Empty Nets (2023) Movie Script
1
Wow, it's so nice here.
Should I jump in the water?
Do it! I'll cheer you on.
- You have to let go of my hand first.
- I can't let you go.
Amir!
Amir, my love!
Come back to me.
- Come join me.
- I can't do that!
But no one's around.
- Stop it! Get out of the water.
- In a minute.
Look how long I can hold my breath.
Amir.
Amir!
Amir!
Narges.
Amir!
You nearly gave me a heart attack!
- How long was I under for?
- I don't know.
I was so scared, I totally lost it!
- Hello.
- Hello.
Is the wedding cake ready?
- Yes.
- Thank you.
Stop it.
Everybody clap.
Let's hear it for the groom's father.
A round of applause!
- Good job, guys.
- Thanks.
When will the rice be ready, Ali?
- It's ready.
- Great!
Prepare the kebabs too, guys.
Mohammad, I need the salads now.
- Okay, sir.
- Hurry up, bro.
Turn off the ovens.
The dinner is cancelled.
- Why, sir?
- They haven't paid me yet.
Lock the dining room!
But sir, that's so unfair.
I can't do something like that.
What?
You're refusing?
Mohammad!
- Yes, sir?
- Go lock the dining room!
Yes, sir.
- We agreed on payment upfront.
- I'll pay everything tomorrow.
- Not tomorrow, now.
- Please, don't embarrass me.
- Brother, I'll pay it for you.
- Thank you.
- Tell the kitchen to serve the food now.
- Okay, sir.
And you're fired.
Dear guests, dinner is served.
Please make your way to the dining room.
This one is ready, my son.
- Yes?
- It's me. Somaye.
I'm coming.
- Hello.
- Hi, how are you?
I'm fine, thanks.
Can I have two jars of pickled garlics?
Amir, bring me two jars of garlic.
- Here you go, Mom.
- Thank you.
- There you go.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
- God bless you.
- Thank you. Bye now.
- Hey!
- Hey, how are you doing?
- Good. You?
- I'm good.
You were quick today!
- I'm always quick!
- Come on! Liar!
Watch out, Narges!
I'll get him. Just you wait.
Turn round.
Let's hit the red one.
Now. Those two guys there.
Something's wrong with it.
It's not working!
No! Let me steer.
- Do you know how?
- Yes!
You're gonna kill me.
Turn around.
Watch out! They'll hit us!
My sister is acting
really strange these days.
- I told you that before.
- No, Amir. I'm serious.
I guess she might be pregnant.
She's acting weird lately.
Really?
Oh! Amir! My aunt is over there,
don't look over. Let's hide!
Quick!
Go, go! Oh dear!
I'm tired of playing hide-and-seek.
When are you gonna talk to my parents?
- Soon.
- When?
- Now is not the time, Narges.
- Why?
I got fired.
You got fired?
My boss wanted to stop the wedding party
because they hadn't paid the whole fee.
I tried to stop him and then he fired me.
Well done you! He's a jerk.
- Did I do the wrong thing?
- No, what else could you have done?
... back to the negotiating table.
Washington claims
that the extensive sanctions
are aimed at the government
and not the Iranian people.
But they have caused
a sharp rise in inflation,
the devaluation
of the Iranian currency and...
- Mom!
- Yes, sweetie?
I want to propose to Narges.
At a time like this?
Is it a good idea?
Why not? You were my age
when you got married.
It was different back then.
We didn't have these problems.
Besides, you don't have a job.
How would you manage?
The wedding and the dower cost a fortune.
And you have to rent a place.
You can't live here together.
Now is not the time.
When is the time then?
In a few years
when the prices have tripled?
At least find a job first.
Why are you in such a hurry?
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Do you need any help in the restaurant?
- No.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Do you have any jobs going?
- No.
Okay. Thank you.
- Hi. How are you?
- Hi.
- Thanks.
- Let's go.
- Amir, I have to be home soon.
- No movie together?
We have guests tonight.
My father told me to come home early.
You and your father!
- I'll call you.
- Okay.
- It's fine!
- All gone?
- Bye.
- Bye.
- Go.
- Okay.
Drive back.
Straighten your shirt, my son.
Hello, hello.
What a pleasure. Welcome.
Hello, my friend.
Hey! How are you, sweetie?
My dear! Hey.
- How was the journey from Tehran?
- Please, please come in.
- Please, sir!
- Take me! I haven't worked for a week!
Get back, get back.
- Hello, Mr. Falah!
- Hey! Amir, how are you doing?
Just a minute.
Thanks.
- And another.
- Thank you, Amir.
- Mr. Falah, is anyone hiring round here?
- No, there are no jobs going.
- I'll do anything.
- You'll do any job?
There's a fishery that might take you,
but it's tough work
and far away.
- I don't mind. Give me the address.
- Follow the coast for about an hour.
Ask for Ghasem's fishery.
Everyone knows him.
- Thanks a lot.
- Anytime. Take care.
- Today I want to set a record.
- What was the last record?
- I don't remember.
- Me neither. Go on.
Be careful.
- Hopefully I'll get a job as a fisherman.
