Bis daß der Tod euch scheidet

Jens, a construction worker in his mid-twenties and Sonja, a shop assistant, are in love. They marry and move into an apartment together. When Sonja has a child she gives up her job. After a while she begins to feel bored and isolated at home. She would like to work again, but Jens is very much against this because it wouldn't conform to his perception of the kind of harmonious family life he was denied as a child. Sonja feels patronised and this puts a strain on their relationship. She secretly takes an exam to become a skilled worker. When Jens discovers this he is furious and lashes out physically. Colleagues try in vain to help but the situation deteriorates. Jens begins drinking; he completely loses control when he finds out that Sonja has had an abortion. Their love has now turned into outright hatred. One day Jens mistakenly drinks from a water bottle containing an aggressive detergent. Sonja does not stop him. His life hangs in the balance – and they recollect their love for one another. Traditional role models clash with modern concepts of marriage under socialism. The situation escalates. (Berlinale)