"LOCAL COLOUR" "Jéréme is nice enough, but he's bone idle." " Too right." " I can't legally sack him." "And we took him on to please his dad." "Yes, but still..." "When are we going to deliver the plasterboard to Sodetec?" "Today, as soon as Jérome gets back." "He drives like a snail!" "This is not the post office." "What takes him so long?" "If Bruno was back, he could load the truck." "Phone call for you, Mrs Riblonl" " What?" " Phone call!" " I'll call back." " No, it's urgent." "Who is it?" "A lady." "Didn't give her name." " Yes." " It's Charlotte, your daughter." "Are you there?" "What daughter?" "I no longer have one." "Whatever you say, I am your daughter, and I have leukaemia." "The chemo starts at 8 o'clock tomorrow." "I'll be out of action for six months." "So you call me because you have a problem, after years of complete silence." "I don't have a problem, I have leukaemia." "Good luck, look after yourself." "I have a son." "I live on my own with him." "I won't be able to look after him while I'm in hospital." "I need you to have him while I try to survive." "No way, don't count on it." "You don't call me for 15 years, you coldly break the news that I'm a grandmother, and you expect me to help?" "What planet are you on?" "Did you call when your father died?" "Do you think I've been painting my nails?" "No, I've had to run the business by myself." "It was hard, but now it's going well, so I have no time for your problems." "His name is Nicolas, he's sweet, and he's 12." "I don't care what his name is." "I don't know your kid." "I don't want any contact with you or with him." "Ciao." "He's arriving in Orange on the 13:25 train." "He'll have a sign with your name on it, and a blue suitcase." "See you, Mum." "Are you deaf?" "No, niet, nicht, impossible!" "Out of the question..." "WITHHELD" " Shit!" " All right, Mrs Riblon?" "No, not at all." "Bloody hell, I can just about make it." " Were you going?" " No, I am going." " You were going." " Yes, I were." "When Jéréme comes back, tell him I have to talk to him." "And no break for him." "Hi, I'm Nicolas." "Are you expecting someone else?" "Were you adopted?" "What do you mean?" "No." "Charlotte is my mum." "And you're my grandma." " You look like her." " Like who?" "Mum, of course." "Yes." "I don't look like your father, that's for sure." "The switch!" " What switch?" " For the boot, on the left!" "Come on, get in." " Nice house." " Come upstairs." " Was it Mum's room?" " It was." "I have to go back to work." "I'll be back late." " You're not to go out." " Why?" "I don't want tongues to wag." " Tongues to what?" " Nothing." "Do I put my things here?" " No, you're leaving tomorrow." " Am I?" "As soon as I've spoken to your mum." "What exactly do you want to watch?" "There are few assaults." "It's too many already." "I'm for zero tolerance." "You, hippies, don't understand." "Tell her to stop insulting me, she's still living in the 70's." "Mrs Riblon, restrain yourself, please." "Let's proceed to a vote of principle regarding video surveillance." "Who is in favour?" "Approved." "We'll discuss quotes next time." "Next item: hosting the Work in Progress show, the name says it all, by the Parisian Confluences group, for two shows." "Cost of the project:" "2,000 euros." "Let's take a vote immediately." "The proposal is rejected." "What's wrong with culture?" "They do shows everywhere." "I saw them on YouTube." "It's not culture, it's nonsensical gesticulation." "We want no Parisian snobs here." "I knew you disliked black people." "Now even the Parisians are out of favour." "Enough." "Next item: hosting the Petanque French Cup final again." "Cost of the project:" "22,000 euros." "Let's vote." "Rejection of the proposal?" "Rejection of the proposal." "What's the matter?" "We've always hosted this event, people won't understand." "Not really a bed of roses!" "Cars everywhere, a retrograde and backward game, drunken youth..." "You call that culture?" "It brings money to the town council, to pay for your parks and your empty nurseries." "Or for the roundabouts you put everywhere." "You two are impossible to work with." "Let's reconsider the last two proposals." "We need entertainment and we can afford it." "It's getting late, for God's sake!" "Well?" "The dance show." "Approved." "Good." "Now, the Petanque final." "Good." "The natural hazards local authority considers that Mr Mignard's farm is in danger of collapsing." "It's been declared unsafe." "Mr Mignard still lives there illegally, and he refuses to carry out the repairs." "Consequently, the eviction procedure will be brought forward to a few weeks." "Social housing must be built according to the green building standards." "I see no mention of such materials on Mr de Mareuil's quote." "Mr de Mareuil!" "Do your materials comply with the legislation?" "No one's told me about this legislation, regarding social housing." "That's why it's not mentioned in my quote." "We won't approve the quote if it doesn't comply." "It's the law." "I'm sorry." "Indeed, it is the law." "It will be more expensive, obviously." "We have another quote from Avibateco, in Avignon." "They are cheaper, and yet, their materials comply." "We'll give preference to your local business, but you'll have to match Avibateco's prices." "Is there not a conflict of interest?" "Mrs Riblon is interested in this, through Mr de Mareuil." "No, I'm not the developer." "The latter is free to choose his suppliers." "We've worked together for a long time, it's not illegal." "Had we voted, I would have abstained." "Good." "The matter is adjourned until we receive the new quote." "As for Mr Mignard's eviction, we'll meet the deadline." "That was our last item." "You betrayed me." "No, it's Verlomme." "She's always nit-picking." "You should have toned it down." "You kept pestering her." "I can't give in on the subject of CCTV." "It was in our program." "You messed up, so you lower your quote." "I'm not budging." "You know that these materials are 20% more expensive." " Extend