- I'm sure you'll find a job there.
You were born for the sea.
You're right.
But it's one and a half hours' drive
and I have to stay there overnight.
- We'll see each other less then?
- Don't worry, my love.
I'll come visit you a lot.
So you're going to be a fisherman?
It's just one season.
I want to work my way up,
save some money and buy us a hotel.
- Or we'll buy this place.
- This place?
- Yes.
- It's been like this forever.
- No one knows who owns it. Be serious!
- Then we'll find a better place.
A better place is good.
You're gonna love this stew.
Eat, my dear.
There's something...
on your lip there.
- Hi.
- Hello.
- I'm looking for Mr Ghasem.
- Mr. Ghasem?
Okay, I'll take you to the boss.
You carry on.
Mr. Ghasem, someone's looking for work.
- Send him in.
- Yes, sir.
Hello.
Have you ever worked at a fishery?
No.
Can you swim?
Yeah. Like a fish.
You only get paid here if you work hard.
That's fine by me.
Another thing.
You have to pay
for board and lodging in advance.
Do you have any money?
That's all I have, sir.
Ahmad, take the kid to Omid's room.
- Sure, boss.
- Thank you, sir.
Here's your bedding.
- Your work clothes are over there.
- Thanks.
Be careful not to step on the net.
Pull it in from below.
Load the fish onto the truck.
Get the rest of them.
Clean it up.
Hurry up!
Be careful with the nets!
What are you doing?
Picking up the garbage?
I thought I should.
What for?
Throw it away.
- But where?
- In my pocket? How about that?
Throw it back in the sea.
It's full of garbage anyway.
Get back to your work.
Go, I said!
Come over here.
Put the crate in the truck.
Hurry up!
Good work.
That's it?
I have to cover the net
you ruined, Masoud.
I've deducted your board and lodging.
What brings you here?
I needed a job.
I want to marry Narges.
It's good you're fighting for love.
The pay was really bad today.
- Is it always like that?
- You won't get rich with this job.
Ghasem makes good money, though.
Yeah, Ghasem and his friends
know how to get rich.
They're a crooked lot.
They fish illegally too.
I prefer to keep my distance.
Saber wins! Good job.
Mobin, come on out.
Who's next?
Who's going next?
Who'll take on Saber next?
I will!
Hamed!
Hamed.
Hamed, 2 to 1.
Who's betting on Hamed?
For Hamed?
Who else for Hamed?
Place your bets.
Hurry up!
One.
Two.
Three.
Go, Hamed! Catch the eel!
Saber, go! You're the best!
You can do it, Hamed!
Go, Hamed! Catch the eel!
Yeah! He got it!
Hamed, you're the best!
Saber, you're out.
Last round!
Who wants to compete against Hamed?
Hamed!
I'll go, Mr. Rahim.
The newbie. Can he even swim?
Who wants to bet on him?
Who's in?
5 to 1 on Amir.
5 to 1.
- Go for it. He's a good swimmer. 5 to 1.
- We're betting on the boy now.
Three.
Two.
One.
Go!
Go, newbie! Give it your best shot!
Give him his money.
Go on, give him his money.
Come on up.
That's it for tonight.
The winners can come get their money.
Come on, it's late.
We have work to do tomorrow.
Good job.
Boy! You're coming with us
to the fish market.
Hurry, we have to be there in an hour.
Get on the truck.
Hurry up!
Fresh fish! Fresh fish!
Fresh fish! Fresh fish!
Three for the price of two!
Fresh fish, fresh fish!
The caviar is very fresh.
I trust you.
Thanks.
Here's your money.
Hurry up, boy!
- Hey, what's up?
- Hello.
Funny outfit.
- Cute. Are those your work clothes?
- Exactly.
- You didn't answer your phone yesterday.
- The reception is bad.
- Why didn't you text me?
- I did.
I brought you some pastry.
- Go for it. I've got loads more.
- Delicious.
- Do you like it?
- Give me some more.
There you go.
Is that it?
Your cellphone is in there?
It's a pocket.
Hello?
Okay. I'll be right there.
- Narges, I have to go back to work.
- Okay.
- I'm sorry.
- It's okay.
- Can I have another one?
- Take them all.
- Thanks. Bye.
- Bye.
Serve it, boy.
We're going to check the nets.
Let's go.
Lift it up.
Careful.
Higher.
Down a bit now.
Mr. Rahim!
- What are you doing here?
- I wanna come with you.
- Where?
- I wanna go poaching with you.
Go poaching with us?
Who said we were going to poach?
I figured it out on my own.
He's a good swimmer.
He could do Nader's job.
Amir, if you betray us,
I'll rip your tongue out!
- Understood?
- Yes, sir.
Follow me.
Put this on.
Lift it up.
Push it.
- Turn it around.
- Push it.
Put this headlamp on.
Dive down and take out any garbage
trapped in the net.
The garbage makes the net visible.
It scares off the fish.
Quick.
Good.
Bring the rest.
- We've got some fish, boys.
- They've got fish.
We've got some. Great!
Be quick and careful.
Wrap it up. Let's go.
