Stork of Hope (2025) Movie Script
Yes?
I'm listening.
It's me.
What?
But, but that can't be.
So many years have passed.
- Are you all right?
- Yes.
Can I help you with something?
No thanks.
The day has come...
I knew it. I knew it. I knew...
Ilya!
Ilya, leave the tablet alone.
Sasha, stop, you'll play later.
David, we are waiting only for you.
Good morning everybody.
David, by God, you are like a kid.
Sit down.
I don't have time, I'm already late.
Start without me.
As usual, everything at the
last minute.
Sophia, why did you put
me a sweater and a scarf?
This is a business trip to
Europe, not to the North Pole.
Don't argue.
Okay, you're the boss.
How is your dad feeling?
I'm worried about him.
Understandable,
after such an incident...
Dad, how long are you going for?
Five days.
Promise me not to misbehave,
do not quarrel with your brother.
Help around the house and
listen to your mother.
Yes, sir!
Stanislav, if you need something,
call me.
Ilya, didn't you hear me?
Sasha, that's enough, you'll play later.
Take care, have a nice week!
Love you!
Goodbye.
Bye, I love you.
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
King of the universe,
who brings forth bread from the earth.
Amen.
Ilya, fold it because I can't.
I cannot either, ask grandfather.
Grandpa...
Bring me. Let's get it fixed.
Here, good as new.
It's ready to take off.
Wow!
Bon appetit.
Dad, try to calm down.
You have been stressed for four days now.
You are silent, do not eat,
constantly check your phone.
I am waiting for an important call.
They promised me.
If they promised,
then they will call back.
Please eat.
I have no appetite today.
The Ukrainian side is paying a high price
for the war...
human lives are being lost.
First, Putin is obsessed with the
idea of taking over Ukraine.
Secondly...
What happened?
Is someone going to tell me,
or, it's none of my business?
What secrets can I have from my family?
I understand that you are...
grown-ups now,
and it's about time
to tell you everything.
Sweethearts
it's a very important day for Grandpa,
so show some empathy, okay?
What he will tell you now
is very emotional for him.
I've kept it all my life.
This is the most precious thing
that remains of my childhood.
What is it?
This is a stork. It's a bird.
From Belarus, my homeland.
And who is this?
This... is my dad.
And Sasha, my little brother.
Before WW2, we lived in Minsk.
We were... a very close-knit family.
Me, my brother Sasha,
dad and mom...
Great! One second, young man!
Stand closer to your mother.
You, please, madam,
put your hand right here.
And who is this?
It's a sailor!
The back is straight, the hands
are like this, the head, and look here.
Yes?
Don't move.
I assure you, this will be
the best photo of your life.
But once my dad had to leave
for military training,
and we were very worried about him.
Especially our mom.
Everything will be ready tomorrow.
I see you are a military man,
maybe you heard something?
About the start of the war?
Terrible things are said to be happening
in Krakow.
I'm a doctor,
and I know no more than you.
I see.
Some say there will be a war
others say no.
Who to believe?
All the best, goodbye.
Let me walk you out.
Dad, when you coming back?
Soon.
I'll be back before you can blink.
Will you bring us a helmet?
The pilot's one.
Yes, Vovka has one, but we don't.
I'll definitely bring it.
Come here to me!
I got a mission for you.
Important. For real men.
What?
You are in charge while I am gone.
It is necessary that you listen to your
mother and take care of her, agreed?
Of course!
Agreed.
And no fighting!
We promise.
Well, that's good.
Here. Barely found.
Please calm down, love.
I will get everything there,
why do I need these socks?
It's not protocol.
Your protocol can handle it,
you must take them.
It's time.
Stop, stop it, no need to cry.
Calm down, darling, come on.
I'm going to Brest it's not far
and not for long.
I love you very much.
I love you, to the moon and back.
We love you too.
It's time.
Take care of yourself.
Mom, why are you crying?
It's nothing. Everything will be fine.
Those were the last quiet days.
No one knew
that soon our lives would change forever,
and things...
will never be like before.
Dad, dad, come back!
Dad, wait! Daddy. Daddy!
Dad, don't go!
Dad!
Dad!
Stop.
Dad, please don't leave.
We don't need any helmet, just stay.
Papa, let's go home.
What are you talking about.
My loves,
I... I will be right back.
Horse sat on the balcony, drank
tea, broke cups, spoke Turkish.
Chabi, chalabi, chalabi, chabi, chabi!
We filled our mouths with
water and told everyone to freeze!
- I love you very much.
- We love you too.
Take care of them.
Dad left.
And we never saw him again.
Many years later...
I learned that he had died...
Many years later...
I learned that he had died
in the first days of the war.
How old were you?
I was twelve.
And my younger brother, Sasha,
was eight.
He was funny.
I loved him very much.
I don't get it,
show me one more time.
Okay, look.
You take these corners, like this,
then you bend.
Then it is to the middle, in half,
like this.
And wings.
Ready.
In the first days of the war
our beloved city was almost destroyed.
The Germans came, and immediately
introduced their own rules.
Put it aside. It's time to eat.
Sasha, sit down.
Well, now I'll forget again.
Nothing happened, just finish it later.
Ugh, I don't want soup.
There's onions floating there.
Yes, mom, I don't like onions either.
You need to eat, how will you grow up
if you don't eat anything?
I don't want a soup.
You are not getting up from the
table until you finish your meals.
And no games, did you hear me?
Open up, police!
Open up, I said!
Can't you hear?
- Who's there?
- Hey, what are you doing?
Enough!
Uncle, give me this toy, this is my toy.
Don't be afraid, little Jew.
Present your documents.
One second.
Who else lives in this apartment?
Nobody else.
Where is your husband?
They took him to the front.
He is a doctor.
By order of the German command,
all persons of Jewish nationality
must wear a yellow star on their clothes.
Explain to her.
You are obliged to appear at the
commandant's office with documents.
You can have luggage, no more than 20 kg,
and a twoday supply of food.
Do you understand?
Whoever doesn't listen
will be severely punished.
Is that clear?
Yes.
You must make the stars yourself
and sew on clothes
so that they are visible.
Mom, they killed him!
On that day...
for the first time,
I saw death with my own eyes.
My brother and I did not understand
why this terrible man killed the poor dog.
Grandpa, what happened next?
Then, we packed our bags.
Sasha, stop playing.
Ilya, get dressed.
My brother and I thought that we
were going on some kind of journey,
from which we would soon return home.
Button up.
I can't!
Come. You're a big boy,
but you can't cope with the buttons?
Mom, why do I have this star sewn on?
Because you are a hero.
And only heroes can wear these.
Mom, am I a hero too?
Of course, you too.
And you, mom, are a hero!
And I. Pack up your things.
Let's sit for the road.
Mom, why do people sit for the road?
So that the road is safe and smooth.
All right.
It is time.
We were in a festive mood.
We didn't know what was about to happen.
On the street we saw refugees
with yellow stars on their clothes.
Excuse me, we came to evacuate.
Do you know where are we going?
You don't recognize me?
We visited you the other day
don't you remember?
- Who are you? What do you need?
Three months ago,
your husband saved my wife from death.
Remember?
You also scolded me for being drunk.
- Your name is Goryev.
- Yes, my name is Goryev.
The commandant's office is there!
