A coincidence leads to friendship between Josef Gerlach, a survivor of World War II, and Daniel, 16. When the old man entrusts him with his diary, Daniel immerses himself in a dramatic story. Josef recounts how he left the Hitler Youth at the age of 14 to join the Edelweiss Pirates, a gang characterized by long hair and casual clothes. Soon, however, the friends must realize that their lifestyle is not tolerated by the Nazis. As the situation and pressure worsen, they plan dangerous actions and begin to fight - for themselves and for freedom.