text / (Iran) Asghar Faerhadi
translation / Boyuan
(fade)
credits
a document on the glass of the copier. The copier started to copy, the lights flashed from one side of the copier to the other, and a copy of an ID card spat out. One hand took this ID card and put another in its place. This hand placed the ID cards of all kinds of people—men, women, young people, middle-aged people, old people—on the glass plate and copied them. On-screen credits appear and fade out.
FAMILY COURT, COURT ROOM - DAY
Westminster and Nader sit across from the judge in a courtroom of an Iranian divorce court. The door was wide open, and the chatter of the people waiting to see the judge in the next room and the noise in the hallway could be heard. Nader watched the judge, silent and preoccupied. Westminster was talking incessantly.
Judge (Voiceover): Madam, the facts you have presented are not sufficient grounds for filing for divorce, unless there are other reasons.
Simin: Like?
Judge (Voiceover): For example, he is an addict, commits domestic violence to you, or refuses to pay his family.
Simin: No, he's not a drug addict. Instead, he's a decent good guy...
Judge (Voiceover): Then why do you want a divorce?
Simin: Because he doesn't want to go with me. If he goes, I'll drop the case... (to Nader) Are you going?
Nader: No, I'm not leaving. If going abroad is very important to her, she can go.
Westminster: Your Excellency, please ask him why he doesn't go, why doesn't he want to go?
NADER (to Simin) You are asking knowingly.
Simin: I don't know.
Nader (to the judge): Please let her give me a reason to convince me why I should move abroad under the current circumstances.
Simin: You give me a reason why we should stay.
NADER (to Simin) I can give you a thousand reasons. The first is that I can't leave my father alone.
Simin: But you can leave your wife?
Nader: You brought me here! It's your petition for divorce! When did I leave you? !
Simin: Didn't you just say that? If she wants to go, she can go.
Nader: Yes, and I can say it again. When you don't want to live with me...I didn't force you to get married, and naturally I won't make it difficult for you...Before you wanted to live with me. Now you don't want to.
Westminster: Your Honor, he reasoned that his father's illness...his father had Alzheimer's. He didn't even know his son was by his side.
Nader: You thought he didn't know.
Simin: Does he know?
Nader: Yeah, I think he knows.
Simin: It makes no difference to him whether he is with you or a stranger. He doesn't even know you are his son.
Nader: But I know he's my father.
Simin: Does your daughter's future matter to you?
Judge (voiceover, to Westminster): So all the kids living in this country have no future?
Simin: As a mother, I would prefer her not to grow up in this environment. Do I have this right as a mother?
Judge (voiceover): What environment?
Simin fell silent.
Judge (Voiceover): Does your child have both parents here, or does it have no father there?
Simin: That's why I insisted that he go with us.
Nader: My situation does not allow me to leave.
A brief silence. They don't even look at each other.
Westminster (to the judge): What should we do now?
Judge (voice-over): Do nothing. Go back to your days.
Westminster: I'm not going to file for a divorce if we can get on with it.
Judge (Voiceover): You can't get a divorce unless he agrees.
Simin: He just said he agreed. (to Nader) Didn't you say you agreed to the divorce?
Judge (voice-over, to Nader) Will you grant her a divorce?
Nader: If she prefers to move overseas with her husband and children, then I'm not against divorce.
SIMIN (to Nader): What does "more like" mean? (To the Judge) Your Excellency, please review these documents.
Westminster held up the document to the judge.
Westminster: Your Excellency, after eighteen months of running and paying the fee, we were granted residency. It's been six months now, and it's due in forty days. Why do we want to...
Judge (Voiceover): As I said, this is your personal problem. To get a divorce, you must get his consent.
Westminster: If he agrees to the divorce, what will happen to my daughter?
Judge (Voiceover): You have to come to an agreement on everything. How old is your daughter?
Simin: Eleven in two weeks.
Judge (Voiceover): She can come with you if her father allows it. If he doesn't agree, she can't leave.
Simin: He wouldn't agree. He knew that I would not leave my daughter alone and go abroad.
Judge (Voiceover): That's between the two of you. Good day.
Nader stood up from his seat.
Westminster: Your Honor, I must know what to do before these forty days expire.
Judge (voiceover, to Nader): Please sign here.
Nader walked over to the judge's desk and signed the document.
Simin: As long as he gives me his daughter, I don't want anything else.
Nader: Our daughter is going to follow me. She doesn't want to go with you.
Simin: What does she know? !
Nader: Why don't you understand? She is 11 years old.
Westminster: Your Honor, please, can't you help me?
Judge (voice-over, to Westminster): Please sign here, don't waste court time.
Simin: What do you mean by waste?
Judge (Voiceover): You can't come here for a trivial matter.
Simin: It's a small thing for you.
Judge (Voiceover): Yes, I'm the judge here, and your question is simply not a problem... Ma'am, sign here.
Westminster reluctantly signed the court documents.
INTERIOR, CORROSIONS AND STAIRS, DAY
Crowds of people come and go or wait between offices. Westminster made his way through the crowd, down corridors and stairs. Nader followed her.
NADER'S HOUSE - STAIRS - DAY
Two middle-aged porters descend from the second floor carrying an old piano. Westminster carried the suitcase up the stairs, stopped on the second floor platform, and waited for the porter to lift the piano and make way.
Porter A (carrying the piano): Madam, you are talking about the first floor.
Westminster: This is the first floor...
Porter A: So what's under us?
Westminster: That's the ground floor. This is a...
Porter A: We only move the first floor with the money we get.
Westminster: Didn't the buyer pay you to move it?
Porter A: Just move the first floor...
Simin: I don't understand what you're talking about!
The porter put the piano down.
Porter A: Then call the buyer. Let him tell us what to do. It's two layers.
Westminster (reluctantly): Well, get out of the way, I'll pay for the other
floor ... The porter lifts the piano downstairs.
exterior, balcony, day
Nader was on the balcony, and his old father, Mr. Mortaza, sat in a chair. Nader is shaving his father with an electric razor. We saw them through a door that opened to the balcony.
INT - FOOTBALL - DAY The
Nader's is a spacious apartment that has been around for some years. A little messy inside. Lazier sat on a chair in the corner of the hall. Her youngest daughter, Somaye, was snuggled in her lap. Through the open door, Somaye stared at Nader as he shaved his father. Nader and his father were talking, but they were too far away to hear what they were saying. Simin shook the suitcase as he entered, shaking the dust off it. She passed Lazière and Somaye, who were waiting, to the bedroom.
INTERIOR, BEDROOM, DAY
Westminster's clothes and other personal items are stacked on the bed. She stuffed things into the suitcase.
LAZIER (Voiceover) Excuse me, ma'am... Simin
dropped the suitcase and walked out of the room.
INTERFACE AND TERME'S ROOM - DAY
Terme pretends to be busy with her homework, even though it's obvious at a glance that she's really not paying attention. Simin comes in.
Simin: Go tell your dad they want to go.
Terme: Why don't you go by yourself?
Simin gave Terme an annoyed look.
Terme: What?
SIMIN (quietly) Didn't we agree?
Terme: I'm studying.
Terme went anyway. Westminster climbed into a chair, reached for the shelves in the closet, and fetched her belongings. Simin threw all her books, magazines and notebooks out of the closet. She stopped abruptly, climbed off her chair gently, and peered through the curtains at Nader in the foyer, who was leading his father, Mr. Mortaza, back to the room. Terme said something to Dad.
