Denmark is enthused following the victories over the Prussians in the war 1848-51, and is now scheming to annex Schleswig into the Danish Kingdom. Inflamed with nationalism the leader of the Danish parliament neglects all European treaties and throws the country into war with Prussia.

At the same time the two peasant brothers Laust and Peter grow up and fall in love with the well-read and beautiful Inge. But when the war erupts Peter and Laust volunteer for the army.

Meanwhile in 2014, the young maladjusted and depressed Claudia finds Inge’s diary and becomes an eyewitness to history and the extraordinary love story of Peter, Laust and Inge and how the brothers along with thousands of Danish soldiers fight one of the bloodiest battles in Danish history. The slaughterhouse at Dybbøl that changed Denmark forever.