Julien is born into a wealthy German family before World War One. He dotes on his concert violinist mother. He goes to war and joins the ranks of the disillusioned when it ends. He becomes a Nazi, works his way up through the hierarchy and joins the Schutzstaffel or SS. His mother and father are arrested because of their resistance to the regime. They are condemned to die by firing squad. Julien's superiors, as a joke, assign Julien to command the firing squad. He does his duty. Mortified by his action, Julien devotes his life to helping Jews escape across a river. During one rescue he is killed. He is reunited with his parents in heaven.

SYNOPSIS:

Based on a story - St Julien d'Hospitateur - by Gustave Flaubert, this is a Christian tale examining the themes of forgiveness and redemption. Julien's beliefs about his fellow man lead directly to him ordering the murder of his parents. It is a stark reminder of where hatred and division can lead us. At what point do we forgive those whose creed we violently oppose but who have recanted? At what point do we forgive ourselves for our beliefs that don't include compassion for our enemies?