INTERIOR, MR. MORTAZA'S ROOM, KITCHEN AND LIVING ROOM, DAY
Simin put her book on the dining table next to her other belongings. Lazière stood up and spoke to Nader, who was walking from his father's room to the kitchen with his dirty clothes in his arms. Nader's father sat on the edge of the bed, looking out of the room, murmuring meaningless syllables. Somaye looked at him curiously. Simin pretended to be busy packing, but was actually listening intently to Nader and Lazier's conversation.
Nader: ...you have to give him his medicine on time, don't let him near the stove, don't let him go out because he'll get lost, don't let him go to the window. (Raising his voice, to Terme) Terme, go get your laundry.
Nader stuffed the clothes into the washing machine. The porter called for Westminster from the stairs.
Porter A: Madam?
Westminster: Come upstairs...
Nader: I have to go to work at 7:30. You have to get here before I go so I can hand him over to you.
Lazier: Too early. In that case, I have to leave the house at 5:30.
Nader: Can you be there before 8 o'clock? He usually wakes up at 8:30. You ring the upstairs neighbor's bell and they'll open the door for you. I'll put the apartment keys on the rung.
Nader walked from the kitchen to the living room, not paying attention to Westminster. At the same time, Westminster took his wallet and some music lecture notes and walked towards the porter who had come to the door.
Lazier: Excuse me... how much is the monthly pay?
Nader: Three hundred thousand.
SIMIN (to porter) Now, give him this. This is the music lecture notes. Maybe useful.
Westminster gave the porter a fifty thousand toman note.
Porter A: I have no change.
LAZIERE (to Nader) Three hundred thousand is a little... too little.
Nader: Not a lot, it's the line price. You can ask around and ask.
Westminster went back to the bedroom to look for change. Terme walked to the kitchen with the dirty clothes in her arms. Lazier hesitated.
Lazier: The road is too far. It's going to take several trains.
Nader (to Terme): Push the button. I've put laundry detergent on... (to Lazier) I can only offer this price. so……
Lazier: Let me think about it and tell you.
Nader: Gotta tell me this afternoon. I've also made appointments with other people, and if you don't, I don't want to fail.
INTERNATIONAL BEDROOM - DAY
Westminster is counting money from the dresser drawer. She was confused and frustrated, and had to start all over again.
LAZIER (Voiceover) Goodbye, Madame.
Simin put the rest of the cash back in the drawer. There is some money in the drawer. STAIRS -
DAY
LAZIERE AND DAUGHTER COME DOWN THE STAIRS. Westminster pays the porter. The porter thanked and left. Westminster returned to the flat.
KITCHEN - DAY
Terme and Nader lie in front of the washing machine, trying to figure out what's going on.
Nader: Which switch does she usually use?
Terme: Should I ask her?
Nader: You want to embarrass me before she's gone? ! ...we figured out our own way...Which one do you think it is?
Terme: "4", if you want me to say.
Nader: Why "4"?
Terme: Because the button has faded. see it? She must be using this the most.
Nader glanced at Terme, and was quite proud of this daughter. He pressed button "4" and started the washing machine.
Nader: Really "4". Let's live on faded buttons from now on.
Terme (worried): She's really leaving.
Nader: She'll be back.
LIVING ROOM AND MR. MORTAZA'S ROOM - DAY The
stereo is on a shelf under the TV. Westminster pulled a CD from the objects next to the stereo. Nader walked out of the kitchen, into the living room, and with the remote in hand, switched the TV channel, pretending to be interested. Simin put the suitcase by the door. Mr. Mortaza sensed that she was going out.
Mr. Mortaza: Simin, where are you going?
Simin: I'll be back soon.
Mr. Mortaza: Where are you going?
Westminster was compelled to enter Mr. Mortaza's room.
Westminster: Just go to the corner. I'll be back soon.
Mr. Mortaza took Simin's hand tremblingly and did not let her go.
Simin: I'll be back soon...let me go.
Mr. Mortaza: Where are you going?
Simin: Dad, I told you...I'll be back.
Mr. Mortaza stared blankly at Simin and would not let go of her hand.
Simin: Terme! Come with grandpa.
Nader went into his father's room.
Nader: Dad, get up... get up. I'll take you to the bathroom.
Nader took his father's arm, trying to get him to let go of Westminster's hand.
Nader: Let go of her hand... Dad... let go.
Mr. Mortaza: Where are you taking me?
Nader: Go to the bathroom, and then we'll go out and get the newspaper...Come on...(to Westminster) You can go.
Mr. Mortaza: Westminster.
Nader: She'll be back.
Nader broke his father's hand, let go of Simin's, and took his father to the bathroom. In Nader's presence, Simin tried her best to hide her hesitation and sadness.
TERME'S ROOM - DAY
Westminster removes the remaining pile of books from Terme's desk. Terme walked to the door.
Simin: Won't you come with me?
Terme did not answer. Westminster found Terme worried.
Terme: Why did you take the book away?
Simin: I want to see.
Terme: Just two weeks, do you have to watch all this?
Westminster closed the door so no one could hear their conversation.
Simin: You promised me to keep your mouth shut.
Terme: You promised me too, just two weeks.
Simin looked at Terme, not quite sure if he could keep his promise.
TERME'S ROOM AND FOOTBALL - DAY
Nader stands in front of the half-open bathroom door, waiting for his father to come out.
NADER (to father) Don't put your hand there.
Westminster walked out of Terme's room and into the hall. She held the CD she had just found in her hand. Maybe it's an excuse to say goodbye.
Westminster: I'll take this Shajarian CD.
Nader: Take it, take whatever you want.
Simin: No, just this one... bye.
Nader: Goodbye.
Simin packed her things and prepared to leave. Nader was thinking. Terme watched her mother go out through the gap in the curtains of the room.
Interior/Exterior, Westminster Cars/Street, Daytime
Westminster driving, turning from side street to main road. She wears sunglasses. There were no traces of pain on his face, and suddenly, tears fell from under the sunglasses. She saw Lazier and her daughter walking on the sidewalk on the other side of the street. She stopped in front of them and honked her horn to get their attention. IN
/
OUT , Westminster's Car/Street, Day Larzier and her daughter are sitting in the back seat of Westminster's car, next to Westminster's trunk and belongings. Simin is driving.
Lazier: I thought you lived there.
Simin: No, I just moved into my mom's house recently.
Lazière: This makes me a little bit embarrassed.
Simin: Don't worry. He is decent. I don't have the slightest distrust of him.
Lazier hesitated. She was indecisive.
Simin: And when you go, he's already out. When he gets home, you can go. You can bring your daughter with you. Then Terme would not be alone. I'd feel better if they had each other's company.
Laziers thought.
Simin: Tell your aunt your decision and I'll call her.
Lazier: All right.
EXTERIOR, THE BUS TERMINAL, The
bus terminal is crowded with people during the day , and there is a lot of traffic. Lazière and her daughter crowded to the stop of their bus, waiting with all the passengers.
