Rahim Soltani.
Hello.
(indistinct chattering)
(vehicle driving away)
(Middle Eastern music playing faintly)
Amir Jadidi
Mohsen Tanabandeh
Fereshteh Sadr Erfai
(Middle Eastern music playing in distance)
(wind whistling)
(wind continues whistling)
(indistinct chatter)
(metallic squeaking)
(indistinct chatter nearby)
(power tool whirring)
(indistinct chatter continues)
(power tools whirring)
(thumping and clattering of workers)
A HERO
A film by Asghar Farhadi
(tools whirring)
Rahim!
What are you doing here?
I could have come down.
I wonder how 2,500 years ago,
they climbed up here to visit their dead.
They smoked less than you!
-Hello. Salam. Salam. -(woman speaks Persian)
-Great to see you. -How are you?
-Why didn't you warn us? -It wasn't planned.
-All good? -Yes. Let's go down.
More stairs?
You're breathless!
How come you're still so plump with all these stairs?
Your sister's fault.
How's Mali?
The usual, neck pain, arthritis.
Hi, Mehdi.
Hi, Rahim. Congratulations.
-Are you done? -No, just some leave.
Enjoy.
-How long are you here for? -Two days.
Is that all?
I had to beg them for it. Hello.
Is it you, Rahim?
You're very welcome.
Is the sugar there?
I had tea before coming.
Come on...
How dare you compare prison tea to that served on the tomb of Xerxes?
(chuckles softly)
You should save up your leave and stay longer.
I'm more looking at a way not to go back there.
-What way? -Let's go and talk to Bahram.
If talking had made a difference, he wouldn't have sent you to jail.
What an idea!
I can have 75,000 tomans.
How?
Someone will give it to me.
With interest?
No, it's not a loan.
Whenever you get it, we'll go to him
and he'll have to shut up. If we make promises we can't keep...
I'll have it this afternoon.
-For sure? -For sure.
Then call him.
He doesn't answer my calls.
Get the money, we'll go this afternoon.
Is your car here?
(children chattering playfully)
(chattering continues)
Look at her chador!
My darling.
Hello, my love.
Let's move from here, it's too busy.
What a beard!
-You like it? -I love it! Keep it.
The wait since last night
was almost harder than for the last two months.
I'd never seen you with a chador.
I had to hide the bag under it.
Let me see.
Put it back in.
I didn't expect to be longing for you so badly.
I missed you a lot, too.
-(horn honking) -(chuckles)
Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen.
Seventeen times 4,300.
Has it gone down?
When did you ask?
Last week.
Gold rate changes every hour.
Can it go up again tomorrow?
Anything is possible.
Damn!
(opens drawer, rustling)
(closes drawer)
So?
Are you selling them?
What's wrong?
Nothing.
So why are you upset?
We should make sure first.
-About what? -That he gives his consent.
Why wouldn't he?
He might want all his money back to let me out.
Keep them, so I don't take them back home.
Put them in my bag.
Under my laundry.
Give it to me.
Leave it in the bag.
With two day's leave, don't spend half a day washing.
-(engine starting) -I'll do it.
(doorbell ringing continuously)
Who's there?
(ringing stops)
-(Rahim imitates explosion) -Hello, uncle!
Hello, my unwashed beauty!
Look at his beard!
-(Rahim speaking playfully) -(girl laughs)
-Who's at home? -Mom.
-Mom! Uncle's here! -Without warning!
You've got as heavy as your brother.
Mom! Uncle's here!
He's very welcome!
-Hello, Mali! -Hello, my darling.
-How are you? -I'm glad you're here.
-I knew it was you. -How come?
Because of the way you ring.
Everything okay? What are you doing?
Come over.
Your mom's opening a tomato sauce shop.
-Come here. -(Rahim speaks indistinctly)
The unexpected visitor.
So good to see you.
(striking match)
-You've got a lot thinner. -(flame flares)
You tell me that every time.
-How's Siavash? -He's at school.
Can I have a towel to take a shower?
(girl laughs)
They called mom from his school today.
Why?
For nothing.
-Want a razor? -No. What has he done now?
He got into a fight yesterday.
Already telling tales?
But why don't they call his mother?
They probably did and she said they should call you.
Go to the school tomorrow, if you can.
What's up? He was getting better.
Uncle...
Yes?
His mother is remarrying.
Who said that?
Siavash did.
He said someone has proposed to her.
The towel is behind the door.
Call me if you want me to wash your neck.
(lively Middle Eastern music playing)
(bird chirping)
-Hello. -Salam.
Hello.
Isn't your dad here?
He was. He went out.
(paper rustling, closes lid)
Here you are.
Thank you. How much is it?
52 tomans.
He told me he'd be here.
He's not.
-Here you are. -Thank you.
Goodbye.
Can you please call him?
(phone keys clicking)
Hello? Hi, Dad.
Where are you?
Hossein's here. He wants to see you.
Rahim's brother-in-law.
Okay then.
Can I talk to him?
Hold on.
(speaks Persian)
Hi, Bahram. How are you?
Nothing serious, I hope.
I'd have preferred to see you
to finally sort this out after three years.
(machine whirring)
He's put together part of his debt.
Around 70,000.
We've had many meetings. I've heard many promises.
This jerk is lying.
I'm promising the 70,000.
His friends found them.
His friends and family
should give me checks to pay off his debt and I'll withdraw the case.
If he gets out, he'll work hard to pay off the rest bit by bit.
You, his relatives, wouldn't write checks for him.
Why do you expect me to trust him?
I can hardly pay my own rent.
Otherwise, I wouldn't have let him spend one night in jail.
You're saying he'll work if he gets out.
Give me a bond check...
Do him a favor and let him out.
He let down his family. He deserves no favor.
Forget about what he deserves.
Don't you want your money? Half of it is ready, cash.
I don't trust him.
It's not about trust.
I was fooled once
by his hangdog look, that's enough.
Listen, Bahram,
let's meet and talk about it.
Wait a minute, let me talk to him. Just a moment.
Excuse me.
-Rahim... -I wish I could pay him back
and not be so humiliated.
If I give him bond checks for the rest of your debt,
could you manage to pay him 7,500 a month?
If I get out, I'll work.
-What work? -Anything.
I'll commit to it relying on your word.
I couldn't stand going back to prison.
(speaking Persian)
Come and eat before it gets cold. Come on, Siavash.
Negar, turn off the tablet.
(speaks quietly)
Thanks a lot. Where's Hossein?
In the bathroom.
As soon as we sit down to eat, he has to go.
Okay, kids, come on.
Siavash, turn off the tablet.
Come on, Negar.
Pass me the glasses.
Get up, son.
I'm not hungry.
Come on. You'll play later.
Negar, come on.
-Where shall I sit? -Next to me.
-(phone buzzing) -The phone's ringing.
Hossein, aren't you coming?
Hossein...
See who's been calling you.
(overlapping chatter)
Why are you here? Let's eat together after all this time.
Mom's rice crust looks yummy!
(speaks Persian) Hossein.
Hello, how are you?
Thank you.
Sorry, I was outside.
(overlapping chatter)
I'm listening.
