Review of The Lives of Others (2006) by Jim E — 27 Dec 2009

As soon as this movie ended, I shouted out, "That should have won an Oscar!" As it turns out, it did - Best Foreign Film. There's something extraordinary about the quiet, altruistic Wiesler and how he is transformed by what he hears as he spies on Dreyman.

At first, he's a loyal party worker. But as he silently sees the abuses and corruption of the party bosses and the gentle goodness of his mark, without saying a word, he changes sides. You can somehow tell by his face, his eyes, his hesitation.

I loved every minute of this movie and plan to share it with my friends. It's one of the first movies I recommend when someone asks. It's very difficult to explain why it's so good, especially when the plot sounds dated and common anyway, but the execution is so exquisite that it elevates the story to a new level.

I wish all movies were this good.