Berlin Chamissoplatz

Everything moves: the camera circles the rooves of Kreuzberg in spirited fashion before panning down in spiral motion onto a street party in the Chamisso kiez, where sociology student and activist Anna Bach (Sabine Bach) is making use of the opportunity to interview Martin (Hanns Zischler), the architect entrusted with “renovating” the surrounding houses. The battlelines seem clear, their respective life plans are diametrically opposed (which can also be seen in their stance on cinema), and yet a tender relationship still develops between the two of them at this flashpoint of nascent gentrification. The urban planning backdrop is as astoundingly current as the description of the Kreuzberg kiez culture is precise, as Thome stages a timeless love story in sun-kissed, cheerful fashion, brimming with sensitivity and far from stereotypes and cliches. (mg)