your terms." " No way!" "If you've made me lose this deal, we're finished." "Video surveillance!" "This is not Marseille." "Get out, every now and again." "Hey!" "Congratulations on the video surveillance." " If you weren't a woman..." " What?" "You would have been our chief candidate at the last elections." "Joke!" "Have a good evening." " Hi." " What are you doing here?" "I was waiting for you." "I'm playing, I've got to the penultimate level." "You should be in bed." "Go upstairs." "I'm 12, aren't I?" "12 or not, go to bed, full stop!" "You shouldn't eat what's in your fridge, Granny." "Or you'll die very young." "Don't call me Granny." "Grandmother?" "Don't call me anything." "Bed, I said!" "Don't worry, Mum put lots of wholegrain rice, bulgur wheat and soya sauce in my bag." "I won't have to eat your junk food." "I don't care at all what you think of my fridge." "I've had a terrible day, so I won't let a little brat like you ruin my evening." "Get out of my life... my sight, before I get really cross!" "There's a bit of rice left." "Bed!" "NO RESULTS FOR:" "CHARLOTTE RIBLON" "Hello." " What's for breakfast?" " Look in the fridge." "Do you have any jasmine tea?" "Do you have Charlotte's number?" "She withheld her number." "She's just changed her number, she's not given it to me." "Anyway, she can't use it at the hospital, so she'll call us." "She didn't check you got here safely." "She knows I did." "Where do you live?" "In a hamlet near Florac, in the Lozére." "There?" "On the other side of the Rhéne?" "Yes, why?" "No reason." "Can't your father look after you?" " I don't know him." " No known father?" "No." "His name's Ibrahim Traoré, but they've split up." "Your mother always did stupid things." "What did my granddad die of?" "A cement pallet fell on him." "Instant death." "You think it's funny?" "It didn't make me laugh." " What time's my train?" " What train?" "To leave." "I don't know, I need to talk to your mother." "I'm going to work, you stay here." "No going out." " So that tongues don't wag?" " Yes." "What do I do?" "I don't care." "Have a swim." "Can you swim?" "Do you think I'm a retard?" "Why not ask me if it's too hot in my hut?" "I am asking you." "I'm also asking if you enjoy swinging from vine to vine." "Look, Mrs Riblon." "We can sell them cement for the ground." "Apparently, it's a good heat conductor." "It's the last thing I need." "Green building is extortionate." "We're going to work at a loss." "Don't worry, we have other customers." "Yes, but if I don't make a profit," "I will have neither secretary nor salesman." "But I'm here, Mrs Riblon." "My poor Ivan, you work 12 hours a day, and I work 15." "It's not human." "We're like two oxen harnessed together to this company." "It has to stop." "I like being harnessed with you like an ox." " We do a good job, together." " Yes, Ivan." "But I have to slow down the pace." "I'm tired." "You should relax more often." "Go out, see friends..." "You could come for dinner at my house, one day." "Tonight?" "I'll make borscht." "No, thank you." "Borscht, no, not tonight." "I really can't tonight, Ivan." "Mrs Riblon!" "Someone's here for you." "Here." " How did you find me?" " In the phone book." "You're a big bourgeois capitalist director, as Mum says." "What has he done to you?" "Is that what she says?" "Yes, I am bourgeois!" "Yes, I'm a director!" "A capitalist, on top of that." "The slap was for "big"." "I am not big!" "I have to go to school, or I'll fail." "So where's your mother's number?" "You don't have it?" "So go back home and stay there!" " Who is that child?" " Nobody." "My grandson." "You've adopted a child?" "You should have told me." "I haven't, he's my real grandson." "My daughter Charlotte's son." "But..." "He's black?" "Don't stir the knife, Ivan." "OK, he's black, but let's not kick up a fuss about it." "I love children." "I can look after him." "I can make him borscht every day." "Children love borscht." "Very kind, but I'll manage." "But Mrs Riblon, you mustn't hit them." "Don't." "Hitting them is no use." "I know." "I lost my temper." "I was a battered child, it wasn't much fun." "Have you made a note of all the materials?" "Fire away." "I don't know how you brought up your son, but he's a little shit." "He's arrogant, insolent and unruly, like you." "And he's black, believe it or not." "What have you been doing for 15 years?" "And what's happened to his dad?" "I can see why he left you." "You're insufferable." "And what about your dad?" "You could have come to his funeral." "Why so much hatred?" "You've got your just desserts." "You'd better ring me back, because we need to talk." "I can't look after your son." "I'm on my own here." "Right..." "I hope it goes well." "Is it asking too much of you to ring?" " What's for breakfast?" " Good morning to you too." "Hello." "Corn flakes." "Croissants." "Chotella." "And POP" "What?" "Isn't to your taste?" "I got up early to go and buy you this." "Is it not satisfactory?" "I don't eat this stuff." "Mum makes Budwig." "What's that?" "Does it come from the jungle?" "Sod off!" "It's cottage cheese, fruit, ground grains and oil." "It's healthy and it boosts your energy." "First of all, don't tell me to sod off." "Show your grandmother respect." "Second, make your Budwig yourself," "I have to go to work." "I don't have time to make these things, like unemployed hippies of your mother's ilk." "Help yourself and eat." "Everything on this table is heaven, for normal children." "Cereals are full of transgenic maize," "Chotella is full of soya lecithin, bad for the liver, and the croissants are not made with butter, but with lard." "My mum's not a hippie, she's your daughter." "Unbelievable." "He's a tough nut." "You'll have to make do with this, I'm going to work." " And you don't go out." " Yeah, I know." "Yes, come in!" " How are you?" " Not too bad, thank you." "What's the matter?" "Let me guess, I'm late paying my subs." "Keen militant that I am!" " No, you're up to date" " Oh, good." "I'd like to