Cross of Iron

In the tumultuous year of 1943, the German army faces a desperate retreat from the Russian front in a climate of demoralization and chaos. Amidst this backdrop, an intriguing rivalry unfolds between Captain Stransky, an aristocrat defined by his cowardice, and Corporal Steiner, a courageous soldier who values the lives of his men over personal glory. While Stransky's belief in the Third Reich's superiority is fueled by his desire for the Iron Cross – a prestigious military award that would secure him hero status upon returning to Berlin – Steiner remains cynical and uncompromising, embodying a defiant spirit in stark contrast to the conformist attitudes of those around him. Through their diverging perspectives and motivations, the film delves into themes of bravery, loyalty, and personal ambition during times of war and adversity.