
He's caused you enough suffering.
You should start living your own life.
Your own life.
I know.
I know.
MASSACRE IN DUNAJSK STREDA
Hey, Miki.
You all right?
Okay, then. I have good news.
We'll file another appeal.
I don't wanna get ahead of myself,
but I think our chances are high.
Good news, you say?
I've caught up with a few old connections.
Sure, a lot of our guys
got purged after the elections,
but we still have our people.
In the force,
the prosecutor general's office,
the courts...
All I need is a signature.
So what happened to Lojzo,
that's good news?
He'd crossed Miro's people.
There was nothing we could do.
We'll make sure
to take care of his family.
And the fact that someone's
offed alu,
is that good news?
Miki, it's business. You know how it is.
How about this?
Is this good news?
Ten fucking dead.
Ten dead. Tibor and all his men.
Is that good news?
Everything all right?
Everything's fine.
He's only brought good news.
Ever since you got locked up,
there's been no boss.
So there's a war. All against all.
But the moment you get out,
you'll clean up again.
So let's focus on what's important
and get you out as soon as possible.
- Any comments regarding the charges?
- Are you a murderer?
Do you have anything to say
to your victims' families?
How do you view the prospect
of a life sentence?
A man's gotta stay a man,
no matter the circumstances.
My client is innocent. We'll do everything
in our power to secure an acquittal.
Why is Mr. ernk the only member
of the group to stand trial?
It's curious. The witnesses claim
not to have witnessed the crimes.
We hope the police aren't using
false testimonies
to force my client's conviction.
How long have you known the defendant?
Since secondary school.
Miki was staying at a dorm in Bystrica.
That's where we met.
So you know each other well?
Yeah, you could say so.
Were you close?
Sometimes, sometimes not.
Overall, I'd say not really.
Did he ever tell you
about the crimes he's charged with?
Miki boasted
that he'd killed so many gangsters
that he could fill a whole bus with them.
He told me that in person.
One day, a girl at a bar told Miki
she knew him from somewhere.
He told her he was a lawmaker.
When I asked him what he'd meant, he said,
"I decide who gets put away."
Were you party to any of the murders?
- No.
- Were you there?
I was not.
- Who ordered the murder?
- I don't recall.
- Who else was there?
- I don't remember.
- Who pulled the trigger?
- I was never party to any murders.
And yet, in your statements,
you describe the murders in such detail.
How come?
I was never party to any murders.
Unlike him.
Thank you. I have no further questions.
According to multiple statements, you were
the defendant's closest associate.
How do you explain that you weren't party
to any of the murders he's charged with?
I was on sick leave.
You're saying that you were on sick leave
from organized crime.
Is that correct?
I slipped on an ice patch.
I had a cast on my leg.
For all of the nine months
during which the crimes were committed?
My wife put aside the medical report
for the insurance company.
Fractured right ankle.
I still have two pins inside.
What did they say?
Make yourself comfortable.
Life in prison is a long time.
Is this...
Is this how I raised you?
SEVEN MORE YEARS LATER
MINISTRY FOR THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY
Turn it off before my head explodes.
What's up?
Why is our director fraternizing
with gangsters?
Maybe he's gone to question them.
They're shameless.
What can you do?
I'll wait one more year
until retirement, and then adios.
Fuck this republic.
They can rob the place blind
if we're stupid enough to allow it.
What's this?
RECIPIENT:
NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY
SENDER: MIKUL ERNK
You want to give a statement about a case?
I sent that letter a year ago.
File a complaint at the post office.
Which case?
All of them.
If you just want to add some trivial
detail to push for a retrial,
come out and say it.
I doubt it'll work,
but it's your right to try.
I just don't wanna waste time
playing games.
All of them.
What do you mean, all of them?
Fourteen other murders,
plus some other, smaller things.
For 15 years I kept my mouth shut,
and where's it got me?
While I'm in prison,
all of my friends act innocent.
Suddenly, they're law-abiding businessmen.
Clean as morning dew.
And your colleagues are even worse.
They've made their careers on me.
One is chief of the police inspectorate,
the other is vice president
of the force or whatever.
No one seems to care
they're in Jano's pocket.
Nothing has changed,
except that ernk's in prison,
so everyone can act
like they put an end to the mafia.
Meanwhile,
that same mafia is helming the police,
the government...
What?
This is pointless.
You're just scared
because you know how high up this goes.
Mr. ernk, do you want to confess?
If so, I'm all ears.
But if you're gonna play victim,
a, you'll make me sick,
and I only have one stomach,
and b, I have better things to do
than be an accessory to your revenge.
This isn't revenge.
- No?
- No.
What is it, then?
The truth.
All right.
Where do you want to begin?
We've found the grave.
It's just as you described it.
But all that's left of the body
is some bones.
Animals must've got to it.
Yeah,
and those animals
are called Jano and Milo.
They're cleaning up after themselves.
Ready?
Our tech's just gonna change
his camera tape.
Then you can tell us about the murder.
What?
Nothing.
I just remembered something
Miro Skora once told me:
that I should get out
while the going was good.
And yet I ended up just like him.
Betrayed by my closest friends.
I'm always surprised by people like you.
You have so much money
that your grandkids would never
have to work a day in their lives.
You could be enjoying a luxury lifestyle
with your families.
But you always end up destroying
one another over a handful of change.
Neither Skora nor your other friends died
because their closest friends
had betrayed them.
They died because even though
they had everything, it wasn't enough.
Ready?
Please show us
how you murdered the victim.
In your statement,
you said you'd shot him in the head.
Yeah.
Good. So you shot him and...
Not yet.
"Not yet"?
I said something first.
Of course, you always liked manly talk.
You couldn't resist, huh?
What did you say?
See you in hell.
I'm a rascal and a swain
And my horse is much the same
Yakuza!
I should have it sharpened.
Mr. ernk,
what's the occasion for this gathering?
