The Bridge

The Bridge

Year: 1969

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: Serbo-Croatian

Director: Hajrudin ‘Šiba’ Krvavac

ActionWar

To disrupt the German offensive, Partisans dispatch an elite squad of demolition experts tasked with destroying a crucial bridge. The structure is heavily guarded and built to be virtually indestructible; only its designer knows its weak points. Reluctant to see his masterpiece ruined, the architect initially refuses to help.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Bridge yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Bridge (1969)

Trace every key event in The Bridge (1969) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Hoffmann is assigned to guard the vital bridge

In 1944, Standartenführer Hoffmann is assigned as extra security for the strategic bridge near the Yugoslav border as German forces retreat from Greece. He pushes for a proactive approach against Partisan threats, clashing with Oberst von Felsen who advises restraint. The tension foreshadows the harsh measures to come.

1944 Bridge near the Yugoslav-Greek border
2

Partisans appoint Tiger to destroy the bridge

The Partisans decide to destroy the bridge to stop German reinforcements. A unit nicknamed "Tiger" is given seven days to complete the mission. He begins gathering a team, recruiting "Tihi", "Bambino", and Zavatoni.

Seven days from start Partisan hideout
3

Mane leads to the Engineer and rescues him

Mane, a shady contractor, helps locate the Engineer who designed the bridge and rescues him from Gestapo agents. The Engineer is reluctant at first but is forced to join when he learns of the Partisan plan.

Early mission Mane's network / Engineer's home
4

Jelena reveals her brother is captured; the group flees

At the meeting point to recruit the final member, Jelena arrives and reveals that her brother, the Engineer, has been captured by the Germans. The group is forced to abandon the recruitment when a German patrol closes in. They flee toward the wetlands with the Engineer and the remaining allies.

Early escape Meeting point / wetlands
5

Escape through the wetlands; Bambino is wounded

While fleeing through the wetlands, the Engineer tries to break away, and Bambino is wounded while flanking pursuers. Zavatoni improvises as a leader and kills the pursuing Germans along with the others by using dynamite.

During escape Wetlands
6

Faust's ambush reveals allegiance to the Partisans

The group is captured by a German patrol under Obersturmführer Faust. Just before their execution, Faust shoots the other soldiers and reveals that he is secretly with the Partisans. His betrayal adds a dangerous layer of insider manipulation to the mission.

During escape German patrol near wetlands
7

Disguised infiltration brings them close to the bridge

Using stolen German uniforms and a truck, the group infiltrates closer to the bridge and gains access to the German camp. They stop at Mane's contact's home for intel on the explosives, setting up the plan.

Following infiltration Near the German bridge camp
8

The mole and the convent stash revealed

The contact is killed that night after a mole's message is intercepted by the Germans, revealing a leak in their circle. The Partisans learn the explosives stash is at a convent, forcing a change of plan.

That night Home of Mane's contact / convent
9

Convent cache and a nun's warning

Hoffmann's troops attack the contact's home the next day and recover the mole's message revealing where the explosives are stored. The Partisans secure the explosives cache at a convent but a nun's warning hints at an impending ambush.

Next day Convent vicinity
10

Mole hunt intensifies as Faust's duplicity surfaces

The Partisans continue to weed out the mole, blaming Jelena, but Faust's duplicity is revealed when Tiger learns he was acting on Hoffmann’s orders. Faust is cornered as mutinous Germans attempt to reassert control.

Post-interception Near the camp
11

Infiltration to recover explosives and force a call to arms

The Partisans infiltrate the German camp again using stolen uniforms to retrieve the explosives and force Hoffmann to call the troops to an assembly. The operation hinges on timing and the element of surprise against the camp defenses.

Final assault window German camp by the bridge
12

Engineer changes plan and flags the detonations

The Engineer has a change of heart and tells Zavatoni where to plant the charges. Von Felsen remains wary but leaves to meet the retreating General, hoping the operation will still succeed.

Before the blast Bridge vicinity
13

Mane dies after the cover is blown

An unanswered phone call blows the Partisans' cover, and Mane is killed. The loss highlights how quickly information can unravel even well-planned operations.

Just before the ambush Nearby communications point
14

Faust falls on the bridge; detonator still alive

Tiger kills Faust on the bridge, but Zavatoni is killed before he can trigger the explosion. The final clash reaches a fever pitch as the mission nears its climax.

Climax Bridge
15

Bridge explodes; cost of war weighed

The Engineer runs onto the bridge, pursued by a freed Hoffmann, and uses the detonator to blow the bridge before the retreating Germans can cross. Survivors on both sides lament the destruction of such a beautiful bridge and the heavy cost of war.

Final moment Bridge

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:12

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Bridge

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Bridge in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Bridge is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Bridge Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Bridge, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Bridge Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Bridge

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Bridge. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Bridge

More About The Bridge

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Bridge: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Bridge