Listen to me carefully,
get out of the city,
go somewhere, go away!
All Jews will be taken to the camps,
do you understand me?
You're hurting me! Let go!
We are innocent!
Mom, my feet hurt.
Be patient, son, a little more.
Mom, let's go back home?
Ilyusha, don't whimper.
So-called checkpoints were set up
on the streets,
where all Jews had to come with
their belongings and passports.
They took away the keys to their houses,
their documents,
and sent them to the ghetto.
Get off!
Shut up!
Line up!
- What are you doing?
- Shut it!
Why are you pushing her?
She's pregnant!
Why are you doing this?
Get back!
- Everyone back off!
- Leave us be!
Come here!
What did I do?
Don't!
What are you doing?
Get away!
Please!
Please! Don't shoot!
Please! Don't shoot!
I'm begging you!
Please don't...
Ilya, grab Sasha!
Faster!
Sit still.
No, please! I beg you, let me go!
Enough, no!
It's scary when a person thinks
he can do anything he wants.
It's even more scary when a
whole nation decides it can do that.
Wait!
Do not go! Please!
- There are children.
- It's dangerous. You can be seen.
I'll just give them food.
Don't do it!
I beg you.
Go home, don't worry.
As soon as it gets dark, leave.
The road will be clear.
Everyone goes to Mogilev.
They say our people will be there.
We won't last long here.
I'll leave the door to the
basement open, I won't lock it.
Stay there until the evening.
Just make sure you're not seen.
Thank you very much!
What's your...?
Quiet.
Do as I said.
This man knew the risks he took by saving
the life of a Jewish woman with children.
But he made his choice.
And he couldn't have done otherwise.
Search everything!
Come out, you old fart!
Let me go!
What are you doing?
Move it!
Dear God!
Fire!
At night, we managed to
quietly get out of the basement.
In the morning we joined
a group of refugees as we were.
Tired and hungry, we wandered
along the road,
when suddenly a strong rumble
of aircraft was heard in the sky.
Mom, please get up!
Mom, I will always eat your soup
with onions. Get up, get up mom.
Why don't you get up? Mom,
we will always listen to you.
My brother and I were all alone.
We didn't know where to go,
or what to do.
I don't remember where and how
we wandered,
and I don't know exactly
how much time has passed.
Dad, please, you must not get excited!
But I am not even worried...
Grandpa, we love you very much.
And we will never leave you.
We will always be there.
Thank you, thank you very much, dear.
It is so valuable that you care.
Grandpa, but you were very young.
How did you cope without mom
and dad?
Weren't you afraid?
Of course, I was.
But people get used to everything,
even to pain and fear.
Once, we ended up in a German truck
which, along with other Jewish children,
was on its way to hell.
It was a children's camp.
A former orphanage,
now turned into a concentration camp.
This hell was in the village of Semkovo,
not far from Minsk.
Sasha and I ended up there.
Ilyusha, give me some cheese,
my stomach hurts.
What about me? I want too!
Give me!
Quiet, don't cry.
We spent the worst days of our lives
in the camp.
First, we had a routine blood test.
We did not understand anything,
and humbly did what we were told.
What's your name?
Sasha.
Sasha? Seems to be a Jew.
Take a note.
Move on!
And you?
Open wide!
What's your name?
What's your name?
Ilya.
Are you a Jew?
Ilya.
Move on!
Take note Jew.
So many Jews here!
Come on!
Open wide!
- What's your name?
- Kiril.
It was a bright and sunny day.
In one part of the camp,
potatoes were being cooked for pigs.
The smell circled around the place.
It smells delicious. Probably potatoes.
Surely potatoes.
The Germans took care of these pigs
better than of children.
It seems to me that we have never eaten
anything tastier than
this potato in our lives.
I still remember its scent.
Schneider!
What's going on here?
Blood samples!
I'm not talking about that.
They are refusing to go!
We have to force them!
What's the problem, doctor?
Your subordinates are beating children.
Stop it!
It's a necessary measure.
Find a humane way.
I don't want to hear any more screams
in the infirmary!
The private is still inexperienced.
You can always find a way to get
children to do what they do not want.
Later we found out why the
children were brought here.
Do you have some sugar?
The German wounded soldiers
needed blood...
Thank you.
And the children from the camp...
Do you want sugar?
Were only expendable.
Sugar?
So simple...
Then we already understood,
that many of those who were
taken away would not come back.
Take it!
Why are you not sleeping?
I'm missing mom.
Will she come and take us home soon?
Lie down.
Show me a photo.
I want to see mom and dad.
Give it to me.
Listen, let's do this.
This part is for you, with mom.
And this is for me, with dad.
Don't cry.
One day, we were lined up,
and promised that we would be
taken to a warm place with food.
- Load them up!
- Let's go!
And me, and me!
Sasha!
My brother!
Sasha!
Sasha!
My brother!
Sasha! No!
Ilyusha, don't leave me!
They forgot my brother!
- Do not leave me!
- Sasha, Sasha! They forgot my brother!
Ilyusha, Ilyusha don't leave me!
Ilyusha!
Sasha, Sasha!
- No!
- Sasha, Sasha!
Ilyusha, don't leave me! My brother!
Sasha!
No!
Sasha!
And you never saw him again?
Never. Never ever.
After all the horrors
that we had to go through and suffer.
The war took... our home, family,
and took mom, dad...
Dad, go for a walk, hmm?
The doctor says that you should move
and get fresh air. Maybe the beach?
Grandpa, we will go with you.
Thank you, dear.
It is so valuable that you care.
Let's go.
Come on.
Grandpa, I can't imagine that
someone would separate me from Ilya.
Why would anyone?
This will never happen!
And what happened later?
After my mother's death
I became Sasha's only guardian.
I did not know what faith
was and did not know God,
but I asked the higher powers
to return my brother to me.
What was that?
Everyone off!
Are there weapons?
Commander, come here.
There are children.
We must leave before the Germans come!
What do we do?
We are taking the children,
bring the cart.
What are we going to to with them?
- Where do we put them?
- Don't know.
But we can't leave them.
- Commander...
- Do what I said!
What's going on?
You heard me!
Over here!
Okay, guys, let's go!
Come on, come on!
They are so skinny.
Well done!
Wait, I'll take you.
This one is quite weak.
Let's run.
Come on, come on, quickly.
We're leaving quickly.
Everyone out!
Be careful!
- Take care of the kids, I'll cover!
- What?
Get out!
Come on!
We take the children and
scatter, then we meet at the river!
Girls follow me!
Stop! Fire!
Come on, come on.
Let's go! Quickly!
They're down at the river!
Watch out!
The partisans who
recaptured us from the Nazis
asked the locals to hide us
in their homes.
These people risked their lives.
- What is it?
- We rescued those children. We need help.
Five are at families,
the rest has nowhere to go.
They can't live in the forest.
We should hide them. Can you take them?
Take them inside, hide them in the house.
Let's go. Inside.
Quickly, quickly.
- Quiet.
- What about him? He seems to be sick.
He has a fever.
We'll take him to the farm.
Fine.
Please be careful, they
might be looking for them.
- They're probably Jewish.
- We are all God's children.
Thank you! Come on, go!
Anyone who hid Jews at home
was under threat of being shot.
But even knowing the consequences,
none of the locals refused.
Open up, Vasily!
