Drops of God (2023) s01e04 Episode Script
Foundation
1
[HAIRDRESSER, IN JAPANESE]
Is this all right?
[ISSEI] Thank you.
I read the article about you winning.
Great that you've beaten
Alexandre Léger's daughter.
Too bad for her. The media will
make fun of her in her country.
Pretty embarrassing for her.
It's very kind of you to worry about me,
but the battle is not over
yet. It's just one loss.
I don't speak good Japanese,
but I understand quite a lot.
[CHATTERING]
I agree.
Your father never spoke to me about you.
I only found out he had a
daughter at the lawyer's office.
I'm not surprised.
- [PHOTOGRAPHER, IN JAPANESE] Look at me.
- [SHUTTER CLICKS]
Could you stand up, please?
you're here for the inheritance?
I'm here for my inheritance.
[SHUTTER CLICKING]
Seems like your father
thought different.
[IN JAPANESE] Turn toward each other.
- [ISSEI SIGHS]
How does he feel about this?
[PHOTOGRAPHER, IN JAPANESE] Move closer.
[PHOTOGRAPHER] Closer.
- Closer.
- [INHALES SHARPLY]
I think that's enough, right?
[PHOTOGRAPHER] Yes, yes.
But a little bit more.
Can you smile at each other, please?
[HOUSEKEEPER] Shall
I serve you more tea?
[HONOKA] I've had enough.
Could you get my husband?
We're going to be late.
I will.
People in Japan are
excited about this victory
because it was against an opponent
from France, the homeland of wine.
On the other hand, it's not
surprising for the Tomine Group,
who was always known to
pursue excellence
He is not in his room.
It seems he didn't
sleep here last night.
[PHONE BEEPS]
[LINE BEEPS]
[PHONE OPERATOR] The number you
have dialed is not in service.
[LINE BEEPING]
[DOORBELL RINGS]
He says he has to give
it to you personally.
[COURIER] Please.
If you'll excuse me.
[STUDENT] Honoka.
Honoka.
Do you want some?
It's pretty, isn't it?
[PERSON SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
[IN FRENCH] Thomas, stop, stop.
Be nice to, uh, our guests, Thomas.
[INHALES SHARPLY] I'm sorry, he's
usually on time, but this time
Oh, no, no. Don't worry. It's part
of the French charm. [CHUCKLES]
[PROFESSOR LAUGHS]
[CLEARS THROAT]
[CAR APPROACHES]
Ah.
Here comes our master of wine.
Meet my good friend and
expert, Alexandre Léger.
[PROFESSOR TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Hello, everyone!
My apologies for the delay.
Let's start with the tastings. Okay?
[PROFESSOR TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Please, come with me.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Who does he think he is?
[IN FRENCH] This is a local wine.
- Vintage, 1984.
- [TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
As you will notice, it
has a nice roundness to it.
It's fruity, and at the
same time, quite tannic.
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE CONTINUES]
It's a complex wine, made
from different grape varieties.
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault,
Terret noir,
Counoise,
Vaccarèse, Muscardin,
Clairette, Piquepoul,
Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Picardan.
Not easy, right?
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[GLASS HITS TABLE]
[PROFESSOR SIGHS]
[TRANSLATES INTO FRENCH]
Is that the best you have?
It's a pretty basic wine.
[ALEXANDRE GULPS, CLEARS THROAT]
Basic?
This is a Grand Cru which
has a solid reputation.
It has a lot of success.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[CHUCKLES, SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[PROFESSOR, IN FRENCH]
The fact that wine merchants buy it,
doesn't make it a good wine.
[CHUCKLES] No, of course not.
[PROFESSOR TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[INHALES DEEPLY, SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[TRANSLATES INTO FRENCH]
I'd like to taste
a rare wine with personality
that can't be found in
Japan. That's why we're here.
[SPEAKING JAPANESE, LAUGHS]
[STUDENTS LAUGH]
[IN FRENCH] What did he say?
[STAMMERS]
Mr. Onoyama wishes you good luck.
Miss Tomine is not easy to impress.
[ALEXANDRE SIGHS]
Very well.
Challenge accepted.
[PROFESSOR TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[ALEXANDRE SIGHS, INHALES SHARPLY]
You're right, Miss.
- [PROFESSOR TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- [ALEXANDRE GRUNTS]
[IN FRENCH] The domination of
expensive wines is unbearable.
We mostly pay for their labels.
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Here you go.
This wine has a strong personality.
Philippe doesn't sell many
of these and it's a pity.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[SLURPS]
[GULPS]
- [PROFESSOR LAUGHS]
- Well, there you go!
[STUDENTS LAUGHING]
[POURING WINE]
[ALEXANDRE] Where are
you going tomorrow?
[PROFESSOR] To Cairanne,
Domaine de la Touche Poupeaux.
Do you know them?
[ALEXANDRE] What nonsense.
You should cancel your visit.
I know Gérald. He'll have
you taste uninteresting wines.
I can introduce you to a fellow
winemaker who is much more talented.
He'll be happy to have you
over. Especially if I sent you.
[PROFESSOR] Thank you very much,
Mr. Léger. You are very generous.
[ALEXANDRE] My pleasure.
Ah, once again, thank
you, Mr. Chassangre.
It was an unforgettable day.
- [PHILIPPE] Come back anytime.
- Thank you.
Mr. Léger?
The university where I teach would
like to set up a course in enology.
We'd like to open up more
to international markets.
If you ever visit or come to
Japan for work, do get in touch.
[ALEXANDRE] That's very kind of
you, but for now, I have other plans.
- Ah.
I would really like to
buy your special wine.
The one Mr. Léger gave us to try.
[IN FRENCH] You know,
your Mourvèdre Counoise.
She wants to buy some.
[IN FRENCH] Uh, yeah, so,
uh, they come in crates of 12,
so it'll be more like 48 bottles.
Fifty is impossible,
they come in crates of 12.
Oh. No, no. Fifty crates. And
they'll have to be sent to Japan.
[STAMMERS, SPEAKS IN FRENCH]
Uh, the shipment will cost a fortune.
So, Miss Tomine is
the distinguished heir
of the Tomine Diamonds Company.
Maybe you have heard about it?
It's okay for the delivery. No problem.
[IN FRENCH] Also, we could invite
them all to the party tonight?
