Synopsis:
The story focuses on a
wiretapping expert with the
Stasi (East German Secret
Police) named Captain Wiesler.
Wiesler's assignment is to
monitor and hopefully expose a
prominent German writer,
George Dreyman. The movie
follows Wiesler as he
questions his own beliefs and
those of his country after
becoming the fly on the wall
through Dreyman's life.
The Freak's
Rating: B+ : To my audience who actually reads
my blog on a regular basis I must
apologize for absence. After a
long return trip from Vegas, which
you can read about on
my wife's blog very soon, I
contracted some sort of cold and
took a couple days off of work to
get over it. At the colds' onset,
my inner movie lover was intrigued
at the prospect of having a couple
days at home. I figured I would
watch at least 4 movies. Alas, I
was too drugged and out of it to
watch anything at all.
But the sickness has past and
I'm back in full swing! The
first movie I'll be reviewing
is Leben der Anderen Das ("The
Lives of Others"). This film
won the Academy Award for Best
Foreign Language Film of 2006
and is worth seeking out.
The
Lives of Others is a German
film and get this...it isn't
about Hitler! That is
refreshing from a movie
watcher standpoint. The
filmmakers tell a
tension-filled story set in
1984 East Germany. Historical
films are always of interest
to me, but with the exception
of 9/11 films rushed to
theaters in the past couple
years, this hits the closest
to home with my realization
that this was simply not that
long ago! People often look at
history and say to themselves,
"that wouldn't happen today".
I was 8 years old when this
lifestyle existed!
Though I didn't enjoy this
film quite as much as some
other critics, it was
definitely a good foreign film
to see. It doesn't force you
into any opinions as many
historically based films do
and it does have a terrific
ending.
Brian's Rating: B+ : Coming shortly after watching "The Tunnel", I
knew another GDR based movie was going to be hard pressed to live up to the
quality. However, I was surprised to find that this movie is also excellent.
It is good for another reason. "The Tunnel" has more suspense driven drama,
while this movie is deeper thematically. This film also has excellent acting,
and is put together very well. It is more in the style of "The Pianist".
The movie walks you through the life of a writer that is under surveillance by
the Stasi, and it also provides a very in-depth character for a Stasi
operatives.
It gives an excellent portrayal of what life was like on the east side. It
shows the fear that people lived in, the corruption of those in power, and
ultimately the good that comes from the human spirit despite all the mess.
After hearing a powerful piano sonata, the head operative in charge of digging
up dirt on a well known writer develops an odd kinship with the writer. He
recognizes beauty in the face of the evil that he was groomed in, and inwardly
develops a respect for something greater than politics, that of art, culture,
and life.
The kindness of this Stasi officer on the backdrop of all the chaos and fear of
the Socialist regime is a powerful statement, and one the director is successful
in presenting.
Personally, this is one of those movies like "Once" where I recognize greatness
in the film, while at the same time not being entertained. These types of
movies are just too slow moving for me. Although I can recognize the art of the
film, I have a hard time plodding through the slow pace that goes along with
developing a heavy theme. The message was clear, and even powerful. It just
was not entertaining enough to me as it rolled out.
I can easily see people rating this an A. If you are the type of person who is
moved by art, then you should see this film. If you liked "The Pianist", then
you will like this movie.
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