It's us!
You sleep tight, Vasily!
You have no conscience,
banging around like this at night!
You talk about conscience, you tick?
Open the door, we need your help.
We have a sick child here,
where should we put him?
Where is he from?
The Germans were
transporting them from Semkovo.
Poor thing, he's burning up.
Hush, hush.
Why did you bring him to me?
What can I do?
Am I a doctor?
You talk too much.
Are you afraid, you kulak tick?
Whose skin were you afraid for?
When you threw the children in Semkovo?
What Semkovo? What are you saying?
You forgot? I will remind you.
When you worked as a port
trader in the executive committee.
How you and your superiors fled the city.
And all the children were
thrown to the Germans.
What is he saying?
We simply did not have time to
take them out then, they bombed us.
Did you manage to save your asses,
but no children?
You cunt...
Enough! Now is not the time!
We have nowhere to go.
We can't take him!
Stop, please. I'll take care of him.
That's it. We're leaving.
It will be daylight soon.
I'll deal with you later.
Move out!
Hush, hush, my dear.
Hush.
Everything will be fine.
I had a high temperature.
I didn't understand what
was going on around me.
I'm coming, I'm coming. My dear.
Come on, my dear, come on,
have a drink. Drink, my dear.
Come on, get up. Well done.
Hush hush.
You'll get better.
Vasily, he's really sick.
You need to take him to the doctor.
Vasily, we can't do it on our own!
If we take him, they will
ask where he is from.
What will I tell them?
Say he's ours.
Was sick for a long time.
We have a
certificate from Stasik left... here.
Show him if needed.
If needed.
And I'll take this off if they'll come.
I'll hide it.
Now he will be our Stasik.
Fine. I'll harness the horse.
According to the German command,
persons of Jewish nationality,
as well as persons
harboring Jews, are to be shot.
Take us, have pity on the children!
Let me go! Stop it!
Shut up! You will be hanged
in front of the whole village!
You will hang as a reminder of what
will happen to those who harbor Jews.
Spare the children!
Spare the children!
By the mercy of God!
This is what happens to those
who harbor Jews!
All done!
Let's move out!
Hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth
as it is in heaven...
Shut up!
Listen to me, boy.
If someone asks you anything
your name is Stasik, did you hear me?
Did you hear me?
My name is Ilya.
Listen, Ilya.
This is very important,
because we're not welcome there.
Stasik is your name, do you hear? Stasik!
Dear God...
Open the gate!
Let's go!
Careful please, don't drive too fast.
Come on!
Hello, Vasily.
Hello.
Haven't seen you in a while. How are you?
With the help of your prayers.
Your boy?
Who else?
People said your son died.
People lie. Come here son.
I'm already working.
They feed, pay well come to us.
You also suffered from the Soviet regime.
I am a simple person, on my own.
The other day a children transport
was attacked. Did you hear?
No, I didn't.
Vasily?
And if you did, would you tell me?
Our father in heaven. Hallowed
be Your Name. Your kingdom come.
Your will be done on earth as it is in
heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil...
On the way I saw some gallows being built.
Do you know for whom?
Priests will be hanged.
They hid some children.
They were found and shot.
What children?
They say the partisans brought them.
I know nothing more.
Give him this to drink in the evening.
You can do it in the morning too.
And with herbs, you have to
steam the boy properly in the bath.
In three days he will be better.
God bless you.
Thank you.
Well, boy? Let's go home.
Begin!
Good people!
I have always tried to live
according to the laws of God.
Therefore, I am not afraid.
My fault before God and people is only
that I could not risk...
the lives of innocent children.
Forgive my sins.
And do not remember us with a bad
word.
Be kind. And merciful.
Forgive us!
- Why?
They hid Jewish children.
The Lord said, go the way
of righteousness,
because the righteous will inherit
the earth,
and the godless will be destroyed
on the earth.
The godless shall be destroyed!
Forgive us, good people!
- Why are you still here? Go home!
- We're leaving.
I told you to hide!
Put it on him it belonged to Stasik.
All will be well.
Now you'll take a steam bath.
It'll all be well.
I'm going to make us some food.
Go.
Take your clothes off.
Time for a steam bath.
Get up.
Come on.
- What happened?
- He can't stay here.
What are you thinking?
He will destroy us all. He is a Jew!
I saw him in the bathhouse.
Circumcised!
If the Germans find out,
we will hang on the gallows.
On the same rope with him!
Vasily!
Where are you going to take him?
- Into the forest.
To the partisans.
Vasily! Wait!
Don't take sin on your soul! Vasily!
Why are you outside? Go back! Now!
I command you!
Please! Aren't we Christians?
What are you doing? Wait!
- Vasily!
- Let's go!
No, no, don't take him!
Vasily, bring him back!
Vasily! Vasily!
- Let's go!
They hanged the priests!
Why do we need this?
Don't take my Stasik away!
What Stasik?
People saw us bury him!
We have a coffin and a cross!
You and I went through such
hard times, we buried our son!
When did we become evil?
We can't do this, Vasily!
I don't care!
Stop...
We can't do it any other way!
God didn't give us hard times to make
us callous and tough people.
We need to be stronger!
Stronger, you hear!
Shut up! I am begging you!
Shut up.
Our strength lies in God!
Silent, woman!
I beg you!
Silence!
Why did you jump out in this dress?
Is it summer already?
Go inside!
We won't give him away, will we?
Vasily, we won't give him away,
will we?
Vasily, we won't give him away,
will we?
Vasily...
We won't give him up,
Do not cry. Do not cry
don't cry.
Son, forgive me.
If this can be forgiven...
Dear God...
In the name of the Father, the Son...
What have I done...
What have I...
There you go.
What do you think.
Do you like it?
Yes.
I will teach you how to carve such birds.
Here you go.
Now you have a toy.
Can I give this stork to my brother?
Maybe we'll find him?
Definitely.
The war will end soon
and we will find your brother.
Just believe.
With faith life is easier.
We'll find him, of course.
We'll find him.
Who the hell is it?
What do you want?
I was walking by, so thought to visit.
Can you pour a glass? To get
warm. It got colder. Let's chat.
Come on.
Ganna, set the table. We have a guest.
Son, go outside.
Well, have you recovered?
Yes, thank God.
Why are you so swarthy?
Just like his grandfather.
Take a chair. Sit down.
Come on!
Your mittens!
- Don't leave the yard.
- Fine.
So, what did you want to talk about?
Go on.
There's an ugly rumor
that your Stasik is dead.
And the partisans planted
this bastard on you.
What are you talking about?
If my son died, then he would have
a grave.
With a cross.
Go to the cemetery and take a look.
You won't find anything.
I've been there.
And?
I didn't find the grave.
Surprised me, that's why I thought
I should ask.
What do you want from us?
Why do you have to know
everything? Don't take sin on your soul.
Go. Leave us.
You better drink.
Have a bite.
And go with God.
I'll tell you this, Vasily.
Life was hard for you
under the Soviet regime.
You know yourself.
The communists ripped you off every time.
Screwed up your father.
Think about it.
The Germans didn't do anything to you.
They promise you work and land,
what else do you need?
If you want, I can help.
I am here by myself.
I live my own life, and I do
not believe in any authority.
No matter what they promise
and no matter what they say,
any government will get rid of
you when it no longer needs you.
