The home stitch, the love knot,
the front mast throw...
...the strangle knot, the slipping
half-stitch, the lobster...
...the witchs knot,
the Dutch escape.
Even an ordinary knot
with eight crossings...
...can be tied 366 different ways.
Change one thing and
you have a completely new knot.
Or no knot at all.
With stories its just the same,
my father said.
What do you see?
Just clouds.
- Theyre sailing away.
After he came back ashore,
I saw my father every Sunday.
And every Sunday he had invented
a new knot. And a new story.
Yes, good. Look. Up high.
There, look. Can you see the ships?
The keel, the ribs.
You can only see the bottom.
There, a jib boom.
A propeller, an anchor shank.
Now and then
the mariners drop the anchor.
Then they climb down the chain...
...to have a look at things down here.
But they cant breath here.
Our air is much too heavy.
They cant live here. Too heavy.
They would like to, but they cant. They
have to go back, or theyll suffocate.
And they climb aboard in a frenzy.
- They are safe again.
Safe, yes,
but all hope has vanished.
All his stories were different and yet
they all had the same message.
One piece of rope can be tied
into an infinite number of knots.
Dad?
When hope vanishes,
where does it go?
There was a time...
When birds on their way south...
...stopped in our village
just to listen to Abdul Abdurduran.
Abdul Abdurduran.
Abdul Abdurduran, our muezzin.
Abdul Abdurduran.
When Abdul sang, the wolves
came down from the mountains...
...as meek as lambs.
As children we were told that
his call to prayer sounded so lovely...
...that the women in the bathhouse
quickly covered themselves.
Alarmed as they were by
the thoughts his voice was evoking.
In those days the house of prayer
was always full.
People were living by the Word.
Our village was a jewel to Mohammed.
But we only know this from hearsay.
Its Hadas.
Welcome, Hadas.
Nobody there?
Same as usual.
Some hadjis,
just returned from Mecca...
...where they kissed
the Black Stone seven times...
...have yet renounced their faith
at the sound of Abduls voice.
When the Prophet said...
...that Allah would be served
by sounding a call to prayer...
...he didnt reckon
with the voice of our muezzin.
Abdul deserves our respect because
of his attitude and his spirit...
...in thought and in deed.
We love him
as we love a wise, strict father.
Nobody is more loved
than he who will soon depart.
But this singing of his...
...provides the disbelievers
with a powerful argument.
I told you that they always try to sell
you all sorts of junk at this fair.
And Memed bought some.
Has it got any use?
Arent you cold?
Not with your arms around me.
He wouldnt eat today.
He has devoted his life to just
one thing. And now its over.
My parents said that Abdul
had received his voice from heaven.
I have always thought that one day
he would be lifted to his home.
He should leave on wings.
- Dont worry.
I have something that might restore
some of his former strength.
I owe my life to him.
I owe my love to him.
Hes alone.
Arent we all?
Hadas?
Illeknur...
Im afraid
it cant go on like this any...
We have to tell him the truth.
- He knows very well.
Tell him that if he stops now,
before everything...
Itll be the death of him.
Sometimes...
Sometimes you have to let go
of what is dearest to you.
Even people?
If itis out of love.
Illeknur, please...?
I thought, why not keep
these beautiful songs.
What are you doing?
Its of no use to Hadas anyway.
Its of no use to Hadas anyway.
Can you feel this, Abdul?
Memed is such a good lad.
Dont you agree?
Everybodys wondering what
your plans are for Illeknur, Abdul.
When the stars fall,
and when the hills are moved...
...and when the camels
big with young are abandoned...
...and when wild beasts...
...are herded together...
...and when the seas rise...
...then every soul will know...
...what it hath made ready.
All the words he needed for his life,
he knows by heart.
Hes started with the first of the
one hundred and fourteen surahs...
...and he will not rest
before his lips have tasted...
...all 6200 verses
of the Holy Book of Islam.
But surely a man has to eat?
A man has to drink also.
But you know what Abdul is like.
Two days and nights?
- It took the angel Gabriel 20 years...
...to pass Gods Word
on to Mohammed...
...but our Abdul will need
a mere two days and two nights.
Oh, this wind...
