Junges Licht

Young Light

The Ruhr region in 1961: Germany's economy is booming, yet the workers who lay the foundation for growth suffer from poor living conditions – like the family of 12-year-old Julian, who grows up in a miner's settlement. While the neighborhood kids pass the summer drinking, smoking and torturing animals, Julian has to take on responsibilities: Following her nervous breakdown, his mother is getting better at a sea spa with the family's daughter, while Julian and his father are on their own at home. Julian manages the household, prepares his father's lunch and helps the pastor on Sundays. All the while, he feels increasingly attracted to Marusha, the precocious 15-year-old girl who lives next door and candidly talks about sex. On an extraordinary hot summer day, Julian's infatuation takes a turn for the dramatic when Marusha starts to flirt with him…