Location, Nader street outside the home during the day and
the next day early in the morning, La Qiai and Suo Maye walked through the streets outside the Nader family. They came downstairs to Nader's apartment. Lazier rang the doorbell. The door hummed open. NADER'S APARTMENT BUILDING, STAIRS
, DAY The
door opens, Lazier and Sommayer go upstairs. Lazier had some difficulty going upstairs. She raised her hand and fumbled for the rung on the door, took off the key, and opened the door. She entered the house with Somaye. LIVING ROOM AND MR. MORTAZA'S
ROOM - DAY
Lazier locks the apartment door from the inside. She put her bag and black robe on the sofa. Somaye stared curiously at Mr. Mortaza from the foyer. He slept in bed with an oxygen mask covering his nose and mouth.
Somaye: What is this?
Lazier: Shhh-!
SOMAYER (lowering his voice): What is this?
Lazier: This is oxygen... go away. You will wake him up!
Somaye, still standing curiously in the hall, Lazier went into the kitchen.
KITCHEN AND
LIVING ROOM - DAY Larzier clears the breakfast table and puts dishes in the sink. Using leftover bread and cheese on the table, she made a simple breakfast for her daughter. Somaye went into the kitchen.
SOMAYE (whispering softly) Is he dead?
Lazière (quietly): No... take this and eat it over there.
Somaye: Then why is he still?
Lazier: Because he was sleeping.
Somaye walked out of the kitchen with the tray. Lazier took the pile of dishes out of the sink and put them in the dishwasher. She tried her best not to make a sound. She didn't want to wake Mr Mortaza. Apparently, she wasn't skilled enough to operate the dishwasher. She bent down to put a plate in the dishwasher, and suddenly stopped halfway, as if feeling something.
Lazière (quietly): Somaye... come... run over.
She motioned for Somaye to come over. Somaye put the tray on the sofa and ran quickly to the kitchen. Lazier stood serenely, hands on the side of his belly. She sensed what was happening under her command, and smiled at Somaye with joy. Somaye eagerly pressed her ear to her mother's belly.
Lazier: This way.
Somaye's ears moved against her mother's bulging belly, trying to hear the baby's movements, but found nothing.
Somaye: I didn't hear anything.
Lazier: Shhh-!
Somaye: What is the baby doing?
Lazier: The baby is awake.
Somaye is now rubbing her mother's belly with her hands. She wanted to capture the baby's movements.
Lazier: Baby is so naughty.
At this moment Lazier caught a glimpse of M. Mortaza passing the hall and rubbing towards the door. She hurried forward.
Lazier: Hello.
foyer and M.
Mortaza 's room - DAYLAZIER IS approaching M. Mortaza. Mr. Mortaza had come to the door, intending to go out. Somaye looked timidly at the kitchen door.
Lazier: Where do you want to go?
Mr. Mortaza: I want to... buy a newspaper.
Lazier: We have newspapers. Go back to your room and I'll get you something to eat.
Lazier gestured for M. Mortaza to return to his room. Out of habit, M. Mortaza raised his hand and wanted Lazier to take it and lead him away. Lazier avoided his hand. Mr. Mortaza looked at Sommaye. Somaye, a little scared, shrank behind the kitchen wall.
Somaye: Mom... Mom...
Lazier turned to look at her.
Somaye: ...he peeed his pants.
It was only then that Lazier noticed the wet spots on M. Mortaza's trousers. She was taken aback, not expecting such a thing. She led Mr Mortaza back to bed.
Lazier: Sit here... Sit.
Mr. Mortaza sat down beside the bed. Annoyed by the situation before her, Lazière walked cautiously to the entrance hall so as not to step on the urine stains on the carpet. Somaye followed her.
LAZIER (to Sommayer) Where are you going? Don't you see it's not clean here? Go and put on your shoes.
Somaye goes to the kitchen to put on shoes. Lazière looked at M. Mortaza, who was in a troubled situation. She was in a dilemma, not knowing what to do.
LAZIER (to Monsieur Mortaza) Do you change your clothes yourself?
M.
Mortaza : Westminster... Larzier goes to the front door, puts on his shoes, and returns to M. Mortaza's room. She rummaged through coat racks and closets, looking for a pair of clean trousers for Mr. Mortaza. She brought out a pair of pajama pants and a shirt.
Lazier: Get up... get up... I'll take you to the bathroom.
Mr. Mortaza stood up. The smell is disgusting. Lazière discovered that he not only peed his pants, but also had a bowel movement in them.
Lazier (disgusting): Alas! Can you take a bath by yourself? CORNER AND BATHROOM -
DAY
Larzier walks into the bathroom. She hung Mr. Mortaza's clean clothes on a nail in the wall, turned on the bathtub faucet, and led him into the bathroom.
Lazière: Take off your clothes, shower yourself, and put those clothes back on... Do you understand? Take a shower and feel comfortable.
Lazier walked out of the bathroom, closed the door, and waited in the corridor outside the bathroom door. She was worried about Mr. Mortaza. Somaye stood curiously in the corridor. Lazier pressed his ear to the bathroom door.
Lazier: Can you do it?
She waited a moment. Push the door open a crack. Mr. Mortaza remained in the middle of the bathroom, just as he had been.
Lazier: Look, put on your pants... pants... okay?
Lazier left the bathroom again and closed the door. Mr. Mortaza stared blankly at the closed bathroom door.
Mr. Mortaza: Westminster...
INT. LANGUAGE INSTITUTE, RECEPTION AND CLASSROOM, DAY
Westminster is holding the receiver and standing at the desk of the secretary of the language college where she teaches. The reception area is surrounded by classrooms, and the students in the classroom can be seen through the half-opened door.
Westminster: He'll say it when he needs to go to the bathroom...well, take him to the bathroom...I won't be there until 12...I have a class...no...did you call my husband? call him. do you have his phone number? write down. There's a pen by the computer desk in the hallway...I'm waiting for you.
Simin waited for a response from the other end of the phone. She glanced at the students who were waiting for her to go back to resume classes. Hesitant to decide.
Nader's House, Living Room and Mr.
Mortaza 's Room - Day Lazier is holding the receiver, apparently on the phone, waiting for the caller to answer. Mr. Mortaza, still in his dirty clothes, sat beside his bed. Somaye walked away from him and into the living room. Lazier hung up the phone and looked at the innocent M. Mortaza.
Somaye: Mom, he smells so bad.
Lazier: Shhh-! It's impolite to say that.
Lazier took out a small notebook from his purse. She dialed a phone number she had written down in a small notebook and waited for the other person to answer.
Lazière: Hello...Good day...Excuse me, I have a question related to religion. I work in a family home. There is an old man here. I'm here to take care of him. I just saw him wet his pants. They didn't tell me he couldn't take care of himself. I want to ask you what should I do. Would it be considered a sin if I washed him... (pause) No, there's no one else here. He's in his 70s or 80s, he's getting old... (pause) I called his son a few times, but he didn't answer...I don't know anyone else here... (pause) I might accidentally I saw... (pause) This is very urgent, this poor man has been sitting like this for half an hour... (pause) No, I will tell his son today that I can't do it any more... (pause ) yes... yes... ok. Thank you so much. sorry to disturb you. goodbye.
Lazier hung up the phone, went into the kitchen, and pulled out a pair of gloves.
Somaye: I won't tell Dad.
Lazier: My little angel.
Lazier entered M. Mortaza's room and closed the door. Somaye walked to the door curiously. Peering through the keyhole, she saw her mother undress Mr. Mortaza and scrub him.
