Under the Fig Trees (2021) Movie Script
1
She took everything and left.
At least she has a roof over her head.
Enough. He's here.
Get ready.
Leila, what's the hurry?
Think you're going
to your father's orchard?
Good morning, boss.
I brought another girl to work.
- If she can work, bring her.
- Don't worry, she can.
Hello, boss.
- Hello.
- Got any work for me?
- No, none.
- Why not?
- None for you.
- Everyone works for you.
Because they work hard,
not like you.
Let me go work with them.
I have to earn a living.
You are a troublemaker.
Hneya, hurry up!
I'm doing my best!
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Your heart...
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Hold this for me.
Thank you.
Good morning. How are you?
You're afraid we'll be seen?
Let people talk.
- They can see us from behind.
- Let them watch.
They're already talking,
don't make it worse.
What are they saying?
That I ride in front and everything...
Silly things, as usual.
Let them talk, if it makes them happy.
I'm sick of all their noises in the back.
Once we worked for a guy
who was such a bastard
he'd pour water in the back
of the truck so we couldn't sit down.
We would all stand, packed in,
so he could take more workers.
- Are you serious?
- I swear.
UNDER THE FIG TREES
And this isn't part of it?
This orchard is difficult to watch over.
It's very big.
How do you expect me
to watch over everything?
Between the boars,
the motorcycles, the cars...
I have to see what they're up to
and get them to leave.
And down here there're guys
who come to get wasted.
Nothing but trouble.
We need another guard to help.
- You know that I'm losing out, here?
- Losing out how?
- A dead loss.
- But why?
You've seen all the workers here?
How am I supposed to do this?
The orchard is big
and it's not fenced in.
If it were, it would be easier.
But here it's open on all sides.
There are crates
in each corner of the orchard.
How do I do this?
You need to hire another person or two.
Maybe he went that way.
You should've seen your sister,
it was unbelievable!
- How did I miss that?
- You were busy with the boss.
- You and the boss can get lost.
- I swear!
He got in the truck with us.
And your sister, when she saw him...
Her face went bright red.
And she was shaking.
- I can feel my heart fluttering.
- Me too.
You know
he's like a little brother to me.
Wait for me.
Which way did he go?
I don't know, maybe that way.
- Get a move on!
- The boss is making his rounds.
Firas,
bring the crates.
Abdou...
- Yes... Hello.
- Hello.
Where have you been?
I'm here.
How are you doing?
I'm fine.
We moved to Monastir.
What about your brothers and sisters?
Everybody is fine.
- And what about you?
- We're fine. You?
All is well.
What a coincidence... Five years later.
We find each other here.
Who would have thought...
- Everything happens for a reason.
- Everything happens for a reason.
Not a word from you...
You didn't look for me?
You've changed.
We've all changed. Even you.
I looked for you.
For a long time.
I know.
Well, I'll let you get back to work.
- We can talk more later.
- Okay.
Ghaith.
Ghaith.
Listen.
Listen. Put those down.
Put the crates on the ground,
I'll show you.
- I only have two hands.
- I know that. All you do is talk.
There you go.
- Can't you do this?
- The branches are low.
- What?
- They're low.
Lower your arms and it'll work.
Count them.
Nine. I'll take one.
You cut the leaves like this.
You spread them out well at the bottom.
You put the figs on top
so that they don't get damaged.
See this one?
It needs a few more days.
- Touch it. It's not ripe.
- Right, it's hard.
You pick the ones that are ripe.
The ones that are soft and dark.
Be very careful with the branches.
If the figs are too high,
don't shake the branches.
Like this.
You take your stick and pull gently.
Breaking a branch
is like breaking an arm.
Take the stick.
Where do you live now?
In Monastir.
In Monastir?
Now, you're at your uncle's?
No, I'm staying with a friend.
- You don't remember me?
- No.
You've grown up. You're a man now.
When you were little,
I knew your parents.
Same valley, same family.
May they rest in peace.
Do you understand how to do it?
Yes, don't worry. I'm good.
Pick this one.
Did you go to the wedding?
I'm not a belly dancer.
You think you're better than a dancer?
Leave me alone.
Leave me alone.
- Don't you have a big stick?
- No.
Yours is long enough.
Spit it out.
Have you seen Firas?
You think I'm living with him?
That's God punishing you.
We need to hide this one from the boss.
If he sees this, he'll yell at to you.
If you don't rat, he won't.
I'm not a snitch!
You're really no fun.
I'm going to switch to another tree!
Go ahead, leave me in peace.
Broken.
A moment, Leila.
Yes?
- Did you see or hear anything today?
- No.
- Nothing at all?
- No, nothing.
The guard told me
there was a robbery last night.
Up there.
What do I have to do with the thief?
- You don't know who he is?
- No, I don't know anything about it.
I thought
you would have heard something.
Tell me, which of the boys
are the closest?
I need to know who's screwing with me.
- You didn't see anyone up there?
- No.
As usual, the boys, one by one.
Don't hide anything from me, please.
I swear, I don't know.
I've only seen them working.
It's got to be two of them.
One keeping watch, the other stealing.
And not someone from the outside.
I have no idea.
We didn't get to this part yesterday.
I know.
It was meant for this afternoon.
- You see?
- I don't know.
There are no more figs.
Are you all right?
- And you, how are you doing?
- I haven't changed.
You haven't either, you've just grown.
Your hair... just the same.
You were taller than me.
I was taller than you,
you remember...
That's life...
You left a void.
You too.
We never forgot about you.
I cut ties with everyone.
Not just with you guys.
I tried to forget about this place.
And, what's up with Melek?
What do you mean?
I don't know...
She suffered a lot.
She thought about you a lot.
She almost went on
"Lost and Found" to find you.
Just imagine it.
Here we are,
finally at this historic moment.
Firas.
Where are the crates?
Give them to him.
See if there are any ready.
Give him the full ones, Amara.
They aren't ready.
They're worse than Romeo and Juliet.
It's like she's the first person
to fall in love.
She dreams of him,
makes eyes at him.
He must have ten girls like her.
Love is not that simple.
You and your theories...
What theories?
I've never seen Melek like this.
Love is a lie.
The real relationship
begins after marriage.
First, you get married
and then you love him?
No, in the beginning
you have love and passion.
But it's after marriage
that you get attached.
But nowadays...
Stop talking nonsense.
You stop it!
You don't know anything.
Are you even old enough
to be talking about marriage?
I'm 17 years old.
I can imagine you married
to the handsome Firas,
stylish, well-built...
I'm going to change him.
People can change.
Maybe God will soften him up.
I have to guide him,
so that he becomes...
the man I want.
I want him to be closed-minded.
- Closed?
- Yes.
But Firas is fine the way he is.
Open-minded.
I don't think so,
I want him to be more conservative.
I want him to be like I imagine him.
Yeah, right.
If he loves me, he'll listen to me.
- If he doesn't...
- You'll listen to him.
No, if I tell him to do something,
he has to do it.
Shut up, that's nonsense.
- You're the one who has to obey.
- Sure...
What do you mean, "sure"?
Firas is fine the way he is.
If he changes,
you won't like him anymore.
Why are you so insistent?
I like him and I'm sure of it.
- You know nothing about love.
- I do! As if you know any better?
- Lower your voice.
- I'm being quiet.
Are there any more over there?
Come on down.
Should I hold the bucket?
No, don't jump!
Let's move to another tree.
Wait, there are two more there.
The boss, is he good with you?
The boss?
He's good with good people.
He's a jerk with the jerks.
Ah! And is he good with you?
It depends.
He seems nice to you.
- Abdou!
- Yes?
What are you getting at?
I'm just asking.
Abdou! I know you.
He acts differently with you.
Not like with the others.
Anyway, I don't trust men.
It's not my first relationship.
So you're going out with him?
- No!
- What is it then?
I swear I'm not.
But he is...
I don't know...
So there is something.
Yeah, he calls me and everything,
but I don't know.
Why?
Just curious.
Abdou!
You've been gone five years
but I still know you well.
I can read your eyes.
How long have you been
working for him?
I've been working for a long time.
Not just with him.
But you know...
A lot of things happen in the orchards.
I don't trust people anymore.
Last year or the year before,
there was a boss
who was harassing this girl,
I'll skip what happened after...
She had an abortion and everything.
You have to keep your guard up.
There is always drama.
You can't trust anyone.
He always has his eye on a girl.
You can't tell who he really wants.
He's like a stray dog.
But he's cute.
Seriously?
Crazy girl.
- Let's get back to work.
- Stay.
No, let's be careful.
