Once Upon a Time in Ukraine (2020) Movie Script

1
Run!
Just go!
Are you going to talk,
or do you want more beating?
Who's your master?
The one who
pisses in your pocket.
The one who
shits all over you!
Let's go!
She was with him.
Come with me. Move!
Your sweetheart?
Or do you just have fun with her?
I don't know her.
You're lying!
Never seen her before.
So you may as well never see her again.
Who's your master?
I'm counting to two.
One.
- Two!
- It's Berislav Soloma.
Do you know him?
He owns the Tovkachi village.
Where's she from?
I think she's our master's servant.
Let's see.
That's a long way you've come.
Quiet!
Deal with him. I'll bring this bitch back.
Yaromir will be happy
to punish her with his own hands.
You foul dogs!
God damn you, bastards!
What are you looking at?
We'll soon be free.
Or in heaven.
Or we'll stand for Bogdan Chuba.
He'll come.
- Soon.
- No one will come.
This country is lost.
Than die here
it's better to flee abroad.
I just need to free my sweetheart.
You'll perish abroad.
Serving foreign masters,
not daring to speak.
I have to try again.
How are you feeling, Lord Havrilo?
You know, I can't feel my body.
- It's wonderful.
- It's called "opium."
I got it from some merchants.
They've been around the world.
They introduced me to this Japanese man.
He's got power.
I'll soon be able to buy a castle,
this stuff sells that well.
You know, there's been a rumor lately.
That you paid for the Minister's
adviser's murder to remain unsolved.
That may be.
In any case, those who advocate equality
present a threat to the system.
All they deserve is death.
But I can't fully agree with your methods.
Should bondmen become free,
they'll stop working.
Then they'll go after their ex-masters
and pitchfork them.
You may be right,
but I believe in education.
Vitold.
He's saying
the weather is wonderful today.
Besides, Vitold is a cello virtuoso,
he plays Bach brilliantly.
Unlike your bondmen
who are only virtuosos of being sick.
What do you mean, Lord Havrilo?
I'm dissatisfied with the reapers
you sold me last week.
I want to return them to you.
And I want my money back.
Or else I'll consider this
an act of fraudulence.
No one has ever called me a fraud.
I won't have you ruin my reputation.
This is an insult.
I challenge you to a duel.
I refuse.
What I'm saying is true to the fact.
You are
a filthy coward
who won't answer for his words.
Now, this is an insult indeed.
We'll duel tomorrow.
I'll send in a servant.
He'll tell you where and when.
Let's do it now!
The duel wasn't planned ahead.
So Vitold shall be the second.
I hope you don't mind.
I don't.
Good.
We'll flip a coin.
What happened here?
What?
I'm asking what happened. Answer me!
I-- I don't know.
Then repeat after me.
He fired his gun.
He fired his gun.
- Louder!
- He fired his gun!
Then he started to run.
Then he started to run.
You are capable indeed.
On second thought
Could a faithful dog rush forward
to shield his master with his own body?
My name is Bogdan Chuba.
Which means you're free.
Legends are being told about me
and my brethren.
I believe you all know who we are
and what our goal is.
Let me remind you in case you don't.
We want to bathe the landlords in blood.
We want to give their riches
to their true owners, the people.
I can't order you,
but I advise you to join us
in our noble mission.
Those of you who refuse,
I'll think of as filthy cowards.
Now let's perform an act of trust.
It'll be a good start.
Which one of you
wants to have the honor
of killing these bastards with my gun?
Or at least
shoot their balls off?
You go.
It won't do me any honor.
I have to refuse.
Those bastards don't care about honor.
You'll get it
when your whole family is killed.
What a funny face.
Where are you from?
He's with me.
They took us near the border.
Near the border?
I'd better hang myself
that rot in a foreign land.
Those who want to go with me,
step forward.
I'm Bogdan Chuba, and here's my offer.
Shelter. Food.
