Nepela (2025) Movie Script
1
known for his flawless compulsories,
Nepela has also perfected his free skate.
A wonderful Axel to top off
the jump sequence
Nepela executes his figures
with remarkable precision
Nepela's movements flow like water
Ondrej Nepela wins the 1972 Olympics!
Sapporo, I embrace you
on behalf of my entire homeland!
What is it, Ondrej?
I wanna quit.
Okay.
Good night.
Good night.
Ondrej.
Ondrej, let's go.
Ondrej, come on!
You don't have to tell them yet.
Come on.
Otherwise, you're going back
on the afternoon flight.
Today, after a three-and-a-half-month
tour around the world,
multiple-time European Champion,
three-time World Champion,
and Olympic gold medallist, Ondrej Nepela,
arrived at Bratislava Airport.
Thank you!
What a crowd, huh?
He was greeted by his parents,
the chairman of the athletic association,
Comrade Antonn Himl,
members of the board
of his parent club, Slovan Bratislava,
and many young figure skating fans.
Congratulations!
We took the opportunity
to ask Ondrej a few questions.
Can you share some impressions
from your trip abroad?
Well,
I think, after the Olympics
and the World Championships,
the exhibitions went well.
Almost every day, we performed
with US and Canadian figure skaters
in their towns.
We've heard this may have been
your last competition.
You're even said to have been offered
a spot with Holiday on Ice.
I don't want to get ahead of myself,
but it's true
that the offer was made.
Speaking of home, what did you miss most
about our country?
Dumplings?
Thank you. We wish you all the best.
Thanks, everyone, for the lovely welcome.
Here to accept
the Distinguished Master of Sports award,
presented by First Secretary
of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia,
Comrade Gustv Husk,
is Comrade Ondrej Nepela.
Congratulations, Ondrej.
- Thank you.
- Congratulations.
Congratulations, Ondrej.
You miss competing yet, Makov?
Not really, Ms. Mdra.
No need to stress over sixes.
But training with Holiday
is also hard.
- It's no joke.
- That, it isn't.
It must be hard to hang up your skates
as European Champion.
I didn't hang up anything.
I threw my skates
into a lake in Colorado.
They're probably still there.
Swimming with the fish.
But I got a new pair.
You and your jokes, Makov.
Comrade Himl, the photo-op.
Let's go, Ondrej.
Go.
Go, go.
Are you upset?
I just have to show up once a year
and sign a contract with Himl.
I'm used to it.
Himl has always helped out when he could.
You're such an angel.
So meek and nave.
But life
isn't just about compulsory figures.
There's also free skate.
At Holiday, you'll learn to relax.
Yes. I think I'll enjoy it.
'Enjoy it'?
You're gonna love it.
And they're gonna love you.
They love you already.
It's always,
'Ondrej here, Ondrej there'
- Really?
- Really.
- You serious?
- I'm serious.
I hope I get a nice costume.
With glitter.
- And a modern program?
- A decadent one.
Come on. Let's go.
Careful, Pao, it's heavy.
Wait. Papi, give him the other suitcase, too.
- You can handle it, can't you?
- Uh-huh.
- Let me give you a hand.
- No, you keep your hands off.
You can grab the paintings.
Careful, honey.
- Is it too heavy?
- I'll manage.
You're almost done.
A room fit for a king.
- It'll be here, waiting for you.
- You should've taken it, Dad.
Can't thank the comrades enough.
One's liable to get lost
in a flat this big.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Come in, Ondrej.
- Hi, Pao.
- Hey.
Your place is more cozy.
Your parents do what they can.
But they'll never feel at home
in the city. Come, sit.
You moved here, too.
I can adapt.
But they
They prefer the quiet life, you know.
Too bad you threw a spanner
in their plans.
Mum, we still got the bread pudding?
Grab a wafer.
Sure.
- Darling?
- Uh-huh?
Is your dad driving you to practice?
I'll go myself.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Would you teach me some German?
You speak more languages than me.
But not the one I'll need.
Do you really want this, Ondrej?
I do.
Who's gonna take care of you over there?
Tell me, you dreamer.
- Probably Hanka.
- Right, Hanka.
But you must never forget
your mother tongue.
And every time you come back
- I'll make sure to stop by.
- Exactly.
Can I at least call you?
Of course you can.
All right, let's get started.
Right
My name is Ondrej Nepela.
My name is Ondrej Nepela.
I'm 21 years old.
Not too bad.
I like Semmelschmarrn.
- Semmelschmarrn.
- Semmelschmarrn.
And the only thing I want
is to skate with Holiday on Ice.
Excuse me?
Come again.
What I want most
is to skate with Holiday on Ice.
- Thank you!
- It was about time.
They refused to believe it
till the last second,
but I knew it would work out.
Come in.
Good afternoon.
Have you got a moment?
Come in, come in.
Just a sec.
- Hi, good to see you.
- Welcome.
- Come, take a seat.
- Put the coats over there.
Thank you.
So I can't change your mind?
- I don't think so.
- Ondrej can take care of himself.
He'll prepare for shows just as
he prepares for competitions.
He just needs the permit.
Well,
I'm not gonna stop you from leaving.
Olympic gold medallist,
European champion, world champion
And I'm just an ordinary bureaucrat.
But there's a lot of hoops
to jump through.
Still, I'll do my best.
Excellent.
Thank you.
- Did the comrade tell you?
- Tell us what?
Bratislava will be hosting the Worlds.
The West won't believe their eyes!
Ondrej, come on.
- The World Championships?
- I know, right?
Now I know why everyone was drunk.
I hope they enjoy it.
Are you sorry you won't be taking part?
Are you crazy?
'Pazdrek, this is your moment.'
'Straighten those knees!'
Hi. Two lemonades.
Look, our crazy friend
from the junior team.
Hi, Zdenka.
- Hi, guys.
- Hi, Zdenka.
- Hi, Ondrej.
- Hi.
- Hi, Hanka.
- Hi.
- How's your dancing going?
- Good. We just got back from Bulgaria.
Did you get tickets to our show?
Busy schedule.
I can't wait to hear your stories.
Hope you have time
before Ondrej leaves.
I'm sure we'll make time.
I can feel it.
Have a nice evening.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Right nice evening.
These are Sergei and Jan, talking.
Karen didn't want her picture taken,
said she was fat. Nonsense.
And this is Toller.
Toller Cranston.
Canadian. You might've heard of him.
- Have some cocoa.
- Thank you.
When are you getting your travel permit?
They didn't say.
But they're working on it.
All right.
What do we have here?
My favorite record.
I got you something.
What do you think?
Ondrej,
you don't have to do that.
I gotta go.
I leave in the morning.
Traitor.
I have practice.
My final session.
I wish I could leave with you.
You'll join me before you know it,
you'll see.
Do you still do that?
Bye.
- Goodbye, Ms. Nepelov.
- Bye, Hanka.
Come on, straighten those knees.
Well done.
Come and have some water.
Let him take a break, Coach.
Why is he still practicing?
- Am I wrong?
- You always want a break.
He practices every day of the year,
that's why he has results.
- How was your session?
- Good.
How about your results, Pazdrek?
Nothing to write home about, huh?
Come on, move it.
Don't just stand there like mannequins.
I wanna see a good warm-up.
Start with compulsories.
Remember when we first met?
I told you to do figure eights,
and you kept at them until I came back.
I'd completely forgotten about you.
It must've been two hours.
Compulsories are very important.
But nobody likes watching them.
What nobody likes is hard work.
Everyone just wants a show.
Cranston puts on a show.
But he's also a good skater.
Cranston
He treats competition
as if it were Holiday on Ice.
Beautiful control.
But figure skating isn't rock'n'roll.
Come and take a rest.
I can tell you're aping his style.
You looked so good with short hair.
What are you laughing about?
You all wanna look like The Beatles.
