In 1942, Friedrich Weimer's (Max Riemelt) boxing skills earn him an appointment to a National Political Institutes of Education (NaPolA), a high school that serves as an entry to the Nazism elite. His father, a skilled factory worker who despises the Nazis, flatly refuses to allow Friedrich to enroll. Friedrich, who sees the school as his ticket to university and a better life, forges his father's signature on the permission form and leaves during the night. He makes his way to the town of Allenstein, where the school is located, getting a ride from passing cars or trucks when possible and walking the rest of the way. Friedrich's forged papers are overlooked when he arrives, and he is greatly impressed in his first day at Allenstein.