Bremen, 1891. Udo Jürgens' grandfather Heinrich strolls thoughtfully about the Christmas market. For days, the young man has suffered a momentous decision: should he emigrate to America or seek his fortune in Moscow? The touching performance of a street musician playing a Russian song on his bassoon gives him an unexpected decision-making aid. Henry sets off for Russia - and thus begins a fateful story that spans three generations and two world wars.
Martina and her partner Ralf, who run a restaurant together in Cologne, enjoy their holiday in Brittany - until one day Ralf does not return from a sailing trip. The Breton police believe in a sailing accident and make Martina little hope that her friend has survived. But Martina does not want to accept Ralf's death and begins a desperate search on the coast of Brittany. However, when this remains in vain, Martina returns to Germany.