Oh, so modern.
I wouldn't beat him in competition
anymore.
Why do you say that?
You never know.
It's Poitier tonight
and then Paris.
Then Vienna, Klagenfurt,
and finally, Prague, in April.
Shows by day, transfers by night,
and so on and so forth.
You'll see for yourself.
Don't you get tired?
I could sleep for two days straight
and then take a holiday in the mountains.
I gotta run, Ondrej.
Can't you head out in the morning?
You don't wanna arrive in Paris drunk.
I'm glad you're thinking
about my reputation.
You should be thinking about your permit.
You still haven't got it?
No.
Why is it taking so long?
I don't know.
Promise me: whatever happens,
you'll come here.
- To join me.
- I promise.
All right. Kisses, bye.
One hundred Tesla color televisions,
the production of which is underway,
will be available for purchase
in the fourth quarter of this year.
The price of a single television set
will not exceed 9,000 crowns.
And now, sports.
On the night of 30, 31 March 1972,
that's to say, last night,
a tragic car accident
near the French town of Vouvray
claimed the life
of Czechoslovak figure skater Hana
Ondrej, I'm so sorry.
Where's that poor girl?
There she is.
I'm sorry for your loss.
So very sorry.
Stay strong.
Though her life has been cut short,
she will remain in our hearts forever.
She's going to a better place
where there are no walls
or borders,
where her soul
can soar freely across the skies,
unrestrained by the Earth's heavy grasp.
Ondrej.
I'm sorry. I know you were close.
Do you still want to join Holiday on Ice
now that Hanka
I can't even think about that right now.
I just want you to know I'm here for you.
Whenever you need me.
It's been a month.
Why haven't you told him?
I'm not gonna tell him now
that his friend has died.
Then tell him some other time,
but tell him.
- Colotka is waiting.
- All right, I'll tell him.
Where did you vanish off to?
I've been looking for you.
Come.
- What was that about?
- Nothing.
I said, "I'm a simple country man."
And he went, "Our nation is built
on simple, hardworking men like you."
"Men like me."
There you have it. Your father
drove Comrade Prime Minister today.
And it wasn't just today.
- What do you mean?
- He offered your father a job.
How was your meeting with the dean?
Not good.
He refused to approve my leave.
"Athlete or lawyer, pick one,"
he said.
That's odd.
You've never had issues before.
Can't Ms. Hilda help you?
Why don't you eat with us, Mum?
And that's when he said it,
"Thanks to Ondrej's success
at the Olympics,
they're building a new training arena,
for the World Championships."
The higher-ups have finally understood
who really represents our country abroad.
It's still confidential, though.
But he told your father.
He must really trust him.
A driver is no lawyer,
but the prime minister's chauffeur
Did he say anything else?
Like what?
He said you should compete and win.
What? I was just joking.
Ondrej.
- Good evening.
- Hi, Ondrej.
Did you know about it?
I did.
Why didn't you tell me?
Because it would've been too much
for you to take in, Ondrej.
- They've got Drahov, Pazdrek
- Neither of whom won the Olympics.
I've already said goodbye to everyone.
I can't take it back.
Nor do I want to.
Then you'll have to fight for it.
You need to speak up.
- You want me to speak to someone?
- No, no.
He needs to do the speaking.
He needs to explain why he wants to quit.
- They don't understand.
- Oh, please. They understand all too well.
But you're the one holding the aces.
They need you, right?
Of course I'll have your back.
Shall we go and see Himl?
Himmel, Herrgott,
we'll go and see Colotka directly.
Right.
Comrade Prime Minister Colotka
is expecting you.
Isn't it an honor to perform
in front of family and friends
who've supported you
all your career?
Of course it is
- But I
- After all,
you're the one who spoke
about the Championships on TV.
- I did, but that was before
- Look, Comrade Colotka,
Ondrej has been representing the country
since he was a boy.
He's won everything there is to win.
And Holiday on Ice has been a dream of his
ever since I can remember.
Come in.
Ah, Comrade, you're late.
I apologise.
I think, for Ondrej,
it would be a well-deserved reward.
He's ready.
It's interesting you should say that.
I've heard that Ondrej still has time.
What's that supposed to mean?
You personally told Comrade Himl
that Ondrej still had time.
Well
What I meant to say was that
That afterwards
Ondrej
I promise that, after the Championships,
I'll personally sign your travel permit.
That way, we'll both get to have our cake
and eat it, right?
We're gonna need that in writing.
Just a second,
I'll call the First Secretary.
- You don't have to do that
- No, I'll call the First Secretary.
It'll only take a minute.
Put me through to the First Secretary.
Hello, Comrade Secretary
You're at a pig slaughter?
What? 130 kilos? That's a proper lardbag.
Yes, you could say it's urgent.
I'm here with Ondrej Nepela
and Comrade Mdra.
We're talking about the Championships.
What's the problem?
Ondrej I'm sorry, his coach
wants a guarantee
that he'll be allowed
to join an ice show after
Thanks, Comrade, good one.
I'll pass it on. Bye.
The First Secretary said,
"Don't worry about guarantees. If they
want, I'll sign the permit myself.
We can fight over the pen."
You only need to take part.
So, can I count on you?
Yes, you can.
Marie Makov speaking.
Hello? Is anyone there?
Hello?
Yes?
Ms. Hilda has invited you for coffee.
Bring her some Bundt cake.
He hasn't even touched
his dumplings.
Ondrej!
- Hey, I'm Mio.
- I'm Ondrej.
Duan Barbarek, pleasure.
Well then?
- Shall we plan a summer holiday together?
- You just met. Take it easy.
I feel like we've known each other
for years.
I've seen him on TV
I don't know my schedule yet.
I start practice again next week.
And I have camp in Italy in August.
I'm so happy you made time to come.
We should get together more often.
Well,
do I have a choice?
- Can I get you anything?
- Just the bill.
That'll be 23 crowns.
Are we leaving?
We know a better place.
- No, no
- Ondrej, you don't have to
It's okay, trust me.
I'll bring the change.
Thanks.
What better place?
A real rogues' den.
Overt resistance got us nowhere.
They must think
we're playing by their rules
No way I'm playing by their rules.
- I don't like it either
- You sure you won't have any?
Zdenka's stuck here, you can't get a job
because of your dad
First, I stand by my dad,
and second, compromising on morals
is the beginning of the end.
You want a tour of the flat?
- I don't think he made the right call
- What would you have done?
- Just don't go in the bedroom!
- Leave them alone.
- This is the kitchen
- Uh-huh.
These are the paintings
This is Zdenka
This is Ondrej
- Shall we go back?
- Sure.
- They let you watch?
- Yep.
Ondrej, this is my girlfriend, Gabika.
- She's a theater usher.
- Hi, I'm Gabriela.
- I'm Ondrej.
- I know. Sorry we have to meet like this.
- What do you mean?
- You'd rather be somewhere else.
Like where?
On your way out of here?
- Hi, Gabi.
- Hi.
- Good to see you.
- Can I get you anything?
- Wine?
- You got it.
- Sure he can lift him, he's strong.
- No way. Wanna bet on it?
- Fine. What's your wager?
- A bottle of red.
I don't drink red, only champagne.
You're not part of the wager,
just an accessory to my victory.
What?
- Just be careful.
- All right, let's do this.
Three, two, one
Hold him, hold him, hold him
I win.
I hate you! I hate you!
That's my mother's snake plant.
- Don't you have practice tomorrow?
- I do.
What time is it?
- Half past five?
- It's almost six.
I overslept.
I don't think you even went to sleep.
Ondrej, where were you?
With friends.
What friends?
Tell your friends they have to wait
one more year.
Himmel, Herrgott!
Come on.
Give it a little oomph.
Try.
Give me a few crossovers.
It's got no energy, no drive.
You've got no drive.
You're like a limp fish.
Good.
See?