Oh, yes. Yes, yes, of course. Good idea.
Uh, tonight we're celebrating
the end of the harvesting
and you're all invited, guys.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- Thanks so much.
- [ALEXANDRE] Come with us!
Come with us, we'll show
you some French moves.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
["(KEEP FEELING) FASCINATION" PLAYING]
[CHATTERING AND LAUGHING]
[IN JAPANESE]
You're already as red as the wine.
[HIROKAZU] Not enough.
The party's just started.
[LAUGHS]
[CHUCKLES]
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
She's beautiful.
Like an actress.
[CHATTERING CONTINUES]
Hirokazu.
Your friendship means a lot to me.
Do you understand?
Sorry.
I
I drank too much.
It won't happen again.
- [MUSIC CONTINUES]
- [CHATTERING, LAUGHING CONTINUES]
[PEOPLE CHEERING, LAUGHING]
Everyone, be careful!
[NEWSCASTER, IN FRENCH]
The latest update
on the incredible contest in Japan
over Alexandre Léger's inheritance.
The stakes are incredibly high.
An exceptional wine cellar
at an estimated value of
over 120 million euros.
- Alexandre Léger made his fortune
- [DOORBELL RINGS]
with the creation of the
Léger Guides 20 years ago,
forever changing the world of eno
[DOORBELL RINGS]
Yes?
Marianne Léger?
- Yes.
- Sign here, please.
Thank you.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
[BREATHES SHAKILY]
[ALEXANDRE] Dear Marianne,
I would like you to scatter my ashes
over the heights of Philippe's property.
I'm sorry I wasn't able to
support you as you supported me.
I was never able to make you happy.
It's my greatest regret.
[INHALES DEEPLY, SIGHS]
[SIGHS]
[ALEXANDRE WHISPERING]
Infused mint, white fruit,
sweet spice, honey, pastry
[CANDIDATE] I don't think
we can separate these two senses,
both of which have their own
way of perceiving a sweet wine
or even a fruit or a flower.
We're not talking about
flowers here, Mr. Dupuis.
When I listen to you, I feel like
I'm listening to old Lamarquange
who used to talk about
peonies on red wines
and honeysuckle on white wines.
I still can't believe
Rollin is on the jury.
That guy is not a
winemaker, he's a moneymaker.
- You're exaggerating.
- No, I'm not.
He is a fucking fraud who sells his wine
for a fortune while
it's nothing but shit!
Alexandre, get over yourself.
We don't care what you think
about him. Leave this for later.
As soon as I graduate, I'll
knock him off his small pedestal.
[LAUGHS] And he's the pretentious one?
Don't get pulled into their game, okay?
- Alexandre.
- Hmm.
- Of course not.
- [CANDIDATE] Thanks to you.
I'm up.
Mr. Léger?
Good morning.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Mr. Léger, we congratulate you.
You passed the blind tasting test
with disconcerting ease.
Thank you very much.
But now, let's move on to your thesis,
"Reflections on the
future of French wine."
[CLEARS THROAT] In your words,
"In France, wine is a monarchy
with the Bordeaux acting as kinglets
and money as the absolute ruler."
What do you mean by that, Mr. Léger?
[CHUCKLES]
First, I do not wish to
generalize all Bordeaux wines.
I just want to give my views
on an approach I find outdated.
It's always the same
wines that are acclaimed
at the expense of innovation and
of some winemakers who take risks.
Do you have an issue with
big wine estates, Mr. Léger?
With prestigious wines?
[ALEXANDRE SIGHS] "Prestigious wines."
Big question.
You know,
when an athlete wins a major
title, he puts it back into the race
and then trains hard.
Even harder in hope of winning
a place on the podium
the following year.
Nothing is set in stone.
Nothing is won in advance.
But, uh, when I hear
the word "prestigious,"
it sounds to me like a nobility title.
A distinction handed out for life.
And that makes no sense to me.
Tradition doesn't make sense?
- That's not what I said.
- Well, that's what I heard.
Or else you need to clarify.
You want me to clarify?
What I'm saying is that
some of the great estates
you're talking about
tend to rest on the
laurels of their past glory
and rely on their "prestigious" name
without doing anything
that justified that.
And that's a disgrace.
As far as I'm concerned,
they are vulgar salesmen of wine labels
and there's no place for
them in our ecosystem.
Oh! [CHUCKLES]
Do you have some names
you wish to share?
No. They will recognize themselves.
What fuckers!
[MARIANNE] Yes, you're right. They are.
Do you feel better now?
Everything's screwed! What now?
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
[SIGHS] I messed up. It's all my fault.
Hey. Stop.
Calm down.
We're here. Both of
us. We'll figure it out.
Hey.
We'll figure it out.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
[IN JAPANESE] Professor
Alexandre Léger.
Enology course, room 227.
Come on.
I don't think your
father will like this.
I don't care what my father thinks.
[ALEXANDRE, IN FRENCH] I will be
your enology lecturer this year.
[TRANSLATOR TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] At least, as far
as wine can actually be taught.
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE CONTINUES]
[IN FRENCH] Hello, Miss Tomine.
[SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[TRANSLATES INTO FRENCH]
It's an honor to have you
at this university, Mr. Léger.
I'll begin the first semester
by explaining the link
between art and wine.
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Which are, in my
opinion, intimately connected.
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE CONTINUES]
[IN FRENCH] But first,
I'd like to get right to
the heart of the subject.
Theory is good.
But practice is better.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Wine can't be expressed with words.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- It needs to be smelled
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- tasted
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- and experienced.
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
So forget your brain for a
while and let your senses speak.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
It's, above all, a
question of sensitivity.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
And open-mindedness.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
So
who wants to taste it?
Who will sacrifice themselves
for a beautiful cause?
[STAMMERS, TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Come on. It's not exactly torture.
Or else you got the wrong class.
[IN FRENCH] Mr. Léger
[SIGHS] students can't
drink alcohol in class.
It can cause trouble.
[CHUCKLES]
You're joking, right?
[ALEXANDRE] When I
think we left everything
to live in this shabby broom
closet and for me to teach monks.
I see your fighting
spirit. That's great.
They didn't even want to taste the wine!
What am I supposed to do with that?
It was stupid to come here.
We never should have done it.
I'm not going to make it.
Yes, you will, Alexandre.
Because it's hard for me too, you know.