Communists, fascists. All the same.
Remember, Vasily!
You need to be able to
get along with any authority.
Whatever it is.
Otherwise, you know,
it's hard to survive.
Whatever. I'm leaving.
But think about it.
Do you like candy?
What is it?
This is candy. Here!
What are we going to do?
Nothing.
Gradually, I began to get used to the
new family.
To a new home, parents, even a new name.
People can easily forget the bad,
especially when there is a loving person
nearby.
Ganna gave me real motherly love,
so I quickly started calling her "Mom".
Mom, did the storks make the nest
themselves?
They did.
Our people say that where
they nest, there will be happiness.
There will be grain, potatoes, cattle,
the garden will grow,
and children will be born.
Everyone will be happy.
- Aren't you cold?
- No.
Busly flew to us every year,
but for some reason,
they didn't come this time.
- Does busly mean storks?
- Yes, storks.
Mom, did your Stasik also not like
soup with onions?
No, he didn't.
No child likes soup with onions.
Mom said that onions are good
for the health.
My brother and I didn't like it,
we took the onions out.
She scolded us for it.
I really miss my mom.
That's right, that's the way it should be.
I also miss my son.
But now I have you.
And I will love you like my son.
Mom, someone is coming.
- Hello, madam!
- Hello.
Beautiful!
Did you make it yourself?
No, my...
What do you want from the child?
Vasily! We have visitors!
God bless you, Vasily. What's up?
What do you want?
We need food.
It's always the same.
We barely make ends meet.
I have no time to talk to you,
the Germans are hanging around.
Hurry up!
You really got into the habit
of coming here every week.
Stop complaining.
Here.
All that is.
A piece of lard, bread, onions.
That's all we have.
Are you kidding me?
The men in the forest are
freezing, there is nothing to eat!
I didn't drive you into the forest.
All you do is hide there
and rip people off.
You're tough now?
Bring out the cow!
I'll take it with me.
I won't give you my cow.
Bring out the cow!
Bring out the cow, I said!
What's going on?
Nothing, go inside.
Bring out the cow! I said!
Are you out of your mind?
Get me the cow!
No, put down your weapon.
Don't touch him, I beg you.
I will bring the cow.
You have a good wife.
Very accommodating.
Go on, take it!
Just don't come here again,
for God's sake.
Maybe I will. Not to him, but to you.
When it gets dark.
What are you talking about?
Go inside.
One word and I'll tell everyone
about the kid you're hiding.
You better think about what
the partisans will do to you
if I tell them how you drink
vodka with a policeman at night.
I see you know a lot.
Too bad we let you live then.
Didn't put you up against a wall,
like we did with your dad.
Don't bring up my father!
What is he guilty of?
Working his hands bloody?
In the fact that we were
dying of hunger in the thirties!
When you ate honey and lard.
And hid your goods. Was that fair?
Don't you worry! Your time will come soon!
So your filthy seed does not germinate.
Shut your mouth, you bastard.
It's not for you to talk about justice.
Despite everything that happened to me,
my new life gradually improved.
My soul began to thaw.
But the war wasn't over yet,
and the trouble has come
to our house again.
Vasily? Vasily?
What do you want?
The Germans are combing the forest.
We won't get far with the wounded.
Hide him?
Where can I hide him?
If the Germans find him, we'll all
be dead.
We'll be back at night to get him.
Help us, Vasily!
What can I say.
Get him at night!
We'll hide him in the hay.
And go, go away from here.
Thank you, Vasily!
Have you seen Zhdanovich?
He disappeared.
Why would I care?
Let's split!
Let's go!
Come here. I'll hide you in the hay.
Sit quietly and don't make a sound.
Yes, I understand.
The Germans are close.
They are coming here.
Son!
Everyone off!
And watch out for partisans!
Come on!
Remember what I told you?
We are your parents!
For everyone you are our son.
Your name is Stasik. Understood? Repeat.
Yes, I'm Stasik.
Search everything!
I'm your mom and this is your dad, repeat.
You are my mother, and he is my father.
Sit on the stove quietly
until you are called. Go!
Why don't you come out?
Not happy to see us?
Have you seen anyone? Nobody passed?
No, there was no one.
Faster!
I said faster!
Faster!
Faster! Move it, you brat!
Move it!
There is no one else in
the house except them.
Strange. Where did they go?
They won't get far with the wounded.
Look at that!
What do we have here?
Have the partisans been visiting?
Two days... two weeks, two months,
maybe three months ago.
Did you help them with food?
How could I not?
Either they take it or they kill you.
Whose photo is this?
Whose photograph is it?
Give it back, it's mine!
What's your name, boy?
Tell the officer, what is your name?
Tell them! What is your name?
Don't just stand there!
What's your name?
- Tell them, please!
- Stasik! These are my mom and dad.
Tell me who is in the picture.
Who is it?
This is my dad.
Look at me!
Are you afraid?
Why do you bother to the child?
Shut up, I'm not asking you.
No, I'm not afraid.
The boy is right!
Mom, save me!
The boy is right. You don't
need to be afraid of us.
The ones to be afraid of are
the Bolsheviks and the Jews.
Mom!
Let him go! This is my son!
Don't touch him. Let him go!
Papa, help me!
Mama! Papa!
He is just a child!
It's not just a child,
it's a Jewish child.
Let me go! Dad!
Save me! Mom! Dad!
Don't touch my son!
Father!
Father!
Mother!
No, Mom!
Mom!
Mom!
Stay here!
Quiet, quiet! Be quiet.
Shut up kid, otherwise
everyone will be killed, shut up!
Shut up kid. Let's go!
Let's move!
Go! Go!
Moving out!
Once I heard that war is obligatory.
That human cruelty in combat
can be justified by a good purpose.
But war is war.
There is no excuse for that.
Grandpa, I love you!
And I love you.
I love you too, grandfather.
Go for a walk.
The people who hid Jews during the war
knew about the danger.
They not only sheltered but
dedicated their lives to saving children.
They took care of them like
they were their real family,
and it was a real achievement.
Quiet and brave.
It is not surprising, that these people
began to be called
the Righteous Among the Nations.
This title is assigned to those
who risked their lives
for the sake of society.
Regardless of the country of residence,
because humanity,
mercy, and kindness have
no nationality and borders.
Dad, don't worry!
Everything will be fine.
Will you recognize him at all?
Undoubtedly!
He's my brother.
Ilyusha, Ilyushka, my brother.
Sasha!
Finally!
I've been looking for you for so long,
Sasha.
I was looking for you too.
All these years. I knew that I would
find you.
I knew that I would find you.
I've been looking for you for so long!
And I was looking for you.
I've been looking for you too
all these years.
All these years.
But I knew I would find you.
I knew that I would find you.
I've missed you so much.
This is for you.
This is what my father, Vasily,
made for you.
He said, that I would find you.
A stork.
A stork.
And so we meet!
Look what I have.
I saved a piece of the
photo we ripped in the camp.
Do you remember?
Do you remember,
when we tore it in half?
Destined to meet again!
I kept it all these years.
This is our mom.
She was so
beautiful, do you remember?
Do you remember the father's rhyme?
Horse...
Horse sat on the balcony,
drank tea, broke cups, spoke Turkish.
Chabi, chalabi, chalabi, chabi, chabi!