I'll tell him I'm with Fid,
he won't say anything.
Drop it.
Let's get back to work.
So you're with Fid.
You literally just got here, smartie.
Some things never change.
Little sneak.
They're still green.
Who's picking the green ones?
Stop picking the unripe ones!
You're pissing me off in the morning.
Look at this.
This is bullshit.
Firas.
Yesterday you weren't feeling well,
today you arrive late, why?
It's nothing.
I had some stuff to do, that's all.
I figured there was a problem.
No, I just have some things
to take care of, that's all.
Can I know what things?
No, you can't.
Why not?
I tell you everything.
Some things are meant to
be shared, others not.
- Not even with me?
- No.
He's changed so much.
Of course he's different
after all he's been through.
At least he's holding on.
That's true... losing both parents...
But...
You thought he was going
to come to you
and talk in front of everybody?
And tell you
about what happened to him?
He could've only told me.
And why would he tell you?
Because I'm his ex-girlfriend.
His ex-girlfriend.
My heart hurts when I think about it.
Your heart is too weak.
What can I do?
Try to talk to him,
see if you still have feelings
for each other.
But men aren't everything in life.
I've had enough.
Love...
This is bogus.
I gave it my best shot.
And what did I gain?
A few good beatings.
Leila, I was waiting for you.
My neck was starting to hurt.
The bucket is full.
That's good.
I advise you
to only think about your own future.
Even before you get
your high school diploma.
I'm going, do what you want.
Think about what I said.
And figure it out.
- What's up with you?
- Nothing.
What's with you today?
Nothing, I just have one thing to do,
I'll tell you later.
No, tell me now, I want to know.
Now's not the time, I'll tell you later.
I don't feel good about this.
Why?
Is there another girl?
Come on, no.
- I'm preparing something.
- Give me a clue.
There's money at stake.
Money, you say?
Sounds like you're about to become
a CEO.
Sana, the CEO's wife.
Yes. Sana, the CEO's wife.
How are we going to see
each other when school starts?
Don't make me think about it,
I'll miss you so much.
We can meet in front of the school.
- No, not in front of the school.
- Why not?
My family goes to the cafe there.
So where will we meet then?
I've been thinking.
How about the Aziza supermarket?
- See you at Aziza.
- Why not.
Why not.
- Really?
- We can meet wherever you want.
Nobody knows us over there.
We'll stand in a corner.
Aziza or wherever...
- In the yogurt section.
- Why not?
It's cold by the yogurts.
- It's cold by the yogurts.
- We'll see.
It's up to you.
Put your phone away, Fid!
He won't do anything.
If he sees me, I'll say it's Dad.
Where do I put this?
You still don't know?
- The crates are full.
- Not at all!
Put them there.
We can't say anything to you girls!
You, you just grumble all day long!
Where's the boss?
- What?
- We can't tell these girls anything.
- Don't talk to them, then!
- Look, it's her or me.
Don't talk to them anymore.
They're rude.
- She knows them.
- They have smart mouths.
Can you hear them?
This one, it's going to break.
Don't pull.
Can you do it like that?
- Almost.
- Careful!
It broke.
- Is this the last one?
- Almost.
You traded me for Firas?
- Meriem.
- Yes.
- Why are you mad?
- I'm not mad.
You don't want to work with me?
I work with everybody.
You seem annoyed.
We're like brother and sister.
Not at all.
I can't believe this.
Here, he told you to fill this.
- Who did?
- The boss.
But it's already full.
- Add a little more.
- Add another quarter.
Fill up this one first.
- The boss is going to yell at us.
- It fell off on its own.
God, give me patience.
Give me two big leaves.
Don't do that, put them there.
No, give me that.
- We can bury them.
- No way.
You just have to do it well.
We'll say it wasn't us.
I'll throw them far away.
Come here.
Where are you taking that?
Where?
- I'll throw it...
- Where is it from?
- It broke off...
- It broke off the tree?
This is the second time.
It was an accident.
I don't want to hear that anymore!
What's up with you?
Everybody is picking,
but you're breaking branches!
You're useless! Go home!
I didn't do it on purpose.
Give it to me.
Drop the bucket.
Go home!
I don't want you here anymore.
- Go.
- This is the last time.
You've said that a thousand times!
Go home.
Look at me!
- I'm not paying you for today.
- Why?
You won't get paid.
We'll talk about it.
You, keep working!
Take that away.
And come back for these ones.
Firas.
Do you still need the stick?
Two seconds.
Give it back to me afterwards.
Here are some.
I'm looking for the big ones.
Put them there.
Put them there.
Hurry up.
Take this one, Sana.
What's wrong with her?
Yosra!
What's wrong with her?
- Yosra!
- She fainted.
Hold her up.
What's wrong with her?
She twisted her leg.
Don't hurt her.
Slowly.
- Yosra.
- Does this happen often?
What's going on here?
Yosra fainted.
- Yosra fainted, boss.
- Who's that?
The new one.
What's wrong?
Maybe she didn't eat this morning.
She's not used to this work,
why bring her?
- Has she done this work before?
- Hneya, do you have any sugar?
Maybe she's low on sugar.
It's okay, she's coming around.
Give her a fig.
Her teeth are clenched shut,
she can't eat.
She didn't eat anything this morning.
Yosra?
What do I do if she dies here?
Leave her, it's okay.
Get back to work.
Everybody back to work,
let her breathe!
Hurry up.
Hurry, they'll see us.
Keep an eye out.
It's okay, I'm watching.
You're going to get me into trouble.
Don't worry, everything will be fine.
I'm doing this because I love you.
What you're doing is a sin.
And our measly pay, that's not?
God will punish him.
Come on!
Give me your hand.
Careful.
Where should we sit?
Shall we set up here?
No, sit there.
In the shade.
- Sana, give me a crate.
- No.
- Come on, please.
- I told you no.
No, let go!
- Fid, what have you brought?
- Lots of goodies!
Good things, but mostly pasta.
Whose is this?
- I'll take this.
- It's not ours.
That's okay,
I want some fresh bread too.
- And what did you bring?
- Pasta.
Again!
Chakchouka.
- It's still warm.
- Who wants some?
In the name of God.
Come on.
She says "one bite"
and then finishes the dish!
Let me have another bite.
Give me that, let's eat together.
Firas!
Be quiet!
Firas, come!
I brought you your meal.
I can't right now.
- There's not enough room.
- Come on.
Please.
She made him a packed lunch,
just for him.
Certainly not for you.
- Why didn't you bring that out before?
- It's for him.
Make him eat too!
Finish it.
Thank you, baby.
You can get us to eat too.
Eat, don't be jealous.
Eat your food.
No jealousy.
I should have told Ghaith to do it.
- Have some eggs, Hneya.
- No, I don't like that.
Thank you, my Firas.
How generous!
Abdou, which is better,
here or Monastir?
To be honest, I'd say over there.
The atmosphere, the sea...
Are there many tourists?
Yes, but not as many as before.
But here, people are better.
How? They spend all their time
minding each other's business...
Is there any work out there?
Yes.
More than here?
Here it's more about farming.
I'm tired of farming.
Abdou, what work do you do there?
I just left school. I took two courses.
You left school?
Yes.
What kind of courses?
The first course was in aluminium.
Then pastries.
So you make cakes and stuff?
Yes.
Ready for the new school year?
- I don't think I'm going back.
- Why not?
I'm tired.
You'd rather get married.
Yes, I want to get married.
- School is better.
- It's up to me.
You have to pursue what you love.
I love sleeping.
Did you see the Instagram
post yesterday?
Check it out.
- Can I see?
- She's a bombshell.
Not at all.
Why are you showing that around?
I do what I want.
She's beautiful, isn't she?
Show me.
No.
Everybody has seen it but me.
I'm going to delete it.
Give me the phone.
- Why do you need to see it?
- Everyone has.
Forget about it.
Let go of the phone!
You're hiding this from me...
You don't want me to see?
And you zoom in too!
Come on, stop.
I can't believe you're still looking.
Now with Instagram,
Facebook, WhatsApp...
Keep your eyes open,
and don't choose the wrong partner.
Think carefully before you choose.
There's nothing wrong with her
showing herself.
People are free. You could also
show yourself wearing a niqab or hijab.
It's inappropriate.
She can do whatever she wants!
At home he wants her naked,
but outside in a niqab!
Yes, maybe.
Are you thinking of dressing like that
for him?
Never!
But I guess anything is possible.
You watch what you say!
Only fate can tell.
Zap!
We were watching Bollywood TV
as a family.
Anyway, there was a scene that was...
awkward.
We all jumped for the remote.