And, most importantly
freedom.
Say hi to your master from me.
What's your name?
I'm Akayo Nakamura.
Son of Takeshi Nakamura
a great samurai warrior,
founder of Otokodjuku combat school.
I'm Taras.
Where are you from,
you silver-tongued devil?
I was born in Japan.
My mother is Ukrainian.
She used to be a bondwoman.
She was sold to a rich Japanese
who liked exotic women.
Soon, it turned out she was pregnant.
When I was born,
the man saw I wasn't his son.
I'm her former Ukrainian lord's son.
A bastard.
I was raised by the best Japanese teacher.
I know four languages
and five combative styles.
I think of him as my real father,
and I'd die to protect his honor!
I see you're no different
from a Ukrainian bondman.
I'm curious.
How come you were among those tramps?
My teacher was killed on a samurai duel.
They took his sword.
The killer's name is Yoshi Harimoto.
He sells opium.
He also brings exotic women to Japan.
But my teacher's weapon
must be buried with him.
That's why I and my brethren
were following Harimoto.
Looking for a chance to steal the sword.
My brethren
were killed.
I escaped.
There's only one landlord in these parts
who sells women to foreigners.
My sweetheart serves this bastard.
We nearly escaped.
I hear
that the bounty hunter took her back.
Look.
Let's sneak
into the landlord's house.
We'll find your sword,
we'll free my Maria, and
then we'll go to Japan together.
Then you have to become a samurai.
You have to learn
the art of killing people.
No, thank you.
I'm into other arts.
Like writing and painting.
I want to progress in this area.
I'd like to earn my bread this way.
Then you'd better stay here.
No.
What?
Tell me more about this landlord,
Taras-san.
They were trying to escape
from your rye fields.
But my people are hawk-eyed.
I understand your desire to be free.
I don't understand one thing.
What did you imagine your life would be?
How were you going
to keep yourself from starving?
Oh, wait, I think I know.
It's easier to steal
than sweat in the field.
Give us back our lands.
There's going to be a riot.
Bogdan Chuba is coming.
He's got arms and people.
They are just a bunch of filthy rogues
who pretend to be Cossacks.
And your beloved chief
will sell you all for a song.
I don't have time for this nonsense.
Give them a thorough beating.
Get up!
Let's go. Move!
My lord!
I got something else for you.
We took her near the border.
She was with some bondman.
I thought you loved me.
You
You broke my heart, Maria.
Does your sweetheart know
how many nights you spent
in your master's bed?
I remember you enjoyed it a lot.
I was making a show for you.
Give me your saber.
I'll cut her lying tongue out!
The Japanese lord has arrived.
Don't touch this bitch.
I'll kill her by myself.
Hello, my good sir!
I have a custom of bringing a gift
to the people I deem important.
This is how I say thank you
for your hospitality.
This is a real samurai katana.
It's made of the best Japanese steel.
Let it be the symbol
of our fruitful partnership.
Welcome to my humble home.
It was smart of you to hide these.
But you can't do much with a sword.
It depends on who's using it.
These are made of steel and mahogany.
No bullet can break this steel.
Let me see.
Kinjutsu technique.
It toughens both the spirit and the body.
Try to fight with both.
Okinawa style.
Bondman style.
If I had a gun, you'd be dead.
I need a good weapon.
Where will you get it?
I know a Jew.
Don't be sad, little brother.
This is a temporary grave.
I promise.
You'll be properly buried soon.
Who's there?
I'm not in the mood today.
I'll shoot without warning.
I'm sorry to bother you,
but I could use some help.
Then it will be an unfair battle.
And now it is fair, huh?
He's drunk, you're evenly matched.
Thanks for your help.
Now I know I can rely on you.
We have sensitive issues to discuss.
So I made sure
no unnecessary violence is involved.
Why the hell did you dig me in?
You lied to me.
Dig me out, please.
- My friend
- I'm claustrophobic.
told me you're his friend.
