Last Routine (2026)

[bunniefuu]

RUZYN AIRPORT 1972 PRAGUE

-Welcome home, comrade.

-Thank you.

-Here.

-Thank you.

Welcome...

-Welcome.

-Hello.

Welcome home, comrade.

-Follow me to the presidential car.

-Sure.

I wouldn't expect burnt seats

in the presidential car.

Where are you taking us?

Didn't they tell you?

To Hana Makov's funeral.

-What?

-She died in France.

Her coffin arrived

about an hour before your plane.

Thank you for your silent remembrance.

Please proceed to the condolences.

My sincere condolences, Ondrej. It's

tragic when a young life is cut short.

Especially when it's

so senseless and unnecessary.

Mr. Borovsk, what happened?

She partied with people from an ice show,

who wanted to move somewhere else.

She was driving too fast

and crashed into a truck.

They tried to save her,

but there was nothing they could do.

It's unfortunate, but today's youth

simply won't listen.

Sorry for your loss. I know that

you and Hanka were close.

But I also have some good news.

We did it!

Next year the world championship

will be held in Bratislava!

But I won't be here anymore,

I'll be at Holiday on Ice!

No, comrade, the revue

can wait another year.

-But your homeland cannot!

-You can't be serious!

Sorry, but this isn't a good time...

You stick to your singing

comrade Pilarov, would you?

The situation has changed,

it's absurd to think you could leave.

I know it's too much to digest,

but you will compete

in the World Championship!

No way!

You said he could quit!

-You can shine at home once more.

-But I can't change it anymore!

Ondrej, look,

everyone wants you to win the biggest

championship of your career.

Even Hanka would wish for that.

Hanka? What do you know

about Hanka's wishes?

What do you know

about Hanka's wishes?

Go home and rest,

we'll talk about it later.

Best regards!

ONE YEAR LATER

Ondrej Nepela,

holder of the Order of Labor,

Master of Sports...

Let's get ready and go in three,

two, one... and we're live!

Dear viewers,

it's an honor to welcome

the legends of

Czechoslovak figure skating

at the time of the 1973

World Championship in Bratislava.

Ondrej Nepela and Hilda Mdra.

-Hello.

-Hello.

We're proud that our capital hosts

the World Championship for the first time.

You have completed a short program,

and now we are all eager to hear

how our stars are feeling

before tomorrow's free skate.

Ondrej, please tell our viewers

how you are feeling these days.

Honestly, more than anything else,

it's just hard work.

Of course, you are the ambassador

of our dream of winning the gold.

You must have the ambition to win.

Yes, the ambition is there, but...

Ondrej wants to win and knows

he must train hard. I make sure of that.

This is also an extremely important

Championship for you, Mrs. Mdra.

Do you find it the most important event

in your joint career with Ondrej?

I do! But we've been through enough

to be able to win tomorrow.

You've already won

two gold medals this year,

at the National Championship

and the European Championship,

which is a tremendous achievement.

Thank you.

But during both you had problems

with the triple Salchow, right?

Yes, I guess I was a little unlucky.

It wasn't bad luck,

just a small mistake

in the compulsory exercises.

Ondrej learned his lesson

and won't repeat it!

-But still, those were two nasty falls.

-It's nothing new for us.

Many skaters fall,

but only few fall and win.

As we know, your biggest rival

on the ice is Sergei Chetverukhin.

How two of you get along off the ice?

What can you tell us about him?

Sergei is excellent,

but he's always been second.

Ondrej,

what would winning mean to you?

I would be very proud to win

world gold here at home,

but it will be the last

championship in my career.

I wanted to start at the revue before,

but I was told I had to win here first.

How could the World Championship

in Bratislava not include Nepela?

Stop!

Is this being recorded?

Comrade Mdra,

this is not what we agreed on!

I thought it was clear

what you should say here!

-I'm sticking to it.

-But he is not!

Comrade Nepela, when asked

what you want to do if you win,

you'll say you will represent

your socialist homeland

even after ending

your career as an athlete!

I won't say that!

It's just in case you don't win.

That's out of the question!

It's part of our agreement!

If you don't meet the requirements,

we won't either.

So, one more time,

and properly.

