[SNEEZES]
You can go.
[ENGINE SPUTTERING]
[ENGINE TURNS OVER]
WOMAN: This is Radio Uganda.
Today, November 7, 1972,
is the day the people of Uganda are witnessing
the end of one chapter in the history of this country
and the beginning of another.
Today the last of the Asians
who have been forced to leave the country
will have done so in order to pave the way
for the indigenous people of Uganda
to control the economy.
You give an interview on BBC
saying that Amin was evil.
Are you mad?
What about Kinnu?
What about Mina?
Do ever think of them?
What should I have done?
Remain silent?
That is the coward's way.
Don't talk to me about cowards.
That's what you are.
You're not leaving because you're scared to leave.
You are scared of leaving Uganda.
Why should I go?
Why should I go?!
Okelo, this is my home.
Not anymore, Jay.
Africa is for Africans...
Black Africans.
[ROOSTER CROWS]
I'll be leaving today.
[ROOSTER CROWS]
Thank God you're back.
Where did they take you?
Did they hurt you?
Speak to me, Jay.
Where's Okelo?
Gone home, I suppose.
JAY: Just can't think about the house-- What to pack.
Just want to go.
Where are we going, Papa?
Mina, go to sleep.
But sleep's not coming.
No one's going anywhere.
Now, go back to bed.
Beta...
We are leaving very soon.
Are we going where Masuma went?
Maybe.
She said there's snow there.
Will there be snow?
Yes.
Is Okelo Chachu coming with us?
No.
[PARROT SQUAWKS]
[CAR STARTS]
Bye...bye...
Bye...
Bye...bye.
MINA: When are we coming back home?
I don't know.
Papa?
Uh...
[STIFLES SOB]
Are you crying?
You said that big people don't cry.
Why do we have to go, Papa?
[DRUMS BEATING]
[CHANTING] Last day, last day, last day.
[DRUMS BEATING, CHILDREN SINGING]
Kinnu.
Okelo.
The car.
Asante sana.
Ah, Mina...
come.
Ah.
So...
Okay.
[BIRD SQUAWKING]
[COCKS RIFLE]
You!
Out of the bus.
You stay here.
Bring your bags.
What's in your bag?
Nothing.
Just clothes.
Open.
[SOLDIERS SPEAK IN SWAHILI]
What's this?
Music.
Show me.
[TURNS ON CASSETTE PLAYER]
[MUSIC CONTINUES TO PLAY]
[COCKS RIFLE]
[MUSIC CLICKS OFF]
You can go.
[ENGINE STARTS]
Mama?
Mina.
Farewell, Asians
Farewell, Bahindi
Farewell, farewell from our beautiful land
Thanks be to our good general, Idi Amin
For bringing wealth
Back to our native land...
MAN: Okay, okay.
Your boarding passes...Go.
My bag.
Jaymini!
WOMAN: East African Airways
announces the departure of flight EC786 to London.
Passengers holding final boarding passes
are requested to proceed to the aircraft immediately.
Thank you.
Mama, pee is coming.
Not now, Mina. We leave soon.
It's coming too badly, Papa.
You can't do it here. Now wait.
I did it.
Last call for East African Airways
flight EC786 to London.
Passengers are requested to proceed
to the aircraft immediately.
Thank you.
[PRAYING]
[AFRICAN MUSIC PLAYING]
[BLUES MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: We need a packer on checkout three.
Packer on checkout three.
Spill on aisle five.
Mina?
Mina.
Aren't we late?
I thought you wanted milk for the wedding.
Is this enough?
Good afternoon.
Afternoon.
25 gallons of milk, ten buttermilk.
Holy cow.
You opening a dairy?
I was just trying to be friendly.
[ENGINE STARTS]
Why are you going so fast?
I'll get a ticket if I go any slower.
Drive slowly, Mina.
[SPEAKING DIALECT]
You want to drive?
[SCREAMS]
WOMAN: Oh, look, there's an accident.
MAN: It's going to be all over town tomorrow.
Damn it! Didn't you see me?
Hold on, hold on. I saw you.
Where in the hell did you get a driving license, boy,
Sears and Roebuck?!
Hold on, you just stopped in the middle of the road.
This woman ran into me...
OFFICER: All right, what's going on here?
My truck stalled...
No, your truck stopped in the middle of the road...
You tailgated right on my ass...
Keep your voice down.
Your license.
Does anybody here need a ride?
I'm not finished here.
Is it against the law for my truck to stall?
It's against the law for your truck...
Yeah, if you weren't barreling ass...
What is he talking about?
Get back in your vehicle.
Tore up my van.
[KICKS VAN]
You're going to need that black guy's name
for the insurance.
I told you to drive slowly.
Didn't I tell you to drive slowly?
I'm really sorry.
I think I need your name and address
for the insurance.
You all right?
Yeah.
Here's mine.
Thanks.
All right.
DRIVER: I'm telling you, it's not my fault.
I ain't finished with you yet, young lady.
JAY: "Honorable sirs, this is in reference
"to my lawsuit #2089
"filed in the high court at Kampala
"dated 30 December 1985 for restoration of my property.
"I was born in Uganda, and Uganda has been my home--
"My country, to which I had the utmost loyalty
"and love until I was forcibly and illegally expelled
by General Idi Amin."
Suing the mad government of a mad country.
It's going to drive you mad.
For five years they haven't replied,
but you carry on like a stock report.
Kinnu, it's a new regime.
I know it's a new regime.
So what?
Every year it's new, but nothing...
Mina had an accident.
What happened, Beta?
What did you do to my car?!
What did you do to my car, Mina?!
Was anyone hurt?
No one was hurt.
How did it happen?
JAY: Thank God nobody was hurt, Anil.
What happened has happened.
No use crying over spilt milk.
Who is going to pay for this?
Does money grow on trees over here?
Maybe in your fertile Uganda
it used to grow on trees, but not here.
Can't feed his own family and giving me lectures
about spilt milk.
My father can feed us just fine, you wanker.
What did you call me?
Shut your mouth.
Why should I shut my mouth?
Hey, my man.
Need my money.
40 bucks.
You're going to need this for the insurance.