register a 12-year-old child at your school." "It's very early." "Registration starts in February." " No, starting immediately." " Where does he come from?" "I don't know." "You don't know?" "It's the child of an acquaintance." "Yes, yes, of an acquaintance." "In fact, I'm his guardian for a few months." "His guardian?" "Well, the thing is..." "In fact, he's my grandson." "I had no idea you were a grandmother!" "A grandmother?" "Everything is relative." " And..." " And how is Charlotte?" "She's very well." "Very well..." "She's gone travelling round the world and so, just like that, she left me in charge of her child." "Good old Charlotte!" "She never does things by halves." "And who has to pick up the pieces?" "Grandma." "That's right." "We don't normally take pupils in during term time, but I'll gladly make an exception." "What's his name?" "Nicolas." "Nicolas..." "Yes..." "Nicolas..." "Traoré." " E, 'T?" " E." "À," "Traoré." "Distinguishing features?" "He's... black." "Excuse me?" "As I said, he's black." "His skin is black, quite black." "But that's it." "Otherwise, he's just a child." "I see, he's black." "We'll take him in on trial." " On trial?" " Yes, for a few weeks." "Just to see if everything goes well." "I see." "You'll have to pay the full school fees." "We're not a flexitime school." "Bring him on Monday at 08:30, we don't tolerate lateness." "I'm aware of that." " You have everything you need?" " Yes, I checked." "They provide the books." "Given what we pay..." " Is it expensive?" " Yes, but never mind." " There is no canteen." " What am I going to eat?" " Buy yourself a sandwich." " A sandwich?" "Look, don't be such a sissy!" "Off you go, they've rung the bell." "Hey!" "Make sure you don't utter my name, OK?" "OK." "' Oi!" "." "Come here." "Stop walking." "Where are you from?" " Florac." " In the Congo?" "In the Lozére." " Where are your parents?" " My mum is in Paris." " Didn't you stay with her?" " In Barbés?" " Who do you live with?" " My grandmother." " Her name?" " You don't know her." "I doubt your mother is Beyoncé." " What are you going to eat?" " A sandwich." "Really?" "So you have dosh." "Show us your dosh." "Get it out." "We're collecting for the fair." "We need to buy ingredients." "Thanks, mate." "Really nice of you." "Say hi to Beyoncé for us, won't you?" " Give it back." " It's for the fair." "I need it to eat." "There aren't any cafes in the savannah, but the Africans survive." "Do what your ancestors did." " What's the matter?" " I have a headache." "You can't call me at the slightest little problem." "You'll have to get used to it and fend for yourself." "I don't want money, any more." " Why?" " The sandwiches are crap." "I'd rather bring my own lunch." "You're a pain." " Hello." " Hello." " Do you like borscht, my lad?" " Boxing?" "No, I like capoeira." " What's that?" "Crap..." " Ivan, he has homework to do." "This school bag was new, this morning." "Did you play football with it?" "I don't believe it." "I'll soon bring you into line." "Your books are all dog-eared, you really are a lout." "I'm going to send you to the Jesuits." "Don't shout, it's not that bad." "It is, all this was brand new." "It's like giving jam to a pig." "Don't say that, Mrs Riblon." "He's not a pig." "Look, Ivan, leave off, will you?" "I don't need your advice, I know how to raise a child." " Maybe you've forgotten." " Enough!" "Don't you have any work to do?" "Nothing to sign?" "Where's the portfolio?" " Wait here for me." " Are you ashamed?" "I have nothing against you, but I know everyone." "I'm really involved in my town." "Since you're not staying, no need for people to start imagining things." "Wait here." " Hello, Mrs Riblon." " Hello." "When are we getting our CCTV then?" "It's been approved." "There was some riffraff around, the other day." "They were screaming, shaking the security shutters..." "They scared me." " It won't happen again." " I hope not." " We're invaded by immigrants." " Yes, it's terrible." "Just as well we send them back home." "I'm not sure we do." "I see more and more of them." "We'll deal with them." "With a CCTV system, we could identify them." "I must dash." "Did you get my order for ready meals?" "I'll get them for you, I forgot to unpack them." "You go, I'll look after the shop." " What do you want for lunch?" " There's no organic section." " Does it have to be organic?" " If it isn't, it's not good." "Mum doesn't allow me all this crap you eat." "Your mum's off her rocker." "There must be a health food shop." " I'm not going there." " Please, Grandma!" "I've got them." "Over there!" "Thank you." "Will you put this on my bill?" "No worries." "Empty your pockets, please!" "Very well, you can go." "Bye, Mrs Riblon." "Bye-bye." "There's nothing to steal in her shop." "She's mad." "She works hard, and she doesn't earn much." "Of course, she sells poison." "Be quiet, will you?" "I want to go to a health food shop." "OK, OK, we're going." "Unbelievable!" "Is this hamster food?" " It's gomashio." " I can read." "It's grilled sesame seeds, ground with sea salt." "It's really nice." " And this?" " Oils." "Four different sorts." "Sesame seed, pumpkin seed, sunflower and olive." "Good for the liver." "Mum is going to drink it every day." " How come she still got cancer?" " It's because she's sad." " Sad about what?" " About not seeing you." "Poppycock..." " This is daylight robbery." " What?" "These apples are all maggoty." "That's because they didn't use pesticides." "Maggots always choose the best fruit." "Not like some stupid humans." "Carry on, and you'll get another one." "Next time you slap me, I'll call SOS Battered Children." "Is it really you, Mrs Riblon?" "You use this shop?" "I had you more as a ready-meal in-a-microwave cook." "Will we have organic CCTV too?" "Absolutely." "Made from recycled cardboard, with a solar panel on top." "We already have solar parking metres." "You should get out more." "Enjoy your lunch, anyway." " She doesn't like you." " Neither do I." "Finished your