That didn't hurt.
Didn't hurt you.
What was that?
Nothing.
I wanna skate to Sweet Caroline.
I can't skate to classical all the time.
It's not allowed
to skate to pop songs.
Definitely not Western ones.
They'd eat us alive.
- Where are you going? We've just begun.
- I have a lecture to attend.
The dean didn't grant my leave.
You knew that, too.
Thank you.
It's Nepela!
It's him!
I'm sure it's him.
- Look, it's Ondrej.
- Where?
Right in front of you.
NEPELA: I'M NOT DONE YET!
You remind me of the ice skater guy.
Golonka, the hockey player!
Hi!
- What are you doing here?
- You're coming with us.
- No, I have class.
- You can't go to class looking like this.
- Let's go.
- Come with us, Ondrej.
- What do you study?
- Anthropology.
- I thought it was photography.
- That's just a hobby.
I like to observe people.
How they feel and such.
- How do I feel?
- Guilty.
You were planning to be in class.
No, I wasn't.
I mean, not originally.
And the Championships?
You'll compete, right?
I'm not sure.
What do you mean, you're not sure?
I didn't make the rules.
You don't look eager to break them, either.
- Hello.
- Hi.
Hello.
Punch cakes.
How many?
Two?
The whole tray.
The whole tray, of course.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
Wow, look at that.
- You're gonna eat all that?
- I thought we could share them.
- She was swooning over you.
- No, she wasn't.
Yeah, she was.
Look at those two lovebirds.
You okay with that, Mio?
You've got cake on your nose.
You okay with that, Duan?
What the hell?
What are you laughing at?
You've never been
to the student club before?
Ms. Hilda didn't let him go.
If anyone bothers you,
I can be your bodyguard.
That won't be necessary.
Excuse me.
Hi.
Come on, Csaba, you know us.
I know him.
The rest of you, go home.
- We have our student cards.
- As does everyone else.
We're full. Get out!
- Csaba
- Told you you can't break the rules.
Who the hell is on today?
They're with me.
I'm not going in without them.
Let's go!
Gabi, let's go.
Champagne?
- Glass of red, Duan?
- Yeah.
Actually, I'll have champagne, too.
Thanks for coming to this isle of freedom,
where everyone can be their true self.
All right, our last song
is one you probably all know.
Hey, where are you off to?
- Let me pay you back.
- No way. You got us in here. Cheers.
- What should we toast to?
- A normal life, no skates.
And to dull blades.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
She's really something, isn't she?
Another champagne?
Sure, thanks.
All right, sure.
Faggot.
Himmel, Herrgott!
- Would you like some coffee?
- I'd love some, thank you.
Hi.
Good morning.
Ondrej can handle himself.
Sit.
You're at home.
How's training going?
It's going.
Looks like you're only doing dryland
today, huh?
I'm not feeling too well.
Look, Ondrej,
if it were up to me,
you'd already be in Germany,
performing with Holiday on Ice.
But sometimes, we have to make a sacrifice
for the greater good.
If there's anything I can do for you,
just say the word.
I want to help you out.
Do you understand?
All right.
You excited for Italy?
I sure am.
Nothing like crisp Cortina air
to help you get away from your thoughts.
There will be no distractions.
Neither blondes, nor brunettes.
I'm not judging.
I won't report it, either.
But you should hold off
until the Championships.
Are we clear?
All right.
This is your captain speaking.
The temperature in our destination,
Bolzano, is 10 degrees.
I'd like to thank all our cabin crew.
Please fasten your seat belts
and prepare for landing.
- Enjoy your stay.
- Thank you.
Hello.
We have one booking
under the name Mdra
and a triple room under the names
Nepela, Mdry, and Pazdrek.
I'm sorry, there's been an error
with your booking.
- Do you speak Italian?
- No
Don't worry about it.
Two double rooms, please.
I'll be sharing a room with Mr. Pazdrek,
and Mr. Mdry will be staying
with his mummy.
Here are your keys:
422 and 423 for the lady.
- Thanks.
- Welcome.
Mum
- How are you feeling, Lia?
- How do you think? I'm in Italy.
I'm great.
- The local gym is pretty good.
- I haven't been.
- Our coach dragged us in at 6:00 a.m.
- How was it?
Watch out, the old lady's coming.
You should probably go.
Ondrej!
Ondrej, what the hell is the matter?
You really don't get it?
No, I really don't get it.
- We have no idea how this will turn out.
- It'll turn out for the best.
After the Championships, they'll find
another reason to turn me down.
Why did you tell them I still had time?
Because I was worried about you.
I wasn't sure you'd handle it on your own.
I don't think you were worried about me.
You were worried about your future.
I'm not your enemy.
What's up, Pao?
You couldn't keep your mouth shut again, huh?
Bastards!
Gentlemen, is there a problem?
Ondrej, have you tried the prosciutto?
It's fantastic.
It's basically just like our ham,
except it's cold smoked.
You have to try it.
Pazdrek, what do you keep staring at?
Fucking hell!
Calm down, people are watching.
Dinner time.
I'll be right down.
Okay, see you in a bit.
See you.
Pazdrek
Get on.
Where's Nepela?
I don't know. I last saw him at dinner
- Speak, man!
- Actually, I didn't. He said
I thought he'd got held back somewhere.
Get on.
Pazdrek, what did he want?
He was asking about Ondrej.
Nepela, open the door.
The bus is leaving.
They're gonna kill me.
He's run away!
- He probably isn't far.
- Bullshit, he isn't far!
He planned the whole thing!
He was never gonna compete!
I'm finished.
What are we gonna tell them?
We'll say he had a deal with the Germans.
And with those Russians.
The ones that ran away.
We'll say it was an elaborate scheme
and we couldn't have stopped it.
Where have you been?
I went for a walk.
A walk?
He went for a walk! That's great!
I need a shower.
Stop!
Don't think you can run away.
You don't stand a chance.
You're under my supervision
and you'll do as I say!
Give me your passport!
From now on, I've got my eyes on you,
Nepela.
No leaving the country
until the Championships.
What's with all the yelling?
Can't you keep it calm?
Our little star
needs to be handled the hard way.
How dare you talk to him like that?
Save your irony for someone else.
And stop yelling.
Half of Cortina heard you.
Ms. Mdra,
I hope you understand
that Nepela's actions
have a direct impact on your career.
What about your family?
They're enjoying benefits
that are far from a given.
Your son's here on an unauthorised
holiday, so tread carefully.
Are you threatening me,
Comrade Himl?
During the war, my family had no food,
and we survived.
I don't need your benefits.
Let's go.
Did you really want to disappear?
I did.
But not like this.
Leave my parents here
you
You'll leave us here eventually.
I will.
But I'll be able to come back.
Say hi.
Hi, Ondrej.
- Hello.
- Welcome home.
- Everything all right?
- Can't complain.
Ondrej.
Is something the matter?
No.
How's the ice quality
ahead of the Championships?
I must say it's truly excellent.
You just got back from camp in Italy.
Is your form on point?
Camp was very useful.
My coach and I identified strengths,
as well as weaknesses to improve upon.
What can the spectators look forward to
in the free skate?
We'll stick to the classics.
We shouldn't tell you any more.
We want the spectators to be surprised.
- Thank you for the interview, Comrades.
- Thank you.
Comrade Nepela, could I ask for a picture?
- Thank you.
- Ondrej.
Is this what they wear in Italy?
You should put on a coat.
What do you mean, coat?
I'm all packed up.
- Let's try one of hers.
- I can't wear Soa's clothes.
Try this on.
All right then.
Like this?
Like a lady?
- Earrings too?
- Uh-huh.
Well?
It's still missing something.
I don't know what else I could put on.
Maybe perfume?
Please try this on.
I'll need a mirror for that.
No,
please.
Perfect.
More like sick,
- don't you think?
- Why?