No wind carries further than
the storm from the throats...
...of those who had to choose
between loyalty and love.
This is a favourable wind.
Such a favourable wind.
It would be a pity to waste it.
- No, please, not yet.
Its time. It really is time.
My father said he could snare the winds.
And I pretended I believed him.
One of those games we played.
Look.
- One for a breeze.
Two for a trade wind.
Three for a gale and four...
Four knots were strictly forbidden
on board. Far too dangerous.
Thats how it is.
You have to catch things...
...before you can let them go.
Lets have a look. Where does
it untie? Can you see?
When the farmers
were harvesting near Lyons...
...they saw a great ship
appear in the sky above them...
...with its sails taut
and flags flying.
The anchor was lowered and
got caught in the rail of a bridge.
Three men and a woman slid down
along the heavy iron chain...
...to pick fresh fruit
and collect fresh water.
But soon the heaviness of our
existence weighed down upon them.
They were gasping for breath
like fish.
They cannot live in our atmosphere,
said the bishop Agobardus.
They will drown,
unless we help them to return.
To regain their freedom.
And at a speed of nine knots...
...the three men and the woman
sailed away...
...from the unbelievable that
they had experienced.
Dad. Daddy.
Easy, my boy, easy now.
I thought youd gone.
This is an island. Where would I go?
- Youre not leaving?
No.
Maybe when youve got that far.
But not before.
How far?
Far enough.
What do you mean far enough?
- To understand.
Can you get that far?
- Oh yes, sure, the farther the better.
Enough, Sam. Were going.
I think its a scarecrow.
Quite effective,
by the looks of things.
It looks like an old man,
but its not moving.
Its just standing there,
in front of that hut.
Doing nothing.
Its features are human though.
Perhaps its a sculpture.
Carved out of an old branch.
As a warning.
A kind of memento mori.
If it wasnt quite so unwieldy
Id say: Lets buy it...
...and chuck it in the boot.
You coming?
Zoe. From the Greek.
Maxwell. Foreign Office.
Diplomatic service and all that.
In short, Zoe Maxwell,
woman in distress.
Our car has broken down.
Its broken down, the car.
Were looking for help.
This is my husband, so you see...
Not exactly your AA-man, is he?
You dont look like youre good
with cars. Thats a bit of a letdown.
But you are a man and you are strong.
We could prop up the car.
If you... Are there any other men
like you around here?
Good heavens,
here comes our memento mori.
Think hes still able
to lift anything?
Did you see the look on his face?
It took him by surprise.
It would have surprised them
in the salon diplomatique too.
Thats your problem, Sam,
you cant enjoy having nothing.
Yes, do check. They might have
expired these last few hours.
If you had just booked a package
holiday, we wouldnt be here now.
They would simply have given us
a new car.
Im not a tourist, Sam.
Im a traveller.
I wonder if hes ever seen
a woman in the flesh before.
I dont think you two ever made
him worry about being dirty.
This heat.
Id like to roll around in the sand
stark naked.
Do you know the feeling?
Twenty years ago I wouldnt have
hesitated for a second.
And now Im supposed
to be too old?
He doesnt understand me.
Everything I say
falls into a bottomless pit.
What the hell.
This is real travelling.
When I first met my husband...
I used to think
diplomats travelled a lot.
I didnt have a clue.
A man who had to travel for his work
seemed ideal.
Not that that was the reason I...
It was love all right.
A real case of coup de foudre.
A marriage of convenience starts
here and the passion comes later.
If it comes.
But start off madly in love and
theres nothing to look forward to.
And looking back poisons the mind.
Hmm? Old man.
I loved travelling because it was
something I could do on my own.
Poor Sam.
Doing all this just to please me.
But sitting at home sulking is better
for your illusions than pursuing them.
The last thing you want
is to catch up with them.
You people here can still do that.
Fantastic.
Be alone with yourself...
...and yet keep hoping.
Hoping?
For what?
Hope...
...is the last to die.
Authentic...
This really is so authentic.
But no, the video camera
was absolutely banned.
This is Zen, this is Zarathustra.
And all completely authentic.
Damnation, the one time
you really want it. Typical.
What a nightmare.
