DEFIANCE
Written by
Clayton Frohman & Edward Zwick
FADE IN:
1 NEW YORK CITY - PARK AVENUE - NIGHT - 1982 1
A TAXI pulls over to a curb where an ELDERLY MAN waits with
his MIDDLE-AGED SON in THE RAIN.
MIDDLE-AGED SON
(as they climb in)
23rd and Lex.
The CABBIE grunts a reply.
MIDDLE-AGED SON (CONT'D)
How ya doin', Papa, you doin'
alright?
ELDERLY MAN
Fine, fine...
MIDDLE-AGED SON
This is just a check-up, okay?
Doctor Katz says you'll outlive us
all.
(looks out the window)
Traffic isn't bad. We should be
back in time to watch the Mets.
He notices his father is STARING, wide-eyed, at the cabby's
HACK LICENSE. We glimpse only the last name..."Bielski."
MIDDLE-AGED SON (CONT'D)
Papa? .Papa, what is it?
IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, the old man catches the furtive
eyes of the cabby.
ELDERLY MAN
...You. Can it be?
The eyes in the mirror look away. And then back.
ELDERLY MAN (CONT'D)
Bielski. Can it possibly be?
As we PUSH IN on the eyes in the mirror, we HEAR THE
DESPERATE RASPING SOUND OF PANTING.
CUT TO:
2 A MAN RUNNING FOR HIS LIFE THROUGH THE WOODS. 2
Bombs EXPLODE all around as he passes dead bodies and BURNT-
OUT VEHICLES. Without slowing he discards a WW II Red Army
helmet, a field jacket, a heavy pack, anything that might
impede his flight. He glances back up over his shoulder.
The sky is filled with BOMBERS. He runs on.
SALMON Revision - 8-18-07 2.
3 OMITTED 3
4 THE VILLAGE OF NALIBOKI 4
A typical Eastern European shtetl. LOCAL POLICE help German
Einsatzgruppen, mobile killing squads, round up Jews.
PEASANTS beat them with sticks as they are herded into lines.
One man tries to run and is beaten.
Others look on, or look away with indifference as they are
loaded onto waiting trucks.
5 TWO MEN HIDE IN THE NEARBY WOODS (ZUS & ASAEL BIELSKI) 5
We study their faces: a turbulent portrait of impotent rage,
terrible fear, overwhelming grief, and secret relief.
ASAEL
Where are they taking them?
ZUS
--Shveig! Shveig!
ASAEL
BUT--
ZUS
Just shut up! Please...
6 AN ALLEY WAY IN NOVAGRUDOK 6
The man we last saw in flight (TUVIA BIELSKI) wearing the
remnants of his uniform, slips down a cobble-stoned street.
He ducks into a doorway as A PATROL passes by.
6A A REMOTE FARM 6A
Zus and Asael move warily through a barnyard. A tethered
dog BARKS furiously. A farmer challenges them.
WALENCKI
(in Russian; subtitles)
WHAT DO YOU WANT?
Walencki brandishes a pitchfork.
ASAEL
(in Russian; subtitles)
Some food...?
WALENCKI
They are looking for you people.
The two brothers glance nervously around.
WALENCKI (CONT'D)
Get away from here! GO!
ZUS, the older of the two brothers, takes a menacing step
toward the farmer but his younger brother holds him back.
(CONTINUED)
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 3.
6A CONTINUED: 6A
ASAEL
Zus. Let's go.
As they retreat toward the woods, Zus warns the farmer.
ZUS
We'll be back.
7 A BOURGEOIS APARTMENT -- DAY 7
Tuvia is getting dressed as AN ATTRACTIVE WOMAN -- his wife,
RIFKA -- stands by the window, smoking a cigarette.
TUVIA
And no news of my brothers?
RIFKA
They are used to trouble, they'll
be all right.
TUVIA
If you stay, you'll have to go to
the ghetto.
RIFKA
I can get false papers and pass as
a gentile. So can you.
Tuvia shakes his head, no. He finishes dressing. Theirs
is a relationship long past passion.
RIFKA (CONT'D)
Will you at least stay tonight?
TUVIA
I need to see to my family. Will
you come?
RIFKA
To the country? No.
CUT TO:
8 A MODEST MILL - LATER THAT DAY 8
A PAIR OF LEGS lie motionless behind a trough. Beyond, A
MAN'S TORSO. Zus and Asael stare in mute horror.
ASAEL
Papa-- Gottenyu...
Flies buzz about dead LIVESTOCK. A WOMAN'S BODY lies nearby.
9 IN THE HOUSE 9
A still portrait of a life interrupted.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GREEN Revision - 10-14-07 4.
9 CONTINUED: 9
A table set for dinner. Candles lit. An open book. A
NOISE from a cupboard. Zus grabs a hatchet.
From the root cellar, a YOUNG BOY, 14, appears. His face
is dirty and tear-streaked. They go to embrace him.
ASAEL
Aron.
The boy (ARON) recoils. He is disoriented and WILL NOT
SPEAK.
9A EXT. MODEST MILL - MOMENTS LATER 9A
Loaded down with possessions, Asael hurries back to the
woods. Zus pauses long enough to pry the mezuzah from the
door.
CUT TO:
10 THE FOREST AT DUSK 10
Aron stares mutely straight ahead. Asael is shaking
uncontrollably and crying. Zus is at a loss what to do.
ZUS
Stop it...
But Asael is lost in a confusion of grief and panic.
ZUS (CONT'D)
Stop it. STOP IT!
Finally Zus grabs him in a gesture halfway between violence
and comfort...and holds him as Asael rocks back and forth.
CUT TO:
11 THE NALIBOKI FOREST AT DAWN - VIEWED FROM ABOVE 11
A million acres of dense, impenetrable woods and swamps.
12 ASAEL AND ARON SLEEP HUDDLED ON THE GROUND 12
The sound of a FOOTSTEP. They sit up in terror.
TUVIA
If I was a German you are dead.
ASAEL
Tuvia!
Asael leaps up to embrace him as if he were salvation itself.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
Papa and Mama. They killed them.
(CONTINUED)
TAN Revision - 9-10-07 5.
12 CONTINUED: 12
Asael clings to him. Even Aron allows himself to be held.
Tuvia hold them silently. Zus appears, hatchet in hand.
ZUS
Big brother returns.
Tuvia and Zus look at each other warily.
ZUS (CONT'D)
You saw them?
Yes. Tuvia saw them. Zus takes the mezuzah from his pocket,
tosses it to Tuvia.
ZUS (CONT'D)
Welcome home.
13 LATER - THE NALIBOCKI FOREST - A LOAF OF STALE BREAD 13
is torn apart by filthy hands as they move through the trees.
ASAEL
Are you going back to the army?
TUVIA
There is no more army.
Asael worships his big brother.
ZUS
Hope at least you killed a few.
Tuvia just stares at him.
ASAEL
What is it like? To be in a war?
TUVIA
It wasn't war. It was something
else.
Zus eyes him carefully.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Where is Sonia and the baby?
ZUS
Horodysze. Hiding in a cellar.
I'll bring her when it is safe.
Where is Rifka?
TUVIA
In Novgrudok. She wouldn't leave.
ZUS
You are still separated?
TUVIA
She is still my wife.
(CONTINUED)
YELLOW Revision - 7-30-07 6.
13 CONTINUED: 13
ZUS
Your rich wife.
Zus chews with the open-mouthed relish of a peasant.
ZUS (CONT'D)
So why exactly have you come back?
Tuvia just stares at him. The reason is obvious as he holds
his younger brothers.
ZUS (CONT'D)
You have a plan?
TUVIA
No. Do you?
CUT TO:
14 POURING RAIN - A NEW HIDE-OUT (CAMP #1) 14
Shivering and miserable, they are trying to start a fire.
Asael's few remaining matches are sodden.
TUVIA
Is there anything left to eat?
Only a few potatoes in Asael's bag. WORMS writhe among
them.
ASAEL
Zus finished the last of the sausage.
Tuvia glares at Zus, who glares back. Sibling rivals.
ZUS
Stankowicz' farm is closest.
ASAEL
He has dogs.
ZUS
Fuck the dogs. Wilencki then.
TUVIA
You think Wilencki is going to give
us food?
ZUS
No. We take it.
TUVIA
How?
ZUS
We...Take...It.
(CONTINUED)
SALMON Revision - 8-18-07 7.
14 CONTINUED: 14
TUVIA
And he tells the police.
ZUS
I have run from the police my whole
life. Do you really think it's a
good time to stop?
A moment of decision. Who holds the balance of power?
ASAEL
We know these woods. They'll never
find us in here.
Tuvia looks at his brothers. He has been outvoted.
CUT TO:
15 THE SMALL FARMHOUSE 15
where Zus and Asael first tried to get food. Asael waits
outside, anxiously on guard.
16 INSIDE 16
The farmer (WALENCKI) who threatened them with the pitchfork
sits eating a simple dinner.
Zus and Tuvia burst in. Zus brandishes a hoe.
ZUS
(in Russian; subtitles)
We want food. Be quick about it!
WALENCKI
(in Russian; subtitles)
You again!
ZUS
NOW!
WALENCKI
Sure, sure. Take what you want...
Tuvia begins to stuff provisions into a sack.
ZUS
Where is your gun, farmer?
WALENCKI
I have no gun.
Zus grabs a dinner plate and SMASHES IT IN THE FARMER'S
FACE.
ZUS
WHERE IS YOUR GUN?
Holding his bloody face, the farmer cowers in fear.
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 8.
16 CONTINUED: 16
WALENCKI
Please...
Zus kicks him.
WALENCKI (CONT'D)
I beg you...
TUVIA
ZUS--
ZUS
He's lying.
He kicks him again. The farmer begins to weep.
ZUS (CONT'D)
You're lying!
Zus dumps the remains of the farmer's dinner onto him.
ZUS (CONT'D)
If I hit you once more, you will
shit your pants. Twice and you
will never shit again.
The farmer knows Zus won't hesitate.
WALENCKI
Up there...
Zus kicks the man aside. Above the stove is an old rifle.
Zus grabs it, points it at the farmer.
ZUS
We were never here.
CUT TO:
17 THE BROTHERS 17
running through the woods. Zus raises the rifle in triumph.
TUVIA
He was willing to help us.
ZUS
He's lucky I didn't crush his head.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
TAN Revision - 9-10-07 9.
17 CONTINUED: 17
ZUS (CONT'D)
Fucking Polack. I've eaten shit
from these people long enough!
TUVIA
This is your plan? To terrorize
every anti-Semite in Belorussia?
ZUS
No. Some I will kill.
CUT TO:
18 ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST 18
Aron has been left alone. He holds a STICK which he "shoots"
like a gun -- kachew -- as he creeps from tree to tree.
Aron freezes. SOMETHING is moving in the trees. He
crouches. A dark blur. An animal? It moves off. He follows.
The shape appears again. It's a SMALL GIRL, roughly Aron's
age. Aron waves at her. The girl stares, then runs off.
Aron hurries after her into a wooded grove, then stops short.
A PILE OF NAKED CORPSES.
Overflows a newly-dug trench. The small girl runs to A
MIDDLE-AGED MAN with a crude Star-of-David sewn to his
tattered coat. He holds an OLDER GIRL, 14, in his arms.
Nearby, three or four OTHERS emerge from hiding. Starved,
in tatters, the living waiting to die.
CUT TO:
19 A CLEARING (CAMP #1) - LATER 19
where the three brothers gorge themselves on stolen food.
Someone FARTS loudly.
ZUS
Ah...
ASAEL
You know what Papa would do when
you did that at table...
Tuvia smacks Zus on the head, taking on a gruff voice.
TUVIA
Peasant.
(CONTINUED)
TAN Revision - 9-10-07 10.
19 CONTINUED: 19
Tuvia imitates his father's criticism of Zus. Asael laughs.
Zus can't help but laugh as well. Even in grief there is
laughter. A glimpse of ties that bind them.
ASAEL
I can't believe Papa's dead.
ZUS
Bernicki.
ASAEL
The police captain?
TUVIA
We don't know he did it.
ZUS
He always had it in for Papa.
TUVIA
We don't know he did it.
ZUS
So we will go and ask him if he
did.
ASAEL
Koscik has a pistol. He showed it
to me once.
ZUS
One pistol isn't enough. We need
rifles. Machine guns.
TUVIA
Machine guns? You're going to take
on the whole German army?
ZUS
Just because you didn't...
The SOUND of footsteps. Zus jumps up cocking the rifle.
ARON emerges from the trees. And then, behind him, THE
SURVIVORS he discovered among the corpses.
THE MIDDLE-AGED MAN holds a teenage GIRL by one hand and
carries his younger daughter.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
The child is hurt.
The brothers stare at him. Wary and unwelcoming.
TUVIA
Set her down.
The man lowers the child to the ground. She isn't moving.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
I am Avram Rubinski. This is my
daughter. She-- The Germans--
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 11.
19 CONTINUED: (2) 19
He cannot bring himself to say the words. OTHERS shuffle
forward, still in shock, barely able to speak their gratitude
as Tuvia offers chunks of bread and cheese. The man tries
to feed his daughter. She is barely alive.
Asael turns to Aron. Gently.
ASAEL
Where did you find them?
Aron still won't speak. Asael addresses the other girl.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
Your sister is sick?
LITTLE GIRL (RACHEL)
They kept her for a week.
We fill in the rest.
ZUS (O.S.)
TUVIA--
Zus has moved out of earshot. Tuvia joins him.
ZUS (CONT'D)
We cannot feed them.
TUVIA
I'll go ask Koscik for food.
ZUS
And the pistol.
TUVIA
And the pistol.
Without another word, he starts off.
ZUS
Remember to say please.
CUT TO:
20 A RUSSIAN-MADE MAHKAROV REVOLVER. 20
Koscik, a rotund, florid-faced Pole, hands it to Tuvia.
KOSCIK
I have only four bullets.
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 6-26-07 12.
20 CONTINUED: 20
TUVIA
I cannot thank you enough.
They sit in Koscik's warmly-lit kitchen. Koscik's WIFE
stands silently by the stove, glaring at Tuvia.
KOSCIK
Your father was a good man.
TUVIA
He said the same of you.
Tuvia can't help but notice Koscik's wife giving him the
evil eye. Koscik produces a bottle of vodka.
KOSCIK
Ignore the bitch.
(raising the bottle)
To the dead. God rest their souls.
(in Russian; subtitles)
Bitch-- Do you want vodka?
His wife just glares at him.
KOSCIK (CONT'D)
I live with this, can you imagine?
HEADLIGHTS sweep over the window. A CAR is fast approaching.
KOSCIK (CONT'D)
Hide yourself. ...The barn.
21 TUVIA HURRIES ACROSS THE COURTYARD AND INTO THE BARN. 21
22 IN THE LOFT 22
He climbs a ladder and is startled to find FIVE MORE MEN
AND WOMEN in hiding. They stare in mute terror.
23 OUTSIDE THE BARN 23
Koscik greets A BELARUSSIAN POLICE CAPTAIN and his SONS as
they exit the car. They speak in Russian, with subtitles:
KOSCIK
Working late, boys.
POLICE CAPTAIN
Hunting Jews. Our new bosses are
very organized.
Koscik offers the bottle.
KOSCIK
Hunting can work up a thirst.
(CONTINUED)
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 13.
23 CONTINUED: 23
POLICE CAPTAIN
Fifteen in one day. The council is
offering a year's free tax for every
one you turn in. -
KOSCIK
A Jew is worth that much? Do you
pay more for a fat one?
They laugh appreciatively.
24 IN THE LOFT 24
A man COUGHS then shrugs an apology. Tuvia glares at him.
25 BACK TO THE COURTYARD 25
POLICE CAPTAIN
Caught five of them hiding in a
ditch. Smelled so bad I was afraid
the Germans wouldn't want them.
KOSCIK
Maybe for a reduced price.
More laughter. More vodka.
POLICE CAPTAIN
You know the Bielski's?
KOSCIK
Sure.
POLICE CAPTAIN
We missed two when we visited the
parents.
26 IN THE LOFT 26
Tuvia listens to this casual talk of his parent's death.
27 BACK IN THE COURTYARD 27
POLICE CAPTAIN
Anybody caught helping them is in
for it. You know this, Koscik?
KOSCIK
Do I look like an idiot? Don't
answer so quickly...
More laughter. The Police Captain looks at his watch.
Yawns.
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 14.
27 CONTINUED: 27
POLICE CAPTAIN
Been at it since dawn. The wife
doesn't like these long nights.
He tries to hand back the bottle to Koscik.
KOSCIK
Keep it.
POLICE CAPTAIN
Bribing an officer of the law?
Maybe you have more of this black
market vodka hidden in the barn?
KOSCIK
Take a look. And clean out the cow
shit while you're back there.
The policeman laughs and climbs back into the car.
POLICE CAPTAIN
You'll keep your eyes open, yes?
KOSCIK
Good hunting.
28 MOMENTS LATER - IN THE BARN 28
Koscik and Tuvia speak in harsh whispers.
KOSCIK
--If the laborers find them tomorrow,
I will be denounced--
TUVIA
What am I supposed to do with--
KOSCIK
Take them into the forest--
TUVIA
--And feed them how? I can't care
for my own family.
Behind them, several of the REFUGEES have emerged from their
hiding place. They stare at Tuvia balefully.
29 MOMENTS LATER - BY THE ROADSIDE 29
The refugees are loaded with provisions. A young man, PINCHAS
ZUCKERMAN, has a tethered GOAT. Another man carries a violin
case. Koscik hands Tuvia another bottle of vodka.
TUVIA
Those men? They were the ones who
killed my parents?
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 15.
29 CONTINUED: 29
Koscik doesn't want to tell him. Finally he nods, yes.
KOSCIK
You people. Why is it so fucking
hard to be friends with a Jew?
They embrace.
TUVIA
Imagine being one.
Tuvia leads his motley band toward the woods.
CUT TO:
30 A FOREST TRAIL - DAY 30
Tuvia leads them. He notices an OLD MAN staring at him.
OLD MAN
You sat in back.
Tuvia just looks at him.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
In school. I am Shimon H'aretz.
TUVIA
I thought you were dead.
SHIMON
I am at least half-dead.
(after a moment)
I heard them speaking of your
parents. I am very sorry.
Tuvia shakes his head.
SHIMON (CONT'D)
And the other brothers? What was
his name, the wild one?
TUVIA
Zus. He's with the other two.
SHIMON
You are hiding here? In the forest?
Tuvia nods.
SHIMON (CONT'D)
There has been trouble before maybe?
With the police?
Tuvia doesn't answer.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE BLUE Revision - 9-17-07 16.
30 CONTINUED: 30
SHIMON (CONT'D)
So now you go to the forest. A
wise choice.
