Blaga's Lessons (2023) Movie Script
1
BLAGA'S LESSONS
You're in luck.
Central, near the bus stop.
Facing south,
cool in the summer, quiet in the winter.
It just needs some cleaning
and it'll be like new.
A gem.
- Bear to mind...
- "In" mind.
I'm sorry?
We say: "bear in mind".
Not "bear to mind".
Bear in mind
that it's been rented
for 15 years, up to last month
and you're the first to see it.
- I like it.
- Good.
Just to remind you that officially
we have no vacant plots.
I'm showing you this,
but keep it to yourself.
That's why the price is so good.
Very attractive.
I made a visual proposal.
- The letters will be metal, right?
- I wouldn't recommend it.
- Why?
- They'll get stolen.
Engraved letters are much better.
- Don't you like that?
- Yes I do. A lot.
Great. Let's go to the office
for the paperwork.
Can you remove the cross
next to my husband's name?
- Why?
- Well, he wasn't exactly religious.
You mean he wasn't devout?
No. He believed in Lenin
more than in Jesus.
Can you engrave a red star instead?
No way. Out of the question.
- Why?
- It's against the law.
Communist symbols are banned.
I have an idea.
We could...
It's not entirely legal, but...
We could engrave a black star,
but it'd be more expensive.
- How much?
- Two hundred.
- All right.
- Right... And for you?
- What about me?
- Star or cross?
- A cross. Leave the cross.
- But won't the symbols clash?
HRISTO NAUMOV 1946 - 2022
BLAGA NAUMOVA 1952 - 20...
- Like that?
- Perfect.
It has to be ready in three weeks.
Why, are you in a hurry?
Yes.
I want to bury my husband's ashes
40 days after his passing.
But that would be a different price.
- How much?
- 2000 for an express order.
16 000!
What can I do.
I could replace the granite
with some cheap stone, but...
No! We'll keep it as we agreed.
- OK, 16 000, but it must be on time.
- All right. As you wish.
Can I have a copy?
Of course.
My...
- My condon...
- Con-do-lences.
- Thank you.
- If you need anything...
No, thank you.
Come in, we need to catch up.
The preposition depends on the word.
It's like "a" and "an".
So it should be...?
So?
You answered "in the radio"
instead of "on the radio".
Right. Some verbal exercises.
Which of the following phrases means
"I'm changing my behavior":
"I'm sticking to my guns",
"I'm changing my tune",
or "I'm throwing down the gauntlet"?
Is it the last one?
Why?
The answer is:
"I'm changing my tune".
To throw down the gauntlet means
to challenge someone. Like in a duel.
You should have known that.
OK. Another one.
What does "to drop anchor" mean:
Deciding to live
somewhere for a long time,
traveling to exotic destinations,
or working on a ship
for a long time?
Deciding to live
somewhere for a long time.
I want to drop anchor at...
No, "in" Bulgaria!
- If I pass the test.
- You will.
- Last time...
- Last time I wasn't your teacher.
You'll pass.
Yes?
Chief Inspector Kolev,
Criminal Police.
What?
Chief Inspector Kolev.
Listen carefully Madam,
and don't worry.
We're investigating phone scammers.
We've caught two, the others got away.
The two we caught had a list with
your name, your number, everything.
They might call you any minute.
Could you help us catch them?
No, no, I can't!
My husband passed away recently and...
They're dangerous, Madam.
They'll try to call you any minute now.
No, I can't do this.
Don't make me, please...
Madam, that's exactly
why you need our help.
You must cooperate.
All right... I will...
No! I'll try...
OK, don't worry.
Tell me your name and address.
Blaga Naumova,
Hristo Botev street,
6th floor, flat number...
eh, no...
Blaga Naumova,
32 Hristo Botev street...
Keep calm. Repeat it carefully
to avoid any mistakes.
Yes, yes...
Blaga Naumova, 32 Hristo Botev,
3rd floor, Flat 6.
Yes, that's the address on the list.
Are you alone?
- What?
- Are you alone?
Yes.
- Is anyone with you?
- No.
- Do you expect someone?
- No.
All right. Don't worry.
Follow my instructions
and you'll be fine.
OK.
We've cordoned off your block.
But to bring them to trial,
we need to catch them in the act.
- Do you understand, Madam?
- Yes.
- Where do we have to catch them?
- In the act?
- On location, exactly.
- Yes...
We need your mobile number
to communicate with you.
08883... er... 123471.
Relax. Can you repeat that?
0888-123471.
- 471. Right?
- Yes.
Now what? Hello?
- Hello?
- Hello? Inspector Kolev here.
Yes. I can hear you.
Don't hang up the mobile phone
under any circumstances.
- Yes, OK.
- Is that clear, Madam?
Yes. That's clear.
All right.
Now get all the money in your home,
put it in a plastic bag
and hide it in the freezer.
In the freezer?
Repeat what you have to do.
I have to put the money
in the freezer. But why?
In the freezer, Madam.
They're using Russian scanners,
which can detect
all the money in your home.
We block the signal
by putting the money in the freezer.
Yes, I understand.
Good, now do it.
Calmly but quickly.
All right, all right.
Quick, collect all the money.
Yes, yes. Just a second.
Leave no money out.
Yes, yes, all right.
- Are you doing it?
- I am.
Quickly, Madam!
Quickly, yes...
Did you get all the money?
No... Yes! That's the lot.
Don't worry. We're here, Madam.
All right.
I have it.
- Relax.
- I have it.
What was it?
In a plastic bag?
In a plastic bag in the freezer.
In a plastic bag, in the freezer.
All right.
I'm putting it in now.
OK, I've done it.
- It's done.
- Is all the money there?
- All of it!
- Are you sure? It's important!
Yes. I'm sure.
All right. Any gold in the flat?
No. None.
- No gold at all?
- No... Just my wedding ring.
Put it in the bag as well.
No. It's only 2 or 3 grams.
Madam, they'll detect it.
Put the ring in the bag.
All right, all right...
I can't...
Take it easy. We're here.
All right. It's in. Done.
Don't hang up the mobile
under any circumstances.
If the land line rings,
answer calmly.
All right.
My husband was a police officer too.
His name was Hristo Naumov and...
It's ringing!
- It's ringing!
- Relax Madam. Just pick it up.
Hello?
We know where you live, you slut!
Get all your money and give it to us.
Or I'll cut your head off and stick it
between your legs! Got that?
- Got that?!
- Yes! Yes!
We're downstairs!
Drop the money or I'm coming up.
Hello?
He... He called...
And he says...
- Calm down.
- He said to throw the money down.
Listen carefully, Madam.
There's no need for panic.
Take the money
and throw it off the balcony.
What do you mean, throw it?
No way. I can't.
The police are surrounding the block.
Take it easy, Madam.
I can't. The money
is for Hristo's tombstone.
Don't worry, the money is insured.
You'll get it back
as soon as we catch the swindlers.
Do you trust me? Do you?
- Yes! I do!
- Just relax Madam. Don't worry.
- All right.
- Calm down.
- Hello?
- Hello?
Are you fucking with me?
Where's the money?
I'll find your kids and kill them all!
I'll skin you and bury you alive!
I'll fuck you up, do you hear me?
Hello?
- Hello?
- Hello?
Quick, drop the money,
before they get away!
He... He said...
Drop the money! They'll get away!
Yes, yes.
Drop the money and lie down.
There might be a shootout.
These people are dangerous, do it!
- OK...
- We're losing them! Drop the money!
Hurry up!
Drop the money, Madam!
We're losing them!
Drop the money!
Drop it and get down on the floor!
They might start shooting. Drop it!
Hello?
Hello?
Hello?
REGIONAL POLICE DEPARTMENSHUMEN DISTRICT POLICE STATION
Hello. I'm here about the money.
- What money?
- From the police operation.
Chief Inspector Kolev called me.
From the Criminal Police.
I don't think we have a Kolev here.
Check on the first floor, room 212.
Thank you.
Yes?
Inspector... Inspector Kolev?