ANIL: See, Napkin, last week
I even got Chanda's name on the license plate.
Anilbhai, stop thinking of the car.
Pontiacbhai, from whose pocket is this all going to come?
Thank you very much.
Bye-bye.
You have other problems.
What?
In this country
all they know is how to sue.
You get me?
You know about whiplash?
He'll say, "When she hit my car
"my neck got a jhatka
"and my spine is damaged forever.
And so, I am suing you for just $1 million."
Then what will you do?
Hey, Pontiac, stop scaring him.
Anil, give me that fellow's card.
[LAUGHING]
"Your dirt is our bread and butter."
This fellow cleans my carpets.
Mine, too. So what?
So, I'll fix it.
Don't worry.
Napkin, you speak to him, huh, please?
Tomorrow.
Now smile.
I want to see you smile.
It's your wedding day, man.
Come on. Enjoy.
Okay?
Hm?
Mm, beautiful.
Must you check, Kinnu?
It's not Mina's wedding after all.
[SPEAKING DIALECT]
I knew it.
Go change your slippers.
Why? Is he going to check out my feet also?
Mina.
Face it, Ma.
You got a darky daughter.
Harry's mother doesn't like darkies.
Who needs Harry Hero types
in our family, huh, Kinnu?
You want your daughter to be
a 30-year-old spinster running a liquor store?
Why not? We can have a chain.
Go change your slippers.
The things I do for you, Ma.
Really, Jay.
You never say anything to her.
You forget she's a girl.
Can girls behave the way she does?
Spoil her, spoil her.
And when she spits on our head
it will be your responsibility.
Kinnu...
the accident wasn't her fault.
The brothers get high
Sit and watch their lives Just flash on by
Juvenile Basically still a child
Selling jumbos and messing with dumbos
Who do they sell to?
They call rock stars
Not the kind with mics
They sing in a base pipe
Dex, tell us what happened.
We was in this big room filled with computers and shit.
So I go on over to check them out, you know,
start fooling around with them.
Start typing "Kill the crackers."
Oh, man.
And all this other stuff, right.
And then I couldn't erase it.
D-Money nearly benched me.
I think you messed up, man.
Who's that, man?
What the hell?
There's big brother.
You better haul ass, man.
Okay, y'all, peace.
Dex messed up his brother's shit, man.
Hey, D-Money.
Why I always got to come get you, Dex?
Why I always got to come get you off the street corner, man?
You know Daddy wants you home at a certain time--
maybe fix him something to eat before he get off work.
You can't do that, can you?
That's why I don't take you on the job with me no more, boy.
I can't depend on you. I was getting ready to go now.
Did you go by the employment office?
Yeah. And?
I went down there, they tell me I'm coming in there too much.
Tell me veterans come first.
Those crackers down there--
They always got some excuse to...
That's what I'm talking about, see, you always got some excuse.
You always got some excuse.
You can stand out here with these crackheads,
but when it comes to getting a job
you got some excuse, don't you?
You can wear these big-ass...
Hey!
[R&B PIANO INTRO]
Well, I went To Caledonia's party
Can I get something for y'all?
Everybody got high as a kite
Elder Brown got loaded
Gentlemen, did you ring?
Started a big, big fight
Sweet Lorraine, she got there early
And she brought Mary Jo
Anything else I can get for you, sir?
They had the party rockin', Dancing on the floor
Ma'am?
Could you put our bread in a doggy bag, please?
Certainly, ma'am.
I'll go inside and wait for my father.
All right, Demetrius, take care.
All right.
That's Grace's son.
You know, Mrs. Sanders Grace.
Oh.
He's the good one. Oh.
We helped him start his own business.
Clancy, bless his heart, he spoke to the bank.
You know how they are with the references and all.
Sorry I'm late, Dad.
Don't make no difference.
I thought those two
was never going to get up and leave.
Sat there all night and forgot to leave a tip.
I don't know why you're so stubborn--
Working for them slave wages.
What you want me to do-- Sit at home and catch flies?
What you know about slave wages anyway?
Guess who called me tonight.
Who?
Alicia.
Oh, yeah?
Sure was good to hear her voice again.
I invited her to stop by on Sunday.
Oh, Daddy, what you do that for?
What happened between you and her
is your business,
but she always been a part of this family.
She always will be so long as I'm alive.
Yes, sir.
[SINGING IN DIALECT]
Pow, pow, pow, bang!
Hi, Mina.
Hi, Harry.
How you doing? Fine.
That's the mother-- Owns a liquor shop.
Can you imagine?
The father has a complete screw loose--
Spends all his time suing the government of Uganda
for his property.
The mother has her eyes on Harry.
But we are trying to get Harry for our Namita.
You think this one has a chance?
You can be dark and have money
or you can be fair and have no money,
but you can't be dark and have no money
and expect to get Harry Patel.
Don't worry.
Brothers, sisters, and friends,
on this happy occasion
of my only son's wedding reception,
I would like to say a few words.
PONTIAC: Hear, hear!
Three cheers for Anil.
Hip-hip...
[SCOLDING]
Sit down!
Thank you.
Thank you, but what I wish to say
is most serious,
and that is
even though we are 10,000 miles
away from India,
we should not forget our roots, our culture, our tradition,
and our gods.
So, please, join me in singing a prayer.
[CLEARS THROAT]
[SINGING]
[ALL SINGING]
Behave yourself.
Wake up now.
Everyone's singing.
[SINGING]
Want to go out when all this is over?
Okay.
Let me tell my mother.
Then I have to get out of these clothes.
Ma?
Harry's asked me to go out.
They're going out.
MAN: You wouldn't believe
all the racket they're making.
It's 10:00 and my customers are complaining,
so you better come right on over.
Send them back to the reservation.
That's what I'll say.
How many times do I have to tell you?
They're not that kind of Indians.
This place?
It's the only place open in your little town.
Want to give it a shot?
Sure.
[LOUD MUSIC PLAYING]
[CAR ALARM CHIRPS]
Congratulations
I want to sing your song
Go on
Go on, baby, go on
Bringing me down Bringing me up
Go on, girl.
Bringing me all around
Girl You're nothing but trouble
Trouble...