TUVIA
For a dumb schoolboy, you mean.
SHIMON
My whole life I presumed to teach
others the right way to live. I
had no doubt: this is God's way,
this isn't. You'll forgive me if
recent events have somewhat shaken
my resolve.
TUVIA
It is just like school, I don't
know what you're talking about.
(touching him)
Teacher...Come... Come.
(gesturing to the
FOLLOWERS)
Please.
CUT TO:
31 OMITTED 31
32 THE CLEARING - LATER THAT DAY 32
The new arrivals squat by a fire where potatoes are cooking
in the ashes. Everyone shares from the soup pot. There
aren't enough spoons to go around.
Shimon offers Aron something to eat.
SHIMON
Here... You're not hungry?
Aron doesn't respond.
SHIMON (CONT'D)
The little one does not talk?
ASAEL
He saw. Things.
TUVIA, MEANWHILE
stares fixedly as Avram digs his daughter's grave. The gun
is still in his belt. Zus is constructing a shelter.
ZUS
I send you for food and you bring
more mouths to feed.
TUVIA
You send me?
ZUS
Did you at least get the gun?
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GREEN Revision - 10-14-07 16A.
32 CONTINUED: 32
Tuvia shows him.
TUVIA
Only four bullets.
ZUS
Then we'll have to make them count.
Zus heads for the food. Asael is trying to start a fire
but the kindling is wet.
SHIMON
Here...
Shimon takes a book from his coat, rips out pages covered
in Hebrew and crumples them into the fire. They burst into
flame.
SHIMON (CONT'D)
The Psalms have many uses.
ZUS SITS AMONG THE NEWCOMERS
watching as they eat hungrily.
Tuvia stops near Avram DIGGING a grave before heading out
of the camp. We realize Avram's daughter has died while
Tuvia was away. THE SOUND OF DISTANT THUNDER.
DOUBLE BLUE Revision - 9-17-07 17.
33 A LONE FARMHOUSE - DUSK 33
Tuvia stands in the driving rain, shaking. He stares at the
lit windows.
34 INSIDE THE HOUSE 34
The POLICE CAPTAIN we saw earlier eats dinner with his WIFE
and TWO SONS. They speak in Russian.
WIFE
You worked late.
The man nods, his mouth full of food.
WIFE (CONT'D)
Tomorrow is Sunday. You have a day
off, yes?
POLICE CAPTAIN
(still chewing; nods)
...Fucking SS never sleeps...
The door OPENS slowly. They all look up.
(CONTINUED)
YELLOW Revision - 7-30-07 18.
34 CONTINUED: 34
Tuvia stands on the threshold, dripping wet, a spectral
figure. He holds the pistol at his side.
TUVIA
You know who I am?
The policeman says nothing. His wife is instantly terrified.
One of the SONS stands. Tuvia turns the gun on him.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Sit.
The son obeys. The SOUND of the rain on the tin roof is
deafening. Tuvia turns back to the Police Captain.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
And you know why I am here.
POLICE CAPTAIN
...what are you talking about?
TUVIA
You have no idea what I'm talking
about...
POLICE CAPTAIN
If they say find someone, I find
him. It's my job.
TUVIA
To find Jews.
POLICE CAPTAIN
Or lose my job.
TUVIA
And it's a good job, isn't it? You
like your job.
POLICEMAN
I was always fair with your family.
...Everyone knew you were smuggling
this and that. But I looked the
other way.
(in desperation)
...Ask your father.
TUVIA
My father? You don't talk about my
father...
Tuvia places the pistol against the man's forehead.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Down on your knees.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 19.
34 CONTINUED: (2) 34
TUVIA (CONT'D)
(BELLOWING)
ON...YOUR...KNEES...PIG!
The policeman begins to weep.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
For my parents, David and Beila
Bielski... for my brothers and all
the others--
POLICE CAPTAIN
Please.... I beg you...
One of the man's SONS makes a move toward Tuvia. Tuvia
SHOOTS him in the chest. His mother SCREAMS. The Policeman
suddenly starts to stand. Tuvia backs away, shoots him.
And then the other son. It is all over in seconds.
35 OMITTED 35
36 TUVIA STANDS THERE, FROZEN 36
The police captain's wife is prostrate and KEENING over her
dead family in Russian.
WIFE
Kill me, too!
Tuvia should indeed kill her, too. To avoid being
identified.
TUVIA
Tell them who did this.
CUT TO:
36A EXT. POLICE CAPTAIN'S HOUSE - DUSK 36A
The rain still pours down on the house as Tuvia runs away.
37 A FOREST TRAIL - STILL RAINING 37
Tuvia pushes through dense forest. Branches rake his face.
Finally he leans against a tree. We move CLOSE on his face.
TUVIA
Riboynoy shel oylam, riboynoy shel
oylam...
(closes his eyes)
Lord of the universe, forgive me, I
have murdered -- but they were
monsters and did not deserve to
live.
DOUBLE BLUE Revision - 9-17-07 20.
38 NEXT MORNING - A LOW FOG CLINGS TO THE FOREST FLOOR 38
Zus awakens, sodden and stiff. He looks at the group, now
numbering fourteen. People sleep huddled together: Asael
holds Aron; Avram keeps his surviving daughter close.
And there is Tuvia -- sitting by the fire. Zus takes the
pistol from Tuvia's belt. Checks the cylinder.
ZUS
Only one bullet left.
TUVIA
His sons.
Zus nods his approval.
ZUS
How was it?
TUVIA
What?
ZUS
To kill them. It was good, no?
TUVIA
Shut up.
Tuvia stares into the fire. He is dirty and tired. Zus
looks around.
ZUS
What are we going to do with these
others?
TUVIA
I don't know--
ZUS
The women will slow us down. And
your old teacher--
TUVIA
You're afraid he's going to beat
you for forgetting your homework.
ZUS
We have to be able to keep moving,
and quickly.
TUVIA
I agree. But they're here.
They consider their predicament.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GREEN Revision - 10-14-07 21.
38 CONTINUED: 38
TUVIA (CONT'D)
We'll sleep farther up the trail.
If anyone comes, they'll find them
first. The gunshots will give us
time to escape.
ZUS
Alright. But no more.
TUVIA
No more.
CUT TO:
39 SEVERAL MORE REFUGEES 39
stumbling into camp behind Tuvia, who carries a heavy sack
of provisions. Zus gives Tuvia a look.
TUVIA
I know. I know... Tamara, you
remember Cousin Zus. Please, go
sit down by the fire. And this is
Lazar -- Isabel's youngest...
Tamara is pleasant-looking but emotionally wounded.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
This is Isaac Malbin. From Minsk.
Malbin is sweet-faced with little round Trotsky glasses.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Asael, find them something to eat.
ASAEL!
Zus takes Tuvia aside.
ZUS
Tuvia, I have pity for them all,
BUT--
TUVIA
They are family.
ZUS
And how will we feed this family?
TUVIA
We'll water the soup.
One of the new arrivals is a DARK-HAIRED BEAUTY. Tuvia and
Zus watch her pass. Zus is particularly interested.
ZUS
And this one, is she family?
TUVIA
No.
By the fire, the veterans pepper the newcomers with
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GREEN Revision - 10-14-07 A21.
39 CONTINUED: 39
questions.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE BLUE Revision - 9-17-07 21A.
39 CONTINUED: (2) 39
MIRIAM
You are from Lida! Is Isadore Korein
alive?
LOVA
There are so many in the ghetto, I
don't know...
TAMARA
Does anyone have news from Vilna?
DOUBLE BLUE Revision - 9-17-07 22.
40 OMITTED 40
40A ANOTHER DAY (CAMP #1) 40A
Food, such as it is, is being handed out to SEVERAL NEW
ARRIVALS. Asael brushes Aron's hair. Rachel sits beside
her grieving father. She looks at Aron. He looks back.
Nearby, Tuvia and Malbin are building a shelter. Malbin is
hopelessly inept. A wall COLLAPSES.
TUVIA
Fuck me! Have you never used a
hammer?
MALBIN
Uh. No.
TUVIA
What is it you do, then?
MALBIN
I suppose...you'd have to say...I
was...am...an intellectual.
TUVIA
This is a job?
MALBIN
I published a small magazine...
actually a journal...well, more
like a pamphlet.
Zus passes them, his arm around the dark-haired beauty.
ZUS
Tuvia, this is Rona. Rona is my
forest wife.
TUVIA
I see. Congratulations.
Zus winks and walks past. Malbin and Tuvia watch them.
MALBIN
Interesting concept.
TUVIA
As long as his village wife stays
in hiding.
MALBIN
Nice to know there are some things
even Hitler can't destroy.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE BLUE Revision - 9-17-07 23.
40A CONTINUED: 40A
Suddenly the camp grows quiet.
TWO YOUNG MEN who have emerged from the forest, their clothes
dirty and torn. One of them aims an army-issue rifle.
ZUS
Hello, boys, what can we do for
you?
YOUNG MAN #1
Food. We want food.
Everyone remains still. Zus eyes his own rifle nearby.
ZUS
These little shits are holding us
up.
The Young Man motions his partner to take Zus's rifle.
ZUS (CONT'D)
You little shits have the balls to
shoot me?
In response, the young man CHAMBERS A ROUND.
TUVIA
This is all the food we have. You
are welcome to share.
ZUS
No.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
YELLOW Revision - 7-30-07 23A.
40A CONTINUED: (2) 40A
ZUS (CONT'D)
I want to see if this little shit
will shoot me. You like shooting
Jews, you little shit?
YOUNG MAN #1
You are Jews?
(CONTINUED)
GREEN Revision - 8-8-07 24.
40A CONTINUED: (3) 40A
ZUS
No. We're the Gestapo, you little
shit.
TUVIA
Come. Sit. Put down your guns.
ZUS
Or perhaps you'd prefer I shove
them up your ass.
TUVIA
Where are you from?
The young man glares at Zus. Then, to Tuvia:
YOUNG MAN #1
Horodyszcze.
The name freezes Zus in his tracks. His wife is there.
PERETZ
We haven't eaten in two days. My
name is Peretz, this is Jacov.
JACOV
Two days ago there were three
thousand Jews in Horodyszcze. Now
there are fifty. Me and him, we
hid in a wall.
ZUS
You know a woman there, Sonia
Bielski?
The men look at one another.
JACOV
We knew her.
Zus can hardly bring himself to ask the next question.
ZUS
...There was a child.
Jacov shakes his head. Sorry.
Zus leans his head against a tree. After a moment he begins
to BEAT HIS HEAD against it until BLOOD pours down his face.
ASAEL
(to the newcomers)
His family.
Tuvia puts his arms around his brother. Zus's shoulders
begin to heave. Soon his body convulses with deep wracking
sobs. He is absolutely unself-conscious in his grief.
(CONTINUED)
GREEN Revision - 8-8-07 25.
40A CONTINUED: (4) 40A
ZUS
So many dead.
TUVIA
I know.
ZUS
Mama. Papa.
Their heads are close together, their faces wet with tears.
ZUS (CONT'D)
Why not us?
TUVIA
I don't know.
ZUS
I thought they'd be safe. I should
have been with them.
TUVIA
No.
ZUS
I could have protected them.
Tuvia just holds him. He, too, is crying quietly.
ZUS (CONT'D)
Better to be rabbits? Hunted?
Hiding? No...
Zus breaks free of Tuvia's embrace and walks away.
41 LATER - BY THE FIRE 41
Jacov and Peretz are eating. Between ravenous bites--
PERETZ
We are looking for partisans.
JACOV
What is the name of your otriad?
Tuvia laughs ruefully.
ASAEL
What is an 'otriad?'
TUVIA
An armed brigade.
JACOV
We heard the Russians are beginning
to organize.
(CONTINUED)
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 26.
41 CONTINUED: 41
TUVIA
Here?
JACOV
And also in the Lipicanska.
ASAEL
Then we are the Bielski Otriad.
You want to join?
PERETZ
(looks around)
The Russians are fighters.
JACOV
--But you need a gun to join them.
Without a gun you are nothing.
They sabotage railroads and kill
Germans.
ZUS (O.S.)
We will kill all the Germans you
can handle. Starting tonight.
They stare up at him, his face a mask of blood and filth.
ZUS (CONT'D)
If you're not afraid to use that
rifle.
42 MOMENTS LATER - JUST OUTSIDE OF CAMP -- 42
Zus is loading Wilencki's gun.
TUVIA
--we must get what we need without
killing. We can't make more enemies--
Zus concentrates on opening the breach.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
--It won't bring your family back
to life. Or Mama. Or Papa.
ZUS
Blood for blood. You had your
revenge.
(CONTINUED)
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 27.
42 CONTINUED: 42
TUVIA
And I can still see their faces.
ZUS
'Vengeance is mine.' Who said that?
TUVIA
So this is God's work you're doing,
Zussie?
ZUS
No. Only YOU can play God. Save a
few lives, take a few others...
TUVIA
We cannot become...like them.
ZUS
If only...
(a hard look)
Are you coming with us or not?
TUVIA
Us?
ZUS
Peretz and Jacov.
(POINTEDLY)
Asael, too.
Tuvia looks over at Asael, who looks away.
TUVIA
(to Zus)
You are making the decisions now?
A stand-off. Zus stares back at him. The struggle for
command has grown more obvious.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
We wait for dark.
CUT TO:
43 A BURNING TRUCK 43
Lights up the night sky. A MAN comes running out of a
tavern, the same man who loaded Jews onto trucks in an
earlier scene.
MAN
My truck! WHO DID THIS TO MY TRUCK?
Tuvia, Zus and the others appear out the shadows.
TUVIA
We did.
(CONTINUED)
GREEN Revision - 8-8-07 28.
43 CONTINUED: 43
The man stops short at the sight of their weapons.
MAN
Who are you?
(REALIZING)
You don't understand. They made me
give them my truck...
Zus FIRES. Jacov and Peretz follow suit. The man goes
down. They throw his DEAD BODY onto the burning truck.
CUT TO:
43A A CLUSTER OF HOUSES - LATER THAT NIGHT 43A
Zus and Peretz are backing out of an open doorway, FIRING
BACK INSIDE AS THEY GO. From within, the sound of SCREAMS.
ZUS
THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU
COOPERATE WITH NAZI SCUM..!
FACES appear furtively at the windows of nearby houses.
Zus addresses the little neighborhood, delirious with joy.
ZUS (CONT'D)
WE ARE THE BIELSKI OTRIAD! WE ARE
JEWS! YOU LIKE TO KILL JEWS! HERE
WE ARE! WE ARE THE BIELSKI'S!
TELL THEM!
Tuvia looks around warily. This is getting out of hand.
CUT TO:
44 A ROADSIDE DITCH - LATER THAT NIGHT 44
Tuvia and Asael lie in on one side of a road. Tuvia has
looped ONE END OF THE WIRE around a post.
45 IN THE DITCH ON THE OTHER SIDE 45
Zus, Peretz, and Jacov WRAP THE WIRE to a tree.
46 UP AHEAD 46
The lights of a MOTORCYCLE, a GERMAN COURIER.
47 IN THE DITCH 47
Tuvia waits until the BIKE is almost upon them. Then he
TIGHTENS the WIRE so it stretches INVISIBLY ACROSS THE ROAD.
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 29.
48 THE MOTORCYCLIST IS GARROTED 48
by the wire. His bike goes sliding away as the Bielski's
swarm him, KILLING HIM with the last bullet from the
Mahkarov.
ZUS rummages through the downed-bike's saddlebags. He finds
a beautiful KNIFE and lifts it up triumphantly.
PERETZ
Look--!
MORE HEADLIGHTS fast approaching.
TUVIA
Hide! Everyone!
They all scramble back into the ditch, dragging the dead
courier with them.
49 A GERMAN STAFF CAR 49
approaches. As its headlights pick up the downed motorcycle,
it slows and pulls off to the side --
50 DIRECTLY OVER THE DITCH 50
Where Tuvia and Zus are concealed. From within the car, we
hear VOICES SPEAKING GERMAN. A YOUNG PRIVATE gets out and
walks up the road to investigate.
PRIVATE
(in German; subtitled)
It's one of ours, but no one is
here. Maybe he was drunk?
From the car, an SERGEANT yells a reply.
SERGEANT
(in German; subtitled)
Move it off the road before the
convoy passes. I'll report the
sonuvabitch.
As the soldier drags the bike off the road, AN OFFICER steps
out of the car and lights a cigarette.
He's followed by the Sergeant. He carries a Schmeisser
SUBMACHINE GUN dangling from his shoulder.
51 IN THE DITCH - ZUS 51
can see the Sergeant's feet peeking out over the ditch.
A STREAM OF PISS
Cascades onto him. He tries to inch his body away...
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 30.
51 CONTINUED: 51
THE PISSING SERGEANT
catches the flicker of MOVEMENT below, SEES Zus lying in
the ditch. Stunned, he tries to zip up his fly. It catches.
ZUS LEAPS UP brandishing the KNIFE. He's on the Sergeant
before he can get the gun off his shoulder. Stabbing him
through his greatcoat, the BLADE BREAKS OFF IN HIS HAND.
MEANWHILE, THE LIEUTENANT drops his cigarette, reaching
under his coat for a pistol. Tuvia TACKLES him. The GUN
skids away. They roll around on the road, CLAWING, PUNCHING,
BITING. Tuvia SLAMS the man's head against the pavement.
52 UP THE ROAD 52
The Private sees Asael and Peretz coming at him. Jacov
follows with his rifle. The Private turns and runs down
the road. They give chase.
53 FROM INSIDE THE CAR 53
Another OFFICER is in the back seat with A WOMAN. He reaches
for his gun, stands up in the seat and begins FIRING WILDLY
at Tuvia. TUVIA ROLLS UNDER THE CAR, avoiding the burst.
MEANWHILE, ZUS USES THE HANDLE OF THE KNIFE to BREAK the
Sergeant's nose. He RIPS the SCHMEISSER away, firing point-
blank into the man, whose greatcoat CATCHES FIRE.
INSIDE THE STAFF CAR
The officer takes close aim at Tuvia, just as ZUS TURNS THE
MACHINE GUN on the car BLOWING OUT THE WINDOWS, killing the
Officer and the woman -- and saving his brother's life.
54 MEANWHILE, DOWN THE ROAD 54
Jacov fires at the Private, MISSES. The man keeps RUNNING.
Jacov fires again. MISSES AGAIN.
FINALLY his THIRD SHOT hits him in the leg. The Private
keeps running. Limping now.
JACOV
I got him!
Peretz and Asael can now catch up to the soldier.
FROM FAR AWAY
We SEE them knock the Private to the ground, KICKING him
until Jacov catches up to them and FIRES A FINAL SHOT.
GREEN Revision - 8-8-07 31.
55 BACK AT THE STAFF CAR 55
Tuvia stands, out of breath.
