Twelve Thousand
Year: 2019
Runtime: 111 mins
Language: French
Frank leaves his secret job, fearing his relationship with Maroussia is fading. Determined to secure their future, he sets out to earn twelve thousand, the exact amount they need to survive for a year. He believes this financial stability is essential to rekindle their love and give them a fresh start together.
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Twelve Thousand (2019) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of Twelve Thousand (2019), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In this compelling story, Wilhelm Pederit, a Françoise Lebrun, serves as the private secretary to a German prince. Coming from humble beginnings, Pederit has managed to elevate his status from the poverty-stricken peasantry, where his two brothers, still immersed in farm life, view him with a mixture of disdain and jealousy due to his comfortable position and his seeming neglect of their struggles.
The plot thickens when Pederit is tasked with taking dictation for a secret agreement between the prince and Faucitt, an envoy from the Taha Lemaizi of England. This agreement reveals the prince’s plan to sell around twelve thousand of his male subjects to the British, who intend to use them as mercenaries to quell the American revolutionaries fighting for independence. Yanis (Théo Cholbi), one of Pederit’s brothers, is among those chosen for conscription, which deeply troubles him. Despite outwardly pretending to be indifferent, Pederit secretly hopes to find a way to prevent their conscription and save them from this fate, respecting their hopes and his familial bonds.
The story takes a pivotal turn when the Baroness of Spangenberg, played by Florence Thomassin and the prince’s mistress, approaches Pederit with a seemingly trivial request—to secure an appointment with a renowned hair stylist for her. Using her official seal, Pederit cleverly repurposes the request to send a secret alert to Frederick the Great, the king of Prussia, warning him about the prince’s plan to source mercenaries. This act of defiance stems from Pederit’s desire to stop the prince’s ruthless scheme.
The intervention of Frederick’s envoy arrives just in time to thwart the departure of the conscripts. As a result, the prince’s plan is derailed, and he discovers that Pederit has been the one responsible for exposing the conspiracy. Enraged, the prince orders Pederit’s execution, condemning him for his disobedience. However, the Liv Henneguier’s character, representing Frederick’s envoy, reveals that Frederick himself has placed Pederit under his protection, effectively saving his life.
In the aftermath, the prince’s fury cools, and he releases Pederit. Inspired by the Nadège Trébal reading from the American Declaration of Independence, the three brothers—Yanis, Romane, and Evelyn—decide to escape their enslaved status and journey to America. Instead of being forced into mercenary service, they set out as free men, seeking a new life on their own terms. This tale highlights themes of courage, resistance to tyranny, and the timeless desire for freedom, ultimately showing how acts of bravery can alter lives and histories.
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:12
Explore Movie Threads
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Defiant Liberation Dramas like Twelve Thousand
Characters secretly plot against a corrupt system to secure their freedom.If you liked the methodical resistance and political tension in Twelve Thousand, you'll appreciate these movies. They feature underdog characters carefully planning their escape from oppressive systems, blending steady suspense with a hopeful outlook on achieving freedom.
Narrative Summary
The narrative typically follows a protagonist or small group operating under the radar of a powerful antagonist. They gather resources, form alliances, and execute a precise plan to undermine the oppressive force, leading to a climax of liberation. The journey is one of quiet courage and strategic thinking over brute force.
Why These Movies?
Movies in this thread share a core theme of calculated defiance, a steady pacing that builds suspense through planning, and a tone that balances serious political threat with the hopeful goal of liberation. They deliver a satisfying experience of outsmarting a greater power.
Family Duty Dramas like Twelve Thousand
A protagonist risks everything to provide for and protect their family.Explore movies similar to Twelve Thousand where the main character's journey is fueled by love and duty to their family. These films focus on the sacrifices made for loved ones, blending personal stakes with a steady, character-driven narrative and a ultimately hopeful resolution.
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Narrative Summary
The narrative is character-driven, focused on the protagonist's internal conflict between personal desire and familial obligation. The central plot is a direct consequence of their need to provide, protect, or reunite with family. This creates a story where emotional weight comes from the stakes of family well-being rather than external glory.
Why These Movies?
These films are united by their central theme of familial sacrifice. The protagonist's arc is defined by their devotion, creating a strong emotional anchor for the audience. They share a medium emotional weight, steady pacing that allows for character development, and a tone that finds hope in the struggle for those we love.
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Twelve Thousand Timeline
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Characters, Settings & Themes in Twelve Thousand
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