I'm not hungry.
Your dad's come after two months.
Siavash, come on.
There'll be no rice crust left!
But I...
...don't want.
Too bad for you!
I only have a couple of checks left.
(Hossein continues indistinctly)
(knocking)
-Can I stir it? -Sure.
Where are you going?
Too bad for both of them!
Leave me alone!
Stop it, Nima!
Siavash!
Nima!
(boys chattering)
Don't worry, he'll come.
How rude!
Yum-yum!
Thank you so much.
-Who's calling at dinner time? -Bahram.
What did he say?
He wants the checks and the money tomorrow.
Pass me the bread.
What did you tell him?
Let's have dinner.
My turn, mom.
(weapons firing on video game)
Who's the friend giving you 70,000?
Have some rice crust, uncle.
Someone you don't know.
Please don't go to a loan shark again.
Who mentioned loan sharks?
Where does this money come from?
I told you
a friend promised it.
Don't take me for an idiot.
It's not a loan.
(weapons firing on video game)
Did you agree to meet?
I told him I only had two checks left.
I'll order a new checkbook tomorrow.
-How long will that take? -What?
That.
The new checkbook.
Wait for your friend to give you the 70,000.
Between what people say and what they do...
(video game chiming, beeping)
You shouldn't have promised then, so as not to embarrass me.
I don't have enough checks.
Even if he had them
and gave him bond checks,
how will you pay him back every month?
(weapons firing on video game)
Siavash, turn it down.
Hossein offered to write checks, Mali. I didn't force him.
I'm not saying you shouldn't give checks.
But you should find a job first and then give them to him.
If ever one of the checks bounces,
it will be the same hassle.
His leave ends in two days. How can he find a job?
Don't know. It's up to you.
-(video game continues playing) -(utensil clatters)
(video game stops)
(crickets chirping)
(wood creaking)
Swear on mom's soul, you're telling me the truth.
Whose handbag is it?
You rummaged in my bag?
I wanted to take your laundry.
Don't do anything that would disgrace you and the family forever.
Like what?
Where did you get these coins?
A friend gave them to me.
The cigarettes, the lighter, the handbag
are also your friend's?
Go on, Mali.
Call me a thief.
What's this handbag with a broken strap?
Is... is... sh... shouting.
That was a bit rough, wasn't it?
Let's make it smoother.
The boy...
Good.
is...
shouting.
Bye.
The girl... is washing...
-(phone ringing) -her... hands.
Good.
Shall we try a bit smoother? How would that sound?
Good morning.
Is there anyone else who can write the bond checks?
Who would take the risk?
What are you going to do?
I...
don't feel up to it.
What do you mean?
My conscience won't allow it.
You're saying this now?
Ever since you told me, I've had doubts.
I thought that all that praying to God
made him have pity of us and provide a miracle.
Then, instead of 17 coins, he'd have sent us all my debt
and got me out of this mess.
Why are you upset?
-I'm not upset. -Yes, you are.
What's wrong?
Farkhondeh, tell me.
My love.
Nothing.
I'm sorry, I can't cope with this.
Go and find the owner.
-We have to go together. -(women speak Persian)
(recorded announcement plays over speakers)
Excuse me...
Take a number and wait your turn.
It's not for a banking process.
Go ahead.
Hello.
I was wondering if anybody came here for a lost bag.
No, why?
I've found some gold.
Guys...
did anyone report something missing?
How much is there?
A lot.
Just outside the bank?
No, at the bus stop.
When?
Recently.
Nobody's come to ask.
If anybody does, I have the handbag.
Well done. Give us your number.
Can I have some paper
to write it down?
(man speaks Persian)
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
(recorded announcement plays over speakers)
(machine whirring)
They can call this number and ask for me.
What's this number?
A prison.
You work there?
I'm an inmate, for a debt. I'm out on leave.
If you like, write an ad with your number.
I'll copy it and you can put it around here.
Thanks a lot.
(loud traffic sounds)
(horn beeps)
We're rid of it.
What?
Are you regretting it?
No.
Please stop sulking.
If you're regretting it, just cross the street,
take my number, call me
and say it's your bag.
Describe it,
if it's right, we'll meet in some discreet place
and I'll return it to you.
But if you call me sulking,
I won't give it back.
You must be cheerful.
Just put yourself in the shoes
of this poor woman who's lost it.
Can you?
Okay.
Hello, madam.
Have you lost a bag? I've found it.
How wonderful.
Is that it?
I want a reward!
You have such a pure heart.
Tomorrow, it'll be back in jail and longing for you,
this poor heart.
And you want me to stop smoking!
Let's go somewhere calmer.
Is it for my reward?
Get going.
I barely saw you these two days.
Let me at least say goodbye properly.
What's this?
Your clothes.
I got you a new shirt.
Thank you so much. It's very nice.
And there's a new toothbrush.
(Middle Eastern music playing in distance)
(men speaking indistinctly)
-Good job. -Thank you.
Mr. Soltani?
Yes?
Did you give our number to anyone?
I'm sorry, Mrs. Marvasti,
I had to.
I shouldn't have given you this number.
The thing is...
I found a bag and I gave the number in case the owner is found,
so that she can get it back.
-Did anyone call you? -She'll call again.
Don't give this number out to anyone.
I won't.
I've just come back from leave, I won't get another one any time soon.
Can someone at your place give it to her?
She's so anxious.
I'll call to see if my sister's there.
Excuse me,
can you please describe the bag?
Then I can arrange for you to get it back at my sister's.
You're very welcome.
Where did you lose it?
How long ago?
What did it look like?
How many coins?
What brand of cigarettes?
(doorbell rings)
Who's there?
Open the door, please.
Hello.
-Is this Mr. Soltani's house? -Yes.
Come in.
Excuse me.
Hello.
Was it you I just spoke to?
Yes, come in.
At the bus stop, I still had my bag on my shoulder.
I took out money for my ticket.
When the bus arrived, I hopped on.
I don't know if it fell off as I was getting on
or if it got ripped off on the bus.
At the next stop, I realized I didn't have it.
I shouted to the driver I'd lost my bag and to stop.
The poor guy stopped.
He shut the bus doors and searched all the passengers.
Nothing.
He said it wasn't there,
that I probably dropped it somewhere.
Why did you put so many coins in it?
I was going to sell them.
Each time I left the house, I was so afraid
my husband or his brother would find the gold
and it'd go up in a puff of smoke.
I decided to sell them
and put the money in a bank account,
so that nobody around me would know I had gold.
Siavash dear,
go get the bag your dad told us about.
This morning, I came across the ad
that said a bag was found.
As if God...
You are blessed.
God knows I earned these coins one by one
weaving rugs, struggling,
saving them secretly, in case I'm in need someday.
It was God's will my brother had some leave
and found your bag on his way.
Have some tea, please.
Thank you so much.
I was so nervous I took a taxi, he's waiting outside.
Siavash, did you find it?
I put it near the mirror.
May God arrange a way
for your brother to get out of jail.
Such a good man shouldn't be there.
-Here you are. -Look...
the strap's broken. It must have fallen off.
Check if you have everything in it.