TUVIA
Stupid! The gunfire could be heard
for miles.
ZUS
He was pissing on my head.
Zus is high from the killing, covered in the dead man's
blood. He begins calling out orders.
ZUS (CONT'D)
Peretz, Jacov, check the car for
guns...
(to Tuvia)
This one's yours.
He presents him with the Schmeisser as if it were a trophy.
Tuvia accepts it, checking the gun efficiently.
ZUS (CONT'D)
I'll check his pockets for more
ammo.
TUVIA
Hurry--!
AT THE STAFF CAR
Peretz and Jacov emerge with two MACHINE-PISTOLS, several
BOTTLES OF SCHNAPPS and a beautiful LEICA CAMERA.
JACOV
They were on their way to a party!
They toss one bottle to Zus and another to Tuvia.
56 UP THE ROAD 56
Asael stands over the dead Private. He isn't much older
than Aron.
57 BACK AT THE STAFF CAR 57
ZUS rifles the pockets of the dead Sergeant for ammo. He
finds cigarettes and the man's wallet. He opens it.
ZUS
Welcome to Belarus, herr Henkel.
A CHAMPAGNE CORK POPS as Peretz and Jacov toast their
victory.
PERETZ
Now we are real Partisans...
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 32.
57 CONTINUED: 57
JACOV
To the Bielski Otriad!
58 SUDDENLY - ANOTHER SET OF HEADLIGHTS 58
are rounding the bend. Troop trucks. The Staff Car was
leading A CONVOY.
TUVIA
Into the fields! RUN!
Tuvia pulls Peretz off the road, but Jacov reloads his rifle
and begins to FIRE at the approaching trucks.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Jacov, NO!
THE TRUCKS STOP. Troops pour off and begin RETURNING FIRE.
Jacov is CUT DOWN by a MACHINE GUN.
Peretz, Zus, and Tuvia race into the WHEAT FIELD. It's not
clear if they can make it into the woods. A FLARE IGNITES
OVERHEAD turning the wheat fields BRIGHT WHITE in flickering
incandescence. Malbin is almost paralytic with fear.
ASAEL doesn't know which way to run. He plunges into the
WHEAT FIELD...but ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD.
ONE OF THE TRUCKS drives forward, CUTTING HIM OFF, using
its SPOTLIGHT to reveal him. FIFTEEN SOLDIERS start after
him.
59 SEEN FROM ABOVE 59
We watch as they CONVERGE on him.
TUVIA, ZUS AND PERETZ
Have almost made it into the woods when PERETZ IS HIT. He
falls. Tuvia and Zus pick him up and half-carry, half-drag
him into the sanctuary of the forest.
TUVIA
Zus. His rifle.
Zus races back to pick up Peretz's weapon.
60 ASAEL, MEANWHILE 60
has realized his mistake. He tries to circle back toward
the woods but the SOLDIERS move to CUT HIM OFF. He is fast,
but not fast enough. We realize he isn't going to make it.
61 IN THE WOODS 61
Tuvia and Zus look at the scene with mounting horror.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE PINK Revision - 9-27-07 33.
61 CONTINUED: 61
TUVIA
Asael...
He rips the rifle from Zus's hands. For a moment we think
he's going to go back after him. Instead, he wedges the
rifle into a tree-trunk and takes careful aim...
THE SPOTLIGHT SHATTERS
Plunging the field into darkness as the flare burns out.
ASAEL seizes the moment and dives to his knees, disappearing
from view and CRAWLING NOW rather than expose himself.
AN IRRIGATION DITCH is nearby. Frantically he DIGS into
the soft mud on its banks. As he scrapes his hands raw, he
can HEAR his pursuers drawing near, CALLING OUT to one
another.
CUT TO:
62 THE FOREST CAMP - DAWN 62
A somber mood. Tuvia watches someone scrape at the porridge
congealed in an empty pot. OTHERS stare listlessly into
space. ONE MAN chews on a piece of leather, ANOTHER sucks
on an old chicken bone.
Zus, meanwhile, is in the middle of a nasty drunk from the
captured schnapps. Nearby, Aron shares his ration of bread
with Rachel. Little enough, but a connection is made.
Peretz lies nearby. Malbin is trying to comforts him.
There is nothing that can help him. Malbin looks to Tuvia.
SHIMON
They thought you were bringing food.
Tuvia just stares at him.
SHIMON (CONT'D)
Did the farmers stop you?
Still no answer from Tuvia.
SHIMON (CONT'D)
They had guns? Dogs?
TUVIA
No.
SHIMON
I don't understand.
Tuvia says nothing. Nearby, a child cries in hunger.
SHIMON (CONT'D)
The Talmud says if you save a life
you must take responsibility for
it.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE PINK Revision - 9-27-07 34-34A.
62 CONTINUED: 62
TUVIA
Again I have no idea what you are
talking about.
Around them, the beseeching eyes of so many hungry faces.
SHIMON
I think you do.
VOICE
You are the Bielski's?
A MAN stands in the clearing. BEN ZION GULKOWITZ is tall,
well muscled, a rifle strapped over his shoulder.
ZUS
How'd you get past the Lazar?
BEN ZION
Who?
Zus stands unsteadily, then lurches into the woods, leaning
on an occasional tree for support. He finds the erstwhile
sentry --LAZAR -- ambling toward him.
ZUS
You shit! You worthless shit!
Zus punches him, knocking him the ground. In a sloppy,
drunken frenzy, Zus SLAPS him again.
TUVIA
Enough!
ZUS
He walked right by you! Someone
could have been killed!
Tuvia pulls Zus off him.
TUVIA
I said, enough!
(to Lazar)
Get up! Get up!
ZUS
If we were real partisans he'd be
shot.
TUVIA
He made a mistake!
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE PINK Revision - 9-27-07 35.
62 CONTINUED: (3) 62
ZUS
MISTAKE! We cannot make mistakes!
As Zus goes for Lazar again, Tuvia roughly PULLS HIM OFF.
Zus goes flying, tripping over, landing on his ass.
TUVIA
That's right, Zus. No mistakes.
Like last night.
(looks at him)
First they will torture Asael...and
then they will hang him.
Tuvia walks away, leaving his brother on the ground.
63 BACK IN CAMP 63
Tuvia rejoins them. Ben Zion looks up at him.
BEN ZION
You are Tuvia Bielski.
TUVIA
You know me?
BEN ZION
I am Ben Zion Gulkowitz.
Ben Zion is besieged by questions about friends and family.
MIRIAM
Pardon me, you are from Vilna. My
sister lives on Passaya Street.
BEN ZION
The SD came without warning.
Hundreds were taken. No one knows
where.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE PINK Revision - 9-27-07 36.
63 CONTINUED: 63
THE WOMAN begins to cry.
MIRIAM
My poor sister...dear God, no...
Meanwhile, Peretz's MOANING ceases. A woman grumbles:
WOMAN #1
We'd be better off in the ghetto...
TAMARA
At least here we are safe.
LOVA
There at least we had hope...
SHIMON
No. Here, we have hope.
A FEW MORE join in, grumbling their dissatisfaction. Others
take the opposite position. These are Jews, after all, and
arguing is a revered sport and a pastime. It escalates.
WOMAN #1
We are hungry!
This is a defining moment for Tuvia. When at first he
speaks, it is awkward, ineffectual amid the growing tumult.
TUVIA
I know we have no food. But
tomorrow... tomorrow will be another
mission.
RONA
Look what happened the last time.
TUVIA
That was a mistake! But the mistakes
we made will not be made again!
More objections. Tuvia must raise his voice to be heard.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
We could be here a long time. And
we have to prepare.
LOVA
How?
TUVIA
Better security. Better at getting
food and information--
(talking over their
OBJECTIONS)
--at making shelters. Whatever is
needed. We all participate. We
don't work against each other.
At this he looks directly at Zus. Daring him to object.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE PINK Revision - 9-27-07 36A.
63 CONTINUED: (2) 63
TUVIA (CONT'D)
I want to kill Nazis, too, but
we...just...cannot afford revenge.
Not right now. We cannot afford to
lose friends like Jacov and Peretz.
A small voice speaks up.
ARON
Or Asael.
Everyone stares. It is the first time Aron has spoken.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE PINK Revision - 9-27-07 37.
63 CONTINUED: (3) 63
TUVIA
Or Asael. We... We--
(trying to hold it
TOGETHER)
--cannot lose anyone.
He looks from face to face. Filthy, ravaged, many of them
with tears in their eyes. This is what they need --
leadership, faith, something to believe in.
And gradually, his tentativeness and awkwardness is replaced
by something else. A new voice. From deep inside.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
...We will map out where we've been
so as to not visit the same farms
too often. And we take only from
those who can afford to give, and
leave those who can't alone.
LOVA
The poorest farmer has more than
us.
TUVIA
True. But what I am saying is...
what I mean is... We are not thieves.
(his resolve growing
with every word)
Or murderers. We may be hunted
like animals but we will not become
animals.
(looks at them all)
We have all chosen this -- to live
free, like human beings, for as
long as we can. Each day of freedom
is an act of faith. And if we die
trying to live, at least we die
like human beings.
His mission statement. A vision of their future.
Everyone nods in mute acknowledgement. Zus lowers his head.
The shift in power between them has occurred. Tuvia has
emerged as the undisputed leader.
CUT TO:
64 OMITTED 64
64A FALL IN THE FOREST 64A
The trees take on color as if in celebration of their coming
together.
65 KOSCIK'S FARM 65
All is quiet as Tuvia, Zus and Ben Zion watch from the woods.
(CONTINUED)
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 38.
65 CONTINUED: 65
TUVIA
Now.
They leave their cover and approach warily, guns at the
ready.
66 OUTSIDE THE HOUSE 66
Koscik's wife looks up from her garden and glares at them.
TUVIA
Hello.
She refuses to be flattered. In Russian:
KOSCIK'S WIFE
In the barn.
67 IN THE BARN 67
Zus calls out.
ZUS
Koscik, put your pants back on and
leave those sheep alone.
He steps into the shadows to find:
KOSCIK HANGING FROM A THRESHING HOOK
that has been driven through his chest. A sign attached to
the hook reads (in Polish) "JEW LOVER."
CUT TO:
68 KOSCIK'S NEWLY-DUG GRAVE 68
is just beyond the barn. Tuvia finishes piling on the last
shovelful of earth. Koscik's wife stares straight ahead.
TUVIA
I'm sorry.
KOSCIK'S WIFE
(a monotone)
Come.
69 A ROOT CELLAR 69
dug into a hillside. Overgrown with tall grass it is
undetectable. Koscik's wife opens the heavy door, revealing
ASAEL, who emerges blinking into the bright light.
TUVIA
Thank God.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE PINK Revision - 9-27-07 39.
69 CONTINUED: 69
Zus pulls his lost brother into a mighty embrace.
ASAEL
Zus.... ZUSSIE... I can't breathe.
Zus lets him go and Asael reaches back into the root cellar.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
Look.
Two LOVELY YOUNG WOMEN -- BELLA and CHAYA -- emerge,
tentative and scared. Though their dresses are dirty, it is
obvious they were once expensive. Zus eyes them
appreciatively.
ZUS
Asael... Well, well..
ASAEL
(BLUSHING)
Shut up. Look at this--
He has two more rifles and a large box of ammunition.
Tuvia turns to Koscik's wife, deeply moved.
TUVIA
Thank you.
KOSCIK'S WIFE
(turning away)
Go.
CUT TO:
70 A FOREST TRAIL 70
They head for home. Zus walks beside Bella.
BELLA
--and then we fell into this horrible
bog. Chaya saved me. Honestly, I
can't swim at all.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 40.
70 CONTINUED: 70
ZUS
(MESMERIZED)
Then I will teach you!
BELLA
We must have got lost a dozen times.
I was absolutely resigned to die.
ZUS
No...
BELLA
Tell him, Chaya. Was it not the
absolute worst? And that farmer,
Mr. Koscik, kept making the most
vulgar jokes, he said any girl who--
As they continue out of earshot, it appears as though Zus
would be happy to listen for hours.
DISSOLVE TO:
71 A TOWERING PINE FOREST 71
Aron and Rachel are walking through the woods. For a brief
moment, viewed through the eyes of the young, we see these
woods as a magical place. Strange mushrooms, gnarled roots,
an enormous spider's web glistening with dew.
72 THE CAMP HAS BEGUN TO SHOW PROGRESS 72
Sentries are posted. Zus expertly helps with the building
a bunker ("zemylanka"). There's a more permanent kitchen,
a wash trough, a clothesline. Pinchas tends his goat.
Though primitive and raw...a haven.
SHIMON AND MALBIN ARE DIGGING A HOLE
Their bickering will become for them, as time goes on, a
sport and a pastime.
MALBIN
You're trying to tell me all politics
is meaningless.
SHIMON
In the West a monster with a little
mustache, in the East a monster
with a big mustache. This is all I
need to know about politics.
MALBIN
Your messiah will have a mustache,
too, and a full beard.
SHIMON
No. The messiahs are all in
politics, and they're killing us.
Zus unloads two cut and stripped trees.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 40A.
72 CONTINUED: 72
ZUS
What's killing me is all your
talking. Back to work.
Malbin and Shimon go back to work.
MALBIN
And Roosevelt? He has no mustache.
SHIMON
My life in these woods is much easier
because of Mr. Roosevelt, thank
you.
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 41.
73 WALKING THROUGH THE CAMP TUVIA AND ASAEL 73
review their plans.
TUVIA
We need to know what's going on in
the villages, how the Germans patrol,
who the informers are--
He realizes that Asael is not fully concentrating; instead
he is watching as Chaya walks past.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Are you listening to me?
ASAEL
Yes.
TUVIA
What's her name?
ASAEL
Chaya. [I believe.]
TUVIA
(YELLING)
CHAYA!
He waves as Chaya turns to look in their direction. Asael
smiles, embarrassed.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
So talk to her.
ASAEL
I hardly know her.
TUVIA
You spent three days in a cellar!
Asael blushes, returns the focus to their prior conversation.
ASAEL
Malbin says the Piznarksi granary
is full. We need two guns at
least...
TUVIA
Whose turn to go?
ASAEL
Zus.
TUVIA
You go along, just to make sure he
understands my orders.
Asael nods.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
(re: Chaya)
Go on...Go!
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 A41-41A.
73 CONTINUED: 73
Asael heads toward Chaya.
74 NEAR A SHED ROOF - BEN ZION 74
We notice a FEW NEW FACES. Their number has exceeded twenty.
Among them are two lumbering, dark-skinned men, ARKADY and
MOTL LUBCZANSKI. Ben Zion is showing Lazar and the other
newcomers how to clean a weapon.
BEN ZION
This is not a gun. It is Bar
Kochba's spear. It is Ehud's sword.
You fix the patch to the rod--
They do as he instructs.
BEN ZION (CONT'D)
--then run it through the barrel...
and don't lose the patch in the
BARREL--
Lazar looks up, sheepishly.
LAZAR
I lost my patch.
ARKADY LUBCZANSKI whispers contemptuously to his brother,
MOTL...
ARKADY LUBCZANSKI
The village idiot.
Zus shoves Arkady out of the way and approaches Lazar, who
cowers. But rather than abuse him, Zus removes the patch
from the rifle and hands it back to him.
LAZAR
Thank you, Zus.
ZUS
(returning the rifle)
It's nothing.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 42.
75 OMITTED 75
76 A ROADSIDE - NEXT DAY 76
KISSELY is a MILKMAN with bright red hair and a bushy
mustache. He leads a horse-drawn CART laden with milk cans.
ZUS AND THE OTHERS rise up out of the ditch. In Russian:
ZUS
(a pleasant tone)
Good morning, friend. Getting an
early start to market? Could you
possibly spare us a bit of milk?
Zus' tone is belied by the rifle in his hand.
KISSELY
This is what I'm required to give
the Germans. If I don't meet my
quota they'll shoot me and my family.
Zus is tempted to shoot him himself.
ASAEL
(to Zus)
Leave half. He can't go to the
Germans empty-handed.
Zus glares at Asael.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
Tuvia's orders.
Zus shakes his head, climbs onto the wagon and begins
removing cartons.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE PINK Revision - 9-27-07 43.
76 CONTINUED: 76
ZUS
(to the milkman)
We are so grateful, comrade, for
your cooperation. What a lovely
coat. Is that a fur collar?
CUT TO:
77 ZUS, NOW WEARING THE MILKMAN'S COAT 77
joins the others lugging milk cans along the forest path.
LAZAR (V.O.)
HALT! WHO GOES THERE!
Zus shakes his head. Lazar stands, pointing his weapon.
ZUS
Lazar, you can see it's us, you
idiot. You only ask, 'who goes
there' when you don't know who it
is.
LAZAR
Sorry, Zus.
78 THE CAMP 78
is a beehive of activity. Shimon and Malbin are digging.
MALBIN
Even Spinoza said existence can be
substantiated by empirical evidence.
SHIMON
All your secular learning, yet you
know nothing of life.
MALBIN
How can you say this? Learning is
my life.
SHIMON
And for every fact that goes in
your head, another comes out your
rear end.
CHAYA and BELLA receive the bounty from the foragers.
BELLA
Milk, eggs -- Chaya, our brave men
have brought us a feast!
ZUS
Blintzes! You will make me blintzes!
She bestows her best smile upon him.
79 BY THE FIRE 79
New arrivals are being shown around by Ben Zion.
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 43A.
79 CONTINUED: 79
A MAN and WOMAN cry out with joy at an unexpected reunion.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE PINK Revision - 9-27-07 44.
79 CONTINUED: (2) 79
ARKADY LUBCZANSKi approaches Chaya.
ARKADY
I don't think we've been properly
introduced. Arkady Lubczanski.
CHAYA
Hello.
ARKADY
You are Chaya?
CHAYA
...Yes.
ARKADY
You are getting along all right?
Anything you need? An extra blanket?
CHAYA
Oh. Well... Yes, that would be
nice.
ARKADY
You'll have it by tonight. Something
nice and soft.
(smiles at her)
I couldn't help but notice you don't
have a husband yet.
CHAYA
(somewhat taken aback)
Yet?
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 44A.
79 CONTINUED: (3) 79
ARKADY
Most of the woman have already
chosen. They haven't told you about
this?
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 45.
79 CONTINUED: (4) 79
CHAYA
No. But thank you for explaining
it.
She hurries away. Malbin sits down wearily beside Shimon.
MALBIN
Descartes at least provided for the
subjective nature of experience.
He takes a spoon from his sock.
SHIMON
Yes. You annoy me therefore I exist.
MALBIN
You are not eating?
SHIMON
By my best calculation, today is
High Holiday. I am fasting.
Malbin can't believe this. He rolls his eyes and digs in.
