In autumn 1942 young nazi-educated Lieutenant Wisse is transferred to Stalingrad. Shortly after the German troops managed to conquer the city, they are encircled by the Red Armee. Many of the ordinary soldiers notice that they have no chance against their enemy. But due to the order of their superiors the officers under the command of General Paulus instead believe that the victory is still possible. When the situation becomes dramatically serious Wisse recognises the absurdity of this war and turns away from the Nazi-ideology. In the freezing cold, with almost no ammunition and hardly any food he fights for survial amidst the lost 6th army.