Kolev?
I'm here for the money.
And you are?
Mrs. Naumova.
Inspector Kolev called me
about the phone scammers operation.
He said I should drop
the money off the balcony.
Inspector Kolev didn't call you.
You'd better sit down.
I understand your situation.
But...
What am I supposed to do?
I just need some time.
How much?
- Two or three weeks.
- No way.
A few days, then?
Look...
If it was up to me, OK,
but it just isn't.
Do you know how many bosses I have?
How can I keep such a grave
off the market?
How?
It's a market economy.
Whoever pays first gets the grave.
Seriously. I don't know what to do.
How can I fix it?
Whatever I do,
it's my head on the block.
I'd be really grateful.
Oh, come on...
Assuming I can come up with something
to hold off for a few days,
I'll need a down payment.
- How much?
- How much... 2000.
All right.
Yeah, all right, but...
As soon as possible.
You'll get the money.
I'm ready.
Are you OK?
- What?
- Are you OK?
I'm fine. Have you finished?
Two mistakes.
"There's a stork on the school roof,
he make a nest."
"He" or "it"?
"Make" or "makes"?
Singular or plural?
You answered "he".
Are storks people?
- No.
- They're not.
Did Bulgarians make the nest?
"It"!
We use the pronoun "it"
when we talk about animals.
Not people!
The second mistake is worse.
"I called Georgi
and asked for a favor."
"He", "you", "him", "I".
Your answer was:
"I asked he for a favor".
Him.
The object form of "he".
You use "him"
instead of saying his name.
I asked him for a favor.
Sorry.
Sorry isn't good enough.
Now some verbal exercises.
Which two words are almost synonyms:
Diligence and laziness,
conversation and contract,
or compassion and sympathy?
Compassion and sympathy.
Which two words
have opposite meanings:
Ascend and descend, pay and buy,
understand and develop.
- Pay and buy.
- What?
Ascend and descend?
That's how you lose points, girl!
Stupid mistake!
Which of the following stands apart:
"What a busybody",
"Pokes his nose in everywhere",
"Interferes with everything",
"I got into deep trouble"!
"I got into deep trouble".
What's going on?
I can see something is wrong.
I got into deep trouble.
What?
I'm sorry.
Come in.
I'd like you to tell everyone.
- About what?
- About what happened to you.
- Again? Tell who?
- The seminar.
- What seminar?
- On prevention.
- Prevention of what?
- Phone scams.
No.
It's important.
Do you want it to happen to others?
No.
I can't do this to myself. No.
Sit down.
You're a well-respected teacher here.
People know you. They trust you.
You can help protect many people.
Spare them what you went through.
You expect me to tell everybody
what a stupid thing I did?
Can't you see I'm ashamed?
You want me to talk about it?
I know. I wouldn't insist
if it wasn't for a good cause.
Don't worry, people will understand.
But first, I'd like to welcome
Mrs. Kisyova, our local MP.
Please, Mrs. Kisyova.
Hello. Thank you all for coming.
First, I'm pleased to announce
that we've prepared
a few gifts for you,
for the forthcoming Easter holidays.
We'll hand them out
right after the seminar.
Now about the phone scams.
I want to assure you
that we at Parliament are doing
everything we can to deal with this.
We want to put a stop
to this wicked practice
where they make millions
off the back of honest,
hard-working people like you.
You know that I've always been
there for my constituents.
Now I'm here with you again...
You know very well who they are.
It's not so easy, believe me.
Yes it is! But they pay you off.
- We're working on a law...
- Not a single one convicted!
- Nothing but lies!
- Yeah, lies!
All right. Wait a minute!
We are well aware of the problem,
but I assure you we're working on it.
What we can do now, though,
is to prevent these scams
from happening to other people.
The scammers usually call
from Romania.
First, they choose a town
and hire a "mule" there.
The mule is something like a courier.
Someone who
takes the money physically.
Anybody with a car and
a driving license can become a mule.
People who want to become a mule
publish an ad on-line,
and the scammers check the websites,
looking for particular keywords:
"Owns a car" and "flexible hours".
Once the scammers recruit a mule,
they start calling people
in that town.
They call numbers at random
until they find a potential victim.
No, wait. Wait.
All the details are in the leaflets
you'll get at the end.
One last thing:
How does the scam work?
How does someone become a victim?
Usually the scammers pretend
to be police officers,
involved in a police operation
under way
and they ask you
to help them catch the scammers.
Yes,
I can see you find it funny now,
but you can be sure of their talent
for manipulating and tricking people.
Believe me.
Nobody is safe from them.
In order for you to hear in detail
how the scam works,
we've invited two victims
of precisely this kind of scam.
Mrs. Naumova,
would you speak first?
Please.
- Happy Easter.
- Thank you.
Mrs. Naumova, you seem intelligent,
how could you do such a stupid thing?
How do you feel? What would you say
to the people who scammed you?
You have nothing better to do
than to bother people?
Ignore them. Reporters.
Perhaps they're right.
I sold our country house
and the land in Osmar.
What normal person
would keep the money at home
- then throw it out the window?
- Well, me for example.
And I was a policeman all my life.
Like my husband.
- Seriously? What's his name?
- Hristo Naumov.
Oh, I know him.
Not close, but we know each other.
How is he?
He passed away. Two weeks ago.
I'm sorry. Condolences.
Thank you.
This would have never happened
if he was alive.
He wouldn't have let it happen.
Not him.
You can't be sure of that.
I know how it is.
I went through it myself.
You get over it, but it takes time.
It's done now. You have to move on,
think about the future.
The future?
I've lived by the rules all my life.
I always pay my bills on time.
I do what I'm supposed to do.
And what's the point? Why?
Time heals everything.
Hum...
Did you get your money back?
You're joking. Not in this country.
Do you want anything else?
No.
If you're not ordering,
you have to go.
Why?
You can't sit here
for hours on one coffee.
One "cup" of coffee!
This is my phone number.
Call me if you need anything.
Anything at all.
I live alone anyway.
That's 7.80 Levs.
Thanks. Have a nice day.
Blaga.
- Hello.
- Hi there.
Long time no see.
- Sorry to hear about Hristo.
- Thank you.
- I didn't see you at the meeting.
- I was busy.
You didn't miss anything.
The same old teachers' stories.
- How are you?
- Fine. Do you work here now?
Just started.
I'm still in training.
I'm lucky they hired me at my age.
- Do they need more people?
- I don't know, I can ask.
- Don't you have private students?
- Just one.
That's 32.40 Levs.
Can I return some of it?
How much is it
without the salami and the cheese?
I don't know, I've never done it.
Wait, I'll ask.
Asen?
- What?
- Can I take something back?
The salami and the cheese.
Hell, do I have to do everything here?
It's not that hard. Look...
22.40 Levs.
How are you, mom?
I'm fine. How about you?
Fine. I've got a lot of work.
Loads of work!
I've got a deadline for registration
and I'm expecting a call.
That's how it is in America.
When is the funeral?
Before the 40th.
- The 40th?
- Yes.
- 40th what?
- The 40th day.
I don't understand.
When a man dies,
his soul stays on earth for 40 days.
Then it goes to the hereafter.
And?
The funeral must be held
before that.
I was thinking:
Why don't you buy an urn niche?
What?
An urn niche.
They cost 300 Levs. In perpetuity.
You'll save money on the grave, mom.
An urn niche?
Yeah. Dad was cremated anyway.
- I won't put your father in a drawer.
- Why not?
- A concrete flat for dead people?
- It's more convenient.
He lived in a concrete flat
all his life!
- But what's so bad about it...
- I won't do it, Misho! Never!
- OK, don't then.
- Never!
OK! But still, I don't get it.
What's the difference?
- Do whatever you want...
- End of story!
- Whatever you want, however you want.
- Yes!
I'm sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
- Hello?
- Hello. I'm calling about the job.
- Education?
- Yes. University degree.
- I'm a Bulgarian literature teacher.
- OK.
It's a kitchen job.
- No problem. I can do anything.
