Antz (1998) · 42 quotes
Colonel Cutter
Time stands still for no ant.
General Mandible
Sacrifice. To some, it is just a word. To others it is a code. What matters is the colony...He's willing to live for the colony...to fight for the colony... to die for the colony.
General Mandible
Workers. They're weak. They lack discipline. They lack commitment.
Foreman
General, I know there's been a glitch or two. But everybody is working full tilt as it is, and-
General Mandible
You can't help it, it's your nature. But in spite of your limitations, you are going to finish this tunnel on schedule. Come hell or high water. For now on, anyone who falls behind is going to have to explain themselves to Colonel Cutter. And let me assure you, the colonel is not as understanding as I am. Dismissed. Four more days, Cutter. Four more days. Then we can bid final farewell to their kind of incompetence.
Colonel Cutter
Yes, sir.
General Mandible
A fresh start. Imagine it!
Colonel Cutter
A strong colony, sir. A colony we can be proud of.
General Mandible
Yes, but we're not there yet. Cutter, we just got word that a termite army has mobilized against us.
Colonel Cutter
Against us?
General Mandible
We'll have to send troops deep into hostile territory to attack their colony.
Colonel Cutter
Attack a termite colony, sir? That's suicide.
General Mandible
Exactly. Do you have the list I asked for?
Colonel Cutter
Yes, General. [takes the list to General] These are the units loyal to the queen.
General Mandible
Hm. Then they're the ones we'll be sending. It's a shame. There's some fine officers here.
Colonel Cutter
Don't we need the queen's approval to declare war?
General Mandible
Our very next stop, Cutter.
Queen
General, we've been at peace with that colony for years. Why would they attack us?
General Mandible
They want our land. They're desperate for more foraging territory. Perhaps they think we've grown soft or weak.
Queen
Why don't we dispatch an ambassador, negotiate a new treaty? Certainly, we don't need to send soldiers.
General Mandible
Believe me. Every ant in this colony is so precious to me. That's why we must strike now, when we have the element of surprise. If the termite shock troops enter our colony, well...
Queen
Yes, General, I know what they can do to us. Very well.
General Mandible
You've made a wise decision. In fact, you've insured the future of this colony.
Princess Bala
Hello, General.
General Mandible
Princess Bala. What a nice surprise. You look lovelier each time I see you.
Princess Bala
Thanks. I hope you're not just here on business.
General Mandible
Oh, of course... [chuckling] ...of course not.
Princess Bala
Because, um, it might be nice if we had a conversation once before we get married.
General Mandible
You're absolutely right. Cutter, schedule some private time for me and Princess Bala.
Colonel Cutter
Uh, in fact, sir, there is time right now for a personal moment. We're a few seconds ahead of schedule.
General Mandible
Excellent. Princess.
Princess Bala
Well, a few seconds isn't much, but I guess if it's quality time. So, how was your day? Anything interesting happen?
General Mandible
We declared war.
Princess Bala
Declared war? Boy, talk about a rough day.
Colonel Cutter
Sir, I hate to interrupt, but time stands still for no ant.
General Mandible
Princess.
Princess Bala
Mom, could you remind me, why am I marrying this guy?
Queen
Bala, do we have to argue about this again?
Princess Bala
We don't seem to have anything in common. The guy's a stiff.
Queen
Yes, darling. I know the general may be a little gruff and somewhat overbearing at times, but I know that he cares about you. He's just not particulary good at showing it. But you should have seen how persistently he asked for your hand in marriage.
Princess Bala
But why me?
Queen
Because you're the one who has to continue my work. It's your place, dear.
Princess Bala
What if they don't like my place?
Queen
Everyone has their place, Bala, you, the soldiers, the workers. Now, it's not all that bad being princess, is it? Would you prefer to be carting dirt all day?
Princess Bala
Mother, don't be so dramatic. At least, they seem to have some fun every now and then.
Colonel Cutter
We're on schedule. Work is completed on "A" section sir, including a path through "D" section now.