Are you really friends?
I'm starting to doubt it.
Dig me out now, you fool!
God, his booze breath
can make a dead man rise!
Shut up, you asshole!
- Go fuck yourself!
- I'll fuck you first!
I knew this would happen.
So I made sure you speak in turns.
Now, down to business.
Tell the man why we had to bother him.
I know you sell guns.
- We wanted to
- steal it.
Borrow it.
But this bastard nearly killed us.
To hell with you--
Your turn, sir.
I don't have any guns anymore.
Bogdan Chuba took it all.
Ever heard of him?
The scumbag killed my brother.
This one is a killer.
It will tear a beast in two
at a close range.
But its major advantage is this.
Your aim can be poor as hell,
and you'll still hit the target.
I'll take it.
Good, but there's more.
Mordecai! Bring the Trident.
This is not just a gun.
This is a work of art.
One copy only.
This is a masterpiece.
I call it the Trident.
It is expensive.
But believe me, it is worth it.
Good.
Now the landlords get
three bullets in the face at once.
The landlords I must have misheard.
This is mine now.
I'll pay you with my mercy.
I'll let you live.
Even though I think the price is too high.
True Cossacks don't act like this!
How dare you, jackass!
You, telling me how to be a Cossack?
A filthy Jew
that kisses the landlords' asses.
No!
No!
Our condolences.
But you shouldn't have run
with the gangsters.
We're going to Yaromir Loboda's place.
We have accounts to settle with him.
We think Chuba is wreaking havoc
to scare other landlords.
We suspect he's aiming
at the most powerful one.
If you want revenge
for your brother's death
then join us.
Put your thinking cap on,
do you have any weapons left?
This is all that's left.
Rubbish.
I'm not even sure they can still fire.
Got gunpowder?
How come a simple bondman
can handle a gun?
I am no stranger to firing ranges.
I loaded guns for my master.
Once, he took me
to see a Jew.
And I've been wondering
why your face seems familiar.
So what is your beef with Yaromir?
He has something
that is not his to have.
A samurai sword.
I want to take it back.
And I want to free my sweetheart Maria.
And how are you planning to do this?
We'd like to avoid bloodshed.
So you have no plan.
Everyone will die if need be.
I think you underrate your enemy.
Yaromir and I are friends,
I get him his eye medicine.
Here's what we can do.
We'll come to his house
and tell him you're my servants.
I'll tell him Chuba is planning an attack
and I'll ask him to punish the bastard.
Yaromir won't refuse.
How do we know you won't rat on us?
You'll have to trust me.
No, this is not an option.
No, Taras-san.
I agree.
You trust a Jew?
He'll give me his word.
If I wanted you dead
you'd be dead by now.
Well, okay.
At least you'd be dead for sure.
Okay.
I may be foolish
but what's in it for you?
I see you're both boneheaded.
Who knows what damage you can do?
Landlords counting their losses
means less business for me.
So when it comes to trifles
like a bondwoman or a sword,
I'll only do Yaromir a favor
by sparing him unnecessary trouble.
Your stuff sells really well.
I hope you can renew my supplies
at least once a month.
Then I'll be able to deliver
as per my part of the agreement.
And now
just like I promised,
some top-quality product for you.
Here you are.
Hand-picked Ukrainian beauties.
All set to go.
We just need to finalize documents
for you to freely cross the border.
Who are they?
These are old cows, no value at all.
Harimoto-san wants her.
She's old and weak.
She won't bring you any joy, believe me.
Harimoto is not asking for gifts.
Name your price.
Sorry, she's not for sale.
She committed a crime against me,
I meant to punish her
but didn't have the time.
I'm a man of principle.
I can't stand unfinished business.
Harimoto-san will exchange her
for half of the young ones.
I have to refuse.
Principles have no price.
Is there anything you want
that is more precious than principles?
If you're that curious, I'll tell you.
