Manner in which they portrayed Stasi agent

Rating: 8/10 (30 January 2012)

I liked the movie, it was enjoyable and although it may seem far fetched the business of spooks and spies is not surprisingly immoral and shocking so anything is possible.
I am not here to discuss the movie because I did enjoy it. However, I did want to mention my dismay with the manner in which they portrayed the Stasi agent (Ernst Jurgen?). When he realizes he is going to be killed he takes the "honourable path" by committing suicide. This, after giving a tender speech about how he is a throw back, a man who was proud in his skill in his former calling and thus, unknown to the assassin sent to kill him, he commits suicide.
As someone who has read two very powerful non-fiction books about the Stasi (The File and Stasiland) I was slightly offended by the characterization of this man. Although we do not know if he was a foreign operative when he worked for Stasi or a domestic spook, there is enough historical evidence to suggest how vile, immoral and damaging this agency was to the East German people. Many died in their fight for democracy in that former Communist state, many died or disappeared at the hands of the Stasi for trying to climb the wall to freedom, or for simply not buying into the "Party" line.
I understand the purpose of this character, I also understand that the Stasi are renowned for their skill in the spy craft (an almost obsessive desire for control and persecution of their fellow countrymen, to the detriment and suffering of its citizens). However, the viewer was almost driven to respect for this man; as if he came with a badge of honour for his former work, when in reality, most Stasi agents feared for their own lives after the fall of the Berlin wall because the citizens who were persecuted under them were so upset with the suffering they experienced at the hands of these monsters.
I know it is just a movie. I just wish the writers/directors/producers, whomever would have considered the historical context of these agents. I am guessing suicide would be too courageous an option to explore for a true Stasi agent. They were by most accounts, though not all , bullies and willing oppressors.
Just my two cents for what it is worth. All in all a great movie. Thanks for your time. Let me know if you agree or not (for all those spy buffs or historians out there).