Customer Ratings & Reviews

Under-appreciated on this side of the Atlantic, THE LIVES OF OTHERS (in the original German, *Das Leben der Andreren*) is a powerful 2005 film about a country under siege -- the former East Germany in 1989 -- and under siege by its own police force, the *Stasi* (short for "State Security"). Far from a period piece, it gives insight into the East German experience as a Soviet satellite and suggests how those years of oppression reverberate today. For all that, it is not a "political" movie or documentary, but a drama with some of German's finest actors and talents in front of and behind the camera. Justly acclaimed in Germany and other European countries, it could use more attention here in the USA. Why not give it a try?

This is the most perfect representation I've ever seen of what life is truly like in a socialist system, where the government all in the name of "state security" (a term you hear used in the film numerous times to justify their over reaching actions) can dictate a person's every move. Set in 1984, it focuses on a writer whom the government grows suspicious of and is put under surveillance, two men taking turns listening on headphones via the sound bugs planted in his home and transcribing the conversations they hear. But one of the men, who goes by the codename of HGW XX/7, finds himself becoming sympathetic towards the writer and his girlfriend, a well known and respected actress. He attempts to cover up the writer's activity of having an article published in Western Germany that puts the East in a bad light, but ultimately ends in heartbreak for the writer and the agent. Years later, the writer learns the truth of what really transpired and why he was never arrested and thrown into detention. The film ends beautifully and will warm your heart, putting a smile on your face.

Winner of the 2007 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, The Lives of Others gives in insight to the politics and machinations of the East Berlin government in 1984. Citizens are under suspicion of various crimes against the government, from helping a neighbor defect to the West to making incendiary statements that may offend high ranking officials. This movie revolves around a playwright, his famous actress girlfriend, and the official who has been sent to monitor them (for reasons that are not political). The story supplies many moments of surprise and even humour as they struggle to make the choices that will ultimately lead to their survival or their demise. The acting is brilliant, especially by Ulrich Muhe who tragically passed away in early 2007. It is a fact that many of the actors lived through ths time as artists who were faced with the same danger of being blacklisted or put in jail for the criminal act of voicing opinions. The writing is also stellar, and the ending of the film is one of the most beautiful moments on screen. I highly recommend this film.

I purchased this film having never seen it because I remembered it winning an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film 2006. It put me in touch with Germany's history and culture nearing the Fall of the Berlin Wall when tensions and paranoia were high. I loved this movie, especially the way it ended. Aside from "Run Lola Run" this is the best German film I have ever seen. Buy it. You won't be sorry.

A truly excellent film. A subject not often addressed and not comfortable to consider, but a story that must be told. Although set in 1984, much of the subject matter has relevence to today. Like another great film of the late 70's FFC's the Conversation, there is much more to this film than meets the eye.

This movie depicts detail on many fronts. The story is rich in content and the acting superb. It will keep you on the edge of your seat - mentally and emotionally. If the nudity could be cut out, this one should be shown in social studies and American government classes.

I saw this movie 3 times consecutively. I haven't seen a film with such finesse and quality for an extremely long time. This film should have won the best Oscar film altogether, not only the Best Foreign film category.

This is both a tragic and heroic story of deception, cruelty, love and redemption. A must-see film about totalitarian states, paranoia, and repression.

This is a really great movie and would recommend buying it.