EXT -
GAS STATION - PM Terme is fueling Nader's car. Nader sat behind the wheel, watching her in the side mirror. A few people looked at Terme, surprised that she was doing this kind of work. Terme filled the fuel tank. Put the nozzle back in place and walk towards Nader's car window. Nader handed Terme two two thousand toman bills. Terme paid the salesperson at the gas station, hurried back to the passenger seat, and returned the gas card to his father.
Terme (gets in): Everybody's staring at me...
Nader: It's okay, baby. How much did you add?
Terme: Thirty-seven liters and a half...
Nader: Did you get it back?
Terme: He didn't give it to me...
Nader: You didn't want it?
Terme: Here's his tip.
Nader: He only gets a tip when he refuels...you go and get your head back...go.
Terme got out of the car and walked towards the salesperson. The next car waiting in line for refueling became irritable and honked its horn. In the rearview mirror, Nader saw Terme arguing with the salesperson and wanted to look back. Terme eventually got the money back. She happily returned to the car. Nader started the car and drove away. Terme handed the money back to Nader.
Nader: You keep it.
Nader's House, Living Room and Mr. Mortaza's Room - Afternoon
Nader and Terme burst into the house. Nader still had the newspaper in his hand. Mrs. Gaherai sat behind the long dining table. Seeing Nader entering the door, she stood up. Lazier is in the kitchen.
NADER (to Mrs. Gaherai) Hi... I'm sorry we're late.
Terme: Hello.
Mrs. Gaherai: Hello... Terme, how are you doing?
Terme: All right. I'll go get the book.
Mrs. Gaherai: And your test scores.
Terme went back to the room to get her math textbook. Nader took off his coat and went to his father's room, trying to give him the newspaper he had bought. Somaye sat next to Mr. Mortaza and was reading him a newspaper.
NADER (to father) How are you? okay? (to Somaye) How are you, miss? Did you read the newspaper to him or did he read the newspaper to you?
Mr. Mortaza: Is Ali married?
Nader: Who is Ali?
Mr. Mortaza: Ali.
Nader (joking with his father): It's over, Dad...now it's your turn.
Mr. Mortaza smiled heartily. Somaye, timid, slipped out of the room. Lazier came out of the kitchen, put on his black robe, and planned to leave.
LAZIER (to Sommayer) Go and put on your shoes. We are going.
MRS. GAHRAYE (to Somaye) Don't forget your paintings.
Somaye picked up her drawings and crayons from the dining table.
Mrs. Gaherai: Take good care of your mother, okay?
Somaye: Okay.
Somaye put the drawings and crayons in her backpack. Nader came out of Mr. Mortaza's room.
Lazier: Hello.
Nader: Hi...you didn't tighten the oxygen valve.
Lazier: I screwed it up in the morning...he must have turned it on again.
Nader: From now on, screw the valve all the way so he won't turn.
Lazier: Excuse me, but I may not be here tomorrow.
Nader (stunned): You said you came every day!
Lazier: Too far.
Nader: I've turned down another guy. It's 4pm. Where am I going to find someone to come tomorrow morning?
Lazier: The job is too heavy for me.
Nader: Please come here...
Nader goes to the kitchen.
SOMAYE (pointing to her shoes): I can't put them on.
Lazier helped her put on her shoes.
Mrs. Gaherai: Perhaps you are tired because you are on the first day of work.
Lazière: No, Madame... (pointing to M. Mortaza's room) You have been here for a while. You can also see... I really can't handle it in my current situation. (to Somaye) Get your bag.
Mrs. Gahraai: This is the doctor's phone number.
Lazier: Is it a man or a woman?
Mrs. Gaherai: Lady. Her secretary knows me. Tell them that Gaherai sent you there. They also do ultrasounds.
Somaye: The baby is kicking its mother's belly.
Mrs. Gaherai: Because he wants to come out and play with you.
Lazier: The baby moved a lot today.
Mrs. Gaherai: It must be a boy.
Lazier smiled and went to the kitchen. Terme came back with books and notebooks, and sat down at the table next to Mrs. Gaherai.
interior, kitchen, afternoon
Nader filled the teapot with water, then pressed the button to boil the water. Lazier stood in the kitchen door. Nader searches for tea in the kitchen cupboard.
Nader: It was agreed yesterday. How can I leave him alone at home tomorrow? (to Terme) Terme, where did your mother keep the tea?
Terme (voice over): I don't know.
Lazier: You didn't say I had to wash him.
Nader: Cleanse the body?
Lazier: He soiled his trousers today.
Nader looked away from the cupboard and gave Lazier a sheepish look.
Lazier: It's inappropriate for me to clean him. Please pay me today's wages, I can go.
Nader pondered.
Lazier: Can you give me your wages...?
Nader: Can you at least come back tomorrow? Give me some time to find someone to do it for you? I have to put an ad in the newspaper.
Lazier: You can call a male nurse.
Nader: I can't let anyone into my house.
Nader took the money from his pocket and paid Lazier. Lazier took the money and left.
Lazier: Goodbye.
Nader went back to the kitchen. He heard the doorbell ring and went to open the door. Lazier stood in the doorway.
Nader: Huh?
Lazière: Excuse me, but may I give my husband your phone number, say I read it in the newspaper, and ask him to do the job?
Nader: You tell him about it, if he wants to...
Larzier: I don't want him to know that you know me. I didn't tell him I came here to do the hourly work.
Nader: Give him a call, come see me tonight...
Lazier: It's too late today. I'll be back tomorrow. Tell him to start the day after tomorrow. As for the pay...
Nader: Okay, let him call me. Let's arrange to meet at the bank.
Lazier: Thank you.
Nader: Goodbye. You have worked hard today, thank you.
Lazier went downstairs. Nader turned back and closed the door.
Location, bus station, in the afternoon
in a crowded city square, the La Qiai and Suo Maye sat exhausted on a bench in the bus station.
BANK - DAY
Guards open doors. Lazier's husband, Hojat, a 37-year-old man described as thin, entered and walked to the counter. Hoggart sat down at a desk and peered into the vault and the piles of cash that Nader was busy counting. Nader signed the end of the daily statement in the vault and walked to the bank manager's desk.
Nader: Hello.
Hoggart (recognizing Nader): Hello, sir.
Nader put the vault daily statement on the bank manager's desk and walked back to his desk.
Hojat: I'm sorry, I'm a little late.
Nader: It's okay. Where did you say you used to work?
Hojat: I used to be a shoemaker.
Nader: Now you quit?
Hojat: Yes, I'm unemployed.
Nader: Is it okay for you to wash his body? Because yesterday he got himself dirty.
Hojat: No problem. I'll treat him like my own father...
NADER: But you'll be alone with him, and you'll have to take good care of him.
Hojat: Your wife isn't home?
Nader: No, I'm alone at the moment.
Hoggart: Excuse me, but isn't 300,000 paid a little for this job?
Nader: How much do you want?
Hojat: I've been a shoemaker for fifteen years. I am not afraid of suffering. I don't like lazy people. You should pay me at least four hundred thousand...
Nader: I really can't pay that much.
Hojat: I'll do it for a few days and see. If you think I'm doing a good job, add a little more to the 300,000. If you're not satisfied, you don't even have to pay. I can start work today.
Nader: No, there's someone there today, and I'll write down the address for you. starting from tomorrow. Bring ID.
Hojat: All right.
Nader wrote down the address.