One of the NEWCOMERS has brought a violin. He begins to
play. A bittersweet melody. People stop talking and listen,
eyes filling at this reminder of a sweeter, civilized time.
Ben Zion has left the new arrivals and approached Tuvia.
He looks grave. Tuvia immediately knows something is wrong.
TUVIA
What is it?
BEN ZION
The new ones, they are from
Novagroduk. Your wife--
Tuvia tenses. Ben Zion hesitates...
BEN ZION (CONT'D)
They say...She was killed last week.
(at a loss)
I'm sorry.
Tuvia nods. No outward display of grief. An awkward moment.
TUVIA
Thank you for telling me.
(changes the subject)
We have to dig a trench around the
new zemylanka. If it rains I'm
afraid water will seep in.
Tuvia clearly cannot deal with his news.
BEN ZION
I'll see to it, then.
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 46.
79 CONTINUED: (5) 79
Tuvia nods and walks away.
CUT TO:
80 ARON AND RACHEL WALK THROUGH THE WOODS - CONTINUOUS 80
Cathedral light cuts through the trees forming visible
shafts.
ARON
Jacob's ladders. Like in his dream.
Asael says you can see the angels.
They walk on, eventually coming upon RAILROAD TRACKS. A
TRAIN is rounding the bend, headed in their direction.
RACHEL
Can we stay to watch?
ARON
If we hide.
They move back into the trees as the train NEARS: a slow-
moving engine pulling a line of WOODEN CATTLE CARS.
RACHEL
Is that a Nazi train?
ARON
If we had some dynamite we could
blow the shit out of it.
RACHEL
(with undisguised
AWE)
...Just like your brothers.
Aron can't help but be pleased by this notion.
Then, as the train passes, they can see HANDS gripping the
small barred windows. And every now and then a gaunt,
desperate FACE.
They stare in astonishment.
CUT TO:
81 OMITTED 81
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 47.
81A UNDER A SHELTER -- CONTINUOUS 81A
Tuvia sits alone. Outside, the SOUND of the violin
continues. Shimon comes to sit beside him.
SHIMON
I am sorry for your loss.
Tuvia nods. He is deep inside himself.
SHIMON (CONT'D)
Do you want to say the Kaddish?
When at last Tuvia speaks, it is almost to himself.
TUVIA
She was a beautiful woman. But
cold. Not a day went by she didn't
remind me I wasn't a good provider.
For years it wasn't really a marriage
at all. And now...
He lowers his head. All Shimon can do is sit beside him.
82 THE PERIMETER OF THE CAMP - CONTINUOUS 82
Bella takes Chaya aside.
BELLA
You have lipstick? Please, I know
you have some left.
Chaya digs in her pocket and produces a tiny remnant. Bella
dabs it on and casually approaches Zus, who is on guard
duty.
BELLA (O.S.) (CONT'D)
May I join you?
ZUS
Of course.
BELLA
You get lonely out here?
ZUS
I like the woods.
LAUGHTER and MUSIC waft through the trees.
BELLA
I'm a little scared out here.
Zus knows an opportunity when he sees one. He offers her a
drink from his bottle of vodka.
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 48.
82 CONTINUED: 82
BELLA (CONT'D)
I've never tried it.
ZUS
Go ahead.
She drinks, refuses to grimace. Drinks again. Zus laughs. -
Bella touches the rifle in his arms.
BELLA
Why is there a rule against women
having guns?
ZUS
There aren't enough for the men.
BELLA
Women need guns, too.
ZUS
What for?
BELLA
For protection.
ZUS
Women have men for protection.
Bella bites her lip. She's a virgin but also realistic.
BELLA
I want protection.
She steps closer and takes Zus's hand...under her coat...onto
her breast...never taking her eyes off him.
BELLA (CONT'D)
You will take good care of me? You
will be my commander.
83 OMITTED 83
84 MEANWHILE - DEEP IN THE FOREST 84
Aron and Rachel are walking back from the train tracks.
Suddenly he senses movement, freezes:
ARMED POLICEMEN are advancing through the trees.
Aron and Rachel bury themselves beneath piles of leaves
until the police pass by, then he grabs her hand and dashes
OFF--
ARON RUNS through the woods like a deer. She follows.
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 49.
85 IN THE CAMP 85
He bursts in, SCREAMING.
ARON
MEN WITH GUNS!
Chaos.
People panic, search for family members, grab whatever they
can carry,
ZUS AND BELLA emerge from the woods where they have lain
together for the first time. He grabs his rifle.
TUVIA tries to maintain order.
TUVIA
ONLY FOOD AND GUNS! FOLLOW ASAEL!
Asael clutches Chaya's hand. Rounding up others.
ASAEL
Don't panic. THIS WAY!. GO.
ZUS
QUIET! NOT ANOTHER WORD!!!
THE POLICEMEN begin FIRING. TWO of the group are KILLED.
Tuvia roughly pushes people deeper into the woods.
TUVIA
Lova, Ben Zion -- stay with us.
Asael, keep them moving. Don't
stop!
THE POLICEMEN enter the camp. A submachine gun RAKES a
shelter. KISSELY has found the escape trail into the woods.
KISSELY
This way--
86 THE FOREST IS DEATHLY STILL 86
Tuvia and Zus usher the group across the river and up the
embankment.
TUVIA
Go! Go! Move!
(holding back)
Isaac, keep them moving! Zus, Asael,
Ben Zion...
Tuvia motions for them to take defensive positions while
the others escape.-
The policemen emerge hurriedly through the trees and begin
crossing the river.
SHOTS rings out. A Policeman goes down. The German Soldier
is shot in the leg. They are dragged from the water.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 49A.
86 CONTINUED: 86
An edgy silence. From the trees a VOICE calls out in Russian--
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 50.
86 CONTINUED: (2) 86
VOICE (ZUS)
LEAVE NOW AND WE WON'T SHOOT THE
REST OF YOU!
POLICEMAN
DON'T BE A FOOL. THERE ARE HUNDREDS
OF US!
ZUS
THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF US! WHO IS
THE FOOL?
The policemen exchange apprehensive looks.
TUVIA
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
POLICEMAN
KARELITZ!
The confrontation changes languages.
BEN ZION
I'M FROM KARELITZ, TOO. I LIVED BY
THE SLAUGHTER HOUSE.
POLICEMAN
MAYBE I KNOW YOU. SHOW YOURSELF!
BEN ZION
YOU FIRST!
Derisive laughter from the trees.
POLICEMAN
Give us Bielski and the rest of you
can go free!
Behind a tree, Tuvia is surprised by the mention of his
name.
TUVIA
You are from Belarussia, pig! Why
do you work for the Germans against
your own people?
KISSELY
For the same reason you steal from
the poor. To survive.
ANOTHER SHOT RINGS OUT. Kessely is hit in the arm.
KISSELY (CONT'D)
Shit.
ZUS
Next one is to the head!
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 51.
86 CONTINUED: (3) 86
TUVIA
Soon it will be dark... See how you
find your way home then!
The policemen are having similar thoughts.
SUDDENLY - A POLICEMAN BREAKS AND RUNS AWAY
Soon it's a full-scale retreat.
AFTER A MOMENT
Tuvia, Zus, Lova & Ben Zion emerge. Zus picks up the dead
German's machine pistol.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
They'll be back.
(looks around)
We have to find a new camp.
ZUS
Next time just draw them a map.
TUVIA
What does that mean?
ZUS
It means -- we should have killed
the fucking milkman. Your policy
of diplomacy is shit.
Zus is breathing hard, full of the adrenaline of battle.
ZUS (CONT'D)
...Two are dead. Winter is coming
and now we have no shelter. Why?
Because you don't have the stomach
to do what must be done.
He walks away.
CUT TO:
87 OMITTED 87
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 52.
88 THE NOVEMBER WIND WHISTLES THROUGH THE BARE FOREST (MONTAGE) 88
as the group trudges along -- weighed down by cooking gear,
food, guns, etc. Asael takes the iron cauldron from Chaya.
Zus and Bella walk side-by-side. Pinchas leads his goat.
MALBIN
Where is he taking us? My feet are
going to fall off.
SHIMON
A great rabbi once said, "wherever
I go, I am always going to the land
of Israel."
MALBIN
Well, maybe rabbis should give better
directions.
Tuvia walks alongside but apart.
CUT TO:
89 A HILLSIDE 89
The group is sprawled on the ground. Four people share a
single cigarette. Shimon and Malbin hardly have the energy
to argue. Pinchas feeds his goat. Tuvia walks among them.
TUVIA
Rest and eat. I need volunteers
for a scouting party.
Zus raises his hand. Tuvia nods in grudging gratitude.
However mixed his feelings, Zus can always be counted on.
CUT TO:
90 A FORK IN THE TRAIL 90
Tuvia looks at Zus, who shrugs. They are in unfamiliar
territory. As they move cautiously forward:
A MAN IN A RED ARMY TUNIC
steps into the path, holding an automatic rifle. He WHISTLES
softly. More ARMED MEN materialize, surrounding them.
GRAMOV
(in Russian; subtitles)
WHO ARE YOU?
Tuvia instantly grasps the situation. He salutes.
TUVIA
(in Russian; subtitles)
A brigade of independent fighters
searching for our comrades.
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 52A.
90 CONTINUED: 90
Zus almost does a double-take at Tuvia's bluff.
GRAMOV
What brigade?
(CONTINUED)
YELLOW Revision - 7-30-07 53.
90 CONTINUED: (2) 90
TUVIA
We belong to the Bielski otriad.
GRAMOV
We know of you. Jewish bandits.
Zus's finger tightens on the trigger of his submachine gun.
ZUS
I'll take the two on the left...
Tuvia maintains his composure.
TUVIA
I'm sure we can clear up this
misunderstanding with your commander.
CUT TO:
91 THE OCTOBER OTRIAD BASE 91
A primitive tent camp. RUSSIAN PARTISANS move about, quiet
and cold-eyed men wearing remnants of Red Army uniforms.
Zus can't help but be impressed by the array of weaponry.
VICTOR PACHENKO emerges from a tent. A former lieutenant,
dashing in a fur cap and long officer's coat. He addresses
them in Russian.
VIKTOR
I am Viktor Panchenko, commander of
the October otriad. We have had
complaints of a Jewish gang stealing
from villages loyal to us.
(a steely look)
How do you respond to these charges?
TUVIA
When you take food it is from loyal
supporters. When we do, you call
it stealing.
VIKTOR
We are soldiers.
TUVIA
And we fight a common enemy. The
motherland doesn't distinguish
between Jews and non-Jews.
Viktor is amused by this bit of Soviet dogma.
VIKTOR
But Jews do not fight.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GREEN Revision - 10-14-07 54.
91 CONTINUED: 91
TUVIA
These Jews do.
Viktor appraises Tuvia for a moment.
VIKTOR
We will see. Select your best
fighters and send them to us.
Zus looks at Tuvia, knowing he has no choice.
TUVIA
We are honored to be of service.
Tuvia and Zus SALUTE and head back the way they came.
ZUS
(under his breath)
So we're partisans now.
TUVIA
As if we have a choice.
CUT TO:
91A NEW CAMP (CAMP #2) 91A
Has taken root. People hard at work building zemylanka.
92 THE NEW CAMP (CAMP #2) 92
Tuvia and Malbin are working together on a new bunker.
Malbin expertly nails a header across a doorway.
TUVIA
(throwing a smaller
HAMMER)
Here.
MALBIN
If my friends at The New Socialists'
Club could see me now...
(shakes his head)
I haven't read a book in months.
TUVIA
I haven't read one in years.
Malbin looks up from his work.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
I wasn't a very good student. You
can ask Shimon.
MALBIN
.I did.
Tuvia laughs ruefully. Considers him for a moment.
TUVIA
Yet you accept me as Commander.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GOLDENROD Revision - 10-21-07 55.
92 CONTINUED: 92
Malbin thinks about it for a moment.
MALBIN
Who else?
Tuvia nods. Good point. They continue working.
MALBIN (CONT'D)
Might I make an observation?
Tuvia gestures, go ahead.
MALBIN (CONT'D)
We need to be strong, but--
TUVIA
...But--?
MALBIN
Other things are important, too.
TUVIA
Such as?
Malbin tries to think how best to put it.
MALBIN
Community.
Tuvia considers the word. As if trying it on for size.
TUVIA
You have more ideas? About all
this?
MALBIN
...A few.
TUVIA
I'm listening...
93 MEANWHILE, THE WOMEN WATCH AS ASAEL LEADS IN NEW ARRIVALS 93
BELLA
More mouths to feed.
RONA
More young bodies to keep us warm.
One ot them, a young man, YITZHAK SHULMAN, RIPS the yellow
Star-of-David off his coat and kneels to KISS THE GROUND.
SHULMAN
Which one is Tuvia Bielski?
Someone points Tuvia out. Shulman hurries over and kisses
Tuvia's hand. Zus is drinking nearby with his cronies.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GOLDENROD Revision - 10-21-07 55A.
93 CONTINUED: 93
SHULMAN (CONT'D)
None of us knew if you really
existed. I am from Baranowicze.
They are going to liquidate the
ghetto.
Chaya bursts into tears. Asael puts his arm around her.
CHAYA
My parents--
Zus catches Tuvia's glance to Malbin. Tuvia turns back to
Shulman.
TUVIA
We'll do what we can.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GOLDENROD Revision - 10-21-07 56.
93 CONTINUED: (2) 93
Shulman tries to kiss Tuvia's hand once again, but Tuvia
takes his hand, instead, and shakes it.
CHAYA looks deeply into Asael's eyes.
CHAYA
You will help my parents?
ASAEL
I...I...
CHAYA
I've seen you looking at me. If
you were to rescue them, I would
do... anything...you--
Asael is completely undone by the starkness of this.
ASAEL
No. I mean, yes. All right.
94 ZUS CATCHES UP TO TUVIA 94
and grabs him as he walks away. Their hushed tones belie
the growing chasm between them.
(CONTINUED)
GREEN Revision - 8-8-07 57.
94 CONTINUED: 94
ZUS
And what exactly does that mean,
'do what we can.'
TUVIA
We must send for whoever is left
alive.
ZUS
And if it is a hundred? Six hundred?
TUVIA
Then we will provide.
ZUS
And when the Germans follow these
hundreds and slaughter us.
TUVIA
I won't let that happen.
Tuvia exchanges a glance with Malbin. Zus catches it. He
has sensed Malbin's growing influence.
ZUS
You won't let that happen.
TUVIA
No. I'll bring them out myself.
ZUS
From the ghetto.
TUVIA
Yes.
ZUS
Pan Tuvia. Rabbi Tuvia. Allow me
to kiss your hand...
Tuvia tries to pull his hand away, but Zus holds him.
ZUS (CONT'D)
You think Pachenko wants hundreds
more of us in the forest?
TUVIA
I cannot have you contradicting
me... Not when others are around.
(looks around)
Our family must stick together.
(CONTINUED)
TAN Revision - 9-10-07 58.
94 CONTINUED: (2) 94
ZUS
And who is it that's risking our
family, and for what? For the sake
of these--
(gestures at the new
ARRIVALS)
--Malbushim.
TUVIA
Don't call them that.
ZUS
That's who comes to us from the
ghetto. Empty clothes.
Bloodsuckers.
TUVIA
They are people. Jews.
ZUS
Pretentious Jews. Jews who stuck
up their noses and wouldn't give us
the time of day when we passed them
on the street. Jews who went out
of their way to keep their daughters
locked away from our dirty hands.
(SAVAGELY)
You think your old teacher will
give you a good grade because you
saved his worthless ass! They accept
you as their leader only because
they are too weak and full of shit
to help themselves.
TUVIA
--What about Bella?
Tuvia looks over at Bella, who is anxiously watching.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
--You think she'd be with you if it
wasn't for what is happening here?
Zus glares at him, but tries to control himself.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
--Is it love Zus?
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE SALMON Revision - 10-21-07 59.
94 CONTINUED: (3) 94
Zus is sick of talk. He PUNCHES Tuvia in the face. Tuvia
is rocked but still he goads his brother.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
You are the man of her dreams? The
Romeo of Novagrudok?
Zus can't take anymore. He charges Tuvia, who sidesteps
and SLAMS him in the gut. All the frustration of the past
months, not to mention years of sibling rivalry, translates
into fists and elbows.
Ben Zion moves to break it up. Tuvia and Zus turn on him.
ZUS
Is this your business?
Zus gains the upper hand and starts to beat the crap put of
Tuvia. Finally, in desperation Tuvia rolls away and picks
up a rock. He is about to slam it into his brother's head
when suddenly he stops himself.
The two brothers look at each other, both breathing heavily --
realizing that they have crossed some line.
ZUS (CONT'D)
(calls out)
Ben Zion. Krensky. Lova. Israel.
Let's go.
(to Tuvia)
We are going to join the real
partisans.
He looks at Asael.
ZUS (CONT'D)
Are you coming?
Asael looks at one brother, then the other. Once again, he
is in the middle. He looks at Chaya, then back at Zus.
ASAEL
No.
ZUS
Good. I'll dance at your wedding.
He stops by Bella's side, touches her arm, then disappears
down the trail. The others follow.
CUT TO:
95 THE OUTSKIRTS OF NOVOGRUDOK 95
Tuvia and Asael feel naked outside the safety of the forest.
In the distance the city looms.
95A THE STREETS OF NOVOGRUDOK 95A
Tuvia and Asael pass by the barbed wire and machine-guns of
the guards and dogs manning the barrier to the ghetto.
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 59A.
96 THE WALLS OF THE NOVOGRUDOK GHETTO 96
Tuvia and Asael climb over a dilapidated wall.
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 60.
97 THE DESERTED STREETS OF THE GHETTO 97
People peer out from behind shuttered windows. Others hurry
to get off the street. Tuvia consults a hand-drawn map.
TUVIA
This way.
98 OMITTED 98
98A EXT. FOREST - DAY 98A
Zus, Lova and Ben Zion march alongside the Russians
Partisans.
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 61.
99 AN APARTMENT IN THE GHETTO - DAY 99
that might once have been home to a family-of-four now HOUSES
fifteen. Tuvia and Asael are deep in conversation with
several ELDERS of the ghetto Council
ELDER #1
We are not so naive as to believe
they won't kill some of us. But
all the Jews? It makes no sense.
They need us to work. In the
factories. The labor camps.
Tuvia notices A PRETTY GIRL standing on a chair in order to
hear. Her name is LILKA and we will soon come to know her.
(CONTINUED)
YELLOW Revision - 7-30-07 62.
99 CONTINUED: 99
TUVIA
There are rumors. Of death camps.
ELDER #1
We too have heard of such places.
But have you seen them yourself?
Can you tell me, with absolute
certainty, that we are not just as
likely to die out there with you in
the woods with Winter coming on...?