I'm not your dead friend, Ondrej.
- And
- What?
I like spending time with you, but
Sometimes I get you,
and sometimes
you're getting away from me.
Sometimes,
when I try real hard,
I can escape to somewhere else.
Somewhere better.
Hanka taught me that
when we were children.
You understand?
No.
You don't need to.
Watch your elbows.
Good.
Good, keep your arms straight
Give it some flair.
That's better.
See?
Much better.
Do you enjoy the program
even a little bit?
But
Go ahead.
Now taking the ice,
Toller Cranston.
His free skate may be unconventional,
but it's certainly unique.
He really is something special.
How come you're looking so cheerful today?
Huh?
I had fun at practice.
I'm glad.
- Tell me something about her.
- About who?
Hanka.
Did you love her?
In a way.
What does that mean?
She always knew the right thing to say.
And she knew when to keep a secret.
She knew my true self.
She was the only one.
Sounds mysterious.
- What if I wanted to know your true self?
- Show me how the camera works.
Here's the viewfinder,
here's the shutter button
One more.
Comrade, this is a war memorial.
This isn't the Eiffel Tower.
Understood?
Are you joking?
Let me see your ID.
Show me your ID!
- Stop!
- You can't catch him, Officer.
- Stop! In the name of the law!
- Do you know Ms. Hilda?
- Stop!
- If she saw this, she wouldn't be happy.
Stop!
That's what I'm talking about!
This will be your life with Holiday.
Don't worry.
Just hold on.
I know what you're doing, Comrade.
I'm not doing anything.
You should consider
how your performance is perceived.
You don't want to embarrass yourself,
or your coach,
and certainly not the Party.
You said I only had to take part.
Can you imagine the 'delight'
of the home crowd
if you only won silver?
Or have you given up on Germany?
The choice is yours, Comrade.
The Championships are drawing near, huh?
Dad, Ondrej doesn't want to talk about it.
Then how about Holiday on Ice?
I've completely forgotten about it.
As if it were far behind a tall wall.
A wall you will scale.
But not because they want you to.
Because it's maths.
Compulsories still carry more weight.
Just don't do anything risky
in the free skate.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you.
It's brand-made.
Linzer?
Thanks.
Cheers.
- Cheers.
- Merry Christmas.
Cheers.
- Has Dad gone to sleep?
- He's reading.
Are you hungry?
I'm completely stuffed.
Did you eat upstairs?
Yeah.
Ms. Hilda is a godly woman.
What would we do without her?
I'm sorry you have to feel embarrassed
because of us.
What are you saying?
I love you.
I love you both.
So don't say that.
Close your eyes.
'1973'
It sounds strange, '1973'.
Imagine 2000.
2000, the end of the world.
Too bad I won't live to see it.
But you will.
I'm sure of it.
You'll be free,
somewhere far away.
Will you tell me where we're going?
I told you, it's a surprise.
Surprise?
I need to show you something.
This is like the student club,
but for posh people.
- Thank you.
- They're on the house.
Cheers, then.
- Do you know her?
- No.
Go.
- Seriously?
- Yes. Go, then you'll introduce us.
- Go.
- Okay.
- Eva, sing us something.
- Not today.
Please.
Okay then. Which one?
Rekviem.
May I have this dance?
Okay then.
You're very pretty.
Can I buy you a drink later?
Sure, but I have a boyfriend back home.
You have nothing to fear from me.
I'm harmless.
- Harmless?
- Yeah.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
Does it bother you?
No, it doesn't.
I just don't get it.
Hanka didn't mind.
I told you, I'm not Hanka.
- It doesn't change anything, but
- Not a word.
When I'm gone
then you can tell people.
Shall we go home?
I'm tired.
Bratislava is preparing
to host a world-class sporting event,
the World Figure Skating Championships.
Athletes from all over the world
will be coming to the Winter Sports Arena
to test their abilities in the spirit
of peace and socialist solidarity.
The favorites include Jan Hoffmann
from the German Democratic Republic,
Sergei Chetverukhin from the USSR,
and Canadian Toller Cranston,
an extravagant skater and the biggest
rival of our own Ondrej Nepela.
Nepela helped comrades
from the athletic association
to inaugurate the brand new
indoor training arena,
where, under the supervision
of his coach,
he practices the compulsory figures
that will launch tomorrow's competition.
Congrats, Ondrej!
- Congratulations!
- Great job!
Duan, nice to meet you.
All right, leave me hanging.
- Does anything hurt?
- You didn't even break a sweat.
- How do you feel?
- Fine, fine.
Zdenka, how do you say,
'You angry about Ondrej's 30-point lead?'
I got that.
Good luck.
We'll wait outside.
Nepela, Nepela
Nepela!
- Cut it out!
- Nepela
It smells in here.
Ondrej!
Finally.
- Congratulations, Mr. Nepela!
- Congrats!
- Where's Gabika?
- She wasn't feeling good.
Prague really tired her out.
What did you do there?
Nothing.
- Look.
- What?
Look at him go.
Mr. 'Out'.
What's he like?
I don't know.
We don't know each other.
- He's so obvious.
- Obvious what?
- Oh, yeah.
- Duan!
- What? It's true.
- Stop it.
Are you the people who spoiled him?
- But
- We can't be friends like this.
- We'd just like to have him out for tea.
- No way!
- That's right, tea!
- Tea, he deserves a little tea.
Tea is good for the immune system.
He'll need it for tomorrow.
- Come on, please.
- Please
- This is a beautiful portrait, Gabi.
- Look,
Duan looks like a sparrow in this one.
- Must you always make fun of me?
- Excuse me, you all make fun of me.
That's true.
Check out Ondrej.
- Where is he?
- That one's not very good.
- It's fine, honey.
- Show me.
- Let me have a look.
- There's another stack.
This one's all blurry, too.
Wait
They haven't been sorted yet.
They're good, just a little weird.
- You just need a bit more practice.
- They haven't been sorted!
- I'm just kidding.
- Why don't you try taking pictures?
- Everyone makes mistakes
- Duan, please!
Let's play some game.
- Spin the bottle!
- I'm not taking my clothes off.
Why not?
Why not?
Seriously, Duan?
I won't take my clothes off
in front of you.
And Ondrej should be getting home.
- Tomorrow's his big day.
- That's true.
Just have a sandwich.
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
May I take your coat?
Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome
the final four competitors:
Toller Cranston, Canada,
Sergei Chetverukhin, USSR,
Jan Hoffmann,
German Democratic Republic,
Ondrej Nepela,
Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.
Now, a six-minute warm-up.
What are you doing?
What's got into you?
Nothing.
Come on, take it off.
Ondrej
End of warm-up.
Oh, Lord.
Ladies and gentlemen, Toller Cranston,
Canada.
That was Toller Cranston,
representing Canada.
Technical merit:
Artistic impression:
Toller Cranston is in fourth place.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Jan Hoffmann,
German Democratic Republic.
That was Sergei Chetverukhin
from the USSR.
Technical merit:
Artistic impression:
Sergei Chetverukhin
is in first place!
Please welcome First Secretary
of the Czechoslovak Communist Party
Gustv Husk.
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
here comes Ondrej Nepela!
Nepela, Nepela, Nepela
Ladies and gentlemen,
Ondrej Nepela,
Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
All right, let's go.
Technical merit:
5.9, 5.8, 5.8, 5.9,
5.8, 5.9, 5.8, 5.8.
Artistic impression:
5.8, 5.8, 5.9, 5.9,
5.9, 5.8, 5.8,
6, 5.8.
Ondrej Nepela takes first place
and wins the World Championships!
ONDREJ NEPELA SPENT 13 YEARS
WITH HOLIDAY ON ICE,
MORE THAN ANY OTHER SKATER
IN THE HISTORY OF THE SHOW.
