Unbelievable that this was happening less than 20 years ago

Rating: 10/10 (1 December 2007)

I'm compelled on viewing this on DVD to comment. I have seen many films in my life time and would position this in my top 10 on first time viewing alone. A compelling pace with a vicious twist at the end. Most unnervingly it was set in 1984 but could have been 1989. This is in our lifetime, and living memory. In 1984 I was a 20 year old in the West (UK and Canada) and we were aware of the Eastern bloc. But did we really understand or even care about the horror of this police state that operated in the DDR. It is on par with the Nazis state, probably further because after 40 years it was so entrenched. The sophistication of the Stasi in setting up the operation. I was moved by the closing scenes were the proponent of CSM's death meets the writer and reflects on what a "wonderful little country we had." This film has really moved me. I would not normally write a submission.