I plan to make friends and
get to know this fucking town.
So, pull yourself together.
Stop acting like this and
help me unpack the boxes, okay?
Yes, sorry.
You're right.
[CHUCKLES]
It just takes time.
And if you still want
them to taste wine,
you can do it outside the university.
I spotted a little bar that
would be perfect for it.
And lastly, this is a painting
from the Italian Baroque period.
- [TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
- Fruits and Jasmine.
It was painted by a woman. Fede Galizia.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Yes, Miss Tomine?
[SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Mr. Léger, it's beautiful,
but what does this have to do with wine?
- You will see. Believe me.
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- You will find out next class.
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- Well, see you on Friday.
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
And don't forget to bring me your
analysis of Fede Galizia's painting.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[STUDENTS CHATTERING]
who would be interested,
we could continue this
class later this evening
at La Kachetto wine bar.
8:00 p.m.
[IN JAPANESE] What did he say?
8:00 p.m. at La Kachetto wine bar.
He will give a class
at La Kachetto wine bar.
- Are you coming?
- [HIROKAZU] Sure.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
- Good evening, professor.
- [SPEAKING JAPANESE]
Let's get to work.
[GLASSES CLINK]
Great job.
First,
I want to train your nose.
Smell is the most
important of all senses.
So
[SIGHS]
Who is going first?
All right.
Hmm.
- [IN JAPANESE] Do you need help?
- I'm okay.
[ALEXANDRE INHALES DEEPLY]
[GULPS]
What do you smell?
[SNIFFS]
Lychee.
Easy. Ginger.
[ALEXANDRE LAUGHS, INHALES DEEPLY]
- Basil.
- Brilliant.
And this.
What is it?
Grilled sesame.
[IN JAPANESE] Awesome. [LAUGHS]
[ALEXANDRE] Well done.
Four out of five.
Just one left to go.
Orange blossom.
That's, uh
Well, that's right.
[STUDENTS, IN JAPANESE] Awesome.
- Thank you.
- I'm really impressed.
So,
- who's going next?
- [STUDENTS SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Sorry, I'm a little late.
[GROANING]
Wow.
[CHUCKLES] What's
with all the theatrics?
[CHUCKLES] I wanted to play
the submissive Geisha for you.
I can't feel my legs anymore.
This position is horrible.
- Are you drunk?
- A little bit.
I was too thirsty.
I'm drinking Japanese
beer. Do you want some?
We have something to celebrate tonight!
I think Honoka reconciled
me with Italian wine.
And I wouldn't have bet on that!
I'll remember that little Barolo.
She is very talented.
You're not even going to ask
me what we're celebrating?
- You don't even care.
- Of course, I do care.
Sorry. Tell me.
I passed my interview
at the French Institute.
I will be in charge of organizing
all the cultural events.
That's wonderful!
- Well done, my darling.
- [CHUCKLES] Do you realize?
We're going to meet a lot of people.
We're going to get
out of this apartment.
I'm proud of you.
[CHUCKLES]
[ALEXANDRE GRUNTS]
[BOTH SPEAKING JAPANESE]
- [JAPANESE INDIE MUSIC PLAYS]
- [CHATTERING]
[HIROKAZU SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY]
- [ALL CHEER, APPLAUSE]
- [SPEAKING JAPANESE]
Professor. It's your turn.
You promised.
[CHUCKLES]
It's a Saint-Émilion Grand
Cru: a Couvent des Jacobins 1961.
[STAMMERS]
You didn't even try it.
Am I wrong?
No.
[STUDENTS CHUCKLE, CHEER]
[HONOKA] It's amazing.
How did you do it so quick?
It's not about being quick.
It's about organizing it, in here.
You'll get there.
Sorry, um, I really have to
go. I wish I could stay but
[INHALES DEEPLY]
Uh, Professor? Can we take
a picture before you go?
- Yeah, sure.
- [STUDENTS CHATTERING]
[STUDENT SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[STUDENT, IN JAPANESE] Great. Okay!
Goodbye, everyone.
- [STUDENTS] Goodbye.
- [IN JAPANESE] Thank you.
Honoka, can I take you home?
Mmm, I'm going to stay a bit longer.
It's late and your
father is going to worry.
[HONOKA] You can go.
I'll see you tomorrow!
Who's next?
Yes, yes! It's my turn.
Come on. Let me do it!
[SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY]
- [PIANO MUSIC PLAYS]
- [DISTANT CHATTER]
[IN FRENCH] You're late.
What's that shirt? You
could have made an effort.
It's my scruffy style.
- You don't like it anymore?
- Not really.
Come with me. I want to
introduce you to someone.
- No!
- Come on!
- Jacques, my husband Alexandre.
- Ah.
Alexandre, this is Jacques Fusier.
- Nice to meet you.
- Good evening.
He owns a stunning
publishing house in Tokyo.
He published the Fusier of Wines.
- Ah.
- Marianne has told me a lot about you.
You have an incredible wife.
- Yes.
- [PARTY GUEST] Marianne?
Sorry, I will leave you two alone.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
Why did you settle down here?
It was for the quality of
the printing, and the paper.
In France, it was hard
to get what I wanted,
and my wife is Japanese.
- Thanks.
- [ALEXANDRE CHUCKLES]
Chee
Hmm.
[GROANS, COUGHS] What
is this cheap wine?
Pardon me.
[GROANS] It's scandalous to
serve this at the French Embassy.
Don't drink that, you'll get sick.
I heard about your thesis.
Are you still as radical?
Yes. The problem is snobbery in France.
Good evening.
We think we are the best,
but the world is changing.
In Australia, the United
States and China, soon.
Recently, I've tasted an
exceptional South African wine.
Would you like to write about it?
Among other things.
I would like to give
consumers a new perspective.
[GRUNTS]
- How come all French people drink wine
- Hmm?
and only a handful
of them buy those guides?
You're including my
guide, I presume? Hmm?
I ran through it.
And indeed, it did
focus on the classics.
Well, it's also good to
know your classics sometimes.
People need help, don't they?
I don't agree.
People are more refined and
intelligent than we think.
They can quickly develop a good palate
and they shouldn't be taken for morons.
[SIGHS] Hmm.
I won't give you any advice
as you look like the kind of
person who wouldn't take it anyway.
However, someone once wrote
that, "the drama of the angry man
is that he has a lot to
say but he's barely heard."