- When can you start?
Tomorrow, if needed.
You're over 18, right?
Yes. I'm 70.
70? Sorry, no!
"House Cleaning", hello?
Hello. I'm calling about the job
that you advertised.
But just to let you know: I'm 70.
Is it OK?
- Sorry. We're not interested.
- Thank you.
- What is the loan for?
- For a grave.
A grave?
A grave and a tombstone.
Like a flat, but in perpetuity.
Here's the plan.
I'm sorry,
but we can't lend you the money.
Why not?
I'll be frank with you.
No bank would lend you money.
Look, Madam,
you're 70 years old.
Your pension is 560 Levs.
You have no collateral.
You cannot get a mortgage.
You have a flat
in a concrete building.
Not very attractive.
The market is saturated
with empty flats.
There's no demand.
This isn't Sofia.
I need money urgently.
- Urgently?
- Immediately.
- Do you have children?
- Yes, a son.
- He has a job?
- Yes.
Great. He can get a loan then.
No, he's not here right now.
- He's welcome when he's back.
- I need the money now.
Well, there is another way.
But the interest will be much higher.
- Go on...
- You need a quick loan company.
They have other criteria.
- How much will they lend me?
- Two, three thousand.
All right. Thank you.
Hello?
I'm calling about a credit...
- Mrs. Naumova?
- Yes.
I'm Mihail Tasev.
We spoke on the phone.
I'm your personal credit consultant.
Ah, yes. Come in.
This way.
You don't seem to remember me.
- Sorry, no.
- I was one of your students.
Class of 2014.
You told me that
I'd never amount to anything.
- I'm sorry, I didn't intend...
- Do you have hidden valuables?
Valuables? No.
You're going to poke around
in my wardrobe too?
Sorry, but I have to make sure
that you can pay the loan back.
So it's better to let me do my job.
- How much is your pension again?
- 560 Levs a month.
Do you have any extra income?
Yes. Private lessons.
Lessons?
I teach Bulgarian.
How much do you charge?
30 Levs an hour.
OK.
Is this everything you own?
Yes.
Actually, no.
There's my husband's car.
Look, Mrs. Naumova.
I can lend you 1500 Levs.
That's the maximum in your situation.
- Hello.
- Hello.
For the pension.
Sign here, please.
100, 200, 300, 400...
560 Levs.
"CASH" PAWN SHOP
Is 300 Levs OK?
Yes.
You'll check all that.
I'm glad we could agree so quickly.
And I totally agree with you.
You have to invest in the future.
Pay now and go on with your life.
You know, why put the burden
on the next generation?
That's right. Thank you.
No, thank you.
It was nice meeting you.
I hope I won't see you soon.
2000 as we agreed.
Yes. We did agree, but...
Things have changed.
Bad news.
The management called.
Someone, the mayor's cousin or such,
is interested in the plot.
I told you: It's a market economy.
That's the situation.
Are you all right? Madam? Madam?
- Do you want some water?
- No.
I'm fine.
What can I do?
I really don't know.
Even if I try,
you know, just a bit,
maybe,
maybe I can manage to
delay the procedure for a while,
but we're not talking
about a down payment any more.
I don't know...
The plot will go to whoever
comes up with the money first.
- Hi, Blaga.
- Hello.
- How are you?
- Fine, and you?
- As ever.
- You know...
Yes, I know.
I came to see
if anyone wants private lessons.
The exams are coming up.
I can take on a few.
Sorry to hear about what happened.
Thanks. But you know
that Hristo was ill for years...
EX-TEACHER GIVES SCAMMERS
A BAG FULL OF MONEY
HAS SHE GOT DEMENTIA?
Blaga, wait!
Where are you going? Blaga!
Don't read that trash!
"The Founders of the Bulgarian State"
monument was built to commemorate
the founding of Bulgaria
1300 years ago.
It was built in 1981 on a hill
overlooking the town of Shumen.
The monument represents
important events in Bulgarian history.
The biggest statue
is of Khan Asparuh,
who planted his sword in the ground
proclaiming: "This will be Bulgaria".
There are 1300 steps,
leading to the monument
from the center of Shumen.
This is the biggest
monument in the Balkans.
Right.
Question number one.
Where is the monument located:
Pleven, Shumen or Sofia?
Right. In our town, Shumen.
Second question.
Which statement is wrong:
1300 steps lead to the monument.
The Khan Asparuh statue
is the biggest.
The monument commemorates
liberating Bulgaria of the Ottomans.
The last one is wrong.
Right.
Correct.
Next question.
Which statement is right:
The highest in the Balkans,
the biggest in the Balkans,
or the most expensive
in the Balkans?
The biggest?
Bravo.
You have no comprehension problems.
You'll be fine.
That's enough for today.
Have we finished?
Yes, for today. Don't worry.
You have no problems.
You'll do fine.
But, sorry to ask...
Can you help me place
an ad on-line to find work?
Sure.
CLASSIFIED ADS
Right... Is it for private lessons?
No.
Deliveries.
Deliveries?
I hear they make good money.
And I have plenty of spare time.
When you stop coming
I'll have to make some money.
All right.
Name and age.
Ivanka Popova, 40.
I don't want my students to know
how desperate I am.
And nobody hires
70 years old people.
Key... Keywords?
Put in...
"owns a car"
and "flexible hours".
Owns a car?
Hristo's car is functional.
- But can you drive?
- I've been driving for ages.
Shumen. And the number.
0888-123471.
Shall I publish it?
Yes.
Hello?
Is this Ivanka Popova?
Yes.
I'm Lyudmil.
I saw your ad for a job.
Yes.
Do you have a car?
I do.
OK. Listen me carefully.
Listen "to" me.
What?
No, nothing.
- Can you hear me?
- Yes.
This line is shit.
Now, you listen good.
We deal in vegetables, wholesale.
We need an assistant. I phone you,
and you go here and there
to pick up money, documents, whatever.
I'll tell you where to take them.
Maybe right now,
or once a month, or every day.
Depends what jobs come up.
You have to be available.
Got that?
Yes.
You still interested?
Yes.
Can I rely on you?
- What? I can't hear you.
- I don't want trouble from you.
- What?
- I don't want any trouble! Got it?
I'm always on time.
That's not what I'm asking.
Are you cool?
Cool?
Can't you speak Bulgarian?
Yes, I'm "cool".
OK, we'll see.
I don't like surprises.
You decide now.
I want 100% commitment.
There's no going back.
I won't.
Right. I'll test you.
Keep your phone handy. Bye.
Why a French car?
A friend who bought a French car
had nothing but trouble.
Only problems!
I told him:
Buy another car, but no,
it had to be a French car!
In the end his wife kicked him out.
Try the starter.
All right! Stop.
That's it.
I'll never be out of a job.
It's a present from me.
Thanks.
The tax sticker expires soon.
Bear it in mind when you drive.
- Hello?
- Got a job for you.
You found it?
- Have you found it?
- I think so.
An eight story building.
Got wall insulation.
Yes.
Come on, get a move on!
Look carefully. Number 12.
- Can you see it, Ivanka?
- Just a moment.
Yes, I can see it.
Which entrance?
Entrance 2. Stop there and wait.
A woman will come out in a minute.
Red jacket.
Stay put and don't do anything.
All right.
She's come out.
Do I go up to her?
No. Stay in the car.
She'll leave a package by the bin.
When she goes back in, go get it.
She's left it.
After she goes back in,
go get it.
Hello?
Hello?
- I got it.
- Get away quick!
Where to?
Just go! Drive now! Go! Go!
Just keep calm and drive away.
Go! Go!
Get out of there.
Leave the neighborhood.
- Are you out of there?
- Not yet.
- What's going on, Ivanka?
- A moment!
No moments! Drive on!
Find a place to stop.
I've stopped.
Good. Relax now.
Do you get it now?
See what we're doing, Ivanka?
Yes.
Good.
Open the package and count the money.
- Are you counting?
- Yes.
OK. Count it right.
How much is it?
Wait.
