Generation War

The story begins in a lively Berlin pub where five friends reunite just weeks before the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Among them are Wilhelm, an army officer, and his brother Friedhelm, along with Viktor, a Jewish tailor, Charlotte, a newly-trained nurse, and Greta, an aspiring singer. Their shared optimism about reuniting by Christmas highlights the naïve hope before the storm of war.

As German forces advance into Moscow, Wilhelm and Friedhelm report early victories on the battlefield. However, the realities of war begin to unveil as Charlotte, stationed at a military hospital, confronts the grim consequences of their actions while taking care of the wounded. This marks the beginning of their harsh transition from camaraderie to conflict.

In her pursuit of a singing career, Greta engages in a risky affair with a high-ranking SS-SD major, believing it might help secure necessary documents for Viktor's escape to New York. Her desperation illustrates the lengths individuals go to in order to protect their loved ones amidst rising tensions. This relationship, however, complicates her feelings about the war.

Tragedy strikes when Viktor is apprehended by the Gestapo and sent on a harrowing train journey to a concentration camp. This event marks a pivotal turning point, as it highlights the brutal reality faced by Jewish citizens during this dark period. Viktor’s fate plunges him into despair and sets the stage for his determination to escape.

During a violent ambush, Wilhelm experiences a catastrophic explosion that leaves him unconscious and presumed dead, marking a critical moment of loss and despair. Instead of safety, he finds refuge in a secluded lakeside cabin, unaware that he is being hunted and marked for desertion by military police. This shift emphasizes the chaos and consequences of war on individuals.

Friedhelm’s unit suffers devastating losses, forcing him to escape disguised in a Soviet uniform. Tragically, in his attempt to reunite with his comrades, he is shot by them, mistakenly believing him to be an enemy soldier. His survival is a narrow escape that underscores the unpredictability of war and the tragic misunderstandings it engenders.

At a field hospital, Charlotte cares for Friedhelm as he recovers, both now grappling with the loss of Wilhelm they both believe to be dead. This connection deepens amidst shared grief, as Friedhelm confides in her about his brother's supposed demise. Their bond reflects the emotional scars left on those left behind in the wake of war.

In Auschwitz, Viktor sinks into despair yet hatches a daring escape plan. With the help of Alina, a Polish woman, Viktor breaks free from a railroad car and joins a group of Polish partisans, forcing him to hide his Jewish identity. This alliance exposes Viktor to both new dangers and a flicker of hope in an otherwise harrowing situation.

Greta courageously visits the front lines in an effort to lift the spirits of weary soldiers, momentarily reuniting with Wilhelm and Friedhelm. This brief encounter offers a stark contrast to the surrounding devastation, reminding them of their shared humanity amidst continuous suffering. Her visit encapsulates the desperate need for connection during such dark times.

Upon returning to her hometown, Greta faces the repercussions of her outspoken views against the Nazi regime, leading to her arrest. While in confinement, she reveals her pregnancy to a Gestapo officer, adding another layer of consequence to her rebellion. This act exemplifies the heavy price of dissent and the struggles women face during wartime.

In the depths of war, Charlotte develops an unexpected friendship with Sonja, a Russian nurse, as they navigate the shared horrors of their experiences. However, their bond faces challenges when Viktor’s Jewish identity is revealed, highlighting the complex relationships formed under the shadow of conflict. Their connection becomes a testament to resilience amid adversity.

As the chaos of war escalates, Friedhelm makes the ultimate sacrifice by leading a group of Volkssturm. His efforts culminate tragically, as he loses his life in the midst of battle, representing the countless lives upended by the conflict. This loss reverberates through the lives of his friends, deepening their sense of grief and helplessness.

Captured by Soviet forces, Charlotte faces brutal treatment by a soldier, highlighting the horrific experiences endured by women amidst wartime. Labeled a Soviet officer, Lilija coerces Charlotte into joining the medical corps, forcing her to confront the grim realities of the battlefield. This dire circumstance serves as a critique of how war strips away dignity and agency.

After the turmoil of war, the three surviving friends—Wilhelm, Viktor, and Charlotte—meet once again in the same pub where their journey began. Surrounded by the ruins of Berlin, they reflect on their harrowing experiences and mourn the loss of their comrades. The reunion signifies both survival and the profound scars left behind by conflict.

As they regroup, a somber mood envelops the friends as they reflect on the terrible toll that war has taken on their lives and relationships. This closing scene underscores the emotional aftermath of conflict, leaving them with no pride in simply surviving amidst a sea of loss and longing. Their bond, forever altered, embodies the tragic cost of war.