I turned to my father and
he was glued to the screen.
The truck accident was a shock.
But they went back to work
the next day.
My knee is blue and swollen.
You'll forget as you get older.
You're here to work.
You should have just stayed home.
I'm not going to beg him.
Come on, we don't have time.
The boss will be looking for us.
Hurry up.
Time's up.
We'll discuss it later.
We'll do all of that.
Listen, I'll call you back.
Hey boss... are you good?
Are you being a smooth talker?
I have to be.
That's all we do.
So, who is it?
A girl.
- A girl?
- Yes.
If it is, just tell me!
Why are you hiding? You look nervous.
Is she in love?
I'm not slacking, I swear.
- Is it a done deal?
- Yes, all good.
I can't stand it here.
I'm suffocating here.
From what?
I don't understand.
From everyone.
There's nothing going on here.
Stuck at home...
nothing to do.
I can't go anywhere.
I can't even see my girlfriend!
She doesn't want to or you don't?
No, we have nowhere to meet!
You're not a kid anymore!
Work all day, get drunk at night...
She doesn't let you touch her.
Why not?
She's afraid of her mother,
her father, her brother...
her sister.
Even kissing is off limits?
She makes you fight
just to get a little peck.
Not to mention the rest.
You have to be a real fox.
Enough with this.
"Hi, I want to see you," bullshit.
You can't do anything else here!
Take her to the mountains!
The main thing is that you see her.
Make it work.
In the mountains?
You think nobody's there?
So we'll meet under a fig tree
or an olive tree?
People are closed-minded here.
As soon as you talk to a girl,
she thinks she's...
She gets all pretentious.
It's true, people here are wild.
And they're all veiled.
You take one look at them
and they act offended.
They think they're hot stuff, too.
But you know all that.
Over there,
I get back from the market, tired,
and they're insisting to see me.
They're in heat.
You must have heard about these girls...
Yeah...
It hurts my heart.
I take them out to the beach,
or a house, or a hotel.
They even drink alcohol.
All of that is normal for them.
In Nabeul.
I know it's normal.
You're so lucky.
One day, I'll take you with me.
To see what happens out there.
My treat.
God will provide.
God will provide.
Seriously, you'll have them all.
You deserve a thousand girls.
I can't leave you like this.
Come on, get back to work.
Thanks, boss.
Meriem!
- Where are the goods?
- Leila, I'm going as fast as I can!
God, help me.
Move over so I can get down.
- Why are you coming down?
- No more figs here.
Careful.
Let's rest for a couple of minutes.
Yes, I'm exhausted.
You'll be happy to get rid of us.
We're going back to school.
We'll miss you.
What exactly will you miss?
Which one of us will you miss?
All of you.
I'll call you, but you have to pick up.
No, I'll block you.
Then I won't call you.
Fid!
Yes.
- Where are the figs?
- Over there!
Bring them, we're running out of time.
- I don't have enough.
- Two minutes.
You've called her.
If she doesn't come,
let them figure it out.
- I was going to take them.
- I'm waiting for you.
The boss said to not stack them.
Don't make me wait any longer.
I have to sort them.
Wait, she's going to add more.
I told you to stop stacking them
and to fill them less.
Don't crush them.
If I put less, you won't be happy either.
I'm waiting but nobody's coming.
Sana.
What's going on?
You seem angry.
Don't act like you don't know.
Are you kidding me?
You were fine this morning,
and now you're sulking.
You should figure it out by yourself.
Don't patronise me,
and stop playing games with me.
What do you want?
Stay away from Firas.
Are you serious?
See?
Do you have to be like that?
Perched on the tree,
blabbing away all flirty.
Stop imagining things! I know you,
turning the tiniest thing into...
I see what you're doing.
- What are you talking about?
- How you act with him.
Do you think I'm hitting on him?
If he told you I was hitting on him,
tell me!
You should have just gone out with him!
If I really wanted him, I would have.
- He'll leave you like the others.
- What?
What do you want now?
You've screamed, thrown your bucket...
What next?
You know what you're like,
with all your scandals!
What are you talking about?
What scandals?
If you know something I don't, say it!
And what are you going to do to me?
I'm not clingy like you.
I'm just nice
and sociable, that's it.
You're just a tease!
And everyone makes fun of you.
Blah blah.
It's useless talking to you.
You've got issues.
I'm glad I have issues.
Great, be like that. A real sicko.
Right, a nervous wreck, like you.
I swear, you're crazy.
Fid, shut up! Everyone's watching you.
I don't care what other people think.
That's their problem!
This is crazy.
Now you've pushed me too far.
That's your problem.
All of you, mind your own business!
Go educate your daughters.
You want to get married, look elsewhere!
See what daughters-in-law you find!
Big deal!
They will all end up ordering you around.
You only act like men here.
With the city girls,
you act like sissies.
And you women, you've never flirted?
Bullshit!
There is not a single woman,
not a single girl
who's never been touched.
Now they're pretending to be
virgin saints.
Never been touched by a man?
They're lying.
Think whatever you want, I don't care.
Everyone should mind
their own business.
- Are you done now?
- Leave me alone!
If you have a problem, go see Firas,
so he'll never talk to me again.
Start by respecting yourself.
Are you really this stupid?
I regret speaking to you.
She's got problems, I swear.
Get back to work and stop yelling.
What's the point of all this bickering?
I prefer you when you're calm.
I'm not calm.
Leave me alone, please.
That's out of character.
Why? Please stay out of it.
Why shouldn't I get involved?
What do you want me to say?
You shouldn't behave like that.
It doesn't suit you, my child.
It's inappropriate.
Why do you insult men?
Calling them sissies...
You sure fight over these sissies.
It's her.
I don't care about men!
I really don't care!
Don't say that about us.
There are still men, real men.
Don't say there aren't.
Who drove out the French?
Women contributed too.
Both fought for freedom. Together!
Don't say women didn't help.
It's better when you talk sensibly.
I was really annoyed earlier.
But what you said hurt me.
It hurt me a lot.
It's nothing...
Those words just came out.
May God bring you peace.
May He bring everyone peace.
- Here, take this.
- No, thank you.
You'd better not let him catch you.
We eat only what he offers us.
We don't help ourselves.
Let's forget about the boss.
You.
I'm 100% sure
that you've liked someone else.
I'm sure...
Don't say otherwise.
That's normal, I'm not the only one.
You didn't meet anybody?
Even if I had boyfriends,
or if I was talking to other guys,
it was just to clear my head.
What do you mean by that?
To forget you.
After you, I never loved again.
Okay, but...
We were young,
we didn't know anything.
Maybe you think we were young
and didn't know anything.
But I don't.
I don't know why...
I can't get over you.
Still?
Still.
There're many things
that make me think of you.
Like what?
Do you remember this?
When we had an argument...
Here.
We'd had an argument
and I cut myself with a compass.
To tattoo your initials.
It's starting to disappear.
You can barely see it.
But it's still there.
At least you held onto a piece of me.
Let me.
We were happy then.
Melek. Come on, come on.
What does he want?
I'm on my way.
Don't forget your stick.
I don't know how to get down.
I'll help you.
It's going to tip over!
Here?
No, I'm not mad anymore.
I thought you were.
Who do you think I did that for?
I want to be with you,
but I don't get into fights.
I didn't get into a fight.
A scene.
- It wasn't a scene.
- What was it then?
A shame.
You shouldn't fight.
Did you hear what she said to me?
Now that I'm jealous,
you're no longer interested?
You shouldn't have done that.
I like it
when we laugh and joke around...
I don't like these fits of jealousy.
You're always watching me.
I don't like that.
And you're hiding things from me too.
You talked about secrets...
- What things?
- What she said.
Our relationship has to be built on trust.
Don't start doubting me.
Then what was she talking about?
I'm not hiding anything.
I've been in a relationship...
And it's over.
I was in a relationship with someone
that I never saw in real life.
You're lying to me.
Hi.
What are you doing here?
I was worried.
Out of all the girls,
you're worried about me?
- Yeah, so what?
- What do you mean, "so what"?
Come here for a second.
Just a second!
Don't be scared.
- Let go.
- Don't be scared.
Let go of me.
Let go of me.
When I say stop, you stop.
- Be quiet when I'm talking to you.
- I have to work!
I tell you when you have to work.
I can do whatever I want with you.
What are you doing?
Let go, they'll see us.
- Let's talk.
- Talk about what?
- I have something to tell you.
- Talk where? Go where? Let go of me!
Why are you yelling? Don't yell at me.
- Wait a minute.
- No!
Get your hands off me.
Let go of me.