Excuse me.
Two beers, please.
Michelob.
Breaking up is hard to do
Can't get used to losing you
I need you
Oh, yes
Coming through
Congratulations
Cheers.
Tadice!
Hi, girl. What are you doing here?
Just hanging out.
Uh, Harry, Tadice.
Tadice, Harry.
We used to work together in the motel.
"You needing room?"
Never mind us.
Want to dance?
Me?
Can't shake it loose
I just won't smile without you
Can't those boys just see that you're mine?
You see, I love you
And say she's mine
Congratulations
It's the same old song
Hi.
Hey, how you doing?
We met this afternoon-- The accident.
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
How's your van?
All right, all right.
And the car's all right?
Not really. Yeah.
Excuse me.
ALICIA: What's up, Rabbit?
DJ: Back from the city of Jackson,
let's welcome home our very own Alicia LeShay.
[WHISTLING AND APPLAUSE]
We saw your face in the magazine,
and all of us homeboys and homegirls--
we're proud of you, sugar.
Sylvester Artiste III, record producer.
How you doing?
Hey, with this lady by my side, I feel like a king.
Rabbit and me used to be the talk of the town.
You seen my advertisement?
Yeah.
Now I'm going to cut a record.
And you?
Huh? Yeah, I'm doing all right.
We got some new machines,
and you know, we're doing some work
with deep shags now, so everything's going all right,
as a matter of fact--
Ooh, Rashida!
Girl! How you doing? You look fabulous.
Like to dance?
Baby, I still love you
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Oh
Oh, baby
I still love you, baby
And I was so wrong, baby
Can we kiss and make up, girl?
I miss you so bad
I miss you
Mina, I'm leaving.
Oh, come on, Mina.
You can't leave already.
D-Money will take you home.
Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah.
Where you staying?
At the Monte Cristo off the 82.
You sure you want to leave?
Yes.
I'll stay if you don't mind, huh?
I'm sorry, baby
You were the only one
My number one, my number one
I need you to hold me, baby
Hold me
Like you used to, baby
It wasn't what it was baby
ARTISTE: When you get involved, girl,
you got to go to all these places.
My baby left me For the ton of joy
Oh, Tyrone, this here's, uh...
Mina.
Mina, Mina, Mina.
Oh!
Are you from around here?
Yeah.
You Mexican?
No.
I used to live in L.A. there's plenty of Mexicans there
as pretty as you.
I'm...Indian.
[LAUGHING]
Oh, come on, now.
You ain't no Indian.
Yes, I am.
What's a girl like you doing in Mississippi?
Punishing yourself?
You about ready to go?
No, listen, she just got here.
Why don't you stay, and I'll take you home?
I'll see you in the morning, Tyrone.
Come on.
What?
So you clean carpets?
Uh, yeah.
Yeah, got my own business.
Motels?
Motels, offices, homes.
Indian motels?
Yeah, some.
Mostly they clean their own carpets, though.
Yeah, I know.
That's where I live--
In a motel.
Work there, too.
Look, let me give you one of my cards here.
You might want to, uh...
You already gave me one.
I did?
This morning?
The accident?
Oh, yeah. Okay.
Yeah.
I'll walk you in.
I'll be fine. Really.
You sure?
Mm-hm.
All right.
Oh, listen, I didn't mean
to butt in on your man.
He's not my man.
Well, uh, maybe I'll give you a call sometime.
[FLY BUZZING]
Listen to me.
JAY: Okay, okay.
If you don't spend, how will money come in?
There must be cross-ventilation.
PONTIAC: Jaybhai, if money is not important,
then why are you wasting your time
suing the government of Uganda for your property?
Money comes...
Money goes.
Right, Pontiac?
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[KISSES SCREEN]
Meet our Jaybhai.
In Uganda, he was a champion defender of blacks,
but the same blacks kicked him out.
Right, Jaybhai?
Cruelty has no color.
Principles, Pontiac.
Principles.
Jaybhai!
Hey, Jaybhai, who are you phoning?
Hm?
Kampala.
To tell the person who is living in my house
to get out.
Had a good time?
Ma.
Where did you go?
Dancing.
I keep telling you,
"Go out more.
Meet people."
You should have seen his mother's face
when you left.
Are you going out again?
Did he say anything?
Ma?
Hm?
What happened with Okelo and Papa?
How did that come into your head?
I mean...
why doesn't Papa ever write to him
or talk about him?
Is Harry Patel a good dancer?
Yeah.
Like him?
No.
It doesn't happen in a day, you know.
Happened with Pa and you.
With this attitude,
you'll never find anyone.
You mean to tell me that Indian was ripe for plucking
and you ain't do nothing?
She did look pretty good, though.
T-Bone, what you think? That all a man got on his mind
is just getting in a woman's pants?
That ain't all he's got on his mind.
See, you got Alicia on your mind.
That woman don't want you no more.
She got a jheri-curl head, weird wig-wearing boy from Jackson.
Sylvester Artiste III, record producer.
You need a jheri curl, boy.
You going to make me late again?
Pa, she ain't going nowhere.
Morning, Tyrone. Hey, Pop. How you doing?
[CHANTING]
Oh, Lord, grant peace to every living creature
under the sun.
[CHANTING]
[CHANTING SOFTLY]
[HUMMING]
Hi, fellows.
I want you to try something special.
[CHUCKLING]
Relax. Sit down.
Your people are very good at sports, no?
Hm?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Freddy Brown from downtown,
Hector "Macho Man"
Camacho.
No, Macho ain't black, though.
No, Macho's Puerto Rican.
Black, brown, yellow, Mexican, Puerto Rican--
All the same.
As long as you're not white means you are colored.
Isn't that so?
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess.
Hey, Demetrius,
a girl had an accident with your van yesterday, correct?
Uh-huh.
But no damage was done
to your person or to your van. Correct?
That's right.
Thank God.
You know, the person whose car she was driving
is my very good friend.
Also Indian. You get me?
No.
He is worried
because in this country, people are suing all the time.
Oh!
[KNOWING LAUGH]
I got you now.
Yeah, this is good tea.
[CHUCKLING]
I didn't mean to laugh.
