Shortly after German reunification, three residents of a quiet area north of Berlin talk about their plans and attempts at new economic beginnings amid the changes brought by the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Self-important author Leon joins his best friend on a summer holiday near the Baltic Sea to complete his novel. When they arrive, they find their house is already occupied by a carefree woman who challenges Leon to open up. Meanwhile, forest wildfires rage around them and impending disaster looms.

2008 film by Christian Petzold

Johannes is a loner who wants a better job. And then he meets Ana. Ana is attractive and even though her job is even less prestigious th an Johannes's, he falls for her. And then she quits her job to be with him (and be dependent on him) and suddenly things become much more serious. She has fallen for him. But does he still love her? Did he ever? Enter Sarah. Sarah is the daughter of Johannes's boss. He and she have a past. Will Sarah and what she represents be his future, and Ana just a memory, something he'd like to erase?

Middle-aged lawyer Thomas (André Hennicke) meets Leyla (Nina Hoss), a younger cold reserved pretty blonde, in a suburban swimming-pool. Thomas falls in love with her and, after their paths keep crossing, he picks up the courage to ask her out for a date. Somewhat to his surprise she agrees, but arrives late and the restaurant is closing. They go back to his apartment for an impromptu pizza and, after a few drinks, she falls asleep on the couch. The next morning Thomas awakes to find Leyla and his laptop are missing. Hurt and baffled, Thomas investigates further only to discover that she has vanished from his life, her job and the city and he has been the victim of a meticulously-staged plan carried out by the scheming Leyla...

2003 film directed by Christian Petzold

2014 film

2012 film by Christian Petzold