I'm celebrating my 31st birthday.
Who are all the people in attendance?
My friends.
Friends from where?
From all over Slovakia.
What's your birthday wish?
Good health, most of all.
What's your response
to all the rumors going around?
I think we should drink to his health.
To our boss.
Purported boss.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
Where did you get the money for this?
I'm a businessman.
I'm one of the partners
in a private security company.
I also have a construction company.
I've managed to put some money aside
for hobbies.
I didn't receive a summons or anything.
I didn't know I was supposed
to present at a police station.
I simply didn't know.
I read in the paper that we were wanted
and that we were armed.
As you can see, we're unarmed.
We came of our own accord.
They made such a big fuss about it.
They put us in the news,
like we were Palestinian terrorists.
Who do they think we are?
JANUARY 1996
NITRA
Holy fuck, guys.
Is there a problem?
Not at all.
174, 174.5...
175 million.
Exactly half.
Is there a problem?
Not at all.
They didn't even know who we were.
We can split it 50-50.
I need a buffer for overheads.
Is there a problem?
Is there a problem?
Not at all.
All right.
May God bless you forever after.
DECEMBER 1996
HOREHRONIE
- Would you help me with my necklace?
- The regional party boss called.
He said he was also coming.
I've had him seated at our table.
Invoices are piling up.
We need to go over them.
The parlor, the hotel, everything.
Easy.
Work can wait.
Today we dance.
Are you fucking nuts?
I can open my own door.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I cannot begin to express
how honored I am
to be here among you today.
BUSINESSMEN'S BALL
I am truly thankful, as a representative
of the Movement for a Democratic Slovakia,
for this opportunity to spend some time
with the elite of the nation,
who have done so much for the development
of our beautiful region.
I don't want to ruin your evening
by talking about politics.
Let me just say a few words of gratitude.
I would like to thank the sponsor
and host of today's event,
Mikul ernk.
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you.
It's thanks to patriots like him
that we need not fear
for the future of our beautiful Slovakia.
Mikul, once again, thank you.
Have a nice evening, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you.
For the very last time
Pour me a glass of wine
Before everyday worries appear
I drink to your health
And if I'm overcome with sudden joy
I'll have a solo played for you all
This solo is for us
Let those magical melodies play
This solo is for us
Before tomorrow comes
This solo is for us
Let those magical melodies play
This solo is for us
Before tomorrow comes
Boys, here's to me and my big brain,
which has got us to where we are.
Genius.
These damn crooked floors.
Milo has short legs.
He has trouble standing up.
Maestro!
This solo is for us...
- Take a picture of us, Jano.
- Some other time.
Bullshit. We're taking a picture.
Let bygones be bygones.
What bygones?
The entertainer came to my bar and started
waving around his parliamentary ID.
He'd forgotten his place,
so I gave him a little slap
to refresh his memory.
Come on, smile, Maestro. That's it!
Thank you. Farewell.
I'll walk her home, okay?
It'll be better that way.
Excuse me.
Tell the boys to drive you right back.
Better not. I'm tired.
I'll spend the night in town.
So I don't wake you up.
Good night.
You're needlessly making enemies.
He was harassing my waitresses.
You should focus on business.
You're not helping anyone
by beating up MPs.
Good waitresses are hard to find.
Fuck waitresses.
You should worry about the Albanians
encroaching on your turf.
We're working on it.
They've brought drugs to our city.
They've raped two girls at a disco,
and they're meddling in our business.
But that's fine. You don't mind.
Look, Miki,
if you can't clean up your own town,
don't expect any big jobs.
If you've no respect at home,
you've no respect anywhere.
Hello?
- Did I wake you up?
- Miki? What's up?
- Wanna meet?
- At the flat?
- Yeah.
- What if I came in the morning?
- Sure. See you in the morning.
- Nine o'clock?
- Sounds good.
- I'll get ready.
- You're in for a treat.
- Okay.
Bye.
- Miki?
- Come to the garages in Ssov.
- What's going on?
- Move it, for fuck's sake!
What's going on? Miki?
Miki!
We'll need to get these out.
You don't fucking say.
We gotta call him an ambulance.
Do we know him?
What language is that?
- Fucking Serbian? Or Croatian?
- Something like that.
Get him out of here.
People are about to start going to work.
Quit fucking honking!
You'll scare our game! Stop!
Slow down, girl. Who gave you a license?
I said slow down!
You fucking bitch!
With a war going on at home,
you'd think they'd show some gratitude.
Instead, they do this.
Albania isn't part of Yugoslavia.
There's no war.
What? I watch the news.
- Still, they should know better.
- They should.
Here comes another one.
Slow down! That's it.
Go. Go on. Take it easy.
If that idiot had waited for a second
longer, I would've been toast.
Put it away.
We need to sort them out.
You need help?
From you?
You can't even shoot a damn deer.
I don't have the heart.
You Bratislava guys wear these coats?
Nice. You work out, you've got a coat...
Very nice.
You should be glad your business is here
and not in Bratislava.
People here aren't as money-crazed.
You just don't want competition.
Yeah. Naturally.
Stick to your sheep and manure
and leave real business to real men.
We all have the same problems, Miki.
The other day,
I found a Semtex charge under my car.
You can't even trust
your closest associates.
I'm tired of this life, Miki.
It's time to start looking around
for something else.
You'd rather go fishing at the lake?
Or into politics.
That's just leaving one mafia for another.
I've done a few favors for people.
They owe me.
They've promised me new business,
government posts for my guys...
Politicians always keep their promises.
They do if you have dirt on them.
How much longer do you wanna keep this up?
Until someone hits you where it counts?
Give it up, Miki.
There's more to life than this.
What?
What the hell is this?
Have we ever done anything to cross you?
Has any of us ever done you harm?
My brother won't stand for this.
Is your brother handy with a shovel?
If so, he's already in the ground.
If not, he's still digging.