You tell your friend he ain't got nothing to worry about.
I told him.
I told him not to worry.
You are a good man.
All us people of color must stick together.
That's right.
Because you and your brothers done all right by us,
and me and my brothers,
we going to do sho' nuff all right by y'all.
United we stand, divided we fall.
That's right.
Right on, brother.
Power to the people.
What a brother.
Power to the people.
Anil! I spoke to him!
It's all okay.
[VACUUM RUNNING]
[PHONE RINGING]
All right.
Hello?
MINA: Is that Demetrius?
Yes, ma'am, who is this?
Mina.
Oh, Mina. Hey.
What's up?
I-- I just wanted to say, um, thanks.
You know, the other night?
Thanks for dropping me home.
And...
Yeah, okay, um, bye.
Wait a minute. Hold on now. Relax.
Relax. Wait a minute.
I ain't going to sue.
What?
Hello?
Yeah, I'm here.
Look, uh, what you doing Sunday afternoon?
Sunday...
Nothing much.
Well, would you like to come over to my house and have dinner
with me and my family?
I'd love to.
Mina...
My father always used to say,
"They can take everything from you,
but they can't ever take away your education."
Papa, please.
Mina,
you are too intelligent to waste your life
cleaning bathrooms.
It makes me feel I failed you as a father.
Look, Pa, there's nothing wrong with cleaning bathrooms.
When you win your case
and you get your money,
I'll think about college.
Okay?
Oh, what a big surprise
A real angel right here Before my own eyes
[HARMONICA MUSIC]
Yes, with those Beautiful dimples
And that cute little smile
Make you look like a piece of Lord-have-mercy
Wrapped up In a piece of save-me-Jesus
[HARMONICA RIFF]
[BELLS JINGLING]
What's up, Jay?
Hey, Skillet.
How's the lawsuit?
Those niggers paid up yet?
[CHUCKLES]
How are you?
Oh, so long as I can see those dimples once a day
I am doing just fine.
Go on now.
Go drink your beer.
See you, Skillet.
Bye.
Jaymini, Anil phoned me again.
Same old complaint.
We must talk to Mina.
She's so rude to him all the time
And I owe him so much money still.
What?
JAY: Where did this come from?
It's always been here.
WOMAN: Okelo! Jay!
Come up now.
I'm going to beat you up.
DEMETRIUS: How long you been in Mississippi?
Three years.
And before that, India?
No.
Before that I was in England,
and before that I was in Africa.
Yeah? Yeah.
I've never been to India.
Never been to India? No.
You're kidding.
No, I'm not.
I'm a mix masala.
"Mix masala," huh?
What's that?
One of them-- Like a religious thing?
[LAUGHS]
What?
It's a bunch of...hot spices.
Oh.
You hot and spicy, huh?
[MAKES SIZZLING SOUND]
DEMETRIUS: Yeah, mix masala.
That's what I'm going to call you.
I told you.
It's the Mexican... I mean that Indian girl.
Oh, damn.
DEMETRIUS: Uh, everybody, this is Mina.
She's from England
and India and Africa...
Anywhere else you from?
I'm his father, Williben.
Nice to meet you.
Come on and meet the family.
Go on.
Dexter, you turn that chicken over?
Yeah, Money.
This is my sister Rose.
Mina.
Hello.
She tough. Watch out for her.
Oh, don't pay him any mind.
This is Dexter, my younger son.
Hi.
You from Africa?
I was born there, and...
Ooh.
Tyrone.
You remember me.
OLD MAN: Bring out the food.
It's coming, Granddaddy.
Bring out the food.
[LOUDER] It's coming!
We waiting on Alicia.
Well, if I say I'm going to dinner
for someone's birthday, I'd be sure to be there on time.
Alicia's a busy woman, Aunt Roe.
She's moving up in the world.
I never did like that girl.
Anybody change their name to LeShay...
You got a mean old mouth.
I just say the truth like I see it.
GRANDDADDY: Where's the food?
While the others
was blowing their money up their noses,
Eddie had his head on his shoulders.
Eddie Murphy he's talking about.
That's why I ain't going back to L.A. just right now.
I'm just biding my time down here in Greenwood
till I learn how to handle success.
You understand what I'm saying?
Yeah, I'm hanging around here, too, you know,
till I get myself situated...
I think I'll go see if they need help
in the kitchen.
You need any help with that help?
Because I'm right here. Yeah.
Man, just looking at her
make me break into a sweat.
Well, don't sweat all over the chicken.
I can't wait to see Alicia's face
when she see her.
Maybe when Alicia come back to you,
you can pass Mina on to me.
Like she a bag of groceries or something?
D-Money you so righteous, you should have been a preacher.
I tell you what,though, maybe you should go out with Alicia.
I tell you something, I already been out with Alicia.
He is about the nicest man a girl could ever ask for.
We're just friends.
Did I say any different?
You know, he was all set to go to Jackson State,
but his mama died.
He didn't want to leave his daddy alone
because that's the kind of boy he is.
Now, I made a vow to Grace
that I would look after her boy.
I've been like a mother to him ever since.
Doing so well now with his own business and all
makes me right proud of him.
It's not easy, you know.
Sometimes, no matter how hard you work,
things have a way of going wrong.
That's when you got to know
how to make them right again, you know what I mean?
Lord, bless this gathering
and remember our dear departed Grace.
ALL: Amen.
Let's eat.
Granddaddy.
Did you say you were from Indianola?
No, India.
You have to yell.
[LOUDER] India.
Indiana?
[LOUDER] India.
[LAUGHING]
Where are the biscuits?
What's Africa like?
It's not like Shaka Zulu, is it?
In some places.
You know, they've got cities, too.
We used to live in Kampala.
Isn't that where Idi Amin is from?
Mm-hm.
Hush with all the questions.
Let the girl eat her food.
I'm going to Africa one day
to see Nelson Mandela.
Then I can say I saw somebody for sure.
Who's going to pay for the ticket-- Welfare?
Young lady,
tell me.
How come they got
Indians in Africa?
The British brought them there to build a railway.
Like slaves?
I guess.
That's how my grandfather came.
Then the railway was finished
and he stayed on.
