Review of The Lives of Others (2006) by Irina T — 21 Dec 2010

The movie is so damn beautiful and heartwarming such that it really deserved the numerous awards it got. I'm sure that even those who despise slow and boring movies would slowly learn to appreciate this movie.

The movie tells the story of the development of a "relationship" between a member of the Stasi (Secret Police) and a couple who is suspected of bertraying the state. The direction of the movie is delivered in such a powerful way that it shows the extent of tension, blind loyalty, and lack of freedom that the people had to showcase when they were ruled by an authoritarian Communist government that was abused by the upper classmen. Whenever I think about East Germany during the Cold War, I always thought that the people suffered and weren't even allowed a single bit of Western influence. However, this proves me wrong. It seems that the upper classmen always have "privileges" in a sense.

The most beautiful part of the movie is the fact that the Stasi member is willing to risk every part of his life for this couple. He begins to understand that life is not only about obeying the state and being stifled (and intellectual) , but there is still freedom and love in this world. He, who seeks companionship with a prostitute, is most likely envious of the couple's relationship. Once he sees and feels this love between them, he wants to help the couple reconcile when they have problems. He most likely sees the couple's life as something that he idealizes and wants to have, but will never be able to have. He is probably too afraid to love, as a result of his training and education for more than 30-40 years.

The movie also has some funny moments which are delivered in subtle ways, but most importantly it tells us that WE SHOULD NEVER EVER TAKE OUR FREEDOM FOR GRANTED. There are still so many people out there who live in fear of persecution.

The struggle that the couple faces in the face of persecution is also wonderful, especially how the Stasi officer tries to test the wife during their conversation in the police station. We may think that the wife is acting like a bitch by telling the truth, by if we are in her position it would also be difficult. It is partly the husband's fault that he even writes to the magazine in West Germany, so we have to take into account his wife's confusion between his careless husband and her career.

The best part of the movie is the ending. I was like "Awww" and the ex-Stasi officer just buys it and says it's for him, and with that content expression that he has saved someone's life and despite being persecuted for it, he feels happy.

10/10.