Say hi to Allah or whatever asshole
is waiting for you down there.
Nice addition to my collection.
We need to go and sort out their bars
after Christmas.
Is your mother coming to yours?
Yeah, she's coming to ours.
- Merry Christmas, then, Miki.
- Same to you, Jano.
I hit something.
Do something about it
so your mother doesn't ask.
Put some money under the tablecloth
so we don't end up broke.
- I wouldn't worry about that.
- I've already done it.
Let's pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Whoever leaves the table
will die within a year.
Old wives' tale.
If you talk like that,
you'll end up in hell.
You know the saying.
"Better to be first in hell
than last in heaven."
Come on.
Easy, I'm kidding.
They got him, along with his driver.
He fired back, but these guys were
no fuck-ups, unlike the Albanians.
Or he got unlucky.
Or that.
Who do you think did it?
We were sitting right here.
Me, Laco, Csongy and Miro.
I was telling them about my holiday.
Then Miro's phone went off.
He said my story had to wait,
he had a meeting.
With who?
- Who called him to the fucking meeting?
- Easy, Milo.
He wouldn't have gone without a bodyguard.
He must've known the guy.
Robo?
Fuck you!
I don't even remember
the last time I saw Miro.
So your people have just happened
to come over from Koice?
I got a call that Miro was dead,
so I came.
How? By rocket ship?
How did you get here from Bystrica?
Or Ppay, from Dunajsk Streda?
On fucking foot?
Your guys came by Gypsy wagon.
I had a fucking Alpina
when your people were still riding ponies.
That guy is hiding Duran.
I'd start looking there.
Who's gonna take over from Miro, huh?
You are. You've only gained from this.
So he doesn't deny it.
Are you hiding Duran?
You refuse to cut him in,
and now you're surprised?
Miro had to pay the fixers.
Yeah, right. Now tell us
that Intelligence is responsible.
Intelligence is responsible!
Miro wouldn't have taken his driver
to see Duran.
- He wasn't stupid.
- Wasn't he?
- Watch your fucking mouth!
- Fuck you and your fucking Miro...
Stop it! Stop it!
I'm listening.
Thank you.
I wouldn't have rushed it
if it wasn't urgent.
Of course.
Anytime.
How are you?
Good. I'm trying to live healthy.
I've even dropped a few pounds.
I've taken up running.
I'm sorry to hear that. What happened?
Let's skip the bullshit, Miki.
You know what happened.
Miro Skora was a prick.
He was fucking me, and I stuck by him.
But it came to a point where I thought,
"It's either him or me."
No offense,
but I prefer me.
You haven't come here to boast.
Only a little.
I've mainly come to tell you
I'm taking over Bratislava.
I want proper relationships with everyone,
especially you.
The other groups defer to you.
Miro's people aren't gonna like that.
Don't worry.
I'll take care of Miro's people.
Miki,
I know that you and Miro were friends.
But I was friends with him too,
and look what he did to me.
When the Albanians shot you up,
you didn't ask for permission.
You did what you had to do.
I've come here because I respect you.
I want to do fair business with you.
The west of the country is mine,
the center is yours,
we'll figure out the east.
No backstabbing.
You have my word.
Proper relationships.
We should've just offed him.
We can't keep doing this forever.
We need an out.
So that prick can just do what he wants?
On the contrary.
You saw what happened in Bratislava.
They were all at each other's throats.
This way, we'll never have peace
for business.
Either we get them in line,
or they'll start fucking with us.
And we won't allow anyone to fuck with us.
- Am I right?
- Right indeed.
Let's start with this guy.
Call Miro's guys.
Tell them we know who killed him.
This is the Slovak Republic.
As minister,
I'm not beholden to American interests.
I answer to Slovaks,
not to some capitalist naysayers
who would prefer if Slovakia
had never come into existence.
Madam, we are fighting corruption.
And as regards
all of these fabricated affairs,
I can guarantee you...
- Your mommy uses Azurit.
- So?
Everything was so soft that I fell asleep.
Remember, today we're holding
our special lottery bonus quiz.
Question number one...
minister, increasing numbers of people
are hearing gunfire in broad daylight,
as with the murder of the purported
Bratislava crime boss, Miroslav S.
Purported boss.
The case is still under investigation.
It may have been a robbery.
I can assure you that the police
have been instructed to find the killers,
no matter the cost.
Our government will not tolerate
the mafia.
BOSS OF BRATISLAVA
No more gunfire in broad daylight.
Slovakia is a sovereign, safe country.
We have the situation fully under control,
I assure you.
Let's be honest here.
People don't care about gangsters.
They care that they have a job,
that they have food on the table,
and that their children
have a future in this country.
BOSS OF DUNAJSK STREDA
BOSS OF UPPER NITRA
BOSS OF KRL'OVSK CHLMEC
BOSS OF IERNA NAD TISOU
BOSS OF PRIEVIDZA
What are you doing?
We'll do a little exhibition.
Let people know who the boss of Poprad is.
He'll have a bust in the city.
As befits an honorable citizen like him.
MEMBER OF THE POPRAD UNDERWORLD
Everything all right?
Yeah.
Any trouble?
Not really.
We've bought out the land.
The district authority office
will stand here.
We just have to put out a tender,
pick the construction company,
and start building.
- How much?
- 30 million for the raw construction.
We should get that approved, no problem.
We could use a little buffer,
in case we run up extra costs.
- How about 70?
- Seems reasonable.
If it were up to the Regional Party HQ,
I'd approve it straightaway,
but district authorities
are controlled by the interior ministry.
- Then ask the minister about his cut.
- You wanna bribe the minister?
Come on. We know the people in government.
They'd never take a bribe.
- The most they'd take is a box of sweets.
- The most.
No one's gonna do business with you
if you act like arrogant pricks.
Get a shave.
Miki.
Someone wants to meet with you.
Who?
I see.
Do I want to meet with him?
I don't think you can refuse.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
Nice, nice.