- You're not counting millions.
- 3100 Levs.
- 3100?
- Yes.
3100... OK.
Your cut is 400 Levs.
350 for you and 50 for gas.
Not bad for two minutes' work,
eh, Ivanka?
Some people work a whole month
for that money. Don't they?
Yes.
I can see you're cool,
you can make more money quick.
Just don't fuck with me.
I know who you are.
If you do what I say, you'll have
no problems, but if you fuck with me,
I'll cut off your head and stick it
between your legs. Got that?
- Yeah, I got that.
- OK. Good!
- Wanna make more money?
- Yes.
All right then.
The times we live in, eh?
What a fucking life.
Do you get it?
It's the easiest job ever. Isn't it?
You go, you get the money,
bring it to me and you get 10%.
Not bad, eh?
Yes.
Good girl. Now drive to Ruse.
To Ruse?
- Got a problem with that?
- No.
Go on then. I'll call you in an hour
to tell you where to leave the money.
Two turns, one after the other.
Right and left.
You'll see it right after them.
What should I look for?
A pier on the river bank.
Drive towards the two cranes.
I see them.
There's a car tire in front
of the first one.
Put the money in it and go home.
Got that?
Yes.
Right. Go straight home.
All right.
Go faster! Why didn't you
say you don't know the way?
Sorry.
Which two words have
opposite meanings:
Love and care,
fear and fright,
joy and sorrow,
- or choice and spring?
- Joy and sorrow.
Correct.
What does "at any cost" mean:
Never, simultaneously,
definitely or sometimes?
Definitely.
I want to become Bulgarian
at any cost.
I want a Bulgarian passport
so I can travel wherever I want.
Soon.
Which two words
have similar meanings:
Hour and part,
day and night,
house and home,
or water and spring?
House and home.
But what's the difference?
Home is more personal,
more intimate, more cherished.
More dear.
We often say "native home".
The place where you grew up.
Your "native home" is...
- Artsakh.
- Yes, Artsakh.
But now your home is in Bulgaria
with your husband.
Right, that's enough. You're ready.
You'll pass the test.
- But what if...
- What?
Just keep calm
and take your time.
And I guarantee that you'll pass.
I just want this to be over.
I want the passport
so I can bring my mother here.
There's no life there.
Bulgaria is no better.
No... I like Bulgaria.
I feel at ease here.
Far from the war.
It's another kind of war here.
Blaga,
do you know where I come from?
Do you have any idea how I lived?
I had neither a house nor a home.
I was living in a basement in the dark.
I couldn't see anything.
I could only hear the bombs.
Do you know how they sound?
You can hear
the bomb going "mmm",
higher and higher, "mmm", higher...
And your heart beats
faster and faster
until it explodes.
You realize that
you're alive
and your heart slows down again.
Every single day.
The most important thing
is to see the sun rise again.
I'll introduce you to my mother
when she comes.
You'd like each other.
You can teach her too.
Good evening.
I saw the article
and decided to come.
She graduated in medicine in Sofia.
Now she lives there.
When her mother died,
she wanted me to go and live with her.
But Sofia isn't for me.
What would I do there?
And she's busy.
There's nothing for me in Sofia.
She's my child, but...
She doesn't need me there.
Never mind about the newspaper.
Nobody reads it anyway.
Cheap sensationalists.
Right. I'm off.
If you need any help,
call me straight away.
- She dropped it.
- Yeah, I saw.
Do you expect him back soon?
I don't know. He said he was coming.
Do you know what it's about?
No, I don't.
Have they caught them?
I have no idea. Not my case.
But I doubt it.
Why?
Why...
Because that's how it works.
If anyone gets caught, it's the mules.
Do you catch many mules?
We caught a few.
Mainly taxi drivers.
But they're not prosecuted.
They used taxis
but they don't trust them anymore,
since some took the money and ran.
Who did?
The taxi drivers.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Penev is looking for you.
Fuck him.
Good news.
We have a witness.
A kid saw the mule
taking the money.
It was...
Some old woman.
Has he identified her?
Not yet.
Why did you call me here?
When you threw away the money,
did you notice
a suspicious old woman
around your block?
No.
Wait a minute.
Take your time. Think about it.
- No...
- If we catch her,
we catch the scammers.
I didn't see anything.
- What about previously?
- No.
Are you sure?
- Yes.
- An old woman?
Just like you.
I just threw the money
off the balcony and went back in.
- Hello?
- Mrs. Naumova?
- Yes?
- I'm Georgi from "Phoenix".
The funeral home.
Listen...
there's a bit of a problem.
I can't hold the plot any longer.
People have been talking.
How much time do I have?
How much time...
In two days it'll be gone. So...
After that you can come
and get your down payment back.
- All right.
- Bye.
Did you really throw away the money?
- They say you were in the papers.
- Who told you?
Who... Never mind who.
Throwing the money out of the window!
What were you thinking?
I work 16 hour days like an idiot
and you throw money out the window?
Have you gone senile?
You could have helped me settle here,
but you threw everything away!
Didn't you?
Didn't you? I asked you a question!
Answer me!
Shame on you!
Aren't you ashamed of yourself?
Do you know why this happened?
Because you've never
worked for your money.
Because you're special.
An intellectual.
From the upper crust. That's why.
You've never known
what it means to...
- Hello?
- Sorry, I was busy.
I told you not to fuck with me!
And you make me wait?
Are you messing with me?
I'm sorry.
If you make me
wait one more time
you'll see what happens! Got it?
- Yes.
- If you work for me, you answer quickly.
Get that into your stupid head!
Yes.
Understand what I'm saying?
Yes. Sorry.
We'll argue later.
There's a job to do now.
Are you in?
Yes.
And pick up the phone right away!
Give me my money back!
It's mine!
Give it back!
Do you hear me?
Give me the money!
Give me my money back!
Give it back!
Don't lock the door!
Open the door! Open it!
Open the door!
Wait! Wait! Stop!
Stop! Wait!
Give me my money back!
I'll kill you!
- Another 14 000...
- Not here!
Come on in.
Another 14 000 as agreed.
Is it mine?
In perpetuity, it seems.
Well done.
- Well done.
- Here's another 1 000.
I want everything ready
before the 40th day.
No problem at all.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry about this farce.
But what can I do?
It's a market economy.
Now you know why it is.
You mean "how it is".
What?
"Now you know how it is."
Not "why".
I'm Bulgarian!
- What happened?
- With what?
- To you?
- Why?
You've got a bruise.
But you look better.
It's nothing.
I'm really glad for you.
- Congratulations!
- Thank you.
Let's have our
traditional cup of tea.
- Yes.
- The water must be boiling.
I'm out of tea.
- I'll go and get some.
- No, don't worry!
- I'll be back in two minutes.
- There's no need!
- Shall I go down and get some?
- No. I'll be right back.
I'm fed up with you!
I showed you ten times already.
If you can't remember things,
we'll hire someone
who can remember
what they had for breakfast.
- Hello. How are you?
- I'm fine. Thank you.
I read the article.
Those journalists are monsters.
They're just cheap mockers.
- Do you need anything?
- Yes. A small bag.
I meant money. Or a job.
I can ask the manager again.
There's no need.
I have a job and money.
But thanks anyway.
So you're managing?
I'm managing.
That's good.
I'm in a hurry.
Yes.
- Give me the money!
- What money?
- I don't know...
- Don't fuck with me!
Where's my money?
I warned you not to fuck with me!
I told you, there'll be trouble.
The trouble is here!
Help!
Nobody can help you now.
Do you hear me? Do you?
Making me come here, wasting my time!
I'll burn your house down!
Skin you alive!
I don't know!
I'll skin you alive and stick
your head between your legs!
- Where's the money? Where is it?
- I don't know!
Leave me alone!
Messing me around! You!
You wanted more? Did you?
Tell me where the money is!
- I didn't... Please!
- You know how to take money!
And then "I don't know
where the money is"!
I'll crush your face!
Come on, tell me!
Fucking whore!
