The Lives of Others

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Andy H One of the best movies about the cold war, or rather life in the eastern block. It really illustrates the mundane bureaucracy of fascism (i.e. communism here) and how institutionalized is always is. But it also has one the characters arcs, of a character that doesnt do much, and one of the best movie endings of all time. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/26/25 Full Review Wayne K One of the fascinating things about films made about the not-so-distant past is the fact that many of those who experienced it are still alive and can view the film not as piece of fiction, but as a window into what feels like a previous life. Such is the case with The Lives Of Others, a modern day The Conversation. Centring around a famous writer and an operation to eliminate him for all the wrong reasons, it creates a real sense of the time and place the events took place in, with Easten bloc grey buildings, monochromatic interiors and boxy, Soviet era vehicles. It’s a film that shows just how difficult it can be to exist in a world where every word you say can be held against you. We all worry about being watched and heard against our wishes, and if you’re expected to toe the party line but don’t believe in what they stand for, then you’re in very real danger. Ulrich Mühe, in one of his last big screen performances, gives us a man who starts out fanatically loyal and obedient to his cause, but gradually that conviction starts to slip, and he ends up being a force for good, despite the inherent risk. It’s a film that’s all about the subtleties and nuances of everyday life, the ways we communicate without saying a word, the things we say only with our eyes and body language. A masterclass in steadily building tension, realistic character arcs and trying to do the right thing in where such a concept is a death sentence. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/14/25 Full Review Jay W This movie has a relatively slow start. It follows a couple in East Germany who are under surveillance by the government. Most of what the government listens in on is pretty mundane stuff. It feels like a stake out, one where we are waiting for something exciting to happen. But the movie pays off for those patient enough to make it through the slower moments. The movie is an excellent mix of real-world drama, white knuckle suspense and sweet character moments. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/11/25 Full Review Audience Member This film reminds us all of what the worst and best in humanity can be. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/02/25 Full Review Stephen C Based on a true story in 2 hours and 17 minutes!!!!!! Rated R for Some Sexuality/Nudity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In German and English versions with English subtitles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/10/25 Full Review Jesus Gomez Show every kid this movie to help them gain a better understanding of what socialism and East Germany was really like in the 20th century. A system that oppresses people and doesn’t work, but a system that takes a bite in the arses of the people that truly believes in it. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 04/29/25 Full Review Read all reviews

The Lives of Others

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