That's a pity. [CHUCKLES]
I'll leave you, have a nice
evening. I must get back to my wife.
[IN JAPANESE] You've suddenly
remembered you have a family?
I have a question to ask you.
[HONOKA] What?
Why didn't you tell me
that you knew Alexandre Léger?
Because I don't know him.
[ISSEI] Then how do
you explain this to me?
Yes, it was ages ago.
We signed up with your
father out of curiosity
but we weren't really into wine.
Have you ever seen me drink
a single glass of wine?
No, never.
It's true.
But you could have told me
that you knew him.
Meeting someone doesn't
mean that you know them.
Right.
I'll let you get back to work.
By the way,
have you seen your father?
No. Why?
No reason.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
[UPBEAT FUNK MUSIC PLAYS]
[SPEAKING JAPANESE]
I'm going that way.
You know it's really rare
to have such a palate,
with so little experience.
You have an amazing memory
for taste. It's a gift.
Thank you.
- [IN JAPANESE] Good night.
- Good night to you.
[PASSERSBY CHATTER]
[STRANGER, IN JAPANESE] Hey, you.
Wake up.
Wake up.
Are you okay?
[STRANGER GROANS]
Can you get up?
- Yes, yes.
- Do you need help?
[BOTH GRUNTING]
[DOOR OPENS]
[IN FRENCH] There was
an incident yesterday.
Just after our evening at La Kachetto.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] The director
has heard about it.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Because of that incident, he
has decided to end my course.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[STUDENTS INSIDE CLASSROOM MUTTERING]
- That's too bad.
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Especially for some of you
who are really talented.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
I thank you for your trust
and I wish you all the best.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[ROCK MUSIC PLAYING]
[BARTENDER, HONOKA SPEAKING JAPANESE]
- [ALEXANDRE, IN FRENCH] Yes.
Meursault, Clos de la Barre,
Domaine des Comtes Lafon, 1988.
- [SPEAKING JAPANESE]
- [BARTENDER SPEAKING JAPANESE]
to tell my wife what happened.
It's not your fault.
[CHUCKLES]
That's very kind of you to say but,
I should have guessed that
things could get out of control.
You're all so young.
[ALEXANDRE CHUCKLES]
[SIGHS] Still going that way?
I'm sorry.
[SIGHS]
Hey.
[IN FRENCH] Do you have
something important to tell me?
A guy from the university called.
You lasted three months,
it's more than I thought.
[SCOFFS]
[SIGHS] A course that is canceled
because of a student's drunkenness,
don't you find that pathetic?
Well, your method was
not very Japanese
[ALEXANDRE STAMMERS, SCOFFS]
I was thinking, maybe I could ask
Philippe to join him at the vineyard.
You want to go back to Avignon?
I don't know.
And what about my job at the embassy?
I like it here.
There is nothing good in France for you.
This place is your chance, Alexandre.
Now is the time to write your guide,
while you've got the time to do it.
Anyway, teaching was never your thing.
[SIGHS] Maybe.
But I don't see myself locked
in this rat hole all day,
writing about wine for
peanuts while you go to work.
Trust me, okay?
- [CUSTOMERS CHATTERING]
- [UTENSILS CLINKING]
- Why are we here exactly?
- One day you will thank me.
Ah! Marianne!
[MARIANNE CHUCKLES]
- [JACQUES] Hello.
- Hello, Jacques.
- [JACQUES] How are you?
- Fine, thank you.
[JACQUES] So, have you
thought about all this?
Yes, Alexandre received
two offers for his guide,
but I'm stubborn.
I think it has to be you.
You're the right person to publish it.
Well, can I Can I read something?
Not without a cash advance.
Ah? You are his wife but also his agent.
That's right.
Alexandre, do you have
anything out of the ordinary?
My wife is scared to let me speak
because I am often too frank.
I can ruin everything with
words that are too direct.
Some would rightfully say that
is why I am not always heard.
But I think that's also my strength.
People expect a real opinion on wines.
An honest, uncompromising inventory
that would force winegrowers
to aim for excellence.
A guide that would never be questioned.
Excuse me, but is he always like this?
Yes, but I still love him.
[SIGHS]
[DOORBELL RINGS]
[CHUCKLES]
These are my classmate,
Hirokazu's excuses.
He was too embarrassed
to face you himself.
[CHUCKLES]
Well, thank you.
- I'll try to read it.
- [CHUCKLES]
Are you going back to France?
No.
What are you doing here?
[KNOCKS]
- [ALEXANDRE] Hmm?
- Mmm.
[BELL RINGING]
[MARIANNE CHUCKLES]
[IN FRENCH] There's the boat.
- It's here?
- Yep.
[PASSERBY SPEAKS THAI]
[ALEXANDRE SPEAKS THAI]
[MARIANNE SPEAKS THAI]
- Yeah?
[MARIANNE] Okay. Thank you.
[IN FRENCH] Where are you?
Huh?
Your mind wanders, it seems.
No, sorry. It's just
the guide. That's it.
Aren't you making enough progress?
[GRUNTS] It's just
that I'm a bit behind.
Jacques has already been onto me twice.
- Do you want me to read it?
- No. [SWALLOWS]
I'm scared of what you'll say.
I'll get you to read it
when I'm really happy.
Okay.
To us.
To us.
Are you okay?
Yes, I'm okay.
It's just that over the next
few months, I'd better avoid it.
[GASPS]
[MARIANNE] Are you happy?
Yes, of course I'm happy.
[DOOR OPENS]
- Hey.
You were gone a long time.
How did your exams go?
- Easy.
- [CHUCKLES]
Marianne is pregnant.
We were trying in France already
to have a baby, but we lost hope.
We thought it'll never happen,
so we stopped thinking about it,
but there
I'm going to have a family.
Honoka, look at me.
You're incredibly precious to me.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
[SOBBING]
[LECTURER SPEAKING JAPANESE]
Honoka.
Honoka!
What's happening?
Please, speak.
Honoka.
I'm pregnant.
[SNIFFLES]
[SPEAKING FRENCH INDISTINCTLY]
[SPEAKS JAPANESE INDISTINCTLY]
[AUTOMATED VOICE SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[AUTOMATED VOICE SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[ELEVATOR BUTTON BEEPS]
[HAIRDRESSER, IN JAPANESE]
Is this all right?
