Faraway, So Close! 1993

In the vibrant streets of Berlin, two angels, Cassiel and Raphaella, observe the bustling lives of humans, silently offering their ethereal support. They possess a unique ability to hear the thoughts of those around them, which allows them to provide solace to a dying man in his final moments. Among the mortals, Cassiel becomes increasingly fascinated with his former friend Damiel, who has chosen the earthly realm over his celestial duties. Damiel now runs the delightful Casa dell’Angelo pizzeria, sharing a life filled with love alongside Marion, an enchanting trapeze artist, and their young daughter Doria.

As Cassiel observes the life of Raissa Becker, a young girl from former East Berlin, he becomes entangled in a web of emotions and moral conflicts. Raissa’s mother, Hanna, harbors secrets and is pursued by Philip Winter, a detective associated with the mysterious Anton Baker, an American arms dealer whose past is shrouded in darkness. Cassiel is drawn deeper into their world, shadowing them through deserted structures and concealed alleyways, eager to understand the complexities of human existence.

Perched on the iconic Brandenburg Gate, Cassiel and Raphaella engage in heartfelt discussions about humanity’s struggles. During one of these conversations, Cassiel reveals his deep yearning to experience life as a human. His desire becomes a reality when he leaps to save Raissa, who is perilously balanced on her balcony. In that instant, Cassiel experiences the thrill of mortality as he transforms into a human, catching Raissa just in time.

Embracing his new identity, Cassiel grapples with the challenges of being human. He must learn to control his resonant voice and maneuver through chaotic streets while dodging speeding vehicles. The only remnant of his angelic past is the armor that inexplicably materializes when he makes the leap into the human realm.

As he navigates this unfamiliar territory, Cassiel finds himself in a subway, where he meets Emit Flesti, who tricks him into a dangerous gamble. The loss of his precious armor and his winnings serves as a crushing lesson in the reality of his new life. Raphaella pleads with Flesti to grant Cassiel time to grasp the nuances of being human, and while he agrees, tension lingers in the air; Flesti’s hunt for Cassiel does not cease.

Cassiel’s struggle intensifies as police demand identification; he finds himself at the mercy of the law without a name or address. In his time of need, he mentions Damiel’s pizza shop, hoping to gain an ally. Damiel promptly arrives to rescue his friend from the law’s grasp. However, Flesti seizes this moment, introducing Cassiel to a lifestyle of alcohol, addiction, and reckless choices that pave the way for a series of tragic decisions.

A fateful encounter with Baker thrusts Cassiel into a darker reality, entangling him in a criminal underworld that promises exhilarating yet dangerous experiences. His growing addiction compels him to execute desperate acts such as robbing a shop with a weapon taken from a revenge-seeking teenager, revealing the perilous descent that accompanies his newfound desires.

Struggling with his choices, Cassiel implores Baker for assistance in acquiring a passport and new identity as “Karl Engel.” Yet his hopes are dashed when Flesti intervenes, orchestrating events to further entrap Cassiel in Baker’s illicit business. Despite initial hesitation, Cassiel finds himself integrated into Baker’s operations as a trusted valet, dabbling in cheating games at poker.

Cassiel’s tumultuous journey reaches a critical point when he confronts Flesti at Casa dell’Angelo. The true nature of their chaotic bond comes to light, and Cassiel’s decision to extricate himself from Baker’s influence leads to a haunting confrontation with Winter, whose tragic end starkly illustrates the ramifications of Cassiel’s choices.

In a decisive moment, Cassiel seeks the help of Damiel and Peter Falk to dismantle Baker’s empire. With their aid, he stages a bold operation at the airport storage, seizing a cache of weapons and dismantling the machinery of a pornography ring. Yet, as Cassiel watches his friends depart, an overwhelming sense of liberation washes over him, igniting his belief that he is finally ready to embrace life fully.

However, Flesti, revealing his true identity as Time, cautions Cassiel that he is never meant for the mortal sphere. At a pivotal moment at a boat lift, Cassiel makes the ultimate sacrifice, freeing Raissa moments before facing his fate. In a breathtaking portrayal of power, Flesti manipulates time itself, permitting Damiel and their friends to embark on a daring rescue of the vessel.

As the aftermath of Cassiel’s brave acts unfurls, his community mourns the loss of a cherished soul. However, Damiel is bestowed with the joyous knowledge that Cassiel has been reinstated as an angel and is near, igniting a radiant smile on his face as he celebrates the enduring bond they share.