the lives of others

FILM REVIEW:

Nominated for a Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2006, the German film The Life of Others has quickly become one of my favorites. Placed in East Berlin, year 1984, a simple surveillance operation turns into a tale of triumph and defeat. A prominent, and rebellious, writer is stuck in the socialist Germany with a deep desire to tell the world what he sees. He is not the only one watching. Just above his flat, a member of the council is assigned to spy and blackmail the writer.

Georg Dreyman (Sebastian Koch), a popular German writer, tries to get his controversial work published in the West. He is completely unaware that all his plans and actions are being monitored by a special cases officer Capt. Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe).


Once the officer hears the work of the author his motive begins to change. The art truly speaks to him and he begins to see the flaws in his government. The officer feels a change in his life as he watches the change of others, the lives of others. He in fact, helps the writer by not exposing the secrets. The ending catches you by surprise and being a film with quick subtitles, the movie keeps you on your toes.

Watch the trailer HERE...