Rent The Lives of Others
(2006)
Das Leben Der Anderen
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In this outstanding psychological and political thriller, we get a fascinating insight into the lengths and depths that the East European government went to in order to keep tabs on the lives of its population in 80s. When cold and brutal official Wiesler is given the task of spying on acclaimed playwright Dreyman and his actress girlfriend, he relishes the task, knowing that if he uncovers subversive behaviour he will gain favor with his boss. But the longer he listens in on the couple, their friendships, passions and ideas, the more he realises that his own life and the harsh political regime are lacking in color and joy in many respects. Slowly he begins to doubt morality of is job and politics. As the lines between orders and compassion become blurred, Wiesler becomes more involved with his subject, walking a dangerous path between his duty and his new found reality. A suspenseful, poignant and utterly compelling film from director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck.
Members Reviews Voted Most Helpful
The Lives of Others review by TB
Must see
(4) of (5) members found this review helpful.
Another German movie about its recent history and thus also European history. The story takes place in the mid-80's East-Berlin and shows to which lengths the regime went to control and sometimes destroy citizens who weren't "good socialist citizens". Excellent actors and GDR details spot-on. After "Downfall/Der Untergang" and "Sophie Scholl" a German film everone should see.
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The Lives of Others review by Kurtz
Facing up to Stalinism
(4) of (5) members found this review helpful.
A heartfelt and moving account of life in the DDR. Stately and impresive rather than a gripping Bruce-a thon, it boasts nonetheless some intensely watchable performances from top German stage actors. The fact that some people had the courage to speak out against an all-seeing, all-knowing regime who had the power to ruin the life of anyone who stood against them is hard to take in when you've grown up taking everyday freedoms for granted, but the key message of "The Lives of Others" is that the desire for personal freedom is contagious and that no-one is immune.
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The Lives of Others review by WH
Brilliant
(3) of (3) members found this review helpful.
This movie is excellent! I loved every bit of the movie. A real peace of art!! Can't wait to get the DVD.
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Recent Reviews of The Lives of Others by our members
The Lives of Others review by RP
Gripping
(0) of (0) members found this review helpful.
Set in 1984 East Berlin the film is German, with subtitles. But please don't let that put you off - it's superb. That's why it won the 2007 Oscar for 'Best Foreign Language Film' and why it's currently (Jan 2012) at #56 on the IMDB Top 250. Slow moving, yes – but gripping. It tells the tale of a Stasi security police captain (Gerd Wiesler, played by Ulrich Mühe) who is assigned to surveillance duty on an author and his actress girlfriend. But it soon emerges that this is being done for the advantage of a high ranking party official and Weisler becomes aware of the bleakness of his own life, the hypocrisy of the state machinery, and the need to do something. By his actions he assists in the publication of an article in the West German press, ruins his own career, and is the indirect cause of the death of the woman. A really excellent drama – highly recommended. 5/5 stars.
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The Lives of Others review by The Lesser Merlin
More of an education than a thrill
(0) of (0) members found this review helpful.
Let's be honest from the beginning - I didn't like this film and was vaguely disappointed. It took me a while to work out why.
Basically, I think its because although the film is brilliant, I didn't like it. In addition, it is billed everywhere as a "Thriller", a "Political Thriller" and a "Psychological Thriller", but a thriller it ain't.
Quite rightly, this excellent film has won awards and plaudits everywhere. It is realstic in minute detail, informative, carefully and subtly plotted and scripted, and brilliantly acted. But there's the problem - as another reviewer says, "it seemed slow and grey".
If you want to be informed, great - but if you want to be entertained, give it a miss.
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The Lives of Others review by AC
privilaged to view such a rare and fascinating film
(0) of (0) members found this review helpful.
At first I thought the film would be dissapointing as it seemed slow and grey! Good job we stuck with it. First impressions were setting the atmosphere for the unfolding narrative for a time that is alien to our society now. The characters are well portrayed, the twists to the plot are subtle and the storyline kept the viewer entralled. By the credit role we couldn't believe our luck in coming across such a fabulous film, my 16 year old son thoroughly enjoyed it.
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All Other Members Reviews
The Lives of Others review by CJ
Partial subtitles
(1) of (5) members found this review helpful.
We were looking forward to the film but the subtitles were incomplete and missed much of the dialogue. This is a problem for non-German speakers.
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The Lives of Others review by SC
Love can flourish in health & safety regime, my mistake, I mean Eastern European
(0) of (0) members found this review helpful.
First few moments of seeing Stasi and interrrogation room I thought oh no what have a let myself in for. The subtle, unusual love story creeps up on you - beautiful in a story running with an abuse of power theme. The state born of pure idealism is shown in its all too human interpretation - job worthiness and bullying. To make a film that is entertainment but with social comment is always genius and this film has both, and a hero to knock the spots off Arnie.
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Rated: 4.1 stars out of 5 from 606 ratings
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BFI Classification:
Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over
| Release Date: | 17/09/2007 |
| Production Year: | 2006 |
| Run Time: | 132 minutes |
| Aspect Ratio: | Widescreen 1.78:1 / 16:9 |
| Format: | Pal |
| Colour: | Colour |
Special Features:
- Extended And Deleted Scenes
- Cast And Crew Interviews
- Making Of
- Audio Commentary