-Sorry I bothered you. -Not at all.
-Thank you. -Take care.
-Thanks. -Goodbye.
Hey, kid.
Here, son.
Take it, please.
No...
It's no use, thank you.
It comes from the bottom of my heart. Take it.
...dad...
He says his father wouldn't like it.
It's yours. Don't tell your dad.
Go on, darling, no problem.
-Bye. -That's very kind of you. Goodbye.
Let's go.
(engine starts)
Write your sister's number down. Mr. Taheri wants to talk to her.
To my sister?
What for?
About the gold. He wants to ask her a few questions.
(knocking on door)
Hello.
Well done. Hello.
(men speaking indistinctly)
He's in jail for a debt.
I've just talked to his sister.
Yes, he found it during his leave.
Whenever you want.
He's here.
It can also be outside. We can arrange it.
What you did is beautiful.
It's a noble gesture.
(man speaks Persian)
Okay, let me know.
He hasn't told anybody.
That's what makes it beautiful.
How's everything?
Fine, thank you.
Well?
They'll organize it and call back.
Listen. A TV crew is coming
to interview you.
I did nothing special. It was just a few coins.
The number doesn't matter.
You've taken your two day's leave
to find the owner, in your situation.
There's also a newspaper
that wants to arrange an interview.
-It's very kind of you. -No, it's kind of you.
We have to learn from you.
Come on.
It's getting late.
Let him have his tea.
Make congratulatory banners and hang them.
He's our calligrapher.
He can't congratulate himself.
We'll have them done outside.
-I did nothing special. -Yes, you did.
A screw-up like that doesn't go unnoticed!
Letting loads of gold get away is special!
Get going.
Stop pulling his leg.
"Nothing special."
(men chuckling)
Soltani!
Come here.
Have you got something decent to wear?
Yes, I do.
Go and tidy yourself up. And trim your beard.
What's that?
Hello.
(man speaks Persian)
-(knocks) -Mr. Taheri?
Mr. Taheri.
Excuse me, just one second.
It's just that... I didn't find the bag.
Who did, then?
Well... My wife.
Who returned it to the owner?
I made the decision to return it.
So you gave it back. No problem.
Tell them exactly that.
"My wife found it and I returned it."
No, in fact...
nobody knows we're together.
I can't give her name.
Isn't she your wife?
Not yet.
Oh.
So you're naughty, too!
No... We're getting married as soon as I go out.
Anyway, you returned the gold, right?
There we go.
Forget about the rest and hurry up.
(man speaks Persian)
Rolling.
Very conscientious,
very earnest, very reliable,
a very honest man.
In spite of his financial difficulties,
he has proved with this act
that one can always prioritize
good deeds over personal interest.
(lively chatter)
I'm Rahim Soltani, Mostafa's son. I was born...
in Sangsiah neighborhood in Shiraz.
Rahim!
You're on TV!
Really?
I was a sign painter and calligrapher.
When printed banners came along, I had to close my business.
Why are you in jail?
I... I got a loan
to start a new business.
But my partner took my money,
so I wasn't able to pay back the loan.
My guarantor had to pay for me
but then, he filed a complaint against me and I went to jail.
At first, I thought it was a miracle.
God put this bag in my path
to free me from the harassment and the insults of my creditor.
I even sent him a message to tell him
I could pay part of my debt back.
But then I thought to myself I couldn't.
It was probably a test.
I got off the bus here.
I went there to buy cakes,
not to go home empty-handed.
I saw a handbag that had fallen...
here.
Right here.
On the ground, with the strap broken.
I opened it, it was full of coins.
I looked around, there was nobody.
I thought it over all night. I thought if I take another's belonging,
at some point, I'll be punished for it a hundredfold.
Next morning, I came back here
and put ads everywhere saying I'd found a bag.
First, I went to that bank.
I asked them if anybody had been there for a lost bag.
They said no.
That's why I had to write the ad
with my phone number.
Here, in the prison, we really appreciate him.
Since we've had him with us,
our spaces, the climate
have become more colorful.
He has taken part
in all the training courses and cultural activities
organized for the inmates.
He's always been
very diligent and active.
Thank God, it has borne fruit.
I wish to thank
the warden, Mr. Salehpour
and Mr. Taheri, in charge of cultural activities
for their efforts to improve the inmates' wellbeing.
Did I look okay?
Really?
Did everyone at home see it?
-Well done. -Thanks.
Do you realize the whole country saw the shirt you gave me?
You know how to fool people.
Farkhondeh, it's ringing.
I'll call you.
Take care of yourself.
Me too, a lot.
Bye.
What did you say?
I'm talking to you.
What did I say?
Who fools people?
You got offended.
You paint camouflage, don't you?
What do they give you in exchange?
Who?
The ones you thanked
for their concern about the inmates' wellbeing.
Nobody will give me anything.
Nothing?
You cover up their shit for free?
Step back.
Go ahead, slap me.
I wish you had the guts to slap me. I really do.
Being a man is not about growing a beard.
You should have said that two weeks ago,
Shakuri killed himself after six years in jail.
(music playing with Persian singing)
(men shouting)
(bystanders clapping)
(excited chattering)
(cheers)
(music continues)
(men speaking Persian)
Hopefully thanks to your intervention, things will get sorted out
and he'll be off the hook.
I hope so.
You told me on the phone a few days ago...
-That day... -Let me speak.
You said he had 70,000, right?
No. In fact,
Mr. Taheri, the 70,000 was the value of the coins I found.
I thought I could sell them
and pay back some of my debt.
Then, my conscience didn't allow me to.
I see.
How come his conscience doesn't bother him with me?
Maybe he did wrong to be conscientious
and to give a poor woman her money back?
Wouldn't you have felt bad having her money?
Can I talk to you in private?
Please leave for a few minutes.
-(door closes) -I'm listening to you.
How can you be sure this story about the bag isn't made up?
How can you be sure it is?
He's my sister-in-law's ex. I know him.
That doesn't prove anything.
Anyhow, he made a human gesture.
How did he become so human overnight?
Why do you think his wife left him?
Do you have any clear proof he's lying?
-I do. -What is it?
Say it.
He's been bullshitting people all his life.
What bullshit?
He said on TV he got a loan and wasn't able to pay for it.
Let me speak.
What bank would give him a loan?
-What do you mean? -He didn't say it was a loan shark.
-So what? -Why does he lie?
Maybe he was embarrassed. That's no proof.
I don't want to slander him.
But I warn you, Mr. Taheri,
if he doesn't pay me, I'll denounce him.
Denounce what?
If the owner of the bag hadn't called,
no one would have known.
If he didn't want anyone to know,
why did he publicize the prison's number?
He should have left his cellphone number.
There are no cellphones in jail.
So how could he text me?
A text from jail?
Did he text you from jail?
Mr. Taheri, you know what all his story's about?
Get to the point.
Ever since he learned that his ex,
my sister-in-law,
has been proposed to, he's started to hassle me.
He keeps calling and texting me to get my agreement
and get out of jail.
To stop her from getting married.
His private life is none of my business.
Listen to me.
You asked me to prove he's lying.
He feels humiliated.