Get in, Amir.
You stay here.
Come here, Amir.
Clean these cans
and put them on the table.
This one can go.
It's a male.
- Damn it.
- Try the other one.
We'll sell that one to the restaurant.
- Perfect. This one's perfect.
- Great! We got some.
Thank God.
Great.
- Look at all that caviar.
- It's good stuff too.
Get back to your work.
Seal the lid tightly
so that no air gets in.
- Not bad for your first day.
- Thank you, sir.
It's stuck somewhere.
Harder! Pull harder.
Until the net's free.
- Give him the oar.
- Omid.
Grab the oar!
Grab the oar, Omid!
Come here.
Pull yourself up.
Don't you know how to swim?
Sure I do.
Follow my movements.
Did you get it?
Come on, give it a try.
Keep your arms up.
And in front of you.
Stretch out your arms.
Look, Omid.
Stretch them out.
Only move your feet.
Go for it. I'm right behind you.
That's it. Flex your arm and pull it back.
Keep the other arm in front.
Come over here.
Stretch out your arms,
then pull one arm back through the water.
Then the other arm.
Come here. It's deeper there.
Come over here.
Yes. Now the other arm.
And move your feet.
Let's meet at our spot.
I can buy something on the way.
Okay, thanks. Okay.
Love you too. Bye.
You're going to deliver this in the city.
The address is inside.
Remember:
count the money right away.
500 per can.
Don't get caught.
- What do you want?
- Majid sent me.
- How many do you have?
- Four tins.
Wait here.
- It's 300 short.
- What?
It's 300 short.
Bye.
I was worried you'd be gone.
- I got pizza.
- I've been waiting for two hours.
Sorry, I had to finish a job.
- Then you have to stay longer.
- I have to go in half an hour.
- Amir!
- I have to work.
- I thought we'd have some time together.
- I'm sorry.
Are you sleeping enough?
You look exhausted.
Don't worry. I'm fine.
I don't believe you.
You're so sweet when you worry.
- Hello, sir.
- What took you so long?
There were loads of cops.
I had to take a detour.
- Do you have the money?
- Yes, sir.
You're very kind, sir.
50 kilos!
Put it over there.
Over there.
We slog our guts out
and they pocket all the money.
We can bring more
But all the checkpoints make it expensive.
- Omid, I have to go. See you later.
- Okay.
And who's the guy?
The son of a friend of my father.
They're coming to visit from Tehran today.
My father thinks he's a good match.
Amir, I can't keep
going against my dad's wishes.
He won't take no for an answer this time.
I have to play along with it.
What if they force you to marry him?
No one can force me to do anything.
We're just meeting today.
Nothing's going to happen.
Perhaps something might happen later!
I was looking for you.
How come you weren't in the room?
I needed to breathe.
You look miserable.
Didn't you just see Narges?
She has a suitor from Tehran.
One of her father's rich friends.
Money is all that matters.
This country is just
one dead end after the other.
You can't do what you like
or be yourself.
I'm stuck too.
What do you mean?
I haven't come here for work.
I'm a writer.
I write articles, blogs...
Now I have to leave the country.
They're after me.
I wanna go to Azerbaijan by boat
and from there to Europe.
Someone suggested Ghasem.
That he could help me get there.
I even gave him some money already.
But I've been waiting here for weeks.
The asshole!
The sea is really nasty
this time of year.
Maybe he's ripping you off.
Why don't you take me?
I'll pay you good money.
It's not just about the money.
I'm not a smuggler
and the sea is really dangerous.
Hurry!
Close the gate.
And cover the fish.
- Your share.
- God bless you.
God bless you.
God bless you.
Asgar.
Take yours.
- Hello.
- Hello.
Come over here!
There's a body. A body!
There's a body in the net!
- Is it Nader?
- It's him.
They told us he went home.
His poor mother!
He could swim like a fish.
How did he drown?
What are you looking at?
Go back to work.
Someone call the cops.
Let's go.
That's the guy you replaced.
He was also a good swimmer like you.
- So what?
- Nothing.
I just wanted to let you know.
Don't worry.
They're not after you.
- How come you're back so late?
- Hi, Mom.
- What happened to your face?
- Nothing. An accident at work.
- Did you get into a fight?
- No, I ran into a wall.
I have to run some errands, Mom.
- And dinner?
- I'm in a rush.
- Four tins.
- Hand it over.
Wait here.
Here. As agreed.
Hurry!
The coastguard's coming!
- Turn off your torch.
- Hurry up!
- Come out.
- Everyone out!
- What's going on?
- Come out.
Out! Everybody out!
It's the police.
Get out here!
Everyone get out!
Why are you dragging us out
into the cold?
Why are you always hassling us?
Lieutenant, we've done nothing wrong.
Why have you dragged us out of bed?
Step away and stand with the others.
Poaching!
You know that we know.
This fishery is closed
until we know who the poachers are.
So give us their names now.
It's better if you tell us.
We'll track them down anyway!
This fishery is closed
until we have the names!
It's up to you now.
Let's go.
Are you lot happy?
Is that fair?
You pocket all the money
and we get screwed.