Fuck me around, would you?
Help!
BLAGA'S LESSONS
You're in luck.
Central, near the bus stop.
Facing south,
cool in the summer, quiet in the winter.
It just needs some cleaning
and it'll be like new.
A gem.
- Bear to mind...
- "In" mind.
I'm sorry?
We say: "bear in mind".
Not "bear to mind".
Bear in mind
that it's been rented
for 15 years, up to last month
and you're the first to see it.
- I like it.
- Good.
Just to remind you that officially
we have no vacant plots.
I'm showing you this,
but keep it to yourself.
That's why the price is so good.
Very attractive.
I made a visual proposal.
- The letters will be metal, right?
- I wouldn't recommend it.
- Why?
- They'll get stolen.
Engraved letters are much better.
- Don't you like that?
- Yes I do. A lot.
Great. Let's go to the office
for the paperwork.
Can you remove the cross
next to my husband's name?
- Why?
- Well, he wasn't exactly religious.
You mean he wasn't devout?
No. He believed in Lenin
more than in Jesus.
Can you engrave a red star instead?
No way. Out of the question.
- Why?
- It's against the law.
Communist symbols are banned.
I have an idea.
We could...
It's not entirely legal, but...
We could engrave a black star,
but it'd be more expensive.
- How much?
- Two hundred.
- All right.
- Right... And for you?
- What about me?
- Star or cross?
- A cross. Leave the cross.
- But won't the symbols clash?
HRISTO NAUMOV 1946 - 2022
BLAGA NAUMOVA 1952 - 20...
- Like that?
- Perfect.
It has to be ready in three weeks.
Why, are you in a hurry?
Yes.
I want to bury my husband's ashes
40 days after his passing.
But that would be a different price.
- How much?
- 2000 for an express order.
16 000!
What can I do.
I could replace the granite
with some cheap stone, but...
No! We'll keep it as we agreed.
- OK, 16 000, but it must be on time.
- All right. As you wish.
Can I have a copy?
Of course.
My...
- My condon...
- Con-do-lences.
- Thank you.
- If you need anything...
No, thank you.
Come in, we need to catch up.
The preposition depends on the word.
It's like "a" and "an".
So it should be...?
So?
You answered "in the radio"
instead of "on the radio".
Right. Some verbal exercises.
Which of the following phrases means
"I'm changing my behavior":
"I'm sticking to my guns",
"I'm changing my tune",
or "I'm throwing down the gauntlet"?
Is it the last one?
Why?
The answer is:
"I'm changing my tune".
To throw down the gauntlet means
to challenge someone. Like in a duel.
You should have known that.
OK. Another one.
What does "to drop anchor" mean:
Deciding to live
somewhere for a long time,
traveling to exotic destinations,
or working on a ship
for a long time?
Deciding to live
somewhere for a long time.
I want to drop anchor at...
No, "in" Bulgaria!
- If I pass the test.
- You will.
- Last time...
- Last time I wasn't your teacher.
You'll pass.
Yes?
Chief Inspector Kolev,
Criminal Police.
What?
Chief Inspector Kolev.
Listen carefully Madam,
and don't worry.
We're investigating phone scammers.
We've caught two, the others got away.
The two we caught had a list with
your name, your number, everything.
They might call you any minute.
Could you help us catch them?
No, no, I can't!
My husband passed away recently and...
They're dangerous, Madam.
They'll try to call you any minute now.
No, I can't do this.
Don't make me, please...
Madam, that's exactly
why you need our help.
You must cooperate.
All right... I will...
No! I'll try...
OK, don't worry.
Tell me your name and address.
Blaga Naumova,
Hristo Botev street,
6th floor, flat number...
eh, no...
Blaga Naumova,
32 Hristo Botev street...
Keep calm. Repeat it carefully
to avoid any mistakes.
Yes, yes...
Blaga Naumova, 32 Hristo Botev,
3rd floor, Flat 6.
Yes, that's the address on the list.
Are you alone?
- What?
- Are you alone?
Yes.
- Is anyone with you?
- No.
- Do you expect someone?
- No.
All right. Don't worry.
Follow my instructions
and you'll be fine.
OK.
We've cordoned off your block.
But to bring them to trial,
we need to catch them in the act.
- Do you understand, Madam?
- Yes.
- Where do we have to catch them?
- In the act?
- On location, exactly.
- Yes...
We need your mobile number
to communicate with you.
08883... er... 123471.
Relax. Can you repeat that?
0888-123471.
- 471. Right?
- Yes.
Now what? Hello?
- Hello?
- Hello? Inspector Kolev here.
Yes. I can hear you.
Don't hang up the mobile phone
under any circumstances.
- Yes, OK.
- Is that clear, Madam?
Yes. That's clear.
All right.
Now get all the money in your home,
put it in a plastic bag
and hide it in the freezer.
In the freezer?
Repeat what you have to do.
I have to put the money
in the freezer. But why?
In the freezer, Madam.
They're using Russian scanners,
which can detect
all the money in your home.
We block the signal
by putting the money in the freezer.
Yes, I understand.
Good, now do it.
Calmly but quickly.
All right, all right.
Quick, collect all the money.
Yes, yes. Just a second.
Leave no money out.
Yes, yes, all right.
- Are you doing it?
- I am.
Quickly, Madam!
Quickly, yes...
Did you get all the money?
No... Yes! That's the lot.
Don't worry. We're here, Madam.
All right.
I have it.
- Relax.
- I have it.
What was it?
In a plastic bag?
In a plastic bag in the freezer.
In a plastic bag, in the freezer.
All right.
I'm putting it in now.
OK, I've done it.
- It's done.
- Is all the money there?
- All of it!
- Are you sure? It's important!
Yes. I'm sure.
All right. Any gold in the flat?
No. None.
- No gold at all?
- No... Just my wedding ring.
Put it in the bag as well.
No. It's only 2 or 3 grams.
Madam, they'll detect it.
Put the ring in the bag.
All right, all right...
I can't...
Take it easy. We're here.
All right. It's in. Done.
Don't hang up the mobile
under any circumstances.
If the land line rings,
answer calmly.
All right.
My husband was a police officer too.
His name was Hristo Naumov and...
It's ringing!
- It's ringing!
- Relax Madam. Just pick it up.
Hello?
We know where you live, you slut!
Get all your money and give it to us.
Or I'll cut your head off and stick it
between your legs! Got that?
- Got that?!
- Yes! Yes!
We're downstairs!
Drop the money or I'm coming up.
Hello?
He... He called...
And he says...
- Calm down.
- He said to throw the money down.
Listen carefully, Madam.
There's no need for panic.
Take the money
and throw it off the balcony.
What do you mean, throw it?
No way. I can't.
The police are surrounding the block.
Take it easy, Madam.
I can't. The money
is for Hristo's tombstone.
Don't worry, the money is insured.
You'll get it back
as soon as we catch the swindlers.
Do you trust me? Do you?
- Yes! I do!
- Just relax Madam. Don't worry.
- All right.
- Calm down.
- Hello?
- Hello?
Are you fucking with me?
Where's the money?
I'll find your kids and kill them all!
I'll skin you and bury you alive!
I'll fuck you up, do you hear me?
Hello?
- Hello?
- Hello?
Quick, drop the money,
before they get away!
He... He said...
Drop the money! They'll get away!
Yes, yes.
Drop the money and lie down.
There might be a shootout.
These people are dangerous, do it!
- OK...
- We're losing them! Drop the money!
Hurry up!
Drop the money, Madam!
We're losing them!
Drop the money!
Drop it and get down on the floor!
They might start shooting. Drop it!
Hello?
Hello?
Hello?
REGIONAL POLICE DEPARTMENSHUMEN DISTRICT POLICE STATION
Hello. I'm here about the money.
- What money?
- From the police operation.
Chief Inspector Kolev called me.
From the Criminal Police.
I don't think we have a Kolev here.
Check on the first floor, room 212.
Thank you.
Yes?
Inspector... Inspector Kolev?
Kolev?
