A German movie about what does mean to be free

Rating: 9/10 (12 February 2011)

This is the story of the wiretapping performed on a successful writer and his actress wife suspected of being involved in subversive thinking, writing and activities, by spies from the Stasi Espionage Corps in Socialist Germany.
This is the story of a good man and how acts of kindness make a difference in other's people lives. This is a story that shows that 1- freedom of artistic expression allows Society to progress and evolve. 2- You cannot judge a book by its cover. 3- Sometimes you have to take action, do something, to save other people's lives, and by doing so, redeem yourself from your sins. 4- Our intimate and personal life is directly connected to what happens in Society and Politics, even if we sometimes forget something that simple (and important).
The leading actors who play the Captain of the Stasi (Ulrich Muehe), writer Georg Dreyman and his actress wife Christa-Maria(Sebastian Koch and Martina Gedeck) are OK in their respective roles, although this is a movie in which the story and its message weights more than the actors performance. However, some of the supporting actors are terrific.
My only little complain is that the change of mind of Capt. Captain Wiesler isn't properly explained, and, realistically speaking, seems improbable that such a thing could happen, especially because this sort of people would be ice-cold and brainwashed. What triggered that change seems not explicitly explained in the film, although subtitles are sometimes very misleading and the original dialogs give specific details. To me, there is a double explanation for his change of mind. 1/ the honesty and principles of others (in this case, of the writer) change those who don't believe in anything or anybody (in this case the leading spy). 2/ The power of Literature (and of the freedom to chose what to read)on the human spirit - the prohibited books that he start reading move him and produce his inner unlocking and liberation.
The movie is slow, with an in-crescendo tempo that keeps you glued to your seat. It is very personal and intimate, but also very political and social. The mood is terrific and the ending superb.