DEXTER: How come you left?
Dexter, let her eat her food.
Just asking a question.
DEMETRIUS: Just let her eat her food.
I'm only asking her how come she left.
There's nothing wrong with asking why she left.
Just let her eat.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Daddy
Happy birthday to you
Hey, hey.
Help me blow it out.
GRANDDADDY: I used to know
someone in Indianola.
Well, she don't know that person because she's from India.
What did you get, Uncle Williben?
That's from all of us, Dad.
For when I retire, huh?
And the sooner the better.
Ruining your health for that old Miss Morgan
who don't even say hello to me
when she pass me on the street.
Happy birthday.
Well, Mina's got to go,
so we're going to head on out.
Thank you.
Happy birthday.
All right, come see us again, hear?
Aunt Rose...
Good to see you.
Thanks for coming.
Granddaddy.
And you be a good girl.
Come here. Come here.
If I go to India and get me one of them Aladdin lamps,
rub it real good,
you think I can get a genie like you?
I don't know.
I've never been to India.
You just like us.
We from Africa
but we never been there either.
Happy birthday
Dearest Pa...
Alicia!
Happy birthday.
Ooh.
Hey, Rabbit.
Who's she calling Rabbit?
And who is this?
Hi, I'm Mina.
I'm Demetrius.
See y'all.
You ever been to the bayou?
DEMETRIUS: Nice, right?
MINA: It's beautiful.
My mother used to say
that she could never step in the same river twice.
What's that supposed to mean?
I don't know.
[BOTH LAUGH]
You had a good time today?
Yeah.
Family didn't ask too many questions?
No. Your family's great.
There's really a feeling of home there.
Yeah.
What about your folks?
It's just my dad and my mom and me.
I like your ring there.
What is it?
My mother gave it to me.
Yeah?
It's a cooling stone from India.
Cooling stone?
For peace of mind.
You think I'm trying to hit on you?
Hm?
Are you?
Yeah.
You mind if I kiss you?
Mind if I kiss you again?
You're sweet, you know that?
[INDIAN ACCENT] All of us people of color
must stick together, you know.
Come on.
Hello. Hello.
Good evening. Monte Cristo. May I help you?
Good morning. Yes.
Monte Cristo.
May I help you?
Ah! Come on, Bear.
Good evening.
Monte Cristo.
Monte Cristo, may I help you?
You are looking very happy today.
I'm always happy, Pops.
Hm? But today there is something extra.
Look into my eyes.
Hm. You can fool everyone, but cannot fool Jammubhai.
Hello.
Tired, no?
Oh, yeah. Hm.
How many times?
Chinese don't do no hanky-panky.
Okay, sayonara.
Hello. May I help you?
Room, hm?
Do you have any hourly rates?
Yes, sir.
One hour, two hour, full night.
Our motto is "Customer always comes first."
So, what's your hourly rate?
12 point 50, sir.
Evening, ma'am.
[WHISPERING] I couldn't wait till tomorrow.
I had to see you tonight.
You want a room?
Uh, yes, ma'am.
Rama Inn's only 9.99.
Go to Rama Inn.
They have dirty sheets.
...to enjoy each other's company.
JAMMUBHAI: Don't waste my time.
You want the room or not?
How do you spell your name?
Biloxi. Mr. Biloxi.
[WHISPERING] Can you come with me to Biloxi?
Please, can you come?
[PLEADING] Please? Please?
I'm sorry.
We can't go cheaper than that.
I see.
Enjoy.
Thank you.
Hello, Mr. Biloxi.
Hi.
You're needing room?
Uh, no, no.
Your rates are too high.
Thank you for your help.
These days it's like disease.
Everybody asking for discount.
I'm going on my rounds.
Good night.
What are you doing? It's paining.
Chanda.
[GRUNTS]
TV: I'd like to help everybody in America--
I'd like to help the average person sitting at home,
sitting in this audience.
You all have dreams,
but you're maybe afraid to go for those dreams...
Mina?
How are you?
What you mean, how are you?
You know who this is?
Of course.
Well, I was just thinking about you--
thought I'd give you a call.
Kind of wishing you were here with me.
I was thinking the same, wanting to be with you.
What you got on?
You in your pajamas?
T-shirt.
Yeah, me, too.
Guess we got a lot in common, huh?
[LAUGHS]
Mm. So, uh... you thought about what I said
as far as going with me to Biloxi?
You know I'm...I'm going to try.
Yeah?
Mm-hm.
Demetrius.
Yeah?
Can I ask you something?
Yeah. Anything, baby.
Are you seeing me to make Alicia...
JAMMUBHAI: Mina! iAndale!
I got to go.
What's up?
Bye.
I can put as many people in this room as I want
because I paid for the room, and so that makes it mine.
Get out at once.
What are you going to do if I don't?
You are underage. Underage!
I can call the police. You just get out.
Underage.
You son of a bitch!
First-class job they did, yeah?
Looks brand new again.
First-class money they charged also.
We must test it.
Go for a spin.
Uh, want to visit Pontiac's new motel?
What do you say?
Pontiac's motel--
Pontiac's car.
Thank you, sweetheart.
Papa?
There's a letter from Uganda here for you.
What's it say?
Nothing important.
Papa?
Hm?
Nitu's inviting me to go to the beach with her.
Think I could go?
When will you be back?
Tomorrow.
Yeah, okay, go.
Just be back in time for your birthday.
"Dear Mr. Loha,
"we are in receipt of your six letters of inquiry
"regarding your claim to Ugandan citizenship
"and compensation for your past assets.
"This is to inform you that the court of Uganda
"will hear your petition on September 23, 1990,
and your presence in Kampala is required."
Hi.
Hey.
Want me to carry this for you?
Sure.
So, how you doing?
Good. Yeah?
Yeah.
Had a good trip?
Very good.
You know, I don't do this every day.
What? You think like I do it all the time or something?
How would I know?
Good question.
[WOLF WHISTLE]
I think you got the wrong idea about me.
My name's Demetrius, not Tyrone.
You're right.
We're right over here.
You know, I had to tell my parents
that I was going to see Nitu.
Nitu?
Oh, and I'm Nitu?
Yep.
