This gripping drama portrays the rise of the Nazi Regime through the experiences of two ordinary brothers who find themselves on opposite sides during World War II. Helmut, the brilliant but opportunistic stuend, and Karl, an idealistic athlete, come of age at the dawn of Hitler´s (Colin Jeavons) power in 1931 Berlin. At first they view the Nazis as just another political party, but soon find themselves caught up in Hitler´s ominous plans for world domination. Helmut (Bill Nighy) ambitiously joins the Fuher´s personal bodyguards, the Schutzstaffel, and eventually becomes a successful flag rank office, but Karl (John Shea) sees the true horrors of Nazism when he joins the brown-shirted Sturm Abteilung. The Schutzstaffel disband the "Brown Shirts", and outspoken Karl is sent to Dachau Concentration Camp. Through his brother´s influence, Karl is rescued and drafted into the German Army, but their relationship continues to crumble. Helmut´s conscience finally begins to surface as he watches the Third Reich fall into ruins.

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