What did you say?
Either you pay us fairly
or I'll talk to the police.
Watch your words, Masoud.
I'd keep my mouth shut
if I were you.
Get lost!
Scram!
You come with me.
And the others go back to your rooms.
How dare he talk to me like that?
What the hell is wrong with Masoud?
I don't know what his problem is.
What should we do with him?
Leave Masoud for later.
We shouldn't go out to sea
at night for a while.
But what about the buyers?
- Our stocks will run out soon.
- There's nothing we can do.
We have to keep a low profile
and wait it out.
No going out to sea for now.
End of discussion.
- What did Ghasem say?
- He wants all of the money upfront.
Those cops are gonna come back.
They're not looking for you.
But what if they find out I'm here?
I'll take you.
You said it's dangerous
at this time of year.
- Here's your money.
- Give it to me later.
Omid, hold on tight to the boat.
What are you doing, Omid?
Hold on tight!
All my money
and my passport are in there.
Let go of the bag!
- Amir!
- Omid!
Omid!
Omid!
Omid!
Omid?
What's wrong?
Why didn't you open up?
You look like shit.
Are you sick?
Where's Omid?
- I don't know.
- You don't?
Who else would know?
You're his roommate.
You should know where, sir.
He told me you were supposed
to smuggle him out.
Maybe he found someone cheaper
when you didn't.
I see.
What else did he tell you?
I've got my eye on you.
Can you arrange
to meet Narges's parents now?
Are you going to tell me
how you got all this money?
I've been working hard
and I got a loan from Ghasem.
Just like that?
Two of the fishermen vouched for me.
Go ask them yourself.
But it's a lot of money.
How are we gonna pay it back?
- Hi.
- Hi.
What's your good news?
- What happened to your face?
- Just an accident at work.
- Everything's going to work out.
- What do you mean?
I'm going to ask for your hand
in marriage.
How did you manage that so fast?
Aren't you happy?
Yes. Sure, I am.
I just didn't expect it.
But I'm happy.
- Does it hurt?
- Leave it.
- So how long have you been fishing?
- It's been some time now.
I want to save up and run a hotel.
He hasn't been doing it that long.
He grew up without a father,
so he's a very responsible boy.
He's honest.
And a hard worker.
He's come a long way in such a short time.
Sure.
I believe wealth and security
are very important for a family.
I've only ever wanted the best
for my family.
That's why I want Narges
to live in the comfort she deserves.
Here in this neighborhood,
close to us.
A person's worth
doesn't depend on where they live.
They're both young and can work
and achieve so much on their own.
They can build their own life together.
We have always provided
for our children.
We treat them all equally.
Narges's dower should be
the same as her sister's.
As many gold coins
as the year she was born.
But that's rather a lot.
It's a tradition.
You can't just ignore it.
A dower provides a woman with security.
But it should be affordable, too.
Well, those are our conditions.
Now it's up to you to say
if you can fulfill them or not.
I've saved them for a time like this.
They're yours, Mom.
What use are they to me?
We'll figure out the rest as well.
I can't accept them.
But it's what I want.
What did your mum say?
What do you think?
She's hurt by your parents' demands.
But unlike you, my mom
will always stand by me.
If you'd talked to your family,
it wouldn't have come to this.
Don't you know me by now?
You think I wouldn't say anything?
Yes?
It's not a good time.
Okay. I'll be right there.
- Who was that?
- My work.
- And?
- I have to go.
Go? You asked me to come here
so we could talk.
I do anything and everything to earn
enough money and you talk to me like that?
Anything and everything?
What do you do there?
That's enough, Narges.
This is ridiculous.
How dare you talk to me like that!
I didn't say anything bad.
You've really changed lately.
Go grab your bag.
I'll take you home.
I'm fed up.
- Why are you stopping?
- I'm really late.
- Let me get you a cab.
- I can take my own cab.
Bye.
What did you tell the police, Masoud?
- Talk.
- I didn't tell them anything.
Go on, spit it out.
Scumbag.
Throw him out.
Come here, boy.
Take it to the restaurant.
But be careful.
- And throw him out.
- Give me a hand, boy.
Grab his leg.
Get lost!
- Bye.
- Bye.
Narges.
Why?
Okay, I'll be right there.
What's wrong?
- Where were you?
- At work.
I don't get it.
What kind of job is that?
It's a job.
You don't have to "get" everything, honey.
I know you're lying.
You're mixed up in some illegal business.
Illegal? That's bullshit!
You've had the job for two months
and suddenly you can fix everything?
Do you take me for an idiot?
I'm doing it all just for you.
I'm doing all this hard work
so your parents will accept me.
I saw what you did today.
Did I ask you to beat up that man
and throw him away like garbage?
Okay, I'm a criminal.
I'm a liar.
If I hadn't done this, you'd have left me
for that rich guy from Tehran.
You see?
You don't even know what you're saying.
When did you become this person?
- Narges.
- Let go!
I'm sick of it!
I'm sick of fighting for you
and being mocked by family for it.
I used to believe in us.
But now I don't.
Let me go.
If you love me, then let me go.