Someone WHISTLES from the street below. A tense moment.
Another whistle. All clear.
ELDER #1 (CONT'D)
--Do you think we haven't all
considered running away? For every
one that leaves they kill twenty.
How can I sacrifice thousands for
the sake of a few?"
Tuvia looks at them, rubbing his face in concentration.
TUVIA
What if we were to take all of you?
ELDER #1
The old, the sick? There are
thousands. How will we live?
TUVIA
We will protect you. We have made
alliances with the Russian Partisans.
ELDER #1
They are as bad as the Nazi's. You
are too young to know the pogroms--
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GREEN Revision - 10-14-07 63-63A.
99 CONTINUED: (2) 99
Tuvia SLAMS HIS FIST on a table.
TUVIA
YOU WANT TIME? Fine, I give you a
day. A month. Maybe a year. To
live!
(to an older couple)
Your daughter is out there with us.
(to another woman)
Your husband is waiting for you.
An old orthodox RABBI stands nearby.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Rabbi?
RABBI
We...are waiting for God.
Tuvia looks at him in disbelief. Such madness is
incontrovertible. A suspended moment.
LILKA
I am going.
This breaks the log jam. Several others join in, "We are
coming," "Us, too," etc. Tuvia nods his acknowledgment.
CUT TO:
100 A COURTYARD IN THE NOVOGRUDOK GHETTO - NIGHT 100
A crude tunnel has been dug through a ghetto wall. PEOPLE
squeeze through into the adjoining alley. Behind them, a
hundred more await their turn.
Out in the alley, Asael stops them momentarily as a car
goes by at the end of the street, then gives the all-clear.
Tuvia takes Lilka' hand and helps her pass through. Their
eyes meet for just a moment.
CUT TO:
100A OMITTED 100A
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GOLDENROD Revision - 10-21-07 63B-63C.
101 THE FOREST CAMP 101
The new ARRIVALS file in. Men wear citified coats and some
women have furs. They eye the veterans, thinking, 'how
dirty they are'; the veterans eye them warily, wondering,
'How will we feed them?'
A handmade sign reads, "New Jerusalem." Chaya is re-united
with her parents. She holds Asael's arm and looks up at
him with absolute rapture. She is his.
Malbin is collecting valuables. One WELL-DRESSED WOMAN is
reluctant to part with her jewelry.
WELL-DRESSED WOMAN
But they were my grandmother's...
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 64.
101 CONTINUED: (2) 101
MALBIN
And now they belong to the otriad.
Everyone sacrifices for the sake of
the collective. We can trade these
for food or weapons. Next...
Nearby, Shimon is INTERVIEWING another line of arrivals.
SHIMON
--How about carpenters? Any
bootmakers? Seamstresses?
ARRIVAL #1
I am an accountant.
SHIMON
(DEADPAN)
That should come in handy. Next...
RIVA
I am a nurse.
SHIMON
Ahhh...welcome. And you, tateh?
OPPENHEIM is an old man with thick glasses.
OPPENHEIM
I am a watchmaker.
Tuvia has walked over to observe.
TUVIA
Can you repair guns?
OPPENHEIM
Guns? No.
TUVIA
(hands him a rifle)
See if you can fix this trigger.
Oppenheim slips on a pair of spectacles and studies the
mechanism. It sticks. He digs into his pocket and produces
a small file and expertly begins to shave the metal spur.
He tests it, then hands it back to Tuvia, who CLICKS the
trigger.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
You have a new profession.
A murmur of appreciation ripples through the group as Shulman
appears -- leading A MAGNIFICENT WHITE HORSE.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GOLDENROD Revision - 10-21-07 65.
101 CONTINUED: (3) 101
SHULMAN
Look what we found running free.
Must have belonged to an aristocrat.
TUVIA
My God, she's beautiful.
(strokes her flanks)
May I?
He mounts her easily, urges her around the perimeter,
greeting the new arrivals. Heads turn as he trots past.
He is the center of attention, and he knows it. And likes
it.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Friends, we are happy to see you
safely among us. But there are
many things you must learn about
living here...
All attention turns to him. The Lubczanski brothers grumble
to each other, none too pleased with Tuvia's show-boating.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Once you are settled, you'll be
assigned work duties. Everyone
works, no exceptions.
101A INTERCUT IMAGES 101A
Of people being introduced to various tasks: shoemaking,
sewing, cooking. Asael teaching them to use guns.
TUVIA
We will help supply the Russian
Partisans by making clothes,
repairing guns.
101B BACK TO TUVIA ON HORSEBACK 101B
Malbin catches his eye and winks -- clearly this has been
part of their "strategy" discussions.
TUVIA
Women will learn to use weapons and
fight alongside men.
Tuvia takes a rifle from Asael and holds it aloft.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
This is not a gun. It is Bar
Kochba's spear. It is Ehud's sword.
You will all learn to protect
yourselves.
A LITTLE BOY holds Lilka's hand and looks up at Tuvia in
wonder. He cuts an iconic figure.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GOLDENROD Revision - 10-21-07 65A.
101B CONTINUED: 101B
LITTLE BOY
(to Lilka)
He is a Jew?
Lilka is equally struck -- although there is something more
than wonder in her regard. She nods.
TUVU
Pregnancies are forbidden. We cannot
accommodate an infant's needs. Our
bunkers are overcrowded so you will
have to build new ones.
He looks out over the sea of expectant faces.
TUVIA
(CONTINUING)
...This is the one place in all of
Belorussia where a Jew can be free.
(looks out over them)
We will make again, here in this
forest, the life that was taken
from you. We welcome you into our
community.
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 66.
101C LATER - TUVIA IS WALKING HIS HORSE BESIDE THE RIVER 101C
when Riva stops him.
RIVA
You are Tuvia Bielski? You are
really him?
(Tuvia nods
TENTATIVELY)
You are a hero. A Maccabee.
She vigorously shakes Tuvia's hand and walks away. Tuvia
catches his reflection in the water. And likes it.
102 THE CAMP AT DAWN - TO ESTABLISH 102
102A IN AN UNDERGROUND BUNKER - DAWN 102A
Lilka awakens to find TEN WOMEN wedged in beside her --
back to front -- like spoons.
Idly, she begins to ITCH her scalp. Then her leg. In the
pale morning light she sees that she is crawling with lice.
She SCREAMS. The women around her wake up, terrified.
LILKA
Get them off! Get them off me!
CHAYA
What? Where?
LILKA
EVERYWHERE! OH, MY GOD, OH, MY
GOD...
RIVA
Lice need somewhere to sleep, too.
The others LAUGH, but Lilka is on the verge of hysteria.
She stumbles out, stepping on several others as she goes.
102B OUTSIDE THE BUNKER 102B
Crying, she tears at her clothes -- only to discover Tuvia
and OTHERS staring at her with interest. She is mortified.
102C LATER THAT DAY 102C
THE WOMEN wash clothes in the stream. Lilka is by the
riverbank, scrubbing furiously. Tamara works beside her.
TAMARA
You get rid of them quicker if you
boil them.
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 66A.
102C CONTINUED: 102C
Lilka is grateful for this bit of camp wisdom.
BELLA
Tamara, come on in, it's freezing
and slimy and horrible.
Tamara shakes her head, no.
RIVA
So modest...
BELLA
... So last night I dreamed I was
taking a real bath. With hot water.
RACHEL
And soap.
(CONTINUED)
YELLOW Revision - 7-30-07 66B.
102C CONTINUED: (2) 102C
RIVA
And bubbles.
CHAYA
Oh, take me to that dream!
RIVA
I was dreaming of shoes...
CHAYA
Shoes, Riva?
RIVA
There was a man in a shop on Grudek
street... and the way he caressed
my feet when I tried on his shoes...
Riva swoons. The women burst into ribald laughter. The
SOUND of a horse. They look to the opposite bank where:
TUVIA RIDES BY on his horse. Lilka can't help but stare.
BELLA
Doesn't take a fortune teller to
know what Lilka's dreaming about...
Lilka blushes furiously. The women laugh even louder.
CUT TO:
103 A FLAT STRETCH OF TRAIN TRACK 103
Gramov shows Zus how to plant a disk-like CONTACT MINE.
GRAMOV
--buried underneath with this
DETONATOR--
(indicates a finger-
like protrusion)
--almost touching the rail. As the
train passes, its weight causes
pressure on the detonator, and then--
(very loud; in English)
BOOM!
Zus falls over, startled. Gramov laughs. Partisan humor.
DOUBLE YELLOW Revision - 10-8-07 67.
104 FOREST CAMP #2 104
Chaya is on kitchen detail with Tamara.
TAMARA
Yesterday, potatoes with beets,
Today, beets with potatoes. Special
treat tomorrow...potato soup. With
beets.
Not far away, Arkady and several others have created a
primitive still -- turning potatoes into vodka.
ARKADY
We love potatoes, don't we, boys!
Here, put some hair on your chest!
They give Aron his first taste.
NEARBY
Bella is walking, arm in arm, with Asael.
BELLA
So...a little bird told me that a
certain someone is waiting...for
another certain someone to ask a
certain question... Go on...
She indicates Chaya by wiggling her eyebrows in her
direction. Asael shakes his head but heads in that
direction.
104A NEARBY 104A
Asael "happens" to bump into Chaya.
ASAEL
Hello, Chaya.
CHAYA
Hello, Asael.
ASAEL
May...I help you?
CHAYA
Wash clothes? I... don't think so.
An awkward moment as he stands there watching her.
ASAEL
Chaya... I...was...wondering...if...
maybe...you...I mean... you and I--
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GREEN Revision - 10-14-07 67A.
104A CONTINUED: 104A
CHAYA
I accept.
ASAEL
You do?
CHAYA
I do.
104B ANOTHER DAY 104B
Asael and Chaya are getting married. A LIGHT SNOW is falling
as they say repeat their vows as Shimon instructs. Their
breath condenses in the cold.
ASAEL
Behold thou art consecrated unto me
by this ring according to the Laws
of Moses and Israel.
But rather than a ring, Asael gives her a shiny new rifle.
As the ceremony continues, we:
104C INTERCUT: A TREE LINE OVERLOOKING A MUDDY ROAD 104C
Zus, Ben Zion and several BIELSKI FIGHTERS hide alongside
TEN RUSSIAN PARTISANS as a GERMAN TROOP TRUCK approaches.
Pachenko watches as Zus follows the approaching truck through
binoculars, then cocks the heavy machine gun.
The truck SLOWS TO A CRAWL as it encounters an overturned
PEASANT CART blocking the road.
104D BACK TO THE WEDDING 104D
As Asael kisses the bride, Tuvia is staring not at the
newlyweds but rather at Lilka, who has washed and let down
her hair. She glances up and meets his eye, then looks
away.
As Asael crushes the traditional glass underfoot:
104E ZUS OPENS FIRE. 104E
The driver SLUMPS over the wheel and the truck careens lazily
off the road.
GERMAN SOLDIERS spill out, blindly returning fire as Zus's
fighters SWARM down the hill. Several are HIT right away.
104F INTERCUT: THE GROWING ECSTASY OF THE WEDDING CELEBRATION 104F
WITH THE FRENZY OF BATTLE.
People dance and sing, their joy juxtaposed with the
murderous intensity of the firefight, their twirling
movements a cracked mirror of the death agonies of fighters
of both sides as they are hit and fall.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE SALMON Revision - 10-21-07 67B.
104F CONTINUED: 104F
Some of the inexperienced Jewish fighters freeze, some fire
their weapons blindly. Ben Zion does well. ZUS RUNS AMONG
THEM, fiercely EXHORTING them to attack.
ZUS
Get up! Move! SHOOT OR I'LL SHOOT
YOU...
FROM A VANTAGE POINT IN THE ROCKS
Viktor watches, heartened by Zus' natural aggression.
GERMAN SOLDIERS TAKE COVER behind the overturned truck
effectively RETURNING FIRE. Several partisans are KILLED.
ZUS PULLS A POTATO MASHER GRENADE from his belt and RUNS AT
THE TRUCK in a mad headlong assault.
ZUS (CONT'D)
ARRRRGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
He ROLLS THE GRENADE under the truck and dives away as it
EXPLODES. The remaining Germans RAISE THEIR HANDS.
CHEERING PARTISANS leap into the truck, capturing an arsenal
of rifles and ammo. THE JEWISH FIGHTERS join in the looting.
Boots, coats, blankets, etc.
Zus approaches the wounded and captured German prisoners,
kneeling in surrender, hands behind their necks.
Without hesitation, he shoots them, point-blank, one after
another.
VIKTOR approaches Zus, who salutes.
VIKTOR
You are related to Bielski?
ZUS
I am a Bielski, too.
Viktor looks at him appraisingly.
VIKTOR
Indeed.
He walks away. Zus has found a home.
104G LATER - THE OTRIAD SINGS AND DANCES ON 104G
as SNOW continues to fall. The young marriage is a
celebration of hope over despair.
DISSOLVE TO:
105 OMITTED 105
AND AND
106 106
DOUBLE SALMON Revision - 10-21-07 68.
107 OMITTED 107
DOUBLE SALMON Revision - 10-21-07 69.
108 OMITTED 108
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 70.
109 THE RUSSIAN WINTER (MONTAGE- MUSIC OVER) 109
SNOW covers the camp. A driving wind. Bundled in scarves,
overcoats and as many layers as they can wear, Bella and
Chaya break ice in a pot. Tamara takes FROZEN LAUNDRY from
a line.
In a bunker, Malbin and Shimon shiver under a shared blanket.
Women and children stare blankly into space.
Riva unwraps rags from a man's foot and examines his toes,
BLACK with frostbite.
Asael and Tuvia are making their rounds. They pass Aron
and Rachel who have built a snowman which they top off by
adding a German helmet with a bullet hole in it.
109A IN A STORAGE AREA 109A
Asael shows Tuvia the last few potatoes.
ASAEL
There is talk of returning to the
ghetto.
TUVIA
Madness.
ASAEL
They've barely eaten in days. Even
when our food missions manage to
get through, there are armed patrols.
Farmers who once helped us now guard
their barns with shotguns.
Tuvia considers for a moment.
TUVIA
Send out more missions. And bring
shotguns.
Tuvia sets off. In every face he passes, there's misery
and accusation in the shivering bodies and trembling blue
lips. Children stare at him with sunken, haunted eyes.
109AA A MAKESHIFT STABLE 109AA
Tuvia visits his beautiful horse. He unties him.
109AB LATER - IN THE FOOD LINE 109AB
A whisper runs through the group..."meat"..."what kind?"..."
Where'd it come from?"
Tuvia watches them eat hungrily.
109B OMITTED 109B
DOUBLE SALMON Revision - 10-21-07 71.
109C OMITTED 109C
AND AND
109D 109D
109E A STABLE - NIGHT 109E
Snow falling outside. Several partisans are singing. Zus
is drinking heavily with Viktor; they take pinches of salt
with each swallow. Viktor finishes a bottle, tosses it.
VIKTOR
Another dead soldier!
Zus looks at him, bleary-eyed, confused. Viktor explains:
VIKTOR (CONT'D)
More dead soldiers than empty
bottles.
ZUS
(slurring his words)
That is so...Russian.
He cracks open another bottle and takes a big slug.
VIKTOR
At least you drink like one.
ZUS
'A Jew can't drink, a Jew can't
fight.' What is it we are good at,
Viktor? Dying. That is what we
are good at.
VIKTOR
So tell me about this brother of
yours...
ZUS
.Asael?
VIKTOR
You are such an idiot.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 71A.
109E CONTINUED: 109E
ZUS
I know who you mean... The Great
Tuvia Bielski. Savior of the Jews
and all around Big Shit.
VIKTOR
You compete with him.
ZUS
He competes with me.
VIKTOR
My older brother and I have the
same relationship.
ZUS
He is a Big Shit also?
VIKTOR
A soldier.
(a long moment)
He was killed in the first hour of
the German invasion.
This sobers them up a bit.
109F IN THE ZEMYLANKA 109F
LILKA is shivering, her eyes inward and unfocused.
TUVIA
Lilka?
LILKA
Sorry, Tuvia. I was...thinking.
It's nothing.
He looks at her intently, knowing there's more.
LILKA (CONT'D)
...Every time new people come into
camp, I keep hoping... even though,
I know...
(her teeth are
CHATTERING)
...I'm sorry.
TUVIA
Everyone here has lost someone.
She looks up at him, helpless to be so revealed.
LILKA
You too?
TUVIA
(a small nod)
Here...
He takes off his wool coat and puts it around her shoulders.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GOLDENROD Revision - 10-21-07 71B.
109F CONTINUED: 109F
LILKA
No. Today I go on my first food
mission.
Tuvia's order has consigned her to this dangerous duty.
TUVIA
I will have Asael send someone else.
LILKA
No. I must go now. I want to go.
She is clearly scared but desperate not to show it. He
reaches into his belt and hands her a revolver.
TUVIA
You know how to use this?
She nods. Leaving, she passes the Lubczanski brothers, who
are on their way in.
DOUBLE SALMON Revision - 10-21-07 72.
110 ON MOTL AND ARKADY 110
MOTL LUBCZANSKI
She is a tasty one, your aristocrat.
TUVIA
She is not my aristocrat.
ARKADY LUBCZANSKI
No? We were told, 'hands off,'
property of the Commander.
Tuvia just stares, daring him to continue.
111 LATER THAT DAY 111
Tuvia walks past the now-empty stable heading into the woods.
A voice calls out of the misty snow.
VOICE
HALT! WHO GOES THERE--!
TUVIA
Lazar. I am coming from camp. The
danger is from those coming to camp.
LAZAR
(SHEEPISH)
Sorry, Tuvia...
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 73.
111 CONTINUED: 111
TUVIA
No sign of the food mission?
LAZAR
Not yet.
Tuvia looks anxiously into the deep woods.
111A MEANWHILE - DEEP IN THE WOODS 111A
Lilka and Shulman are walking backwards, retracing their
steps to obscure their footprints in the drifting snow.
SHULMAN
We mustn't have any tracks leading
back to base.
He loads two sacks of food onto her shoulders.
SHULMAN (CONT'D)
Stay on this side of the creek until
you reach the river then up the
hill.
(points the way)
I'll wait here for the others.
She nods and trudges on toward camp through waist-deep snow.
112 BACK IN CAMP - OUTSIDE A MAKESHIFT INFIRMARY 112
As they head toward a zemylanka, Riva is briefing Tuvia on
the sick. Every now and then, he glances toward the woods.
RIVA
--several cases of pneumonia...
Also I'm beginning to see signs of
scurvy. No one's had a vegetable
in weeks.
LAZAR
Tuvia!
Lazar is dragging a WOUNDED MAN back into camp.
RIVA
Bring him to the infirmary.
