In repressive post-war Germany, Hans is repeatedly imprisoned because of his homosexuality. In prison he meets the convicted murderer Viktor. Over the years, a love develops from mutual dislike. Told on three time levels over a period of 24 years, this German-Austrian drama deals with a dark chapter in the history of justice in West Germany. Even though the total ban had to be lifted in 1969, § 175 remained in force until 1994.