Aleksey Fiodorovich?
I didn’t expect you today.
But you are so eager to make up for your mistake.
It’s commendable.
What are you waiting for?
Don’t be shy. We are ready for you.
Piotr Ivanovich, I’d like to do it in private.
Not at all.
These are honorable people, my friends. I trust them.
If you say so.
Sir, you are a brute.
Beating a woman is low and unworthy of a man.
What?
What do you mean?
The girl
you have whipped half to death with your own hands.
Katerina Verbitskaya.
It was inhumane and ungentlemanly.
I demand you apologize to her immediately.
Also, I demand that public condemned you
and called you to account.
Bring Katerina here.
-You won’t believe it! -What?
Mr. Kosach went straight to the parlor and challenged the young master.
"You beat up my Katia.
Apologize!"
And?
I didn’t hear the rest.
My mistress sent me for the smelling salts.
The salts! I’ll get the salts.
Well?
I was beaten, and they feel sorry for Katia.
Is this how you behave at the wake? Go away.
No chance.
He has to answer for what he has done.
He beat her half to death.
It’s against the law for the landlords to abuse their serfs.
Katia.
This gentleman says I was cruel enough
to whip you myself.
Is it true?
No.
You see, Mr. Kosach?
The girl is safe and sound.
Come closer, look for yourself.
Katia, darling. Don’t be afraid.
Tell me the truth.
Did he beat you?
-Did he? -No. Nobody beat me.
Aliosha...
Aleksey Fiodorovich.
Give up all claims regarding my masters and myself.
I am happy with my life, and I don’t want to change anything.
Let me leave, please.
It’s a lie!
They made her say this! Katia, darling! Katia!
-Wait! -Sir.
Where are you going, sir?
You’ll have to answer for your heinous accusations.
Yes, I demand an apology. Now.
Apologize to you?
A liar and a coward? Never.
Sir! Grigoriy Chervinsky is a battle officer,
a hero of the Crimean campaign.
Take that back immediately.
A hero!
His heroism as is fake as his medals.
Are you stupid, Katia? Giving up your love so easily!
Have you lost your mind here in the dark?
Were you scared?
Please go.
Leave me alone.
I know for a fact that Grigoriy Chervinsky wasn’t injured in action.
He shot himself in the leg and deserted the battlefield.
The awards he stole from a dead officer.
What the hell are you talking about?
Nonsense!
I knew you weren’t right in the head,
but I didn’t expect such a brazen lie.
You are mad!
Insane!
Not at all.
I even have a witness.
Your comrade-in-arms, Reshetnikov.
I was lucky enough to be his cellmate.
Really?
Respectable friend, respectable place.
Yevgeniy Prokofyevich, send someone to get him.
I’m certain he will back me up.
Reshetnikov is an alcoholic. Why listen to him?
He’d sell his own mother for a shot of vodka.
Papa, are you going to allow this interrogation
in your house, on a day like this?
Do you doubt me?
No, Grisha, I don’t.
But you can see what’s going on.
All right.
I’ll give an order.
You will answer for your lies, Mr. Kosach.
Grig! Grig, he’s lying.
It’s because of anger and frustration.
Yes, my darling.
Thank you for not believing this idiot.
Grig, I love you. I would never believe such a lie. Do you hear?
You are my hero, my knight! Grig...
You are so nice.
-But you should go to your father. -Why?
It would be better.
You’ve been through enough here.
You will stay with him for a few days.
-Such impudence! -Papa.
Natalie, darling, you don’t look yourself.
Calm down. This is all nonsense.
The sick fantasies of a desperate debauchee.
Aleksandr Vasilyevich, I believe Natalie should stay with you for a few days.
Yes, of course. I was going to suggest this.
Go pack your things, my dear. We are leaving.
-Go. Go! -Grig...
Damn it!
Galia!
What... You’re all thumbs.
Girl, help her up. Quick!
I feel so dizzy... Everything grew dim.
-She is too weak yet. -Here.