Tuvia glances back toward the woods. Looks at his watch.
RIVA (CONT'D)
...Shulman will look after her.
He looks up. She looks at him sympathetically. Apparently
his interest in Lilka isn' quite as secret as he imagines.
112A BACK TO THE WOODS 112A
Exhausted, cold and alone, Lilka is becoming increasingly
disoriented in a snowy landscape where every tree looks
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE SALMON Revision - 10-21-07 73A.
112A CONTINUED: 112A
alike. She turns in a circle, trying to decide which way
to go.
A MANGY DOG appears out of nowhere, its coat matted, its
ribs showing, a wild look in its eye. It GROWLS ferociously.
LILKA
Shoo-- Shoo--
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 74.
112A CONTINUED: (2) 112A
But the dog, as ravenous as she, smells the food and won't
back down. It inches forward, FOAMING at the mouth.
Lilka tries to step back but the dog LUNGES, snapping its
jaws. It's terrifying. She looks desperately for help.
Suddenly the dog LEAPS at her. She turns away and it rips
a sack from her shoulder, knocking her down. Viciously it
begins tearing the sack apart in search of the food within.
A SHOT RINGS OUT. The dog drops.
Lilka holds the smoking gun in two hands. Grimly, she pockets
the weapon, picks up the sack of food, and starts off.
Reconsidering, she walks back and hoists the dead dog onto
her shoulder, too. More food.
112B IN THE INFIRMARY 112B
Riva bandages Edjelman's head. Tuvia looks at all the sick.
TUVIA
What's wrong with them all?
RIVA
If it's typhus we're in trouble.
The lice are carriers.
ASAEL
The partisans have ampicillin. But
they say they need it for themselves.
In the background Lilka enters, face scratched, blood smeared
hands and arms -- like some kind of primitive huntress.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
(sees he is distracted)
Tuvia...
TUVIA
Medicine for typhus. I heard you.
I'll go see Viktor right away.
On his way out, he passes Lilka, who is being looked after.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Are you all right?
LILKA
Fine.
(handing him the gun)
Thank you.
Tuvia can clearly see that she is shaken -- but he has no
time to ask more. He has to find out about the medicine.
TUVIA
I must go.
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 75.
113 THE PARTISAN ENCAMPMENT (TO ESTABLISH SNOW) 113
114 INSIDE A TENT 114
Viktor, Gramov and Zus are poring over a map of the area.
VIKTOR
--and every time we try to move,
they radio back to police HQ which
houses the transmitter...here.
ZUS
--So we attack the transmitter.
VIKTOR
Yes, yes, my Hebrew warrior. Except
for the troops in Stankiewcze and
the machine guns out front.
THE TENT FLAP OPENS. Tuvia enters. He has developed a cough.
VIKTOR (CONT'D)
Two Bielski's in one room! To what
do we owe this honor?
TUVIA
We have sickness. I need ampicillin.
VIKTOR
This medicine is reserved for
fighters.
TUVIA
If typhus breaks out in our camp,
it may spread to yours.
VIKTOR
I will have to take that chance.
Zus looks from one immovable force to the other.
TUVIA
I must insist. Comrade.
VIKTOR
You'd better not.
Zus is watching this dick-measuring with keen interest.
ZUS
There would be medicine in the police
headquarters at Stankiewcze, yes?
(CONTINUED)
BLUE Revision - 6-26-07 76.
114 CONTINUED: 114
He looks to Gramov, who looks to Viktor, who nods.
ZUS (CONT'D)
Tuvia and I grew up there.
(looks at Tuvia)
Perhaps the Bielski otriad will
volunteer to take out the
transmitter.
Viktor looks from Zus to Tuvia.
TUVIA
Of course.
Zus grabs his submachine gun.
ZUS
Krensky, Ben Zion. Let's go.
CUT TO:
115 THE TOWN OF STAKIEWICZE 115
is quiet at midnight on this snowy evening.
116 IN A BACK ALLEY 116
Tuvia and Zus sit in the cab of an old truck, its exhaust
sending plumes of condensation into the freezing night.
ZUS
Well...
He looks into the back where the others wait, anxiously
clutching their weapons. Tuvia tries to hold back a cough.
ZUS (CONT'D)
Stay with the truck. And make sure
it's in gear when we get back.
TUVIA
I'm going in with you.
ZUS
I give the orders tonight.
Across the square, the police station looms.
TUVIA
You don't have to do this.
ZUS
I don't?
(a bitter laugh)
What about the typhus?
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 7-18-07 77.
116 CONTINUED: 116
TUVIA
So more die. They will anyway.
A grim smile from Zus. Tuvia is broken up inside.
ZUS
I have been given this mission by
my superior officer.
He starts to get out the cab. Tuvia reaches into his pocket,
takes out the mezuzah that once blessed their parents' home.
TUVIA
Zus...
(hands him the mezuzah)
For luck.
Zuz pockets it and joins the others creeping into the
shadows.
But rather than follow them into the police station, we
HOLD on Tuvia's face. Suddenly we HEAR The sound of gunfire.
Then nothing. Ten seconds. More gunfire. Twenty. It is
excruciating. Thirty. The longest CLOSE-UP in film history.
117 INTERCUT - FLASHES OF WHAT IS HAPPENING INSIDE... 117
Ben Zion bursts in and opens fire, killing two policemen.
Krensky jumps the counter and smashes the transmitter.
A policeman appears behind them on the stairs and shoots
Krensky in the back. Ben Zion whirls and kills him.
117A TUVIA WANTS TO HELP. HE PULLS HIS GUN, UNLOCKS THE DOOR. 117A
OPENS IT. STOPS. HE HAS PROMISED TO WAIT WITH THE TRUCK.
Zus, meanwhile, rummages cabinets, looking for ampicillin.
BEN ZION
Let's GO!
In the back room, Zus keeps rummaging. A window EXPLODES.
Ben Zion is hit. Mortally wounded, he sinks to his knees,
returning fire as Zus reappears.
118 TUVIA WATCHES 118
as Zus bursts out the door. He races to the truck and
struggles into the passenger seat, BLEEDING FROM HIS
SHOULDER.
ZUS
Go. GO!
TUVIA
What about the others?!
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 7-18-07 77A.
118 CONTINUED: 118
ZUS
GO, DAMN YOU!
119 IN THE TRUCK (TRAVELING) 119
From his coat Zus takes out a BLOOD-SOAKED PACKAGE.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 78.
119 CONTINUED: 119
ZUS
Medicine.
TUVIA
The others?
ZUS
Fighters die so that malbushim may
live, that's what you believe, yes?
Tuvia absorbs the accusation as if taking a punch.
TUVIA
So you're a communist now, Zus?
Zus lays his head back on the seat, closes his eyes.
ZUS
Communist, Zionist, Manicurist,
what difference does it make? You
got your medicine.
TUVIA
Come back to us.
Zus won't look at him.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
You are my brother.
ZUS
So you remember.
CUT TO:
120 A MOURNER'S CIRCLE IN THE TREES 120
for Ben Zion and Krensky. Shimon addresses the group.
SHIMON
Merciful God, we commit our friends
Ben Zion and Krensky to your care.
We have no more prayers, no more
tears. We have run out of blood.
Choose another people
We PAN PAST the familiar faces.
SHIMON (CONT'D)
We have paid for each of your
Commandments. We have covered every
field and stone with ashes. Sanctify
another land.
(looks at them)
Choose another people. Teach them
the Deeds and the Prophecies. Grant
us but one more blessing -- Take
back the gift of our holiness.
YELLOW Revision - 7-30-07 79.
121 IN A ZEMYLANKA - LATER THAT DAY 121
Tuvia is still drinking heavily. He is COUGHING STEADILY,
his face sweaty with fever.
The SOUND of angry voices from outside the bunker.
122 OUTSIDE - IN THE FOOD LINE 122
Arkady Lubczanski has pulled a knife on Asael, who backs
away, STUMBLING into a group of bystanders.
ARKADY
Next time, I cut off your nose,
pisher.
Tuvia emerges from his bunker. He is weaving a bit and his
words are slurred.
TUVIA
Whassa problem, Arkady?
ARKADY
Those who risk their lives to bring
back food deserve a larger portion
than those who risk nothing.
ASAEL
Everyone gets the same portion.
ARKADY
Not when you're serving, pisher. I
see you digging to the bottom of
the pot for your little forest cutie
and her parents...
ASAEL
She is my wife!
TUVIA
Policy is...Same for all. If someone
is stealing he'll face consequences.
Asael is astonished that Tuvia would go against him in public
and embarrassed by his public drunkenness.
ASAEL
What consequences?
Others are closely watching this test of Tuvia's authority.
TUVIA
Reduced rations for one week.
(a beat)
Both of you.
(CONTINUED)
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 80.
122 CONTINUED: 122
ARKADY
WHAT?!
TUVIA
(in his face)
ARE YOU QUESTIONING MY DECISION?
Arkady is tempted to take him on. But he backs down.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
(raises his voice)
This matter is settled. Everybody
back in line.
People are staring at him.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? BACK IN
LINE!
His eyes meet Lilka's. She looks away. Asael takes Tuvia's
arm and pulls him aside.
ASAEL
Tuvia, I would never--
TUVIA
Yes. I know.
ASAEL
Then why am I to be punished...?
Tuvia just takes another swallow from his bottle.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
Fischer is with them. So is Levine.
On food missions, they take first
for themselves and only bring back
what's left over--
Tuvia's head is throbbing. He closes his eyes.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
--and they spread rumors, that you
are power-hungry and corrupt, that
you take whatever woman you choose--
(Tuvia can't help
but laugh)
--that we keep gold for ourselves,
and that--
He stops himself.
TUVIA
--What?
(CONTINUED)
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 81.
122 CONTINUED: (2) 122
ASAEL
...that you drink too much and are
no longer fit to lead us.
TUVIA
.Maybe they're right.
Asael looks at him. No longer the brother he once idealized.
ASAEL
Zus would have punched him senseless.
TUVIA
Zus.
ASAEL
I miss him.
ß TUVIA
He has made his choice.
He reels away toward the woods.
CUT TO:
122A IN HIS ZEMYLANKA - LATER 122A
Tuvia is lying in his bunker, vomiting and burning up with
fever. Shimon has brought him soup.
SHIMON
Drink this.
(WINKS)
From the bottom of the pot.
Tuvia can barely get the soup down.
TUVIA
...the way they look at me... with
their pasty faces. Let them starve,
we're all going to die out here
anyway.
SHIMON
Not easy being the big boss. Moses
was a lonely man when he led us out
of bondage.
TUVIA
...Moses.
SHIMON
So I'm a sucker for a biblical
allusion. But what is society
without leaders. Without leaders,
we falter.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 81A.
122A CONTINUED: 122A
TUVIA
I am not a leader.
SHIMON
Neither was Moses, but somehow that
seemed to work out.
CUT TO:
123 THE PARTISAN CAMP 123
Several partisans are singing a drinking song while Zus
silently soaks his feet in a bucket. Lova walks in. His
face is black and blue.
ZUS
Lova, what happened? Who did this?
Lova sits and buries his head in his hands.
ZUS (CONT'D)
Lova. Tell me. Who?
LOVA
Gramov. Two others. I used the
officer's latrine.
ZUS
For this they beat you?
Lova is trying not to weep.
LOVA
They said they wouldn't shit in the
same hole as a Jew.
Zus gets to his feet.
CUT TO:
123A INT. PANCHENKO'S TENT -- MOMENTS LATER 123A
Zus bursts in to find Panchenko deep in conversation with
Gramov and others. They look up at the intrusion.
ZUS
Forgive me, Commander.
PANCHENKO
Zus. Join us.
He offers him a glass of vodka. Zus doesn't take it.
ZUS
I want to report the mistreatment
of a comrade.
Gramov looks up. Zus meets his eye.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GOLDENROD Revision - 10-21-07 81B.
123A CONTINUED: 123A
ZUS (CONT'D)
This man beat Comrade Lova -- for
no reason at all.
GRAMOV
I had a perfectly good reason. He
is a Jew.
The other men LAUGH. Panchenko frowns at Gramov.
PANCHENKO
--and you are an ignorant Tartar.
(offers Zus vodka)
Ignore him. Here...
ZUS
Anti-semitism is a violation of
Party discipline.
Panchenko sighs. Does he really have to deal with this?
PANCHENKO
He's right, Gramov. Apologize to
the Jew.
GRAMOV
I apologize, Jew.
PANCHENKO
There. You see?
(...a command)
Now drink up.
Zus doesn't know what to do. He accepts the vodka.
124 EXT. THE BIELSKI CAMP (TO ESTABLISH) 124
Guards ring the snowy perimeter.
125 OMITTED 125
126 THE BLURRED IMAGE OF AN ANGEL FRAMED BY A HALO OF SUNLIGHT 126
as it swims into focus. Tuvia opens his eyes. It is Lilka.
She sits beside him, mopping his forehead with a cool rag.
LILKA
Your fever broke in the night. The
medicine helped.
TUVIA
How long was I asleep?
LILKA
Two days.
(CONTINUED)
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 81C-83.
126 CONTINUED: 126
TUVIA
And you've nursed me the whole time?
LILKA
Chaya helped.
TUVIA
Did you study nursing at university?
LILKA
We devoted ourselves to more
essential knowledge -- like Greek
Philosophy and Latin.
(CONTINUED)
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 84.
126 CONTINUED: (4) 126
TUVIA
I never went to university.
LILKA
What kind of work did you do?
Before.
TUVIA
My wife's father had a store. Before
the Race Laws.
(looks at her)
She is is dead.
LILKA
I'm sorry.
TUVIA
Tell me more about university.
LILKA
It all feels like a dream. I spent
months trying to master Chopin's
nocturnes.
TUVIA
I'd love to hear you play.
LILKA
You know Chopin?
TUVIA
Who doesn't? Chopin the butcher
from Novogrudok.
LILKA
(LAUGHS)
If you're well enough to tease me,
you're well enough to eat. I'll
see what's for supper.
She gets up to go.
TUVIA
Thank you, Lilka.
127 OUTSIDE TUVIA'S BUNKER 127
THE LUBCZANSKI'S have taken the fullest advantage of Tuvia's
illness. There are now TWO LINES of people waiting for
food.
The malbushim line up like prison inmates. Lazar looks into
his bowl -- two beans floating in a scummy broth.
IN THE SHORTER LINE
Motl, Arkady, Fischer, Levine and a few others are enjoying
real food. Lazar calls out from the other line.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 85.
127 CONTINUED: 127
LAZAR
Hey, Arkady This isn't soup, it's
piss.
ARKADY
I will piss on your head and you
will say it's raining. Eat it.
The rest of Lubczanski's cabal laughs.
TUVIA emerges from his bunker. The first thing he sees is
Asael, whose face is BATTERED AND SWOLLEN.
TUVIA
What happened?
Asael just looks over at the food line -- where Arkady has
grabbed Chaya by the waist -- to the delight of the others.
Tuvia strides over to them.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
What is this?
ARKADY
New policy. Fighters get better
food.
TUVIA
Against my orders...
ARKADY
You are no longer Commander. Sorry.
Tuvia nods, considering his remark for a moment.
AND THEN TAKES OUT HIS PISTOL AND SHOOTS ARKADY IN THE CHEST!
He then turns the gun on Motl and the others -- they
literally cower in fear. He raises his voice to those
watching.
TUVIA
As long as I am the leader of this
group, you will obey my commands.
THERE WILL BE NO MORE COMPLAINING!
NO MORE SITTING! NO MORE DOING
NOTHING. ANYONE WANTS TO LEAVE,
THEY LEAVE. NOW! The rest work.
Every morning we get up and we work.
WE WORK. In the snow and the cold
and the dark. Tomorrow we begin to
build ten new zemylanka, we double
the number of food missions.
...We work.
(looks down at Arkady)
Take his body into the woods and
leave it for the wolves.
He turns and walks away. As he passes the food lines, people
subtly move out of his way and whisper after he is gone.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 85A.
127 CONTINUED: (2) 127
Whereas once he was greeted warmly by all, now his isolation
is complete.
He is the Commander.
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 86.
127A TUVIA CAREENS THROUGH THE TREES 127A
Tripping over roots, and finally leaning against a tree, he
is mumbling, almost incoherent -- part prayer, part
profanity.
DISSOLVE TO:
128 OMITTED 128
129 THE FIRST BUD OF SPRING 129
struggles through patches of snow. Ice drips from branches.
130 OMITTED 130
130A THE OTRIAD 130A
Takes a group portrait. The forest is green again.
131 THE SUNSHINE IS WARM 131
on the women's bodies as they bathe in the river.
CHAYA
Who has the soap? I know there was
a little left?
BELLA
Use the sand. It's good for your
skin.
RIVA
And what skin! And already married,
too!
Bella laughs. Chaya splashes her playfully with water.
BELLA
I've turned into a skeleton.
CHAYA
And you were always so worried about
staying slim.
BELLA
When we get out of this forest I am
going to eat only cake and grow as
big as a house.
Tamara appears. She's wearing a long overcoat.
LILKA
Join us. At least the sun is warm.
(Tamara turns away;
Lilka joins her)
Tamara?
TAMARA
I can't, Lilka...
(lowers her voice)
I'm pregnant.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE SALMON Revision - 10-21-07 86A.
131 CONTINUED: 131
LILKA
I had no idea.
TAMARA
I've kept it hidden for months but
now it's obvious. No one can know.
They move away from the others. Tamara shows her.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
It could come any day.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 87.
131 CONTINUED: (2) 131
LILKA
..Who is the father?
TAMARA
I--- It was when I was escaping. A
man with a gun stopped me. I thought
he was a Partisan. He told me to
follow him and he took me to this
place...
The memory overwhelms her. She begins to break down.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
Inside me something broke....I wanted
to die. Every night I have
nightmares -- what will happen when
Tuvia finds out.
LILKA
He will understand.
TAMARA
No. You mustn't tell him!
LILKA
I won't. Don't worry.
(touches her arm)
What are you going to do?
Tamara's eyes fill with a new resolve.
TAMARA
I feel this new life inside me.
It's the only thing keeping me going.
I won't give it up, I'll kill myself.
Lilka puts her arm around her.
131A IN THE DEEP FOREST -- ARON IS OUT HUNTING 131A
From his belt hang the pelts of two dead rabbits.
He hears A SOUND. Three GERMAN SOLDIERS are putting
camouflage on their helmets. Beyond, A GERMAN ARMORED
COLUMN. The assault is coming.
CUT TO:
132 THE CAMP 132
where Shimon and Malbin are playing chess. Shimon has
developed a bad cough.
MALBIN
You call that a move?
SHIMON
I call it an inevitable conclusion
based on unimpeachable reasoning.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GREEN Revision - 10-14-07 A87.