Take care of yourself.
Wow, it's so nice here.
Should I jump in the water?
Do it! I'll cheer you on.
- You have to let go of my hand first.
- I can't let you go.
Amir!
Amir, my love!
Come back to me.
- Come join me.
- I can't do that!
But no one's around.
- Stop it! Get out of the water.
- In a minute.
Look how long I can hold my breath.
Amir.
Amir!
Amir!
Narges.
Amir!
You nearly gave me a heart attack!
- How long was I under for?
- I don't know.
I was so scared, I totally lost it!
- Hello.
- Hello.
Is the wedding cake ready?
- Yes.
- Thank you.
Stop it.
Everybody clap.
Let's hear it for the groom's father.
A round of applause!
- Good job, guys.
- Thanks.
When will the rice be ready, Ali?
- It's ready.
- Great!
Prepare the kebabs too, guys.
Mohammad, I need the salads now.
- Okay, sir.
- Hurry up, bro.
Turn off the ovens.
The dinner is cancelled.
- Why, sir?
- They haven't paid me yet.
Lock the dining room!
But sir, that's so unfair.
I can't do something like that.
What?
You're refusing?
Mohammad!
- Yes, sir?
- Go lock the dining room!
Yes, sir.
- We agreed on payment upfront.
- I'll pay everything tomorrow.
- Not tomorrow, now.
- Please, don't embarrass me.
- Brother, I'll pay it for you.
- Thank you.
- Tell the kitchen to serve the food now.
- Okay, sir.
And you're fired.
Dear guests, dinner is served.
Please make your way to the dining room.
This one is ready, my son.
- Yes?
- It's me. Somaye.
I'm coming.
- Hello.
- Hi, how are you?
I'm fine, thanks.
Can I have two jars of pickled garlics?
Amir, bring me two jars of garlic.
- Here you go, Mom.
- Thank you.
- There you go.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
- God bless you.
- Thank you. Bye now.
- Hey!
- Hey, how are you doing?
- Good. You?
- I'm good.
You were quick today!
- I'm always quick!
- Come on! Liar!
Watch out, Narges!
I'll get him. Just you wait.
Turn round.
Let's hit the red one.
Now. Those two guys there.
Something's wrong with it.
It's not working!
No! Let me steer.
- Do you know how?
- Yes!
You're gonna kill me.
Turn around.
Watch out! They'll hit us!
My sister is acting
really strange these days.
- I told you that before.
- No, Amir. I'm serious.
I guess she might be pregnant.
She's acting weird lately.
Really?
Oh! Amir! My aunt is over there,
don't look over. Let's hide!
Quick!
Go, go! Oh dear!
I'm tired of playing hide-and-seek.
When are you gonna talk to my parents?
- Soon.
- When?
- Now is not the time, Narges.
- Why?
I got fired.
You got fired?
My boss wanted to stop the wedding party
because they hadn't paid the whole fee.
I tried to stop him and then he fired me.
Well done you! He's a jerk.
- Did I do the wrong thing?
- No, what else could you have done?
... back to the negotiating table.
Washington claims
that the extensive sanctions
are aimed at the government
and not the Iranian people.
But they have caused
a sharp rise in inflation,
the devaluation
of the Iranian currency and...
- Mom!
- Yes, sweetie?
I want to propose to Narges.
At a time like this?
Is it a good idea?
Why not? You were my age
when you got married.
It was different back then.
We didn't have these problems.
Besides, you don't have a job.
How would you manage?
The wedding and the dower cost a fortune.
And you have to rent a place.
You can't live here together.
Now is not the time.
When is the time then?
In a few years
when the prices have tripled?
At least find a job first.
Why are you in such a hurry?
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Do you need any help in the restaurant?
- No.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Do you have any jobs going?
- No.
Okay. Thank you.
- Hi. How are you?
- Hi.
- Thanks.
- Let's go.
- Amir, I have to be home soon.
- No movie together?
We have guests tonight.
My father told me to come home early.
You and your father!
- I'll call you.
- Okay.
- It's fine!
- All gone?
- Bye.
- Bye.
- Go.
- Okay.
Drive back.
Straighten your shirt, my son.
Hello, hello.
What a pleasure. Welcome.
Hello, my friend.
Hey! How are you, sweetie?
My dear! Hey.
- How was the journey from Tehran?
- Please, please come in.
- Please, sir!
- Take me! I haven't worked for a week!
Get back, get back.
- Hello, Mr. Falah!
- Hey! Amir, how are you doing?
Just a minute.
Thanks.
- And another.
- Thank you, Amir.
- Mr. Falah, is anyone hiring round here?
- No, there are no jobs going.
- I'll do anything.
- You'll do any job?
There's a fishery that might take you,
but it's tough work
and far away.
- I don't mind. Give me the address.
- Follow the coast for about an hour.
Ask for Ghasem's fishery.
Everyone knows him.
- Thanks a lot.
- Anytime. Take care.
- Today I want to set a record.
- What was the last record?
- I don't remember.
- Me neither. Go on.
Be careful.
- Hopefully I'll get a job as a fisherman.