- What do I owe you?
- Miki, don't insult me. This is a gift.
You're far too kind.
It's my pleasure.
Thank you.
We need to talk to the police chief.
I get that they need to seem busy,
but they've been on us for three days.
These guys aren't police.
They want us to know they're watching.
- Should I call the guys?
- It's just a courting ritual.
Someone wants us to be their bride.
It's not in the best condition.
At three and a half mil, it's a steal.
Take it or leave it.
The owner won't be here for the sale?
The owner has had an accident.
His car blew up.
He was shot.
Right, shot.
A great tragedy.
You fix the place up,
kids are gonna love it.
And for a monthly fee, our firm will
make sure you never have any trouble.
I'll consult with my wife
and get back to you.
We can take care of your wife too.
What?
It's fine. We'll find another buyer.
What about the office?
Have they put out the tender?
- Not yet.
- I see.
Someone's delaying it.
Should we go and have a look around?
No need.
I've been watching you for a while,
Mikul.
For work or pleasure?
Work.
The secretary of the intelligence service
has nothing better to do than watch me?
I see I should devote more time
to maintaining secrecy.
Miro told me a lot about you.
- Good things, I hope.
- Only the best.
He said that when you put out a hit,
you pay on time.
At least you did with Remi.
I hope you can keep your mouth shut
better than he could.
I can.
Because I only work with people I trust.
That makes two of us.
Look.
I'm flattered by your attention,
but I'm not looking for friends
or business partners.
I'm more of a solo player.
It's nothing personal.
I've spoken to the interior minister.
He was reluctant, but I persuaded him.
He'll approve the deal,
but he wants five mil.
Okay.
Then tell him we want 80.
- My understanding was 70.
- Milk used to cost two crowns.
Prices are going up.
The government should do
something about it.
Fine.
What do you get out of it?
Personally, nothing.
But there's a referendum
coming up in two months,
and next year is an election year.
Exploding cars and severed heads
aren't exactly conducive
to good election results.
The police should do their job.
They do what they can,
but it seems that a lot of your friends
have recently found a hobby
in dying dramatic deaths.
We would appreciate it
if you could talk to them.
Talk to them?
So that they stop dying?
So that they die more discreetly.
I have no illusions about them.
You sow the wind, you reap the whirlwind.
We just want to make sure
some inexperienced clods
don't come to power on the back
of this and ruin our business.
I just had to sort a few people out.
Things will calm down.
Then may God bless us
forever after.
Feel free to stay.
Have something nice.
My treat.
Damn right, your treat.
Well?
Did it come through?
How much?
Blessed 80, just like my nan
before her heart attack.
It's come through! It's come through!
We're building the goddamn
district authority office!
We're millionaires! And legally too!
Mostly so. It's all on me!
The whole evening is on me!
four, six...
Miki, you want a double?
- No, thanks.
- A win like this calls for a proper drink.
I gotta drive home after.
All right. To us, gentlemen.
No bloody calluses,
no sweaty butts in old cars...
- No empty balls!
- "No empty balls"?
- No blue balls!
- Only impotents don't get blue balls.
To happy balls!
Make up your mind!
My glass is running dry.
To the smiles of the women
who take care of our balls.
Any other toasts?
To my brother.
It's been a year since his death.
To Vlado.
He'd be proud to see how far we've come.
Amen!
You little slut...
- Leave me alone!
- Bullshit, leave you alone...
What?
Get him out of my fucking sight.
Fucking hell!
He's shat himself.
He thinks he's fucking God.
I made him God, goddamn it.
I'm God's fucking God!
He's mourning, and you make a scene.
Bullshit. He lost it.
One day, he'll lose it for good
and kill us all.
You'll beg me to take him out first!
Take him home before he says
something he'll regret.
He'll stain my seats.
They've seen worse. Put down some plastic.
He fucking lost it.
You'll come begging me yet!
You'll come begging.
Here, take this. Fucking take it!
Where's Miki?
Miki?
Jesus.
Miki...
What's this, a wake? Why is it so quiet?
- Where's Miki?
- Doing paperwork. He'll be here in a sec.
He's very quick.
You want a drink?
Hi.
What's up?
A friend wants to take over
the Rolling Stock Company.
He only needs a signature,
but the owner is refusing to cooperate.
Let the locals take care of it.
I thought you could talk to them.
The budget is 20 mil.
There's some coffee money in it for them.
That's a lot of coffee.
Sounds like a tough job.
Good things in life are tough.
The current owner is the secretary
of the district authority office.
A political nominee
with government connections.
Those in power are gonna be pissed.
Too bad. You can't please everyone.
You want to steal my company.
2,000 employees is a lot.
It's too much stress.
Let's not play semantics.
You're trying to steal my fucking company.
- You stole it from the state.
- I privatized it.
Let's not play semantics.
Last I heard, ernk blew up your car,
and now you're fraternizing with him?
We made up.
Some band of bums you are.
Dumb and Dumber have got nothing on you.
Leave me alone.
You've misunderstood.
We promised our friends from Bratislava
that you'd be sensible.
You think I'm scared of you?
I'm more scared of your hairdresser.
I apologize, Secretary.
If you're not interested, you may go.
The boys meant well.
The boys are in over their heads.
They don't know who they're messing with.
They don't.
Miki, what the fuck?
He's right. Who does your hair? Your mom?
Goddamn meatheads.
They get juiced up
and role-play the mafia.
They think I'm scared of them.
Wastes of skin.
Don't worry. I'll be home in a sec.
Yeah, I'll call you tomorrow.
Notary, do you attest that the secretary
provided his signature
while of sound mind?
Excuse me?
Louder. I can't hear you.
Louder. Don't be shy.
Drop dead.
Drop dead? Okay.
Bury him.
- Thank you.
- Minister, how did you vote?
Like any good Slovak should.
We want no nuclear weapons in our country,
nor any Americans to bring them over.