shopping?" "Can we go now?" "The organic lefty boho type brings me out in a rash." " Do you have a puncture?" " No, it's broken." "What's up?" "It's the derailleur, I can't get into gear." "Let me have a look." " It should work now." " Cool." "Fancy a ride?" "I've only just got here, I don't have a bike." "Are you helping?" "Hello, Arthur." "As charming as ever, I see." "What are you doing?" " My capoeira exercises." " Your "ca" what?" "Sunday is the only day I can lie in." "Turn that off, please." "Can't I dance?" "Not on a Sunday, no." "But I love dancing." "Yes, but you see, I want to sleep." "This is Charlotte's son." "Say hello, then!" " Hi." " Here we go." "Your daughter's gone and done it again." "She's got leukaemia and dumped her 12-year-old kid on me." "Let's just say I'm having great fun at the moment." "His name is Nicolas and he's as stubborn as his mother." "I'm on top of things though." "Hi Granddad." "Sorry about the flowers being contaminated and from the other side of the world." "Plastic flowers would've been better." "OK, you've made your point." "The kid is a first-class organic bore." "From now on, you'll get wild flowers." "Lots of love, Gramps." "Basket." "What's going on here?" "No fighting!" "I was showing them some capoeira moves." "I must exclude you for a week." "I can't allow violence." "And yet, there's lots of it here." "I didn't ask you anything, Nicolas." "A week is a long time." "What am I going to do with him?" "Can't he just get a detention?" "I'm sorry, but we've had complaints." "I didn't complain when two older boys beat me up and took my money." "Why didn't you tell me?" "Because I'm used to it." "What do you have to say?" "Who is the victim of violence?" "He can't stay, he's trouble." "It was quiet, before he came." "I'll lodge a complaint against the parents." "Tell us who did this, Nicolas." "If I were you, I'd forget the whole thing." "What proof do we have he's telling the truth?" "Maybe he gets beaten at home." "I could inform social services." "Your hard drive must be running backwards!" "You really think I beat this child up?" "My students are incapable of such violence." "It comes from somewhere else, and I don't want trouble." "I see." "You think you can do whatever you like because he's black." "You don't care two hoots about tolerance, equality and acceptance of differences," "Mrs Horrez..." "Horraz..." "Horrible." "I pity the families who come to your backward and sectarian school." "You stink of moth balls." "Even though I voted for you." "If I was elected by people like you," "I'm not proud of it." "Nicolas won't be staying here." "The door is behind you." "I know where the door is, and I'm delighted to get out of here." "Take your bag, Nicolas." " You've changed your tune." " What tune?" " The thing about tolerance." " But they hit you." "You said that immigrants were all delinquents." "You're not an immigrant, you were born in France." " But you said the opposite." " I didn't say the opposite." "I can't stand anyone laying into defenceless people." "Yes, but there are louts in private schools too." "Look, Mr I Want to Have the Last Word, stop it, because I have to find you another school." "So keep your 12-year-old cretin rhetoric to yourself." "End of discussion." " Who lives here?" " My sister-in-law." "My granddad's sister then?" "That's right, my husband's sister." "Marianne!" "It's been a long time!" "You're having lunch." "Yes, but it doesn't matter." "Hello." "Hello, Great-auntie." "Excuse me?" "Yes, this is..." "Charlotte's son?" "Yes." "That's wonderful." "So you've patched things up?" "Absolutely not." "In fact, I wanted to ask..." "Come in." "Armand, add a couple of plates!" "I'd rather not." "Yes, you can tell me everything." "Mila, this is your cousin..." " Nicolas." " That's it, Nicolas." "Here's a chair for you." " Have you heard of capoeira?" " No." "Charlotte has leukaemia." "She's having chemo in Paris." "She can't look after him." "How terrible!" "You should have asked me to look after him." "You're so busy!" "Not at all, I'm fine." "How do you think I managed with Charlotte?" " You didn't really." " How do you know?" "He's my grandson, it's my duty." " How's the CCTV going?" " Very well, thank you." "And how's the painting going?" "Have you made any decisions regarding art studios?" "If you have money for a CCTV system, why not for artists?" "Stop it, you're not an artist." "I will be, when I have a studio." " Could he go to your school?" " Went private first?" " Is it a problem?" " Rejected because he's black?" "That's enough, Armand." " What year is he in?" " Year 8." " Do you have a school canteen?" " Yes." "Great news." "Is Charlotte in pain?" "Have you had any news?" "Not really, no." "Why are you still up?" "I just went to the loo." "Do you like it?" "I don't know what it is, but it's good." " Don't eat so fast." " Would it taste better?" "Your mouth is your first stomach." "You should drink your food and eat your drink." "I'll try to remember." "Any more little gems, before you leave me alone?" "The food at school is crap." "You want to eat at the Ritz every day, do you?" "I've brought a few samples back." "You're a real nutcase, I need to find you a shrink." "Smell it." "Disgusting." "But it's cold." "Heat it up, it won't make any difference." "Look, you go to bed, and I live my life, OK?" "Get me out of the canteen, or I go on hunger strike." "And if you make one more comment about food," "I'll take your Game Boy off you for a month, OK?" "I don't believe it!" "Go on hunger strike, whatever next?" "Form a union maybe?" "Talk about ungracious guests!" "Stuck-up little git..." " I'm Nicolas's grandmother." " He's in there." "What's the matter this time?" "Don't worry, his blood pressure is normal." "I'm not used to this kind of food." "I did try though." "If you eat too much healthy food, you're not prepared to cope with industrial cuisine." " Thank you, Charlotte." " It's not her fault." "Yes, it is her fault." "Am I going to die?" "Of