The Lives of Others has been at the centre of a raging debate: could its portrayal of the Stasi official’s change of heart be for real? Could any member of GDR’s brutal, secret security organisation have ever found redemption like the protagonist does? However, it’s not historical accuracy that’s crucial to the film. What works is the conceit as to how arts, aesthetics and warmth of relationships can humanise the most ruthless. Set in the mid ’80s it is about author Dreyman (Koch) and his lover (Gedeck), who is also in a secret liaison with the minister to advance her acting career. The minister asks the dour Captain Weisler (Muhe) to watch over Dreyman, to gather any shred of evidence for his supposedly subversive activities. The process of surveillance, in turn, makes Weisler go through a personal journey: he starts off a distant observer; then begins taking a voyeuristic interest in their love life. That’s when he begins realising the meaninglessness of his own automated existence. Eventually, he gets actively involved with and empathetic towards the destinies of the twosome. Donnersmarck makes an assured debut, builds the atmosphere of deceit, suspicion and suffocation and also undercuts it with some jokey moments—like the captain noting down every little detail of the couple’s life, including "unwrapping birthday gifts" and "having sex". The most wonderful scene is saved for the very end, when the grim face of the captain breaks into a smile; all because he has found dignity and self-esteem through a dedication in a book. He has found liberation and his individuality through the arts.
High Fives
Bollywood
1. Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na
2. Love Story 2050
3. Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic
4. Mehbooba
5. Mere Baap Pehele Aap
Hollywood
1. Hellboy II: The Golden Army
2. Hancock
3. Journey to the Center of the Earth
4. WALL E
5. Wanted
R&B\Hip Hop
1. Heaven Sent (Keyshia Cole)
2. A Milli (Lil Wayne)
3. I Luv Your Girl (The-Dream)
4. Bust it Baby II (Plies, Ne-Yo)
5. Teenage Love Affair (Alicia Keys)
Courtesy: Film Information
