East German military drama where friendship gets court-martialed by ambition.
Major Leska, who has proven himself as a troop officer in a tank battalion in complicated maneuvers, is to become an instructor. He sees this as a challenge and is looking forward to the new task. But then the decision is made in favor of his friend Hans Helbig, who has just graduated from the military academy with distinction and was once Leska's subordinate. The conflict that erupts between Leska and Hans puts a strain on their working relationship and puts their friendship to the test. They have to prove themselves during an important maneuver.
Acting
Schmidt-Schaller's simmering resentment as passed-over Major Leska.
Production
Authentic DDR military hardware and drab institutional authenticity.
Director
Hans Werner
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
DEFA's rare foray into military drama, made with NVA cooperation—yet subtly critiques socialist hierarchy.
Director Hans Werner was primarily a documentary filmmaker; this was his only fictional feature.
DE
