The Lives of Others (2006) poster9

Germany10 Essential German FilmsStop 9 of 10

The Lives of Others

Das Leben der Anderen

2006 · 137 min · Drama

In 1984 East Berlin, a by-the-book Stasi officer assigned to bug a celebrated playwright's apartment finds his own convictions shaken as he eavesdrops on the couple's life. A quietly gripping, Oscar-winning drama of surveillance and conscience.

Why it’s here

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s drama is an enduring examination of surveillance, art, and private life in East Germany.

Runtime
137 min
Genre
Drama · Thriller
Mood
tense · thoughtful · dark
Entry
some context
Best for
character-driven drama

Content notes: war or political violence · violence or threat Non-exhaustive

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Part of 10 Essential German Films

This film is stop 9 of 10 in the hand-ranked native-cinema route through Germany. See the complete ranking or read the selection methodology.

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