The film examines the relation of an executioner and his victim, confronting two attitudes: a Jew fighting for his life and a German who will decide about his life or death.
Winter during the war in 1942. A group of Jews escape from the transport headed for a concentration camp. One of them – Henryk Fogiel is a young and educated man. His salvation is the role of a polar bear that tourists make souvenir photos with from Zakopane. His safe hideaway is lost when German mayor Von Hennenberg purchases the bear and unmasks Henryk. The German guarantees him safety in return for Henryk telling him about his internal struggles in a life-threatening situation. He becomes a toy in his hands but also a partner for serious disputes. A misunderstanding leads to the death of a girl trying to save Henryk.