Hardship, Sam,
thats what travelling is all about.
Yeah...
Ill just go inside for a moment.
Style never creases.
Oh God, Im carrying on
like the madwoman of the mountains.
The home stitch.
The love knot...
The front mast throw...
The strangle knot...
The slipping half-stitch...
The lobster...
The witchs knot...
The Dutch escape...
People think that you have
to be a lightweight to fly high.
But the opposite is true.
You better be big and strong.
You need broad wings.
Light enough?
Light enough to leave the ground, but
is it strong enough to bear the weight?
How do you know?
- How strong the reeds are?
How broad your wings have to be.
You only know when youve tried it.
- So well try it out next week?
Perhaps. If Im far enough.
Well try it out together. Wont we?
Yes.
Some things are much too dangerous.
- They are strictly for grown-ups.
And why do people want to grow up?
To try out their dreams before
passing them on to their children.
Precisely.
See you next week?
- Next week.
When a northern gale...
...blasts all your hope...
When the fire... "
...of your sweethearts love...
...burns for another...
...hoist the sail, hoist it now.
We still have clouds.
Sail on thin air and set...
...course for the clouds.
Follow the first sigh...
...and let yourself go...
...on new wings one last time.
You sing, but what you hear...
...is the wrong song.
You know you feel the right tone...
...but it escapes you.
Hoist the sail, hoist it now.
We still have clouds.
Sail on thin air and set...
...course for the clouds.
Follow the first sigh...
...and let yourself go...
...on new wings one last time.
Each tear was once a smile...
...before it died away.
Each dream gives way to day...
...hope for a new shore.
So hoist the sail, hoist it now.
We still have clouds.
Sail on thin air and set...
...course for the clouds.
Follow the first sigh...
...and let yourself go...
...on new wings one last time.
Sail on the first sigh.
Dare to fly one last time.
So hoist the sail, hoist it now.
Been at the breakwater, Arend?
Does it look bad?
The wind is turning.
You hear that, Josse?
Theres a northern storm coming.
Nearly, my boy.
Nearly.
Oh, no. Give me a double, too.
What have you got to celebrate?
- Just one thing.
That thick skull of yours, Ill bet.
Heres to hope.
- See what I mean?
Hope must fly.
Just forget it, Arend.
Bill Ramsey was her first lover.
To a woman that means a lot.
Shell never forget him.
- Not for you anyway.
They think the first one
is the only one.
Especially after Bill Ramsey.
- You were only a little boy then.
Do you remember him?
Yes.
Of course.
Olle.
The wind carried him in.
The door blew open...
...and there he stood,
wreathed in a fog from the sea.
How long ago was it?
Six years, seven?
This ones on me.
Strong drop, this.
- Dont have to tell us that.
In one hand he held his knapsack...
...in the other the knots
for holding back the winds.
On one arm he carried the east,
on the other the west.
Nothing as dangerous as memory.
Olle.
Tonight Ill make another ship.
Just tell me how you want it.
We can all dream.
Goodnight then...
May I?
If you could,
you wouldnt have to ask.
Do you think
he will take me along too?
Life at sea is hard.
You will ask him, when he comes,
whether I can come along...
Once he was in a storm that went on
for three weeks, day and night.
I dont care about storms.
Not if were with Ramsey.
He knows all the storms.
He rides them, one after the other.
He takes them on
with one hand on the helm.
And one arm around our shoulders.
- Did he say that?
So we dont get hurt.
Do you believe
such a person exists?
Ive heard so much about him.
No-one else can compete.
I close my eyes, and I see him.
- But do you believe that he really exists?
Ive been hearing these stories
for so long now. It must be true.
Why are you doing this?
What do you want?
Look at me. This is what I am.
Here. Just this.
What use are big ideas to me?
- They offer protection.
You dont know
what youre talking about.
Ill show you a man
who knows how to protect a woman.
Salt...
...tar and wet ropes.
When will you stop all this?
Cant you smell it, Arend?
Hes nearby.
Again?
- Not far away.
Thatll be the third time this winter.
- This winter its going to happen.
And tomorrow Ill comfort you again.
With one of your little drawings?
Dont make me laugh.