I'm letting go of you.
Go straight on, you'll find him there.
- Over there?
- Yes.
I'll go see him.
Hello, Abdou.
Welcome!
You don't come to see your uncle?
You'd rather send a bailiff after me?
Why are you doing this?
It's been six years
since I saw you...
You should have come to see me!
Why didn't you come to see me?
- Why would I?
- To see us.
- Think I've got nothing else going on?
- Same for me.
- But you send me a bailiff!
- I tried to call you.
Like I've stolen something?
Not stolen, snatched!
- What?
- You dispossessed us!
You have nothing here!
Then why did the bailiff come?
You are nobody here!
If you're right about that, fine.
All right.
You don't even come to check on us.
Why are you here?
To work the land?
If you have a right to the land,
so does your brother.
- He has no rights to it.
- Why not?
You have nothing here.
- Period.
- Okay.
I take care of it, water it,
harvest it...
- Many thanks to you.
- you talk to me about rights!
But even without being worked,
even without you, land...
No, no.
land is land.
You think you'll get it ready?
Ready for use? You think it's for me?
It's for my brothers
and my children, one day.
You've done nothing for the land.
Who does it belong to?
My grandfather. We're entitled to it.
That's the law.
Doesn't matter who works on it.
I'll never give up my kids' inheritance.
I'd rather die!
You have nothing here.
- Meriem.
- Yes?
Have you seen Melek?
Melek.
Melek.
Easy.
Melek?
I'm talking to you!
What's wrong with you?
Tell me what's wrong.
Nothing.
What's wrong with you? You look pale.
You don't answer when I call.
What's going on?
I looked for you with all the girls.
I didn't find you.
Listen.
I'm not okay right now.
My family...
I don't know where I stand anymore.
I can't promise you anything.
I don't want to confuse you.
Are you leaving?
Hneya, hurry up.
Come on, hurry.
Don't start wasting time.
Hneya, is the tea ready?
I'll serve you some in a minute.
- They're not going to pay you.
- It's not ready.
It's still just water!
I'm not paying today.
I'll give you credit.
I'm not paying at all.
You won't pay?
You won't have tea, then.
- Oh yes, I will.
- I swear you won't! No tea for you!
I'm not giving you free tea.
Taste it and tell me.
There's no sugar!
There's none at all.
- I put some in.
- No, there's none.
I swear I did.
It's not sweet.
Do you want to kill us?
Sana, what's with you today?
Sana!
You look like someone died.
What's wrong with you?
Just some stuff I'm dealing with.
What a sigh, Leila.
Leila, why is love so hard?
Why is it so complicated?
- Have you ever been in love?
- I am still in love.
You have a knot in your heart.
I have known love, I have lived it.
Love has hardened me.
- Is that why you're so tough?
- Yes, I have suffered a lot.
There's nothing funny about it,
I still cry over it.
After him...
- Did you love someone close to you?
- Yes, a neighbour.
You got married and that was over...
I didn't know the man I married.
- You didn't marry the man you loved?
- No, not him.
Your heart still longs for him.
I want to be buried with him.
His wife won't want that.
Will it be a three-floor grave?
If I die before him,
let him be buried on top of me.
That's an idea.
You think love is funny?
No, just the crowd
that you'll have in your grave.
So what?
This is fate.
I will never forget my husband.
What we experienced together
is enough for me.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
- Here you go, Meriem.
- Thank you.
It's still hot.
God, avenge me.
My God, forgive me.
Go on, go on.
God, give me strength.
- Are you done?
- Yes.
Sana!
Where is Sana?
Where were you?
You take an hour to get here.
- What?
- "What?"
- Welcome.
- Yeah.
- Here.
- What's this?
Your pay.
What's this?
Forty dinars for a week's work?
- I won't beg for money.
- You blind? It's sixty.
There's a whole day missing.
- Really?
- I worked seven days.
When did you do an extra day?
Oh yes, that's right,
you came on Sunday.
Wait, I'm writing this down.
You never forget anything.
- No, I don't.
- A real vulture.
You better be straight with me.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
Are we good?
- Vulture.
- You're the vulture.
Ghaith!
Go get your pay.
He won't say anything.
I'm going.
- Where are you going on holiday?
- Holiday?!
To the beach...
Here you go.
Thank you very much.
I won't be coming next week.
I have to rest, my leg is hurting.
- Really?
- I swear.
What will I do without you...
If my knee feels better, I'll come.
That's okay. Go ahead,
I'll be right there, we'll go home.
Come on, let's get going!
- Boss. Hi.
- Hi.
Can you pay me for today?
- No, I can't.
- Why not?
Because I pay everyone by the week.
I know, they told me.
But I'm really in a pinch.
Did you come to work or to get even?
Explain.
When I need to work, I work.
This has nothing to do with my uncle.
How so?
I'm renting this land from your uncle.
I could have problems with him.
I don't want any shenanigans.
No, don't worry.
If you have a problem with your uncle,
you can fight it out elsewhere,
but not here.
Okay.
Leila, where are you?
Here you go, Leila.
Thank you very much. How much is it?
- One week.
- A week?
Sixty dinars is not enough.
It's your usual pay.
I've worked a lot with your dad...
and your family...
Thanks but...
It's not enough.
I've got some troubles,
a lawsuit and a lawyer to pay.
- What do you want?
- Boss...
I would like sixty more dinars,
for the extra work.
Really?
You always get the same pay.
You could help me out.
I tell you everything about
the workers. Everything they do.
- It's okay, I know.
- I break my back for you.
I work hard for a little pay.
- I know that you're a serious worker.
- Thank you.
Here's fifty.
But this stays between us.
But I'm counting on you.
- Of course.
- Here's fifty.
Thank you, may God help you.
You too.
- All good?
- Yes.
I've added twenty dinars.
I don't want your twenty dinars.
Too bad for you.
I won't be coming back anymore.
After putting on such a show,
you want to leave?!
What show?
Dragging your feet between the trees.
I work.
Of course, I work too.
We're all working...
What work?!
Asshole.
Fid.
Fid!
- Why are you making that face?
- I'm fine.
- What's up?
- Everything's fine.
Here you go.
I'd like to talk.
What's up?
I shouldn't have to explain it
to you, you know very well what you did.
- What's the matter?
- Don't you dare talk to me anymore.
You are nothing to me.
You're a nobody.
Do you think you're special to me?
You thought I would marry you.
Do you think you're important?
I'm warning you.
If you keep bothering me or Melek,
this orchard will burn.
Don't think people will let you
get away with this.
- You won't get off lightly.
- You're threatening me?
I'm warning you. Think carefully!
You're a real peasant.
If you had any education,
you wouldn't talk like that.
Hi, boss.
Yes?
Is today payday?
Good question...
But who is paying who?
You're going to pay me.
What will I pay you?
You're not a real man.
Never say that again!
Not even as a joke.
- And you're a thief too!
- What did I steal from you?
Figs!
Who told you that?
You didn't steal?
You didn't take anything?
Get whoever said this over here.
You let their word get in your head.
You have no shame...
But boss, that's nonsense!
I know for a fact it was you.
I thought you were a good person.
- But now that I know...
- What?
It's not my fault you'll take
anyone's word over mine.
- What do you want?
- Pay me!
Get out of here.
I will when you pay me.
- Are you threatening me?
- I am.
You think I work all week
for you to do this to me?
You pay me right now!
Don't start yelling,
I'm not paying you!
Now, get lost!
- Get out of my way!
- No, I'm not leaving.
- Yes, you are!
- Pay me, God damn it!
Don't insult God! Get out of here!
Listen to me carefully.
I'll believe what I want.
Get out of here!
Don't push me!
I'm telling you to beat it!
Go home! Do you hear?
- Give me my money!
- Go home!
Do you understand or not?
- Boss, pay me and I'm gone.
- I'm not paying you!
Don't touch me!
Stop it, that's enough!
I'll set fire to your car
if you don't pay me!
For God's sake, stop!
What's all this, boss?
I swear you won't get a penny!
Go home, let me talk to him.
You won't do anything.
You're just a little shit!
Don't drive me crazy!
Do your job!
Give up.
Forget him. You deserve better.
Make small stacks, it'll be easier.
Go.
I said go.
Pass me the rope.
Come on, get in, Abdou. Hurry up.
No, I'm not going that way.
I go the other way.
- It's on my way.
- May God be with you.
- Are you all good?
- Yes.
Go on, get in. Hurry up!
God help us.
My God...
- I enjoyed today.
- How so?!
Move your foot.
Leave it, I'll do it.
Leave it.
Get in.
Get your leg off of that.
