Rent The Lives of Others (2006)

4.2 of 5 from 1482 ratings
2h 12min
Rent The Lives of Others (aka Das Leben Der Anderen) Online DVD & Blu-ray Rental
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  • Available formats
Synopsis:
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 80's. When cold and brutal official Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe) is given the task of spying on acclaimed playwright Dreyman (Sebastian Koch) 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.
Actors:
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Directors:
Producers:
Quirin Berg, Hubert von Spreti, Max Wiedemann
Voiced By:
Klaus Münster
Writers:
Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Others:
Julio Chávez
Aka:
Das Leben Der Anderen
Studio:
Lionsgate Films
Genres:
Drama, Thrillers
Collections:
2008, 2009, Award Winners, BAFTA Nominations Competition 2023, CinemaParadiso.co.uk Through Time
Countries:
Germany
Awards:

2008 BAFTA Best Foreign Film

2007 Oscar Best Foreign Film

BBFC:
Release Date:
17/09/2007
Run Time:
132 minutes
Languages:
German Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles:
English, English Hard of Hearing
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 1.78:1 / 16:9
Colour:
Colour
Bonus:
  • Extended and Deleted Scenes
  • Cast and Crew Interviews
  • Making Of "The Lives of Others"
  • Original Stasi Devices Gallery
  • Audio Commentary on Feature and Deleted Scenes by Writer and Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
BBFC:
Release Date:
02/08/2010
Run Time:
138 minutes
Languages:
German DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles:
English, English Hard of Hearing
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 2.35:1
Colour:
Colour
Bonus:
  • Audio Commentary by Writer and Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
  • Extended and Deleted Scenes with optional Audio Commentary by Writer and Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
  • Cast and Crew Interviews
  • Making Of "The Lives of Others"
  • Original Stasi Devices Gallery

More like The Lives of Others

Reviews (21) of The Lives of Others

Brilliant - The Lives of Others review by CP Customer

Spoiler Alert
28/07/2007

This movie is excellent! I loved every bit of the movie. A real peace of art!! Can't wait to get the DVD.

8 out of 8 members found this review helpful.

Facing up to Stalinism - The Lives of Others review by Kurtz

Spoiler Alert
11/03/2008

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.

8 out of 9 members found this review helpful.

Must see - The Lives of Others review by CP Customer

Spoiler Alert
02/03/2009

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.

8 out of 9 members found this review helpful.

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