One more time,

three, two, one, and go.

Can you say, that winning

world gold on home ice

would be the most precious jewel

in your crown of achievements?

Yes.

What else can you say

about your plans?

I will continue to represent

Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.

I hope you don't have any more

unpleasant surprises in store?

We said what you wanted, Mr. Chairman.

That is all from our side.

Wait a minute, that's not all,

comrade coach!

Your charge is supposed to win gold,

but it seems he doesn't even realize

how much depends

on his performance tomorrow.

When it comes to the future,

everyone is very aware

of the consequences.

But we are doing him a service!

-Yes, and you are setting conditions...

-Which you have agreed to!

Ondrej has a duty to stay

and devote myself to future talents!

He should be a role model,

not a clown in some imperialist revue!

After all, that's almost treason!

How we proceed is in my report.

Read it so I haven't written it in vain.

Auf Wiedersehen.

It's fair to ask for a dignified farewell

to the country he owes everything to.

And you are responsible for

whether he gives it to us or not!

You are responsible!

END OF BREAK

We ask the actors to return to the studio.

-Hello.

-Hello Ondrej, please win tomorrow!

I'll do my best. Could I use

your phone for a moment?

Of course.

Thank you.

Hello, Studio 1 please.

You can make the call later, let's go.

-Goodbye

-Goodbye.

-Can't I even make a phone call?

-We are running late!

We've already wasted enough time

on this charade.

Another dirty trick.

They recorded it all

so that I couldn't tell the truth.

-What truth?

-That they forced me.

Don't exaggerate, you couldn't expect

anything else from them!

Well, it was staged, so what?

It's over, and now

you can focus on training.

Focus on training?

They stick to me wherever I go,

check everything I do, everything I say.

They've always had and now they got

tougher because you want to leave!

You think ordinary people are luckier?

You at least can get away! Raus.

Get out of this hole.

If I win.

Did you know about it?

Don't be naive.

-So you did know.

-Yes.

I knew what they wanted to hear.

We have a plan, you and I,

so let's stick to it!

Are you seeing them behind my back?

Yes, but only so that

you don't have to, not for fun.

-Ondrej, Hilda, here you are.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Everything okay?

-Yes.

Comrade President Husk

sends his regards

and the entire production brigade

ZTS Martin keeps their fingers crossed.

-Jesus Christ.

Ondrej, here are the tickets

for your family.

Thank you!

Mr. Nepela,

can we take a photo with you?

-Shall we pick you up in the morning?

-No, I'll drive us myself.

Please send away everyone who has

no business being in training rink.

Ondrej needs privacy to...

to concentrate.

Comrade Chetverukhin will be

ready soon, and then it will be all yours.

Thank you. Mr. director.

...smile as if you were looking

at the red star.

One more with the comrade teacher,

so get ready and thank you!

Thanks, bye.

-Good luck, Ondrej.

-Thanks, bye everyone!

-Could you spare a moment, comrade?

-Yes, of course.

Can you tell us

about Nepela's training?

Yes, I'll find out

all the training times.

They were supposed to let me go

to Holiday after Sapporo.

I won gold,

and what did it get me?

It wasn't just about Holiday!

You wanted that gold!

You worked hard to get

to the Olympics, and you won!

Do you remember how they told me

at Hanka's funeral that

nothing good awaited me in the West,

that I would end up like she did?

Why are you thinking

about Hanka now?

It'll be a year since she died.

I know, you wanted to skate

together at Holiday.

-Now neither of us will.

-Ondrej...

They won't let me go anywhere,

just like last time.

With or without the signed paper

they gave me.

Please stop, you've done everything

and this is the last thing

you must do!

Your only chance is to do

what you are best in:

Skate.

Tomorrow you must be perfect!

-Yeah sure, I always must do something...

-Where are you going?

To practice!

Ondrej? Ondrej!

Well done, comrade, excellent!

Very well.

Ondrej, go warm up.

Do you hear me?

Go warm up!

Be careful at the boards.

Come on, let's go!

There's a hole in the ice

back there, we need to fix it.

Mrs. Mdra, please stay

on this side for now, thank you.

Relax,

pick up the pace,

head up,

shoulders straight.

