hareck

I do agree with all the other positive comments, and just need to add that this is the very first movie about the former GDR I saw that is not something like a comedy. Flicks like "Sonnenallee" or "Good bye Lenin" definitely were great and funny, but unconsciously left myself (a West German) with the impression that the GDR has been a sort of "Mickey Mouse State" full of stupid but charming characters, not really to be taken seriously. After seeing "Das Leben der Anderen" this impression shifted quite a bit: there actually was suffering, killing desperation and a terribly claustrophobic atmosphere behind that wall. This might well be the most realistic depiction of the dark side of the former East Germany. Thanks to the Producers, actors and director for making this movie. 10 out of 10.

A mother is confronted with her son being suspected of having murdered a girl on a garbage dump. First she reacts with denial and refuses to accept the accusation. These days are filled with despair and helplessness but also with confidence and hope. But sooner or later she realizes that she herself became an outlaw, being abused and misused by their neighbors, former friends and the media. At the end she realizes that she has failed in her obligation towards her son and completely ruined his life and also hers.

I saw this movie at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2005 more or less by chance, and I still am not sure if I regret it or not. This is a dangerously well done movie, but definitely not for someone sensitive like me. It succeeds to show the complete downfall of a woman in a mesmerizing and very well directed way. I have never seen a more depressing and utterly painful movie, and left the theater feeling physically sick, the top notch directing and acting (nine stars for that) just added to this effect. So the question remains: why on earth would anyone write a screenplay like this? So if you like to get masterfully sucked into a psychological hell from which you will not be able to look away from, this movie is for you. If not, better go for Ice Age or whatever.