Based on true story, Requiem Fuer Eine Romantische Frau was inspired by the relationship between poet Clemens Bretano (Sylvester Groth) and Auguste Bussmann (Janina Sachau), a 17-year-old girl whose father was a successful banker. Clemens becomes infatuated with Auguste, and she soon falls for him as well. While Auguste eagerly embraces a bohemian lifestyle, Clemens is unhappy with her lack of refinement and even tires of her abundant sexual appetite. Auguste's eccentricity soon descends into instability, and she attempts suicide several times as she slips deeper into madness. A historical drama that explores manners and mores as much as actions, Requiem Fuer Eine Romantische Frau was the second feature for director Dagmar Knoepfel, whose previous film as 1994's Brigitta.
~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide