Anfang 80 (2011)

Bruno, who is married, and Rosa, who has cancer, are both 80 and have little future left to look forward to. The two meet, fall passionately in love, and embark on a relationship despite the unfavorable circumstances. When Bruno’s family finds out, his wife Herta and his son Werner put him under immense pressure to end the affair. Rosa’s niece and the residents and staff at the care home also strongly oppose their relationship. Only Karl, Bruno’s childhood friend, supports them. When Bruno is forced to make a decision, he leaves his wife, moves out, and temporarily stays with his daughter. Soon afterward, Rosa collapses and is taken to the hospital. When she is transferred from there to a nursing home, Bruno and Rosa spontaneously flee the facility. They take temporary refuge at Karl’s and make plans for a future together in a new apartment. But Werner applies to become Bruno’s legal guardian. Rosa is reported missing, and her bank account is frozen. She is found and taken back to the nursing home, while Bruno puts up desperate resistance. He is arrested and brought before a doctor at a psychiatric clinic. In desperation, Bruno explains his and Rosa’s situation. The psychiatrist takes Bruno’s side and helps him defeat the guardianship proceedings. This means Bruno can once again make his own decisions and manage his finances. Now nothing stands in the way of their moving into a place together. Bruno gets Rosa out of the nursing home. The two enjoy their freedom. Bruno devotes himself to caring for his beloved, but in doing so becomes increasingly isolated from the outside world. Before long, household chores and caregiving overwhelm them, but their pride and fear of being sent to a nursing home keep them from accepting help. Since Rosa wants to die at home and with dignity, she decides to end her life prematurely. At first Bruno is against it, but then he agrees to help Rosa carry out her plan. He lays her out calmly and peacefully in their shared apartment and sets off on a (final) journey.