I want to be the most powerful landowner
in these parts.
So
Do you think you can get that for me?
Why not?
Order one of your men
to kill Harimoto-san.
But be aware that your man will be hurt.
Please.
Shoot this man.
Shoot.
Don't embarrass me.
These are ninja warriors.
My secret weapon and my shadow.
Cold-blooded murderers,
ready to fulfill any order.
They are the best.
They use chained sickles or short swords.
Ninja must be ready to die.
The one who loses, knows his fate.
Top-notch spies and ultimate performers.
Their stamina and their ability
to be totally inconspicuous
guarantee the best results.
And their client's identity
will never be known.
They can beat any competitor of yours.
So, would you like to be
the most powerful landlord?
You know, I've been to Vienna recently.
It's a beautiful place.
I'd like to take you next time.
Why the hell are you writing in my book?
This is for the Holy Scripture.
Better listen to this.
"My glorious Ukraine is groaning,
people are yoked by the sly landlords.
They die
They die!
Noble sons of their Motherland."
What say you?
Gibberish.
And now you owe me money.
These pants I gave you are not free.
I bought them from a landlord in Poltawa.
Giddyap, Marta!
While those vile landlords
sell to their good friends
the Jews
the last pair of
pants.
Movchan!
Send a runner to the Emperor!
Jews are attacking!
How are you, my friend?
It's been a hard day.
But a shot of your bitter
makes me as strong as an ox!
You know, my product sells fast.
True.
By the way
I've got this thing
as a gift lately.
They say it's a real samurai sword.
I already have one just like that,
but better-looking.
This one looks shabby.
How much do you think it's worth?
I'm sorry, where's the outhouse?
Is he serious?
Outhouse?
You think I have a promenade here?
Yes.
Tell me, do you need to go
number one or number two?
Number two, I think.
Well, shit in your pants!
So what do you say?
How much?
To be honest,
I've never dealt with such things.
- But I think--
- May I have a look?
How did you teach your clowns
to joke like that?
These are not my men.
This one wants to steal the sword.
- And this one--
- Movchan!
What did I tell you about the Jews?
The guns can't fire.
Throw me the sword.
Drop your weapons!
Don't shoot, you fools!
So, now what?
Shoot!
Maria, my love.
It's me, Taras.
She's been taken.
By whom? When?
Give me the gun.
It's you.
Son of a bitch.
Don't insult my mother.
Bite me, asshole!
Your broad is now riding
another man's horse!
If you know what I mean.
I've never killed anyone.
You'll be my first.
If you hesitate
you die.
It may be a better place for them.
What can you offer her?
Beggary.
War.
Our life here is worse
than that of the landlord's dogs.
There's hope.
Come with us until help comes.
We're too sick for that.
We may live as far as the morning,
but it doesn't matter anymore.
As for your sweetheart
forget her.
If you love her, let her go.
You're late.
Sorry. Let's get down to business.
It's been so long.
It was hard to talk my master
into taking me with him.
That dork!
Stop.
We don't have much time.
I need to ask you something.
Have you thought about our plan?
I don't know if it's worth it.
If they catch us, we'll be killed.
I can't stand this life anymore.
I want to be with you every day.
What are we waiting for?
Don't expect things to change here.
What it they do?
Did you
Did you change your mind
about being with me?
- Just say so, I'll understand.
- No.
Maria.
You know I will die for you.
But God will not forgive me if you die.
What He won't forgive is us losing hope.
This is a wanker's way.
If you want to do it properly,
I'll lend you my sword.
But I think you're making a big mistake.
I couldn't give her a better life.
We nearly got killed.
Maria will be better off without me.
And I
I'll soon be dead anyway.
I might as well spare myself some pain.
You said you wanted to be
a poet and an artist.
Isn't that a good reason to live,
Taras-san?
What do you know about art?
She was my inspiration.
She doesn't have to serve my ambition.
It's true.
But Japan is no better for her, Taras-san.