You should go lie down. Make sure Yashka doesn’t see you.
Yes. Thank you. I will.
No, Darka, I can do it.
What are you staring at? Girls, come on.
As if we are waiting for a messenger from Kiev.
Piotr Ivanovich, I think it’s a misunderstanding.
This Reshetnikov will confirm it when he arrives, I’m sure.
Piotr Ivanovich, Warden Drach is here.
Hello, gentlemen.
Piotr Ivanovich, my condolences.
Lavrin Mikhaylovich, my dear!
Let’s put an end to this stupid situation.
Bring Mr. Reshetnikov in.
I can’t, Yevgeniy Prokofyevich. That’s why I am so late.
-Reshetnikov has escaped. -What do you mean, he escaped?
It can’t be so. He was there this morning. I talked to him.
He was, Aleksey Fiodorovich, yes. But he ran away during the morning walk.
The gendarmes are looking for him, but...
Grigoriy Petrovich, you must know where he is.
You visited him the other day. Answer me!
Get out of my house! Out!
No, no! I won’t let it go.
Reshetnikov probably bribed the guards and escaped.
You are out of your mind. Leave now, I’m begging...
Stop!
Come back. I demand an apology.
Apologize? Me? To you?
This cheeky fellow needs to be punished.
You don’t want to apologize, sir? Then you’ll have to answer for your words.
Are you challenging me?
All right. I’m ready right now.
I don’t want to cloud my mother’s memory with a duel.
She wouldn’t like that.
I’m prepared to forgive you if you apologize.
You would forgive me?
It’s you who needs to apologize to everyone.
To your comrades-in-arms - for your cowardice...
to your parents - for your lies.
Yes, at present I can’t prove I’m right.
But I will, no matter what it costs me.
I’ll give up my life for this.
If you believe I’ve slandered you,
you should defend your honor.
What are you waiting for?
Let’s have this duel. Now!
Grisha, don’t be a sissy.
Sir, you might not care about your family’s feelings.
You ignore them.
But I’m not that kind of man.
I’m not going to duel during the wake, when my whole family is in mourning.
But such things can’t be forgiven or postponed.
The matters of honor should be solved promptly.
You are afraid.
Well, I’ll spare you the hesitations.
I call you out, sir.
I’m ready to fight you.
Any time, any place, any weapons.
Nikolay Aleksandrovich, I ask you to be my second.
I’ll send my second to you...
if I can find one in this neck of the woods.
It might take some time.
This won’t be a problem. I’m ready.
-Thank you for saying yes. -Why, Aliosha? This is madness.
They were ready to forgive you after all this!
Go tell them you were mistaken, that you were carried away.
-I told the truth. -You need to prove it.
There is a proof.
According to Reshetnikov, the bullet stuck in Grigoriy’s leg is the one.
The Russian one.
According to Reshetnikov? Grigoriy mentioned that bullet himself,
but he says it’s the enemy’s. Can you prove it isn’t?
Tear his leg open? It’s impossible.
Naturally. So, the duel is the only option.
Apologizing to Grigoriy means admitting I’m a liar.
If you have doubts, I’ll find another second.
No.
I vouched for you, and I’ll be there.
Wait me at the mill. It won’t take long.
As Mr. Chervinsky’s second, I’m obligated to suggest reconciliation once again.
Unfortunately, this is out of the question.
Which weapon do you choose? Sabers? Pistols?
Pistols.
Good.
I have a splendid dueling pair.
Your conditions?
I’m not very well up in the duel code. What are the usual ones?
Three shots from thirty steps.
Misfires don’t count.
A wounded duelist can shoot lying on the ground.
A death of one of the duelists is presented as suicide.
Mr. Kosach will need to write a suicide note.
Excuse me?
A note written in his hand. Something along the lines of
I see no sense in my life anymore, and don’t blame anyone for my death.
And his signature.
As you know, duels are illegal.
This will protect the surviving participant
in case of his opponent’s death.
Yes. Of course.
