Drama
Poetic, graceful, and profound, Fatih Akin tells the story of the last days of war in spring 1945.
Shortly before the end of the war, the three-time mother Hille still firmly believes in the final victory. Life on Amrum at that time is anything but easy. Her twelve-year-old son Nanning works every day with his best friend Hermann in the fields of farmer Tessa, while Allied bombers fly overhead towards the German mainland to finally bring the enemy to his knees. Those who want to survive and provide for their family must take action – and Nanning does just that: He collects driftwood at night in the bright moonlight, hunts rabbits in the dunes, and steals the wild geese's eggs. Yet in the village, he remains an outsider. As a "newcomer" from the big city, he is met with suspicion, and at school, he is ridiculed. Moreover, his heavily pregnant mother clings to the Führer in unwavering loyalty, even when everyone knows that there is nothing left to gain. When the war truly comes to an end and the news of Hitler's death reaches the island through the radio, Hille goes into labor. Shortly after the birth of her fourth child, she descends into deep sadness and refuses any food. When she expresses a strong desire for a white bread with butter and honey, Nanning finds new hope. For him, it is clear that his mother can only regain her strength if he fulfills this wish. But where to get it, when one cannot even steal it on the entire island? Bartering, daily marches through the mud, seal hunting – nothing is too much for him. As he collects ingredient after ingredient, Nanning is confronted not only with the harsh reality of war but also with a family secret that will change his life forever.