[ISSEI] Thank you.
I read the article about you winning.
Great that you've beaten
Alexandre Léger's daughter.
Too bad for her. The media will
make fun of her in her country.
Pretty embarrassing for her.
It's very kind of you to worry about me,
but the battle is not over
yet. It's just one loss.
I don't speak good Japanese,
but I understand quite a lot.
[CHATTERING]
I agree.
Your father never spoke to me about you.
I only found out he had a
daughter at the lawyer's office.
I'm not surprised.
- [PHOTOGRAPHER, IN JAPANESE] Look at me.
- [SHUTTER CLICKS]
Could you stand up, please?
you're here for the inheritance?
I'm here for my inheritance.
[SHUTTER CLICKING]
Seems like your father
thought different.
[IN JAPANESE] Turn toward each other.
- [ISSEI SIGHS]
How does he feel about this?
[PHOTOGRAPHER, IN JAPANESE] Move closer.
[PHOTOGRAPHER] Closer.
- Closer.
- [INHALES SHARPLY]
I think that's enough, right?
[PHOTOGRAPHER] Yes, yes.
But a little bit more.
Can you smile at each other, please?
[HOUSEKEEPER] Shall
I serve you more tea?
[HONOKA] I've had enough.
Could you get my husband?
We're going to be late.
I will.
People in Japan are
excited about this victory
because it was against an opponent
from France, the homeland of wine.
On the other hand, it's not
surprising for the Tomine Group,
who was always known to
pursue excellence
He is not in his room.
It seems he didn't
sleep here last night.
[PHONE BEEPS]
[LINE BEEPS]
[PHONE OPERATOR] The number you
have dialed is not in service.
[LINE BEEPING]
[DOORBELL RINGS]
He says he has to give
it to you personally.
[COURIER] Please.
If you'll excuse me.
[STUDENT] Honoka.
Honoka.
Do you want some?
It's pretty, isn't it?
[PERSON SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
[IN FRENCH] Thomas, stop, stop.
Be nice to, uh, our guests, Thomas.
[INHALES SHARPLY] I'm sorry, he's
usually on time, but this time
Oh, no, no. Don't worry. It's part
of the French charm. [CHUCKLES]
[PROFESSOR LAUGHS]
[CLEARS THROAT]
[CAR APPROACHES]
Ah.
Here comes our master of wine.
Meet my good friend and
expert, Alexandre Léger.
[PROFESSOR TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Hello, everyone!
My apologies for the delay.
Let's start with the tastings. Okay?
[PROFESSOR TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Please, come with me.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Who does he think he is?
[IN FRENCH] This is a local wine.
- Vintage, 1984.
- [TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
As you will notice, it
has a nice roundness to it.
It's fruity, and at the
same time, quite tannic.
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE CONTINUES]
It's a complex wine, made
from different grape varieties.
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault,
Terret noir,
Counoise,
Vaccarèse, Muscardin,
Clairette, Piquepoul,
Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Picardan.
Not easy, right?
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[GLASS HITS TABLE]
[PROFESSOR SIGHS]
[TRANSLATES INTO FRENCH]
Is that the best you have?
It's a pretty basic wine.
[ALEXANDRE GULPS, CLEARS THROAT]
Basic?
This is a Grand Cru which
has a solid reputation.
It has a lot of success.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[CHUCKLES, SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[PROFESSOR, IN FRENCH]
The fact that wine merchants buy it,
doesn't make it a good wine.
[CHUCKLES] No, of course not.
[PROFESSOR TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[INHALES DEEPLY, SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[TRANSLATES INTO FRENCH]
I'd like to taste
a rare wine with personality
that can't be found in
Japan. That's why we're here.
[SPEAKING JAPANESE, LAUGHS]
[STUDENTS LAUGH]
[IN FRENCH] What did he say?
[STAMMERS]
Mr. Onoyama wishes you good luck.
Miss Tomine is not easy to impress.
[ALEXANDRE SIGHS]
Very well.
Challenge accepted.
[PROFESSOR TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[ALEXANDRE SIGHS, INHALES SHARPLY]
You're right, Miss.
- [PROFESSOR TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- [ALEXANDRE GRUNTS]
[IN FRENCH] The domination of
expensive wines is unbearable.
We mostly pay for their labels.
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Here you go.
This wine has a strong personality.
Philippe doesn't sell many
of these and it's a pity.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[SLURPS]
[GULPS]
- [PROFESSOR LAUGHS]
- Well, there you go!
[STUDENTS LAUGHING]
[POURING WINE]
[ALEXANDRE] Where are
you going tomorrow?
[PROFESSOR] To Cairanne,
Domaine de la Touche Poupeaux.
Do you know them?
[ALEXANDRE] What nonsense.
You should cancel your visit.
I know Gérald. He'll have
you taste uninteresting wines.
I can introduce you to a fellow
winemaker who is much more talented.
He'll be happy to have you
over. Especially if I sent you.
[PROFESSOR] Thank you very much,
Mr. Léger. You are very generous.
[ALEXANDRE] My pleasure.
Ah, once again, thank
you, Mr. Chassangre.
It was an unforgettable day.
- [PHILIPPE] Come back anytime.
- Thank you.
Mr. Léger?
The university where I teach would
like to set up a course in enology.
We'd like to open up more
to international markets.
If you ever visit or come to
Japan for work, do get in touch.
[ALEXANDRE] That's very kind of
you, but for now, I have other plans.
- Ah.
I would really like to
buy your special wine.
The one Mr. Léger gave us to try.
[IN FRENCH] You know,
your Mourvèdre Counoise.
She wants to buy some.
[IN FRENCH] Uh, yeah, so,
uh, they come in crates of 12,
so it'll be more like 48 bottles.
Fifty is impossible,
they come in crates of 12.
Oh. No, no. Fifty crates. And
they'll have to be sent to Japan.
[STAMMERS, SPEAKS IN FRENCH]
Uh, the shipment will cost a fortune.
So, Miss Tomine is
the distinguished heir
of the Tomine Diamonds Company.
Maybe you have heard about it?
It's okay for the delivery. No problem.
[IN FRENCH] Also, we could invite
them all to the party tonight?
Oh, yes. Yes, yes, of course. Good idea.
Uh, tonight we're celebrating
the end of the harvesting
and you're all invited, guys.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- Thanks so much.