[LAUGHING]
Nitu.
Me too.
Thank you.
[BELLS JINGLING]
[DOOR CLOSES]
From where to where we have come, Kinnu.
No point thinking like that.
Here's to your lawsuit.
To Liquor Legger.
Cheers.
Your Aunt Rose was telling me
why you didn't leave Mississippi.
Yeah? What did she say?
She said you stayed on to look after your father.
Huh! Yeah, I guess.
Is that true?
Hm. I ain't no saint.
I mean, we got a good business.
Ain't no reason to leave.
This is the new Mississippi.
I like it here.
It's not where I live.
You know how many people come to our motel
and they look at us, and they say,
"Not another goddamn Indian!"
Makes me so mad.
Yeah?
Well, Miss Masala, racism--
Or as they say nowadays, tradition--
is passed down like recipes.
Now, the trick is you got to know what to eat
and what to leave on your plate.
Hm.
Yeah.
Otherwise, you'll be mad forever.
And you'll never eat.
[LAUGHING] Yeah, and you'll never eat.
That's right.
[LAUGHING]
[SCREAMING]
DEMETRIUS: The world looks good from up here.
I say we travel together.
What do you say?
I say yes.
Yes!
We go to Jamaica.
We go to Japan.
We go to...Africa!
We go to...Columbia!
We go to...Madagascar!
And then we go to India!
Reunion Island!
Where's that?
[BOTH LAUGHING]
There's Mina.
Where?
There.
I just saw her with that carpet cleaner.
What rubbish you're talking. You had too much to drink.
So I'm lying, huh?
Mina is in Greenwood.
So I am mad-- Seeing things which are not there?
Shut up.
Come on, man, smile.
We are here on holiday.
Play.
[AFRICAN SONG PLAYING]
Demetrius.
Demetrius?
Hm?
Wish me a happy birthday.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Mina
Happy birth...
...day...
To...
You
TV: General Idi Amin spoke of a dream he had
that Asians must be expelled from Uganda immediately.
Asians came to Uganda to build the railway.
The railway is finished. They must leave now.
I give them 90 days to pack off and go.
Asians have milked the cow but not fed it.
Africans are poor.
Asians are rich.
God knows what will happen now.
They have refused to allow their daughters
to marry Africans.
They have been here 70 years...
JAY: The man is a madman.
OKELO: No one gives a damn what passport you have
or how many African clans you have defended agains Asians.
Take it seriously, Jay.
Have you forgotten that I'm Ugandan?
I know you were born here.
KINNU: Do what you want, Jay,
but I'm taking Mina and leaving.
JAY: Uganda is our home, and we are going to stay here!
Hey, what's this?
Huh?
Birthday girls don't cry like this.
But you didn't even sing "Happy Birthday."
Okay. I'll sing.
Happy birthday to you
[SINGING VOICES ECHO] Happy birthday to you
CHILDREN: Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Mina
Happy birthday to you
Oh.
Hey.
It's all right.
It's okay.
You were just dreaming.
You all right?
Yeah.
Hey.
It's so good to wake up next to you.
Anil! Huh?
Come here.
What?
What?!
Didn't I tell you yesterday
I saw that carpet-cleaning kallu with Mina?
That's his van.
NAPKIN: No, it is not.
What are you trying to say, Pontiac?
We've come here to have fun.
He is insulting my family honor here.
Anil!
[KNOCKING ON DOOR]
[KNOCKING CONTINUES]
Hold on.
[LOUDER KNOCKING]
All right.
One minute, one minute.
Yeah?
ANIL: Mina?
Who do you think you're fooling over here?
I'm warning you.
You...listen, you.
Leave our women alone.
Oh!
Oh, God!
My nose, Napkin!
Go. Get some help.
Get police!
Help!
Help, please!
Help!
Oh...help.
Help, someone.
Please.
Here.
Come. Come. Come.
Come, please.
No!
Demetrius, stop!
What the hell's going on in here?
That man is trying to kill us.
What?!
What right do you have...
Shut your mouth or I'll book you for whoring!
You leave me alone, you motherfucking asshole.
COP: Let's go!
Not now.
We'll talk later.
What is wrong with you, man?
Bringing her down here to Biloxi.
You done lost your mind or something?
D-Money, you better leave them fucking foreigners alone, boy.
They ain't nothing but trouble.
"United we stand, divided we fall."
Ain't that a bitch?
Yeah, but if you fall in bed with one of their daughters,
your ass is going to swing.
And what about me?
What about me?
I've never asked you for anything,
never expected anything!
I'm 24 years old, and I'm still here!
Stuck here!
You think I'm happy?
I love him.
That's not a crime, is it?
You call this love?
When all you've done
is bring such shame on our heads?
I didn't do anything!
They barged in!
JAY: Don't answer back!
Have the decency at least to be sorry.
I am sorry about this mess,
but I'm not sorry I'm in love with him.
KINNU: Who is he?
What do you know about him?
What about his family?
This is America, Ma.
No one cares!
We care.
Your father and I.
You are our only child.
If we don't care...
who will?
Do you know what she told her mother?
Just wait.
I'm telling you.
"I love him.
That's not a crime."
Yeah.
Can you imagine dumping Harry Patel
for a black?
I'm sending my Namita to India as soon as possible.
They get ideas from each other
and then it spreads like a disease.
Can I speak to Mina?
There is no Mina.
She not here.
Are y'all having nigger trouble?
[LAUGHING]
[PHONE RINGS]
I guess I better call Bob at the bank.
After all, we did help him get his loan, you know?
There's nothing I can do.
I've already hired someone else.
You let down your family, your community,
your entire race.
Oh, and I don't see no shortage of black women around Greenwood.
The Chamber of Commerce needs responsible people,
and you're not exactly appropriate.
What's wrong with you, boy?
Don't you know the rules?
Daddy, I didn't do nothing wrong.
Mr. Morgan helped you get that loan
to start up this business.
How am I going to show my face around them after this?
Your Mr. Morgan--
He didn't give his own money.
All he done was recommend Demetrius to the bank.
All you and the rest of them want
is that he should know his place and stay in it.
But the days of slavery-- They over, Williben.