He made up this story to restore his reputation
and try to get his wife back.
No, you're wrong. I have some information.
That's all it's about.
He has a partner.
He plans to marry her when he gets out.
You know what?
I don't care whether he found the bag or not.
I want what's due after three years.
Not in dribs and drabs.
You've waited for three years.
Give him a few more days.
I'll talk to him and see how he can pay you back.
(sighs)
And if he doesn't?
It'll be up to you to decide.
(door opens)
He's been granted special leave.
(woman speaks Persian)
Hello.
They'll get the creditor's agreement so he doesn't go back to jail.
Let's hope.
I'll pass him to you.
Rahim...
Rahim!
He's coming.
-(boys chattering) -(bicycle bell ringing)
H...ello.
Hello, sweetheart. Congratulations.
H...ere you are.
What are you celebrating?
My f...ather
was...
re...leased.
Wonderful. Wait, I'll give you the bowl back.
I saw him on TV.
Who's so much trouble for?
It's the talk of the neighborhood.
At least ten people called to say you make them proud.
Some cousins are coming tonight.
Do we have enough food?
I'll do some shopping.
We'll have loads of people these days.
Try this to see if it fits.
Thanks a lot.
-You might need this. -I don't need it.
Don't make a fuss.
Thank you.
Stop smoking in front of people. It's not worthy of you.
Okay.
Siavash, you shared out the soup?
Mali!
Yes?
-Get ready, we'll go somewhere. -Where?
You'll see.
Where?
I'll tell you on the road.
How did you find her?
She was my cellmate.
Seriously.
She works at the speech therapy center.
-Doesn't she mind your situation? -Nah.
Does Siavash know?
Not yet.
(children chattering playfully)
Aren't you alone?
Maliheh wanted to see you.
Ask her in.
Next time.
(Farkhondeh speaks quietly)
-Is your brother home? -Yes.
Ask him to come.
-Hello. -Please, come in.
Thank you.
He wants to talk to Morteza.
Don't make us look bad. Grow up a bit!
He must have planned it with Farkhondeh.
I already said no.
If I go and see him now, I'll say it again.
-Stop trying to force me. -He didn't kill anyone.
Fine, he's a saint!
He has a kid.
He's been to jail, he's got no job.
I'll never agree!
Stop being so macho! Your sister's 37.
I don't care who she sees.
She does what she likes.
But she shouldn't come back here,
in tears, saying she wants to split up.
Read that,
then go and tell him what you want.
-What's that? -Just read it.
-I'm cold, mom. -Go get dressed.
(low, indistinct conversations)
(Mali speaks Persian)
(speaking Persian)
Get up.
(excited chattering)
(crowd chatter)
(men speaking Persian)
(microphone feedback)
(applause)
Good evening, thank you.
We are very grateful for your support to our charity association.
First of all, Mr. Soltani...
(microphone feedback)
Mr. Soltani, please join us.
Give him some applause.
(man speaks Persian)
(speaks Persian)
Mr. Soltani,
in his TV interview,
said that when he found the coins,
he thought it was a miracle.
Good evening.
Then he thought God might have been testing him.
I'd like to say to Mr. Soltani
it is a miracle.
You know why?
I received a call earlier from the local council.
As a sign of appreciation of his selfless courage,
this gentleman will be offered a job in their administration.
(speaking Persian)
(speaks Persian)
We hope that thanks to the efforts
of the prison management,
to the town's benefactors
and to your generosity
through your contribution tonight,
we can get his creditor's agreement
and have him return to his family and dear son
as soon as possible.
Thank you.
A round of applause for his noble deed.
(speaks Persian)
Congratulations.
(applause stops)
Mr. Soltani, please...
Please grant us a few words.
-(microphone feedback) -Sure.
Hello.
Thank you. (clears throat)
I must confess
at first, I was tempted
to sell the coins and pay off my debt.
But there was a mishap at the gold dealer.
When he set out to calculate the price of the coins,
his calculator broke down.
He took a pen
but it didn't work either.
I suddenly thought to myself
these were signs.
That wasn't the right thing to do
and I'd better return them to their owner.
Bravo.
Congratulations.
If you agree, we'll exchange a few words with this young man.
Anything you want to say about your father?
-Yes. -Go ahead.
I...
l... like...
...enough money...
...debt...
...collected...
...go back...
...jail...
I... my own...
...money...
with me.
Good boy.
How much do you want to give?
Fi...
Fifty...
Tomans.
...tomans.
Let's give him a cheer!
(music plays with Persian singing)
(song continues)
(song fades)
Bring the cakes.
(overlapping chatter)
(woman speaking Persian)
250 tomans.
100 tomans.
Again 100 tomans.
And finally 500 tomans.
That makes 32,750 tomans.
Plus 1,400 in cash and a gold bracelet.
That's a total...
of 34,150 tomans.
We'll evaluate the price of the bracelet.
The prisoners chipped in 840 tomans.
I'll pay it to the association.
Thank you.
The warden and I will give 200.
Very kind of you.
You've already done a lot.
Our pleasure.
Hossein...
While we're here, go get your checkbook...
Wait a minute.
My debt is 150,000 tomans. 150,000 from three years ago.
What's the use of 34,000 for me?
Bahram, come on...
(overlapping talking)
The poor lady took off her bracelet,
even the prisoners donated to get him out.
Please cooperate, too.
You're talking to me as if I was cheating him.
He did a good deed. You should make an effort...
What good deed?
Even if he found a bag
and returned it to its owner,
it's only normal, he did his duty.
Would you have returned it?
Of course. Why not?
You're not in jail for debt.
If you were and you had...
Please, madam...
Many people are in far worse situations than him.
They could steal and they don't. Are they celebrated?
I've never dishonored anybody.
Will I be given a certificate?
Where in the world are people celebrated for not doing wrong?
Your problem is my merit certificate?
My problem is you being so ungrateful.
-Come here, Bahram. -(overlapping talking)
This certificate
is the least we could do for such a noble deed.
What noble deed?
What good did he do?
I did good, three years ago,
because I considered him as family.
I gave a bond check to a loan shark
so he can start a business and rescue his family.
I did good when he didn't meet the payments
and I sold my wife's jewelry to pay off his debt,
the interest and the penalties.
God bless you.
Now, he's a hero
and me who did so much for him, the bastard creditor?
Not at all...
I had to sell my daughter's dowry for him.
He wanted to sell the gold and give me 70,000. I refused.
-Is that right? -Yes, but...
If I'd accepted it as part of his debt,
he'd come out of jail.
Then, would he have made all this fuss
about finding gold?
It's because I refused that he built up this story.
I won't reply out of respect.
Don't get on my nerves or I grass you up.
Stop it.
There's a child here.
Bahram...
Wait, Bahram. Wait!
Come here for a second.
We have arranged for him to be interviewed on TV.
I'll have him call you during the show.
Say that as he did a good deed, you consent to have him released.
So you teach a good lesson to the audience
and restore your image.
Will my image give my daughter a dowry?
Anyway, if he pays this amount to the court as a bail,
they'll stagger the rest of his debt
and he'll be out the next day.
It's much nicer if you give your consent.