We filled our mouths with
water and told everyone to freeze.
I'm listening.
It's me.
What?
But, but that can't be.
So many years have passed.
- Are you all right?
- Yes.
Can I help you with something?
No thanks.
The day has come...
I knew it. I knew it. I knew...
Ilya!
Ilya, leave the tablet alone.
Sasha, stop, you'll play later.
David, we are waiting only for you.
Good morning everybody.
David, by God, you are like a kid.
Sit down.
I don't have time, I'm already late.
Start without me.
As usual, everything at the
last minute.
Sophia, why did you put
me a sweater and a scarf?
This is a business trip to
Europe, not to the North Pole.
Don't argue.
Okay, you're the boss.
How is your dad feeling?
I'm worried about him.
Understandable,
after such an incident...
Dad, how long are you going for?
Five days.
Promise me not to misbehave,
do not quarrel with your brother.
Help around the house and
listen to your mother.
Yes, sir!
Stanislav, if you need something,
call me.
Ilya, didn't you hear me?
Sasha, that's enough, you'll play later.
Take care, have a nice week!
Love you!
Goodbye.
Bye, I love you.
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
King of the universe,
who brings forth bread from the earth.
Amen.
Ilya, fold it because I can't.
I cannot either, ask grandfather.
Grandpa...
Bring me. Let's get it fixed.
Here, good as new.
It's ready to take off.
Wow!
Bon appetit.
Dad, try to calm down.
You have been stressed for four days now.
You are silent, do not eat,
constantly check your phone.
I am waiting for an important call.
They promised me.
If they promised,
then they will call back.
Please eat.
I have no appetite today.
The Ukrainian side is paying a high price
for the war...
human lives are being lost.
First, Putin is obsessed with the
idea of taking over Ukraine.
Secondly...
What happened?
Is someone going to tell me,
or, it's none of my business?
What secrets can I have from my family?
I understand that you are...
grown-ups now,
and it's about time
to tell you everything.
Sweethearts
it's a very important day for Grandpa,
so show some empathy, okay?
What he will tell you now
is very emotional for him.
I've kept it all my life.
This is the most precious thing
that remains of my childhood.
What is it?
This is a stork. It's a bird.
From Belarus, my homeland.
And who is this?
This... is my dad.
And Sasha, my little brother.
Before WW2, we lived in Minsk.
We were... a very close-knit family.
Me, my brother Sasha,
dad and mom...
Great! One second, young man!
Stand closer to your mother.
You, please, madam,
put your hand right here.
And who is this?
It's a sailor!
The back is straight, the hands
are like this, the head, and look here.
Yes?
Don't move.
I assure you, this will be
the best photo of your life.
But once my dad had to leave
for military training,
and we were very worried about him.
Especially our mom.
Everything will be ready tomorrow.
I see you are a military man,
maybe you heard something?
About the start of the war?
Terrible things are said to be happening
in Krakow.
I'm a doctor,
and I know no more than you.
I see.
Some say there will be a war
others say no.
Who to believe?
All the best, goodbye.
Let me walk you out.
Dad, when you coming back?
Soon.
I'll be back before you can blink.
Will you bring us a helmet?
The pilot's one.
Yes, Vovka has one, but we don't.
I'll definitely bring it.
Come here to me!
I got a mission for you.
Important. For real men.
What?
You are in charge while I am gone.
It is necessary that you listen to your
mother and take care of her, agreed?
Of course!
Agreed.
And no fighting!
We promise.
Well, that's good.
Here. Barely found.
Please calm down, love.
I will get everything there,
why do I need these socks?
It's not protocol.
Your protocol can handle it,
you must take them.
It's time.
Stop, stop it, no need to cry.
Calm down, darling, come on.
I'm going to Brest it's not far
and not for long.
I love you very much.
I love you, to the moon and back.
We love you too.
It's time.
Take care of yourself.
Mom, why are you crying?
It's nothing. Everything will be fine.
Those were the last quiet days.
No one knew
that soon our lives would change forever,
and things...
will never be like before.
Dad, dad, come back!
Dad, wait! Daddy. Daddy!
Dad, don't go!
Dad!
Dad!
Stop.
Dad, please don't leave.
We don't need any helmet, just stay.
Papa, let's go home.
What are you talking about.
My loves,
I... I will be right back.
Horse sat on the balcony, drank
tea, broke cups, spoke Turkish.
Chabi, chalabi, chalabi, chabi, chabi!
We filled our mouths with
water and told everyone to freeze!
- I love you very much.
- We love you too.
Take care of them.
Dad left.
And we never saw him again.
Many years later...
I learned that he had died...
Many years later...
I learned that he had died
in the first days of the war.
How old were you?
I was twelve.
And my younger brother, Sasha,
was eight.
He was funny.
I loved him very much.
I don't get it,
show me one more time.
Okay, look.
You take these corners, like this,
then you bend.
Then it is to the middle, in half,
like this.
And wings.
Ready.
In the first days of the war
our beloved city was almost destroyed.
The Germans came, and immediately
introduced their own rules.
Put it aside. It's time to eat.
Sasha, sit down.
Well, now I'll forget again.
Nothing happened, just finish it later.
Ugh, I don't want soup.
There's onions floating there.
Yes, mom, I don't like onions either.
You need to eat, how will you grow up
if you don't eat anything?
I don't want a soup.
You are not getting up from the
table until you finish your meals.
And no games, did you hear me?
Open up, police!
Open up, I said!
Can't you hear?
- Who's there?
- Hey, what are you doing?
Enough!
Uncle, give me this toy, this is my toy.
Don't be afraid, little Jew.
Present your documents.
One second.
Who else lives in this apartment?
Nobody else.
Where is your husband?
They took him to the front.
He is a doctor.
By order of the German command,
all persons of Jewish nationality
must wear a yellow star on their clothes.
Explain to her.
You are obliged to appear at the
commandant's office with documents.
You can have luggage, no more than 20 kg,
and a twoday supply of food.
Do you understand?
Whoever doesn't listen
will be severely punished.
Is that clear?
Yes.
You must make the stars yourself
and sew on clothes
so that they are visible.
Mom, they killed him!
On that day...
for the first time,
I saw death with my own eyes.
My brother and I did not understand
why this terrible man killed the poor dog.
Grandpa, what happened next?
Then, we packed our bags.
Sasha, stop playing.
Ilya, get dressed.
My brother and I thought that we
were going on some kind of journey,
from which we would soon return home.
Button up.
I can't!
Come. You're a big boy,
but you can't cope with the buttons?
Mom, why do I have this star sewn on?
Because you are a hero.
And only heroes can wear these.
Mom, am I a hero too?
Of course, you too.
And you, mom, are a hero!
And I. Pack up your things.
Let's sit for the road.
Mom, why do people sit for the road?
So that the road is safe and smooth.
All right.
It is time.
We were in a festive mood.
We didn't know what was about to happen.
On the street we saw refugees
with yellow stars on their clothes.
Excuse me, we came to evacuate.
Do you know where are we going?
You don't recognize me?
We visited you the other day
don't you remember?
- Who are you? What do you need?
Three months ago,
your husband saved my wife from death.
Remember?
You also scolded me for being drunk.
- Your name is Goryev.
- Yes, my name is Goryev.
The commandant's office is there!
Listen to me carefully,
get out of the city,
go somewhere, go away!