I'm here for the money.
And you are?
Mrs. Naumova.
Inspector Kolev called me
about the phone scammers operation.
He said I should drop
the money off the balcony.
Inspector Kolev didn't call you.
You'd better sit down.
I understand your situation.
But...
What am I supposed to do?
I just need some time.
How much?
- Two or three weeks.
- No way.
A few days, then?
Look...
If it was up to me, OK,
but it just isn't.
Do you know how many bosses I have?
How can I keep such a grave
off the market?
How?
It's a market economy.
Whoever pays first gets the grave.
Seriously. I don't know what to do.
How can I fix it?
Whatever I do,
it's my head on the block.
I'd be really grateful.
Oh, come on...
Assuming I can come up with something
to hold off for a few days,
I'll need a down payment.
- How much?
- How much... 2000.
All right.
Yeah, all right, but...
As soon as possible.
You'll get the money.
I'm ready.
Are you OK?
- What?
- Are you OK?
I'm fine. Have you finished?
Two mistakes.
"There's a stork on the school roof,
he make a nest."
"He" or "it"?
"Make" or "makes"?
Singular or plural?
You answered "he".
Are storks people?
- No.
- They're not.
Did Bulgarians make the nest?
"It"!
We use the pronoun "it"
when we talk about animals.
Not people!
The second mistake is worse.
"I called Georgi
and asked for a favor."
"He", "you", "him", "I".
Your answer was:
"I asked he for a favor".
Him.
The object form of "he".
You use "him"
instead of saying his name.
I asked him for a favor.
Sorry.
Sorry isn't good enough.
Now some verbal exercises.
Which two words are almost synonyms:
Diligence and laziness,
conversation and contract,
or compassion and sympathy?
Compassion and sympathy.
Which two words
have opposite meanings:
Ascend and descend, pay and buy,
understand and develop.
- Pay and buy.
- What?
Ascend and descend?
That's how you lose points, girl!
Stupid mistake!
Which of the following stands apart:
"What a busybody",
"Pokes his nose in everywhere",
"Interferes with everything",
"I got into deep trouble"!
"I got into deep trouble".
What's going on?
I can see something is wrong.
I got into deep trouble.
What?
I'm sorry.
Come in.
I'd like you to tell everyone.
- About what?
- About what happened to you.
- Again? Tell who?
- The seminar.
- What seminar?
- On prevention.
- Prevention of what?
- Phone scams.
No.
It's important.
Do you want it to happen to others?
No.
I can't do this to myself. No.
Sit down.
You're a well-respected teacher here.
People know you. They trust you.
You can help protect many people.
Spare them what you went through.
You expect me to tell everybody
what a stupid thing I did?
Can't you see I'm ashamed?
You want me to talk about it?
I know. I wouldn't insist
if it wasn't for a good cause.
Don't worry, people will understand.
But first, I'd like to welcome
Mrs. Kisyova, our local MP.
Please, Mrs. Kisyova.
Hello. Thank you all for coming.
First, I'm pleased to announce
that we've prepared
a few gifts for you,
for the forthcoming Easter holidays.
We'll hand them out
right after the seminar.
Now about the phone scams.
I want to assure you
that we at Parliament are doing
everything we can to deal with this.
We want to put a stop
to this wicked practice
where they make millions
off the back of honest,
hard-working people like you.
You know that I've always been
there for my constituents.
Now I'm here with you again...
You know very well who they are.
It's not so easy, believe me.
Yes it is! But they pay you off.
- We're working on a law...
- Not a single one convicted!
- Nothing but lies!
- Yeah, lies!
All right. Wait a minute!
We are well aware of the problem,
but I assure you we're working on it.
What we can do now, though,
is to prevent these scams
from happening to other people.
The scammers usually call
from Romania.
First, they choose a town
and hire a "mule" there.
The mule is something like a courier.
Someone who
takes the money physically.
Anybody with a car and
a driving license can become a mule.
People who want to become a mule
publish an ad on-line,
and the scammers check the websites,
looking for particular keywords:
"Owns a car" and "flexible hours".
Once the scammers recruit a mule,
they start calling people
in that town.
They call numbers at random
until they find a potential victim.
No, wait. Wait.
All the details are in the leaflets
you'll get at the end.
One last thing:
How does the scam work?
How does someone become a victim?
Usually the scammers pretend
to be police officers,
involved in a police operation
under way
and they ask you
to help them catch the scammers.
Yes,
I can see you find it funny now,
but you can be sure of their talent
for manipulating and tricking people.
Believe me.
Nobody is safe from them.
In order for you to hear in detail
how the scam works,
we've invited two victims
of precisely this kind of scam.
Mrs. Naumova,
would you speak first?
Please.
- Happy Easter.
- Thank you.
Mrs. Naumova, you seem intelligent,
how could you do such a stupid thing?
How do you feel? What would you say
to the people who scammed you?
You have nothing better to do
than to bother people?
Ignore them. Reporters.
Perhaps they're right.
I sold our country house
and the land in Osmar.
What normal person
would keep the money at home
- then throw it out the window?
- Well, me for example.
And I was a policeman all my life.
Like my husband.
- Seriously? What's his name?
- Hristo Naumov.
Oh, I know him.
Not close, but we know each other.
How is he?
He passed away. Two weeks ago.
I'm sorry. Condolences.
Thank you.
This would have never happened
if he was alive.
He wouldn't have let it happen.
Not him.
You can't be sure of that.
I know how it is.
I went through it myself.
You get over it, but it takes time.
It's done now. You have to move on,
think about the future.
The future?
I've lived by the rules all my life.
I always pay my bills on time.
I do what I'm supposed to do.
And what's the point? Why?
Time heals everything.
Hum...
Did you get your money back?
You're joking. Not in this country.
Do you want anything else?
No.
If you're not ordering,
you have to go.
Why?
You can't sit here
for hours on one coffee.
One "cup" of coffee!
This is my phone number.
Call me if you need anything.
Anything at all.
I live alone anyway.
That's 7.80 Levs.
Thanks. Have a nice day.
Blaga.
- Hello.
- Hi there.
Long time no see.
- Sorry to hear about Hristo.
- Thank you.
- I didn't see you at the meeting.
- I was busy.
You didn't miss anything.
The same old teachers' stories.
- How are you?
- Fine. Do you work here now?
Just started.
I'm still in training.
I'm lucky they hired me at my age.
- Do they need more people?
- I don't know, I can ask.
- Don't you have private students?
- Just one.
That's 32.40 Levs.
Can I return some of it?
How much is it
without the salami and the cheese?
I don't know, I've never done it.
Wait, I'll ask.
Asen?
- What?
- Can I take something back?
The salami and the cheese.
Hell, do I have to do everything here?
It's not that hard. Look...
22.40 Levs.
How are you, mom?
I'm fine. How about you?
Fine. I've got a lot of work.
Loads of work!
I've got a deadline for registration
and I'm expecting a call.
That's how it is in America.
When is the funeral?
Before the 40th.
- The 40th?
- Yes.
- 40th what?
- The 40th day.
I don't understand.
When a man dies,
his soul stays on earth for 40 days.
Then it goes to the hereafter.
And?
The funeral must be held
before that.
I was thinking:
Why don't you buy an urn niche?
What?
An urn niche.
They cost 300 Levs. In perpetuity.
You'll save money on the grave, mom.
An urn niche?
Yeah. Dad was cremated anyway.
- I won't put your father in a drawer.
- Why not?
- A concrete flat for dead people?
- It's more convenient.
He lived in a concrete flat
all his life!
- But what's so bad about it...
- I won't do it, Misho! Never!
- OK, don't then.
- Never!
OK! But still, I don't get it.
What's the difference?
- Do whatever you want...
- End of story!
- Whatever you want, however you want.
- Yes!
I'm sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
- Hello?
- Hello. I'm calling about the job.
- Education?
- Yes. University degree.
- I'm a Bulgarian literature teacher.
- OK.
It's a kitchen job.
- No problem. I can do anything.
- When can you start?
