One of the best recent German films

Rating: 8/10 (6 January 2008)

The DDR has become a topic as common for German drama movies as the Vietnam War for Hollywood. After the critically acclaimed "Good Bye Lenin!" and "Sonnenallee", Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck brings us this look at the bugging operations of the STASI.
"Das Leben der Anderen" is a fairy tale for the most part, which was bugging me at the beginning (no pun intended!). The actions of the movies' "heroes" are noble, but would anybody act that way in real life? Hardly. Then I realized that that was probably not the main point of the story. The authentic depiction of reality wasn't the focus of the movie - although everyday life in Eastern Berlin during the mid 80's is depicted very truthfully. Still, the important message is the plea for moral courage. To show that even in times when human rights aren't granted adherence, one single will can still make a difference.
The movie is set up nicely and Sebastian Koch, Ulrich Tukur and the late Ulrich Mühe (who tragically passed away months after the film has been released) hand in fantastic performances. The only weak point is the editing which is a bit irritating at times, but doesn't weigh the movie down too much.
"Das Leben der Anderen" is an honest attempt at coming to terms with the past, and one of the best recent German movies that rightfully got international attention.