NADER'S HOME, KITCHEN AND
LIVING ROOM - IN THE MORNING Nader is standing at the table. Terme's textbooks are on the table. As he devoured his breakfast and tea, he questioned Terme. Terme answered from outside the kitchen.
Nader: Constant?
Terme: Continuous.
Nader: Barren?
Terme: Sandbar.
Nader (correcting her): Desert!
Terme: Desert.
Nader: Insurrection?
Terme: Rebellion.
Doorbell rang.
Nader (continuing in the tone of the exam): Doorbell?
Terme had put on his school uniform and was putting on his shoes. She walked to the walkie-talkie.
Terme (continuing to answer the question): Madame Lazier.
Nader (continuing questioning tone): No!
Terme (continuing to answer the question): Her husband.
Terme pressed the button and opened the door to let Lazier and her daughter in, without looking at who it was.
Nader: Translate the following words into Persian, design model?
Terme: Nemunak.
Nader: Candied fruit?
Terme: Khoshaab.
Nader walked out of the kitchen with the book. He put on his shoes and planned to go out. He looked at his father, who was still sleeping soundly in the room.
Nader: Guarantee?
Terme: Tazmin, zamanat.
Nader: That's Arabic. Speak Persian.
Terme: That's what our book says.
Nader: I thought we had a deal and never said that again. Wrong is wrong, it doesn't matter if it's written in the book or not. As for "guarantee," you write...
Nader thinks.
Terme: She will deduct points if I write anything else.
Nader: Let her buckle... write poshtvaneh.
Doorbell rang. Terme opened the door. Lazier and her daughter entered.
Terme: Hello.
Lazier: Hello.
Nader: Hello, ma'am...it should be your husband today!
Terme goes out.
Lazier: He can't come.
Nader: What about tomorrow? Is he coming?
Lazier: I don't know. If he doesn't come, I will.
Nader: I hope it won't be like this every day from now on.
Lazier: No, the poor man wanted to come. But last night one of his creditors led the police to the door and took him away.
Nader: Oh, if there's any trouble and he can't come, better let me know a few days in advance.
Lazier: No, he will definitely come. I will go to the creditor and ask him to let him go. His check was declined. For fear of being detained, he did not dare to go home for a week.
Terme (Voiceover): Dad, we're going to be late!
KITCHEN - DAY
Larzier drags the trash can out from under the kitchen sink. She put the garbage in the sink in, too, tying a knot at the mouth of the bag. She carried the garbage bag to the kitchen door. Trash bags are heavy. She called Somaye to help.
Lazière (quietly): Somaye!
She started clearing the breakfast table.
MR.
MORTAZA'S ROOM - DAY Somaye is standing by Mr. Mortaza's bed, staring at the oxygen mask over his nose and mouth. Curiously, she put her hand on the oxygen tank valve, twisting it to the left, then to the right. She turned the valve too far and woke Mr. Mortaza.
SOMAYE (to Mr. Mortaza): Hello.
LAZIER (Voiceover): Somaye!
Somaye hurriedly slipped out of the room. INTERIOR
,
FOOTBALL - DAY Somaye emerges from Mr. Mortaza's room. Lazier folds the rugs in the hallway, which had been soiled two days earlier.
Lazier: Throw the trash out.
Somaye went to the trash bag. Lazier grabbed the rug and dragged it towards the bathroom.
Lazier: Can you do it? Just put it at the door.
Somaye struggled to pick up the garbage bag and took it outside. Lazier dragged the rug into the bathroom. STAIRS -
DAY
Somaye drags a garbage bag downstairs. Suddenly, the bag broke and some garbage and sewage leaked onto the stairs. Somaye tried to pick up the trash and put it back in the bag, but in vain.
BATHROOM - DAY
Larzier puts the rug into the tub, washing and rinsing as best she can, despite the effort. Somaye moved closer to the bathroom door.
Somaye: Mom, the bag is broken!
LAZIER (depressed): Alas! ……Where?
Somaye: On the stairs.
LAZIERE (annoyed) Why did you get your clothes dirty? Where can I find clean clothes for you? Take it off!
Lazier was distraught. She irritably took off Somaye's clothes. Somaye felt a little uncomfortable, but she didn't show it. STAIRS -
DAY
Larzier is on the stairs, with a dustpan and a broom, clearing the mess made by a torn garbage bag. Somaye was wearing Terme's clothes, which were too big for her. She went to the door worriedly.
Somaye: Mom...he's not in his room.
LAZIER (worried): Go and see if he's in the bathroom.
Somaye turned around and went in. Lazière was apprehensive. She put aside the trash beforehand and hurried back to Nader's house. EXT
. Nader's apartment building,
anxious during the day , Lazière rushes out of the building door. She looks to both ends of the street, not knowing which direction to look for. She ran to the main crossroads.
Location, street, day
La Qiai as he ran, looking around. She rushed to the other side of the intersection and turned back to the street of Nader's house. She stopped to catch her breath, not knowing which way to go, where to go. She glanced at a newsstand at the end of the street and found Mr. Mortaza standing there with his bare feet. He tried to traverse the traffic-riddled streets. Terrified, she ran towards him, her eyes fixed on him as she crossed the street. Suddenly, there was a screeching brake sound behind him. NADER'S HOUSE - TERME'S ROOM -
DAY
Nader, Terme, Somayer and Mr. Mortaza are playing table football, making a lot of noise. INT
. KITCHEN - Daytime
tired-looking Larzier washes his face in the kitchen sink. She heard screams of joy, but she had other things on her mind, and she was worried. She dries her face. Button up your coat and walk out of the kitchen. INT - STAIRS -
DAY
LAZIERE OPENS OPEN. She wearily took her daughter down the stairs.
IN/OUT, BUS/Street,
A car pulls into the station in the afternoon . Lazier and her daughter got into the car and stood in the women's area. The bus was overcrowded and there were no empty seats. Somaye was exhausted. A woman moved to the side and Somaye sat beside her. Lazier stood in the passage with the other women. The bus started. Lazier clutched the railing feebly. She was dizzy and nearly fell. A woman behind her supported her. Another woman rose to give Lazier her seat.
Female passenger: Come and sit here.
Lazier sat down and closed his eyes in exhaustion.
INTERIOR, Nader's House, Staircase, Day
An upstairs neighbor, Mrs. Kalani, was standing outside the Naders' apartment, talking to Mr. Mortaza, the old man's twisted silhouette visible through the glass door.
Mrs. Kalani: Have you had breakfast yet? You go sit down and I'll call your son. Don't go into the kitchen.
Mrs. Kalani went upstairs and went home uneasy. The sound of the door of the apartment building opening came. She went back downstairs, waiting to see who it was. It was Lazier and Sommayer. Lazier almost struggled as he climbed the stairs.
Mrs. Kalani: My boy, this poor old man has been standing at the door for half an hour. Why are you here so late?
Lazier: I have to change the bus, it's too far... hello.
Mrs. Kalani: Hello.
Lazier found the key from the door rung.
Mrs. Kalani: Carry the trash can when taking out the trash. Sewage spilled from the bag filled the stairs all over the place.
Lazier: Yesterday I was dizzy and dropped the garbage bag on the ground. I will drag the stairs clean today.
Lazier opened the door. She and Somaye led Mr. Mortaza back to the room. Mrs. Kalani, muttering something, went upstairs.