- I'm sure you'll find a job there.
You were born for the sea.
You're right.
But it's one and a half hours' drive
and I have to stay there overnight.
- We'll see each other less then?
- Don't worry, my love.
I'll come visit you a lot.
So you're going to be a fisherman?
It's just one season.
I want to work my way up,
save some money and buy us a hotel.
- Or we'll buy this place.
- This place?
- Yes.
- It's been like this forever.
- No one knows who owns it. Be serious!
- Then we'll find a better place.
A better place is good.
You're gonna love this stew.
Eat, my dear.
There's something...
on your lip there.
- Hi.
- Hello.
- I'm looking for Mr Ghasem.
- Mr. Ghasem?
Okay, I'll take you to the boss.
You carry on.
Mr. Ghasem, someone's looking for work.
- Send him in.
- Yes, sir.
Hello.
Have you ever worked at a fishery?
No.
Can you swim?
Yeah. Like a fish.
You only get paid here if you work hard.
That's fine by me.
Another thing.
You have to pay
for board and lodging in advance.
Do you have any money?
That's all I have, sir.
Ahmad, take the kid to Omid's room.
- Sure, boss.
- Thank you, sir.
Here's your bedding.
- Your work clothes are over there.
- Thanks.
Be careful not to step on the net.
Pull it in from below.
Load the fish onto the truck.
Get the rest of them.
Clean it up.
Hurry up!
Be careful with the nets!
What are you doing?
Picking up the garbage?
I thought I should.
What for?
Throw it away.
- But where?
- In my pocket? How about that?
Throw it back in the sea.
It's full of garbage anyway.
Get back to your work.
Go, I said!
Come over here.
Put the crate in the truck.
Hurry up!
Good work.
That's it?
I have to cover the net
you ruined, Masoud.
I've deducted your board and lodging.
What brings you here?
I needed a job.
I want to marry Narges.
It's good you're fighting for love.
The pay was really bad today.
- Is it always like that?
- You won't get rich with this job.
Ghasem makes good money, though.
Yeah, Ghasem and his friends
know how to get rich.
They're a crooked lot.
They fish illegally too.
I prefer to keep my distance.
Saber wins! Good job.
Mobin, come on out.
Who's next?
Who's going next?
Who'll take on Saber next?
I will!
Hamed!
Hamed.
Hamed, 2 to 1.
Who's betting on Hamed?
For Hamed?
Who else for Hamed?
Place your bets.
Hurry up!
One.
Two.
Three.
Go, Hamed! Catch the eel!
Saber, go! You're the best!
You can do it, Hamed!
Go, Hamed! Catch the eel!
Yeah! He got it!
Hamed, you're the best!
Saber, you're out.
Last round!
Who wants to compete against Hamed?
Hamed!
I'll go, Mr. Rahim.
The newbie. Can he even swim?
Who wants to bet on him?
Who's in?
5 to 1 on Amir.
5 to 1.
- Go for it. He's a good swimmer. 5 to 1.
- We're betting on the boy now.
Three.
Two.
One.
Go!
Go, newbie! Give it your best shot!
Give him his money.
Go on, give him his money.
Come on up.
That's it for tonight.
The winners can come get their money.
Come on, it's late.
We have work to do tomorrow.
Good job.
Boy! You're coming with us
to the fish market.
Hurry, we have to be there in an hour.
Get on the truck.
Hurry up!
Fresh fish! Fresh fish!
Fresh fish! Fresh fish!
Three for the price of two!
Fresh fish, fresh fish!
The caviar is very fresh.
I trust you.
Thanks.
Here's your money.
Hurry up, boy!
- Hey, what's up?
- Hello.
Funny outfit.
- Cute. Are those your work clothes?
- Exactly.
- You didn't answer your phone yesterday.
- The reception is bad.
- Why didn't you text me?
- I did.
I brought you some pastry.
- Go for it. I've got loads more.
- Delicious.
- Do you like it?
- Give me some more.
There you go.
Is that it?
Your cellphone is in there?
It's a pocket.
Hello?
Okay. I'll be right there.
- Narges, I have to go back to work.
- Okay.
- I'm sorry.
- It's okay.
- Can I have another one?
- Take them all.
- Thanks. Bye.
- Bye.
Serve it, boy.
We're going to check the nets.
Let's go.
Lift it up.
Careful.
Higher.
Down a bit now.
Mr. Rahim!
- What are you doing here?
- I wanna come with you.
- Where?
- I wanna go poaching with you.
Go poaching with us?
Who said we were going to poach?
I figured it out on my own.
He's a good swimmer.
He could do Nader's job.
Amir, if you betray us,
I'll rip your tongue out!
- Understood?
- Yes, sir.
Follow me.
Put this on.
Lift it up.
Push it.
- Turn it around.
- Push it.
Put this headlamp on.
Dive down and take out any garbage
trapped in the net.
The garbage makes the net visible.
It scares off the fish.
Quick.
Good.
Bring the rest.
- We've got some fish, boys.
- They've got fish.
We've got some. Great!
Be quick and careful.
Wrap it up. Let's go.
Get in, Amir.