Tomorrow, if needed.
You're over 18, right?
Yes. I'm 70.
70? Sorry, no!
"House Cleaning", hello?
Hello. I'm calling about the job
that you advertised.
But just to let you know: I'm 70.
Is it OK?
- Sorry. We're not interested.
- Thank you.
- What is the loan for?
- For a grave.
A grave?
A grave and a tombstone.
Like a flat, but in perpetuity.
Here's the plan.
I'm sorry,
but we can't lend you the money.
Why not?
I'll be frank with you.
No bank would lend you money.
Look, Madam,
you're 70 years old.
Your pension is 560 Levs.
You have no collateral.
You cannot get a mortgage.
You have a flat
in a concrete building.
Not very attractive.
The market is saturated
with empty flats.
There's no demand.
This isn't Sofia.
I need money urgently.
- Urgently?
- Immediately.
- Do you have children?
- Yes, a son.
- He has a job?
- Yes.
Great. He can get a loan then.
No, he's not here right now.
- He's welcome when he's back.
- I need the money now.
Well, there is another way.
But the interest will be much higher.
- Go on...
- You need a quick loan company.
They have other criteria.
- How much will they lend me?
- Two, three thousand.
All right. Thank you.
Hello?
I'm calling about a credit...
- Mrs. Naumova?
- Yes.
I'm Mihail Tasev.
We spoke on the phone.
I'm your personal credit consultant.
Ah, yes. Come in.
This way.
You don't seem to remember me.
- Sorry, no.
- I was one of your students.
Class of 2014.
You told me that
I'd never amount to anything.
- I'm sorry, I didn't intend...
- Do you have hidden valuables?
Valuables? No.
You're going to poke around
in my wardrobe too?
Sorry, but I have to make sure
that you can pay the loan back.
So it's better to let me do my job.
- How much is your pension again?
- 560 Levs a month.
Do you have any extra income?
Yes. Private lessons.
Lessons?
I teach Bulgarian.
How much do you charge?
30 Levs an hour.
OK.
Is this everything you own?
Yes.
Actually, no.
There's my husband's car.
Look, Mrs. Naumova.
I can lend you 1500 Levs.
That's the maximum in your situation.
- Hello.
- Hello.
For the pension.
Sign here, please.
100, 200, 300, 400...
560 Levs.
"CASH" PAWN SHOP
Is 300 Levs OK?
Yes.
You'll check all that.
I'm glad we could agree so quickly.
And I totally agree with you.
You have to invest in the future.
Pay now and go on with your life.
You know, why put the burden
on the next generation?
That's right. Thank you.
No, thank you.
It was nice meeting you.
I hope I won't see you soon.
2000 as we agreed.
Yes. We did agree, but...
Things have changed.
Bad news.
The management called.
Someone, the mayor's cousin or such,
is interested in the plot.
I told you: It's a market economy.
That's the situation.
Are you all right? Madam? Madam?
- Do you want some water?
- No.
I'm fine.
What can I do?
I really don't know.
Even if I try,
you know, just a bit,
maybe,
maybe I can manage to
delay the procedure for a while,
but we're not talking
about a down payment any more.
I don't know...
The plot will go to whoever
comes up with the money first.
- Hi, Blaga.
- Hello.
- How are you?
- Fine, and you?
- As ever.
- You know...
Yes, I know.
I came to see
if anyone wants private lessons.
The exams are coming up.
I can take on a few.
Sorry to hear about what happened.
Thanks. But you know
that Hristo was ill for years...
EX-TEACHER GIVES SCAMMERS
A BAG FULL OF MONEY
HAS SHE GOT DEMENTIA?
Blaga, wait!
Where are you going? Blaga!
Don't read that trash!
"The Founders of the Bulgarian State"
monument was built to commemorate
the founding of Bulgaria
1300 years ago.
It was built in 1981 on a hill
overlooking the town of Shumen.
The monument represents
important events in Bulgarian history.
The biggest statue
is of Khan Asparuh,
who planted his sword in the ground
proclaiming: "This will be Bulgaria".
There are 1300 steps,
leading to the monument
from the center of Shumen.
This is the biggest
monument in the Balkans.
Right.
Question number one.
Where is the monument located:
Pleven, Shumen or Sofia?
Right. In our town, Shumen.
Second question.
Which statement is wrong:
1300 steps lead to the monument.
The Khan Asparuh statue
is the biggest.
The monument commemorates
liberating Bulgaria of the Ottomans.
The last one is wrong.
Right.
Correct.
Next question.
Which statement is right:
The highest in the Balkans,
the biggest in the Balkans,
or the most expensive
in the Balkans?
The biggest?
Bravo.
You have no comprehension problems.
You'll be fine.
That's enough for today.
Have we finished?
Yes, for today. Don't worry.
You have no problems.
You'll do fine.
But, sorry to ask...
Can you help me place
an ad on-line to find work?
Sure.
CLASSIFIED ADS
Right... Is it for private lessons?
No.
Deliveries.
Deliveries?
I hear they make good money.
And I have plenty of spare time.
When you stop coming
I'll have to make some money.
All right.
Name and age.
Ivanka Popova, 40.
I don't want my students to know
how desperate I am.
And nobody hires
70 years old people.
Key... Keywords?
Put in...
"owns a car"
and "flexible hours".
Owns a car?
Hristo's car is functional.
- But can you drive?
- I've been driving for ages.
Shumen. And the number.
0888-123471.
Shall I publish it?
Yes.
Hello?
Is this Ivanka Popova?
Yes.
I'm Lyudmil.
I saw your ad for a job.
Yes.
Do you have a car?
I do.
OK. Listen me carefully.
Listen "to" me.
What?
No, nothing.
- Can you hear me?
- Yes.
This line is shit.
Now, you listen good.
We deal in vegetables, wholesale.
We need an assistant. I phone you,
and you go here and there
to pick up money, documents, whatever.
I'll tell you where to take them.
Maybe right now,
or once a month, or every day.
Depends what jobs come up.
You have to be available.
Got that?
Yes.
You still interested?
Yes.
Can I rely on you?
- What? I can't hear you.
- I don't want trouble from you.
- What?
- I don't want any trouble! Got it?
I'm always on time.
That's not what I'm asking.
Are you cool?
Cool?
Can't you speak Bulgarian?
Yes, I'm "cool".
OK, we'll see.
I don't like surprises.
You decide now.
I want 100% commitment.
There's no going back.
I won't.
Right. I'll test you.
Keep your phone handy. Bye.
Why a French car?
A friend who bought a French car
had nothing but trouble.
Only problems!
I told him:
Buy another car, but no,
it had to be a French car!
In the end his wife kicked him out.
Try the starter.
All right! Stop.
That's it.
I'll never be out of a job.
It's a present from me.
Thanks.
The tax sticker expires soon.
Bear it in mind when you drive.
- Hello?
- Got a job for you.
You found it?
- Have you found it?
- I think so.
An eight story building.
Got wall insulation.
Yes.
Come on, get a move on!
Look carefully. Number 12.
- Can you see it, Ivanka?
- Just a moment.
Yes, I can see it.
Which entrance?
Entrance 2. Stop there and wait.
A woman will come out in a minute.
Red jacket.
Stay put and don't do anything.
All right.
She's come out.
Do I go up to her?
No. Stay in the car.
She'll leave a package by the bin.
When she goes back in, go get it.
She's left it.
After she goes back in,
go get it.
Hello?
Hello?
- I got it.
- Get away quick!
Where to?
Just go! Drive now! Go! Go!
Just keep calm and drive away.
Go! Go!
Get out of there.
Leave the neighborhood.
- Are you out of there?
- Not yet.
- What's going on, Ivanka?
- A moment!
No moments! Drive on!
Find a place to stop.
I've stopped.
Good. Relax now.
Do you get it now?
See what we're doing, Ivanka?
Yes.
Good.
Open the package and count the money.
- Are you counting?
- Yes.
OK. Count it right.
How much is it?
Wait.
- You're not counting millions.