If I agree, it's only for this poor kid.
God bless you. Thank you.
Write up the minutes and have it signed.
Hello.
Salam. Can I help you?
I'm Rahim Soltani.
Yes?
-Ms. Radmehr sent me. -Who?
Mehrpooyan Charity Association.
I've come to meet the head of Human Resources.
-You're the guy who was on TV. -That's right.
I have an appointment at 11:00.
Yes.
Can I have your ID?
It's this way, first floor. Mr. Nadeali.
Trustworthy prisoner returns a bag full of gold to its owner
I can do all kinds of jobs: calligraphy, painting...
Good for you.
-At your service. -Have some tea.
Thank you.
Tell me, the gentleman
you gave the coins back to...
It was a lady.
Can I have her number to call her?
Her number...
I don't have it.
Didn't it show up when she called you?
She called the prison.
Her address, then?
I don't think I've got it. Why?
You've got no information about her?
I never met her. My sister gave her the bag.
Is there any problem?
Do you have any proof you found this bag and gave it back?
I have no proof.
Just a merit certificate
from the charity, where it's written.
Any witnesses?
The prison managers.
Apart from them.
My sister and my son are witnesses. What's wrong?
In order to approve your application,
I have to make sure...
of certain facts.
What facts?
-There are rumors going round. -What rumors?
That maybe...
your story's made up.
Made up?
What's wrong with my checking the facts?
Did my creditor contact you?
No.
Any of the inmates?
No, on social media,
some rumors have spread.
Are you doubting me?
I'm not.
But there's this rumor.
Why?
They say this story's made up by the prison authorities,
to create a diversion from the recent suicide.
-I swear on my son's life... -Why are you swearing?
Didn't you bring the bag?
Yes, I did.
Ask the owner, your sister and your son to come here
so I can ask them a few questions.
Then, they'll sign a statement.
If tomorrow some loony comes here,
I'll know how to shut his mouth.
Is it hard to do?
No.
Hello.
How are you?
Sorry to disturb you.
A few days ago, a lady called me from this number.
If she's there, I'd like to talk to her.
She came to our place by taxi and called me from this number.
Are you her husband?
I see... hello.
How are you?
Thank you.
I see.
Do you have her address?
Who is it?
No, nothing's wrong.
Thank you.
Goodbye. Have a good day.
So?
It was the taxi driver who drove her here.
She called from his phone.
Why didn't you ask for her number?
She'd just called me, the number had shown up.
How could I know it wasn't hers?
Rahim, how come you didn't ask her address or number?
How was I to know we'd need any of this?
Didn't she give any information?
Where she lived, where she was going?
I said all I can remember.
Remember anything else, kids?
-No. -NIMA: Nah.
Uncle, she said nobody knew she had gold.
She was too scared to tell anyone.
Take me to the council tomorrow.
I'll tell them I saw her and I gave her the bag.
He insists on seeing her.
I... saw... h...
Her.
"I saw her."
Mali, call the taxi driver again.
(horn honks)
When she got in, she was very agitated.
I asked her what happened. She said nothing.
She asked if she could use my phone.
I think she called your sister.
Did she talk to you on the road?
No. But when she got back in outside your place,
I saw in the rear-view mirror she was counting coins.
She asked me to stop by a gold dealer.
I found one, stopped and she went in.
What for?
How would I know?
She just went in.
Was she dark-skinned?
I didn't meet her.
-About ten days ago? -Yes.
And her coins were not rimmed.
She's the one who asked us to check
if the coins were real gold.
Seventeen of them.
Yes, she came here.
I checked them one by one and told her they were gold.
She asked the value,
she wanted to sell one.
I found her a bit shifty
and said we weren't buying that day.
Why shifty?
If the coins were hers,
she wouldn't have asked if they were real gold.
Why? Were these coins yours?
Excuse me...
Can I see the images from your cameras?
You need a warrant from the police.
Can I just take a picture of them with my phone?
No, sorry.
Excuse me,
can you... have a look at this certificate?
I guess she wanted to check
I hadn't replaced her coins with fake ones.
Listen,
I don't want to worry you,
but if there was nothing wrong with this woman,
at least the day after,
she would have called to thank you.
Can we go to where she got out?
She went that way.
Keep your money!
No, thank you.
How much is it?
I won't charge a prisoner.
Please. It's not fair.
Nothing is fair in this world.
I also spent two years in jail unfairly.
You're too kind.
I hope you find her.
But if you don't, just go there with another lady
and say you gave the bag to her.
And if you need anything, call me.
(children chattering playfully)
(talking low, indistinctly)
Aren't you the man
I saw on TV in the regional news?
Yes.
I thought you looked familiar.
It's nice of you.
Here you are.
Thank you.
How about this, auntie?
Let me see.
No, that's too tight.
Go get something nicer.
What's that?
Don't.
Stop it.
Rahim, hurry up.
Coming.
Is it working?
No, it's not recording.
Nima, go and ask the neighbor
for their DVD player.
Okay.
Say your uncle's on TV tonight!
I will.
You should take the woman's picture and show it during the evening.
Okay.
-Did you tell your mom to watch? -Yes.
-(phone ringing) -Was she happy?
-Very much so! -Rahim, your phone.
Come here, Rahim, I'll do your hair a bit.
Did you find one, sweetheart?
N... Not yet.
(Rahim speaks Persian)
Hello?
Who's calling?
Yes, how are you?
Everything fine?
"I'm very happy and I'm proud of my father."
I'm getting ready with my son and then off we go.
Ha...ha...happy.
I am p... p... proud...
of him.
Try not to be stressed. Put this on and let's try again.
I'm ha... happy
and I'm...
proud...
Nobody told me anything.
Put on these pants my mom gave you.
What happened?
The thing is...
my son has told his friends
he'd be on TV tonight.
Rahim, come in the yard.
Anything wrong?
It's been canceled.
What do you mean?
Why?
Who was calling?
The TV guy.
Da... this... g...
Is it good?
Da...
-What day was it? -Tuesday.
Tuesday before noon. Probably around ten.
This is the number of the headquarters.
It's one of these two.
Call her. I'll talk to her.
-Thank you. -Come with me.
Who wrote this rubbish?
Impossible to find out. Someone writes something
and it goes viral.
I guess
that's the reason why the TV show was canceled.
Maybe your ex-wife wanted to set you up?
I don't think so.
She's living her own life.
Why was your creditor threatening to call her and ask about you?
Of course,
we split up,
she won't praise me.
Why did you split up?
The truth is,
we struggled, we couldn't live together.
(knock on door)
Well?
It's a juice shop. She called from there both times.
What did the guy say?
-Did he know her? -No.
He said she was a passerby who asked if she could use the phone.
How strange.
She's been careful not to leave any trail.
Are you...
sure she was the owner of the bag?
She gave the right description.
Why did you give the jail's number?
Why not your sister's?
The truth is,
I wanted to be the one to tell her her bag was found.
How come you had the number?
Well?
Mrs. Marvasti gave it to me.
What for?
Once, when I went on leave,
she had some painting job needed at her home.
So she gave me...
the number...
You can go now. We'll see what happens.
