The Princess (Franka Potente) is actually a nurse at a mental hospital and the Warrior (Benno Furmann) is a bank robber. A terrible accident nearly kills her, but he saves her life. When the dust settles, he disappears, a wanted man. She spends the second act tracking him down to thank him, and the third act trying to return the favor and save his life. Like Memento or Vanilla Sky, The Princess and the Warrior is a puzzle. Tykwer (best known for Run Lola Run) packs twists, turns, metaphors and enigmas into this movie. The wonderful cinematography helps makes it a joy to sit through, and the story is just twisty enough to keep you talking about it with friends and strangers afterwards.
The Princess and the Warrior
***1/2published January 14, 2002