Why did you leave
the fourth question off the ballot,
thus contravening the ruling
of the Referendum Commission?
Because this is a referendum on NATO.
Why don't you want
direct presidential elections?
Do you fear that the incumbent
might be voted in for a second term?
I have nothing to fear,
and I wish the president good health.
And you too. You look a little pale.
Excuse me.
I have an appointment with the boss.
Are you and the PM going to discuss...
I'm not going to see the PM.
I'm going to church.
Excuse me.
Wait here.
Nice speech. I almost believed it.
If we lose the elections,
I'll be the first one to go to jail.
Then you shouldn't lose the elections.
That's your job.
- You're letting ernk walk all over you.
- I'm doing no such thing.
Yeah, right.
So the secretary of the district authority
office just went on a long holiday.
Sort him out.
The PM has given the green light.
- I'd rather hear that from him.
- You know how he is.
Until we get the referendum results,
he'll be off in the woods.
If he's in the woods,
tell him to dig around a bit.
Maybe he'll dig up the secretary.
Take care of it.
I've already started.
Lord Almighty,
we beseech thee most humbly
for the sake of this child.
The world will tempt him.
He'll have to resist
the devil's offerings.
Deliver him now from the bane
of original sin
and hold your protective hand over him
on his journey through life.
- Amen.
- Amen.
Dear parents and godparents,
you've brought this child to be baptized.
Do your best to raise it so that
the Lord's life is ever strong in it.
Protect it from sin,
for sin threatens the life of God in man.
And if you are indeed prepared
to take on this role,
remind yourselves that you were yourselves
baptized, and renounce sin.
Do you renounce Satan
and all his works and all his pomp?
I do renounce them.
Do you renounce Satan
and all his works and all his pomp?
I do renounce them.
Do you renounce Satan
and all his works and all his pomp?
I do renounce them.
Miki, my son couldn't have wished
for better godparents.
Don't mention it.
Anything you need...
Anything for family, Miki.
Good.
May we all meet again,
dancing at my son's wedding!
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
Cheers.
Cheers.
Has Robo got a fart stuck in his ass?
I wanted him to be godfather,
but he said I was only gonna
drain money from him.
That's it?
I don't know, Miki.
The east is his turf.
He may feel like you're encroaching.
- I'm not.
- Well...
My boys tell me he's gone to
a soothsayer to cast a curse on you.
Nice place you have here.
We have the same problem, you and I.
We should talk about it.
Yes, this is ernk.
Who was it?
Intelligence.
They want to meet and talk business.
But?
Just me and the old man, tte--tte.
At a cabin in Tle.
In the woods, alone...
I wanna know what he's after.
Is something wrong?
Just a bad feeling.
It's all right. I must've slept wrong.
Can you drive over to Tle?
Isn't the meeting in the afternoon?
I want you to drive ahead.
I'll come and join you later.
What am I gonna do there all by myself?
but then I thought, "Why wait?"
Why beat around the bush?
"It can't hurt to ask."
And so I'm here, Mr. ernk.
Mr. ernk?
I was thanking you
for agreeing to see me.
I suppose it's not every day
that you see people like me.
- People like you?
- You've never seen Behind the Scenes?
I answer viewers' letters,
introduce new programming,
that kind of thing.
I don't have time to watch TV.
You should make time.
This month, we're showing
three new Hollywood titles
and "an Evening with Tom Cruise."
What do you want?
Mr. ernk...
Sorry.
I'm scared for my life.
I've come to ask if I'm safe.
Definitely.
Health and safety are very important.
Milo, wrap this up.
- How much would it cost?
- We'll get to it.
- Good afternoon, Mr. ernk.
- Hi.
- I just wanted to ask...
- I'm on my way.
Sorry for the holdup.
- Are you there yet?
- I've just arrived.
I'm alone, like we agreed.
- Good. I'll see you in a bit.
- I'm looking forward to it.
How's it looking?
There's birdsong, murmuring streams,
the sun is shining...
- The old man says he's already there.
- Nope. I'd have seen him.
But there are these two guys
who came an hour ago.
They took two plastic bags inside
and never came back out.
Guess they're painting the walls.
What's up?
He wants to off me.
Robo just talks a big game,
but he's a wuss.
He'd never follow through.
What's this got to do with Robo?
Who were you talking about?
What's this big game he's been talking?
The boys say he's been telling everyone
he's gonna be boss of the whole country.
But he's a pissant.
He would never dare to act on his own.
I resent having to do this. Every life
is precious, but I see no other way.
- Sometimes we have to make tough choices.
- Mr. ernk,
Mikul...
Don't forget. This Saturday, we're showing
Tom Cruise films all evening long.
Take care.
Next week, we're doing Schwarzenegger.
Let's go, boys.
Did you see him? He drools like a pig.
He should've worn a bib.
What?
Get the boys. We're going to Koice.
What's going on?
Robo has thrown in with Intelligence
to take me out.
You think you might be exaggerating?
He's gone to a soothsayer
to cast a curse on me.
You think that's normal?
Maybe it was a good curse.
Are you fucking retarded?
Where are you going?
We've got a tail.
koda Favorit, jean jackets...
They're just police.
For fuck's sake.
Today of all days?
Turn the boys around.
Tell them to lie low for a while.
And no phones. We may have been tapped.
What about Robo?
Listen.
You either take it or leave it.
But it's a full-blooded S600.
The first one with satnav.
Put in a CD, and the car will tell you
where to turn, fill your tank...
It's like in America,
except we're in Koice.
I don't think I need a Mercedes.
Bullshit. Everyone needs a Mercedes.
Power brakes, xenon headlights,
side airbags...
If the sun exploded, this car
would be the safest place on earth.
The previous owner had to escape to Italy.
His mom will buy him a new one.
Nowhere else are you gonna find
a ride of this caliber for...
Fuck!
Where the fuck were you today?
Take it easy, all right?
- I came as soon as I could.