course not." "A nice vegetable broth will soon sort this out." "I preferred the school with no canteen." "You'd rather be beaten up?" "I'm going." "Yes, hello." "It's me." "How are you feeling?" "As if you cared." "Could we have a normal conversation?" "Your messages are no incentive." " Whose fault is that?" " We're going round in circles." "Got anything else to say?" "Yes, a question." "How are you feeling?" "Like someone who has leukaemia." "We need to talk, don't you think?" "There's nothing more to say." "You took Dad's side, I can't forgive you." "But still, you sent your son to me." "He was a filthy conservative, and so were you." "You rejected me, like scum." "As if I were a stranger." "Dad thought it was the only way you'd stop taking drugs." "And it worked." "I have to ring off." "Don't you want to know how Nicolas is?" "I know he's all right." "I'll ring him soon." "A bit shaken by industrial food, but otherwise, he's fine." "Given what you eat, I'm not surprised." "Charlotte, sometimes people change." "Not often, but it does happen." "OK, hang in there!" "We're thinking about you." "SCHOOL CANTEENS" "A JUICY MARKET FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY" "Mrs Riblon!" " About the..." " You could knock." "Sorry." "No, it's OK, you're here now." "I've found a cheaper supplier." "And?" "Did you hear me?" "We may have a solution." "Aren't you happy?" "Yes, it's wonderful." "Great." "Listen, Ivan..." "Let go of me." "I need to go out." "We'll talk about this tomorrow." "All right?" "And well done." " Hi, Géraldine." " What's the matter?" " May I look at your canteen?" " It's a cafeteria." " Yes, your cafeteria." " Are we in trouble?" "Yes." "Er, no, I'll explain." "You worry me." " It stinks." " This pasta is like plastic." "It's so bland!" " It's disgusting." " They can't cook." "It smells of sick." "The meat is dry." "What's wrong with my cafeteria?" "Look, the kids hardly eat anything." "The food is no good, that's why they don't eat." "I can't punish them for it." "What do you do when they're ill?" "Apart from Nicolas, no one's ever been ill." "Why don't you get a new supplier?" "I've already tried three, they're all the same." "I thought you were in charge of roundabouts and CCTV." "I can be interested in school canteens as well." "He may have got food poisoning at your house." "Are you going to call Health and Safety?" " Nothing like that, no." " What then?" "I don't know, but things have to change." "Hi, Arthur." " I've got a bike." " Want to go for a ride?" "Yeah." "Let's go along the river." " Look." " They're for it!" "Well, well, Banania..." "You OK, Banania?" "What's going on?" "What do you want from him?" " Just having fun." " Clear off." "Shut up, granddad." "We're teaching him a lesson." " He's a thief." " He won't do it again." "Who's the next one for?" "Where are you from?" "I'm Mrs Riblon's grandson." "Mother Riblon's grandson?" "That's a good one!" "You shouldn't leave your stuff lying around." "Thank you, Mr Mignard." "Why do you want to evict him?" "It's a political issue." "See this?" "It's with this that I do politics." "Evicting people is politics?" "Get in the car." "Yes, politics is kicking people when they're down." "He gave me some apples, they were delicious." "Apples are all I've got left." "I'm retired, so I'm no longer allowed to work my land." "It's all about European quotas." "We're all monitored." "I could lose my pension." "They don't care about quotas, where I live." "They grow stuff and sell it." "To think you lived there and you never visited me." "Mum said you were a bitter, old racist witch." "Your mum's right." "And now, Mrs Useless Roundabouts, shift, before I put some lead in your backside!" "And don't put your CCTV in town, put it by the river." "Because if I'd not been there, your offspring would have made the news tomorrow." "Have you been here all this time?" "Why didn't you go home?" "My bike is broken again." "We're going to repair it." "Are you hurt?" " Answer me." " I'm not allowed." "Why not?" "My parents say you're a fascist and a racist." "What's a fascist?" " In fact, it means..." " Enough!" "Get in the car." "Nicolas?" "Mum, how are you?" "Hand her over to me." "Hello, is that you, Charlotte?" "The bitter old racist, fascist and backward witch thinks you should take a look at yourself, irresponsible leftie." "You can't even raise a child." "It's not been easy for me." "Mum..." "It hurts." "What hurts?" "The chemo." "I keep throwing up." "I'm exhausted." "What do the doctors say?" "They follow the procedure, what can they say?" "I'm not the only one." "Hang in there, you'll be fine." "You're strong." "I want to see you, Mum." "Me too, sweetheart." "How are you?" "Is your school OK?" "Yes." "I've repaired your bike." "But it's pink." "Can I paint it blue?" "If you like, my angel." "The doctor is just coming." "I have to hang up, my love." "Speak very soon." "I love you." "Me too, Mum." "I'm hanging UP" "She sounded very low." "She'll be all right." "They're very good these days." "Don't worry." "See you tonight!" "Have a good day!" "Stop, please!" "Please, sir!" "To Orange, please." "Orange." "This is Orange." "If you speak to Jéréme, tell him this is his last absence for sickness." "For the whole year." "I'm sick of him." "We get lumbered with everything." "If I had a license, I could have helped you." "Yes, but you don't, Ivan." "Hello?" "It's Géraldine." "ls Nicolas poorly still?" " No, why?" " He's not in school." "What do you mean?" "Wait, I have another call." "Hello?" "Orange police station." "We have Nicolas Traoré here." "He was on the Paris train without a ticket." " Are you his grandmother?" " Yes." "We're waiting for you." " Come on, in you get." " Is this yours?" "Left foot, first." "Watch out." "I love this lorry." "We're higher than everyone." "You're a champion, driving this." "Why did you run away?" "Mum may well die, I heard it in her voice." "I want to see her." "Your mum's not going to die, it's out of the question." "You'd