The duel will take place tomorrow at seven,
at the clearing near the farthest lake.
Being late for over 15 minutes is regarded as avoiding the duel.
Galia. What did you want?
Be on your way.
Karpo, I came to you.
You stand here all day, and no one even brings you water.
Maybe you need to go somewhere. I’ll cover for you.
Why are you suddenly so nice?
I know you.
Oh, Karpo. I just thought it was unfair.
Everyone went to the kitchen to have a look at the three-eyed duck,
and you’re here.
Come on.
Is it true?
-Three eyes? -Yes.
Galia, my darling, I’ll be back before you know it.
No problem.
Katia.
Come here. I’ll tell you something about your gent.
You won’t believe it. It’s scary!
I’m here, Galia. Come on, tell me.
Your Kosach attacked our young master.
But our guy wasn’t born yesterday either.
He told your lover how much his shit costs on a market day.
What happens now?
They are going to have a duel.
Grigoriy Petrovich is a good soldier.
He’ll shoot your Aleksey like chicken.
That’s what he said. "My hand won’t tremble."
And your Aleksey said he’d happily take his death.
So, he said that and rode away.
When is the duel?
Tomorrow morning.
Katia, I can’t stay here anymore.
I need to clean the master’s tunic for him.
This is where I first met her.
I don’t know what happened to her.
Maybe she woke up and realized your love had no future.
Women do this sometimes even if they love a man.
There is nothing you can do about it.
When is the duel?
Tomorrow at dawn at the forest lake.
All right.
Listen, this Reshetnikov... Could he have maligned Chervinsky?
Maybe he is just... mad at him for something.
You see, Grigoriy is my brother-in-law. I care about my sister’s fate.
If he really is a deserter...
-Reshetnikov is an unsavory type. -I completely agree.
But somehow Grigoriy came to his first call,
gave him a hefty sum.
It wasn’t the first time, I suppose.
Reshetnikov wears Chervinsky’s watch with his coat of arms in his pocket.
All right, suppose this is true, and Grigoriy pays him to keep the secret.
Why would he kill the goose that lays the golden eggs?
I don’t know.
Maybe he was just drunk.
Or maybe Grigoriy had said he wouldn’t give him any more money.
Anyway, after the duel, I’ll find this Yegor Kuzmich wherever he is.
If you don’t get sentenced.
I don’t think a settlement is in the cards anymore.
Yes.
But you’ll get me out of it.
Aliosha, Aliosha...
Let’s go to my house. Mother will be happy, and Marianna, too.
It would be easier for me to explain them with you there.
No, you’ll have to do it yourself. I’m going to Nezhin.
So, I’ll see you tomorrow?
Yes. I’ll pick you up at dawn.
Oh, I forget!
Write a suicide note.
It’s just in case if... if Grigoriy... if he kills you after all.
I don’t think so.
All right, I’ll do it. Later.
No, do it now, before you forget.
With what?
You always have your pencil and notebook with you, Mr. Poet.
No. You don’t write such things in pencil.
And the book...
Give it to Katia if something happens.
Later.
Here they are, my precious.
Not a single misfire!
Look at the caliber! And the quality!
Jean Lepage used to make great pistols.
Did you think I was a sissy in my early days?
Take this.
What are you waiting for? Kosach is a good shot.
Remember the hunt? You have...
some practice to do.
What practice, Father?
You know that after the shell shock I shoot no better than a bondmaid.
I know, but what can we do?
You’ll go there today, take a look around, find your shot.
Do you want me to die?
Do you want to get rid of your heir?
Stop it!
Stop this nonsense.
You are my son, and you will fight no matter what.
You need to wash out the insult in blood.
I really hope it will be Kosach’s blood.
But it’s sure death.
In Europe, if one of the opponents can’t fight for some reason,
a friend takes their place.
A friend?
Do you think this Kadochnikov will risk his life for you?
No. I could hire someone.
Hire?
Chervinskys never hide behind anyone’s back.
It has never happened!
Maybe Kosach was telling the truth.