EXTERNAL TERME SCHOOL, STREET, DAY
Nader drives from the main road to the side street where the Terme school is located. After school, the streets were crowded with students and vehicles. Nader came a little late. He drove slowly past the school, his eyes searching for Terme. Mrs. Gaherai came out of the school, surrounded by a group of students, who followed her to her car. Terme is among them. She showed Mrs. Gaherai a model she had made for her final exams.
NADER
'S HOUSE - STAIRS - DAY Nader carries Terme's backpack and walks up the stairs in front of her. Terme holds a newspaper in his hand. They came to the door of the apartment. Nader rang the doorbell. Terme was tired and crouched down, trying to sit on the stairs.
Nader: Don't sit there, it's wet.
Terme leaned against the wall. Nader rang the doorbell again. No one answered. He twisted the doorknob and knocked on the door. He was puzzled.
Nader: Madam… Madam… (increasing voice) Madam!
He reached over to the rung and fumbled for the key. could not find it.
Nader: What's her daughter's name?
Terme: Somaye.
Nader: Somaye... Somaye...
Nader is worried. He pressed his ear to the door to see if he could hear anything. Nader turned to look at the stairs leading to the upper floor.
Nader: Mrs. Kalani... Mrs. Kalani...
He went up a few flights of stairs. Terme stepped forward and called the door.
Terme: Grandpa...Grandpa...
the door of the neighbor's house upstairs opened. Nader took a few more steps up.
Nader: Mrs. Kalani?
MRS. KALANAY (voice-over): Oh, hello.
Nader: Hello. Did you see the part-time worker at our house today?
MRS KALANAY (voice-over) She was dragging the stairs just now.
Nader: When?
MRS KALANAY (Voiceover) Just before noon... Was she not home?
Nader: No... (to Terme) Wait here, I'll go get my keys in the car.
Nader ran downstairs.
FAIRY AND MR. MORTAZA'S ROOM - DAY
The sound of a key turning in the keyhole. The door opened. Nader and Terme enter the house. Nobody at home. The door to Mr. Mortaza's room was shut tightly. Nader opened the door and went in with Terme. Mr. Mortaza had fallen off the bed. One of his hands was firmly tied to the bedside rail by the hood. He soiled his pants and his dentures fell out of his mouth. Apparently he had been left alone here for a long time. Nader was going mad when he saw his father like this. He picked up his father's head and looked directly into his face. Mr. Mortaza's eyes rolled. He is still alive. Terme untied his grandfather's hand from the bed. Nader helped his father up and let him sit on the edge of the bed. He was furious. Terme burst into tears.
Nader: Dad... Dad...
Terme picked up grandfather's glasses from the floor.
Nader: Look at him... (speaking as he walks) Shameless!
Furious, Nader hurried out of the room.
MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
Nader hastily flipped through the drawers of the bedside table and dresser, where securities, cash and gold were kept. He looked into another drawer for cash and counted the money. The amount of money is less.
Nader: Did you take the money from the drawer?
Terme (voice over): No.
INTERNATIONAL VIEW - DAY
Nader comes out of his room and goes to the kitchen. He saw Somaye's backpack lying in a corner by the door of the apartment. He glanced at the kitchen.
MR. MORTAZA'S ROOM -
DAYNAD: Who did this?
Mr. Mortaza stared blankly at Nader.
Nader: Stand up. stand up.
Nader held his father's arms and helped him stand up. He raised his father's arms, then lowered them again to see if his father was injured.
Nader: Move your arm...raise your hand...does your arm hurt? Take two steps...walk...raise your leg...do you feel any pain?
Nader assisted his father with a few steps. Terme worried about his grandfather. Mr. Mortaza could no longer move freely.
Nader: What's the matter, Dad? Does your leg hurt?
Nader made his father sit by the bed. He unbuttoned his father's shirt, took off his shirt, and checked his father's body for any scars. Nader wanted to take off his father's pants. His father held on to his pants. Terme stood beside him, tears welling in his eyes.
Nader: I want to see if you're all right... let it go...
Nader suddenly realized that Mr. Mortaza was embarrassed by Terme's presence.
NADER (to Terme): Go outside and stand.
Terme: Is he injured?
Nader: No... go outside.
Terme goes out. Nader took off his father's dirty pants and helped him out of the room.
NADER (loud, to Terme): Go to the kitchen and close the door.
KITCHEN AND FOOTBALL - DAY
Through the half-open door, Terme sees his father supporting his grandfather like a child, walking towards the bathroom. She closed the door, tears streaming down her face.
NADER (Voiceover): Bring me his clothes. EXT - BALCONY -
DAY
Terme gathers her grandfather's clothes and towels from the clothesline.
-
FOOTBALL - DAY ( CONT'D ) Lazier and Sommayer hurried into the apartment building. She found the door open, Nader and Terme's shoes on the door, and felt uneasy. She entered the door and panicked when she saw that Mr. Mortaza's room was empty. Terme walked from the kitchen into the hall with Mr. Mortaza's clothes and towels. Somaye ran towards her happily.
Somaye: Hello.
Terme ignored her and walked to the bathroom with a cold look. From her reaction, Lazière saw that something was wrong. Somaye wanted to follow Terme.
Lazier: Come here.
Somaye stopped. Lazière went to the kitchen, Somaye following.
Somaye: Mom, I'm thirsty.
KITCHEN AND
FOOTBALL - DAY LAZIER is dismayed to find Nader at home. She took a glass, picked it up from the faucet, and handed it to Somaye to drink. A grief-stricken Nader walked into the kitchen.
Lazier: Hello.
Nader: Where have you been?
Lazier: Something happened. I have to leave.
Nader: You have no right to leave!
Lazier: He was sleeping.
Nader: So if he's sleeping, you can lock him in the house and go out on his own?
Lazier: I didn't go very long.
Nader (indignantly) Didn't go long? You are looking straight into my eyes and lying face to face! (more and more angry) When I got home, he was dying.
Lazier: I thought he would sleep like he did every day.
Nader: So as long as he's sleeping, you can lock him up and leave?
Lazière was shocked by Nader's anger and kept silent. Somaye, who was drinking water, was also frightened.
Nader: I'm talking to you!
Lazier: Is he all right?
Nader: Why did you tie his hands to the bed... eh?
Somaye handed the empty glass to his mother.
Nader: What are your responsibilities in this family? To tie the old man's hands to the bed, lock him up, and go about your own business?
Lazier: I have to go.
Nader: Did I not pay you? Why do you take money out of the drawer yourself?
LAZIER (extremely shocked): I took the money? !
Nader (to Lazier): Go. Get out.
LAZIER (to Sommayer) Wait for me outside.
Somaye goes out.
Lazier: When did I get the money?
Nader: Didn't you take it? Damn it, get out of here!
Terme (Voiceover): Dad... Okay.
Lazière: I swear in the name of a martyr, I didn't take it... well, you can search my bag, if there is money in it...
Nader: Get out! LAZIER (with tears in his eyes) You're trying to lose my salary.
Nader walked over, trying to push her out the door.
Nader: You deserve to be kicked out of here...I didn't do it because your kids were there. roll!
Lazier (exclamation): Don't touch me.
Nader: Then you go out on your own!
Nader forced her out. He followed her to the door, slamming it behind her.
TERMEY (VOICE OVER) DAD...
INT. CORNER AND BATHROOM, DAY
Nader walking towards the hallway where the bathroom is.
Terme: He's sitting right behind the door. refused to step back.
