Henning Beckhoff

Just like the Roman God Ianus, young mother Lynn has to cope with two contrasting poles within herself that are torn between her old freedom and new responsibilities.

Describes the state of a couple in the off season, shortly before the birth of their child. Gregor surprises his girlfriend Judith with a wellness holiday in Sicily, but Judith would rather go to work than lie on the beach. Her boyfriend’s expectations with regard to the baby and his eagerness for family life create an ever-greater distance between the two.

Jesus, a forty-year-old man, accompanies his mother Maria to a choir retreat. The Catholic code of conduct could well be maintained, if it weren’t for the temptations of the world outside.

Michael, an open-pit miner, refuses to accept the fact that coal is being phased out. He doesn’t want things to change. Working in an open-pit mine is more than just a job to him. He tries to convince his co-workers to join in his protest of the changes afoot, but by not being able to let go, he gets less and less support — even from his family.

The 15-year-old farmer prefers to skip class and go around downtown rather than spend his time at school. His father and his older brother neglect him and he spends most of his time with his friend Marika. As their friendship gradually turns into love, Johannes does not know where he belongs anymore. He goes hunting with his father and other people, he starts going out with his brother at night and he distances himself from Marike, who turns away from him in disappointment. He trries to get away from it all – but he can't get away from himself.