Okay.
(door closes)
You talked to his sister, did you suspect anything?
Like what?
Like they might have made it all up.
No.
Call Mrs. Marvasti.
What if the taxi driver was in cahoots with her?
No, the poor guy even offered to help.
There's something fishy with this woman.
The coins probably weren't hers.
You should tell the council.
Tell them she's a thief?
It's none of Rahim's business.
As long as he's returned the gold.
To a thief.
With what Bahram said
they're already starting to have doubts.
All we need now is for them to find out
Rahim gave the gold to a dodgy person.
What do you mean, dodgy?
She must be laying low so nobody knows she had gold.
It doesn't matter why but she's nowhere to be found.
I don't know.
I'm lost now.
Thank you.
(pouring liquid)
Mali...
Yes?
There's one thing we can do.
What?
Ask Siavash to come.
Siavash, come here.
-Do you want anything else? -No, thanks.
Close the door.
Mr. Nadeali will leave at 1:00 p.m.
The lady said she'd come at 12:30. I'm sorry she's late.
Good bye.
Bye.
Thank you, good bye.
Hello.
(knocks on door)
-Hello. -Hello.
Sorry, I'm late.
We're sorry to bother you.
-Not at all. -Sit down.
-No, please. -Come on, sit down.
Please, sit here.
Don't worry.
-Shall I let them in? -Can you come in?
Bring me the newspaper, please.
You stay here, please. He wants to see the lady alone.
Hello.
Come in, please.
Welcome. Take a seat.
How are you doing?
Well, thank you.
You should have given him your number.
I was afraid.
Why?
I didn't tell my husband I lost my bag.
Once it's found, why wouldn't he know?
I don't want him to know we've got gold.
He'd spend it right away.
I've been struggling weaving carpets
to earn them one by one.
What does your husband do?
He doesn't work.
Someone who works so hard to earn a living
should be more careful.
I wanted to sell them and put the money in the bank.
Every time I went out, I was worried
he'd find them and squander them.
I thought it was better to sell them...
-With the driver sitting outside? -Yes.
You went to their place?
Yes, he took me there.
He waited for me.
Then, with the lady...
The lady, his sister
gave me the bag.
And the driver took me home.
You took a taxi for such a long trip?
I was so stressed...
I wanted to go quickly.
Okay, madam...
-You'll have to write... -Okay.
And explain all that.
-Shall I sit outside? -No, here.
Fine.
Let them in.
-Here. Is it okay? -Thank you very much.
Please read the lady's statement and sign it.
And you sign as a witness.
Okay.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
We caused you trouble.
We're very grateful.
Are we done?
You can go, you'll be kept informed.
-God bless you. -Thank you.
Thank you, madam, for your time.
It's very kind of you.
You're welcome. Goodbye.
-Thank you. -Goodbye.
Goodbye.
(overlapping talking)
Excuse me...
when do you think I'll start the job?
First, the statement must be verified.
What needs to be verified?
Everything.
But he's giving checks to his creditor relying on this job.
For now, don't count on the job.
Let's see if he meets the requirements.
You said you just wanted to ask questions to this lady.
I went to a lot of trouble to find her.
This gentleman is my witness.
Ask them as many questions as you want.
I'm at your service, if you have any questions.
Do you want him to tell you about the day he drove her?
I picked up the lady on the street.
She called this lady with my phone
and described her bag.
-Is that right? -Yes.
I gave the bag to this lady.
My nephew is my witness.
Tell the gentleman.
Sir...
this...
lady...
c...
He can't speak well.
The lady gave him 50 tomans as a reward.
Yes.
Could you please wait outside?
Close the door, please.
When did you find this bag?
The day of my leave.
You wanted to sell the coins
and give 70,000 to your creditor?
Yes, I talked to him the same day
and he agreed.
But I couldn't bring myself to do it.
But a week before finding them, you already offered him 75,000.
Me?
No, I didn't. Who said that?
"Hello, Bahram.
"I've got 75,000 tomans.
"I'll give you checks for the rest of my debt, if I get out.
Rahim."
I sent it the day I found the bag.
It's dated a week before.
My brother was in jail a week before.
How could he find a bag?
That's my question.
One week before supposedly finding the coins,
how could you promise him 75,000?
I didn't.
Come on, it's your text.
I got it yesterday.
How can I prove I returned them to their owner?
To her?
Yes.
Now you have the coins?
Yes, I have them.
Then you go now with the driver
and bring the bag and the 17 coins.
And you stay here.
My husband is at home.
I sneaked out for this poor man.
I can't go home and leave again.
-Call your husband. -What for?
I'll explain the whole story to him,
so he doesn't bother you.
My husband...
Didn't I tell you?
Didn't I tell you my husband has no idea about the coins?
I'm sorry.
Excuse me, but you're behaving very badly
with a prisoner who's gone to so much trouble
to do a good deed.
If it's proved tomorrow this was a fraud, will you answer for it?
What fraud?
We've received a call here...
I know who called you. My creditor sent you the text.
It's not him.
This man is sick.
He ruined my life and my wife left me.
-None of my business. -What is your business?
I wish I could confirm that you did that.
At my age, would I give false evidence
to someone I don't know?
This is our procedure.
Who's your boss here?
Who are you to get so worked up about him?
I'm nobody, young man.
You who are somebody,
why are you accusing this poor innocent guy?
Get out, sir.
Mr. Saghafi!
Get them out!
Go away.
Please leave.
Go away, please.
I pity this country for being in the hands of you guys.
Leave, sir.
The only thing that matters is my honor.
I don't want this job or the salary.
I swear I'll say everywhere
that you didn't keep your promise.
I'll denounce you all.
Do whatever you want, but be quiet.
(music playing nearby)
Come out when you're done.
You can speak here.
Why did you do that?
Do what?
Forwarded the text to that guy.
What guy?
The council intelligence officer.
Intelligence?
What are you talking about?
-Why are you doing this? -What am I doing?
Why do you threaten to denounce me?
I did nothing wrong.
-Why did you call them? -I called nobody.
Look... I've brought you these checks.
With what you've done, how can I find a job and pay you back?
Now they're doubting me.
They're not. They've seen your true colors.
Don't interfere.
Why was I fooled by you again?
How dare you come here?
Don't you see how changed he is?
You've worn him out.
-What have I done? -You did everything.
I was plagued by bad luck, Nazanin.
I went bankrupt.
After all he did for you,
how can you go and slander him on TV?
If you had a little pride, you wouldn't show up here.
Didn't we agree at the charity?
That instead of paying me, you'd insult me?
Bahram, are you jealous?
Jealous of what?
What would I envy you?
That people have esteem for me.
Poor people whose hero is you.
Poor you who can't stand seeing people show me respect.
You think you're somebody because you were on TV?
Watch your mouth.
You idiot, they big you up to say this country is paradise.
Bahram, be polite.
"People show me respect"...
People show you respect?
People feel sorry for you.
They feel sorry for your poor kid's stutter
and for you who drag him in front of people to cry and beg.
"People show me respect."
"The pen didn't work, the calculator either"...
Come here a second.
Leave, please.