BUT FOR CZECHOSLOVAKIA,
HE BECAME INVISIBLE.
known for his flawless compulsories,
Nepela has also perfected his free skate.
A wonderful Axel to top off
the jump sequence
Nepela executes his figures
with remarkable precision
Nepela's movements flow like water
Ondrej Nepela wins the 1972 Olympics!
Sapporo, I embrace you
on behalf of my entire homeland!
What is it, Ondrej?
I wanna quit.
Okay.
Good night.
Good night.
Ondrej.
Ondrej, let's go.
Ondrej, come on!
You don't have to tell them yet.
Come on.
Otherwise, you're going back
on the afternoon flight.
Today, after a three-and-a-half-month
tour around the world,
multiple-time European Champion,
three-time World Champion,
and Olympic gold medallist, Ondrej Nepela,
arrived at Bratislava Airport.
Thank you!
What a crowd, huh?
He was greeted by his parents,
the chairman of the athletic association,
Comrade Antonn Himl,
members of the board
of his parent club, Slovan Bratislava,
and many young figure skating fans.
Congratulations!
We took the opportunity
to ask Ondrej a few questions.
Can you share some impressions
from your trip abroad?
Well,
I think, after the Olympics
and the World Championships,
the exhibitions went well.
Almost every day, we performed
with US and Canadian figure skaters
in their towns.
We've heard this may have been
your last competition.
You're even said to have been offered
a spot with Holiday on Ice.
I don't want to get ahead of myself,
but it's true
that the offer was made.
Speaking of home, what did you miss most
about our country?
Dumplings?
Thank you. We wish you all the best.
Thanks, everyone, for the lovely welcome.
Here to accept
the Distinguished Master of Sports award,
presented by First Secretary
of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia,
Comrade Gustv Husk,
is Comrade Ondrej Nepela.
Congratulations, Ondrej.
- Thank you.
- Congratulations.
Congratulations, Ondrej.
You miss competing yet, Makov?
Not really, Ms. Mdra.
No need to stress over sixes.
But training with Holiday
is also hard.
- It's no joke.
- That, it isn't.
It must be hard to hang up your skates
as European Champion.
I didn't hang up anything.
I threw my skates
into a lake in Colorado.
They're probably still there.
Swimming with the fish.
But I got a new pair.
You and your jokes, Makov.
Comrade Himl, the photo-op.
Let's go, Ondrej.
Go.
Go, go.
Are you upset?
I just have to show up once a year
and sign a contract with Himl.
I'm used to it.
Himl has always helped out when he could.
You're such an angel.
So meek and nave.
But life
isn't just about compulsory figures.
There's also free skate.
At Holiday, you'll learn to relax.
Yes. I think I'll enjoy it.
'Enjoy it'?
You're gonna love it.
And they're gonna love you.
They love you already.
It's always,
'Ondrej here, Ondrej there'
- Really?
- Really.
- You serious?
- I'm serious.
I hope I get a nice costume.
With glitter.
- And a modern program?
- A decadent one.
Come on. Let's go.
Careful, Pao, it's heavy.
Wait. Papi, give him the other suitcase, too.
- You can handle it, can't you?
- Uh-huh.
- Let me give you a hand.
- No, you keep your hands off.
You can grab the paintings.
Careful, honey.
- Is it too heavy?
- I'll manage.
You're almost done.
A room fit for a king.
- It'll be here, waiting for you.
- You should've taken it, Dad.
Can't thank the comrades enough.
One's liable to get lost
in a flat this big.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Come in, Ondrej.
- Hi, Pao.
- Hey.
Your place is more cozy.
Your parents do what they can.
But they'll never feel at home
in the city. Come, sit.
You moved here, too.
I can adapt.
But they
They prefer the quiet life, you know.
Too bad you threw a spanner
in their plans.
Mum, we still got the bread pudding?
Grab a wafer.
Sure.
- Darling?
- Uh-huh?
Is your dad driving you to practice?
I'll go myself.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Would you teach me some German?
You speak more languages than me.
But not the one I'll need.
Do you really want this, Ondrej?
I do.
Who's gonna take care of you over there?
Tell me, you dreamer.
- Probably Hanka.
- Right, Hanka.
But you must never forget
your mother tongue.
And every time you come back
- I'll make sure to stop by.
- Exactly.
Can I at least call you?
Of course you can.
All right, let's get started.
Right
My name is Ondrej Nepela.
My name is Ondrej Nepela.
I'm 21 years old.
Not too bad.
I like Semmelschmarrn.
- Semmelschmarrn.
- Semmelschmarrn.
And the only thing I want
is to skate with Holiday on Ice.
Excuse me?
Come again.
What I want most
is to skate with Holiday on Ice.
- Thank you!
- It was about time.
They refused to believe it
till the last second,
but I knew it would work out.
Come in.
Good afternoon.
Have you got a moment?
Come in, come in.
Just a sec.
- Hi, good to see you.
- Welcome.
- Come, take a seat.
- Put the coats over there.
Thank you.
So I can't change your mind?
- I don't think so.
- Ondrej can take care of himself.
He'll prepare for shows just as
he prepares for competitions.
He just needs the permit.
Well,
I'm not gonna stop you from leaving.
Olympic gold medallist,
European champion, world champion
And I'm just an ordinary bureaucrat.
But there's a lot of hoops
to jump through.
Still, I'll do my best.
Excellent.
Thank you.
- Did the comrade tell you?
- Tell us what?
Bratislava will be hosting the Worlds.
The West won't believe their eyes!
Ondrej, come on.
- The World Championships?
- I know, right?
Now I know why everyone was drunk.
I hope they enjoy it.
Are you sorry you won't be taking part?
Are you crazy?
'Pazdrek, this is your moment.'
'Straighten those knees!'
Hi. Two lemonades.
Look, our crazy friend
from the junior team.
Hi, Zdenka.
- Hi, guys.
- Hi, Zdenka.
- Hi, Ondrej.
- Hi.
- Hi, Hanka.
- Hi.
- How's your dancing going?
- Good. We just got back from Bulgaria.
Did you get tickets to our show?
Busy schedule.
I can't wait to hear your stories.
Hope you have time
before Ondrej leaves.
I'm sure we'll make time.
I can feel it.
Have a nice evening.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Right nice evening.
These are Sergei and Jan, talking.
Karen didn't want her picture taken,
said she was fat. Nonsense.
And this is Toller.
Toller Cranston.
Canadian. You might've heard of him.
- Have some cocoa.
- Thank you.
When are you getting your travel permit?
They didn't say.
But they're working on it.
All right.
What do we have here?
My favorite record.
I got you something.
What do you think?
Ondrej,
you don't have to do that.
I gotta go.
I leave in the morning.
Traitor.
I have practice.
My final session.
I wish I could leave with you.
You'll join me before you know it,
you'll see.
Do you still do that?
Bye.
- Goodbye, Ms. Nepelov.
- Bye, Hanka.
Come on, straighten those knees.
Well done.
Come and have some water.
Let him take a break, Coach.
Why is he still practicing?
- Am I wrong?
- You always want a break.
He practices every day of the year,
that's why he has results.
- How was your session?
- Good.
How about your results, Pazdrek?
Nothing to write home about, huh?
Come on, move it.
Don't just stand there like mannequins.
I wanna see a good warm-up.
Start with compulsories.
Remember when we first met?
I told you to do figure eights,
and you kept at them until I came back.
I'd completely forgotten about you.
It must've been two hours.
Compulsories are very important.
But nobody likes watching them.
What nobody likes is hard work.
Everyone just wants a show.
Cranston puts on a show.
But he's also a good skater.
Cranston
He treats competition
as if it were Holiday on Ice.
Beautiful control.
But figure skating isn't rock'n'roll.
Come and take a rest.
I can tell you're aping his style.
You looked so good with short hair.
What are you laughing about?
You all wanna look like The Beatles.
Oh, so modern.
