A Whole Life

Andreas grows up in the early 20th century with a violent uncle on a farm in an alpine valley. He experiences a childhood of brutality and hard work, but at the age of 18 he finds the courage to leave his oppressor. Although his uncle partially crippled him, he grew into a strong man and found work as a forester. He works on the construction of a mountain cable car and finally has enough money to buy a house high above the valley. Soon he discovers something he has never experienced before, love. Marie becomes the light of his life, but unfortunately the dream of a happy future together soon dissolves. Desperate, Andreas enlists in the German Wehrmacht and, in the face of death on the Eastern Front, thinks only of Marie. He eventually survives the madness of World War II and returns to his valley, but it has changed beyond recognition. It feels like a different world, as the picturesque landscape has become a ski resort full of tourists. Despite all the hardships he has gone through, he is grateful for the beautiful moments in his life. With Maria in his heart, Andreas accepts the time he has left with peace.