General Mandible
We need to push harder, Cutter. I want double shifts around-the-clock. We can't afford to let up. Is that clear?
Colonel Cutter
Crystal, sir.
General Mandible
Good. What about section...
Excuse me, sir.
General Mandible
This had better be important.
Well, it's about the termite battle, sir. The enemy was destroyed, but I'm afraid it was a disaster for our troops, as well.
General Mandible
Well, that's terrible. Terrible.
There is a better good news, sir. One soldier did make it back.
Colonel Cutter
No kidding.
General Mandible
What did you say?
Word is spreading through the colony. The queen requested a meeting with the war hero.
General Mandible
Damn! [covering his true feelings] Good. damn good. Uh, I'll handle this. [he walks to Z and Ant] Congratulations, soldier. [chuckling] Well, you're a little short for a war hero, aren't you?
Z Marion-4195
A war hero? Sir. I-I don't actually think that I'm a hero.
General Mandible
Good. I don't like heroes.
Z Marion-4195
But, sir. You don't understand. I... I didn't do anything. I mean, it was all horrible. It was just a massacre. A-A massacre upon a massacre.
General Mandible
That's good, soldier. Now, wave.
Azteca
There was nothing you could do, Weaver. You didn't know they were going to war.
Weaver
I just feel horrible. Poor Z. I should have never let him go.
Azteca
Wait a minute. That's no soldier. That's Z!
Weaver
Z? The little guy made it! [he chuckles]
General Mandible
Let's go, soldier.
[the worker ants cheering]
We want Z! We want Z!
Foreman
People, come on. I know some ants who aren't gonna make their quota.
Buzz off, pawn of the oppressor.
We want Z! We want Z!
Colonel Cutter
Sorry, sir. I came as soon as I heard. I was debriefing the trackers.
General Mandible
And? What's the report?
Colonel Cutter
Well, this Z, sir. He's one slippery character. They lost Bala's trail at the edge of the lake.
General Mandible
The lake?
All we are saying is give Z a chance.
General Mandible
What's that soldier doing there?
Colonel Cutter
It appears he's holding hands, sir, with a worker.
General Mandible
I don't like the way things are going, Cutter. I'm counting on you for results. Now, can I depend on you or not?
Colonel Cutter
Yes, sir.
General Mandible
All right, then. Let's wrap this up.
We want Z! We want Z! We want Z!
General Mandible
I've heard a lot about this Z. I even had the pleasure of meeting him once. But where is he know? Can anyone point him out? I mean, if this Z cares so much about us, then why isn't he here? I'll tell you why. Because Z doesn't give a damn about us. That's why he kidnapped our princess. That's why he ran away. Z is no hero. We are the heroes. We are the ones ensuring the future of our great colony. And when we've completed this magnificent structure, we will reap the benefits: more food and less work for everyone. And as further reward for your heroic efforts, each and every one of you will get the day off... so you can be the guests of honor at the MegaTunnel dedication ceremonies!
Foreman
Mandible! Mandible!
Mandible! Mandible! Mandible! Mandible!
General Mandible
Now bring me that soldier.
General Mandible
That's enough.
Weaver
I ain't tellin' you nothin'.
General Mandible
Soldier, the princess is vital to the future of this colony. She must be returned to take their place as queen.
Weaver
We already have a queen.
General Mandible
As for your friend, Z, why should I hurt him? [chuckling] He's not important. Now, soldier, we all know that one individual ant doesn't matter. Not you, not Cutter... not even her.
Weaver
Azteca! [struggles, but is restrained]
Azteca
Don't tell that tight-a** anything, Weaver!
General Mandible
Where is Z?!
Weaver
I don't know where he is!
General Mandible
Hmm. That's too bad.
Weaver
Wait! Insectopia! I know it sounds crazy, but that's where he'd be going!
Colonel Cutter
Soldier, you think this is a game? Insectopia does not exist.
General Mandible
As a matter of fact... it does.
Colonel Cutter
Sir?
General Mandible
I'll brief you on the coordinates. You're gonna bring the princess back. And as for Z... kill him.