That's right.

Tempo! Pick up the pace

and don't forget about the shoulders!

Good, now let's do the Salchow.

That's it. If you don't feel

a good bounce, let it go.

One more time.

The order is the same

as in the free skate. That's right.

You should finish it in the workshop.

-I keep falling the same way.

-Never mind, get up.

Try again

and hold your shoulders firm.

Everything is against me!

You're falling because

you don't trust yourself!

Do you think

I'm doing this on purpose?

If you'd listen to me,

it wouldn't happen.

-Did you see Sergei?

-Ondrej, please stop, you're in the lead.

Those few measly points

don't mean anything.

Silence! They see us,

they can hear us, stop it.

You don't care what happens to me,

you don't care at all!

You make all kinds of excuses

just so you don't have to work hard!

You'll start training someone else

and you'll feel much better.

You'll see how relieved you'll be.

In the end, it might be better if you

don't win the World Championship.

At your current form, they'd fire you

from Holiday after the first rehearsal!

And it'll be your fault!

And it'll be your fault!

I should have agreed

when they wanted to replace you!

Ondrej, come back!

Do you hear me?

Where are you going?

Hey, champ.

What's all the crashing?

You're not going to win like this.

What does this mean?

Ondrej!

Where is Nepela?

I don't know.

Ondrej?

Excuse me.

You said on TV you're staying here.

Is Holiday no longer an option?

They forced me!

Made me look like a complete idiot.

-Don't yell.

-Don't tell me what to do!

What would be so terrible

about you staying here?

We don't have to live like rats, do we?!

But I'm staying here, you understand?

All those excuses! If you wanted to be

an actor, you'd be in Prague by now.

What about my dad, man?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I can't take it anymore.

That'll be 7.50...

Thank you. Goodbye.

-Good evening.

-Good evening.

-Where did you want to go?

-I don't know.

You know what?

Three months ago, when your Zamboni broke

down and my training was cancelled.

-Hurry up, champion!

-Wait!

-Like traveling through time?

-Yeah!

Me too!

What's it like

when everyone loves you?

No big deal,

don't pay any attention to it.

Maybe for you...

But you said

you wanted to be an actor.

-Well, yeah.

-So...

Are you coming?

It's Nepela!

-Hi!

-Hi!

Nepela! Nepela!

-Hello, auntie Hilda.

-Hi.

-Good evening, Hilda.

-Good evening.

-Let me help you.

-Thank you.

Hey, Nepela is here!

-Ondrej, let's toast to the gold!

-Come on, you'll bait us some chicks!

-Hi.

-Let's sit down.

-And where is Ondrej?

-I don't know, he left the training.

-What do you mean?

-We had an argument, and he left.

-But it's quite late!

Tell Anicka not to worry.

-Good evening.

-I'll tell her, good night.

Why are you dressed up like this?

Where have you been?

-Do I look good?

-You always do.

At the screen tests. I won't get

the lead, but girl number two is mine.

-Hey, comrade Nepela!

-What were you babbling about on TV?

You shouldn't believe

everything you hear.

How was the training?

He'll crash them all tomorrow

as always. Right, Ondrej?!

Sure, I can go pack

my bags for Holiday.

-My dad bet on you, so win!

No doubts about it!

We have no doubts, but shouldn't you

get some sleep before tomorrow?

-Let's dance.

-Okay.

Do you realize that this might be

the last time we dance together?

I hope you don't want

to replace me with Duan?

No, but tomorrow you'll get

your ticket to freedom

and set off into the big wide world.

Oh God, how I envy you.

Milka, trust me, you wouldn't want

to be in my shoes right now.

What's wrong? You have an opportunity

that the rest of us can only dream of.

You know what I would give for that?

You say that, but what if you had to leave

everything and everyone behind?

I knew something was wrong.

You could've stayed abroad

countless times.

But then I would never be able

to see my parents, or you...

But now it's legal,

why aren't you happy about it?

I'm Kristna,

if you'd like to contact me.

Thank you.

-There you go.

-Don't laugh, just dance.

-At least I can get to know Kristna.

-But now you're dancing with me.

Damn it, Hilda's son. Let's go.

Why isn't he home yet?

