Berlin Babylon

At first glance, it's not entirely clear why this artful documentary about the uncertain state of the Berlin cityscape should appeal to anyone without a burning passion for either architecture or urban planning. But as director Hubertus Siegert's elegant film slowly reveals itself, it becomes apparent that in the voices of the architects, developers, public officials and contractors here discussing the specifics of particular sites, we're hearing the voices of a conflicted nation as it considers how to handle its tumultuous past while defining itself for future generations. Shot at various times between 1996 and 1999, the film ostensibly profiles the development of e...