Look in my eyes!
Was it self-inflicted?
No!
I was wounded in action!
I can swear on anything.
My mother’s memory, the family honor.
So behave like a battle officer you are.
Take this.
Practice.
Galia, I’ve brought you some honey.
It’s fresh and fragrant.
It can cure any sickness.
This Katia is lucky.
The gentlemen are fighting over her.
Hovering above her like flies...
as if she were covered in honey.
Don’t think about them, darling.
I’ll kill anyone for you, do you hear?
Liar!
You are all alike.
Here. Take your honey.
You’re so sweet it makes me sick.
Whatever you say.
Maybe someone else likes my honey better.
Here, Darina, taste it.
What’s wrong with him?
Hey!
Give it back. It’s not for you.
You know what?
Katia has lost her mind.
-What? -Yes.
She doesn’t speak to anyone, and she refuses to eat.
She is looking at the wall and mumbling something all the time.
A prayer or an incantation, I don’t know.
I touched her shoulder, but it only made her rock harder.
Then she closed her eyes and kept whispering.
There is God in Heaven!
"I know for a fact that Grigoriy Chervinsky shot himself in the leg."
"Grisha, don’t be a sissy.
You will fight no matter what."
"You need to wash out the insult in blood."
Aliosha! Aliosha, please.
All right.
Set up the board.
-Do you think he’ll forgive you? -Hardly.
I don’t care, though.
I sent a petition to the military administration.
As an officer’s sister, they recommend you to join
the Kharkiv Institute for Noble Young Ladies.
You’ll need to sit for an exam,
but I think you can handle it.
Aliosha, I’m sorry.
For fighting with you, for being mean.
But you aren’t angry with me now?
You followed your heart. One can’t go against one’s own heart.
No, one can’t.
Sir, I’m ready. To the barrier!
All right.
Liddy...
I’m so angry with Kosach, so angry!
I’ve never been so angry in my life.
How could he?
Telling all those shameless lies about Grigoriy.
My dear, Aliosha is incapable of this.
What?
Liddy,
do you really think Grigoriy is a coward and a liar?
No. Of course not.
But there is no third option.
One of them is lying, lying knowingly.
I believe it’s Kosach.
His crazy love made him lose his mind.
There is no other explanation.
I believe Aleksey was deceived.
Who is this Reshetnikov character? Who knows him?
Maybe Grigoriy is right: he is a drunk and a crook.
I think they’ll catch him soon,
and he’ll quickly confess to maligning your Grigoriy.
Aleksey, simple soul as he is, believed him and decided to seek justice.
I am on edge, Liddy.
I’d feel much calmer in Chervinka with Grisha.
Why did he send me to Father?
My dear, you’re overthinking it.
Men have their reasons.
-Good evening, Grigoriy Petrovich. -Is Father in his study?
Bring us some brandy.
Piotr Ivanovich went to Nezhin.
He said he wouldn’t return before morning.
Goddamn it!
-Where should I bring the brandy? -Get out of here, idiot.
Goddamn it!
It’s all your fault! Goddamn you!
I could kill you right now!
Nothing of this would have happened if not for your stubbornness.
Why couldn’t you just say yes? Why?
Grigoriy Petrovich, I’m begging you.
Do anything you want with me.
I’ll say yes to anything. Do you hear? Anything.
Just... have mercy on him. Cancel the duel.
Nothing can be changed.
Nothing!
I can’t do anything.
I’ll have to go to this duel.
It means death!
And this sin will be on you.
No! Grigoriy Petrovich, have mercy!
He didn’t mean to hurt anyone.
He just wanted me to get the manumission. For me to be free!
Blame me, not him.
Pray!
Just pray.
If you care about your future, your career,
you should stay away from this family.
Aleksey is like a brother to me. I know him.
He is incapable of acting low and lying.
He is very good at making scenes, though. Imagine, at the wake!
Accusing a noble man of God knows what!
How certain are you about your son-in-law?
What if Aleksey was right? What shall we do then?