I don't understand what got into him.

He knows very well how difficult it

was to make them sign that paper.

See you tomorrow.

-Make a wish, a star is falling.

-Bye.

One, two,...

She is worried.

She won't be able to sleep.

I'm going to look for him.

Hi dad.

Where were you, Ondrej? It's late.

-I met Milka in town.

-What kind of answer is that?

-I'm home.

-Finally!

-Hilda said you left training early.

-Hi.

Good to have you home.

Your costume is ready for tomorrow

and your snack is in the kitchen.

Thanks, mom.

-Hi.

-Did you eat?

I need to make a call.

-Good night.

-Good night.

-Eva?

-Yes?

Hi.

-Did I wake you up?

-No.

No, I'm awake, I can't sleep.

Are you still having those nightmares?

Yes. I'm boarding that plane

with my band

and crashing together with them.

Only now I realize

how close I was to it.

After losing Hanka,

I can't imagine losing you as well.

I was thinking about her too.

You know...

You two were the only ones

I could tell everything!

Everything!

Is something wrong?

Eva...

I'm scared.

Scared of what?

That it was all pointless.

That I will continue living like this.

Screw the medal

and the whole championship.

Eva, I don't want to go there tomorrow!

Wait!

Don't say that!

You never know if someone...

Comrade Lieutenant,

Nepela is calling with Pilarov.

I shall never live the way I want to.

What shall I do if no one will hire me?

What shall I do if they don't let me go?

I'm going to report it.

I will never be with Matej.

I don't want to live like this, Eva.

What if I lose?

What if I lose and for the rest of my life

I'll be like their trained monkey?

Weeks pass, and I keep

asking myself where to go?

Nepela speaks...

yes, with Pilarov.

Why I am the only one now,

who knows this story?

It's beautiful like childhood games.

This is our story,

this our story,

I'll keep reading it alone,

our story continues.

You wished to be here,

but you had to leave,

against your will,

on this treacherous path,

like a river current.

Why do flowers wilt?

Why was the strange trial

so harsh on us?

Comrade Lieutenant,

something went wrong.

The tape has been erased!

I'm sorry I can't be there

with you tomorrow.

Will you try to get

at least some sleep?

I hear rustling hair, is it nodding?

Yes, I'll try.

I'm thinking of you, okay.

Thanks, Eva, I love you.

I love you too, bye.

Good night.

-Wouldn't you offer me a cup of coffee?

-We're out of it.

Ondrej is not doing so well.

Excuse me?

He obviously ran away from training,

wandering God knows where.

Can't you keep him under control?

The daughter's hottie, huh?

Nepela isn't interested in girls, is he?

-The West corrupted him!

-You weren't watching him enough!

Is this the result of your "training"?

If it doesn't work out tomorrow,

he won't only be the only one to suffer.

Your husband will have to

take care of you

once you're fired from your job

and this nice apartment.

You'll have to find some room for rent.

I'm telling you for the last time,

I know what you want!

I'm responsible for

how things turn out tomorrow,

and now

I'd like to get some sleep too.

The door is over there. Raus!

Get lost!

Well, I guess we'll go upstairs now

to check with the junior.

As soon as you do, I call Mr. Borovsk!

How will you explain

you're bothering us at this hour?

Gute Nacht.

-The whole house is awake.

-Pavel, not so loud!

Someone has to say it out loud!

The secret agents are at home here,

while Ondrej is enjoying himself

in the club!

Mom, how much longer

are they going to keep coming here?

-They are gone now, we're good.

I found your record book.

You threw it into the washing machine.

-Forget about it.

-Why did he say they'll move us out?

My final exams are close,

I could be expelled from the university.

You're not helping your mom like this!

-Go to bed, good night.

-Good night.

-Why aren't you asleep?

-I can't sleep. May I sleep here?

Come on.

Lie down here,

I'll take the blanket.

How was your day?

Fine.

Tomorrow I'll be watching you on TV.

The entire world will be watching me,

but no one really sees me.

I do see you!

-Good night.

-Good night.

You probably know what I think

about it, but I'll say it anyway.

We're proud of our mom,

what she's accomplished...

but we're worried about her!