Put yourself higher up.
She took everything and left.
At least she has a roof over her head.
Enough. He's here.
Get ready.
Leila, what's the hurry?
Think you're going
to your father's orchard?
Good morning, boss.
I brought another girl to work.
- If she can work, bring her.
- Don't worry, she can.
Hello, boss.
- Hello.
- Got any work for me?
- No, none.
- Why not?
- None for you.
- Everyone works for you.
Because they work hard,
not like you.
Let me go work with them.
I have to earn a living.
You are a troublemaker.
Hneya, hurry up!
I'm doing my best!
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Your heart...
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Hold this for me.
Thank you.
Good morning. How are you?
You're afraid we'll be seen?
Let people talk.
- They can see us from behind.
- Let them watch.
They're already talking,
don't make it worse.
What are they saying?
That I ride in front and everything...
Silly things, as usual.
Let them talk, if it makes them happy.
I'm sick of all their noises in the back.
Once we worked for a guy
who was such a bastard
he'd pour water in the back
of the truck so we couldn't sit down.
We would all stand, packed in,
so he could take more workers.
- Are you serious?
- I swear.
UNDER THE FIG TREES
And this isn't part of it?
This orchard is difficult to watch over.
It's very big.
How do you expect me
to watch over everything?
Between the boars,
the motorcycles, the cars...
I have to see what they're up to
and get them to leave.
And down here there're guys
who come to get wasted.
Nothing but trouble.
We need another guard to help.
- You know that I'm losing out, here?
- Losing out how?
- A dead loss.
- But why?
You've seen all the workers here?
How am I supposed to do this?
The orchard is big
and it's not fenced in.
If it were, it would be easier.
But here it's open on all sides.
There are crates
in each corner of the orchard.
How do I do this?
You need to hire another person or two.
Maybe he went that way.
You should've seen your sister,
it was unbelievable!
- How did I miss that?
- You were busy with the boss.
- You and the boss can get lost.
- I swear!
He got in the truck with us.
And your sister, when she saw him...
Her face went bright red.
And she was shaking.
- I can feel my heart fluttering.
- Me too.
You know
he's like a little brother to me.
Wait for me.
Which way did he go?
I don't know, maybe that way.
- Get a move on!
- The boss is making his rounds.
Firas,
bring the crates.
Abdou...
- Yes... Hello.
- Hello.
Where have you been?
I'm here.
How are you doing?
I'm fine.
We moved to Monastir.
What about your brothers and sisters?
Everybody is fine.
- And what about you?
- We're fine. You?
All is well.
What a coincidence... Five years later.
We find each other here.
Who would have thought...
- Everything happens for a reason.
- Everything happens for a reason.
Not a word from you...
You didn't look for me?
You've changed.
We've all changed. Even you.
I looked for you.
For a long time.
I know.
Well, I'll let you get back to work.
- We can talk more later.
- Okay.
Ghaith.
Ghaith.
Listen.
Listen. Put those down.
Put the crates on the ground,
I'll show you.
- I only have two hands.
- I know that. All you do is talk.
There you go.
- Can't you do this?
- The branches are low.
- What?
- They're low.
Lower your arms and it'll work.
Count them.
Nine. I'll take one.
You cut the leaves like this.
You spread them out well at the bottom.
You put the figs on top
so that they don't get damaged.
See this one?
It needs a few more days.
- Touch it. It's not ripe.
- Right, it's hard.
You pick the ones that are ripe.
The ones that are soft and dark.
Be very careful with the branches.
If the figs are too high,
don't shake the branches.
Like this.
You take your stick and pull gently.
Breaking a branch
is like breaking an arm.
Take the stick.
Where do you live now?
In Monastir.
In Monastir?
Now, you're at your uncle's?
No, I'm staying with a friend.
- You don't remember me?
- No.
You've grown up. You're a man now.
When you were little,
I knew your parents.
Same valley, same family.
May they rest in peace.
Do you understand how to do it?
Yes, don't worry. I'm good.
Pick this one.
Did you go to the wedding?
I'm not a belly dancer.
You think you're better than a dancer?
Leave me alone.
Leave me alone.
- Don't you have a big stick?
- No.
Yours is long enough.
Spit it out.
Have you seen Firas?
You think I'm living with him?
That's God punishing you.
We need to hide this one from the boss.
If he sees this, he'll yell at to you.
If you don't rat, he won't.
I'm not a snitch!
You're really no fun.
I'm going to switch to another tree!
Go ahead, leave me in peace.
Broken.
A moment, Leila.
Yes?
- Did you see or hear anything today?
- No.
- Nothing at all?
- No, nothing.
The guard told me
there was a robbery last night.
Up there.
What do I have to do with the thief?
- You don't know who he is?
- No, I don't know anything about it.
I thought
you would have heard something.
Tell me, which of the boys
are the closest?
I need to know who's screwing with me.
- You didn't see anyone up there?
- No.
As usual, the boys, one by one.
Don't hide anything from me, please.
I swear, I don't know.
I've only seen them working.
It's got to be two of them.
One keeping watch, the other stealing.
And not someone from the outside.
I have no idea.
We didn't get to this part yesterday.
I know.
It was meant for this afternoon.
- You see?
- I don't know.
There are no more figs.
Are you all right?
- And you, how are you doing?
- I haven't changed.
You haven't either, you've just grown.
Your hair... just the same.
You were taller than me.
I was taller than you,
you remember...
That's life...
You left a void.
You too.
We never forgot about you.
I cut ties with everyone.
Not just with you guys.
I tried to forget about this place.
And, what's up with Melek?
What do you mean?
I don't know...
She suffered a lot.
She thought about you a lot.
She almost went on
"Lost and Found" to find you.
Just imagine it.
Here we are,
finally at this historic moment.
Firas.
Where are the crates?
Give them to him.
See if there are any ready.
Give him the full ones, Amara.
They aren't ready.
They're worse than Romeo and Juliet.
It's like she's the first person
to fall in love.
She dreams of him,
makes eyes at him.
He must have ten girls like her.
Love is not that simple.
You and your theories...
What theories?
I've never seen Melek like this.
Love is a lie.
The real relationship
begins after marriage.
First, you get married
and then you love him?
No, in the beginning
you have love and passion.
But it's after marriage
that you get attached.
But nowadays...
Stop talking nonsense.
You stop it!
You don't know anything.
Are you even old enough
to be talking about marriage?
I'm 17 years old.
I can imagine you married
to the handsome Firas,
stylish, well-built...
I'm going to change him.
People can change.
Maybe God will soften him up.
I have to guide him,
so that he becomes...
the man I want.
I want him to be closed-minded.
- Closed?
- Yes.
But Firas is fine the way he is.
Open-minded.
I don't think so,
I want him to be more conservative.
I want him to be like I imagine him.
Yeah, right.
If he loves me, he'll listen to me.
- If he doesn't...
- You'll listen to him.
No, if I tell him to do something,
he has to do it.
Shut up, that's nonsense.
- You're the one who has to obey.
- Sure...
What do you mean, "sure"?
Firas is fine the way he is.
If he changes,
you won't like him anymore.
Why are you so insistent?
I like him and I'm sure of it.
- You know nothing about love.
- I do! As if you know any better?
- Lower your voice.
- I'm being quiet.
Are there any more over there?
Come on down.
Should I hold the bucket?
No, don't jump!
Let's move to another tree.
Wait, there are two more there.
The boss, is he good with you?
The boss?
He's good with good people.
He's a jerk with the jerks.
Ah! And is he good with you?
It depends.
He seems nice to you.
- Abdou!
- Yes?
What are you getting at?
I'm just asking.
Abdou! I know you.
He acts differently with you.
Not like with the others.
Anyway, I don't trust men.
It's not my first relationship.
So you're going out with him?
- No!
- What is it then?
I swear I'm not.
But he is...
I don't know...
So there is something.
Yeah, he calls me and everything,
but I don't know.
Why?
Just curious.
Abdou!
You've been gone five years
but I still know you well.
I can read your eyes.
How long have you been
working for him?
I've been working for a long time.
Not just with him.
But you know...
A lot of things happen in the orchards.
I don't trust people anymore.
Last year or the year before,
there was a boss
who was harassing this girl,
I'll skip what happened after...
She had an abortion and everything.
You have to keep your guard up.
There is always drama.
You can't trust anyone.
He always has his eye on a girl.
You can't tell who he really wants.
He's like a stray dog.
But he's cute.
Seriously?
Crazy girl.
- Let's get back to work.
- Stay.
No, let's be careful.
I'll tell him I'm with Fid,
he won't say anything.