- 3100 Levs.
- 3100?
- Yes.
3100... OK.
Your cut is 400 Levs.
350 for you and 50 for gas.
Not bad for two minutes' work,
eh, Ivanka?
Some people work a whole month
for that money. Don't they?
Yes.
I can see you're cool,
you can make more money quick.
Just don't fuck with me.
I know who you are.
If you do what I say, you'll have
no problems, but if you fuck with me,
I'll cut off your head and stick it
between your legs. Got that?
- Yeah, I got that.
- OK. Good!
- Wanna make more money?
- Yes.
All right then.
The times we live in, eh?
What a fucking life.
Do you get it?
It's the easiest job ever. Isn't it?
You go, you get the money,
bring it to me and you get 10%.
Not bad, eh?
Yes.
Good girl. Now drive to Ruse.
To Ruse?
- Got a problem with that?
- No.
Go on then. I'll call you in an hour
to tell you where to leave the money.
Two turns, one after the other.
Right and left.
You'll see it right after them.
What should I look for?
A pier on the river bank.
Drive towards the two cranes.
I see them.
There's a car tire in front
of the first one.
Put the money in it and go home.
Got that?
Yes.
Right. Go straight home.
All right.
Go faster! Why didn't you
say you don't know the way?
Sorry.
Which two words have
opposite meanings:
Love and care,
fear and fright,
joy and sorrow,
- or choice and spring?
- Joy and sorrow.
Correct.
What does "at any cost" mean:
Never, simultaneously,
definitely or sometimes?
Definitely.
I want to become Bulgarian
at any cost.
I want a Bulgarian passport
so I can travel wherever I want.
Soon.
Which two words
have similar meanings:
Hour and part,
day and night,
house and home,
or water and spring?
House and home.
But what's the difference?
Home is more personal,
more intimate, more cherished.
More dear.
We often say "native home".
The place where you grew up.
Your "native home" is...
- Artsakh.
- Yes, Artsakh.
But now your home is in Bulgaria
with your husband.
Right, that's enough. You're ready.
You'll pass the test.
- But what if...
- What?
Just keep calm
and take your time.
And I guarantee that you'll pass.
I just want this to be over.
I want the passport
so I can bring my mother here.
There's no life there.
Bulgaria is no better.
No... I like Bulgaria.
I feel at ease here.
Far from the war.
It's another kind of war here.
Blaga,
do you know where I come from?
Do you have any idea how I lived?
I had neither a house nor a home.
I was living in a basement in the dark.
I couldn't see anything.
I could only hear the bombs.
Do you know how they sound?
You can hear
the bomb going "mmm",
higher and higher, "mmm", higher...
And your heart beats
faster and faster
until it explodes.
You realize that
you're alive
and your heart slows down again.
Every single day.
The most important thing
is to see the sun rise again.
I'll introduce you to my mother
when she comes.
You'd like each other.
You can teach her too.
Good evening.
I saw the article
and decided to come.
She graduated in medicine in Sofia.
Now she lives there.
When her mother died,
she wanted me to go and live with her.
But Sofia isn't for me.
What would I do there?
And she's busy.
There's nothing for me in Sofia.
She's my child, but...
She doesn't need me there.
Never mind about the newspaper.
Nobody reads it anyway.
Cheap sensationalists.
Right. I'm off.
If you need any help,
call me straight away.
- She dropped it.
- Yeah, I saw.
Do you expect him back soon?
I don't know. He said he was coming.
Do you know what it's about?
No, I don't.
Have they caught them?
I have no idea. Not my case.
But I doubt it.
Why?
Why...
Because that's how it works.
If anyone gets caught, it's the mules.
Do you catch many mules?
We caught a few.
Mainly taxi drivers.
But they're not prosecuted.
They used taxis
but they don't trust them anymore,
since some took the money and ran.
Who did?
The taxi drivers.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Penev is looking for you.
Fuck him.
Good news.
We have a witness.
A kid saw the mule
taking the money.
It was...
Some old woman.
Has he identified her?
Not yet.
Why did you call me here?
When you threw away the money,
did you notice
a suspicious old woman
around your block?
No.
Wait a minute.
Take your time. Think about it.
- No...
- If we catch her,
we catch the scammers.
I didn't see anything.
- What about previously?
- No.
Are you sure?
- Yes.
- An old woman?
Just like you.
I just threw the money
off the balcony and went back in.
- Hello?
- Mrs. Naumova?
- Yes?
- I'm Georgi from "Phoenix".
The funeral home.
Listen...
there's a bit of a problem.
I can't hold the plot any longer.
People have been talking.
How much time do I have?
How much time...
In two days it'll be gone. So...
After that you can come
and get your down payment back.
- All right.
- Bye.
Did you really throw away the money?
- They say you were in the papers.
- Who told you?
Who... Never mind who.
Throwing the money out of the window!
What were you thinking?
I work 16 hour days like an idiot
and you throw money out the window?
Have you gone senile?
You could have helped me settle here,
but you threw everything away!
Didn't you?
Didn't you? I asked you a question!
Answer me!
Shame on you!
Aren't you ashamed of yourself?
Do you know why this happened?
Because you've never
worked for your money.
Because you're special.
An intellectual.
From the upper crust. That's why.
You've never known
what it means to...
- Hello?
- Sorry, I was busy.
I told you not to fuck with me!
And you make me wait?
Are you messing with me?
I'm sorry.
If you make me
wait one more time
you'll see what happens! Got it?
- Yes.
- If you work for me, you answer quickly.
Get that into your stupid head!
Yes.
Understand what I'm saying?
Yes. Sorry.
We'll argue later.
There's a job to do now.
Are you in?
Yes.
And pick up the phone right away!
Give me my money back!
It's mine!
Give it back!
Do you hear me?
Give me the money!
Give me my money back!
Give it back!
Don't lock the door!
Open the door! Open it!
Open the door!
Wait! Wait! Stop!
Stop! Wait!
Give me my money back!
I'll kill you!
- Another 14 000...
- Not here!
Come on in.
Another 14 000 as agreed.
Is it mine?
In perpetuity, it seems.
Well done.
- Well done.
- Here's another 1 000.
I want everything ready
before the 40th day.
No problem at all.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry about this farce.
But what can I do?
It's a market economy.
Now you know why it is.
You mean "how it is".
What?
"Now you know how it is."
Not "why".
I'm Bulgarian!
- What happened?
- With what?
- To you?
- Why?
You've got a bruise.
But you look better.
It's nothing.
I'm really glad for you.
- Congratulations!
- Thank you.
Let's have our
traditional cup of tea.
- Yes.
- The water must be boiling.
I'm out of tea.
- I'll go and get some.
- No, don't worry!
- I'll be back in two minutes.
- There's no need!
- Shall I go down and get some?
- No. I'll be right back.
I'm fed up with you!
I showed you ten times already.
If you can't remember things,
we'll hire someone
who can remember
what they had for breakfast.
- Hello. How are you?
- I'm fine. Thank you.
I read the article.
Those journalists are monsters.
They're just cheap mockers.
- Do you need anything?
- Yes. A small bag.
I meant money. Or a job.
I can ask the manager again.
There's no need.
I have a job and money.
But thanks anyway.
So you're managing?
I'm managing.
That's good.
I'm in a hurry.
Yes.
- Give me the money!
- What money?
- I don't know...
- Don't fuck with me!
Where's my money?
I warned you not to fuck with me!
I told you, there'll be trouble.
The trouble is here!
Help!
Nobody can help you now.
Do you hear me? Do you?
Making me come here, wasting my time!
I'll burn your house down!
Skin you alive!
I don't know!
I'll skin you alive and stick
your head between your legs!
- Where's the money? Where is it?
- I don't know!
Leave me alone!
Messing me around! You!
You wanted more? Did you?
Tell me where the money is!
- I didn't... Please!
- You know how to take money!
And then "I don't know
where the money is"!
I'll crush your face!
Come on, tell me!
Fucking whore!
Fuck me around, would you?
Help!