The lives of others.

Has anyone seen this yet? I wanted to know a little bit more about this movie, since so many people in our own democratic countries are experiencing these little lame covert investigations without knowing why.

Here is some external info about the movie. Oh the external source might have a spoiler or two, read at your own discretion.




en.wikipedia.org...

In 1984 East Germany (also known as the GDR or DDR) , Stasi Hauptmann Gerd Wiesler (HGW), a keenly idealistic supporter of the communist regime, is assigned to spy on playwright Georg Dreyman, who, Wiesler is told, is suspected of Western leanings. Stasi agents secretly enter Dreyman's apartment in order to install small microphones in the light switches and electric sockets, and cables in the walls, which connect the microphones to an attic space above the apartment, where Wiesler and an assistant take turns monitoring the activity below 24 hours a day, typing a report with anything they hear that might be relevant. A neighbour who happens to observe the agents is told that if she reveals their presence her daughter will be forced out of her spot in the university.

Wiesler soon finds out that the real reason why Dreyman is being spied on is that a minister and member of the Party's Central Committee is attracted to Dreyman's girlfriend, actress Christa-Maria; if Dreyman is arrested the minister will have free rein. This destroys Wiesler's motivation, as the job is not seriously investigating crimes against the Socialist state.

Wow we have the same thing happening over here in our democratic societies. Then again, our democratic socities now have snitch forces that are in some cities equalling or out pacing what the Stasi had, and we have covert investigations happening on innocent people. The only thing we don't seem to have, or that we seem to be lacking is an awareness that this is happening.

Well I have heard just the most amazing things about this movie and I for one plan to see it. If anyone on the board has seen it, or has feedback that they would like to share, then I would love to hear it.