Generation War (Unsere Mütter, unsere Väter) is a gripping and emotionally charged German television miniseries that follows the intertwined lives of five close friends as they are swept into the chaos of World War II. Set in Berlin beginning in 1941, the series offers a raw and deeply human perspective on the personal and moral struggles faced by ordinary Germans during the war.
The central characters—brothers Wilhelm (Volker Bruch), a dutiful Wehrmacht officer, and Friedhelm (Tom Schilling), a quiet and intellectual soldier; Charlotte (Miriam Stein), an idealistic nurse; Greta (Katharina Schüttler), an aspiring singer; and Viktor (Ludwig Trepte), a Jewish tailor—each represent different facets of German society. As the war progresses, their youthful optimism is shattered by the brutality of the front lines, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the betrayals of friendship and ideology.
Over the course of three feature-length episodes, Generation War paints a harrowing portrait of the shifting moral boundaries faced by those caught in history’s darkest chapter. From the bloody Eastern Front to the despair of Nazi-controlled Berlin, the story explores themes of complicity, courage, guilt, and redemption. The characters’ evolving relationships reflect the broader societal breakdown caused by the war and provide a lens through which to examine questions of national identity and personal responsibility.
Critically acclaimed for its powerful performances, emotional depth, and ambitious storytelling, Generation War sparked both praise and controversy upon its release. It was lauded for confronting difficult aspects of Germany’s past, though some critics questioned its portrayal of certain historical events, particularly regarding the depiction of Polish resistance fighters and the extent of German civilian complicity.
Despite these debates, the series has earned international recognition as a bold and poignant dramatization of WWII from the German perspective. It won several awards, including the International Emmy for Best TV Movie/Mini-Series.
Streaming Availability:
Generation War is available to stream on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, though access may vary depending on your location. Subtitles are typically available in English and other languages, making it accessible to a global audience.