I don’t want to think about it. It can’t be true just because it can’t.
I wonder why Grigoriy Petrovich hasn’t challenged him yet.
He has.
There will be a duel.
How do you know?
I’m Kosach’s second.
Holy saints! Things are getting worse.
Seconds are punished by law, too.
What if someone finds out?
Your bosses, the governor?
What were you thinking?
Aleksey is my friend. I couldn’t say no.
With friends like this, you don’t need enemies.
How could you hide it from me? Tell me at once!
-Natalie. -Nicolas, there will be a duel!
Do you realize it?
Tell me! Where? When? Tell me!
Let’s go.
So that’s why Grig sent me to Father.
I’m going home to my husband. I’ll make him cancel the duel.
I’m afraid it’s impossible.
Kosach accused him of cowardice and desertion in public.
If he declined, it would mean he accepted the accusations.
It means disgrace.
So Grigoriy will have to do it.
What shall we do?
I’m going to Kosach!
Aleksey will listen to me.
He has to.
I doubt it.
Nicolas! He is blinded with his grudge or was misled. I don’t know.
If Aliosha ever loved me, he will give up.
Nicolas, let’s go right now.
Wait! You aren’t going to intrude someone else’s house at this time?
You’re right.
What shall we do, Nicholas?
I told Aleksey I’d pick him up at dawn.
As his second, I’m obliged to ask him again about reconciliation.
You know these questions are a formality.
All right. I’m coming with you.
"To whomever finds this note.
Please notify my family that no one should be blamed for my death.
I have made this decision independently, without any outside pressure."
Lord, You see everything.
Your love is perfect.
Take the life of your servant Aleksey
and do what I want so much to do but can’t.
"My reasons shouldn’t surprise anyone who knows me even slightly.
My honor is above all for me.
If there is no other way to defend my honor
and justice, so be it."
Save him from enemy’s bullet and any other misfortune.
Give him strength and patience to survive everything You send upon him.
Lord, You see me. You see how much I love him.
I won’t eat, drink, or say a word except for in prayer
just save him and protect him, Lord!
"Don’t cry for me.
I leave this world, having done my duty.
Goodbye, Aleksey Kosach."
"Dear sir, I have to ask you for an urgent meeting.
Believe me, you won’t regret it.
If you are still interested in a certain person,
bee at midnight at the old mill.
I hope you won’t let this letter fall into the wrong hands.
Thus, I request you to burn it immediately after reading. Grigoriy Chervinsky."
Good night, Aleksey Fiodorovich.
I’m glad you came. It was wise of you.
I’m listening.
As I said, I have a suggestion.
Please sit down.
The duel code forbids any contacts between the adversaries,
especially on the eve of the duel.
I thought you liked breaking the rules.
I offer you a deal.
You love Katerina,
Katerina loves you.
So, to hell with you two.
-What is this? -The deed of sale.
Yes. That same deed signed by my father.
All you need to do is accept it, and Katerina will be legally yours.
What do you want in return?
I want you to amend what you have done.
To apologize in public and state that your accusations were a mistake.
Thankfully, Reshetnikov is on the run,
so we can ascribe it to his drunken ravings.
So, you offer an exchange.
My love for your honor.
Yes.
Everything will be legal.
You can take her tomorrow if you want.
This is a very favorable offer.
But there are things that are more important than favors
or even love.
I mean honor.
I don’t trade my honor for anything.
Think about it.
You won’t have another chance.
All you have is words.
Empty, meaningless words.
You have something more than that.
The bullet stuck in your thigh.
Whose is it? Is it English or Russian?
Why don’t you tell me the name of the real hero
who was buried without his well-deserved awards because of you?
You don’t leave me any other option.
I still own Katerina.
I can do with her whatever I want.
You won’t dare to kill her.
No, of course not.
There are things worse than death, especially for a woman.
Bastard! You’ll let her go!
You’ll confess to everything, or I’ll kill you!
Swear!
Swear to me!
I swear.