Mister shipbuilder.
You say you dont like dreaming...
...but when someone tells you
a few stories, you believe them.
At least Ramsey has something
to tell. Hes a real man.
To hear you talk, he must be.
Hell keep his word. Youll see.
Sure.
I can smell him already.
He wont just be dreaming.
Hes seen things.
Lousy weather.
A double.
We havent had anything like this
in years.
A storm like this. Such a bad one.
North. A storm from the north.
Dead north.
Seven years since weve
had weather this bad.
Its a long time. Seven years.
When youre waiting.
Yes, lad, seven years of waiting,
who could keep that up?
Arend.
Blue. Eyes a blue as the sea.
On one arm the east,
on the other the west.
Hes here.
Whats wrong? Dont you ever
get customers in this bar?
We think youre someone...
- Good.
I think so too.
Someone in particular.
Someone whos been here before.
I visit lots of ports.
- Is your name Ramsey?
Ramsey?
Bill Ramsey?
Yes, it has to be. It must be, Josse.
I dont know.
- Josse?
Josse.
A storm from the north.
Just like you said.
I knew it, from the first.
Its been so long.
Josse, after all these years.
- Ramsey.
Bill Ramsey.
Just like she always said.
I cursed my fate for not bringing me
to you any sooner, Josse.
My Josse.
No gale could scare me.
The only thing I feared...
...was the idea
that you would forget me.
I was scared, scared
because I dont deserve...
...to be remembered
by someone like you.
Id say its clear that people
would remember you well enough.
A man like you...
...who can ride any storm.
Thats what Josse said.
That you command the winds at sea.
She should know.
I wonder how you do that.
- You know very well how he does it.
With knots, of course.
With knots?
Please explain, Ramsey.
I dont get it.
You had that coming, going on like that.
Ramsey has given me these knots.
As you very well know.
He doesnt seem to remember them.
He bridles the storms with them.
I do the same.
Ive saved it all up.
Rage, sadness, pleasure,
disappointment.
Bruises.
All saved up for
the day I need them.
Then Ill let everthing loose at once.
On that day you wont believe your eyes.
Are you sure todays the day?
Im sorry.
Ramseys from Magonia.
Its not on any map, because real places
are never marked anywhere.
How do you know?
Its a story.
A story...
...you can read anywhere.
Thats all it is.
Settle up first, please...
...Ramsey.
Are you crazy? That girl is so hot,
Im the one who should get paid.
The moneys not for her. Its for me.
Where do I strike sail tonight...
...if I let you enter my ship.
One hundred.
- For that?
I can find better down the road
for half the money.
Half then.
May I?
Whats the matter?
I remembered so much,
but Id forgotten that.
You knocking and asking if you may.
Just sit here with me.
Sit here a while.
Ill get to see the world,
wont I, Ramsey?
Ill see the world as it is...
...as youve told me it is.
As youve said it is.
On the open seas...
...where there is nobody...
..."so nobody can hurt you".
And youll take me
to the gates of Magonia...
...where the earth
and the heavens meet.
High expectations
bring deep disappointments.
But you promised.
Lie down.
Just lie down a bit. Please.
Do you always struggle like this?
Spread them, damn it.
Spread them, for fucks sake.
What are you looking at?
- I want to see the clouds.
I love the clouds.
The clouds drifting by...
...up there.
Glorious clouds.
Arend will come back.
Hes a real man.
He wont leave me alone.
Youll see.
One day hell come back for me.
In his own boat.
It really was Ramsey, wasnt it?
Yes, it was.
That man last night, that was him.
Definitely.
So were not going with him?
No.
The Dutch escape...
The witchs knot...
The lobster...
The slipping half-stitch...
The strangle knot...
The front mast throw...
The love knot...
The tidal knot...
He hasnt touched food or water
for two days.
Hello, how are you?
Very well, and you?
Me too.
I would like an apple.
What about you?
No, I dont like apples.
Then Ill eat it.
You people here can
still do that. Fantastic.
Be alone with yourself...
...and yet keep hoping.
Dad? Daddy.
The Dutch escape...
The front mast throw...
The tidal knot, the love knot...
The witchs knot,
the slipping half-stitch.