The film played an important role in setting the tone for the discussion of German guilt and atonement. Susanne whom desperately wished to forget the hardships she had endured during the war. Mondschein, the optometrist consumed by the present so that the past won’t slow him down. He is seen in his shop working hard. With the country under the grips of such great turmoil it is easy to see where he is coming from, Germany had to rebuild, and there was indeed a great many things the country had to do to get back on its feet. When we look at Ferdinand, he publicly emphasizes the need to forget and rebuild in order to escape the punishment he deserves. It is interesting how Ferdinand is the only character whom appears to be in denial over the past