You stay here.
Come here, Amir.
Clean these cans
and put them on the table.
This one can go.
It's a male.
- Damn it.
- Try the other one.
We'll sell that one to the restaurant.
- Perfect. This one's perfect.
- Great! We got some.
Thank God.
Great.
- Look at all that caviar.
- It's good stuff too.
Get back to your work.
Seal the lid tightly
so that no air gets in.
- Not bad for your first day.
- Thank you, sir.
It's stuck somewhere.
Harder! Pull harder.
Until the net's free.
- Give him the oar.
- Omid.
Grab the oar!
Grab the oar, Omid!
Come here.
Pull yourself up.
Don't you know how to swim?
Sure I do.
Follow my movements.
Did you get it?
Come on, give it a try.
Keep your arms up.
And in front of you.
Stretch out your arms.
Look, Omid.
Stretch them out.
Only move your feet.
Go for it. I'm right behind you.
That's it. Flex your arm and pull it back.
Keep the other arm in front.
Come over here.
Stretch out your arms,
then pull one arm back through the water.
Then the other arm.
Come here. It's deeper there.
Come over here.
Yes. Now the other arm.
And move your feet.
Let's meet at our spot.
I can buy something on the way.
Okay, thanks. Okay.
Love you too. Bye.
You're going to deliver this in the city.
The address is inside.
Remember:
count the money right away.
500 per can.
Don't get caught.
- What do you want?
- Majid sent me.
- How many do you have?
- Four tins.
Wait here.
- It's 300 short.
- What?
It's 300 short.
Bye.
I was worried you'd be gone.
- I got pizza.
- I've been waiting for two hours.
Sorry, I had to finish a job.
- Then you have to stay longer.
- I have to go in half an hour.
- Amir!
- I have to work.
- I thought we'd have some time together.
- I'm sorry.
Are you sleeping enough?
You look exhausted.
Don't worry. I'm fine.
I don't believe you.
You're so sweet when you worry.
- Hello, sir.
- What took you so long?
There were loads of cops.
I had to take a detour.
- Do you have the money?
- Yes, sir.
You're very kind, sir.
50 kilos!
Put it over there.
Over there.
We slog our guts out
and they pocket all the money.
We can bring more
But all the checkpoints make it expensive.
- Omid, I have to go. See you later.
- Okay.
And who's the guy?
The son of a friend of my father.
They're coming to visit from Tehran today.
My father thinks he's a good match.
Amir, I can't keep
going against my dad's wishes.
He won't take no for an answer this time.
I have to play along with it.
What if they force you to marry him?
No one can force me to do anything.
We're just meeting today.
Nothing's going to happen.
Perhaps something might happen later!
I was looking for you.
How come you weren't in the room?
I needed to breathe.
You look miserable.
Didn't you just see Narges?
She has a suitor from Tehran.
One of her father's rich friends.
Money is all that matters.
This country is just
one dead end after the other.
You can't do what you like
or be yourself.
I'm stuck too.
What do you mean?
I haven't come here for work.
I'm a writer.
I write articles, blogs...
Now I have to leave the country.
They're after me.
I wanna go to Azerbaijan by boat
and from there to Europe.
Someone suggested Ghasem.
That he could help me get there.
I even gave him some money already.
But I've been waiting here for weeks.
The asshole!
The sea is really nasty
this time of year.
Maybe he's ripping you off.
Why don't you take me?
I'll pay you good money.
It's not just about the money.
I'm not a smuggler
and the sea is really dangerous.
Hurry!
Close the gate.
And cover the fish.
- Your share.
- God bless you.
God bless you.
God bless you.
Asgar.
Take yours.
- Hello.
- Hello.
Come over here!
There's a body. A body!
There's a body in the net!
- Is it Nader?
- It's him.
They told us he went home.
His poor mother!
He could swim like a fish.
How did he drown?
What are you looking at?
Go back to work.
Someone call the cops.
Let's go.
That's the guy you replaced.
He was also a good swimmer like you.
- So what?
- Nothing.
I just wanted to let you know.
Don't worry.
They're not after you.
- How come you're back so late?
- Hi, Mom.
- What happened to your face?
- Nothing. An accident at work.
- Did you get into a fight?
- No, I ran into a wall.
I have to run some errands, Mom.
- And dinner?
- I'm in a rush.
- Four tins.
- Hand it over.
Wait here.
Here. As agreed.
Hurry!
The coastguard's coming!
- Turn off your torch.
- Hurry up!
- Come out.
- Everyone out!
- What's going on?
- Come out.
Out! Everybody out!
It's the police.
Get out here!
Everyone get out!
Why are you dragging us out
into the cold?
Why are you always hassling us?
Lieutenant, we've done nothing wrong.
Why have you dragged us out of bed?
Step away and stand with the others.
Poaching!
You know that we know.
This fishery is closed
until we know who the poachers are.
So give us their names now.
It's better if you tell us.
We'll track them down anyway!
This fishery is closed
until we have the names!
It's up to you now.
Let's go.
Are you lot happy?
Is that fair?
You pocket all the money
and we get screwed.
What did you say?