- "Take it easy"?
I was fucking shot at today,
and I'm supposed to take it easy?
I had nothing to do with it.
If I had, I wouldn't be here.
Are you sure?
Hey, hey! Calm the fuck down!
As if anyone would go
behind your back, Miki.
Whoever came at you did so behind my back.
And when someone does
something behind my back,
I want to get them as much as you do.
Where were you, Miki?
With a girlfriend.
I'd give you her number, but I'm worried
she might run off with you.
Miki,
they knew where to find me.
You should check your men.
See if you have rats.
One of them dropped this.
I've had Intelligence check the number.
It's in the guy's own name.
- Who is he?
- This third-rate little cunt
who's been telling everyone
what great friends we are.
I know how he rides his bike.
I'm sure it was him.
He also had an accomplice.
I'll get them both.
I'll cut off their stupid heads
and display them in the city.
Robo,
whoever's after you is after me too.
We'll get them together.
- He bought it.
- We'll see about that.
- We'll escort you home.
- No need.
Miki, you shouldn't drive alone
until Robo's been sorted out.
I can take care of myself.
For fuck's sake, guys.
Are you out of your minds?
I almost shot you.
What department are you from?
You think I've got binoculars?
Criminal police.
Have you nothing better to do?
We needed overtime, and the bosses,
they never say no to tailing you.
Someone in Koice
has tried to take out Robo,
yet you sit in front of my house
like chickens.
Koice isn't our district.
Tell your boss we need to talk.
You need to learn some manners.
- Hey, is this a bad time?
- What do you want?
I've found the bike driver.
Fuck. Do I know him?
- Could you come to Bratislava tomorrow?
- For fuck's sake, Miki.
I'm in Koice.
I'll drive down in the afternoon.
Okay. I'll let you know
the time and place.
See you tomorrow.
When I give the signal, go for it.
The fucking roads...
The guys upstairs have until 2005.
If they don't build a motorway to Koice,
I'll personally shoot them all.
Are your cars in the shop?
We wanted to keep a low profile.
Where is he?
He's holed up in a flat.
We've sent a guy to check if he's there.
We'll get going as soon as he calls.
- Is something the matter?
- Nothing.
We're sitting ducks out here.
Let's go inside.
Sure.
I was starting to feel cold.
You want something to eat?
They have a good restaurant here.
Miki,
can we talk in private?
Of course.
Don't think I need your help.
I would've found that fucker
with or without you.
I've already sent him a message.
What message?
We paid a little visit to his brother.
He was crying like a kid,
swearing that they hadn't met in years,
but I said fuck it.
I shot him in the head
and set his body on fire.
He burned like a candle.
What did his brother have to do with it?
Nothing.
He was a regular waiter.
But now the fucker knows
that if he doesn't show up,
I know where to find his mother, father...
I won't let anyone fuck with me.
And don't think I'm stupid.
I won't stop until I've got every
single fucker that knew about it.
Miki,
no one is untouchable.
I hear you like seeing the soothsayer.
Sometimes.
- Why?
- Just curious.
If I were you, I'd ask her
how many years I had left to live.
I have asked.
Yeah?
What did she say?
That I'd live to be 82.
That means she fucked you.
I don't know. I ran into a friend,
we grabbed a drink,
and then I blacked out.
- Must've been the trauma.
- So you didn't see the killer?
Don't think so.
Can't you see that my client's in shock?
He's not telling you anything else.
Okay, is that it? Let's go.
- Yes?
- Is this a bad time?
- I'm calling to apologize.
- For missing our meeting?
You could've called.
I came and waited for you for nothing.
You didn't come.
And that's not why I'm calling.
I promised that my friends
would die more discreetly,
but Robo wouldn't listen.
He wanted to go out in style.
Actually,
it's your fault.
Mine?
This is how you killed Miro:
by luring him out to a hotel.
Thanks for the inspiration.
And for clearing my way.
At least I can follow through.
When Robo recovers, he'll come after you.
And this time, he'll have powerful allies.
That's strange.
What is?
That he's still alive.
My watch must be working wrong.
What do you want, Mikul?
We'll see.
Our beautiful little Slovak Republic
may be only five years old,
but we've already succeeded
in laying the foundations
on which our nation will rest
for decades to come.
Twenty, 30 years from now,
our children and grandchildren
will reap the fruits of our labor,
and whoever is here with us now
will be proud of what we've achieved.
May this stone
be not only the symbolic foundation
of a single district authority office
but also a symbol
of the solid foundations
of our independent Slovak Republic.
Nice speech. Straight from the heart.
- Thanks.
- I hear you like to hunt.
My boys and I are going bear hunting
to keep the population under control.
Maybe some other time.
- Cheers!
- Don't film us when we're drinking.
What's the occasion for this gathering?
I'm celebrating my birthday.
Who are all the people in attendance?
- My friends.
- Friends from where?
From all over Slovakia.
What's your birthday wish?
Good health.
Health is the most precious thing of all.
What's your response
to all the rumors going around?
I think we should drink to his health.
To our boss.
- Purported boss.
- Exactly.
- Cheers, Miki.
- Let's go and have a drink.
Thanks.
- You shouldn't have gone to the trouble.
- No trouble.
Like a royal crown.
May you reign for years to come.
Yakuza.
It's nice, man.
Yakuza two.
- I should have it sharpened.
- For those dull heads?
Fuck.
Hi. I don't remember you leaving.
- I didn't wanna wake you.
- Right.
You forgot your... animal.
I couldn't take him to hospital with me.
Okay. I'll drop her off.
- Miki, "him," not "her."
- Excuse me? "Him?"
- Him.
- Him, sure.
- You're the best. Bye.
- Bye.
Come here.
Jesus.
My girl's gone to a photo shoot.
I'll drop this rat off at her mom's.
- What's up?
- The whole city is swarming with cops.
They're looking for you.
Calm down.
Calm down!