You haven't slept in three weeks!

Ondrej is like my own child.

We're at the end of our journey now.

It will all be over tomorrow,

whether he wins or loses.

I've never coached anyone like him,

and I'm sure I never will.

-You two were lucky to find each other.

-That is no longer the case.

He's not a boy anymore.

He used to love

getting better and better.

You can be proud!

You got him to the podium,

helped his whole family.

But now there are things in his life

I know nothing about.

What matters is that he believes

in himself and that you believe in him.

I don't know.

He's changed.

He feels like he doesn't belong here.

-Hilda...

-But I can't help him with that!

What if he doesn't win tomorrow?

What will happen to us?

Things are never as bad as they seem.

He'd be better off with Holiday on Ice.

Dear listeners, warm greetings

from the ice rink here in Bratislava,

which became the venue for the 63rd

World Figure Skating Championship.

We have our own hot favorite in it,

our talented and successful skater,

Ondrej Nepela.

March 3 will be written in bold letters

in the history of our figure skating.

Ondrej and his coach

Hilda Mdra are ready...

That's Nepela!

Ondrej, a kiss for luck!

...and all of Czechoslovakia

will be rooting for them today.

When did you come home last night?

What did those men want again?

They came to ask about you.

They mentioned things

that I don't understand.

But I don't care.

I just want you to be happy.

-Hilda...

-Let it be.

Ja, ja!

BRATISLAVA SPORTS ARENA

The leading Communist Party members

of Czechoslovakia made it possible

for Bratislava

to host this world championship.

It took more than a year of negotiations

in rivalry with other global metropolises.

The Winter Sports Arena

is slowly filling up.

The stands are going

to be packed with fans!

Everyone is excited to see

the world's best figure skaters perform,

especially our 22-year-old,

Ondrej Nepela.

And here come our stars,

Hilda Mdra and Ondrej Nepela,

currently the best figure skater

on the planet.

Today's performance will be the highlight

of his partnership with coach Mdra,

who he's worked with for 14 years

and has helped him win many times.

Jan Hoffmann, the young athlete

from East Germany has just arrived here.

Over the last two years,

he has become Ondrej's biggest rival.

Toller Cranston, the Canadian skater,

is also hoping for a medal.

He came in fifth

at last year's world championship.

But if anyone stands a chance

of stealing gold from Ondrej,

it's the brilliant Soviet skater,

Sergei Chetverukhin.

The 27-year-old veteran is one

of the most experienced participants,

and this may very well be his last.

Thank you.

Mom, I'm sorry I blew up last night.

It's okay.

-Hi.

-Hi!

Fingers crossed!

Thanks!

Come on.

Listen, what word

rhymes with Nepela?

Okay, great, thank you.

Got it, write it down.

A beautiful performance by 18-year-old

Hoffmann in a wine-red costume.

After a slow start, Hoffmann

picks up speed like a machine.

This is the hope of world

figure skating from East Germany.

Soon we'll see how the judges

rated Hoffmann's performance.

-Beer, soda...

-I would have some.

-May I offer?

-Yes, yes.

Thank you.

Your change.

Mr. Fier?

Excuse me, do you happen

to know where Matej is?

Do you want him to end up

in a loony bin?

What?

Has Matej told you

why we got stuck here?

No.

My brother was shot while

trying to escape across the border.

I wanted to work for the army

and ended up here with this job.

You're a star,

but no one will protect my son.

Damn it!

Good day, comrade Nepela.

-Good day.

-Comrade.

We're rooting for Ondrej.

Thank you, comrade Colotka.

I wonder how they'll manage

with that daughter if he doesn't win.

Ondrej! Is it true you were celebrating

your victory already yesterday?

No, I wasn't celebrating.

I just went out with my friends.

East Germany also has a strong favorite.

Did you see Hoffmann's performance?

Yes, I did.

He did really well. Excuse me.

Ondrej, I need at least

one photo of you smiling.

-I really need-

-How do you rate the competition?

It's going to be really tough.

Are you worried about

the triple Salchow?

-Let him through!

-Thank you.

-So guys, have you got anything?

-Something, yeah but...

-He looks terrible.

-I'd like to see you in his shoes.

