A Woman in Berlin 2009

As the Allied forces finally gain control of Berlin in the dying days of World War II, a fractured community of women, children, and elderly men are left to navigate the treacherous landscape of a city ravaged by war. The once-middle-class lives of these individuals have been irreparably altered, leaving them to struggle for survival amidst the ruins.

The Soviet Red Army’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era of occupation, as its soldiers assert their dominance over the city. Amidst this chaos and destruction, women of all ages are subjected to brutal violation, their bodies broken and their dignity shattered. The protagonist, a German journalist (Nina Hoss), finds herself among those who have been irreparably scarred by the traumatic events that have unfolded.

As she navigates the rubble-strewn streets, she petitions the commanding officer of the Soviet battalion for protection and an alliance, her request initially met with rejection. However, it is Andrei Rybkin (Yevgeny Sidikhin), a married soldier, who becomes increasingly entranced by the resilient German woman’s unyielding determination and quiet beauty, despite the physical and emotional scars that mar her body.

As their unlikely bond develops, Rybkin finds himself drawn into an informal community that has formed among survivors in the journalist’s apartment building. Here, he discovers a sense of purpose and belonging, as well as a new perspective on the devastating consequences of war. As he works to protect and care for those around him, including the woman who has captured his heart, Rybkin begins to question the true nature of his own allegiances and loyalties.

In this fragile world, women are forced to make difficult choices in order to survive. Many form tentative alliances with individual soldiers or officers, trading protection for basic necessities like food and shelter. As tensions rise and suspicion grows, Rybkin’s actions come under scrutiny, leading to a reassignment that will have far-reaching consequences for all involved.