Movie Review: “Lives of Others”

This 2006 German film is set in early 1980’2 communist East Germany. Successful playwright Georg Drreyman and his longtime girlfriend actress Christa-Maria Sieland are popular stars in the East German acting circuit. Secretly, these two do not always agree with party policy. The Minister of Culture becomes interested in Christa and instructs secret service agent Wiesler to spy on the couple. After placing wire taps and bugs, Wiesler sets up a command post above their apartment. Over time, Wiesler becomes sympathetic to their plight. Despite the official belief that “people don’t change,” the characters in fact change- some for the better and some committing heinous acts of betrayal. Redemption, sacrifice and selflessness seal the closure of the film’s end. This movie is German with English subtitles. There is one scene with brief nudity, very little profanity and no gore. Ulrich Muhe who plays agent Wiesler gives a superb performance. This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in the last ten years.