Two farmers, Grimm and Melcher, were once on friendly terms, but a petty argument over a piece of land has since turned them into implacable enemies. Their two children- Veronika and Fabian- used to be childhood friends. When they meet again as young adults, they instantly fall in love, despite the bitter feud between their families. With no hope for a future together, the two seek to end their lives in this retelling of the classic story by Shakespeare.
Cinematography
Bleak East German countryside as oppressive character.
Writing
Gottfried Keller adaptation with socialist realist edge.
Director
Siegfried Kühn
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Keller's 1856 novella was required East German school reading, making this adaptation state-sanctioned melancholy.
Kühn shot near his own childhood village; the grim authenticity is personal, not propaganda.
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