March, 1945: The insecure and hesitant reserve lieutenant Felix Bleck receives orders to lead a transport of 40 prisoners to the Western Front, where the men are to be burned up in a punishment battalion. On the way there, Bleck realizes the inhuman futility of his assignment and makes a fateful decision.

Going from a dysfunctional family into a life of prostitution, Marina finally finds happiness and comfort with unsuccessful artist Alexander. However, a brain tumor threatens to make him blind and only an expensive operation can save him.