In the aftermath of the Second World War, Germany’s occupation of Denmark has left one threat behind. More than two million landmines are buried in the sandy beaches along the west coast. German prisoners of war are pressed into service clearing them, including many underage soldiers who were conscripted in the final months of the war and hardly have any military experience. That includes Sebastian’s unit, now under the command of Danish officer Carl Leopold Rasmussen. Rasmussen makes clear to the twelve boys in his charge how much he despises Germans. But he also starts to notice that they still harbour childish dreams – and are quick to snap under the mortal danger and the exhaustion of captivity. With time, his attitude shifts. The film pointedly visualises the war’s consequences while highlighting the need to confront them with a sense of humanity.