In East Germany during the 1980s, a musician named Dieter tries to navigate the oppressive political landscape while pursuing his passion for rock music, an expression of freedom that defies state-imposed conformity. Struggling with censorship and the ever-watchful eye of the authorities, Dieter forms a band with a group of like-minded artists, dreaming of a future where their music can bring change. The leader of the group, Michael, is especially fervent in his belief that their songs can challenge the state's narrative. Nursed by dreams of freedom and resistance, they face constant harassment and monitoring by the Stasi, the secret police force. Relationships within the band are tested as they juggle their personal desires with the harsh realities of living under a repressive regime.

As Dieter's life becomes increasingly complicated, he meets Anne, a French woman studying in Berlin who is drawn to his courage and determination. Their budding romance blossoms against the backdrop of political unrest, adding another layer of complexity to Dieter's existence. With every performance, the band's music gains more traction, igniting hope in their audience and drawing more scrutiny from the regime. The stakes grow higher as they face intense pressure from all sides—a tension that could either galvanize their cause or lead to devastating consequences. Through their struggles, they wrestle with the question of whether art can truly bring about change in a world resistant to it.