This is not only a compelling and moving film, it is a devastating condemnation of the mentality that creates a socialist state, from Hitler's National Socialism to the Soviet Socialist Republic, to Cuba, to Venezuela. Forget the toxic political theories, see what it does to people. Sorry for the political rant. The personal relationships in the film overwhelm all else. Great film.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Some years ago, I bought this DVD from Amazon. It is a wonderful and worthwhile movie, and the English subtitles ( I have a slight knowledge of German) were good. I lent this movie several times, and the last time, it was never returned from I don't remember who. This time, I bought the cheapest version on eBay. It is the original movie and it is captioned, sort of. as they are not an attempt at direct translation but only infrequent hints of what is being spoken. I will keep the disc but have learned my lesson--this time cheaply. My advice is to buy one from Amazon if your German isn't so good or try one of the more expensive ones on eBay and be ready to check the subtitling and return if inadequate.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
As this story unfolded on the screen, the atmosphere it created felt authentic. The excellent director's commentary (special feature) explained why that impression was accurate. The cast includes many distinguished veteran actors in key roles, including East Germans. They had lived what is portrayed. For example, the equipment that was used in the film to spy on people was actual equipment that the Stasi, East Germany's state police, had used. This is not a documentary, but the film does more to inform than it does entertain. In the end, we can only wonder how many governments still operate this way, and the havoc they wreck on their citizens. As we watch Mubarak's Egypt, and Khaddafy's Libya implode now (March 2011), and see the anger and frustration boil out of the once oppressed masses, the degree of destruction done to people's lives is made palpable. In summary, this window on the Stasi's control of East German citizens is a window on all totalitarian regimes still in place. An important film, wonderfully acted.Read full review
I saw the film receive an Academy Award for best foreign film and then it was recommended to me by a film professor. When I could not find it locally, I had to see what area retailers weren't interested in selling. Lives of Others has an uncanny element of realism that US citizens in particular should be interested in. With the massive wiretapping of innocent Americans and our admissions by government officials of detainment and torture of thousands of people not charged with a crime, this film highlights the problems of these policies. Here a loyal and dedicated East German citizen is monitored because his innocent appearance might be a guise for illegal activity. The film shows how good people become participants in a system that terrorizes innocent citizens and it highlights some of the effects of wondering if you are being watched. Action addicts will likely not care for this. It is not packed with car chases or superhero battles. To appreciate the film, I had to pay attention to see the rich offerings of irony and symbolic meanings. It is one of the few occasions when, at the end of the movie, I was interested in seeing the beginning again.Read full review
The Lives of Others rightly earned an Oscar for Best Foreign Picture in 2007. The movie takes place in East Germany in 1984 and accurately portrays the dark side of the drab Communist Socialist state. It was a time when the Stasi, the state secret police, made it their business to use an extensive network of spies and informants to know as much as possible about their citizens. One of the main characters is the seasoned politically idealistic Stasi officer, Captain Gerd Wiesler who sets out to wiretap a prominent playwright and his actress girlfriend. Wiesler eventually finds out all sorts of things, much more than he envisioned. Wiesler's ongoing surveillance eventually places even him at risk as he has developed empathy for his suspects. The Stasi even watches its own. The ugly side of a police state is accurately portrayed in this cinematic gem. The movie has a gripping ending that was extremely satisfying. I highly recommend this stimulating film. .Read full review
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