I wouldn't beat him in competition
anymore.
Why do you say that?
You never know.
It's Poitier tonight
and then Paris.
Then Vienna, Klagenfurt,
and finally, Prague, in April.
Shows by day, transfers by night,
and so on and so forth.
You'll see for yourself.
Don't you get tired?
I could sleep for two days straight
and then take a holiday in the mountains.
I gotta run, Ondrej.
Can't you head out in the morning?
You don't wanna arrive in Paris drunk.
I'm glad you're thinking
about my reputation.
You should be thinking about your permit.
You still haven't got it?
No.
Why is it taking so long?
I don't know.
Promise me: whatever happens,
you'll come here.
- To join me.
- I promise.
All right. Kisses, bye.
One hundred Tesla color televisions,
the production of which is underway,
will be available for purchase
in the fourth quarter of this year.
The price of a single television set
will not exceed 9,000 crowns.
And now, sports.
On the night of 30, 31 March 1972,
that's to say, last night,
a tragic car accident
near the French town of Vouvray
claimed the life
of Czechoslovak figure skater Hana
Ondrej, I'm so sorry.
Where's that poor girl?
There she is.
I'm sorry for your loss.
So very sorry.
Stay strong.
Though her life has been cut short,
she will remain in our hearts forever.
She's going to a better place
where there are no walls
or borders,
where her soul
can soar freely across the skies,
unrestrained by the Earth's heavy grasp.
Ondrej.
I'm sorry. I know you were close.
Do you still want to join Holiday on Ice
now that Hanka
I can't even think about that right now.
I just want you to know I'm here for you.
Whenever you need me.
It's been a month.
Why haven't you told him?
I'm not gonna tell him now
that his friend has died.
Then tell him some other time,
but tell him.
- Colotka is waiting.
- All right, I'll tell him.
Where did you vanish off to?
I've been looking for you.
Come.
- What was that about?
- Nothing.
I said, "I'm a simple country man."
And he went, "Our nation is built
on simple, hardworking men like you."
"Men like me."
There you have it. Your father
drove Comrade Prime Minister today.
And it wasn't just today.
- What do you mean?
- He offered your father a job.
How was your meeting with the dean?
Not good.
He refused to approve my leave.
"Athlete or lawyer, pick one,"
he said.
That's odd.
You've never had issues before.
Can't Ms. Hilda help you?
Why don't you eat with us, Mum?
And that's when he said it,
"Thanks to Ondrej's success
at the Olympics,
they're building a new training arena,
for the World Championships."
The higher-ups have finally understood
who really represents our country abroad.
It's still confidential, though.
But he told your father.
He must really trust him.
A driver is no lawyer,
but the prime minister's chauffeur
Did he say anything else?
Like what?
He said you should compete and win.
What? I was just joking.
Ondrej.
- Good evening.
- Hi, Ondrej.
Did you know about it?
I did.
Why didn't you tell me?
Because it would've been too much
for you to take in, Ondrej.
- They've got Drahov, Pazdrek
- Neither of whom won the Olympics.
I've already said goodbye to everyone.
I can't take it back.
Nor do I want to.
Then you'll have to fight for it.
You need to speak up.
- You want me to speak to someone?
- No, no.
He needs to do the speaking.
He needs to explain why he wants to quit.
- They don't understand.
- Oh, please. They understand all too well.
But you're the one holding the aces.
They need you, right?
Of course I'll have your back.
Shall we go and see Himl?
Himmel, Herrgott,
we'll go and see Colotka directly.
Right.
Comrade Prime Minister Colotka
is expecting you.
Isn't it an honor to perform
in front of family and friends
who've supported you
all your career?
Of course it is
- But I
- After all,
you're the one who spoke
about the Championships on TV.
- I did, but that was before
- Look, Comrade Colotka,
Ondrej has been representing the country
since he was a boy.
He's won everything there is to win.
And Holiday on Ice has been a dream of his
ever since I can remember.
Come in.
Ah, Comrade, you're late.
I apologise.
I think, for Ondrej,
it would be a well-deserved reward.
He's ready.
It's interesting you should say that.
I've heard that Ondrej still has time.
What's that supposed to mean?
You personally told Comrade Himl
that Ondrej still had time.
Well
What I meant to say was that
That afterwards
Ondrej
I promise that, after the Championships,
I'll personally sign your travel permit.
That way, we'll both get to have our cake
and eat it, right?
We're gonna need that in writing.
Just a second,
I'll call the First Secretary.
- You don't have to do that
- No, I'll call the First Secretary.
It'll only take a minute.
Put me through to the First Secretary.
Hello, Comrade Secretary
You're at a pig slaughter?
What? 130 kilos? That's a proper lardbag.
Yes, you could say it's urgent.
I'm here with Ondrej Nepela
and Comrade Mdra.
We're talking about the Championships.
What's the problem?
Ondrej I'm sorry, his coach
wants a guarantee
that he'll be allowed
to join an ice show after
Thanks, Comrade, good one.
I'll pass it on. Bye.
The First Secretary said,
"Don't worry about guarantees. If they
want, I'll sign the permit myself.
We can fight over the pen."
You only need to take part.
So, can I count on you?
Yes, you can.
Marie Makov speaking.
Hello? Is anyone there?
Hello?
Yes?
Ms. Hilda has invited you for coffee.
Bring her some Bundt cake.
He hasn't even touched
his dumplings.
Ondrej!
- Hey, I'm Mio.
- I'm Ondrej.
Duan Barbarek, pleasure.
Well then?
- Shall we plan a summer holiday together?
- You just met. Take it easy.
I feel like we've known each other
for years.
I've seen him on TV
I don't know my schedule yet.
I start practice again next week.
And I have camp in Italy in August.
I'm so happy you made time to come.
We should get together more often.
Well,
do I have a choice?
- Can I get you anything?
- Just the bill.
That'll be 23 crowns.
Are we leaving?
We know a better place.
- No, no
- Ondrej, you don't have to
It's okay, trust me.
I'll bring the change.
Thanks.
What better place?
A real rogues' den.
Overt resistance got us nowhere.
They must think
we're playing by their rules
No way I'm playing by their rules.
- I don't like it either
- You sure you won't have any?
Zdenka's stuck here, you can't get a job
because of your dad
First, I stand by my dad,
and second, compromising on morals
is the beginning of the end.
You want a tour of the flat?
- I don't think he made the right call
- What would you have done?
- Just don't go in the bedroom!
- Leave them alone.
- This is the kitchen
- Uh-huh.
These are the paintings
This is Zdenka
This is Ondrej
- Shall we go back?
- Sure.
- They let you watch?
- Yep.
Ondrej, this is my girlfriend, Gabika.
- She's a theater usher.
- Hi, I'm Gabriela.
- I'm Ondrej.
- I know. Sorry we have to meet like this.
- What do you mean?
- You'd rather be somewhere else.
Like where?
On your way out of here?
- Hi, Gabi.
- Hi.
- Good to see you.
- Can I get you anything?
- Wine?
- You got it.
- Sure he can lift him, he's strong.
- No way. Wanna bet on it?
- Fine. What's your wager?
- A bottle of red.
I don't drink red, only champagne.
You're not part of the wager,
just an accessory to my victory.
What?
- Just be careful.
- All right, let's do this.
Three, two, one
Hold him, hold him, hold him
I win.
I hate you! I hate you!
That's my mother's snake plant.
- Don't you have practice tomorrow?
- I do.
What time is it?
- Half past five?
- It's almost six.
I overslept.
I don't think you even went to sleep.
Ondrej, where were you?
With friends.
What friends?
Tell your friends they have to wait
one more year.
Himmel, Herrgott!
Come on.
Give it a little oomph.
Try.
Give me a few crossovers.
It's got no energy, no drive.
You've got no drive.
You're like a limp fish.
Good.
See?
That didn't hurt.
Didn't hurt you.
What was that?
Nothing.
I wanna skate to Sweet Caroline.
I can't skate to classical all the time.
It's not allowed
to skate to pop songs.
Definitely not Western ones.
They'd eat us alive.
- Where are you going? We've just begun.
- I have a lecture to attend.
The dean didn't grant my leave.
You knew that, too.
Thank you.
It's Nepela!
It's him!
I'm sure it's him.
- Look, it's Ondrej.
- Where?
Right in front of you.
NEPELA: I'M NOT DONE YET!
You remind me of the ice skater guy.
Golonka, the hockey player!
Hi!
- What are you doing here?
- You're coming with us.
- No, I have class.
- You can't go to class looking like this.
- Let's go.
- Come with us, Ondrej.
- What do you study?
- Anthropology.
- I thought it was photography.
- That's just a hobby.
I like to observe people.
How they feel and such.
- How do I feel?
- Guilty.
You were planning to be in class.
No, I wasn't.
I mean, not originally.
And the Championships?
You'll compete, right?
I'm not sure.
What do you mean, you're not sure?
I didn't make the rules.
You don't look eager to break them, either.
- Hello.
- Hi.
Hello.
Punch cakes.
How many?
Two?
The whole tray.
The whole tray, of course.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
Wow, look at that.
- You're gonna eat all that?
- I thought we could share them.
- She was swooning over you.
- No, she wasn't.
Yeah, she was.
Look at those two lovebirds.
You okay with that, Mio?
You've got cake on your nose.
You okay with that, Duan?
What the hell?
What are you laughing at?
You've never been
to the student club before?
Ms. Hilda didn't let him go.
If anyone bothers you,
I can be your bodyguard.
That won't be necessary.
Excuse me.
Hi.
Come on, Csaba, you know us.
I know him.
The rest of you, go home.
- We have our student cards.
- As does everyone else.
We're full. Get out!
- Csaba
- Told you you can't break the rules.
Who the hell is on today?
They're with me.
I'm not going in without them.
Let's go!
Gabi, let's go.
Champagne?
- Glass of red, Duan?
- Yeah.
Actually, I'll have champagne, too.
Thanks for coming to this isle of freedom,
where everyone can be their true self.
All right, our last song
is one you probably all know.
Hey, where are you off to?
- Let me pay you back.
- No way. You got us in here. Cheers.
- What should we toast to?
- A normal life, no skates.
And to dull blades.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
She's really something, isn't she?
Another champagne?
Sure, thanks.
All right, sure.
Faggot.
Himmel, Herrgott!
- Would you like some coffee?
- I'd love some, thank you.
Hi.
Good morning.
Ondrej can handle himself.
Sit.
You're at home.
How's training going?
It's going.
Looks like you're only doing dryland
today, huh?
I'm not feeling too well.
Look, Ondrej,
if it were up to me,
you'd already be in Germany,
performing with Holiday on Ice.
But sometimes, we have to make a sacrifice
for the greater good.
If there's anything I can do for you,
just say the word.
I want to help you out.
Do you understand?
All right.
You excited for Italy?
I sure am.
Nothing like crisp Cortina air
to help you get away from your thoughts.
There will be no distractions.
Neither blondes, nor brunettes.
I'm not judging.
I won't report it, either.
But you should hold off
until the Championships.
Are we clear?
All right.
This is your captain speaking.
The temperature in our destination,
Bolzano, is 10 degrees.
I'd like to thank all our cabin crew.
Please fasten your seat belts
and prepare for landing.
- Enjoy your stay.
- Thank you.
Hello.
We have one booking
under the name Mdra
and a triple room under the names
Nepela, Mdry, and Pazdrek.
I'm sorry, there's been an error
with your booking.
- Do you speak Italian?
- No
Don't worry about it.
Two double rooms, please.
I'll be sharing a room with Mr. Pazdrek,
and Mr. Mdry will be staying
with his mummy.
Here are your keys:
422 and 423 for the lady.
- Thanks.
- Welcome.
Mum
- How are you feeling, Lia?
- How do you think? I'm in Italy.
I'm great.
- The local gym is pretty good.
- I haven't been.
- Our coach dragged us in at 6:00 a.m.
- How was it?
Watch out, the old lady's coming.
You should probably go.
Ondrej!
Ondrej, what the hell is the matter?
You really don't get it?
No, I really don't get it.
- We have no idea how this will turn out.
- It'll turn out for the best.
After the Championships, they'll find
another reason to turn me down.
Why did you tell them I still had time?
Because I was worried about you.
I wasn't sure you'd handle it on your own.
I don't think you were worried about me.
You were worried about your future.
I'm not your enemy.
What's up, Pao?
You couldn't keep your mouth shut again, huh?
Bastards!
Gentlemen, is there a problem?
Ondrej, have you tried the prosciutto?
It's fantastic.
It's basically just like our ham,
except it's cold smoked.
You have to try it.
Pazdrek, what do you keep staring at?
Fucking hell!
Calm down, people are watching.
Dinner time.
I'll be right down.
Okay, see you in a bit.
See you.
Pazdrek
Get on.
Where's Nepela?
I don't know. I last saw him at dinner
- Speak, man!
- Actually, I didn't. He said
I thought he'd got held back somewhere.
Get on.
Pazdrek, what did he want?
He was asking about Ondrej.
Nepela, open the door.
The bus is leaving.
They're gonna kill me.
He's run away!
- He probably isn't far.
- Bullshit, he isn't far!
He planned the whole thing!
He was never gonna compete!
I'm finished.
What are we gonna tell them?
We'll say he had a deal with the Germans.
And with those Russians.
The ones that ran away.
We'll say it was an elaborate scheme
and we couldn't have stopped it.
Where have you been?
I went for a walk.
A walk?
He went for a walk! That's great!
I need a shower.
Stop!
Don't think you can run away.
You don't stand a chance.
You're under my supervision
and you'll do as I say!
Give me your passport!
From now on, I've got my eyes on you,
Nepela.
No leaving the country
until the Championships.
What's with all the yelling?
Can't you keep it calm?
Our little star
needs to be handled the hard way.
How dare you talk to him like that?
Save your irony for someone else.
And stop yelling.
Half of Cortina heard you.
Ms. Mdra,
I hope you understand
that Nepela's actions
have a direct impact on your career.
What about your family?
They're enjoying benefits
that are far from a given.
Your son's here on an unauthorised
holiday, so tread carefully.
Are you threatening me,
Comrade Himl?
During the war, my family had no food,
and we survived.
I don't need your benefits.
Let's go.
Did you really want to disappear?
I did.
But not like this.
Leave my parents here
you
You'll leave us here eventually.
I will.
But I'll be able to come back.
Say hi.
Hi, Ondrej.
- Hello.
- Welcome home.
- Everything all right?
- Can't complain.
Ondrej.
Is something the matter?
No.
How's the ice quality
ahead of the Championships?
I must say it's truly excellent.
You just got back from camp in Italy.
Is your form on point?
Camp was very useful.
My coach and I identified strengths,
as well as weaknesses to improve upon.
What can the spectators look forward to
in the free skate?
We'll stick to the classics.
We shouldn't tell you any more.
We want the spectators to be surprised.
- Thank you for the interview, Comrades.
- Thank you.
Comrade Nepela, could I ask for a picture?
- Thank you.
- Ondrej.
Is this what they wear in Italy?
You should put on a coat.
What do you mean, coat?
I'm all packed up.
- Let's try one of hers.
- I can't wear Soa's clothes.
Try this on.
All right then.
Like this?
Like a lady?
- Earrings too?
- Uh-huh.
Well?
It's still missing something.
I don't know what else I could put on.
Maybe perfume?
Please try this on.
I'll need a mirror for that.
No,
please.
Perfect.
More like sick,
- don't you think?
- Why?
I'm not your dead friend, Ondrej.