Nader pushed open the door, but his father sat behind it and wouldn't let it go.
Nader: Step back, let me open the door... get up... get up, back up... Dad...
Nader wants to put his hand through the crack of the door and push Dad away. For this he sat down on the ground. Terme stood by the side anxiously. Lazier knocked on the door. Nader pushed the door hard and heard his father moan.
Nader: Dad, move! ...go and see how that goes.
The knocking on the door grew louder, and Nader grew increasingly annoyed and frustrated.
Nader (irritably): Dad, you're exhausting me. Back off... (exasperated) Didn't I tell you to back off? (loud) Get out of the way!
Terme: What are you calling? He didn't understand again.
Nader (to Terme): Didn't I tell you to look at him? (to father) Get up!
Terme: Maybe his leg hurts and he can't stand up.
NADER (to father, in a menacing tone): Back off! I say step back!
Nader was forced to slam the door hard. The door slammed open and his father was pushed to the bathroom floor. Doorbell rang.
NADER (to father) Why are you making me feel so bad?
Mr. Mortaza stared blankly at Nader. Lazier's knock on the door knocked Nader out of his mind. He rushed out of the bathroom.
Corridor and Staircase - Day
Larzier opens the apartment door and enters himself.
Nader (snarls at Lazier) Who let you in?
LAZIER (worried): I want to know what happened to him.
Nader: It's none of your business! Give me the keys and get out!
Lazier: I didn't steal anything. If I...
Nader: I don't want to hear your explanation. You just get me out.
Lazier: Give me today's wages and I'll go.
The sound of the upstairs neighbor opening the door.
Nader: Why are you paying you?
Lazière (on the verge of crying): I came here to work, with children, and from... (sobs) I swear in the name of the Prophet, I don't take a penny.
Nader: Get out and cry as much as you like.
Lazier: I won't go unless I get paid.
Nader rushed at her, grabbed her by the shoulders, and pushed her out.
Lazière (screaming): Don't touch me!
Nader pushed her out and slammed the door shut. He turned back in the hallway angrily. Terme stood in the corridor, startled and frightened. She went to the door restlessly, listening to the movement outside, wondering if something was wrong. Lazier's voice fell silent. Terme was worried and opened the door. She saw Lazière sitting on the stairs, unable to scream in pain, almost suffocating. Somaye stood on top of it for a while, weeping loudly. Neighbor Madame Calani wanted to help Lazier. Several neighbors were standing on the stairs. Mrs. Kalani stroked her shoulder.
Mrs. Kalani: What happened?
Lazier wanted to get up.
Madame
Calani : Sit for a while... don't get up... Lazier struggles to his feet, dazed. She weakly grabbed her daughter's hand, wrapped herself in a black robe, and left. Terme was very upset, she went back to the house and closed the door.
BATHROOM - DAY
Nader turns on the faucet. He held the hand shower over his father's head. Father sat on the edge of the bathtub. He scrubbed his father with a loofah. While scrubbing, I noticed a bruise on my father's elbow. He was in tears. Thinking of the scolding he had given to his father before, he regretted it more than he could, and was full of guilt. He put his arms around his father's head and kissed him like a father would do to a child.
EXT - STREET OUTSIDE OF WESTMINNE'S PARENTS - Twilight
Nader drives. His father sat quietly in the front passenger seat. Terme was in the back seat with a schoolbag and a small travel bag beside her. They drove across the street and stopped next to an old apartment building. Terme packed her things and got out of the car.
Nader: Let her learn English with you.
Terme: Goodbye, Grandpa.
Nader (to father): Dad, Terme will see you again.
Mr. Mortaza did not answer. Terme got out of the car, jumped over the gutter by the side of the road, and walked towards her grandmother's house. Nader waited in the car and watched her pass. Terme rang the doorbell. She spoke into the walkie-talkie, then turned back. Nader lowered the window. Terme wanted to jump over the ditch and get back to the car.
Nader: Don't come here...what's the matter?
Terme: Mom wants you in.
Nader: Tell her I can't get in, grandpa's in the car.
Terme: She said there was something important.
Westminster's parents' house,
a modest old flat at night . Grandma Cutie (Westminster's mother) opened the door for Nader. Westminster's 70-year-old father was sitting in a chair in the corner, and he could only pray in this position because of the inconvenience of his legs and feet. A young satellite TV technician stands in front of a TV and tunes channels on a satellite TV receiver. Simin put on his turban and walked out of the room.
Nader: Hello.
Granny Katie: Hello. You ignore us until you divorce your wife.
Nader: I'm very busy.
Granny Katie: Men divorce their wives, usually to make things easier.
Simin came to the living room. Nader took a few steps into the house. They were depressed and cold to each other.
Simin: What about Terme?
Nader: Dad is in the car. She is with him.
Granny Katie: Then bring him in too.
Nader: No, he's too tired. By this time he should have taken a nap.
Satellite TV Technician: Madam, there is too much static on these channels.
Granny Katie: Well, just tune out what you can do.
SIMIN (to Nader) You had a fight with that woman today?
Nader: Which woman?
Simin: Lazier.
Nader: Did she come to see you?
Simin: Her aunt called.
Nader: Shameless!
Simin: What did she do?
Nader: Tie the old man to the bed and lock the door. Run off to do your own thing. If I go home ten minutes later, I may lose my father forever.
SIMIN (concerned): Is something wrong with Daddy?
Nader: He fell off the bed. I don't know how long the poor man has been like this.
Simin: Where did she go?
Nader: How do I know?
Simin: She said you hit her.
Nader: I hit her? Bullshit!
Simin: Then how did she get to the hospital?
Nader (shocked): Hospital? why? What happened?
Simin: You still ask me?
Nader: I just pushed her out of the house.
Simin: That auntie scolds endlessly.
Nader: Say what?
Simin: What if she dies, your hands are covered in blood. Something similar.
Nader was clearly uneasy. Westminster's father finished his prayer.
Westminster's father: Go to the hospital to see what's going on...you might be in trouble...hello.
Nader (to Simin's father): Hello. (to Simin) What did she not say?
Simin: I hung up. I don't want to hear her curse.
Nader sat down in the chair beside her with his head down.
Nader: You're going to get into this kind of trouble by hiring random people from the street who don't know the details.
Simin: Don't blame me. I told Terme to tell you that I don't know this woman, only her aunt.
Nader: Which hospital is she in?
HOSPITAL - NIGHT
A hospital in southern Tehran with outdated facilities. Nader walked to the information desk. Simin followed behind him. A middle-aged woman sits at the information desk and makes a phone call.
Receptionist (to Nader): What's the matter? (to phone) Don't hang up yet.
Nader: Excuse me, is there a patient, a woman named Lazière, who was brought in...
Receptionist: What's her last name?
Simin: We don't know her last name, but she was delivered earlier this evening.
Nader: Her husband's last name is Samadi...
Receptionist: What did she come to the doctor for?
Nader and Simin didn't know how to respond.
Nader: We don't know. We just heard she wasn't doing well and was taken to the hospital.
The receptionist looks at the records.
Receptionist (reads a note): Lazier...Asnagy?
Simin: A woman in her 30s.
Receptionist: Visiting time has passed. She had surgery and was taken to the ward.
Nader: What surgery?
Receptionist: She had a miscarriage.
Hearing this news, Nader was stunned, he shrank into a corner and stood in a daze.
Simin: Is she all right?