I guess he knows

he can't beat Chetverukhin.

I wonder what remains

of his 'Holiday' plan.

You'll have 20 minutes

for an interview with Curry.

Don't leave afterwards.

I need to check it.

I'll send in interpreters.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

A beautiful performance

by our own, John Curry.

Did you see that posture,

the ballet elements? Just exquisite!

We are reporting live from Bratislava,

host of this year's World Championship.

Tonight's event is a spectacular show

for everyone!

What happened to you?

Don't worry about it.

Just make sure you win,

and maybe we'll see each other later.

Are you okay?

What are you looking at?

Go already!

-Bye.

-Bye.

A phenomenal performance

by our Sergei. Perfect jump!

Sergey isn't called the prince

of Soviet figure skating for nothing.

Look how he moves,

how he feels the music.

This isn't his first competition

against Ondrej,

and today's performance

gives us hope that Sergey will win.

We're cheering for him.

-Break a leg, comrade.

-Ondrej Nepela in 10 minutes.

A relaxed yet elegant finish

by this important favorite to win.

Sergei Chetverukhin, as well as

the Soviet team, are smiling contentedly.

Tonight is a showcase of live art on ice,

an unforgettable evening.

That was perfect, now we are waiting

with Sergei for the ratings.

We see high scores

for the technical side,

lower marks from Japan

and Great Britain,

but overall, an excellent rating!

Ondrej comes next, after a short break

to clean and smooth the ice.

Ondrej Nepela in 5 minutes.

Breathe, Ondrej.

Inhale,

exhale.

It's just another championship after all.

Remember, this isn't a matter

of life and death.

At worst, we'll be cleaning

toilets here at the rink.

-You too?

What did you think?

That it's all just about you?

What you've achieved on the ice

can never be forgotten.

You're Nepela!

You're a fighter!

Go and show them you're the best!

The atmosphere is beyond words.

Nepela's won all the championships

in recent years.

The world's best current

figure skater takes the ice.

Good luck, Ondrej!

Deafening applause gives way

to deadly silence.

I take number three.

Ondrej uses the entire rink

to build up speed.

His face shows

complete concentration.

NEPELA WILL WIN

EVEN IN A BURNING RINK

Beautiful triple Salchow,

he finally got it!

Nepela is on fire!

Judges, look at that harmony,

that symphony of athletic mastery.

Good jump!

Moving gracefully in the slow section,

he introduces the finale of his skate.

The last festive bars of music

and a smooth double Salchow.

Ondrej, do you have

anything else in store?

Nepela, Nepela, Nepela!

Look at mom!

-Congratulations Ondrej!

-Thank you.

Congratulations!

We're seeing the marks

for technical merit. 5.8 from the...

The skate of Ondrej's life.

Incredible.

Ondrej, thank you.

You gave it your whole heart.

...and a six for artistic aspect!

The Romanian judge

gives Ondrej full 6 points!

The story doesn't end,

Only the last pages

are suddenly missing from the book...

I told you!

Which you welcomed

as soon as down broke...

My thanks belong to them.

Ondrej Nepela wins the 1973 World

Figure Skating Championship

in Bratislava!

The title of World Champion

in Figure Skating

-Where to, young man?

-One ticket to Prague, please.

Thank you.

Our story doesn't end

-Congratulations, Mr. Nepela.

-Thank you!

I will read the blank page.

You wanted to be here,

but had to go against your will,

Down that treacherous path

like a river current.

Why do flowers wilt?

Why was the strange trial

so harsh on us?

A beautiful performance.

Thank you.

Well, was it all necessary?

Masterful ride.

A shame you want to leave.

A dream like a vivid past,

gone are the days

You loved so much.

My thanks belong to them.

I'll keep reading this beautiful story,

The story of our love.

This story does not end, be sure.

I still long to read it.

Matej?!

After ending his competitive career,

Ondrej Nepela shone for thirteen years

on ice rinks around the world

as a star of the famous revue

'Holiday on Ice'.

He died in February 1989 at the age of 38.

Officially, the cause was cancer

of the lymph nodes

in reality, it was complications

associated with HIV infection.

Ondrej Nepela never spoke publicly

about who he truly was.