Review of The Lives of Others (2006) by Todd F — 01 Jul 2010

Just seen this and its very good. its very tense in places, such as when Wiesler, the man who is watching Dreyman and Sieland, decides to start lying to the stasi. we feel for him as his plans to subtly help the writer and his actress girlfriend begin to fall apart as the evidence he gives instead of the truth fails to add up with information gathered by others. there are moments when I felt completely disgusted by the corrupt nature of the governing officials and the bribes and threats used to ensure power and control. the film was very satisfying and sad to watch. I really liked the end. there is a definate sense of the passing of time and how some things can change but peoples deeply felt emotions often dont or cant. I like how the playwrite Dreyman doesnt descover the surveylance devices until a few years after the wall falls. the realisation and quest for knowledge is fascinating once he knows that he was being watched. when he eventually tracks down Wiesler there is another tense and emotional moment until the final scene which wraps it all up nicely.

Its a very satisfying, realistic and human ending.