- [ALEXANDRE] Come with us!
Come with us, we'll show
you some French moves.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
["(KEEP FEELING) FASCINATION" PLAYING]
[CHATTERING AND LAUGHING]
[IN JAPANESE]
You're already as red as the wine.
[HIROKAZU] Not enough.
The party's just started.
[LAUGHS]
[CHUCKLES]
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
She's beautiful.
Like an actress.
[CHATTERING CONTINUES]
Hirokazu.
Your friendship means a lot to me.
Do you understand?
Sorry.
I
I drank too much.
It won't happen again.
- [MUSIC CONTINUES]
- [CHATTERING, LAUGHING CONTINUES]
[PEOPLE CHEERING, LAUGHING]
Everyone, be careful!
[NEWSCASTER, IN FRENCH]
The latest update
on the incredible contest in Japan
over Alexandre Léger's inheritance.
The stakes are incredibly high.
An exceptional wine cellar
at an estimated value of
over 120 million euros.
- Alexandre Léger made his fortune
- [DOORBELL RINGS]
with the creation of the
Léger Guides 20 years ago,
forever changing the world of eno
[DOORBELL RINGS]
Yes?
Marianne Léger?
- Yes.
- Sign here, please.
Thank you.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
[BREATHES SHAKILY]
[ALEXANDRE] Dear Marianne,
I would like you to scatter my ashes
over the heights of Philippe's property.
I'm sorry I wasn't able to
support you as you supported me.
I was never able to make you happy.
It's my greatest regret.
[INHALES DEEPLY, SIGHS]
[SIGHS]
[ALEXANDRE WHISPERING]
Infused mint, white fruit,
sweet spice, honey, pastry
[CANDIDATE] I don't think
we can separate these two senses,
both of which have their own
way of perceiving a sweet wine
or even a fruit or a flower.
We're not talking about
flowers here, Mr. Dupuis.
When I listen to you, I feel like
I'm listening to old Lamarquange
who used to talk about
peonies on red wines
and honeysuckle on white wines.
I still can't believe
Rollin is on the jury.
That guy is not a
winemaker, he's a moneymaker.
- You're exaggerating.
- No, I'm not.
He is a fucking fraud who sells his wine
for a fortune while
it's nothing but shit!
Alexandre, get over yourself.
We don't care what you think
about him. Leave this for later.
As soon as I graduate, I'll
knock him off his small pedestal.
[LAUGHS] And he's the pretentious one?
Don't get pulled into their game, okay?
- Alexandre.
- Hmm.
- Of course not.
- [CANDIDATE] Thanks to you.
I'm up.
Mr. Léger?
Good morning.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Mr. Léger, we congratulate you.
You passed the blind tasting test
with disconcerting ease.
Thank you very much.
But now, let's move on to your thesis,
"Reflections on the
future of French wine."
[CLEARS THROAT] In your words,
"In France, wine is a monarchy
with the Bordeaux acting as kinglets
and money as the absolute ruler."
What do you mean by that, Mr. Léger?
[CHUCKLES]
First, I do not wish to
generalize all Bordeaux wines.
I just want to give my views
on an approach I find outdated.
It's always the same
wines that are acclaimed
at the expense of innovation and
of some winemakers who take risks.
Do you have an issue with
big wine estates, Mr. Léger?
With prestigious wines?
[ALEXANDRE SIGHS] "Prestigious wines."
Big question.
You know,
when an athlete wins a major
title, he puts it back into the race
and then trains hard.
Even harder in hope of winning
a place on the podium
the following year.
Nothing is set in stone.
Nothing is won in advance.
But, uh, when I hear
the word "prestigious,"
it sounds to me like a nobility title.
A distinction handed out for life.
And that makes no sense to me.
Tradition doesn't make sense?
- That's not what I said.
- Well, that's what I heard.
Or else you need to clarify.
You want me to clarify?
What I'm saying is that
some of the great estates
you're talking about
tend to rest on the
laurels of their past glory
and rely on their "prestigious" name
without doing anything
that justified that.
And that's a disgrace.
As far as I'm concerned,
they are vulgar salesmen of wine labels
and there's no place for
them in our ecosystem.
Oh! [CHUCKLES]
Do you have some names
you wish to share?
No. They will recognize themselves.
What fuckers!
[MARIANNE] Yes, you're right. They are.
Do you feel better now?
Everything's screwed! What now?
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
[SIGHS] I messed up. It's all my fault.
Hey. Stop.
Calm down.
We're here. Both of
us. We'll figure it out.
Hey.
We'll figure it out.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
[IN JAPANESE] Professor
Alexandre Léger.
Enology course, room 227.
Come on.
I don't think your
father will like this.
I don't care what my father thinks.
[ALEXANDRE, IN FRENCH] I will be
your enology lecturer this year.
[TRANSLATOR TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] At least, as far
as wine can actually be taught.
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE CONTINUES]
[IN FRENCH] Hello, Miss Tomine.
[SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[TRANSLATES INTO FRENCH]
It's an honor to have you
at this university, Mr. Léger.
I'll begin the first semester
by explaining the link
between art and wine.
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Which are, in my
opinion, intimately connected.
[TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE CONTINUES]
[IN FRENCH] But first,
I'd like to get right to
the heart of the subject.
Theory is good.
But practice is better.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Wine can't be expressed with words.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- It needs to be smelled
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- tasted
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- and experienced.
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
So forget your brain for a
while and let your senses speak.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
It's, above all, a
question of sensitivity.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
And open-mindedness.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
So
who wants to taste it?
Who will sacrifice themselves
for a beautiful cause?
[STAMMERS, TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Come on. It's not exactly torture.
Or else you got the wrong class.
[IN FRENCH] Mr. Léger
[SIGHS] students can't
drink alcohol in class.
It can cause trouble.
[CHUCKLES]
You're joking, right?
[ALEXANDRE] When I
think we left everything
to live in this shabby broom
closet and for me to teach monks.
I see your fighting
spirit. That's great.
They didn't even want to taste the wine!
What am I supposed to do with that?
It was stupid to come here.
We never should have done it.
I'm not going to make it.
Yes, you will, Alexandre.
Because it's hard for me too, you know.
I plan to make friends and
get to know this fucking town.
So, pull yourself together.
Stop acting like this and
help me unpack the boxes, okay?
Yes, sorry.
You're right.
[CHUCKLES]
It just takes time.
And if you still want
them to taste wine,
you can do it outside the university.
I spotted a little bar that
would be perfect for it.
And lastly, this is a painting
from the Italian Baroque period.
- [TRANSLATING INTO JAPANESE]
- Fruits and Jasmine.
It was painted by a woman. Fede Galizia.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Yes, Miss Tomine?
[SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Mr. Léger, it's beautiful,
but what does this have to do with wine?
- You will see. Believe me.
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- You will find out next class.
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
- Well, see you on Friday.
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
And don't forget to bring me your
analysis of Fede Galizia's painting.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[STUDENTS CHATTERING]
who would be interested,
we could continue this
class later this evening
at La Kachetto wine bar.
8:00 p.m.
[IN JAPANESE] What did he say?
8:00 p.m. at La Kachetto wine bar.
He will give a class
at La Kachetto wine bar.
- Are you coming?
- [HIROKAZU] Sure.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
- Good evening, professor.
- [SPEAKING JAPANESE]
Let's get to work.
[GLASSES CLINK]
Great job.
First,
I want to train your nose.
Smell is the most
important of all senses.
So
[SIGHS]
Who is going first?
All right.
Hmm.
- [IN JAPANESE] Do you need help?
- I'm okay.
[ALEXANDRE INHALES DEEPLY]
[GULPS]
What do you smell?
[SNIFFS]
Lychee.
Easy. Ginger.
[ALEXANDRE LAUGHS, INHALES DEEPLY]
- Basil.
- Brilliant.
And this.
What is it?
Grilled sesame.
[IN JAPANESE] Awesome. [LAUGHS]
[ALEXANDRE] Well done.
Four out of five.
Just one left to go.
Orange blossom.
That's, uh
Well, that's right.
[STUDENTS, IN JAPANESE] Awesome.
- Thank you.
- I'm really impressed.
So,
- who's going next?
- [STUDENTS SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] Sorry, I'm a little late.
[GROANING]
Wow.
[CHUCKLES] What's
with all the theatrics?
[CHUCKLES] I wanted to play
the submissive Geisha for you.
I can't feel my legs anymore.
This position is horrible.
- Are you drunk?
- A little bit.
I was too thirsty.
I'm drinking Japanese
beer. Do you want some?
We have something to celebrate tonight!
I think Honoka reconciled
me with Italian wine.
And I wouldn't have bet on that!
I'll remember that little Barolo.
She is very talented.
You're not even going to ask
me what we're celebrating?
- You don't even care.
- Of course, I do care.
Sorry. Tell me.
I passed my interview
at the French Institute.
I will be in charge of organizing
all the cultural events.
That's wonderful!
- Well done, my darling.
- [CHUCKLES] Do you realize?
We're going to meet a lot of people.
We're going to get
out of this apartment.
I'm proud of you.
[CHUCKLES]
[ALEXANDRE GRUNTS]
[BOTH SPEAKING JAPANESE]
- [JAPANESE INDIE MUSIC PLAYS]
- [CHATTERING]
[HIROKAZU SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY]
- [ALL CHEER, APPLAUSE]
- [SPEAKING JAPANESE]
Professor. It's your turn.
You promised.
[CHUCKLES]
It's a Saint-Émilion Grand
Cru: a Couvent des Jacobins 1961.
[STAMMERS]
You didn't even try it.
Am I wrong?
No.
[STUDENTS CHUCKLE, CHEER]
[HONOKA] It's amazing.
How did you do it so quick?
It's not about being quick.
It's about organizing it, in here.
You'll get there.
Sorry, um, I really have to
go. I wish I could stay but
[INHALES DEEPLY]
Uh, Professor? Can we take
a picture before you go?
- Yeah, sure.
- [STUDENTS CHATTERING]
[STUDENT SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[STUDENT, IN JAPANESE] Great. Okay!
Goodbye, everyone.
- [STUDENTS] Goodbye.
- [IN JAPANESE] Thank you.
Honoka, can I take you home?
Mmm, I'm going to stay a bit longer.
It's late and your
father is going to worry.
[HONOKA] You can go.
I'll see you tomorrow!
Who's next?
Yes, yes! It's my turn.
Come on. Let me do it!
[SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY]
- [PIANO MUSIC PLAYS]
- [DISTANT CHATTER]
[IN FRENCH] You're late.
What's that shirt? You
could have made an effort.
It's my scruffy style.
- You don't like it anymore?
- Not really.
Come with me. I want to
introduce you to someone.
- No!
- Come on!
- Jacques, my husband Alexandre.
- Ah.
Alexandre, this is Jacques Fusier.
- Nice to meet you.
- Good evening.
He owns a stunning
publishing house in Tokyo.
He published the Fusier of Wines.
- Ah.
- Marianne has told me a lot about you.
You have an incredible wife.
- Yes.
- [PARTY GUEST] Marianne?
Sorry, I will leave you two alone.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
Why did you settle down here?
It was for the quality of
the printing, and the paper.
In France, it was hard
to get what I wanted,
and my wife is Japanese.
- Thanks.
- [ALEXANDRE CHUCKLES]
Chee
Hmm.
[GROANS, COUGHS] What
is this cheap wine?
Pardon me.
[GROANS] It's scandalous to
serve this at the French Embassy.
Don't drink that, you'll get sick.
I heard about your thesis.
Are you still as radical?
Yes. The problem is snobbery in France.
Good evening.
We think we are the best,
but the world is changing.
In Australia, the United
States and China, soon.
Recently, I've tasted an
exceptional South African wine.
Would you like to write about it?
Among other things.
I would like to give
consumers a new perspective.
[GRUNTS]
- How come all French people drink wine
- Hmm?
and only a handful
of them buy those guides?
You're including my
guide, I presume? Hmm?
I ran through it.
And indeed, it did
focus on the classics.
Well, it's also good to
know your classics sometimes.
People need help, don't they?
I don't agree.
People are more refined and
intelligent than we think.
They can quickly develop a good palate
and they shouldn't be taken for morons.
[SIGHS] Hmm.
I won't give you any advice
as you look like the kind of
person who wouldn't take it anyway.
However, someone once wrote
that, "the drama of the angry man
is that he has a lot to
say but he's barely heard."