Just a second, Nazanin.
Just a second.
(overlapping arguing)
I want to see him.
Stop it!
Leave him alone!
Bastard!
Stop!
Bastard!
(Nazanin whimpers)
Stop, Dad!
(Nazanin screams)
Ali!
Sattar, come quick!
Take him away.
(men shouting)
(Nazanin speaks Persian)
(overlapping shouting)
Don't let him go away.
(overlapping chatter)
Hello, police?
Where are you taking me?
Why are you doing this?
Call the police.
Let me out.
Who was that?
Rahim!
What happened to you?
Open this door! Why is he locked in?
We're waiting for the police.
-Did he hit you? -I'm okay.
(indistinct conversation)
(conversation continues)
Madam!
His shoe...
Open the door.
Open it, please.
-(thud) -(Farkhondeh gasps)
Put on your shoe.
(children chattering playfully)
SIAVASH: Salam.
Hello, is your dad home?
Yes.
Why doesn't he answer the phone?
-Tell him to come quick. -Okay.
RAHIM: Salam.
(overlapping talking)
I'll call you later.
Ms. Radmehr...
Salam.
Hello.
Salam.
Mr. Soltani, what got into you?
What do you mean?
Sheyda!
Bring my phone and show him.
This is what happened today in my father's shop.
The man you see attacking him
is the one who was presented on TV
a few days ago and praised
as a very conscientious and trustworthy prisoner who returned
a bag full of gold to its owner.
Since the beginning, my father told the jail management
and the charity who raised funds
for such a man
that this story was fake.
But for dubious reasons,
they didn't pay attention to him.
The woman who came to the shop seems to be his girlfriend.
Did he share that?
His daughter sent it to Ms. Radmehr.
saying she'll share it, if they're not paid by tomorrow.
He started insulting me.
The video speaks for itself.
You attacked him by surprise.
Now that you're known as a role model
that people follow, you can't behave like that.
Every year, we provide dowers for needy brides.
We pay recompenses
for convicts to avoid the death penalty.
If this is shared, nobody will trust us anymore.
nobody will support us.
That's not my fault.
Not your fault?
Your creditor's daughter also sent the video to the council.
They called me today and said the lady in the video,
who's apparently related to you, went to the council
and claimed she was the one who lost her bag
and got it back from you. Is that right?
I had no choice.
I couldn't find the owner.
If the video gets out,
will people's trust in us ever be restored?
Who would want to help us?
You've harmed all the people this charity could help.
At least, let me explain.
Go ahead.
Let him explain.
The truth is,
this bag was found by a lady.
What lady?
The lady in the video.
Why did you say you found them?
I told the prison authorities
a lady found them and gave them to me.
They said it didn't matter, I could say it was me.
So you didn't find them.
You played with our reputation.
We've been struggling for 25 years
to try and help destitute people.
You ruined it all overnight.
I'll ask this lady to come and explain everything.
You've said everywhere you found them, you made it all up.
What is it all about? Tell me the truth.
I've told the truth.
-It's the truth. -Give me a break.
I'll call your creditor.
Apologize so he doesn't share it.
Come on, they're waiting for you. They want to leave.
Just let me make a phone call.
If a scandal breaks and we have to justify ourselves
and apologize, it'll be hellish.
They're trying to talk the creditor out of sharing the video.
We have to make a statement anyway.
They've trusted us.
-Let's do it today. -And say what?
That we checked afterwards
and realized the story wasn't crystal clear.
Therefore the money collected
will stay in the charity.
Let's use it for this poor guy's recompense.
I agree.
Ex...cuse me.
My fa...ther
didn't
lie.
Sweetheart...
We're not saying he lied.
The problem is we don't understand what he says.
(speaking quietly)
If you transfer the money tonight,
Rahim will give him checks for the rest
and he won't share the video.
We can't give him the money after what's happened.
Why not?
Morally, every donor
must be informed and decide if they want their money back
or accept to give it to another person.
The money was collected for him.
No, it wasn't.
It was thanks to our dependable reputation.
It's us they trusted.
I'm not denying it.
Would it be fair to give the money
that was entrusted to us by prisoners
in spite of their difficulties to somebody who's lied to us?
Let me explain to you.
-Explain what? -What you're saying...
You took a lady to the council saying you gave her the gold
and now we find out she's your friend.
What's left to explain?
-(speaking Persian) -Listen, in any case
if the video is shared, it'd be a disaster for you.
Now, we're to blame.
It's not about blaming. I just mean...
it'd harm everyone, especially the charity.
Mr. Taghian, call and ask him not to share it
until we find a solution.
I'm off.
His daughter won't let it go.
-(overlapping talking) -Goodbye.
Goodbye.
I returned the bag. Please, madam!
You paid us back very badly.
Hello.
Hello, please go in.
Goodbye.
(crickets chirping)
Dad?
Yes, son?
Why did...
Ms....
Zareh... give
you...
the coins?
To get me out of prison.
Are you going...
to get remarried, too?
I won't, if you don't want me to.
(crying)
Siavash, darling.
(crying continues)
Look at me.
Siavash.
Come here, son.
Come on.
(crying continues)
I told Mr. Taheri.
You said your wife found it.
I didn't say my wife.
I said the lady I was going to marry.
And what did I tell you? To repeat the same thing.
No, you said it was no use to say all that.
You're lying to my face?
You told me that in the other room.
Mrs. Marvasti was there. I can call her.
Come here.
I told you to repeat the same.
You said you couldn't name her out of discretion.
I wanted...
Did I tell you to say it was a loan?
The TV people did. They asked me not to mention usury.
And going in front of the camera on the sidewalk
and claiming you found it exactly there
was also their idea?
You told the TV people
to come and film me.
I never thought anyone should find out about this story.
If you didn't want anyone to know,
you'd have given your sister's number.
Or your own number.
Not the prison's, so that we'd find out.
I swear on my child's life that I never calculated any of that.
What do you expect from us now?
Mr. Taheri should come to the charity
and tell them I'd already said
that someone else gave me the bag.
Why not tell them yourself?
I did.
They don't believe me.
There's already this rumor
that the prison authorities made up your story.
All we need now is for me to tell the charity
that someone else found it.
When does your leave end?
It's my last day.
Go give the checks to your creditor.
Ask him to forgive you, on your knees, if necessary.
Stay there until he deletes the video.
Tomorrow, come back to prison
and lie low until it's forgotten.
Why should it be forgotten?
I gave the gold back.
You said you didn't expect people
to find out.
Imagine you did it and no one found out.
That's different.
They're saying I lied. I didn't.
But you didn't tell the truth.
You're either very smart or very simple.
If I was smart, why would I be in jail?
Now, go.
Go and don't do anything.
No.
I'll convince my creditor not to share the video.
But first, you go to the charity
and the council and tell them
I told you I didn't find the bag.
You're imposing conditions on us?
If he shares it,
you'll be in trouble too.
Call the newspaper and refute the whole story
from our side.
Say he tricked us too.
(hangs up receiver)
(door slams shut)
Call him back.
Come here.
What's this slamming the door?
Eh?
Sorry.