be useless there, you couldn't even see her." "And knowing you're waiting for her there, not doing anything, would drive her mad." "She knows you're fine here." "I looked it up on the Internet." "It's myeloid leukaemia." "They say it's really bad." "Well done, you're good at everything." "Thanks, Grandma." "But it's a disaster in maths." "Five out of 20?" "I don't care about maths." "I want to be a dancer or a farmer." "No swimming." "I'm not going to let you neglect maths." "Get your books out, I'm going to help you." "Please, Grandma." "What do I need maths for?" " Who cares about maths?" " We care, Nicolas." " When is your test?" " On Monday." "It gives us two days to prepare." "We're aiming for 15, at least." "Off we go." "Books on the table." "Hi, Nico." "Fancy a bike ride?" "No, no, no." "A minus b, times a plus b, equals..." "QQ h lug tn a' minus b'." " Plus times plus?" " Plus." " Plus times minus?" " Minus." " Minus times plus?" " Minus." " Minus times minus?" " Minus." "Plus." " Plus times plus?" " Plus." " Plus times minus?" " Minus." "Mum?" "I got 17 in my maths test." "It's great." "We said at least 15, and I got 17." "OK." "I'll call you back later." "Thanks, Mum." "I love you lots." "You see!" "Hard work always pays." "You've overcome your problems, gained in confidence..." "It's no big deal." "I'm sick of your lectures." "Can I have my Game Boy back?" "The big deal is I'm trying to turn you into a nice boy." "Apologise immediately, or go to bed with no dinner." "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it." "That's better." "And now, time to celebrate." "Yes, yes." " I'm really proud." " Madam." " Sir." " Thank you." "Bloody hell, 72 euros!" "It's expensive!" "Nothing is too expensive for he who works hard." " Evening, Mrs Riblon." " Mr Piguat." "Green asparagus bake with San Daniéle cream, and beef with pineapple and fresh vegetables." "It's all organic." "Enjoy." "It's all organic?" "Of course, for over a year now." "And it all comes from local producers." "I'd like to make a naughty suggestion." "How can they serve this to children?" "I knew it wasn't great, but this makes me sick." "Would you be able to monitor the menus and train the cooks?" "Why not?" "Things can only be improved." "But who's going to pay?" "I can't put the prices up." " What with the recession..." " Leave it to me." " Hi." " Hi." "Where did you get these from?" "Mr Mignard's apples." "He said I could take loads." "Hello?" "Yes, speaking." "Damn..." "Yes." "Yes, of course." "Yes." "All right." "Bye-bye." "Who was it?" "Charlotte's oncologist." "She needs a marrow transplant." "A transplant is her last chance." " Says who?" " I read it on the Internet." "If it doesn't work, nothing else will." "I'm going to give the Internet a good slap." "We'll find a donor, and she will get better." "Don't worry, my darling." "Shit!" "The town council!" "Come with me." "You can't stay on your own." "Sorry I'm late." "This is my grandson, Nicolas." "Marianne, we just got to the item you added to the agenda:" "introducing organic food to school canteens." "A surprising idea, coming from you." "I'd like to launch a pilot scheme at the Jules Ferry college." "If it proves successful, we'll extend it to the other schools and nurseries." "Not only you grab all the roundabout public contracts, you're also going into large-scale catering." "Not large-scale catering, we'll be working with small local producers." "Actually, I'm surprised you didn't make this proposal." "And how do you propose financing this?" "Have you been to a school canteen recently?" "I don't think so, or you would have done something about it." "The food is vile." "And the children, our children, hate this food." "They simply don't eat it." "I believe you, but there's the question of cost." "The parents won't necessarily agree to pay more." "The town is not in deficit." "No, but the elections are near." "This could win you many votes." "People are sick of paying for roundabouts." "Let's put this to the vote." "Who is in favour of introducing organic food... in school canteens?" "The proposal is rejected." "When you've found a way of financing this, we'll talk about it again." "With public money, of course." "There is money to buy Mr Mignard's property, so that your friends can build new estates, but there isn't any to ensure our children's health." "Will you say this in your campaign?" "You were all for building these houses." "And we've had no cases of food poisoning in our canteens." "There was one recently, actually." "Do calm down!" "Let's move on to the next item, which is somewhat more preoccupying for the town than your organic school canteens." "Well, then..." "As you know, VLM has just closed its doors, leading to the loss of 40 jobs." "So we have to hold a vote in case of..." "Oh, this social language..." ""Sharp and involuntary decline in resources"." "Who is in favour?" "You're in favour of state handouts?" "You should be sitting next to Mrs Verlomme." "I'm sorry, I'm not in favour." "Shame, we only needed your hand to swing the vote." "Yes, actually." "Yes, I am in favour." "Is it approved then?" "Is it approved?" "All right, it's approved." "So, from next month, the ex employees will receive benefits from the town." "What's the matter with you?" "We've covered all the points on the agenda, and I'm exhausted." "By the way, Mr Mignard's eviction is scheduled for tomorrow morning." "I warn you, I have plenty of ammunition." "Can we talk?" "It is an of fence to occupy a building which has been declared unsafe to live in." "Do you realise what you're giving support to?" "What if it was your own grandfather?" "I won't move from here." "Are you going to wall in a municipal councillor?" "We'll come back, Mr Mignard." "There will be other injunctions." "This farm has been standing for four centuries." "Why would it suddenly collapse?" "Do you have children?" "They didn't want to take over." "They see me as a yokel." "They live in the city." "They never visit me." "Would