The “Lives of Others,” is a formidable film to be reckoned with.

Nominated for best foreign film, you wouldn’t think such an emotionally charged movie was executed by first-time writer/director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck.

Donnersmarck creates a political drama that recounts an oppressive German past endured by the average plebeian.

Before the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Big Brother was a pervasive reality in East Germany

The Socialist Unity Party of Germany (S.E.D) spearheaded this oppressive regime.

This aggressive invasive government flexed its authoritative muscles by employing 100,000 highly trained officers known as the Stasi (secret police) monitoring the every move of any citizen who they suspected held contrary views to the state.

Imagine having the most innocuous aspect of life, like the number of shoes bought, recorded each year by the government.

Seasoned Stasi agent Captain Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Muhe) is portrayed as the quintessential intimidator…perfect for monitoring an upcoming project orchestrated by Minister Bruno Hempf (Thomas Thieme)

Playwright Georg Dreyman (Sebastian Koch) and his long-time actress girlfriend Christa-Maria Sieland are prime targets when their apartment is systematically bugged.

At first, Wiesler begins his duties, diligently recording every breath of the pair.

But when he moves in closer on their lives something unsuspecting occurs within himself.

Weisler takes an internal look and realizes he’s wasted countless years enmeshed in his work that he never gave himself a chance to live.

He begins to live vicariously through Dreyman and Sieland thwarting any incriminating evidence that arises.

Weisler and Dreyman are the two male prominent characters in the film but it’s unclear who the hero is.

Donnersmarck leaves you to decide.

Both yield solid characteristics, Weisler as a stern authoritative figure and Dreyman’s artistic and intelligent and risks everything when he publishes an article blasting the tactics of the S.E.D.

The most memorable performance is Sieland’s character as she brings home depth, colour and tragedy to the film.

Her character is one that you can and want to sympathize with.

Donnersmarck creates an authentic piece of work filming at many of the original S.E.D. locations.

More importantly he begs the question how far should the state interfere with society and shows the lengths a brave few take in order to have basic autonomous rights.

This political drama is rightfully graced with accolades and that’s why I give, “The Lives of Others,” five out of five.






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