(Middle Eastern music playing)
(music continues)
(tuning instrument)
(playing gentle tune)
Hello.
-Is Ms. Radmehr here? -Yes.
Sit down, please, I'll let her know you're here.
Sit there.
-(knocking) -Yes?
Ms. Radmehr, Mr. Soltani's here.
-You can go, I'll let you know. -Thank you very much.
Very kind of you.
My pleasure.
Goodbye.
Please sit down, I'll call you.
-Mom, let's go. -Wait a minute.
I did text my creditor a couple of times
from my cellmates' phones. But he didn't reply.
The text he forwarded to the council.
He didn't.
I only sent it to him.
Anyway.
-Then I told him... -Wait.
One of the inmates did?
What difference does it make?
I didn't agree with giving it back.
He really insisted on doing it.
I'm telling you the whole truth.
I swear it on the life of this man who's my only joy in life.
You have no way to find that lady?
I...
I went yesterday
to her neighborhood with her picture
and showed it to all the shopkeepers.
Nobody knows her.
I don't know what to do.
I have you on one side and that young lady on the other.
Since she heard your story,
she's come every day.
She's as needy as you are.
If we don't pay the recompense, her husband will be hanged.
Put yourself in my shoes.
What should I do?
Listen,
you can organize an evening
and raise funds for her husband.
We did and raised some money.
But not much, as there's a murder involved.
If I give you the money
and the kid's father gets hanged,
won't I be blamed for helping someone
with such an unclear situation?
Won't I be held responsible for his death?
You collected this money for him.
But the donors are calling to say
they don't want you to have the money.
If the video's shared, it'll be worse.
I don't care about this money.
I care about my honor.
Agree for us to give her the money and save her husband.
I'll go to your creditor today
and beg him not to share the video.
I promise.
Go in, Mrs. Fathi.
Go to the car, I'll come in a second.
What?
I won't be long.
Where are you going?
(knocks on glass)
Wait here.
Raheleh...
Come on.
You saved my life.
Don't say that.
My child and I owe you our lives.
-I don't know how to thank you. -No need. It's my duty.
Come on.
Thank you so much.
You did so much for us.
(sniffles)
Call your husband to share the good news.
(Ms. Radmehr sniffles)
If the word spreads that you gave his money
to someone else,
it'll bring more shame on him.
We can't give him the money in any case.
Okay, fine.
I just wanted to beg you to say everywhere
that it was his idea
to give the money that was raised for him
to a needy convict to save him from execution.
Can you do that?
Now that you're giving the money to someone else,
at least let him take the credit and not be disgraced further.
Please.
Okay.
I'll ask for the news to be put out on social media today.
(horn beeps)
What's happened?
What's wrong?
The video was shared.
No! When?
Right now.
Who told you?
Hossein called.
What are you going to do now?
(engine starting)
(horn beeps)
(sewing machine whirring)
Hi, auntie.
Hi, darling.
(indistinct chatter outside)
Hello.
What got into him?
-Who? -Rahim.
Haven't you seen the video?
Stop seeing this guy immediately.
What guy?
The charlatan with whom you started this swindle!
Why are you shouting?
Because it falls on deaf ears!
Housing me doesn't allow you
to speak to me however you like!
Didn't I ask you to leave this jerk?
Did it have to end like this?
Like what?
Aren't you two ashamed?
How can one be such a rogue?
Oh...
Who's this scumbag
you disgrace yourself and your family for?
This scumbag means everything to me.
I'd die for him.
Don't you talk to me like that again!
(Middle Eastern music playing)
(man speaking Persian)
Hello, Rahim.
Can you get in the car?
How are you?
Salehpour is very angry at you.
When he heard the news, he calmed down.
What news?
That you offered the money to a convict.
Who said that?
The charity announced it.
That's a nice gesture, well done.
I have a favor to ask you.
What?
Let me make a video of you and share it today.
Saying what?
What you did.
That you decided to hand the money over.
I didn't.
Between the video that was shared and the rumors
we have to find a way to avoid this disgrace.
What way?
Can I pop inside?
A few...
A few coins
were
found...
The own... no.
...that was found...
gave back to the owner.
"He gave them to the owner.
"But he couldn't find her again.
"And they didn't believe him.
"They said my father was lying." Okay?
Can you try again?
Go ahead.
Hello...
I'm... avash...
Soltani.
The...
son...
of...
Ra...him
(stammering)
Sol...
(stammering)
tani...
It didn't work, son. Once more.
It was fine.
No. Have some tea and we'll rehearse a bit.
Not at all. It's better like this.
When he's stressed, he can't speak.
Come on, son.
No, sit down.
The way he's speaking,
is more convincing.
Speak the same way.
Go ahead.
(Siavash stammering)
Hello...
Wait.
If you see your dad going to jail,
you should look sadder. Don't you think?
Yes.
Don't you love your dad?
So, why aren't you sad?
You look like you're happy to let him go.
Start again.
Hello.
I'm...
Sia... ash... Sol... tan...
...tani,
the...
son...
of...
What's up?
I don't want this to be shared.
Believe me, when he was speaking,
I nearly cried.
Whoever sees it will be overwhelmed.
I don't want my son to be seen like that.
It's to your advantage and his.
People will be on your side.
Even that woman may see it and call you.
No, delete it.
Think a bit.
-The kid said nothing bad. -I don't want...
You think it's only about what you want?
The reputation of all of us is at stake.
You want it back through my son's stutter?
(sighs)
Thank you for coming.
It's very kind of you.
Rahim!
-What are you doing? -Delete it.
-Move! -Delete it here.
Get out of my way.
(overlapping arguing)
Let go of my arm!
-Rahim... -Delete it!
Rahim, stop.
Okay.
What's going on?
Rahim!
(door slams shut)
Mr. Taheri, delete it!
Step back!
Mr. Taheri, we're really sorry.
-Please, delete it here. -(car alarm chirps)
MALI: Rahim.
-Rahim. Rahim. -(Mali speaking Persian)
What are you doing, Rahim?
-(car alarm wailing) -(overlapping shouting)
Delete it!
Rahim, he's trying to help you.
(overlapping shouting)
Okay, stop shouting!
(Mali and Hossein speak quietly)
Are you out of your mind?
We're sorry, Mr. Taheri.
-Please come back in. -Let's go in.
We're so sorry.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Go back in, Rahim.
Listen to me for a second.
-Please... -I have to go.
Just come in for a second.
Please let me go.
We're so sorry.
Do it for his child.
(engine starting)
(door closes)
How are you going back to jail after this?
(liquid pouring)
(door opens, closes)
Thanks.
Uncle...
What's prison like?
(Mali crying softly)
(air brakes hissing)
(loud traffic sounds)
(traffic sounds continue)
(passing horn blaring)
Thanks.
Congratulations.
Bye.
-Have some. -Thank you.
Please, help yourself.
-For your colleague, too. -Thank you.
-Have some. -No, thanks.
-Come on! -Thank you.
Take it for the guys inside.
Thank you very much.
-You're welcome. -Congratulations.
God bless you.
Good bye.
Come on.
What's your name?
Rahim Soltani.
In you go.
♪ ♪
(music ends)