you like to revive your farm?" "Impossible, I'm not allowed to farm the land." "What if we rented the farmable land?" "If this is a ploy to evict me, there'll be trouble." "It would be to farm your land." "And you think you'd be able to do it, with your little hands?" "Not with mine, but possibly with those of the VML unemployed people." "Hey, come here, mates!" "We need to talk." " Hello." " Hello!" "I have a proposal to make." "We want our school canteens to serve organic food." "We need you, and you'll be paid by the town council, the same rate you got here." " You know Mr Mignard?" " Yes." "We'll be farming his land." "You'll be trained and you'll get some help." "We'll be growing fruit and vegetables to supply school canteens and serve good quality food to our children." "Organic food." "You see, Mrs Riblon?" "Indeed." "These are good." "Mrs Riblon." "What are all these invoices for pallets of seeds?" "Are you trying to put us out of business?" "Who are we going to flog it on to?" "Is your plan to make cement with seeds?" "And what are you renting land and employing workmen for?" "We're diversifying, Ivan." "Organic school canteens." "And one day, it will pay." "Yes, but our profit is dropping very fast." " You wanted to be easy..." " Go easy." "Am/thing else?" "Yes, actually." "We've lost the housing estate deal." "A disaster." "There won't be a housing estate." "What's happened to you?" " Have you met someone?" " What do you mean?" "You seem really happy, suddenly." "As if you were in love." "Not at all, Ivan." "You're imagining things." " Of course not, Ivan." " Good." "Will you come for borscht tonight?" "No, not tonight, Ivan." " Next month, maybe." " A month is a long time." "This is a samosa." "Have you had one before?" "Spinach and cheese." " What's this?" " It's a carrot tart." "It's a dessert, you'll love it." "Carrot and cumin." "And for you?" " May I have some maki?" " Of course, vegetable maki." "Choose what you like." " A compatibility test?" " Yes." "Is it possible to remain anonymous to the recipient?" "Yes, I won't put your name on." "Relax, I'm not going to hurt you." "You will, no one ever finds my veins." "You won't suffer in vain!" " It didn't go in." " I told you so." "I'll try again..." "Why don't you want Mum to know?" "She could refuse the transplant." "Have you done this before?" "Relax, please." "Oh my God, I'm going to faint." " Don't!" " I am." "No, no, no!" "You're too relaxed now." "Madam!" "Madam!" "Marianne!" "We were just talking about the school canteen." "Isn't it a wonderful success?" "We must extend the project..." "Marianne, there's something we have to tell you." "The elections are due in less than a month." "You've confused the issue with your organic canteens, not to mention your turnaround regarding Mr Mignard." "All this is not to everybody's liking." "Since you've gone green, maybe they'll take you on their list." "We no longer want you." "I'm sorry, but we can't keep you on our list." "I have nothing against you, but to be re-elected, I need a united party." "It would be best if you resigned from the town council, or you'll compromise our side." "Shall we shake hands?" "Don't take it badly." "Politics is complicated." "Excuse me, I'm going to the loo." "Marianne, wait." "I'd like to talk to you." "You look beautiful tonight." "How about a drink?" "I have something really important to say." "You don't often look so radiant." "Is this a compliment?" "Mrs Riblon, I'd like to propose something." "Your strategy has enlightened me about your intentions, and I want to be counted in." "What strategy?" "Don't play innocent, you want to be our mayoress, it's obvious." "Absolutely not." "I have enough work as it is, with my company." "Of course, you do." "You can tell me." "It was clever to get ahead of the greens." "Your organic canteens may well win over the electorate." "You'll pass the first round." "I assure you..." "I wasn't born yesterday." "But there is the second round." "I want to be second on your list." "I'll rally some supporters by letting them into the secret, and we'll win." "What exactly are you imagining?" "Taking over the green electorate!" "Very clever." "Ecology is all the rage." "Once elected, you'll say the funding for green ideas has run out, and we'll do what we always did:" "housing estates and roundabouts." "You're unbelievably cynical." "I actually believe in organic canteens." "Our children's health matters." "But this is really stupid." "Why not seize this golden opportunity?" "We have nothing more to say to each other." "Goodbye." "What a plonker!" "To think I imagined he was after me!" "Bastard!" "Scumbag!" "I'll show them." "Bunch of crooks, cretins, gangsters." "I'll nail him to the town hall pediment." " Well?" " Well what?" " How did it go?" " Wonderful." " You didn't stay very long." " Definitely not." " You smoke?" " Only on special occasions." "Why did you and Mum fall out?" "I wasn't here enough for her, when she was little." "I worked too much, with her dad." "So she started hanging around with blokes and taking drugs." "Her dad threw her out and cut her off completely." "I didn't do anything, I let it happen." "I thought it would be the best way for her to give it up." "I see, the do or die approach." "She never came back." "I've never seen her take drugs." "Is it acceptable not to get in touch for 15 years?" " Have you had the results?" " No." "Has she called you?" "She always says she's fine, but I know she's not." "Knowing that you're all right makes her feel better, I'm sure." "Have you lost your watch, Mrs Riblon?" "I've come to say" "I'm resigning from the town council." "Wise decision, congratulations." "I accept your resignation." "Try to get some rest, it will do you good." "Thank you." "But the rest will have to wait." "I'm standing for mayoress at the next elections." "Anyone wishing to make an example of our town in regard to organic canteens is welcome to join me." "We must stay focused on one thing." "Don't forget the nurseries, their