Yeah, boy! Hush!
Where you going?
To the barber shop.
I ain't through with you yet!
I got a meeting with the bank manager in the morning.
I know you don't want me to go down there with a nappy head,
do you?
I'm with you, brother.
You should just leave, you know.
No use trying to make a living in this dump.
Dexter, when I need your advice, I'll ask for it.
Hey, don't talk to me like that, D-Money.
I'm on your side.
You know what they say to me?
They say, "Your brother deserved what happened.
"Your brother think he large now.
Your brother thought he got himself a white chick."
But they're just a bunch of insane to the brains.
What do they know?
Go on home.
Money is the root of all evil.
You give me the root, I'll take the evil.
[LAUGHTER]
Demetrius, you're next.
What's happening, man?
Hey, you got it.
No, you got it.
Lisa Bonet in tomorrow.
I hear what happened.
You know, we're just as bad as everybody else.
Black folks don't like to see other black folks do good.
I tell them that you worked hard to get where you are.
They don't want to hear that.
They just sit back on their butts
and wait to see if you fall on your face.
And if you do, they're just as happy.
Hey, D-Money,
can you, uh, come by and clean my carpets tomorrow?
[LAUGHING]
Character, credit, collateral, capital, and...
[CLEARS THROAT]
Yes, sir, but business is a little slow right now,
but we've been regular with our payments
coming up on two years--
May I finish?
It appears that for whatever reason
you've lost most of your local clients.
We need full repayment of your dues
by the first of next month.
Failing that,
we're going to have to repossess your van.
Boys, let me tell you something.
In my life, I've worked hard for what I've got.
I want to see you work hard for what you get, too.
"Character, capital, collateral..."
Color-- That's the one they left out.
I give up, D-Money. I'm going back to L.A.
What?
Yeah, that's right, man.
I ain't staying down here no more, man.
So you're going to run away, too, huh?
Just like Alicia.
It ain't worth it, D-Money.
I don't need this shit!
I waited a long time to be famous.
If that don't work,
I'll drive transit buses in L.A. till the time's right.
[TOILET FLUSHING]
Room?
I'd like to see Mina, please.
Wait.
One minute.
Hello.
Jaybhai.
Okay.
Wait.
You want to see me?
No. I asked to speak to Mina.
Come with me.
You've caused enough trouble.
Sir? What do you want from us now?
I'm Mina's father.
I'm Demetrius Williams.
Glad to make your acquaintance.
I know who you are.
Then you know I'm here to see Mina.
That will not be possible.
All right. Then I'm glad to have the opportunity
to talk with you, sir.
I'm sorry, but we have nothing to discuss.
No, I think we do.
I believe we do,
being that you done about ruined my reputation
and my business. I think I'm entitled to an answer,
don't you?
Ah...
I see.
So you think I ain't good enough for your daughter, is that it?
No, that's not it.
Mina is free to love anyone.
To live as she chooses, I respect her freedom,
but that does not absolve me
of my responsibility as a father.
No disrespect to you, sir,
but she's a grown woman
and we care for each other very much.
I think that's all there is to it.
You know, once I was like both of you.
I thought I could change the world, be different,
but the world is not so quick to change.
Mina is my only child.
I don't want her to go through the same struggle as I did.
Struggle? Look, I'm a black man born and raised in Mississippi.
Ain't a damn thing you can tell me about struggle.
What do you know about my--
No, I know.
I know you and your folks, can come here from God-knows-where
and be as black as the Ace of Spades
and as soon as you get here you start acting white,
treating us like we're your doormats.
I know that you and your daughter
ain't but a few shades from this right here.
That I know.
[SINGING]
Your last night in Uganda.
To Uganda.
Cheers.
To Uganda. You have been so good to us until this madman came.
Yeah, we created the madman.
We buggers in Uganda.
Most people are born with five senses.
We are left with only one--
The sense of property.
But you see--
If I release him, they'll get my neck.
Well, what I'm trying to tell you is--
He gave an interview, this brother of yours,
on BBC for the world to hear.
Well--
That Amin was evil.
[PRISONERS SINGING]
You.
Out.
You can go.
Come on, this way.
It's easy to be King of Kampala.
Big fish in a little pond.
Why don't you try to be King of London?
Or King of Bombay?
Because I was born here.
I've always been Ugandan first, Indian second.
I've been called a boot-licker
and a traitor by my fellow Indians.
Okelo...
Uganda is my home.
Not anymore, Jay.
Africa is for Africans.
Black Africans.
Do you know why we left Uganda?
Do you?
MINA: They put you in jail.
After 34 years my brother Okelo told me,
"Africa is for Africans.
Black Africans."
After 34 years that's what it all came down to--
The color of my skin.
That's why we left.
Not because of Idi Amin
or anything like that.
Mina...
believe me.
I'm speaking from experience.
People stick to their own kind.
You are forced to accept that
when you grow older.
I'm only trying to spare you the pain.
Okelo risked his life to save yours.
I don't know what more proof you could have of his love.
What do you remember?
You were just a child.
I remember.
I remember his face when he came to say goodbye
and you wouldn't even look at him.
My suggestion is that you settle out of court.
Save you time...
Why should we, Mr. Turnbull?
How can you expect any jury to believe
that your client's been lying in bed with a back injury?
Don't think we are ignorant Indians
who will get just get scared and pay up.
I'm a lawyer myself.
There is no court that will entertain for one minute
this fraudulent claim!
Why don't you just try me?
Don't get scared, Anil.
Pure bluff.
He was just trying to extort money.
Bloody crooks!
I'll fix them.
Jaybhai, I don't want you to fix anything.
You and your family have completely ruined me.
You've brought me nothing but trouble.
Jaybhai, my peace of mind is gone.
Now I would wish that you would also go.
Yes.
Maybe my Chanda will return then.
Do you know what your friend's done?
He's just sued Anil for $50,000.
Pack your things.
We're leaving Mississippi.
Going back to Uganda?
What is it going to solve?
It will get Mina away from this fellow.
Number two, we are not wanted here.
And number three,
next week is my court hearing.
What court hearing?
I'm going to fight it, Kinnu.
I'm going to win it.