Drop it.
Let's get back to work.
So you're with Fid.
You literally just got here, smartie.
Some things never change.
Little sneak.
They're still green.
Who's picking the green ones?
Stop picking the unripe ones!
You're pissing me off in the morning.
Look at this.
This is bullshit.
Firas.
Yesterday you weren't feeling well,
today you arrive late, why?
It's nothing.
I had some stuff to do, that's all.
I figured there was a problem.
No, I just have some things
to take care of, that's all.
Can I know what things?
No, you can't.
Why not?
I tell you everything.
Some things are meant to
be shared, others not.
- Not even with me?
- No.
He's changed so much.
Of course he's different
after all he's been through.
At least he's holding on.
That's true... losing both parents...
But...
You thought he was going
to come to you
and talk in front of everybody?
And tell you
about what happened to him?
He could've only told me.
And why would he tell you?
Because I'm his ex-girlfriend.
His ex-girlfriend.
My heart hurts when I think about it.
Your heart is too weak.
What can I do?
Try to talk to him,
see if you still have feelings
for each other.
But men aren't everything in life.
I've had enough.
Love...
This is bogus.
I gave it my best shot.
And what did I gain?
A few good beatings.
Leila, I was waiting for you.
My neck was starting to hurt.
The bucket is full.
That's good.
I advise you
to only think about your own future.
Even before you get
your high school diploma.
I'm going, do what you want.
Think about what I said.
And figure it out.
- What's up with you?
- Nothing.
What's with you today?
Nothing, I just have one thing to do,
I'll tell you later.
No, tell me now, I want to know.
Now's not the time, I'll tell you later.
I don't feel good about this.
Why?
Is there another girl?
Come on, no.
- I'm preparing something.
- Give me a clue.
There's money at stake.
Money, you say?
Sounds like you're about to become
a CEO.
Sana, the CEO's wife.
Yes. Sana, the CEO's wife.
How are we going to see
each other when school starts?
Don't make me think about it,
I'll miss you so much.
We can meet in front of the school.
- No, not in front of the school.
- Why not?
My family goes to the cafe there.
So where will we meet then?
I've been thinking.
How about the Aziza supermarket?
- See you at Aziza.
- Why not.
Why not.
- Really?
- We can meet wherever you want.
Nobody knows us over there.
We'll stand in a corner.
Aziza or wherever...
- In the yogurt section.
- Why not?
It's cold by the yogurts.
- It's cold by the yogurts.
- We'll see.
It's up to you.
Put your phone away, Fid!
He won't do anything.
If he sees me, I'll say it's Dad.
Where do I put this?
You still don't know?
- The crates are full.
- Not at all!
Put them there.
We can't say anything to you girls!
You, you just grumble all day long!
Where's the boss?
- What?
- We can't tell these girls anything.
- Don't talk to them, then!
- Look, it's her or me.
Don't talk to them anymore.
They're rude.
- She knows them.
- They have smart mouths.
Can you hear them?
This one, it's going to break.
Don't pull.
Can you do it like that?
- Almost.
- Careful!
It broke.
- Is this the last one?
- Almost.
You traded me for Firas?
- Meriem.
- Yes.
- Why are you mad?
- I'm not mad.
You don't want to work with me?
I work with everybody.
You seem annoyed.
We're like brother and sister.
Not at all.
I can't believe this.
Here, he told you to fill this.
- Who did?
- The boss.
But it's already full.
- Add a little more.
- Add another quarter.
Fill up this one first.
- The boss is going to yell at us.
- It fell off on its own.
God, give me patience.
Give me two big leaves.
Don't do that, put them there.
No, give me that.
- We can bury them.
- No way.
You just have to do it well.
We'll say it wasn't us.
I'll throw them far away.
Come here.
Where are you taking that?
Where?
- I'll throw it...
- Where is it from?
- It broke off...
- It broke off the tree?
This is the second time.
It was an accident.
I don't want to hear that anymore!
What's up with you?
Everybody is picking,
but you're breaking branches!
You're useless! Go home!
I didn't do it on purpose.
Give it to me.
Drop the bucket.
Go home!
I don't want you here anymore.
- Go.
- This is the last time.
You've said that a thousand times!
Go home.
Look at me!
- I'm not paying you for today.
- Why?
You won't get paid.
We'll talk about it.
You, keep working!
Take that away.
And come back for these ones.
Firas.
Do you still need the stick?
Two seconds.
Give it back to me afterwards.
Here are some.
I'm looking for the big ones.
Put them there.
Put them there.
Hurry up.
Take this one, Sana.
What's wrong with her?
Yosra!
What's wrong with her?
- Yosra!
- She fainted.
Hold her up.
What's wrong with her?
She twisted her leg.
Don't hurt her.
Slowly.
- Yosra.
- Does this happen often?
What's going on here?
Yosra fainted.
- Yosra fainted, boss.
- Who's that?
The new one.
What's wrong?
Maybe she didn't eat this morning.
She's not used to this work,
why bring her?
- Has she done this work before?
- Hneya, do you have any sugar?
Maybe she's low on sugar.
It's okay, she's coming around.
Give her a fig.
Her teeth are clenched shut,
she can't eat.
She didn't eat anything this morning.
Yosra?
What do I do if she dies here?
Leave her, it's okay.
Get back to work.
Everybody back to work,
let her breathe!
Hurry up.
Hurry, they'll see us.
Keep an eye out.
It's okay, I'm watching.
You're going to get me into trouble.
Don't worry, everything will be fine.
I'm doing this because I love you.
What you're doing is a sin.
And our measly pay, that's not?
God will punish him.
Come on!
Give me your hand.
Careful.
Where should we sit?
Shall we set up here?
No, sit there.
In the shade.
- Sana, give me a crate.
- No.
- Come on, please.
- I told you no.
No, let go!
- Fid, what have you brought?
- Lots of goodies!
Good things, but mostly pasta.
Whose is this?
- I'll take this.
- It's not ours.
That's okay,
I want some fresh bread too.
- And what did you bring?
- Pasta.
Again!
Chakchouka.
- It's still warm.
- Who wants some?
In the name of God.
Come on.
She says "one bite"
and then finishes the dish!
Let me have another bite.
Give me that, let's eat together.
Firas!
Be quiet!
Firas, come!
I brought you your meal.
I can't right now.
- There's not enough room.
- Come on.
Please.
She made him a packed lunch,
just for him.
Certainly not for you.
- Why didn't you bring that out before?
- It's for him.
Make him eat too!
Finish it.
Thank you, baby.
You can get us to eat too.
Eat, don't be jealous.
Eat your food.
No jealousy.
I should have told Ghaith to do it.
- Have some eggs, Hneya.
- No, I don't like that.
Thank you, my Firas.
How generous!
Abdou, which is better,
here or Monastir?
To be honest, I'd say over there.
The atmosphere, the sea...
Are there many tourists?
Yes, but not as many as before.
But here, people are better.
How? They spend all their time
minding each other's business...
Is there any work out there?
Yes.
More than here?
Here it's more about farming.
I'm tired of farming.
Abdou, what work do you do there?
I just left school. I took two courses.
You left school?
Yes.
What kind of courses?
The first course was in aluminium.
Then pastries.
So you make cakes and stuff?
Yes.
Ready for the new school year?
- I don't think I'm going back.
- Why not?
I'm tired.
You'd rather get married.
Yes, I want to get married.
- School is better.
- It's up to me.
You have to pursue what you love.
I love sleeping.
Did you see the Instagram
post yesterday?
Check it out.
- Can I see?
- She's a bombshell.
Not at all.
Why are you showing that around?
I do what I want.
She's beautiful, isn't she?
Show me.
No.
Everybody has seen it but me.
I'm going to delete it.
Give me the phone.
- Why do you need to see it?
- Everyone has.
Forget about it.
Let go of the phone!
You're hiding this from me...
You don't want me to see?
And you zoom in too!
Come on, stop.
I can't believe you're still looking.
Now with Instagram,
Facebook, WhatsApp...
Keep your eyes open,
and don't choose the wrong partner.
Think carefully before you choose.
There's nothing wrong with her
showing herself.
People are free. You could also
show yourself wearing a niqab or hijab.
It's inappropriate.
She can do whatever she wants!
At home he wants her naked,
but outside in a niqab!
Yes, maybe.
Are you thinking of dressing like that
for him?
Never!
But I guess anything is possible.
You watch what you say!
Only fate can tell.
Zap!
We were watching Bollywood TV
as a family.
Anyway, there was a scene that was...
awkward.
We all jumped for the remote.
I turned to my father and
he was glued to the screen.