food is bad too." "Marianne, you can't base your entire campaign on canteens." "What else is there?" "You need a global debate on the environment." "No more roundabouts for starters." "We've done them all, anyway." "Can I put all your names down?" " Yes." " I'd rather not, Mrs Riblon." "Whyever not, Ivan?" "I don't like politics." "Sorry." "Excuse me." "Hello?" "Yes, hello, doctor." "Yes." "This is very good news." "Yes." "Yes, of course, I'll sort something out." "All right." "Thank you." "Goodbye, doctor." " What did he say?" " Nothing special." "The chemo is working they're confident." "What's the good news?" "I just told you." "The chemo is working." "Shall we go back?" "You and I have a campaign to plan." "Quantity: two." " We've already invoiced him." " Yes." " Hasn't he paid?" " No, not yet." "What the..." "Come in!" "Hello, Mrs Riblon." "No, not you!" "Yes, Mrs Riblon, and I'm sincerely sorry." "You did my last tax audit less than a year ago." "I know, but it wasn't my decision." "Last time, the greens sent you." "This time, I expect it was my ex friends." "I don't know." "I promise I'll make myself inconspicuous." "Please do, because we're very busy." "Mrs Verlomme, I'm not against you." "Let's bury the hatchet." "Join my list." "What matters is the canteens." "My party will never side with you." "Forget the labels." "You've misjudged me," "I don't care about party politics." "I care about the children's health and the environment." "You're fighting our battle." "So why not join us?" "Organic farming." "Join us." "Organic, organic!" "What's going on?" "Hello." "Health and Safety inspection." " Does everyone have a contract?" " Of course, this way." "All right, the contracts are in order." "But your company doesn't have agricultural farm status." "It's pending." "But in the meantime, you have to put this activity on hold." "My boss is very honest." "She's defending public health." "You're a bunch of hypocrites." "I'd like to see your ID documents." "Your accent tells me you're not French." "Of course." "Do you have a valid resident card and a work permit?" "Not on me." "Bring your residence permit to the police station, first thing tomorrow." "See you soon." "Bye, Mrs Riblon." "Sir..." "Oh dear, what a disaster!" "No, it's a mere formality, you'll be fine." "No, I won't be fine." "Mrs Riblon, I've been lying to you." "I carry fake ID, I'm an illegal immigrant." "I'll be found out." "Why didn't you tell me?" "We could have started the procedure." " I need you." " And I need you too." "Ivan..." "You're holding me too tight." "Mrs Riblon, I love you." "I like you too, my dear Ivan." " Hello, Mrs Riblon." " Saying hello now?" "Mum's going to vote for you." "Could I have more tracts to hand out?" "You're in luck, look." "Say hello to Nicolas for me." "I will." "Mrs Riblon, I've started selling organic products." " Great." "How come?" " Everyone kept asking." "That's all people talk about." "Organic this, organic that..." "It's great to bump into you." "I need to pick your brains." "I'd like to have an organic canteen too." " Yes, no problem." " I'll call you to fix a time." "And good luck with the election." "I'll vote for you." "Here!" "Had I been told a black boy and an illegal immigrant would swim in my pool one day, I'd have called the police." "Grandma?" "Mum has a donor." "It's great, isn't it?" " Great." " Look at the paper." "SURPRISE CANDIDATE IN VAISON-LA-ROMAINE" " Are we going to the cemetery?" " No, not any more." "Mrs Riblon, a word for TV3." " Organic food in every canteen." " Thank you." "Quiet, please, this is a polling station." "Behave yourselves!" "In first place, with 42% of the votes," "Marianne Riblon's independent list." "In second place, with 37% of the votes," "Right Wing Union, led by myself, followed by United Left, with 13%, and finally, the ecologists' list, with 8% of the votes." "Something wrong?" "Mum is too tired, she can't talk." "She's always asleep." "I really want the transplant to be successful." "Hello, Mr Mignard." "Congratulations on the first round." "Thank you." " Could I ask a favour?" " I owe you everything." "My partner is an illegal immigrant." "Hiding him at my house could hinder the second round." "I don't care who you go out with, it's none of my business." "I meant, could he stay with you for a few weeks?" "Bloody hell, no." "I'm a recluse." "I'm too fussy." "I don't want people to touch anything." "I'm very fussy too." " I can make borscht every day." " What's he on about?" "He'd love to cook one of his specialties for you." "All right, but only for a few weeks." " Thank you, Mr Mignard." " Thank you." " Can we unpack?" " Go on." "Pack your suitcase, Nicolas." " Why?" " We're going to Paris." "She doesn't want us there." "We have to." "I'm the donor." "You're compatible?" "We have the same blood marker." "It's very rare." "Come on, hurry up!" "The train leaves in one hour." "Mum?" "What are you doing here?" "Hello." "Enjoy your meal." "Thank you." "Oh my God, hospital grub..." "There's a job and a half!" "Thank you, thank you!" "She's been so brave, giving you her marrow!" "We must be back in time to vote, or it'll look bad." "All I care about is the transplant." "You ran for the elections?" "Yes, and this is my campaign manager." "Aren't there enough roundabouts?" "You're all obsessed!" "No, she'll make all the canteens 100% organic." "Voted." "Yeah!" "Marianne!" "Marianne!" "Marianne!" "Setting up art studios is no big deal, for a mayoress." "I haven't been elected yet, and I hate nepotism." "It's just a little helping hand." "Mr Mignard, would one of your barns be available?" "What now, Mrs Riblon?" "When will you stop invading my farm?" "It's for a budding artist who needs a studio." "He can have the old pigsty, it's very comfy." " Anyone for borscht?" " No, thank you!" "You should, borscht is great." "I want your Ivan to stay here." "He can't, he's mine." "Bravo!" "Mrs Riblon's list got 56% of the votes." "Subtitles:" "Frédérique Gwyther for Eclair Group"