I'm going to get our property back.
Kinnu, we can start a new life.
How can you even think of it, Jay?
How can you even think of going back to Uganda?
Kinnu...
we are getting old.
I don't want to die in some stranger's country.
I'm so ashamed of your behavior.
How come you always take their side?
What about me? I've worked hard to buy this motel
and I'm not running a charity.
Anil, you have become American.
So what?
I live here in America.
If you don't like it, go back to India.
Jaybhai, please forgive us for all this.
And please, even now if you'll change your mind about going.
I forgot my shoes in the other room.
[TIRES SQUEALING]
I feel so bad.
Bhai...
how many times must I tell you?
I was thinking of going anyway.
This was just what we needed.
Well?
Sir, do you know where I can find Demetrius?
Young lady, you've caused enough trouble
in my son's life.
I don't need you to cause problems in mine
by coming in like this--
I am sorry for everything.
I didn't come to make trouble.
I just want to say goodbye to him.
We're moving back to Africa.
Williben, they need you in the kitchen.
Yes, ma'am.
Sir, please?
He's talking to motels in Indianola.
Yes, ma'am. [TIRES SQUEALING]
Yes, ma'am, we have the latest equipment,
we have the best prices,
best service, wonderful smiles.
I tell you what, why don't you take my card?
It won't hurt you. Just a piece of paper.
Oh, all right, I give up.
Thank you.
Demetrius!
[HORN HONKING]
What do you want?
What you chasing me for?
Your people done put me out of work already.
What more do you want?
You walk into my life from these fancy places,
and I know, I'm just a little carpet cleaner
and I ain't never left Mississippi,
but I was happy.
I was happy where I was till you come along after me,
and God knows why.
All those years of building my business are gone.
Now I'm just the biggest joke that ever hit Greenwood.
Thank you.
You listen to me.
I never went after you.
You chased me.
You asked me to your house, you invited me to Biloxi
You never told me your family had trouble with black folks.
You never asked.
You never once asked me about myself.
And you know why?
You were too busy using me to make Alicia jealous.
Who told you that?
Nobody had to.
I'm not stupid, you know.
Anyway, your nightmare's over.
I just came to say goodbye.
I'm moving back to Africa.
Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute.
All right, I admit at first I...
Well, she was with that guy, and I...
I never thought I would fall in love with you.
[SIGHS]
What are you going to do now?
Well, Tyrone went to Los Angeles.
Thinking about going somewhere, I guess.
Demetrius...
can I come with you?
What?
Can I come with you?
Come with me where?
I don't know, wherever you're going.
I didn't say I was going.
I said I was thinking about it.
Well, think about it.
You said we were going to travel
and see the world and...
What we going to live on-- Fresh air?
No, we've got the van.
I could be your partner.
I know how to clean rooms.
You out of your mind. You know that?
I'm not out of my mind.
It's crazy to stay here.
Well, for one thing,
the van belongs to the bank in two weeks.
If we cross state lines, the federal marshals...
That's two weeks away.
That Indian girl-- Is she with you?
Yes, sir.
What you plan to do?
Daddy, I been thinking about moving on.
Son...
I know something's been keeping you
from being happy.
You know I'm going to miss you.
You going to be all right?
What do you think I am, a newborn babe?
What about Dexter?
Maybe he needs you going to do some growing up.
Yeah.
Listen, about the van--
I know it's going to cause you some trouble with Mrs. Morgan,
but I'm going to take it with me, okay?
You let me worry about that.
MRS. MORGAN: Williben.
I have to go.
Stay in touch.
I love you.
God bless you, son.
[THUNDER RUMBLES]
[TELEPHONE RINGING]
[AMERICAN ACCENT] Hello, Monte Cristo.
May I help you?
MINA: Who's that? Anil?
Where's my car?
If you stop screaming in my ear, I'll tell you.
Where's my car, Mina?
And if you're with that carpet fellow you'd better ask him:
Is he going to sue me or what?
The car is at the One Stop in Shellmound.
I'll leave the keys with the owner.
Mina, please tell him I'm very sorry
and please ask him to forget the lawsuit.
I will. Don't worry, okay?
Hey! Thanks, Mina, huh? Thanks, yeah.
Listen, you keep smiling, okay?
I will. Is that Mina?
Ask Jay to take it in the room, please.
Mina?
Ma...I'm not coming back.
I'm sorry, but I can't go to Uganda.
What would I do there?
Are you alone?
No. I'm with Demetrius.
KINNU: Jay, are you there?
Ma...
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.
Why did he put the phone down?
I'll talk to your father.
Just come back home now.
Demetrius and I are going to work together.
We're leaving Mississippi to see what we can do.
We'll talk about it, but come back home now.
I can't.
If I don't leave now, I'll never leave.
You know that.
Then promise me something.
Ring Jammubhai every two days and tell him where you are.
I will.
Ma, I'll see you soon, okay?
Kiss Papa for me.
[SOBBING]
You all right?
We've always said goodbye to other people.
She has a mind of her own.
She can't grow here anymore.
Mina's your daughter. She's just like you.
Fine. Then I also won't go.
You must go.
You're telling me that?
You think of Uganda all the time, I know.
Go see for yourself what it's like.
I'm with you.
MAN: Everything is in ruins, but it is still heaven.
The good soil of Uganda, it is the same.
Welcome back, bwana.
[CHILDREN SHOUTING]
Good afternoon.
I'm looking for Okelo.
Okelo Omorro.
He used to teach here.
Okelo?
Okelo died
many years ago,
in Amin's time.
Around '72-- I remember because of all the troubles.
The Asian teachers didn't come to school
and Okelo--
one day he didn't turn up.
How did he die?
Disappeared one day.
They found his body.
Were you his friend?
I'm sorry.
I wrote him so many letters.
Hm.
JAY: "There is so little love in the world,
"and yet so much.
"Mina was right.
"I never said goodbye to him.
"Now he's dead, Kinnu.
"Since I've been back I've thought so much of you,
"which is why I say to hell with the lawsuit.
[PLAYING SLOW HARMONICA BLUES]
"Home is where the heart is,
and my heart is with you."
[AFRICAN MUSIC PLAYING]