The truck accident was a shock.
But they went back to work
the next day.
My knee is blue and swollen.
You'll forget as you get older.
You're here to work.
You should have just stayed home.
I'm not going to beg him.
Come on, we don't have time.
The boss will be looking for us.
Hurry up.
Time's up.
We'll discuss it later.
We'll do all of that.
Listen, I'll call you back.
Hey boss... are you good?
Are you being a smooth talker?
I have to be.
That's all we do.
So, who is it?
A girl.
- A girl?
- Yes.
If it is, just tell me!
Why are you hiding? You look nervous.
Is she in love?
I'm not slacking, I swear.
- Is it a done deal?
- Yes, all good.
I can't stand it here.
I'm suffocating here.
From what?
I don't understand.
From everyone.
There's nothing going on here.
Stuck at home...
nothing to do.
I can't go anywhere.
I can't even see my girlfriend!
She doesn't want to or you don't?
No, we have nowhere to meet!
You're not a kid anymore!
Work all day, get drunk at night...
She doesn't let you touch her.
Why not?
She's afraid of her mother,
her father, her brother...
her sister.
Even kissing is off limits?
She makes you fight
just to get a little peck.
Not to mention the rest.
You have to be a real fox.
Enough with this.
"Hi, I want to see you," bullshit.
You can't do anything else here!
Take her to the mountains!
The main thing is that you see her.
Make it work.
In the mountains?
You think nobody's there?
So we'll meet under a fig tree
or an olive tree?
People are closed-minded here.
As soon as you talk to a girl,
she thinks she's...
She gets all pretentious.
It's true, people here are wild.
And they're all veiled.
You take one look at them
and they act offended.
They think they're hot stuff, too.
But you know all that.
Over there,
I get back from the market, tired,
and they're insisting to see me.
They're in heat.
You must have heard about these girls...
Yeah...
It hurts my heart.
I take them out to the beach,
or a house, or a hotel.
They even drink alcohol.
All of that is normal for them.
In Nabeul.
I know it's normal.
You're so lucky.
One day, I'll take you with me.
To see what happens out there.
My treat.
God will provide.
God will provide.
Seriously, you'll have them all.
You deserve a thousand girls.
I can't leave you like this.
Come on, get back to work.
Thanks, boss.
Meriem!
- Where are the goods?
- Leila, I'm going as fast as I can!
God, help me.
Move over so I can get down.
- Why are you coming down?
- No more figs here.
Careful.
Let's rest for a couple of minutes.
Yes, I'm exhausted.
You'll be happy to get rid of us.
We're going back to school.
We'll miss you.
What exactly will you miss?
Which one of us will you miss?
All of you.
I'll call you, but you have to pick up.
No, I'll block you.
Then I won't call you.
Fid!
Yes.
- Where are the figs?
- Over there!
Bring them, we're running out of time.
- I don't have enough.
- Two minutes.
You've called her.
If she doesn't come,
let them figure it out.
- I was going to take them.
- I'm waiting for you.
The boss said to not stack them.
Don't make me wait any longer.
I have to sort them.
Wait, she's going to add more.
I told you to stop stacking them
and to fill them less.
Don't crush them.
If I put less, you won't be happy either.
I'm waiting but nobody's coming.
Sana.
What's going on?
You seem angry.
Don't act like you don't know.
Are you kidding me?
You were fine this morning,
and now you're sulking.
You should figure it out by yourself.
Don't patronise me,
and stop playing games with me.
What do you want?
Stay away from Firas.
Are you serious?
See?
Do you have to be like that?
Perched on the tree,
blabbing away all flirty.
Stop imagining things! I know you,
turning the tiniest thing into...
I see what you're doing.
- What are you talking about?
- How you act with him.
Do you think I'm hitting on him?
If he told you I was hitting on him,
tell me!
You should have just gone out with him!
If I really wanted him, I would have.
- He'll leave you like the others.
- What?
What do you want now?
You've screamed, thrown your bucket...
What next?
You know what you're like,
with all your scandals!
What are you talking about?
What scandals?
If you know something I don't, say it!
And what are you going to do to me?
I'm not clingy like you.
I'm just nice
and sociable, that's it.
You're just a tease!
And everyone makes fun of you.
Blah blah.
It's useless talking to you.
You've got issues.
I'm glad I have issues.
Great, be like that. A real sicko.
Right, a nervous wreck, like you.
I swear, you're crazy.
Fid, shut up! Everyone's watching you.
I don't care what other people think.
That's their problem!
This is crazy.
Now you've pushed me too far.
That's your problem.
All of you, mind your own business!
Go educate your daughters.
You want to get married, look elsewhere!
See what daughters-in-law you find!
Big deal!
They will all end up ordering you around.
You only act like men here.
With the city girls,
you act like sissies.
And you women, you've never flirted?
Bullshit!
There is not a single woman,
not a single girl
who's never been touched.
Now they're pretending to be
virgin saints.
Never been touched by a man?
They're lying.
Think whatever you want, I don't care.
Everyone should mind
their own business.
- Are you done now?
- Leave me alone!
If you have a problem, go see Firas,
so he'll never talk to me again.
Start by respecting yourself.
Are you really this stupid?
I regret speaking to you.
She's got problems, I swear.
Get back to work and stop yelling.
What's the point of all this bickering?
I prefer you when you're calm.
I'm not calm.
Leave me alone, please.
That's out of character.
Why? Please stay out of it.
Why shouldn't I get involved?
What do you want me to say?
You shouldn't behave like that.
It doesn't suit you, my child.
It's inappropriate.
Why do you insult men?
Calling them sissies...
You sure fight over these sissies.
It's her.
I don't care about men!
I really don't care!
Don't say that about us.
There are still men, real men.
Don't say there aren't.
Who drove out the French?
Women contributed too.
Both fought for freedom. Together!
Don't say women didn't help.
It's better when you talk sensibly.
I was really annoyed earlier.
But what you said hurt me.
It hurt me a lot.
It's nothing...
Those words just came out.
May God bring you peace.
May He bring everyone peace.
- Here, take this.
- No, thank you.
You'd better not let him catch you.
We eat only what he offers us.
We don't help ourselves.
Let's forget about the boss.
You.
I'm 100% sure
that you've liked someone else.
I'm sure...
Don't say otherwise.
That's normal, I'm not the only one.
You didn't meet anybody?
Even if I had boyfriends,
or if I was talking to other guys,
it was just to clear my head.
What do you mean by that?
To forget you.
After you, I never loved again.
Okay, but...
We were young,
we didn't know anything.
Maybe you think we were young
and didn't know anything.
But I don't.
I don't know why...
I can't get over you.
Still?
Still.
There're many things
that make me think of you.
Like what?
Do you remember this?
When we had an argument...
Here.
We'd had an argument
and I cut myself with a compass.
To tattoo your initials.
It's starting to disappear.
You can barely see it.
But it's still there.
At least you held onto a piece of me.
Let me.
We were happy then.
Melek. Come on, come on.
What does he want?
I'm on my way.
Don't forget your stick.
I don't know how to get down.
I'll help you.
It's going to tip over!
Here?
No, I'm not mad anymore.
I thought you were.
Who do you think I did that for?
I want to be with you,
but I don't get into fights.
I didn't get into a fight.
A scene.
- It wasn't a scene.
- What was it then?
A shame.
You shouldn't fight.
Did you hear what she said to me?
Now that I'm jealous,
you're no longer interested?
You shouldn't have done that.
I like it
when we laugh and joke around...
I don't like these fits of jealousy.
You're always watching me.
I don't like that.
And you're hiding things from me too.
You talked about secrets...
- What things?
- What she said.
Our relationship has to be built on trust.
Don't start doubting me.
Then what was she talking about?
I'm not hiding anything.
I've been in a relationship...
And it's over.
I was in a relationship with someone
that I never saw in real life.
You're lying to me.
Hi.
What are you doing here?
I was worried.
Out of all the girls,
you're worried about me?
- Yeah, so what?
- What do you mean, "so what"?
Come here for a second.
Just a second!
Don't be scared.
- Let go.
- Don't be scared.
Let go of me.
Let go of me.
When I say stop, you stop.
- Be quiet when I'm talking to you.
- I have to work!
I tell you when you have to work.
I can do whatever I want with you.
What are you doing?
Let go, they'll see us.
- Let's talk.
- Talk about what?
- I have something to tell you.
- Talk where? Go where? Let go of me!
Why are you yelling? Don't yell at me.
- Wait a minute.
- No!
Get your hands off me.
Let go of me.
I'm letting go of you.