Take it easy.
Call the lawyer and tell him
to come to Ssov.
We'll find out what this is about.
I gotta go.
- License and registration, sir.
- Hi.
Is there a problem, boys?
Step out of the vehicle.
This is a police operation, sir.
Put your hands on the roof of the car.
Hold my dog.
Hands on the roof.
Step back. Step back further.
- Is something wrong?
- We have orders to check the exit roads.
What for?
Warrant's not out yet. We don't know.
We're just meant to do road checks.
Let him go.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
- Nice day to you, boys.
- Goodbye.
We shouldn't have fucked
with Intelligence!
I said they'd come after us,
but you wouldn't listen.
Calm down.
We don't know what this is about.
Don't we?
We shouldn't have got involved
with the Rolling Stock Company.
And I didn't even know
you were gonna take out Robo!
They've put out warrants
for the three of you.
I wasn't even there!
Shut up, or you won't be here either.
You're all wanted men.
They say you threatened someone
and stole his car.
Sound familiar?
- The brickworks guy.
- We also stole his factory.
Isn't that the bigger problem?
- A petty thing like that?
- Elections are coming up.
They need to look busy.
In fact, they've got nothing on you.
- Who did you call?
- The secretary of the Interior Ministry.
They'll say they questioned you
and then let you go.
Okay, then.
Jano and I will turn ourselves in.
Milo will stay out.
He'll take care of business
if things drag on.
No, that's too risky.
We have too much dirt on them.
They won't overstep the line.
- It's just for show.
- It is, isn't it?
The massive search operation for members
of ernk's group was unsuccessful.
When they found out about it this morning,
they turned themselves in.
On Friday evening, Mikul ernk
was celebrating his birthday.
Around 250 guests were in attendance.
Our TV channel brought
exclusive coverage of the party.
I didn't receive a summons or anything.
The paper said we were wanted,
armed, and dangerous.
- As you can see, we're unarmed.
- They made such a big fuss about it.
They put us in the news like we were
Palestinian terrorists or something.
Why do people say you're the boss
of the Slovak underworld?
Someone's dreamt something up,
and they want to close a case with it.
I don't see any boss around here.
People also say you have
connections in the government.
I have no such connections.
I had nowhere to acquire them.
Have you ever come into contact
with any criminals?
I don't even know
who's a criminal anymore.
You'll give that back, right?
- How long do we have to wait?
- Fuck, I don't know.
Done? All copied out?
- Everything okay?
- Don't know.
Did you come voluntarily?
Yes. We saw a report on the news.
I'm a wanted man. I can't go
in my own car. You'll have to drive me.
I... I only have an old Lada.
I was transporting some scrap yesterday.
Please.
We'll be out in a few days.
I know.
SEVEN YEARS LATER
I told you they had nothing.
All it took was patience.
I admit it dragged on a bit.
It dragged on a bit, huh?
Mikul ernk.
Here you are.
The ex-deputy of the Intelligence Service
died today, aged 63,
due to complications from an embolism.
After the 1998 elections, he was charged
with several criminal offenses,
including the abduction
of the president's son
and the murder of Rbert Remi.
As one of the central figures
of the 1990s,
who allegedly had connections
to organized crime,
he avoided prison thanks to the pardons
of ex-PM Vladimr Meiar.
He was only found guilty
of embezzling 11 million crowns.
Because he appealed the ruling,
and because the court of appeals
will not convene due to his death,
the former deputy
is innocent under the law.
The economy minister was caught speeding
on an Austrian motorway.
He was driving at over 150 miles
per hour in a 60-mile-an-hour zone.
Arguing that he was in a rush
to a government meeting,
he has no intention to step down.
Let's be honest.
People don't care about this stuff.
They care that they have a job,
that they have food on the table,
that we're investing in our economy,
and that their children have a future.
I'd only wear this as punishment.
Such were the times.
You had to go with the flow.
Is Jano out yet?
He's been home since yesterday.
We need to get the gang together
and celebrate.
We'll get down to business tomorrow.
After you.
Mikul ernk, you're under arrest on
suspicion of multiple criminal offenses.
One attempted homicide and six homicides.
You're also suspected of extortion,
grievous bodily harm, and economic crimes.
How are you?
Your mom would like to see you.
It's easier on her
if we talk on the phone.
Easier on her?
You're all over the news.
Every single detail.
Who you killed,
how you killed them...
Everywhere you look,
there's Mikul ernk.
I've been framed.
You've been framed?
It's all politics!
They couldn't get anyone from the former
government, so they're coming after me.
But they've got nothing.
Ivka, you know me.
- You think I'd do all that?
- Oh, please.
What... What do you mean, "Oh, please?"
Not even your mother believes it anymore.
She prays.
Every day, she begs God to help you.
To save you.
But she's not stupid.
I'll be home by Christmas.
They've got nothing on me.
Nothing. No evidence, no witnesses.
It's all just stupid hearsay.
Your friends are testifying against you.
It's Milo, right?
I knew it.
I was an idiot to trust him.
No, Miki.
All of them.
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Give us today our daily bread,
and forgive us
our trespasses, as we...
forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation...
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
They're...
not...
letting him go,
are they?
He's caused you enough suffering.
You should start living your own life.
Your own life.
I know.
I know.
MASSACRE IN DUNAJSK STREDA
Hey, Miki.
You all right?
Okay, then. I have good news.
We'll file another appeal.
I don't wanna get ahead of myself,
but I think our chances are high.
Good news, you say?
I've caught up with a few old connections.
Sure, a lot of our guys
got purged after the elections,
but we still have our people.
In the force,
the prosecutor general's office,
the courts...
All I need is a signature.
So what happened to Lojzo,
that's good news?
He'd crossed Miro's people.
There was nothing we could do.
We'll make sure
to take care of his family.
And the fact that someone's
offed alu,
is that good news?
Miki, it's business. You know how it is.
How about this?