132 CONTINUED: 132
SHIMON (CONT'D)
The question, my friend the Genius,
is what are you going to do about
it.
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 87A.
132 CONTINUED: (2) 132
MALBIN
I'm thinking about what I'm going
to do about it.
SHIMON
Aha! I got him!
MALBIN
You didn't get me. You think you
got me? How about this?
SHIMON
(GOBSMACKED)
Who would make a move like that?
MALBIN
A genius maybe.
Tuvia has been listening nearby. Aron races into the camp.
ARON
Tuvia...
We SEE Aron whispering in Tuvia's ear.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE SALMON Revision - 10-21-07 88.
132 CONTINUED: (3) 132
TUVIA
(calls out)
Asael!
Asael comes running.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Get a message to Zus. He's got to
tell Viktor they're coming.
CUT TO:
133 OMITTED 133
133A EXT. CAMP PERIMETER - DAYS LATER 133A
Tuvia stands peering out into the forest. Asael joins him.
ASAEL
Lazar spotted another patrol.
They're getting closer.
Tuvia nods. Suddenly, he HEARS a strange sound. An animal?
TUVIA
Do you hear that?
134 IN THE WOMEN'S ZEMYLANKA 134
We HEAR the SOUND for what it is... The cry of a newborn.
A baby boy in this mud manger. Riva and Lilka have assisted.
Tamara holds her new baby to her breast.
Suddenly -- the blanket serving as a door is SWEPT ASIDE.
TUVIA stands there. Tamara cries out and shields the baby.
Lilka springs up and pushes him back outside.
135 OUTSIDE THE BUNKER 135
Tuvia walks angrily. Lilka keeps up.
LILKA
She promises not to take extra
food...
TUVIA
This is against my orders.
LILKA
So you are going to shoot her, too?
Tuvia stares at her. He has never seen this side of her.
LILKA (CONT'D)
Please, Tuvia. The baby is all she
has to live for.
TUVIA
I cannot allow it.
He turns away.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE SALMON Revision - 10-21-07 88A.
135 CONTINUED: 135
Lilka SPINS him around, surprising him with her strength
and the strength of her passion.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 7-18-07 89.
135 CONTINUED: (2) 135
LILKA
You must let it live!
TUVIA
I cannot keep the living alive.
Tamara and the man who fathered
this child are responsible for its
fate.
LILKA
She was raped by the Nazis.
Tuvia closes his eyes. He is tired of being in charge,
tired of being the arbiter of other peoples' fate.
LILKA (CONT'D)
...You tell us to hold onto our
humanity. Not to become like
animals. What better way than by
bringing a life into this world of
suffering and death. It's our only
hope.
Tuvia is undone by her intensity. The very nearness of
her. The smell of her newly-washed hair. The glow of her
skin.
He looks at her. And nods in surrender.
LILKA (CONT'D)
Thank you, Tuvia.
She kisses him. A chaste kiss of gratitude.
She pulls back and they look into each other's eyes.
The next kiss is something entirely different.
TUVIA
Lilka...
LILKA
I knew what was expected of the
women here -- yet you never touched
me...
TUVIA
Shhh..
LILKA
I'm not afraid of anything, Tuvia.
I'm not even afraid of you.
They kiss deeply.
136 IN TUVIA'S BUNKER - LATER 136
Lilka lies in his arms.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GOLDENROD Revision - 10-21-07 90.
136 CONTINUED: 136
TUVIA
The Germans are coming into the
forest. I don't know what is going
to become of us.
LILKA
It doesn't matter. If I had stayed
in the ghetto I'd be dead. You
saved my life.
TUVIA
No. You have saved mine.
He reaches for her but before they can begin to make love
again-- THE BLANKET DOOR IS PUSHED ASIDE. Malbin is there.
MALBIN
Oh... ..I..... Hello, Lilka.
LILKA
Hello, Asael.
TUVIA
Yes?
MALBIN
We've caught one.
CUT TO:
137 A GERMAN SS SCOUT, HANDS TIED BEHIND HIS BACK 137
is led into the clearing. He wears the same uniform as
those who marched the villagers into the forest for
execution.
ASAEL
He's a scout.
TUVIA
They're coming for us.
Group members have begun to gather around him. They begin
to hurl insults -- schtik drek, paskudnyak -- as the hapless
man is pushed to his knees.
ASAEL
We found this in his pouch.
He hands Tuvia a sheaf of documents -- including a map.
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 91.
137 CONTINUED: 137
TUVIA
Entrance points, wetlands, obstacles.
(hands it to Shimon)
You read this.
SHIMON
(re: the documents)
They've assigned an entire division
to surround the forest.
A tidal wave is coming.
ASAEL
Don't they have a war to fight?
SHIMON
(still reading)
Assault begins in two days.
Passover. How fitting.
Meanwhile, some of the group have begun TORMENTING the man.
MOTL
Monster!
He kicks him in the head.
SHULMAN
Bulvan!
Shulman PUNCHES him in the face.
GERMAN COURIER
Bitte....Bitte...
TUVIA
(to Asael)
Did you reach Viktor?
ASAEL
He's on his way.
The tormenting of the poor courier is gaining intensity.
MALBIN
TUVIA--
The German lets loose a torrent of pleading.
GERMAN COURIER
Ich habe frau und kinder!
SHIMON
He says he has a wife and children.
Lazar picks up a stick. The German tries to crawl away;
the crowd blocks his escape, pushing him back into the
center.
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 91A.
137 CONTINUED: (2) 137
LAZAR
So did I!
RIVA
If you let him go, he will lead
them back here.
Tuvia looks at Malbin. What to do?
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 92.
137 CONTINUED: (3) 137
MALBIN
Ask if he'll promise not to reveal
our location.
Shimon translates.
SHIMON
Sie mussen versprechen nicht zu
sagan wo wir sind.
The man looks up at him, pleadingly.
GERMAN COURIER
Nein....Nein...
SHULMAN
He'll say anything.
He breaks the stick across the man's back.
LAZAR
We want justice...
MOTL
Justice...
Soon it is a chant: "Justice! .Justice!" Tuvia looks at
their faces. Only months ago they were decorous, civilized.
Now they are hungry, almost feral. Murderous.
Bella has been silently watching. She steps into the circle,
looks down at the terrified German man.
BELLA
My son's name was David. David
Kagan.
We SEE now that she is holding a sharpened hoe.
BELLA (CONT'D)
He was fifteen. He had blue eyes.
She raises it above her head.
BELLA (CONT'D)
He played the piano.
She swings with all her might. The others watch with a mix
of thrilled horror and perverse delight. A line has been
crossed. Riva steps forward, holding a large shovel.
RIVA
My sister's name was Ellie...
As she swings the shovel, the CAMERA begins to back away.
Miriam steps forward, carrying a large rock.
MIRIAM
My husband was Meyer...
The group closes in, obscuring our view of the body. Aron
can't take any more. He runs off into the woods.
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 A92.
137 CONTINUED: (4) 137
MOTL
My parents, Sol and Raya.
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 92A.
137 CONTINUED: (5) 137
AVRAM
For my daughter, Sonya.
MORDECAI
For my mother.
RACHEL
My sister.
LILKA
My whole family.
ALL
JUSTICE! JUSTICE! .
Tuvia closes his eyes. He has done nothing to stop it.
Asael looks at Malbin and Shimon. They are undone by what
they have witnessed. Tuvia walks away.
Behind them, the group separates -- staring at the lifeless
body on the ground. And then they look at each other, their
blood lust sated, beginning to reckon with what they have
done. What they have become.
138 TUVIA STANDS ALONE IN THE FOREST, HIS FACE IN SHADOW 138
He sees Aron, squatting beside a tree, crying silently.
Tuvia kneels beside him, cradling him.
TUVIA
Reeboynoy shel oylum... Lord of the
Universe. We have done unspeakable
things yet still I seek your mercy...
He HEARS something. Malbin waits at the edge of the forest.
His face is drawn and pale from what has just happened.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GREEN Revision - 10-14-07 93.
138 CONTINUED: 138
MALBIN
Viktor is here.
CUT TO:
139 VIKTOR AND ZUS 139
are waiting in the clearing. Tuvia approaches. He and Zus
nod to each other but do not speak. It is excruciating.
Tuvia and Viktor walk into the woods. Zus waits with other
BODYGUARDS as Asael joins them. Zus wears a Nazi jacket.
ZUS
He doesn't look good.
ASAEL
I could say the same about you.
Where'd you get the jacket?
ZUS
Let's just say the former owner no
longer had need of it.
Zus winks. The other bodyguards stare impassively.
ZUS (CONT'D)
Embrace me.
Asael looks confused for a moment, then embraces him.
ZUS (CONT'D)
(WHISPERING)
Hide this.
(shoves a revolver
into his pocket)
Wolnicky stores ammunition for us
in his barn. There's no guard.
He slaps Asael fondly on the cheek and rejoins his comrades.
140 VIKTOR AND TUVIA 140
sit on a downed tree and converse in Russian, with subtitles:
VIKTOR
You found these on the prisoner?
Tuvia nods. Viktor studies the scout's documents. Tisking.
TUVIA
We can't fight an entire division.
VIKTOR
The battle on the Eastern Front has
begun. The more troops we engage
here, the fewer they have to attack
the Motherland.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE GREEN Revision - 10-14-07 93A.
140 CONTINUED: 140
TUVIA
We've done our part for the
Motherland.
(CONTINUED)
BUFF Revision - 9-2-07 94.
140 CONTINUED: (2) 140
VIKTOR
My orders are to take command of
all partisan operations. You will
bring the rest of your fighters to
me.
TUVIA
And the others? Old people, women
and children.
VIKTOR
In war there are casualties.
TUVIA
And if I refuse?
VIKTOR
You are officially a deserter. Do
you know the policy on dealing with
deserters?
Viktor unfolds a paper flyer from his pocket.
VIKTOR (CONT'D)
...The Germans are offering fifty
thousand marks for information
leading to your capture.
(hands it to him)
Not a very flattering likeness.
Too Jewish.
Viktor rejoins his bodyguards, turns back for a last word.
VIKTOR (CONT'D)
Have your men in my camp by tonight.
He walks off. Asael takes the wanted poster from Tuvia.
ASAEL
I wouldn't show this around. There
are some who'd turn you in for less.
CUT TO:
141 LATER - A SPOTTER PLANE BUZZES HIGH ABOVE - HUNTING 141
Down below, Viktor and the Russian partisans have struck
their tents and hidden beneath the sheltering trees.
Viktor's gaze follows the plane. He gives an order into a
field radio. Zus has been listening.
(CONTINUED)
SALMON Revision - 8-19-07 95.
141 CONTINUED: 141
ZUS
You want them to find Tuvia's camp.
Viktor just looks at him.
ZUS (CONT'D)
You're deliberately sacrificing
them so we can remain safe?
VIKTOR
No. So we can keep fighting.
Everyone must sacrifice in the
struggle.
ZUS
Those are my brothers.
VIKTOR
I am your brother! He is your
brother! Comrade Zus. Your Jewish
sentimentality is heart-warming,
but counter-revolutionary.
Zus has secretly known he would hear these words. He grips
his rifle but holds his tongue.
BACK TO:
142 THE SPOTTER PLANE -- FLIES OVER THE BIELSKI CAMP 142
Tuvia stares up at it. Have they been spotted?
Shimon is sitting nearby with a group of children. He looks
pale. His cough is worse. He is very ill.
SHIMON
...but the children of Israel were
afraid to leave Egypt. Until Moses
said, 'Do not trust in me, trust in
God.' He will take care of you'
(a wrenching cough)
And so tomorrow we celebrate the
Passover by sitting around and
arguing just as we have done for
centuries.
Tuvia stares at them, a curious expression on his face.
Malbin comes to stand beside him.
MALBIN
(looking at the plane)
Did it see us?
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 7-18-07 96.
142 CONTINUED: 142
TUVIA
Tomorrow is Passover. Yes?
MALBIN
...How should I know?
TUVIA
Moses. The Exodus.
Malbin doesn't get it at first.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
--He left before Pharaoh could stop
them.
Now Malbin understands. He looks at Shimon.
MALBIN
You want to move them all? The
old, the sick. They'll never make
it.
It isn't the first time Tuvia has consigned people to their
death, and apparently it won't be the last.
TUVIA
We leave now. Spread the word.
143 MOMENTS LATER - THE BIELSKI CAMP 143
is a blur of activity as everyone mobilizes for evacuation.
Sacks and cooking equipment is tied onto impromptu packs.
Asael and Malbin coax the older people into motion--
ASAEL
Come, tateh--
OPPENHEIM
But my tools--
The SOUND of approaching aircraft. Tuvia searches the sky.
Riva pairs each of the elderly with a child. Tamara tucks
her newborn under her coat.
The SOUND of the approaching aircraft grows LOUDER. People
look up, shielding their eyes. Then from out of the sun,
two ominous silhouettes:
STUKA DIVE BOMBERS!
TUVIA
TAKE COVER!
144 THE SCREAMING WHISTLE OF THE FIRST BOMBER 144
panics the crowd.
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 97.
144 CONTINUED: 144
Some race into the forest; others are frozen. Tuvia grabs
people and bodily drags them to cover.
STRAFING 20MM CANNON chew up the ground.
Several people are hit before they can reach cover. Lilka
herds everyone she can into:
145 A BUNKER 145
where people crowd in like sardines. Chaya and Riva gather
children around them. They hear the WHISTLE of an incoming
shell....BOOM! Dirt from the roof rains down on them.
146 BOMBS BEGIN TO RAIN DOWN 146
Dirt and debris everywhere. AN INCENDIARY SHELL HITS high
in a tree. Its branches burst into flame.
An hysterical woman leaps out of a bunker and is BLOWN APART.
147 MEANWHILE - IN VIKTOR'S CAMP 147
Zus listens helplessly to the distant sound of bombs dropping
on his brothers.
148 BACK IN THE BIELSKI CAMP - A DIRECT HIT ON A ZEMYLANKA 148
It explodes into a million pieces. Wood shrapnel everywhere.
Where once was a bunker, now there is only a gaping crater.
Tuvia races into the maelstrom to help the wounded.
AN EXPLOSION KNOCKS HIM DOWN
He tries to clear his head but he cannot focus. ALL SOUND
FADES AWAY to be replaced by a high-pitched hum.
149 TUVIA'S WORLD IS IN SLOW-MOTION 149
Falling dirt and debris, tumbling bodies, exploding bunkers --
a surreal effect.
150 IN REAL TIME -- THE CAMP IS BEING TORN APART 150
Cowering in safety, Malbin sees Tuvia lying in the open and
gathers his courage -- RACING through danger to his side.
MALBIN
Are you alright?
Tuvia shakes his head, points to his ears. He cannot hear.
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 98.
150 CONTINUED: 150
MALBIN (CONT'D)
ARE...YOU...ALRIGHT?
When Tuvia speaks, his WORDS sound DULL and MUFFLED.
TUVIA
MUST...GO!
MALBIN
...WHAT?
TUVIA
THE GERMANS...COMING...!
Malbin looks around, panicked. Asael appears out of the
smoke, yells at Malbin above the din.
ASAEL
Get them out of the bunkers!
Malbin runs off. Asael helps Tuvia to his feet. A nearby
explosion SHOWERS THEM with dirt as they CRAWL to safety.
The world RAMPS BACK TO NORMAL SPEED at a dizzying rate.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
We need to hold them off...until
the rest are safe.
Tuvia still can't hear. Asael pantomimes firing a rifle.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
...HOLD...THEM...OFF!
Tuvia nods, trying to clear the buzzing in his head.
TUVIA
...MACHINE GUN...
ASAEL
With Levine and Miriam... There.
(points out positions)
Lazar, Rosa, and Schmuel. There
and there.
(Tuvia nods)
And me.
Tuvia shakes his head, no.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
Yes.
He runs off. Still clearing his head, Tuvia regains his
footing -- suddenly realizing the the bombing has stopped.
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 98A.
151 AT THE ENTRY WAY TO A ZEMYLANKA 151
Malbin appears, eyes wild.
MALBIN
Everybody out! Now!
But the group's natural reaction is to stay huddled in safety
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 99.
151 CONTINUED: 151
MALBIN (CONT'D)
THE COSSACKS ARE COMING!
This gets the job done. People begin to crawl out.
152 OTHERS EMERGE FROM THE BUNKERS 152
YOUNG PEOPLE holding hands with OLD, PARENTS with CHILDREN
on their backs. Tuvia urges Lilka and Bella to hurry them
into the woods.
153 MEANWHILE -- THE ASSIGNED DEFENDERS, MEN AND WOMEN ALIKE 153
take up their assigned positions: Levine mans the heavy
machine gun behind a log; Lazar, Miriam and Rosa in the
trees.
Tuvia anxiously waits for the last of the women and children
to disappear into the forest.
A SUDDEN SILENCE DESCENDS - EVERYONE LOOKS TO THE SKY
Tuvia realizes the bombers have broken off their attack.
He knows the ground troops will soon follow.
He turns to Asael, grabbing his shoulders.
TUVIA
Don't try to fight... Just slow
them down. Then join us.
Asael nods. No need for more words. They embrace fiercely.
Asael pushes Chaya toward Tuvia.
ASAEL
Take her.
She resists, clinging to his arm for a moment.
TUVIA
Come.
He forces her to join him and catch up to the others.
154 THE CAMP 154
is eerily quiet as the dust begins to settle. The defenders
check their weapons with grim efficiency. They are no longer
inept innocents; they have become warriors.
155 DEEPER IN THE WOODS 155
Tuvia catches up with the fleeing group and urges them on.
156 MOMENTS LATER -- THE DEFENDERS WAIT ANXIOUSLY 156
We study their faces. Beautiful in their stoic acceptance.
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 99A.
156 CONTINUED: 156
SUDDENLY -- A FUSILLADE from the woods. Rosa falls dead.
The defenders RETURN FIRE. Levine fires the machine gun;
Miriam feeds the belt.
157 UP AHEAD WITH THE FLEEING GROUP 157
Tuvia hears small arms fire. He knows what it means.
BUFF Revision - 9-2-07 100.
158 BACK AT THE CAMP 158
The rear guard action can't hold out for very long. Tree
by tree, they begin to fall back.
Asael fires blindly into the murky shadows. The SOUND of a
man crying out.
Then Levine is hit. Miriam pushes him out of the way and
TAKES OVER. She expertly kills several assault troops who
appear out of the woods.
The rest of the attackers TAKE COVER.
159 WITH THE FLEEING GROUP 159
Malbin waits anxiously for Tuvia, clutching a map.
MALBIN
(struggling to control
his panic)
This swamp here...goes...for miles.
TUVIA
Show me.
