Munich 1918. The First World War is over and the city is packed with German soldiers returning to find their country in ruins. One soldier is Max Rothman (John Cusack), a promising artist who lost an arm in the war and with it his ability to paint. On his return, Max opens an art gallery where he meets a struggling artist called Adolf Hitler (Noah Taylor). Max isnt completely convinced by Hitlers artistic abilities but he encourages his creative talent anyway. Meanwhile the lonely penniless Hitler becomes increasingly envious of Maxs wealthy German Jewish family and their popularity. Disillusioned with art, Hitler turns increasingly to politics, setting into motion the most cataclysmic period in world history.