Film of the year

Rating: 10/10 (31 May 2007)

The first mention should go to the actors, who gave such engaging and moving performances. The plot and directing are superb, in fact it is incredibly hard to fault this film.
The topic of the Stasi in East Germany shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall is one I have only seen dealt with in the more light-hearted "Goodbye Lenin". "The Lives of Others" portrays a far more dark side to the regime. I defy anybody to find a reason not to like this film, as the message goes far deeper into investigating the impact of espionage upon human relationships and emotions. The ending is amazing, and without giving too much away it is implicitly simple in its insinuation of the bond which has formed between the two principle characters.
If you only see one film this year, make it this one. I was over-whelmed at the end which is incredibly unusual for me.