- And
- What?
I like spending time with you, but
Sometimes I get you,
and sometimes
you're getting away from me.
Sometimes,
when I try real hard,
I can escape to somewhere else.
Somewhere better.
Hanka taught me that
when we were children.
You understand?
No.
You don't need to.
Watch your elbows.
Good.
Good, keep your arms straight
Give it some flair.
That's better.
See?
Much better.
Do you enjoy the program
even a little bit?
But
Go ahead.
Now taking the ice,
Toller Cranston.
His free skate may be unconventional,
but it's certainly unique.
He really is something special.
How come you're looking so cheerful today?
Huh?
I had fun at practice.
I'm glad.
- Tell me something about her.
- About who?
Hanka.
Did you love her?
In a way.
What does that mean?
She always knew the right thing to say.
And she knew when to keep a secret.
She knew my true self.
She was the only one.
Sounds mysterious.
- What if I wanted to know your true self?
- Show me how the camera works.
Here's the viewfinder,
here's the shutter button
One more.
Comrade, this is a war memorial.
This isn't the Eiffel Tower.
Understood?
Are you joking?
Let me see your ID.
Show me your ID!
- Stop!
- You can't catch him, Officer.
- Stop! In the name of the law!
- Do you know Ms. Hilda?
- Stop!
- If she saw this, she wouldn't be happy.
Stop!
That's what I'm talking about!
This will be your life with Holiday.
Don't worry.
Just hold on.
I know what you're doing, Comrade.
I'm not doing anything.
You should consider
how your performance is perceived.
You don't want to embarrass yourself,
or your coach,
and certainly not the Party.
You said I only had to take part.
Can you imagine the 'delight'
of the home crowd
if you only won silver?
Or have you given up on Germany?
The choice is yours, Comrade.
The Championships are drawing near, huh?
Dad, Ondrej doesn't want to talk about it.
Then how about Holiday on Ice?
I've completely forgotten about it.
As if it were far behind a tall wall.
A wall you will scale.
But not because they want you to.
Because it's maths.
Compulsories still carry more weight.
Just don't do anything risky
in the free skate.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you.
It's brand-made.
Linzer?
Thanks.
Cheers.
- Cheers.
- Merry Christmas.
Cheers.
- Has Dad gone to sleep?
- He's reading.
Are you hungry?
I'm completely stuffed.
Did you eat upstairs?
Yeah.
Ms. Hilda is a godly woman.
What would we do without her?
I'm sorry you have to feel embarrassed
because of us.
What are you saying?
I love you.
I love you both.
So don't say that.
Close your eyes.
'1973'
It sounds strange, '1973'.
Imagine 2000.
2000, the end of the world.
Too bad I won't live to see it.
But you will.
I'm sure of it.
You'll be free,
somewhere far away.
Will you tell me where we're going?
I told you, it's a surprise.
Surprise?
I need to show you something.
This is like the student club,
but for posh people.
- Thank you.
- They're on the house.
Cheers, then.
- Do you know her?
- No.
Go.
- Seriously?
- Yes. Go, then you'll introduce us.
- Go.
- Okay.
- Eva, sing us something.
- Not today.
Please.
Okay then. Which one?
Rekviem.
May I have this dance?
Okay then.
You're very pretty.
Can I buy you a drink later?
Sure, but I have a boyfriend back home.
You have nothing to fear from me.
I'm harmless.
- Harmless?
- Yeah.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
Does it bother you?
No, it doesn't.
I just don't get it.
Hanka didn't mind.
I told you, I'm not Hanka.
- It doesn't change anything, but
- Not a word.
When I'm gone
then you can tell people.
Shall we go home?
I'm tired.
Bratislava is preparing
to host a world-class sporting event,
the World Figure Skating Championships.
Athletes from all over the world
will be coming to the Winter Sports Arena
to test their abilities in the spirit
of peace and socialist solidarity.
The favorites include Jan Hoffmann
from the German Democratic Republic,
Sergei Chetverukhin from the USSR,
and Canadian Toller Cranston,
an extravagant skater and the biggest
rival of our own Ondrej Nepela.
Nepela helped comrades
from the athletic association
to inaugurate the brand new
indoor training arena,
where, under the supervision
of his coach,
he practices the compulsory figures
that will launch tomorrow's competition.
Congrats, Ondrej!
- Congratulations!
- Great job!
Duan, nice to meet you.
All right, leave me hanging.
- Does anything hurt?
- You didn't even break a sweat.
- How do you feel?
- Fine, fine.
Zdenka, how do you say,
'You angry about Ondrej's 30-point lead?'
I got that.
Good luck.
We'll wait outside.
Nepela, Nepela
Nepela!
- Cut it out!
- Nepela
It smells in here.
Ondrej!
Finally.
- Congratulations, Mr. Nepela!
- Congrats!
- Where's Gabika?
- She wasn't feeling good.
Prague really tired her out.
What did you do there?
Nothing.
- Look.
- What?
Look at him go.
Mr. 'Out'.
What's he like?
I don't know.
We don't know each other.
- He's so obvious.
- Obvious what?
- Oh, yeah.
- Duan!
- What? It's true.
- Stop it.
Are you the people who spoiled him?
- But
- We can't be friends like this.
- We'd just like to have him out for tea.
- No way!
- That's right, tea!
- Tea, he deserves a little tea.
Tea is good for the immune system.
He'll need it for tomorrow.
- Come on, please.
- Please
- This is a beautiful portrait, Gabi.
- Look,
Duan looks like a sparrow in this one.
- Must you always make fun of me?
- Excuse me, you all make fun of me.
That's true.
Check out Ondrej.
- Where is he?
- That one's not very good.
- It's fine, honey.
- Show me.
- Let me have a look.
- There's another stack.
This one's all blurry, too.
Wait
They haven't been sorted yet.
They're good, just a little weird.
- You just need a bit more practice.
- They haven't been sorted!
- I'm just kidding.
- Why don't you try taking pictures?
- Everyone makes mistakes
- Duan, please!
Let's play some game.
- Spin the bottle!
- I'm not taking my clothes off.
Why not?
Why not?
Seriously, Duan?
I won't take my clothes off
in front of you.
And Ondrej should be getting home.
- Tomorrow's his big day.
- That's true.
Just have a sandwich.
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
May I take your coat?
Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome
the final four competitors:
Toller Cranston, Canada,
Sergei Chetverukhin, USSR,
Jan Hoffmann,
German Democratic Republic,
Ondrej Nepela,
Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.
Now, a six-minute warm-up.
What are you doing?
What's got into you?
Nothing.
Come on, take it off.
Ondrej
End of warm-up.
Oh, Lord.
Ladies and gentlemen, Toller Cranston,
Canada.
That was Toller Cranston,
representing Canada.
Technical merit:
Artistic impression:
Toller Cranston is in fourth place.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Jan Hoffmann,
German Democratic Republic.
That was Sergei Chetverukhin
from the USSR.
Technical merit:
Artistic impression:
Sergei Chetverukhin
is in first place!
Please welcome First Secretary
of the Czechoslovak Communist Party
Gustv Husk.
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
here comes Ondrej Nepela!
Nepela, Nepela, Nepela
Ladies and gentlemen,
Ondrej Nepela,
Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
All right, let's go.
Technical merit:
5.9, 5.8, 5.8, 5.9,
5.8, 5.9, 5.8, 5.8.
Artistic impression:
5.8, 5.8, 5.9, 5.9,
5.9, 5.8, 5.8,
6, 5.8.
Ondrej Nepela takes first place
and wins the World Championships!
ONDREJ NEPELA SPENT 13 YEARS
WITH HOLIDAY ON ICE,
MORE THAN ANY OTHER SKATER
IN THE HISTORY OF THE SHOW.
BUT FOR CZECHOSLOVAKIA,
HE BECAME INVISIBLE.