Go straight on, you'll find him there.
- Over there?
- Yes.
I'll go see him.
Hello, Abdou.
Welcome!
You don't come to see your uncle?
You'd rather send a bailiff after me?
Why are you doing this?
It's been six years
since I saw you...
You should have come to see me!
Why didn't you come to see me?
- Why would I?
- To see us.
- Think I've got nothing else going on?
- Same for me.
- But you send me a bailiff!
- I tried to call you.
Like I've stolen something?
Not stolen, snatched!
- What?
- You dispossessed us!
You have nothing here!
Then why did the bailiff come?
You are nobody here!
If you're right about that, fine.
All right.
You don't even come to check on us.
Why are you here?
To work the land?
If you have a right to the land,
so does your brother.
- He has no rights to it.
- Why not?
You have nothing here.
- Period.
- Okay.
I take care of it, water it,
harvest it...
- Many thanks to you.
- you talk to me about rights!
But even without being worked,
even without you, land...
No, no.
land is land.
You think you'll get it ready?
Ready for use? You think it's for me?
It's for my brothers
and my children, one day.
You've done nothing for the land.
Who does it belong to?
My grandfather. We're entitled to it.
That's the law.
Doesn't matter who works on it.
I'll never give up my kids' inheritance.
I'd rather die!
You have nothing here.
- Meriem.
- Yes?
Have you seen Melek?
Melek.
Melek.
Easy.
Melek?
I'm talking to you!
What's wrong with you?
Tell me what's wrong.
Nothing.
What's wrong with you? You look pale.
You don't answer when I call.
What's going on?
I looked for you with all the girls.
I didn't find you.
Listen.
I'm not okay right now.
My family...
I don't know where I stand anymore.
I can't promise you anything.
I don't want to confuse you.
Are you leaving?
Hneya, hurry up.
Come on, hurry.
Don't start wasting time.
Hneya, is the tea ready?
I'll serve you some in a minute.
- They're not going to pay you.
- It's not ready.
It's still just water!
I'm not paying today.
I'll give you credit.
I'm not paying at all.
You won't pay?
You won't have tea, then.
- Oh yes, I will.
- I swear you won't! No tea for you!
I'm not giving you free tea.
Taste it and tell me.
There's no sugar!
There's none at all.
- I put some in.
- No, there's none.
I swear I did.
It's not sweet.
Do you want to kill us?
Sana, what's with you today?
Sana!
You look like someone died.
What's wrong with you?
Just some stuff I'm dealing with.
What a sigh, Leila.
Leila, why is love so hard?
Why is it so complicated?
- Have you ever been in love?
- I am still in love.
You have a knot in your heart.
I have known love, I have lived it.
Love has hardened me.
- Is that why you're so tough?
- Yes, I have suffered a lot.
There's nothing funny about it,
I still cry over it.
After him...
- Did you love someone close to you?
- Yes, a neighbour.
You got married and that was over...
I didn't know the man I married.
- You didn't marry the man you loved?
- No, not him.
Your heart still longs for him.
I want to be buried with him.
His wife won't want that.
Will it be a three-floor grave?
If I die before him,
let him be buried on top of me.
That's an idea.
You think love is funny?
No, just the crowd
that you'll have in your grave.
So what?
This is fate.
I will never forget my husband.
What we experienced together
is enough for me.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
- Here you go, Meriem.
- Thank you.
It's still hot.
God, avenge me.
My God, forgive me.
Go on, go on.
God, give me strength.
- Are you done?
- Yes.
Sana!
Where is Sana?
Where were you?
You take an hour to get here.
- What?
- "What?"
- Welcome.
- Yeah.
- Here.
- What's this?
Your pay.
What's this?
Forty dinars for a week's work?
- I won't beg for money.
- You blind? It's sixty.
There's a whole day missing.
- Really?
- I worked seven days.
When did you do an extra day?
Oh yes, that's right,
you came on Sunday.
Wait, I'm writing this down.
You never forget anything.
- No, I don't.
- A real vulture.
You better be straight with me.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
Are we good?
- Vulture.
- You're the vulture.
Ghaith!
Go get your pay.
He won't say anything.
I'm going.
- Where are you going on holiday?
- Holiday?!
To the beach...
Here you go.
Thank you very much.
I won't be coming next week.
I have to rest, my leg is hurting.
- Really?
- I swear.
What will I do without you...
If my knee feels better, I'll come.
That's okay. Go ahead,
I'll be right there, we'll go home.
Come on, let's get going!
- Boss. Hi.
- Hi.
Can you pay me for today?
- No, I can't.
- Why not?
Because I pay everyone by the week.
I know, they told me.
But I'm really in a pinch.
Did you come to work or to get even?
Explain.
When I need to work, I work.
This has nothing to do with my uncle.
How so?
I'm renting this land from your uncle.
I could have problems with him.
I don't want any shenanigans.
No, don't worry.
If you have a problem with your uncle,
you can fight it out elsewhere,
but not here.
Okay.
Leila, where are you?
Here you go, Leila.
Thank you very much. How much is it?
- One week.
- A week?
Sixty dinars is not enough.
It's your usual pay.
I've worked a lot with your dad...
and your family...
Thanks but...
It's not enough.
I've got some troubles,
a lawsuit and a lawyer to pay.
- What do you want?
- Boss...
I would like sixty more dinars,
for the extra work.
Really?
You always get the same pay.
You could help me out.
I tell you everything about
the workers. Everything they do.
- It's okay, I know.
- I break my back for you.
I work hard for a little pay.
- I know that you're a serious worker.
- Thank you.
Here's fifty.
But this stays between us.
But I'm counting on you.
- Of course.
- Here's fifty.
Thank you, may God help you.
You too.
- All good?
- Yes.
I've added twenty dinars.
I don't want your twenty dinars.
Too bad for you.
I won't be coming back anymore.
After putting on such a show,
you want to leave?!
What show?
Dragging your feet between the trees.
I work.
Of course, I work too.
We're all working...
What work?!
Asshole.
Fid.
Fid!
- Why are you making that face?
- I'm fine.
- What's up?
- Everything's fine.
Here you go.
I'd like to talk.
What's up?
I shouldn't have to explain it
to you, you know very well what you did.
- What's the matter?
- Don't you dare talk to me anymore.
You are nothing to me.
You're a nobody.
Do you think you're special to me?
You thought I would marry you.
Do you think you're important?
I'm warning you.
If you keep bothering me or Melek,
this orchard will burn.
Don't think people will let you
get away with this.
- You won't get off lightly.
- You're threatening me?
I'm warning you. Think carefully!
You're a real peasant.
If you had any education,
you wouldn't talk like that.
Hi, boss.
Yes?
Is today payday?
Good question...
But who is paying who?
You're going to pay me.
What will I pay you?
You're not a real man.
Never say that again!
Not even as a joke.
- And you're a thief too!
- What did I steal from you?
Figs!
Who told you that?
You didn't steal?
You didn't take anything?
Get whoever said this over here.
You let their word get in your head.
You have no shame...
But boss, that's nonsense!
I know for a fact it was you.
I thought you were a good person.
- But now that I know...
- What?
It's not my fault you'll take
anyone's word over mine.
- What do you want?
- Pay me!
Get out of here.
I will when you pay me.
- Are you threatening me?
- I am.
You think I work all week
for you to do this to me?
You pay me right now!
Don't start yelling,
I'm not paying you!
Now, get lost!
- Get out of my way!
- No, I'm not leaving.
- Yes, you are!
- Pay me, God damn it!
Don't insult God! Get out of here!
Listen to me carefully.
I'll believe what I want.
Get out of here!
Don't push me!
I'm telling you to beat it!
Go home! Do you hear?
- Give me my money!
- Go home!
Do you understand or not?
- Boss, pay me and I'm gone.
- I'm not paying you!
Don't touch me!
Stop it, that's enough!
I'll set fire to your car
if you don't pay me!
For God's sake, stop!
What's all this, boss?
I swear you won't get a penny!
Go home, let me talk to him.
You won't do anything.
You're just a little shit!
Don't drive me crazy!
Do your job!
Give up.
Forget him. You deserve better.
Make small stacks, it'll be easier.
Go.
I said go.
Pass me the rope.
Come on, get in, Abdou. Hurry up.
No, I'm not going that way.
I go the other way.
- It's on my way.
- May God be with you.
- Are you all good?
- Yes.
Go on, get in. Hurry up!
God help us.
My God...
- I enjoyed today.
- How so?!
Move your foot.
Leave it, I'll do it.
Leave it.
Get in.
Get your leg off of that.
Put yourself higher up.