A woman finds that her life is radically changed in a number of ways after a bout with cancer. Corinna (Renee Soutendijk) is a 38-year-old commercial artist and single mother who is happy with her life; her career is going well, her children are happy and healthy, and she's found a boyfriend who makes her happy. However, Corinna finds her contented existence turned upside-down when she discovers a malignant tumor in one breast and undergoes a mastectomy. Her boyfriend soon leaves her, and Corinna finds herself wondering about her future (and her kids' future as well) and if she'll still be attractive to men. The latter question begins to answer itself when she finds that two men are vying for her attentions. But while her new neighbor (Huub Stapel) seems interested in Corinna for her own sake, a good friend (Hans-Werner Meyer) takes a new interest in her and proposes marriage -- largely so her children will have a home should she fall ill again. Originally produced for German television, Hauptsache Leben was well-received on its home turf, where Renee Soutendijk earned enthusiastic notices for her performance as Corinna. The film received its American premiere at the 1999 Hollywood Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi