87 mins
The film chronicles East Prussian history from its pagan origins to the start of World War I in 1914, highlighting the Battle of Tannenberg. The first three acts cover the region’s early history, including the Teutonic Order’s founding, the Brandenburg electors’ era, and the impact of Napoleonic troops, with Queen Luise as a comforting figure. The third act depicts modern Prussia’s resurgence affecting East Prussia. The final two acts focus on the Russian invasion of Masuria in August 1914, showing the devastation and the portrayal of Cossack hordes as destructive. Retired General Paul von Hindenburg arrives, ending the atrocities and leading to a decisive Russian defeat at Tannenberg, culminating in East Prussia’s liberation.