In 1787 in Weimar, Germany, the Lengefeld family is facing financial ruin thanks to the early death of the head of the clan. Caroline (Hannah Herzsprung), the eldest daughter, has taken matters into her own hands and married the very wealthy Von Beulwitz (Andreas Pietschmann). Her younger sister Charlotte (Henriette Confurius) is sent to stay with her godmother, Frau von Stein (Maja Maranow), a prestigious woman and mistress of Johann von Goethe.

Although the attractive Charlotte has many suitors, she is drawn to Friedrich Schiller (Florian Stetter), a writer and philosopher she meets by chance. During a visit by her sister, this gallant young man rescues a drowning child from a river and then is overcome by chills. His clothes are removed and Schiller stands naked as Charlotte and Caroline shield him with their warm bodies as the sun slowly warms them all. As a result of this blissful time together, the three of them vow to share their lives forever.

The dilemma for the sisters is how to handle the fact that they both are in love with the writer who is handsome, creative, and destined for greatness. More complications arise when Schiller finds himself to be deeply attracted to Caroline. They consummate their love for each other and convince Charlotte to marry him. In the spirit of this self-sacrifice, this alluring beauty does not sleep with her husband.

Dominik Graf has written and directed this German costume drama centered around Schiller's unusual love affair with the Lengefeld sisters and its ramifications in their private and public lives. The literary quality of the screenplay is carried into our consciousness through the many letters between the sisters. It is interesting to watch Schiller's triumph as a public speaker who eventually wins a position as a university lecturer. But far and away the most impressive character in the story is Caroline, a woman not afraid to express her sexual pleasure. This enterprising woman also surprises everyone by writing a book. Hanna Herzsprung delivers a passionate performance as this free-spirited, alluring, and accomplished woman.

Special features on the DVD include the making of Beloved Sisters.


Films about Sisters