Weaver
But you said he didn't matter!
General Mandible
It's for the good of the colony. You made the right decision. Gentlemen, now you can see how dangerous individualism can be. It makes us vulnerable.
Let's go.
General Mandible
Take him back to the MegaTunnel. Put him on the front line. Dismissed.
This stuff tastes like crap.
Really? Let me try some. [tastes it] Hey, it is crap! Not bad. [continues eating] Somebody needs to feed that fire.
Dude, I did it last time.
Well, I'm not gonna get it. It's not my job.
What about the new guy? He hasn't contributed yet.
Z Marion-4195
And...you know, he just died in my arms like that. I...You know, I don't think he ever once, in his life, made his own choice.
Princess Bala
I never knew it was like that. I mean, up in the palace...Well, I guess we just let the General make all the decisions.
Z Marion-4195
Let me ask you something - what made you come to the bar that night?
Princess Bala
I guess I was looking for a little trouble.
Z Marion-4195
Well, trouble's my middle name. Actually, my middle name is Marion, but, uh, I don't want you spreading that around.
Princess Bala
You're pretty strange. You do know that, don't you?
Z Marion-4195
Well, [clears throat] "strange" is...not exactly the word I would use, you know-
Princess Bala
I like it. You're not like anyone else.
Z Marion-4195
Actually, now that you mention it, I...there is a certain strangeness to me. I mean, it's a...you know, kind of a bizarre quality. Some have said "freak". But it's, uh, you know, complimentary.
Hey, new guy! We need more wood.
Z Marion-4195
I'll be right back. Just hold that thought - whatever...whatever it is you were thinking. [to the other bugs, as he leaves] Hey, you ever wonder why they call you guys "pests"?
What if, like, we're just these tiny things, and we're just, like, part of this whole other huge universe that's, like, so big we don't even know it exists?
Man, that is so deep.
Z Marion-4195
Perfect. Nothing like a little manual labor on the most romantic night of my life.
Colonel Cutter
Hi. I was in the neighborhood and I thought I'd drop in. This is, uh, very bohemian.
Aloha, dude. Welcome to Insec...
Colonel Cutter
Sorry for interrupting. You see, our princess has, uh, gone missing, and we're just sick about it. She's about yea tall, fairly easy... [pause] ...on the eyes. Anybody seen her?
That's her.
Colonel Cutter
Don't worry, Princess, you'll be back home soon.
Princess Bala
Listen, Cutter, I'm... I'm not going back.
Colonel Cutter
The thing is, Princess, I got orders.
Princess Bala
Orders? Can't you just once think for yourself?
Colonel Cutter
Well, that was very impressive. Where's Z?
Z? He's, uh...
Princess Bala
Dead. Z's dead. You don't need to worry about him.
Colonel Cutter
Z's dead. Well, he was an ant with ideas. Too bad for him. Princess, your colony needs you.
Princess Bala
Cutter! Stop right now! Let go of me!
Z Marion-4195
Bala! Stop, you... Oh, no. [muttering] What am I gonna do? All right, look. Let's be rational about this. You know, Bala and I, you know, she's a princess, and I'm a... I'm a soil-relocation engineer. So wha... You're no... Whew! On the other hand, uh, I've gotta go back for her.
Chip
I'll-I'll give you a lift. S-S-S... [falls to the ground] It's the least I can do. Besides, it's what my waddly-kittles would want. [he starts crying]
Z Marion-4195
Uh, look... [clears throat] ...how about a cup of joe first?
Chip
Well, old boy, saddle up.
Z Marion-4195
I think I saw a puddle of coffee over there. It... Whoa! Look out!
General Mandible
Today is the realization of a dream. A dream of a proud colony. A pure colony. A colony reborn. Moments from now this tunnel will open. The past will be washed away and a new day will dawn.
Queen
A stirring speech, General. I only wish my daughter were here to appreciate it.
General Mandible
Your Majesty, I know how concerned you are about Bala. But my scouts are on her trail and it's only a matter of time...