Receptionist: Well, I'm fine.
Simin: Is her family here?
Receptionist: Here...they're probably at the end of the hallway now.
Westminster walked over to Nader, who was standing sadly in the corner.
Simin: What did you do to her?
Nader (stinging Westminster's question): What did I do to her?
END OF CORROSION - NIGHT
There are rows of benches in a square area at the end of the corridor. A television was mounted on the pillar, and the news was playing. Relatives of patients sat in silence on benches, some dozing off. Lazière's husband, Hojat, was among them, watching TV. Westminster and Nader walked down the corridor to this waiting area. Nader spotted Hoggart and stepped forward cautiously. Simin followed.
Nader: Hello.
Hoggart: Hello...you...(recognizes Nader) Hello...how are you?
Nader: Thanks...how is she?
Hoggart (puzzling): Who?
Nader: Your wife.
Hoggart: They sent her to the ward...you know her? !
Simin: Yes...I know her.
Hoggart was a little puzzled. Nader and Simin didn't expect his reaction to be so calm, and didn't know how to explain why they had come to the hospital.
Simin: Can we see her?
Hojat's sister Azam came with cake and juice. She knew Simin.
Azam (to Hojat): They don't have sandwiches.
Simin: Hello.
Azam ignored her.
HOJARD (to Nader and Simin) How did you meet my wife?
Simin: I met her through your sister. She introduced her as a part-time job for me.
AZAM (sarcastically, to Simin) Thank you so much!
HOJARD (to Nader) Is she going to work at your house?
Nader: Since you couldn't come, she came for you.
Azam (to Hojat) Sit down and eat something.
HOJARD (to Nader) She came to take care of your father?
Nader: Just a few days.
Hoggart: Why didn't you tell me that day?
Nader: I thought she'd tell you herself.
Hoggart: What are you doing here?
Westminster: We thought, if there was something, we could...
AZAM: Like what? You killed her child, do you want to come back to life now?
Hojat (to Azam) But she herself said she fell!
Azam: What do you want her to say? Said that I was working at someone else's house and I was exhausted to death. Not only did they not pay, but they beat me?
Hearing this, Hoggart rushed towards Nader, caught him coldly, and slapped him hard. Nader defended himself and went to grab Hojat's hand. Azam wanted to stop Hojat, but Hojat had lost his mind at this time. Simin stood in front of Nader. Others gathered around. Hoggart punched Westminster in the cheek and nose. Nader shoved Hoggart to protect Westminster. People put Hojatra aside. Hoggart cursed.
AZAM (shouting to Nader) Why are you here?
Fearing that the conflict would intensify, Westminster dragged Nader to the other side. Nader did not object, he sat in the corner without saying a word. His shirt was torn.
Simin: Don't sit there. let's go. Stand up...
Nader looked up and saw Westminster's nose bleeding.
IN/OUT, Nader's car/street,
Nader driving at night with a disheveled shirt. Westminster sat in the passenger seat with his head thrown back. She was slightly bruised and bruised under her eyes, and she was holding a small towel over her nose.
Nader: Would you like to move your seat back?
Simin shook his head, indicating no need.
Nader: I'll take you home and pick up Dad and Terme.
Simin: No.
Nader: What do you mean by "no"? ! Do you want to go back to your parents' house like this? !
Simin was silent.
Nader: That's it. you go home tonight.
Simin: I don't want to go back.
Nader was stunned, he didn't say anything.
interior, courthouse, hallway, daytime
In the crowded corridors of the courthouse, Nader was looking for the chamber to subpoena him. He held a piece of paper in his hand. There were many people sitting in the corridor. Among these faces he found Lazière's daughter Somaye. She sat alone, focusing on people in handcuffs or prison uniforms. Through a half-open door, Nader saw Hoggart, who was speaking to the examining magistrate's assistant. A few feet behind him, Lazier stood by the door. Nader wanted to wait for them to finish speaking before going in himself. Now Somaye saw Nader. She didn't know whether she should say hello or ignore him. Nader looked at her kindly. Hojat and Lazier came out of the room. They didn't expect to see Nader. They brushed past Nader without saying a word. Lazier still described as haggard and sickly. Nader entered. Hoggart glared at Nader with hatred. Lazière took her daughter by the hand and walked to the door. She was about to leave, but Hoggart seemed to want to stay.
EXAMINING JUDGE'S OFFICE - DAY
This room has a window looking out onto the bustling yard. Hojat and Larzier sat in chairs opposite the examining magistrate's desk. Nader sat on the other side. An empty chair separates them. The door was ajar, and you could hear conversations and footsteps in the next room. The clerk was a young man sitting behind another desk, answering the phone. The examining magistrate took notes of their responses.
Examining Judge: So... Mr. Hojat
Samadi and Lazier... Hojat: Asnagy.
Examining Judge: Is that you, ma'am?
Lazier: Yes.
Examining Judge: You are Mr. Nader Lavassani... (to Lazier) Well, what are you accusing him of?
Hoggart: May I speak for her?
Pre-Trial Judge: You are a joint lawsuit. Anyone can speak.
Hojat: My wife does a part-time job in this man's house. Of course without my consent. The man accused her of stealing. Also pushed her down the stairs. She fell and lost my baby.
Examining Judge: Do you have a medical examiner's report?
Hojat: On your desk.
Examining Judge: What is the date?
Hojat: What day is Wednesday?
Examining Judge (to Nader): Did you hear the charges? Do you accept the charge? How do you plead?
Nader (painfully): I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry to hear about this, I left immediately and rushed to the hospital.
Examining Judge: So you admit that the above allegation is true? (pointing to the medical examiner's report, to Hoggart) Did you get this report from the medical examiner's office on the day of the accident?
Hojat: We went to the hospital that night. We sent the hospital medical records to the medical examiner's office.
Examining Judge (reading report): Four and a half months... male... (to Nader) Well, explain.
Nader: I admit that I was a little rough with her that day.
Examining Judge: What is rudeness? Did you push this lady?
Nader: I didn't push her. I just want her out.
Examining Judge: Look, sir, please be clear. You are charged with manslaughter. The fetus is four and a half months old and can be considered an adult.
Nader was stunned by the examining magistrate's words.
Nader: I didn't push her when I approached her...I wanted her to leave so I could close my door.
Lazier (unbelievable): You didn't push me? !
Examining Judge: Madam, please be quiet.
Nader: If I had known she was pregnant, I wouldn't have let her out that way. I just want her to go.
Examining Judge: Madam, do you accept his explanation?
Lazier: He's not pushing me. He grabbed me here and shoved me out.
Nader: I didn't push her. As if I said I wanted her out of my house.
Hoggart: You idiot, who would take a pregnant woman out like this?
Nader: I didn't know she was pregnant.
Hojat: Why are you lying?
Nader: I didn't find out about it until I went to the hospital.
Lazière: Your Excellency, you are like a brother to me, do you think there is anyone who cannot
tell by the appearance and size of a woman whether she is pregnant or not... Hojat: Four or five months pregnant .
Nader: When did I look at you carefully? I was either gone when you came or I was going out right away. By the time I come back in the afternoon, you are always in your black robe and planning to leave. In fact, whenever I see you, you look like this in your black robe. How did I know you... The
examining magistrate (to Lazier): He can claim that you cannot tell by your appearance that you are pregnant.
Nader: And, Your Honor, I never
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