Is this good news?
Ten fucking dead.
Ten dead. Tibor and all his men.
Is that good news?
Everything all right?
Everything's fine.
He's only brought good news.
Ever since you got locked up,
there's been no boss.
So there's a war. All against all.
But the moment you get out,
you'll clean up again.
So let's focus on what's important
and get you out as soon as possible.
- Any comments regarding the charges?
- Are you a murderer?
Do you have anything to say
to your victims' families?
How do you view the prospect
of a life sentence?
A man's gotta stay a man,
no matter the circumstances.
My client is innocent. We'll do everything
in our power to secure an acquittal.
Why is Mr. ernk the only member
of the group to stand trial?
It's curious. The witnesses claim
not to have witnessed the crimes.
We hope the police aren't using
false testimonies
to force my client's conviction.
How long have you known the defendant?
Since secondary school.
Miki was staying at a dorm in Bystrica.
That's where we met.
So you know each other well?
Yeah, you could say so.
Were you close?
Sometimes, sometimes not.
Overall, I'd say not really.
Did he ever tell you
about the crimes he's charged with?
Miki boasted
that he'd killed so many gangsters
that he could fill a whole bus with them.
He told me that in person.
One day, a girl at a bar told Miki
she knew him from somewhere.
He told her he was a lawmaker.
When I asked him what he'd meant, he said,
"I decide who gets put away."
Were you party to any of the murders?
- No.
- Were you there?
I was not.
- Who ordered the murder?
- I don't recall.
- Who else was there?
- I don't remember.
- Who pulled the trigger?
- I was never party to any murders.
And yet, in your statements,
you describe the murders in such detail.
How come?
I was never party to any murders.
Unlike him.
Thank you. I have no further questions.
According to multiple statements, you were
the defendant's closest associate.
How do you explain that you weren't party
to any of the murders he's charged with?
I was on sick leave.
You're saying that you were on sick leave
from organized crime.
Is that correct?
I slipped on an ice patch.
I had a cast on my leg.
For all of the nine months
during which the crimes were committed?
My wife put aside the medical report
for the insurance company.
Fractured right ankle.
I still have two pins inside.
What did they say?
Make yourself comfortable.
Life in prison is a long time.
Is this...
Is this how I raised you?
SEVEN MORE YEARS LATER
MINISTRY FOR THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY
Turn it off before my head explodes.
What's up?
Why is our director fraternizing
with gangsters?
Maybe he's gone to question them.
They're shameless.
What can you do?
I'll wait one more year
until retirement, and then adios.
Fuck this republic.
They can rob the place blind
if we're stupid enough to allow it.
What's this?
RECIPIENT:
NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY
SENDER: MIKUL ERNK
You want to give a statement about a case?
I sent that letter a year ago.
File a complaint at the post office.
Which case?
All of them.
If you just want to add some trivial
detail to push for a retrial,
come out and say it.
I doubt it'll work,
but it's your right to try.
I just don't wanna waste time
playing games.
All of them.
What do you mean, all of them?
Fourteen other murders,
plus some other, smaller things.
For 15 years I kept my mouth shut,
and where's it got me?
While I'm in prison,
all of my friends act innocent.
Suddenly, they're law-abiding businessmen.
Clean as morning dew.
And your colleagues are even worse.
They've made their careers on me.
One is chief of the police inspectorate,
the other is vice president
of the force or whatever.
No one seems to care
they're in Jano's pocket.
Nothing has changed,
except that ernk's in prison,
so everyone can act
like they put an end to the mafia.
Meanwhile,
that same mafia is helming the police,
the government...
What?
This is pointless.
You're just scared
because you know how high up this goes.
Mr. ernk, do you want to confess?
If so, I'm all ears.
But if you're gonna play victim,
a, you'll make me sick,
and I only have one stomach,
and b, I have better things to do
than be an accessory to your revenge.
This isn't revenge.
- No?
- No.
What is it, then?
The truth.
All right.
Where do you want to begin?
We've found the grave.
It's just as you described it.
But all that's left of the body
is some bones.
Animals must've got to it.
Yeah,
and those animals
are called Jano and Milo.
They're cleaning up after themselves.
Ready?
Our tech's just gonna change
his camera tape.
Then you can tell us about the murder.
What?
Nothing.
I just remembered something
Miro Skora once told me:
that I should get out
while the going was good.
And yet I ended up just like him.
Betrayed by my closest friends.
I'm always surprised by people like you.
You have so much money
that your grandkids would never
have to work a day in their lives.
You could be enjoying a luxury lifestyle
with your families.
But you always end up destroying
one another over a handful of change.
Neither Skora nor your other friends died
because their closest friends
had betrayed them.
They died because even though
they had everything, it wasn't enough.
Ready?
Please show us
how you murdered the victim.
In your statement,
you said you'd shot him in the head.
Yeah.
Good. So you shot him and...
Not yet.
"Not yet"?
I said something first.
Of course, you always liked manly talk.
You couldn't resist, huh?
What did you say?
See you in hell.
I'm a rascal and a swain
And my horse is much the same
Yakuza!
I should have it sharpened.
Mr. ernk,
what's the occasion for this gathering?
I'm celebrating my 31st birthday.
Who are all the people in attendance?
My friends.
Friends from where?
From all over Slovakia.
What's your birthday wish?
Good health, most of all.
What's your response
to all the rumors going around?
I think we should drink to his health.
To our boss.
Purported boss.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
Where did you get the money for this?
I'm a businessman.
I'm one of the partners
in a private security company.
I also have a construction company.
I've managed to put some money aside
for hobbies.
I didn't receive a summons or anything.
I didn't know I was supposed
to present at a police station.
I simply didn't know.
I read in the paper that we were wanted
and that we were armed.
As you can see, we're unarmed.
We came of our own accord.
They made such a big fuss about it.
They put us in the news,
like we were Palestinian terrorists.
Who do they think we are?