All Jews will be taken to the camps,
do you understand me?
You're hurting me! Let go!
We are innocent!
Mom, my feet hurt.
Be patient, son, a little more.
Mom, let's go back home?
Ilyusha, don't whimper.
So-called checkpoints were set up
on the streets,
where all Jews had to come with
their belongings and passports.
They took away the keys to their houses,
their documents,
and sent them to the ghetto.
Get off!
Shut up!
Line up!
- What are you doing?
- Shut it!
Why are you pushing her?
She's pregnant!
Why are you doing this?
Get back!
- Everyone back off!
- Leave us be!
Come here!
What did I do?
Don't!
What are you doing?
Get away!
Please!
Please! Don't shoot!
Please! Don't shoot!
I'm begging you!
Please don't...
Ilya, grab Sasha!
Faster!
Sit still.
No, please! I beg you, let me go!
Enough, no!
It's scary when a person thinks
he can do anything he wants.
It's even more scary when a
whole nation decides it can do that.
Wait!
Do not go! Please!
- There are children.
- It's dangerous. You can be seen.
I'll just give them food.
Don't do it!
I beg you.
Go home, don't worry.
As soon as it gets dark, leave.
The road will be clear.
Everyone goes to Mogilev.
They say our people will be there.
We won't last long here.
I'll leave the door to the
basement open, I won't lock it.
Stay there until the evening.
Just make sure you're not seen.
Thank you very much!
What's your...?
Quiet.
Do as I said.
This man knew the risks he took by saving
the life of a Jewish woman with children.
But he made his choice.
And he couldn't have done otherwise.
Search everything!
Come out, you old fart!
Let me go!
What are you doing?
Move it!
Dear God!
Fire!
At night, we managed to
quietly get out of the basement.
In the morning we joined
a group of refugees as we were.
Tired and hungry, we wandered
along the road,
when suddenly a strong rumble
of aircraft was heard in the sky.
Mom, please get up!
Mom, I will always eat your soup
with onions. Get up, get up mom.
Why don't you get up? Mom,
we will always listen to you.
My brother and I were all alone.
We didn't know where to go,
or what to do.
I don't remember where and how
we wandered,
and I don't know exactly
how much time has passed.
Dad, please, you must not get excited!
But I am not even worried...
Grandpa, we love you very much.
And we will never leave you.
We will always be there.
Thank you, thank you very much, dear.
It is so valuable that you care.
Grandpa, but you were very young.
How did you cope without mom
and dad?
Weren't you afraid?
Of course, I was.
But people get used to everything,
even to pain and fear.
Once, we ended up in a German truck
which, along with other Jewish children,
was on its way to hell.
It was a children's camp.
A former orphanage,
now turned into a concentration camp.
This hell was in the village of Semkovo,
not far from Minsk.
Sasha and I ended up there.
Ilyusha, give me some cheese,
my stomach hurts.
What about me? I want too!
Give me!
Quiet, don't cry.
We spent the worst days of our lives
in the camp.
First, we had a routine blood test.
We did not understand anything,
and humbly did what we were told.
What's your name?
Sasha.
Sasha? Seems to be a Jew.
Take a note.
Move on!
And you?
Open wide!
What's your name?
What's your name?
Ilya.
Are you a Jew?
Ilya.
Move on!
Take note Jew.
So many Jews here!
Come on!
Open wide!
- What's your name?
- Kiril.
It was a bright and sunny day.
In one part of the camp,
potatoes were being cooked for pigs.
The smell circled around the place.
It smells delicious. Probably potatoes.
Surely potatoes.
The Germans took care of these pigs
better than of children.
It seems to me that we have never eaten
anything tastier than
this potato in our lives.
I still remember its scent.
Schneider!
What's going on here?
Blood samples!
I'm not talking about that.
They are refusing to go!
We have to force them!
What's the problem, doctor?
Your subordinates are beating children.
Stop it!
It's a necessary measure.
Find a humane way.
I don't want to hear any more screams
in the infirmary!
The private is still inexperienced.
You can always find a way to get
children to do what they do not want.
Later we found out why the
children were brought here.
Do you have some sugar?
The German wounded soldiers
needed blood...
Thank you.
And the children from the camp...
Do you want sugar?
Were only expendable.
Sugar?
So simple...
Then we already understood,
that many of those who were
taken away would not come back.
Take it!
Why are you not sleeping?
I'm missing mom.
Will she come and take us home soon?
Lie down.
Show me a photo.
I want to see mom and dad.
Give it to me.
Listen, let's do this.
This part is for you, with mom.
And this is for me, with dad.
Don't cry.
One day, we were lined up,
and promised that we would be
taken to a warm place with food.
- Load them up!
- Let's go!
And me, and me!
Sasha!
My brother!
Sasha!
Sasha!
My brother!
Sasha! No!
Ilyusha, don't leave me!
They forgot my brother!
- Do not leave me!
- Sasha, Sasha! They forgot my brother!
Ilyusha, Ilyusha don't leave me!
Ilyusha!
Sasha, Sasha!
- No!
- Sasha, Sasha!
Ilyusha, don't leave me! My brother!
Sasha!
No!
Sasha!
And you never saw him again?
Never. Never ever.
After all the horrors
that we had to go through and suffer.
The war took... our home, family,
and took mom, dad...
Dad, go for a walk, hmm?
The doctor says that you should move
and get fresh air. Maybe the beach?
Grandpa, we will go with you.
Thank you, dear.
It is so valuable that you care.
Let's go.
Come on.
Grandpa, I can't imagine that
someone would separate me from Ilya.
Why would anyone?
This will never happen!
And what happened later?
After my mother's death
I became Sasha's only guardian.
I did not know what faith
was and did not know God,
but I asked the higher powers
to return my brother to me.
What was that?
Everyone off!
Are there weapons?
Commander, come here.
There are children.
We must leave before the Germans come!
What do we do?
We are taking the children,
bring the cart.
What are we going to to with them?
- Where do we put them?
- Don't know.
But we can't leave them.
- Commander...
- Do what I said!
What's going on?
You heard me!
Over here!
Okay, guys, let's go!
Come on, come on!
They are so skinny.
Well done!
Wait, I'll take you.
This one is quite weak.
Let's run.
Come on, come on, quickly.
We're leaving quickly.
Everyone out!
Be careful!
- Take care of the kids, I'll cover!
- What?
Get out!
Come on!
We take the children and
scatter, then we meet at the river!
Girls follow me!
Stop! Fire!
Come on, come on.
Let's go! Quickly!
They're down at the river!
Watch out!
The partisans who
recaptured us from the Nazis
asked the locals to hide us
in their homes.
These people risked their lives.
- What is it?
- We rescued those children. We need help.
Five are at families,
the rest has nowhere to go.
They can't live in the forest.
We should hide them. Can you take them?
Take them inside, hide them in the house.
Let's go. Inside.
Quickly, quickly.
- Quiet.
- What about him? He seems to be sick.
He has a fever.
We'll take him to the farm.
Fine.
Please be careful, they
might be looking for them.
- They're probably Jewish.
- We are all God's children.
Thank you! Come on, go!
Anyone who hid Jews at home
was under threat of being shot.
But even knowing the consequences,
none of the locals refused.
Open up, Vasily!
It's us!
You sleep tight, Vasily!
