Undine works as a historian lecturing on Berlin's urban development. But when the man she loves leaves her, the ancient myth catches up with her. Undine has to kill the man who betrays her and return to the water.
Undine
I have watched this movie once. This was on .
Review
This is a very simple story set in modern Berlin; a break-up at a coffee shop leads to an unexpected encounter and a new romance. The camera often lingers as we follow Undine reciting the history of Berlin to a crowd at a museum and the city itself feels like the main character.
This is a very minimalistic movie, from the screenplay to the locations and camerawork. There is no artistic flare on show, but an honest look at everyday adults flirting between romance and work. There is an undertone of fairy-tale myth – something I expected a lot more of – but it is very hidden. The forlorn conclusion feels a little out-of-place but packs a punch leaving its mark on you.
Appearing rather boring on the surface, there is actually something keeping you engaged throughout and that is the wonderful natural interplay of the two leads. It's not in the same league as the “simplistic romantic talking” genre classic Before Sunset, but it has made me crave more German cinema and seek out other movies by the director.