Harimoto's geishas wear shoes
designed for ten-year-olds.
Little girls have to do special exercises
to impede foot growth.
Your Maria is not a child.
So they'll most probably
chop her toes off.
She will be lucky
to stay alive after this, Taras-san.
I almost killed myself a while ago too.
But you came and gave me hope.
I'll help you free your sweetheart.
But first
you must become a true warrior.
I've seen you fight.
Not bad.
You're strong.
You're brave.
You're reserved.
But something is missing.
Skill?
Resolution.
A plague on you!
And politeness.
Get up.
- We'll try again.
- What?
Don't be a sissy, get up!
Is this really necessary?
It's a very important exercise.
I can even say it's the basis
of any combative art.
Ready?
I fail to see how this is helpful.
Every great warrior started like this.
Let's go again.
That's better.
Now you see?
Are you kidding me?
This is what it's all about?
Did you think we were training your balls,
Taras-san?
You thought the beating
would make them stronger?
Here's the lesson.
An enemy always looks for
your weakest spot.
Stay alert and protect it.
Always.
- Do you understand?
- Yes, Teacher.
No, you don't, Taras-san.
How are we going to find Harimoto?
I know where he is camping for two days.
We'll train you as we go.
Get up.
You haven't learnt
a whole lot in two days, for sure.
But it's not important.
What's important is your spirit
and your desire to win.
You proved that you're ready to fight.
So now I, Akayo Nakamura,
an alumnus of Otokodjuku school, confirm
that my student, Taras Shevchenko,
may unconditionally enjoy
the honor of calling himself a samurai.
A samurai must have a katana.
So I'm giving you mine, Taras-san.
I got it from my sensei.
It is my honor to accept it.
And remember, it's not for decoration.
A katana loves blood.
Be resolute.
Morphine.
Take as needed.
No surgery is needed,
but as for the other injury,
I think the bullet stuck
in the back of your skull
without hurting the brain.
It's too risky to take it out.
Most probably,
you'll have to live with it.
I've had similar cases before.
Once, during the war--
Not interested.
Sorry.
Movchan!
See the doctor out.
And tell the men to bring me that
Jew.
Well, you circumcised schnitzel
Start talking.
That twosome came out of nowhere.
They wanted guns.
They were going to use them
against you, my lord.
Surely, I didn't give them anything.
I brought them here for your convenience.
That wasn't a good call.
How would I know the bearded one
could do tricks with his sword?
Who is he?
Ha said he was from Japan.
And the other is just a bondman.
He wanted to free a bondwoman.
I think her name was Maria.
I know where the jerks are.
Get your men ready.
Help me get up.
You'd better stay in bed.
I can lead your people.
I am an example
of what a true feudal lord must be.
My reputation is the basis of my power.
If it's tattered, people could rise.
I don't trust anybody.
Least of all, Jews.
We're being attacked.
Chuba!
If you're a noble man,
come here, let's talk face to face.
Don't shoot.
Let's parley!
Come here! You can see I'm unarmed.
Are you surprised?
Put down your big gun.
What are you trying to achieve?
Even if you kill me,
others will take my place.
I knew your father.
He wasn't up for such foolishness.
Look who's behind you.
Slaves. Tramps. Outlaws.
You're disgracing your name.
You're still alive
because I'm curious what else you can say.
People like you are scarce.
You follow your heart,
but I think you know
you took the wrong way.
I know what you really need.
I'm offering you a job.
You'll lead my people.
They are true warriors.
You deserve it.
Your father would do it.
Do you agree?
What about them?
What do you think?
Do you know why he wants you?
You look like his former sweetheart.
She was
from Kamenets.
She became a geisha
voluntarily.
And then
she was bitten by a Joro spider.
And she died.
It was hers.
I'd rather die than serve another pervert.
You'll get used to it.
And you'll caress him.
My lord wants his dinner
served on your body.
Obviously, you hardly realize
what a great honor it is.
So
to make you lie still
I'll paralyze you.
Don't move, for your own good.
Be quiet.
And trust your katana.
- Did you hear what I said?
- I did.
I'll tell you this.
One may learn from other people,
but he shouldn't forget his own ways.
You're free to go.
They have nowhere to go.
They will only be free when
the whole country is free.
Resolution.
Who the hell are you?
You killed my master, Takeshi Nakamura.
That was a duel.
Bring it on. You defiled your own sword.
I'll not forgive you.
This is my battle.
Go find your lady.
You have no Japanese blood in you.
You can never be a real samurai then.
That's a line from someone
who got kicked out of Otokodjuku school.
I don't care about the school
where scum like you are trained.
That's the line of a coward.
I'll kill you the same way I did him.
One scratch and you're dead.
Too bad I can't show you my school
that teaches true principles.
She's paralyzed.
The needle is administered
via the Tokugawa method.
If it is taken out the wrong way
she'll die.
For God's sake, set her free.
Sorry.
My lord will never forgive me if I do.
He's dead.
You can't lie.
No more games.
Do it properly, or else you'll die.
It looks better on you.
Sorry about the clothes, but we need them.
Let's go, my love. I'll show you mine.
Mine are much better, aren't they?
Yes. Of course.
Kill him!
Fire!
Master told us not to kill the Japanese.
He wants to poke his eyes out by himself.
No, he told us not to kill
the one who looks Japanese.
They both look Japanese.
This one does not.
Which one should I kill? This one?
Or this one?
Shoot.
A sack full of crayfish
rolled down the hill.
One, two, three
you're the one we kill.
Shoot.
I'm confused.
Let's take both.
Now we need some rest.
He saved my life three times.
I owe him.
If you don't come back, I'll drown myself.
I'm a samurai.
I don't have a choice.
Run.
I want you to be free.
I'll wait for you.
You'll come back.
Yet another proof
that I was born under a lucky start.
Wow.
It went right through.
I slept till lunchtime that day.
By night, I was already visiting my girls.
- See this?
- Yes.
A Turkish saber.
That wretched piece of metal.
Yeah.
That's true.
I've never seen anything like this.
What a piece of shit.
Our sabers are actually not any better.
Don't talk nonsense.
A Cossack saber is way better than this.
Look. These pigs are defiling
your master's honor.
Shut your filthy mouths!
Hey, Bazhan!
You're an expert in blade weapons.
Tell us what's better.
A Cossack saber
or a Japanese sword?
A Cossack saber, of course.
I told you!
I don't believe you.
You didn't even take a look.
He's probably trying to kiss your ass.
Why are you sitting there alone?
Aren't we friends anymore?
Will you take a look?
We should fight fair and square.
Northern Praying Mantis Kung-Fu.
I'm tired of fair battles.
Really tired.
For God's sake, I'm unarmed.
Let's duel.
Duel my ass.
Are they made of steel?
This is for my brother, jerk.
Sneaky Jew?
Sorry I let you down.
You were saying stupid things.
He'd call our bluff right away.
You may be right.
It's yours.
Sorry, I
I wrote my verse on several pages.
Keep it.
For good luck.
What are you going to do now?
I'll go to Egypt.
For vacation.
Be happy, my friend.
You too
my friend.
Taras-san.
Looks like our mission is completed.
Time to go to Japan.
We've decided to stay.
We'll seek happiness here.
In our Motherland.
Katana loves blood.
Yes.
There's some unfinished business.
Why aren't your bondmen working?
Why are you standing still, lazybones?
Move!
Come on, move!
I see you changed the cover.
Yes.
And I finished the last page.
I just can't think of a good title.
I have an idea.
Tell me.
Call it
"Taras Shevchenko, The First Samurai."
No, it sounds like bragging.
I think I got it.
KOBZAR
TO THE MEMORY OF YURI MINZYANOV