You have no conscience,
banging around like this at night!
You talk about conscience, you tick?
Open the door, we need your help.
We have a sick child here,
where should we put him?
Where is he from?
The Germans were
transporting them from Semkovo.
Poor thing, he's burning up.
Hush, hush.
Why did you bring him to me?
What can I do?
Am I a doctor?
You talk too much.
Are you afraid, you kulak tick?
Whose skin were you afraid for?
When you threw the children in Semkovo?
What Semkovo? What are you saying?
You forgot? I will remind you.
When you worked as a port
trader in the executive committee.
How you and your superiors fled the city.
And all the children were
thrown to the Germans.
What is he saying?
We simply did not have time to
take them out then, they bombed us.
Did you manage to save your asses,
but no children?
You cunt...
Enough! Now is not the time!
We have nowhere to go.
We can't take him!
Stop, please. I'll take care of him.
That's it. We're leaving.
It will be daylight soon.
I'll deal with you later.
Move out!
Hush, hush, my dear.
Hush.
Everything will be fine.
I had a high temperature.
I didn't understand what
was going on around me.
I'm coming, I'm coming. My dear.
Come on, my dear, come on,
have a drink. Drink, my dear.
Come on, get up. Well done.
Hush hush.
You'll get better.
Vasily, he's really sick.
You need to take him to the doctor.
Vasily, we can't do it on our own!
If we take him, they will
ask where he is from.
What will I tell them?
Say he's ours.
Was sick for a long time.
We have a
certificate from Stasik left... here.
Show him if needed.
If needed.
And I'll take this off if they'll come.
I'll hide it.
Now he will be our Stasik.
Fine. I'll harness the horse.
According to the German command,
persons of Jewish nationality,
as well as persons
harboring Jews, are to be shot.
Take us, have pity on the children!
Let me go! Stop it!
Shut up! You will be hanged
in front of the whole village!
You will hang as a reminder of what
will happen to those who harbor Jews.
Spare the children!
Spare the children!
By the mercy of God!
This is what happens to those
who harbor Jews!
All done!
Let's move out!
Hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth
as it is in heaven...
Shut up!
Listen to me, boy.
If someone asks you anything
your name is Stasik, did you hear me?
Did you hear me?
My name is Ilya.
Listen, Ilya.
This is very important,
because we're not welcome there.
Stasik is your name, do you hear? Stasik!
Dear God...
Open the gate!
Let's go!
Careful please, don't drive too fast.
Come on!
Hello, Vasily.
Hello.
Haven't seen you in a while. How are you?
With the help of your prayers.
Your boy?
Who else?
People said your son died.
People lie. Come here son.
I'm already working.
They feed, pay well come to us.
You also suffered from the Soviet regime.
I am a simple person, on my own.
The other day a children transport
was attacked. Did you hear?
No, I didn't.
Vasily?
And if you did, would you tell me?
Our father in heaven. Hallowed
be Your Name. Your kingdom come.
Your will be done on earth as it is in
heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil...
On the way I saw some gallows being built.
Do you know for whom?
Priests will be hanged.
They hid some children.
They were found and shot.
What children?
They say the partisans brought them.
I know nothing more.
Give him this to drink in the evening.
You can do it in the morning too.
And with herbs, you have to
steam the boy properly in the bath.
In three days he will be better.
God bless you.
Thank you.
Well, boy? Let's go home.
Begin!
Good people!
I have always tried to live
according to the laws of God.
Therefore, I am not afraid.
My fault before God and people is only
that I could not risk...
the lives of innocent children.
Forgive my sins.
And do not remember us with a bad
word.
Be kind. And merciful.
Forgive us!
- Why?
They hid Jewish children.
The Lord said, go the way
of righteousness,
because the righteous will inherit
the earth,
and the godless will be destroyed
on the earth.
The godless shall be destroyed!
Forgive us, good people!
- Why are you still here? Go home!
- We're leaving.
I told you to hide!
Put it on him it belonged to Stasik.
All will be well.
Now you'll take a steam bath.
It'll all be well.
I'm going to make us some food.
Go.
Take your clothes off.
Time for a steam bath.
Get up.
Come on.
- What happened?
- He can't stay here.
What are you thinking?
He will destroy us all. He is a Jew!
I saw him in the bathhouse.
Circumcised!
If the Germans find out,
we will hang on the gallows.
On the same rope with him!
Vasily!
Where are you going to take him?
- Into the forest.
To the partisans.
Vasily! Wait!
Don't take sin on your soul! Vasily!
Why are you outside? Go back! Now!
I command you!
Please! Aren't we Christians?
What are you doing? Wait!
- Vasily!
- Let's go!
No, no, don't take him!
Vasily, bring him back!
Vasily! Vasily!
- Let's go!
They hanged the priests!
Why do we need this?
Don't take my Stasik away!
What Stasik?
People saw us bury him!
We have a coffin and a cross!
You and I went through such
hard times, we buried our son!
When did we become evil?
We can't do this, Vasily!
I don't care!
Stop...
We can't do it any other way!
God didn't give us hard times to make
us callous and tough people.
We need to be stronger!
Stronger, you hear!
Shut up! I am begging you!
Shut up.
Our strength lies in God!
Silent, woman!
I beg you!
Silence!
Why did you jump out in this dress?
Is it summer already?
Go inside!
We won't give him away, will we?
Vasily, we won't give him away,
will we?
Vasily, we won't give him away,
will we?
Vasily...
We won't give him up,
Do not cry. Do not cry
don't cry.
Son, forgive me.
If this can be forgiven...
Dear God...
In the name of the Father, the Son...
What have I done...
What have I...
There you go.
What do you think.
Do you like it?
Yes.
I will teach you how to carve such birds.
Here you go.
Now you have a toy.
Can I give this stork to my brother?
Maybe we'll find him?
Definitely.
The war will end soon
and we will find your brother.
Just believe.
With faith life is easier.
We'll find him, of course.
We'll find him.
Who the hell is it?
What do you want?
I was walking by, so thought to visit.
Can you pour a glass? To get
warm. It got colder. Let's chat.
Come on.
Ganna, set the table. We have a guest.
Son, go outside.
Well, have you recovered?
Yes, thank God.
Why are you so swarthy?
Just like his grandfather.
Take a chair. Sit down.
Come on!
Your mittens!
- Don't leave the yard.
- Fine.
So, what did you want to talk about?
Go on.
There's an ugly rumor
that your Stasik is dead.
And the partisans planted
this bastard on you.
What are you talking about?
If my son died, then he would have
a grave.
With a cross.
Go to the cemetery and take a look.
You won't find anything.
I've been there.
And?
I didn't find the grave.
Surprised me, that's why I thought
I should ask.
What do you want from us?
Why do you have to know
everything? Don't take sin on your soul.
Go. Leave us.
You better drink.
Have a bite.
And go with God.
I'll tell you this, Vasily.
Life was hard for you
under the Soviet regime.
You know yourself.
The communists ripped you off every time.
Screwed up your father.
Think about it.
The Germans didn't do anything to you.
They promise you work and land,
what else do you need?
If you want, I can help.
I am here by myself.
I live my own life, and I do
not believe in any authority.
No matter what they promise
and no matter what they say,
any government will get rid of
you when it no longer needs you.
Communists, fascists. All the same.
