Throughout his life Hermann Langbein stood against injustice — whether it was Franco, Hitler, Stalin, or the danger of forgetting the horrors of the past. He did so first as a communist and later as a radical humanist.

Hermann’s grandson Daniel tells the story of Hermann Langbein’s life and his own attempt to break away from his grandfather’s thoroughgoingness, searching for his own path in life.

 Hermann Langbein (1912-1995), the well-known freedom fighter and author, always took actions based on his high moral standards. How does it feel to grow up as Hermann´s grandson, to live up to these high demands?

 "The Defiant" is not only the story of Hermann Langbein but also of Daniel Langbein´s efforts to find his own path in life. The film shows the actor´s attempt to break away from his gradfather´s uncompromising approach to life - while admiring Hermann´s incredible life story. Daniel has to discover what Hermann truly felt behind the wall he built around his emotions. Slowly, Daniel breaks through the facade as he slips into the role of his gradfather, portraying him in the film.

Daniel´s search for his gradfather´s hidden emotions gives us the opportunity to tell Hermann´s unique life story in a personal and emotional way. 

As Daniel develops an understanding of his grandfather, the film puts Hermann’s resistance in relation to our current situation. The aim is to evoke courage to act, to stand against injustice and exclusion.