That's a pity. [CHUCKLES]
I'll leave you, have a nice
evening. I must get back to my wife.
[IN JAPANESE] You've suddenly
remembered you have a family?
I have a question to ask you.
[HONOKA] What?
Why didn't you tell me
that you knew Alexandre Léger?
Because I don't know him.
[ISSEI] Then how do
you explain this to me?
Yes, it was ages ago.
We signed up with your
father out of curiosity
but we weren't really into wine.
Have you ever seen me drink
a single glass of wine?
No, never.
It's true.
But you could have told me
that you knew him.
Meeting someone doesn't
mean that you know them.
Right.
I'll let you get back to work.
By the way,
have you seen your father?
No. Why?
No reason.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
[UPBEAT FUNK MUSIC PLAYS]
[SPEAKING JAPANESE]
I'm going that way.
You know it's really rare
to have such a palate,
with so little experience.
You have an amazing memory
for taste. It's a gift.
Thank you.
- [IN JAPANESE] Good night.
- Good night to you.
[PASSERSBY CHATTER]
[STRANGER, IN JAPANESE] Hey, you.
Wake up.
Wake up.
Are you okay?
[STRANGER GROANS]
Can you get up?
- Yes, yes.
- Do you need help?
[BOTH GRUNTING]
[DOOR OPENS]
[IN FRENCH] There was
an incident yesterday.
Just after our evening at La Kachetto.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[IN FRENCH] The director
has heard about it.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Because of that incident, he
has decided to end my course.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[STUDENTS INSIDE CLASSROOM MUTTERING]
- That's too bad.
- [TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
Especially for some of you
who are really talented.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
I thank you for your trust
and I wish you all the best.
[TRANSLATES INTO JAPANESE]
[ROCK MUSIC PLAYING]
[BARTENDER, HONOKA SPEAKING JAPANESE]
- [ALEXANDRE, IN FRENCH] Yes.
Meursault, Clos de la Barre,
Domaine des Comtes Lafon, 1988.
- [SPEAKING JAPANESE]
- [BARTENDER SPEAKING JAPANESE]
to tell my wife what happened.
It's not your fault.
[CHUCKLES]
That's very kind of you to say but,
I should have guessed that
things could get out of control.
You're all so young.
[ALEXANDRE CHUCKLES]
[SIGHS] Still going that way?
I'm sorry.
[SIGHS]
Hey.
[IN FRENCH] Do you have
something important to tell me?
A guy from the university called.
You lasted three months,
it's more than I thought.
[SCOFFS]
[SIGHS] A course that is canceled
because of a student's drunkenness,
don't you find that pathetic?
Well, your method was
not very Japanese
[ALEXANDRE STAMMERS, SCOFFS]
I was thinking, maybe I could ask
Philippe to join him at the vineyard.
You want to go back to Avignon?
I don't know.
And what about my job at the embassy?
I like it here.
There is nothing good in France for you.
This place is your chance, Alexandre.
Now is the time to write your guide,
while you've got the time to do it.
Anyway, teaching was never your thing.
[SIGHS] Maybe.
But I don't see myself locked
in this rat hole all day,
writing about wine for
peanuts while you go to work.
Trust me, okay?
- [CUSTOMERS CHATTERING]
- [UTENSILS CLINKING]
- Why are we here exactly?
- One day you will thank me.
Ah! Marianne!
[MARIANNE CHUCKLES]
- [JACQUES] Hello.
- Hello, Jacques.
- [JACQUES] How are you?
- Fine, thank you.
[JACQUES] So, have you
thought about all this?
Yes, Alexandre received
two offers for his guide,
but I'm stubborn.
I think it has to be you.
You're the right person to publish it.
Well, can I Can I read something?
Not without a cash advance.
Ah? You are his wife but also his agent.
That's right.
Alexandre, do you have
anything out of the ordinary?
My wife is scared to let me speak
because I am often too frank.
I can ruin everything with
words that are too direct.
Some would rightfully say that
is why I am not always heard.
But I think that's also my strength.
People expect a real opinion on wines.
An honest, uncompromising inventory
that would force winegrowers
to aim for excellence.
A guide that would never be questioned.
Excuse me, but is he always like this?
Yes, but I still love him.
[SIGHS]
[DOORBELL RINGS]
[CHUCKLES]
These are my classmate,
Hirokazu's excuses.
He was too embarrassed
to face you himself.
[CHUCKLES]
Well, thank you.
- I'll try to read it.
- [CHUCKLES]
Are you going back to France?
No.
What are you doing here?
[KNOCKS]
- [ALEXANDRE] Hmm?
- Mmm.
[BELL RINGING]
[MARIANNE CHUCKLES]
[IN FRENCH] There's the boat.
- It's here?
- Yep.
[PASSERBY SPEAKS THAI]
[ALEXANDRE SPEAKS THAI]
[MARIANNE SPEAKS THAI]
- Yeah?
[MARIANNE] Okay. Thank you.
[IN FRENCH] Where are you?
Huh?
Your mind wanders, it seems.
No, sorry. It's just
the guide. That's it.
Aren't you making enough progress?
[GRUNTS] It's just
that I'm a bit behind.
Jacques has already been onto me twice.
- Do you want me to read it?
- No. [SWALLOWS]
I'm scared of what you'll say.
I'll get you to read it
when I'm really happy.
Okay.
To us.
To us.
Are you okay?
Yes, I'm okay.
It's just that over the next
few months, I'd better avoid it.
[GASPS]
[MARIANNE] Are you happy?
Yes, of course I'm happy.
[DOOR OPENS]
- Hey.
You were gone a long time.
How did your exams go?
- Easy.
- [CHUCKLES]
Marianne is pregnant.
We were trying in France already
to have a baby, but we lost hope.
We thought it'll never happen,
so we stopped thinking about it,
but there
I'm going to have a family.
Honoka, look at me.
You're incredibly precious to me.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
[SOBBING]
[LECTURER SPEAKING JAPANESE]
Honoka.
Honoka!
What's happening?
Please, speak.
Honoka.
I'm pregnant.
[SNIFFLES]
[SPEAKING FRENCH INDISTINCTLY]
[SPEAKS JAPANESE INDISTINCTLY]
[AUTOMATED VOICE SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[AUTOMATED VOICE SPEAKING JAPANESE]
[ELEVATOR BUTTON BEEPS]