Remember, Vasily!
You need to be able to
get along with any authority.
Whatever it is.
Otherwise, you know,
it's hard to survive.
Whatever. I'm leaving.
But think about it.
Do you like candy?
What is it?
This is candy. Here!
What are we going to do?
Nothing.
Gradually, I began to get used to the
new family.
To a new home, parents, even a new name.
People can easily forget the bad,
especially when there is a loving person
nearby.
Ganna gave me real motherly love,
so I quickly started calling her "Mom".
Mom, did the storks make the nest
themselves?
They did.
Our people say that where
they nest, there will be happiness.
There will be grain, potatoes, cattle,
the garden will grow,
and children will be born.
Everyone will be happy.
- Aren't you cold?
- No.
Busly flew to us every year,
but for some reason,
they didn't come this time.
- Does busly mean storks?
- Yes, storks.
Mom, did your Stasik also not like
soup with onions?
No, he didn't.
No child likes soup with onions.
Mom said that onions are good
for the health.
My brother and I didn't like it,
we took the onions out.
She scolded us for it.
I really miss my mom.
That's right, that's the way it should be.
I also miss my son.
But now I have you.
And I will love you like my son.
Mom, someone is coming.
- Hello, madam!
- Hello.
Beautiful!
Did you make it yourself?
No, my...
What do you want from the child?
Vasily! We have visitors!
God bless you, Vasily. What's up?
What do you want?
We need food.
It's always the same.
We barely make ends meet.
I have no time to talk to you,
the Germans are hanging around.
Hurry up!
You really got into the habit
of coming here every week.
Stop complaining.
Here.
All that is.
A piece of lard, bread, onions.
That's all we have.
Are you kidding me?
The men in the forest are
freezing, there is nothing to eat!
I didn't drive you into the forest.
All you do is hide there
and rip people off.
You're tough now?
Bring out the cow!
I'll take it with me.
I won't give you my cow.
Bring out the cow!
Bring out the cow, I said!
What's going on?
Nothing, go inside.
Bring out the cow! I said!
Are you out of your mind?
Get me the cow!
No, put down your weapon.
Don't touch him, I beg you.
I will bring the cow.
You have a good wife.
Very accommodating.
Go on, take it!
Just don't come here again,
for God's sake.
Maybe I will. Not to him, but to you.
When it gets dark.
What are you talking about?
Go inside.
One word and I'll tell everyone
about the kid you're hiding.
You better think about what
the partisans will do to you
if I tell them how you drink
vodka with a policeman at night.
I see you know a lot.
Too bad we let you live then.
Didn't put you up against a wall,
like we did with your dad.
Don't bring up my father!
What is he guilty of?
Working his hands bloody?
In the fact that we were
dying of hunger in the thirties!
When you ate honey and lard.
And hid your goods. Was that fair?
Don't you worry! Your time will come soon!
So your filthy seed does not germinate.
Shut your mouth, you bastard.
It's not for you to talk about justice.
Despite everything that happened to me,
my new life gradually improved.
My soul began to thaw.
But the war wasn't over yet,
and the trouble has come
to our house again.
Vasily? Vasily?
What do you want?
The Germans are combing the forest.
We won't get far with the wounded.
Hide him?
Where can I hide him?
If the Germans find him, we'll all
be dead.
We'll be back at night to get him.
Help us, Vasily!
What can I say.
Get him at night!
We'll hide him in the hay.
And go, go away from here.
Thank you, Vasily!
Have you seen Zhdanovich?
He disappeared.
Why would I care?
Let's split!
Let's go!
Come here. I'll hide you in the hay.
Sit quietly and don't make a sound.
Yes, I understand.
The Germans are close.
They are coming here.
Son!
Everyone off!
And watch out for partisans!
Come on!
Remember what I told you?
We are your parents!
For everyone you are our son.
Your name is Stasik. Understood? Repeat.
Yes, I'm Stasik.
Search everything!
I'm your mom and this is your dad, repeat.
You are my mother, and he is my father.
Sit on the stove quietly
until you are called. Go!
Why don't you come out?
Not happy to see us?
Have you seen anyone? Nobody passed?
No, there was no one.
Faster!
I said faster!
Faster!
Faster! Move it, you brat!
Move it!
There is no one else in
the house except them.
Strange. Where did they go?
They won't get far with the wounded.
Look at that!
What do we have here?
Have the partisans been visiting?
Two days... two weeks, two months,
maybe three months ago.
Did you help them with food?
How could I not?
Either they take it or they kill you.
Whose photo is this?
Whose photograph is it?
Give it back, it's mine!
What's your name, boy?
Tell the officer, what is your name?
Tell them! What is your name?
Don't just stand there!
What's your name?
- Tell them, please!
- Stasik! These are my mom and dad.
Tell me who is in the picture.
Who is it?
This is my dad.
Look at me!
Are you afraid?
Why do you bother to the child?
Shut up, I'm not asking you.
No, I'm not afraid.
The boy is right!
Mom, save me!
The boy is right. You don't
need to be afraid of us.
The ones to be afraid of are
the Bolsheviks and the Jews.
Mom!
Let him go! This is my son!
Don't touch him. Let him go!
Papa, help me!
Mama! Papa!
He is just a child!
It's not just a child,
it's a Jewish child.
Let me go! Dad!
Save me! Mom! Dad!
Don't touch my son!
Father!
Father!
Mother!
No, Mom!
Mom!
Mom!
Stay here!
Quiet, quiet! Be quiet.
Shut up kid, otherwise
everyone will be killed, shut up!
Shut up kid. Let's go!
Let's move!
Go! Go!
Moving out!
Once I heard that war is obligatory.
That human cruelty in combat
can be justified by a good purpose.
But war is war.
There is no excuse for that.
Grandpa, I love you!
And I love you.
I love you too, grandfather.
Go for a walk.
The people who hid Jews during the war
knew about the danger.
They not only sheltered but
dedicated their lives to saving children.
They took care of them like
they were their real family,
and it was a real achievement.
Quiet and brave.
It is not surprising, that these people
began to be called
the Righteous Among the Nations.
This title is assigned to those
who risked their lives
for the sake of society.
Regardless of the country of residence,
because humanity,
mercy, and kindness have
no nationality and borders.
Dad, don't worry!
Everything will be fine.
Will you recognize him at all?
Undoubtedly!
He's my brother.
Ilyusha, Ilyushka, my brother.
Sasha!
Finally!
I've been looking for you for so long,
Sasha.
I was looking for you too.
All these years. I knew that I would
find you.
I knew that I would find you.
I've been looking for you for so long!
And I was looking for you.
I've been looking for you too
all these years.
All these years.
But I knew I would find you.
I knew that I would find you.
I've missed you so much.
This is for you.
This is what my father, Vasily,
made for you.
He said, that I would find you.
A stork.
A stork.
And so we meet!
Look what I have.
I saved a piece of the
photo we ripped in the camp.
Do you remember?
Do you remember,
when we tore it in half?
Destined to meet again!
I kept it all these years.
This is our mom.
She was so
beautiful, do you remember?
Do you remember the father's rhyme?
Horse...
Horse sat on the balcony,
drank tea, broke cups, spoke Turkish.
Chabi, chalabi, chalabi, chabi, chabi!
We filled our mouths with
water and told everyone to freeze.