Spoiler alert: This is a love story. You wouldn't know it, though, with the arguing and fighting that take place between the two main characters.

But this not where it starts. Instead this entertaining German film begins with a drunken, Turkish businessman, Ali driving his SUV into a pond. Coming to his rescue a young ex-military man, Thomas pulls the car out and drives him home.

The one-off DD becomes a regular employee when the man, who must drive to his various food stands to deliver their goods (hence Ali's business), loses his driver's license. The inevitable happens. He has a beautiful wife.

Not only does Ali worry his food stand employees are ripping him off, but he is also worried about his wife cheating. Only problem? He stalks the wrong man.

But what could be cliche is not in the hands of this award-winning director, Christian Petzold. Yes we could write Ali off as a freak and yes we could immediately feel sorry for his young wife, Laura, but it's not that easy.

While Ali stalks his wife and in one graphic scene beats her, when he is diagnosed with a serious illness I honestly started feeling badly for him. In any case Laura is not completely innocent.

She remains married to a man who beats her because he is willing to bankroll her past debts and then cheats on him (but not with who Ali thought).

Next ensues a dastardly plot between Laura and her lover, another spoiler alert, Thomas. Mixed emotions is all this stirs up especially with Ali almost in tears on the beach as he discusses his terminal illness.

Confusing? I don't want to give away everything because you have to go see it.

Not only does the storyline tangle your emotions, but the film is beautifully shot, without the hype or ridiculous nature of relationships that regularly is produced in Hollywood. A definite must-see of the BIFF festival.

* At the Liberty Theatre today at 3.45 p.m.