The Lives Of Others

[Foxbat]

Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Starring Martina Gedeck, Ulrich Muhe, Seastian Koch, Ulrich Tukur

Finally, I got a chance to see this movie and here’s my thoughts.

East Germany, 1984. Captain Weisler is a cold, brutal and efficient member of the Stasi. Expert in both surveillance and interrogation techniques, he finds himself tasked with monitoring the activities of noted playwright Georg Dreyman and his actress girlfriend Christa-Maria Sieland.

Dreyman is the darling of the DDR – a socialist playwright that seems to produce exactly what the state requires. Wiesler suspects him too good to be true and accepts with relish the challenge to uncover the real lives of Dreyman and Sieland. But the more he studies the couple and their everyday struggles to survive whilst keeping their passions and ideas alive within a state intent on smothering such things, the more Wiesler begins to realise how empty and amoral his own existence has become. As the lines become more blurred between his work and new thoughts, Wiesler begins to tread a dangerous path.

Immaculately acted throughout, this is a gritty and thought-provoking piece of work. I have a soft spot for German cinema and this movie is a good example why. I can describe The Lives Of Others in three words: compelling, moving, outstanding.

If you only watch one more film this year, you could do much worse than spend the time watching this wonderful movie. No wonder it won an Oscar.

[Allegra]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Immaculately acted throughout, this is a gritty and thought-provoking piece of work. I have a soft spot for German cinema and this movie is a good example why. I can describe The Lives Of Others in three words: compelling, moving, outstanding.

If you only watch one more film this year, you could do much worse than spend the time watching this wonderful movie. No wonder it won an Oscar.

I totally agree, Foxbat. I watched it sometime ago on a friend's recommendation and absolutely loved it! Yes, highly recommended.

[Foxbat]

Good to see a fellow admirer of this film. One thing I might add - the personal journey that Wiesler takes is (in my opinion) very similar to that of Montag in Ray Bradbury's Farenheit 451.

With this being a site dedicated to SF&F I thought that info might help those wondering if they should watch this or not.