Decades ago, they were stranded in St. Pauli, fleeing the narrow confines of the petty bourgeoisie in search of work and a different, more unconventional life. They made their way through life as dancers or strippers, landlords or barmaids, sailors or pimps. During the day, they meet in their favorite pubs, the "Hong Kong" or the "Kaffeepause", to reminisce about earlier times.
Shortly after Michael and Inga Lehnert and their kids Tommy and Tilly move into their new home in the countryside, Michael causes an accident in which the 20 years old Jule is seriously injured. Tormented by this Michael spends more and more time at the side of her bed in hospital, where she lies in a coma, neglecting his family and job. When Jule finally wakes up, they fall in love. Although her ex-boyfriend warns her that Michael does not realise that Jule is traumatized by a fear of him and will do anything to bind him to her.