Either you pay us fairly
or I'll talk to the police.
Watch your words, Masoud.
I'd keep my mouth shut
if I were you.
Get lost!
Scram!
You come with me.
And the others go back to your rooms.
How dare he talk to me like that?
What the hell is wrong with Masoud?
I don't know what his problem is.
What should we do with him?
Leave Masoud for later.
We shouldn't go out to sea
at night for a while.
But what about the buyers?
- Our stocks will run out soon.
- There's nothing we can do.
We have to keep a low profile
and wait it out.
No going out to sea for now.
End of discussion.
- What did Ghasem say?
- He wants all of the money upfront.
Those cops are gonna come back.
They're not looking for you.
But what if they find out I'm here?
I'll take you.
You said it's dangerous
at this time of year.
- Here's your money.
- Give it to me later.
Omid, hold on tight to the boat.
What are you doing, Omid?
Hold on tight!
All my money
and my passport are in there.
Let go of the bag!
- Amir!
- Omid!
Omid!
Omid!
Omid!
Omid?
What's wrong?
Why didn't you open up?
You look like shit.
Are you sick?
Where's Omid?
- I don't know.
- You don't?
Who else would know?
You're his roommate.
You should know where, sir.
He told me you were supposed
to smuggle him out.
Maybe he found someone cheaper
when you didn't.
I see.
What else did he tell you?
I've got my eye on you.
Can you arrange
to meet Narges's parents now?
Are you going to tell me
how you got all this money?
I've been working hard
and I got a loan from Ghasem.
Just like that?
Two of the fishermen vouched for me.
Go ask them yourself.
But it's a lot of money.
How are we gonna pay it back?
- Hi.
- Hi.
What's your good news?
- What happened to your face?
- Just an accident at work.
- Everything's going to work out.
- What do you mean?
I'm going to ask for your hand
in marriage.
How did you manage that so fast?
Aren't you happy?
Yes. Sure, I am.
I just didn't expect it.
But I'm happy.
- Does it hurt?
- Leave it.
- So how long have you been fishing?
- It's been some time now.
I want to save up and run a hotel.
He hasn't been doing it that long.
He grew up without a father,
so he's a very responsible boy.
He's honest.
And a hard worker.
He's come a long way in such a short time.
Sure.
I believe wealth and security
are very important for a family.
I've only ever wanted the best
for my family.
That's why I want Narges
to live in the comfort she deserves.
Here in this neighborhood,
close to us.
A person's worth
doesn't depend on where they live.
They're both young and can work
and achieve so much on their own.
They can build their own life together.
We have always provided
for our children.
We treat them all equally.
Narges's dower should be
the same as her sister's.
As many gold coins
as the year she was born.
But that's rather a lot.
It's a tradition.
You can't just ignore it.
A dower provides a woman with security.
But it should be affordable, too.
Well, those are our conditions.
Now it's up to you to say
if you can fulfill them or not.
I've saved them for a time like this.
They're yours, Mom.
What use are they to me?
We'll figure out the rest as well.
I can't accept them.
But it's what I want.
What did your mum say?
What do you think?
She's hurt by your parents' demands.
But unlike you, my mom
will always stand by me.
If you'd talked to your family,
it wouldn't have come to this.
Don't you know me by now?
You think I wouldn't say anything?
Yes?
It's not a good time.
Okay. I'll be right there.
- Who was that?
- My work.
- And?
- I have to go.
Go? You asked me to come here
so we could talk.
I do anything and everything to earn
enough money and you talk to me like that?
Anything and everything?
What do you do there?
That's enough, Narges.
This is ridiculous.
How dare you talk to me like that!
I didn't say anything bad.
You've really changed lately.
Go grab your bag.
I'll take you home.
I'm fed up.
- Why are you stopping?
- I'm really late.
- Let me get you a cab.
- I can take my own cab.
Bye.
What did you tell the police, Masoud?
- Talk.
- I didn't tell them anything.
Go on, spit it out.
Scumbag.
Throw him out.
Come here, boy.
Take it to the restaurant.
But be careful.
- And throw him out.
- Give me a hand, boy.
Grab his leg.
Get lost!
- Bye.
- Bye.
Narges.
Why?
Okay, I'll be right there.
What's wrong?
- Where were you?
- At work.
I don't get it.
What kind of job is that?
It's a job.
You don't have to "get" everything, honey.
I know you're lying.
You're mixed up in some illegal business.
Illegal? That's bullshit!
You've had the job for two months
and suddenly you can fix everything?
Do you take me for an idiot?
I'm doing it all just for you.
I'm doing all this hard work
so your parents will accept me.
I saw what you did today.
Did I ask you to beat up that man
and throw him away like garbage?
Okay, I'm a criminal.
I'm a liar.
If I hadn't done this, you'd have left me
for that rich guy from Tehran.
You see?
You don't even know what you're saying.
When did you become this person?
- Narges.
- Let go!
I'm sick of it!
I'm sick of fighting for you
and being mocked by family for it.
I used to believe in us.
But now I don't.
Let me go.
If you love me, then let me go.
Take care of yourself.