Any feeling, whether love, sorrow, respect, hatred, insult, happiness or in fact any feeling when cannot be expressed or shared, has the ability to give you intense pain. The lives of others (Das Leben der Anderen, 2006, German) is primarily about 3 characters in such pain, some accepting and living with it, and some giving it a good fight.
In the bigger frame, it portrays a time(1980s) in East Germany when people were under constant surveillance by 'Stasi', GDR's secret police. It involves bugging the houses with microphones in every possible corners. With the intention of finding any threat for the Government, this movement was ruining the privacy of many lives at that time.
One of the main protagonist is Weisler, who is splendidly played by Ulrich Mühe. His frozen face, strict and rude behavior almost makes you believe that he is just one of them unless he is instructed to spy a Playwriter-Stage Actress couple, which brings to two other central characters, Dreyman and Sieland. Though not vocally or not by any action but Dreyman's plays were playing parts in social movements than. Being one of the few writers read in the west, made the things just worse for him.
Matter gets complex for Weisler when he starts realizing that its not the threat for the Government but one of the powerful minister's lust for the beautiful Actress which is making him do all these. He finds himself questioning the government and his own work ethics, but cant help continuing with it. It starts getting worse for him when he realizes that he too, is falling for the lady and it is making him involve in something which can easily spoil not only his career, but his whole life.
His involvement starts enlightening him to the social movement that can possibly bring a better tomorrow and unknowing he starts supporting and respecting it and Dreyman for trying to bring atleast some change. Untold love and pain can bring such strengths too :)
The movie works in many other layers too. Constantly it questions sacrificing your ethics for earning livelihood and success. You will also find the characters in real dilemmas, some so real that you will be easily able to connect to the world we live today. It also questions right to expression that is mostly suppressed to make the Government look a Better one.
Along with a stupendous script, the editing, cinematography is top notch. The Director treats the movie exceptionally well. The way he handles the sensitive issue shows how strong his grip was. Its really sad that we did not see such products any more from him.
Though the movie keeps you mum until its over, some of the scenes will surely stay with you for long after the final credit rolls up. One where Dreyman requests his neighbour to keep the secret that he cant tie a tie, though is funny, is dark in its own way. One where Wiesler, though being in love with Sieland, writes down about couple's intimate moments for the report portrays Wiesler's inability to do anything, with skill. One where Sieland is interrogated and forced to take a decision is another scene that will move you for sure.
Sometimes its very difficult relating to something you are reading or watching which is in no way related to the place you are from or grown up in, but this movie breaks all such barriers and involves you in it. May be that's where it excels the most.
A must watch.
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