160 BACK AT THE CAMP 160
Lazar runs from tree to tree, keeping up a steady stream of
fire. He is surprisingly brave. Until A GRENADE flies out
of the woods and lands at his feet, killing him instantly.
The Assault Troops have begun to outflank them. Asael is
suddenly in jeopardy. Sara sees the danger.
MIRIAM
GO!
Miriam keeps their ATTACKERS pinned down as the two men
race for new positions. Then she is hit. She keeps firing
anyway, her finger locked on the trigger even as she is
dying.
More troops begin firing from their flank. Asael has no
choice but to break off. They race into the woods.
161 BACK TO THE FLEEING GROUP 161
Tuvia hears the guns go silent. This, too, has meaning.
162 A RISE REVEALS THE IMMENSITY OF THE KRASNAYA GORKA SWAMP 162
Malbin stares at what lies ahead.
MALBIN
Oh, my God...
(CONTINUED)
TAN Revision - 9-10-07 100A.
162 CONTINUED: 162
TUVIA
Are the others back yet?
(Malbin looks
stricken; he shakes
his head)
..Asael?
Malbin shakes his head once more. Asael is not coming back.
Chaya begins to weep. Riva comforts her.
SHULMAN
We've got to keep going!
BELLA
The Germans will be here any minute!
MALBIN
(to Tuvia)
Do we wait...a while?
MORDECAI
We could hide...
MAN #3
I say, fight them here.
MOTL
Yes. Fight!
SHULMAN
That's crazy!
Tuvia is in hell. If he waits for Asael, he risks them all
being caught. Suddenly it all falls apart. Tuvia sinks to
his knees as if his legs can no longer bear his weight.
MALBIN
Tuvia--?
Tuvia can't speak. He has no more answers. Nothing to
say. He stares at the impenetrable swamp. The end of the
line.
The sudden vacuum of leadership is felt by them all. They
stare at one another, anxious and rudderless.
WOMAN (ZOE)
My father cannot make it.
RONA
There are snakes--
Tamara's newborn is crying. She tries to comfort it. An
old woman stares at the swamp in terror.
MAN #1 (FROHMAN)
The children...
SHULMAN
We'll put them on our shoulders.
(CONTINUED)
TAN Revision - 9-10-07 100A1.
162 CONTINUED: (2) 162
BELLA
Tuvia, what do we do?
Oppenheim is petrified. Rona is crying.
MALBIN
TUVIA--
And still Tuvia is silent.
More arguing. A general MURMUR of dread is rising.
Malbin goes to kneel beside Shimon, who is covered in sweat --
undone by the forced march.
MALBIN (CONT'D)
What's wrong with him?
SHIMON
(fighting for breath)
...He... ..is... ..tired.
Malbin hears something, looks up.
FROM HIGH ABOVE - THE SPOTTER PLANE APPEARS
They have been found. Lilka kneels beside Tuvia.
(CONTINUED)
TAN Revision - 9-10-07 100B.
162 CONTINUED: (3) 162
She takes his hand silently.
LILKA
COME--
He shakes his head.
TUVIA
You have a weapon?
She shows him her revolver. He checks the clip, then looks
into her eyes.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Use it on yourself before you let
them take you.
She nods gravely. Suddenly a VOICE interrupts.
VOICE
Why are we stopping?
Everyone turns. It's Asael. Back from the dead. He hands
off a wounded comrade to Riva's care.
ASAEL
(WILD-EYED)
They're coming!
(to Tuvia)
Why aren't we moving?
Tuvia looks up at him, lost. Almost helpless.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
We must keep going!
TAMARA
In there?
RONA
It is impossible!
More murmuring. Asael raises his voice.
ASAEL
Nothing is impossible! What we
have done is impossible!
The murmuring quiets.
Asael meets Tuvia's eyes. He is literally willing his older
brother to be strong for them, as he has been, time and
again.
ASAEL (CONT'D)
God will not part these waters. We
will do it ourselves.
RONA
But how?
(CONTINUED)
GOLDENROD Revision - 8-16-07 100B1.
162 CONTINUED: (4) 162
ASAEL
Not by miracles. By our strength.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 100C.
162 CONTINUED: (5) 162
ASAEL (CONT'D)
(turning to the man
beside him)
Take the rope from your pack.
(confused; he obeys)
Now, you....give me your belt.
SHULMAN
We don't have enough rope.
ASAEL
We'll link arms. Make a chain. A
human chain.
MOTL
What are you talking about?
Tuvia is deeply moved. His little brother has become a
man. Once more, he finds his voice.
TUVIA
Each person takes care of the other.
(meeting Asael's eye)
.Give him your belt.
Asael nods at Tuvia gratefully. The group is hushed,
apprehensive. Then:
ONE MAN
Removes his belt and offers it to Asael.
ANOTHER STANDS, HOLDING HIS BELT
And then another. One by one they offer them. There is
something quietly heroic in the gesture.
Tuvia looks at the group, looks away, fighting back emotion.
SALMON Revision - 8-18-07 100D-100E.
162A THEY WADE IN, WAIST HIGH 162A
People link arms and hold on for dear life yet still they
flounder. A man goes under, is pulled up. A harrowing
undertaking.
162AA THE BELTS ARE ROPED ACROSS THE DEEP POOL 162AA
People cling to it as they drag themselves, hand over hand.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 101.
162B SOMEONE CLIMBS OUT TO WALK ALONG THE BANK. 162B
TUVIA
No tracks on land. Get back in.
It is almost impossible to make any progress. Especially
when one is weak and malnourished.
162C IN A DEEP BOG 162C
The mud sticks to their clothes, faces. Soon they are
indistinguishable from their surroundings.
When one person sinks in the muck, it takes three to get
him back on his feet. The column slows.
Tuvia gestures for them to keep moving. They can't.
Literally cannot. He begins to physically push them on.
Sometimes harshly. Eventually they are moving again.
CUT TO:
163 A GHOSTLY LANDSCAPE 163
Gnarled bare trees shrouded in mist. They trudge forward,
their expressions wan and empty. Tuvia find Malbin and
pulls him aside.
TUVIA
(WHISPERING)
How much farther?
Malbin shrugs his shoulders. Who knows...?
163A THE WATER IS ALMOST HEAD HIGH 163A
Parents hoist children onto their shoulders, hold weapons
overhead as they claw at tall reeds to propel themselves
forward, step by tortuous step.
SHIMON clings to a tree. His wracking cough is terrifying
and he is deathly pale.
TUVIA
Come...
Shimon can't catch his breath, he just shakes his head, no.
He can't go on. Tuvia half-drags, half-carries him onward.
CUT TO:
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 102.
164 A SPIT OF LAND IN THE SWAMP - DUSK 164
They rest, eat what little food is left. A litter carrying
Shimon is deposited on dry ground. He is barely alive.
MALBIN
Is he...?
Tuvia shakes his head. It's only a matter of time. The
Spotter Plane drones overhead.
TUVIA
Take off your glasses. Reflections.
Tuvia moves off to check on the others.
MALBIN
Shimon, listen to me, the physical
plane is just an illusion. Only
the spiritual plane is real.
SHIMON
(fighting for breath)
No. The physical plane is where
man acts to redeem himself.
MALBIN
You've redeemed yourself enough,
you should shut up now.
SHIMON
Look who's talking about shutting
up... I need to tell you something.
MALBIN
(leans closer)
What is it?
SHIMON
You shouldn't think so much. The
world around you is beautiful.
MALBIN
(stunned; looks around)
This world?
SHIMON
Even this one.
Tuvia has come to sit beside Lilka. She leans into him.
TUVIA
We're lost.
LILKA
No. ..No.
She puts her arms around him.
(CONTINUED)
CHERRY Revision - 9-2-07 102A.
164 CONTINUED: 164
They hold each other and drift off to sleep.
CUT TO:
165 AT NIGHTFALL - A SQUAD OF GERMAN SOLDIERS 165
sit around a campfire at the edge of the swamp.
FROM NEARBY
The LIGHTS of their fire can be seen flickering through the
reeds as the ragged column MOVES SILENTLY past.
TUVIA
Not a sound. Pass the word.
We watch as the ORDER is passed down the line.
Parents hold hands over their childrens' mouths. Shimon is
carried on an improvised litter made of branches.
CUT TO:
166 A FOREST CROSSROADS 166
Panchenko and a few others are on horseback. Behind them
the rest of the Partisans are marching away.
Zus and the Jewish fighters are on foot, awaiting orders.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 103.
166 CONTINUED: 166
PANCHENKO
You will hold this crossroads until
the brigade has completed its
retreat.
Zus looks around at the position.
ZUS
For how long?
Panchenko's orders are never to be questioned.
PANCHENKO
Until you are ordered to withdraw.
ZUS
And if we cannot hold the position?
Panchenko looks at Gramov, who stands nearby cradling a
submachine gun.
PANCHENKO
Comrade Gramov will enforce
discipline, if necessary.
Gramov smiles. The implications are clear: nobody retreats.
PANCHENKO (CONT'D)
You have served us well, Comrade.
ZUS
(a wintry smile)
I am so honored, Comrade.
Panchenko wheels his horse and gallops off. Zus and his
men take cover in the woods.
In the distance we can HEAR the unmistakable SOUND of
approaching armor. Lova kneels beside Zus.
LOVA
What are we doing here? Zus?
Half a mile down the road, A TANK rumbles into view.
LOVA (CONT'D)
Tell me. Who are we doing this
for?
With a shaking hand, Zus tries to light a Molotov cocktail
but his matches are wet. He reaches into his pocket for
more. Instead he finds the mezuzah that was once affixed to
his family's door.
As he stares at it, the SOUND of the approaching tank grows
louder.
BACK TO:
YELLOW Revision - 7-30-07 103A-105.
167 THE KRASNAYA GORKA SWAMP 167
empties at last into a shallow river. On the opposite bank
is dry land, and beyond, the deep forest. And safety.
The bedraggled group makes their way across.
168 OMITTED 168
(CONTINUED)
GREEN Revision - 8-8-07 106-106A.
169 ON THE OPPOSITE BANK 169
Asael pulls people up onto dry ground. They lie there,
freezing and exhausted. Some cannot control their shivering.
SHULMAN
What's next...Sinai?
Tuvia can't help but laugh. Soon they are all laughing.
It ripples throughout the group. Joyous. Contagious. An
overwhelming feeling of relief.
They are safe.
Tuvia lies on the ground. All the adrenaline has suddenly
left his body. Then Aron appears, tugging at his sleeve.
Shimon is asking for him.
Tuvia kneels down beside his teacher, whose eyes are closed.
Malbin is weeping quietly. Who will he argue with?
SHIMON
(a whisper)
.Tuvia...
TUVIA
Right here.
Shimon is at the end.
SHIMON
...Something...to say...
TUVIA
Shhhh...
SHIMON
...no...please...
(finding the strength)
I almost lost...my faith....but
you...were sent..by God..to save
us.
TUVIA
Ridiculous.
SHIMON
I know... ... But just...in case... .I
thank....HIM... .and I thank you.
He closes his eyes.
It's too much for Tuvia. Hard as he tries, he cannot stop
the tears from filling his eyes.
(CONTINUED)
GREEN Revision - 8-8-07 107.
170 SUDDENLY -- UP THE RIVERBANK 170
Trees begin to FALL OVER -- as if pushed by a dinosaur.
A PANZER TANK
emerges onto the banks, less than a quarter-of-mile away.
ITS TURRET BEGINS TO SWIVEL
The menacing gun turning in their direction.
171 THE GROUP IS CAUGHT OUT IN THE OPEN. 171
THE TANK ROARS FIRE. The first round EXPLODES among them.
Several are killed.
TUVIA
Back to the river!
He pushes people down. They cling to the banks, cowering.
THOSE WITH WEAPONS take cover, using the embankment as if
it were the lip of a trench.
They RETURN FIRE -- old men, young women, even some children.
172 A SQUAD OF GERMAN INFANTRY ADVANCES 172
behind the tank, using it as protection.
Aron kills one. But the Germans are well-trained. They
direct a withering fire -- forcing the partisans to keep
their heads below the embankment.
BUT THE TANK IS UNSTOPPABLE
It turns its attentions on the riverbank -- its first round
SAILS OVERHEAD, sending up a huge geyser of water.
But the next round PLOWS INTO THE EARTH, tearing a huge
chunk of earth and killing two of the brigade.
TUVIA grabs a satchel and begins filling it with grenades.
He throws the satchel over Malbin's head, grabs his arm and
races, crouching low, beneath the lip of the riverbank.
Asael provides covering fire. So do Lilka, Chaya and the
women alongside the men.
UP AHEAD
A stand of trees hides Tuvia from view as he climbs out of
the river and heads into the forest. He pulls Malbin down
just as A SQUAD OF GERMAN INFANTRY approaches and begins to
set up a heavy machine gun.
(CONTINUED)
GREEN Revision - 8-8-07 107A.
172 CONTINUED: 172
Tuvia POPS UP behind them, spraying them with his submachine
gun. He then turns the heavy machine gun on the infantry
advancing behind the tank -- to devastating effect.
But now, the tank turns its attention to Tuvia. Its machine
gun begins to chew up the forest, forcing Tuvia to take
cover.
Without pausing to think, Malbin grabs a grenade from the
satchel and races toward the tank.
It falls pitifully short, exploding harmlessly as Malbin is
cut down.
DOUBLE BLUE Revision - 9-17-07 108.
173 TUVIA IS NOW ISOLATED AND PINNED DOWN 173
Bullets tear chunks out of trees as he tries to take cover.
THE TURRET SWIVELS IN HIS DIRECTION
It is only a matter of moments before he is dead.
WHEN SUDDENLY FROM OUT OF THE WOODS
Zus and the rest of Jewish fighters emerge, firing on the
run. Without regard for his own life, Zus charges.
The German infantry is caught in a cross-fire as the Bielski
brigade climbs out the river, firing wildly.
Zus guns down the tank commander manning the machine gun
from the open hatch. Jumps onto the tank and DROPS A GRENADE
inside. An EXPLOSION of BLACK SMOKE BILLOWS.
Zus stands up amid the billowing smoke. He sees Tuvia who
is staring back at him.
174 BOTH GROUPS MEET - THE DESTROYED TANK SMOLDERS NEARBY 174
Asael is the first to reach Tuvia, who is carrying the German
assault machine gun.
TUVIA
Only weapons and ammunition! Spread
the word.
Tuvia hands him the machine gun.
ASAEL
Anything else?
Tuvia looks at him. Is he fucking with him? Just a little.
TUVIA
Go on.
Lilka is carrying a small child.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Lilka, please help. We've got to
get the injured into the forest.
LILKA
What about the dead?
TUVIA
Everybody gather your things! We
have to get out of the open!
Nearby, Aron removes the machine from the tank and hands it
to Zus. Bella approaches. Zus embraces her.
Tuvia seizes one of the German rifles. He yells to Shulman.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Shulman! Weapons only! Tell them.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE BLUE Revision - 9-17-07 108A.
174 CONTINUED: 174
Shulman follows Tuvia's order.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
(throwing the weapon)
You've been promoted.
Congratulations!
Tuvia turns, sees Bella with Zus. They see him. Zus hands
Bella the machine gun from the tank and approaches.
TUVIA (CONT'D)
Where is the rest of your unit?
ZUS
Good question.
TUVIA
You are going back?
ZUS
No.
They look at each other. So much unsaid. No time to say
it.
TUVIA
We've got to build a new camp.
Zus nods.
ZUS
Perhaps you have room for one more?
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE BLUE Revision - 9-17-07 109.
174 CONTINUED: (2) 174
Tuvia reaches out his arms and they embrace fiercely.
175 IN THE DEEP WOODS - LATER 175
They walk in silence. Lilka comes to walk beside him,
resting her head on his shoulder as they walk.
Tuvia looks up at the shafts of light slanting through the
towering trees, as if allowing himself to appreciate its
beauty for the first time.
Suddenly, he stops, listening, puzzled.
TUVIA
Don't you hear it?
ZUS
What...?
TUVIA
Nothing. Isn't it beautiful?
We HOLD on Tuvia. He has aged ten years in one.
(CONTINUED)
PINK Revision - 7-18-07 110.
175 CONTINUED: 175
But for now he allows himself a brief moment of satisfaction.
We might even see the ghost of a smile. But it is short-
lived as Asael appears by his side and we see concern once
again clouding his face. Another problem to attend to.
And as THE CAMERA BEGINS TO PULL AWAY he is already hurrying
to catch up with the others.
As they all disappear from sight into the sheltering darkness
of the woods, these words appear on screen:
THEY LIVED IN THE FOREST FOR TWO MORE YEARS.
IN THEIR NEW CAMP THEY BUILT A SCHOOL, A HOSPITAL, A NURSERY.
AND STILL MORE CAME TO FIND THEM.
AT THE TIME OF LIBERATION, TWELVE HUNDRED WALKED OUT OF THE
FOREST.
DISSOLVE TO:
176 THE OPENING SCENE - NEW YORK CITY - 1982 176
Park Avenue. Traffic. More words on screen:
ASAEL JOINED THE RUSSIAN ARMY AND DIED SIX MONTHS LATER.
ZUS AND TUVIA EMIGRATED TO THE UNITED STATES.
In the taxi, THE ELDERLY MAN thrusts his hand through the
slot in the Plexiglas window separating him from the driver.
ELDERLY MAN
Here is money. I can get more. So
much more. Take it, please.
CAB DRIVER
No, no...
Indeed, when the CABBIE speaks, though the voice is older
and somewhat frail, we recognize it as Tuvia's.
ELDERLY MAN
What else can I give you, do for
you?
AGED TUVIA
Nothing, it isn't necessary.
Tears stream down the elderly man's cheeks.
ELDERLY MAN
We are alive because of you.
(looks at his son)
My children. His children. So many.
.Thousands.
(CONTINUED)
DOUBLE CHERRY Revision - 11-1-07 111.
176 CONTINUED: 176
Behind them, HORNS are HONKING. This is New York City.
AGED TUVIA
Please, the traffic...
ELDERLY MAN
Bless you, Tuvia Bielski. May the
Lord bless you and keep you all the
days of your life.
THE CAB PULLS AWAY FROM THE CURB INTO THE RAIN -
MIDDLE-AGED SON
Papa, who was that man?
The Elderly Man watches the cab pull away, wiping his eyes.
ELDERLY MAN
That wasn't a man. That was an
angel.
As the cab pulls away, the CAMERA CRANES UP until it is
lost in an anonymous sea of traffic. These words appear on
SCREEN:
TUVIA BIELSKI NEVER SOUGHT RECOGNITION FOR WHAT HE DID.
HE DROVE A CAB IN NEW YORK CITY FOR TWENTY YEARS.
TUVIA AND LILKA REMAINED MARRIED UNTIL HIS DEATH IN 1987.
FADE OUT.
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