A romantic drama set in 1961 that follows a young studio extra's ambitious efforts to reunite with the French girl he loves after being separated by the construction of the Berlin Wall.
Berlin, 1932. The Weimar Republic is torn apart in the struggle between right- and left-wing extremists and Berlin is a powder keg. Nightclub singer Henny Dalgow get to know the Social Democratic congressman and Jewish doctor Albert Goldman, and the two become a slightly odd couple. Albert is a sworn pacifist after his experiences in the First World War. Contrary to his beliefs he agrees to act as courier for his brother Edwin, who belongs to a radical communist cell.
Hanna Forster is still waiting eagerly for the return of her husband Karl, who has been in Russian captivity for seven years. Hanna brought the family and joinery on her own through the war and post-war years. When Karl finally returns, Hanna is overjoyed, but luck does not last long. Heavily injured and traumatized, Karl finds it difficult to get used to everyday and family life again. To prevent the bankruptcy of the joinery, Hanna makes a momentous decision.