Rosa Luxemburg (1870-1919) is in a German prison during World War I where she writes, remaining optimistic, giving strength to the small Spartacus League she founded to oppose the war. Flashbacks trace her work in Warsaw and arrest there, her move to Berlin, her friendships and two love affairs. Her energy is palpable, as are her oratory, the clarity of her analysis, her empathy in simple human interactions, and her purpose. When the war ends, she's vindicated: Social Democrats take power, and she's released from prison. But over her objections, Karl Liebknecht moves the new Communist Party into confrontation too quickly, and they are arrested. This time it's not prison she faces.