The film tells the story of Faust who unites with the devil in search of ultimate wisdom. He realizes too late, that winning Gretchen's heart with the devil's help means destroying her life.

August 13, 1961: The passengers on the interzonal train from Munich to East Berlin learn 3½ hours before crossing the border that the Wall is being built in Berlin. They have 3½ hours to make a life-changing decision: to get off the train or keep going.

Summer 2001: young Gregor works at the small Berlin video store "VILM". When he falls in love with the shy "Betty", he has to keep a clear head handling the major catalogue change from VHS to DVD, his disillusioned co-worker Beni, quirky customers and the upcoming shoot of his next big short film ...