Five Branded Women

In 1943, German Sergeant Keller engages with women in a Yugoslav town, some willingly and others persuaded. He discusses with Ljuba the possibility of preventing her brother from being sent to work camps. Keller's relationships and actions set the tone for the tensions between Germans and locals.

While in the forest with Yovanka, Keller is captured by Partisans and suffers castration at the hands of Branko. This event highlights the brutality and consequences of the ongoing conflict between the Partisans and German forces.

The Partisans order that five women, including Jovanka, Ljuba, and others, be punished for their association with Keller by having their hair cut off. The German Captain Reinhardt raises concerns about their potential threat, leading to their expulsion from the town.

The women, Jovanka, Ljuba, Marija, Mira, and Daniza, resolve to remain united despite the turmoil. Daniza attempts suicide, revealing she was falsely accused of sleeping with Keller, underscoring their shared suffering and resilience.

While walking along a road, the women observe a Partisan ambush. After the Germans pursue the attackers into the woods, the women take shelter in a shepherd's hut and are later found by collaborators, leading to a dangerous confrontation where Jovanka shoots the men trying to rape them.

The women bathe in a mountain pool; Mira reveals she is pregnant. Their time together emphasizes their camaraderie amidst wartime hardships and the personal dangers they face.

Jovanka witnesses atrocities committed by German soldiers and responds by shooting at their convoy, inspiring the other women to join in. Their act of rebellion temporarily drives off the Germans and captures Reinhardt, highlighting their growing resistance.

The women join Velko's Partisan unit, although Jovanka is hesitant. Velko orders strict discipline, forbidding romantic relations, but Branko flouts this, leading to their execution after a failed romantic encounter and a security breach.

Reinhardt is captured and Ljuba delivers a midwife touch during Mira's labor. When Reinhardt tries to escape, Ljuba shoots him, symbolizing the shifting power dynamics and her resistance to the Germans.

Velko’s unit successfully attacks the town during the Reich's anniversary, detonating a bomb and forcing a German retreat. Velko stays behind to delay pursuit, and Jovanka chooses to stay with him, embracing change and the ongoing cycle of conflict.

As the Germans close in, Velko instructs Jovanka to escape and continue resisting. Their farewell underscores themes of sacrifice and hope for future peace amid the chaos of war.