Queen
General, I don't want to discuss it. Just find her.
General Mandible
Oh, I will, Your Highness. Good-bye. Seal up the doors. Cutter, did you hear me?
Colonel Cutter
Sir, I've been thinking. Do we need to go through with this? Look at what these workers have done. They got the right stuff. Isn't there any other way?
General Mandible
Cutter, you're a fine officer. You have discipline, courage, ability. But you seem to have a certain weakness for the lower orders that I find disturbing. Now, are you with me?
Colonel Cutter
Sir, uh… I apologize.
General Mandible
All right, then. Seal it up.
Colonel Cutter
Yes, sir.
Queen
As I look out on this magnificent tunnel, I am filled with pride.
Z Marion-4195
Jump!
Queen
In these difficult times, it is a great solace to know that you, our workers...
Princess Bala
Mom! Wait!
Z Marion-4195
Every worker in the colony is here. Hey, wait a minute. That guy owes me money.
Queen
This tremendous accomplishment is a testimony to the strength...
Foreman
People! Put your backs into it!
Z Marion-4195
Go warn your mother. I gotta get to those diggers before they break through.
Princess Bala
There's not enough time.
Z Marion-4195
Hey, leave the pessimism to me, okay? [Z went to the Tunnel while Bala headed to her mother.] Excuse me! Sorry about that. Excuse me.
Queen
In a few moments, when our expert diggers break through to the surface...
Princess Bala
Mom! Mom, stop.
Queen
...the sun will pour into this... Bala! Where've you been? Are you all right? [hugs Bala]
Princess Bala
I'm fine.
Queen
What happened?
Princess Bala
Mother, we're in terrible danger.
Foreman
Put your backs into it, people.
Z Marion-4195
Wait! Hold... Hey, stop digging!
Weaver
Z? Is that you?
Z Marion-4195
Weaver, stop!
Weaver
Z! You're back! Oh, Z! Oh.
Z Marion-4195
Weaver!
Azteca
Z! What's the matter?
Z Marion-4195
Ho-Hold up, everyone. Stop. Stop digging.
Foreman
On whose authority?
Z Marion-4195
On your own authority. If you break through that wall, we're all gonna...
Princess Bala
Drown! This tunnel is going to flood.
Queen
So we've got to get everyone out of here.
[the worker ants murmuring]
General Mandible
Our princess is secured, and our glorious future is at hand. We can all stand proud. It is time for a new beginning.
General Mandible
WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!
Colonel Cutter
I think that's the "weak elements", sir.
Z Marion-4195
Gimme a hand!
General Mandible
Z! YOU?! LET GO! [grabs a spear] DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?! IT'S FOR THE GOOD OF THE COLONY!
Z Marion-4195
What are you saying?! We are the colony!
General Mandible
Cutter, what are you doing?
Colonel Cutter
Something I should have done, a long time ago. This is for the good of the colony, sir. :[grabs onto Z's hand to pull him up]
General Mandible
YOU USELESS, UNGRATEFUL MAGGOT! I AM THE COLONY! [charges at him]
Z Marion-4195
Look out!
Princess Bala
Z!
Colonel Cutter
Men, let's move it! Get these ants up here.
Queen Ant
Thank goodness we made it.
Princess Bala
Wait here.
Azteca
Okay. Weaver.
Thank you.
Princess Bala
Where's Z? Oh, no.
Weaver
Back up, everybody, back up! Give him some air. Back up.
Princess Bala
Z, oh, Z. Please wake up.
Azteca
Oh, no. [sobbing]
Z Marion-4195
Huh! [coughs]
Princess Bala
Z Marion-4195
Yowch!
Azteca
You know, Weaver, you still owe me that dinner.
Weaver
Babylove.
Azteca
We made it, Z!
Weaver
You da ant! [congratulates him]
Princess Bala
You did it.
Z Marion-4195
We did it. [the ants grab Z and Bala] Fellas, fellas, please. This is very embarrasing for me, I...
Z Marion-4195
On the other hand, I probably could get used to this.
