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The Lives of Others (R, 2007)

common sense media says

Art battles duty in bracing German spy thriller.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say sexual content is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that even if kids were interested in this subtitled German film, it's not for them. Set in the oppressive world of communist East Germany in the 1980s, it features psychological cruelty (including interrogation tactics like sleep deprivation) and one unexpected, violent death. A character's suicide prompts discussion about the government's efforts to cover up suicide rates in East Germany during the 1980s. There's also some fairly mature sexual material (a couple undresses and kisses in preparation for lovemaking, a man has an interlude with a nude prostitute, a government official crudely gropes a disinterested woman). Characters smoke lots of cigarettes and drink liquor.

Positive messages: The East German government spies on artists and other citizens in order to maintain control; effective interrogation techniques are discussed and praised; corrupt officials abuse their power to get what they want and make others fear them. But the movie also sends the message that the power of art and passion can transform a life.
Violence: Secret police interrogations lead to torture (cries heard off-screen); discussion of a character's suicide (and suicide in general); a central character is struck by a vehicle (bloody body on street as onlookers show distress).
Sex: Several scenes show or suggest sexual activity. In the back seat of a car, a man gropes an impassive woman and undoes his fly as the driver watches in the rearview mirror; kissing and embracing between the primary couple; spy overhears a sex scene (viewers see its beginning) and records it in his journal; another somewhat steamy sex scene between primary couple; man hires prostitute (brief scene of their interlude, with her in lingerie); woman naked in shower (viewers see back, profile, breasts). Sex is traded for safety from the secret police/government.
Language: In subtitles: "s--t."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: One character has an illegal pill addiction; frequent smoking (the movie is set in Europe, and the year is 1984, when smoking was more common); drinking at several parties and in bars.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Lives of Others

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how a government like the one in the movie -- characterized by surveillance and lack of free speech -- affects its citizens. How do the characters' surroundings mirror their internal states? How does Wiesler change as he listens to life in Christa-Maria and Georg's apartment, and how can you tell his attitude is shifting?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In 1984 East Berlin, Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe), a captain in the East German Ministry for State Security, is assigned to observe playwright Georg Dreyman (Sebastian Koch) and look for proof that he's not as loyal as he seems. In the course of his surveillance, Wiesler discovers that Dreyman's live-in actress girlfriend, Christa-Maria Sieland (Martina Gedeck), is cheating on him with the odious Minister Bruno Hempf (Thomas Thieme), who threatens to ruin her career if she doesn't submit to him. Though Wiesler's take on the situation begins to diverge from his superiors' as his sympathy for the couple grows, he knows how to cover his tracks. But he soon finds himself at the center of a swirl of deception and develops a relationship of sorts with Christa-Maria. Wiesler doesn't so much doubt his previous convictions -- that his work is crucial in maintaining order -- as rationalize his new belief. To boil it down to the most basic level: Art transforms him.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Taut and intelligent, The Lives of Others was the German nominee for 2007's Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Cast: Martina Gedeck, Sebastian Koch, Ulrich Muhe
Genre: Drama
Run time: 137 minutes
Theatrical release: February 9, 2007
DVD release: August 21, 2007
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: some sexuality/nudity.
This review was written by Cynthia Fuchs
 
 

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What parents & educators say

16
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say sexual content is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

lin2211
teen, 18 years old
 
wow... if you manage to get through the first 45 minutes or so you will be rewarded by an amazing movie. I wish they could go back and edit the boring first part because the middle and ending were amazing. This is a forgiegn film (english subtitles!) that i would recommend to kids my age, but not younger.
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bronco7732
parent of 17 year old
16
 
Amazing but mature
Amazing german spy film that is gripping as well as emotional binding. One of the best made movies of the decade. However, there i some explict sexual conduct with little nudity. There is also a quick scene of violence. But outside of this, I would recommend it to every person I know. Use discresion, but if your teen is mature enough, they should see it.
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dcscott
adult
 
The other side of the wall
No doubt the story probably accurately portrays the day to day workings of the Stasi and their relentless pursuit of those “enemies of the state” who dared to think differently. Most American’s will probably find the subtitles of the movie bothersome but that shouldn’t deter adults from watching. Mid to older teens might find the subject matter somewhat “boring” as the action is more psychological than shoot ‘em up. A few sex scenes make it probably inappropriate for younger teens and certainly pre-teens. Overall an outstanding movie but caution should be taken if you’re thinking about having the kids plop down next to you for a family movie night.
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dabbo
educator
15
 
Really depicts life in the former German Democratic Republic
As an educator, it saddens me that some parents do not approve of this movie to a certain age group. In Germany, you would be allowed to watch this movie at age 12, but it is rated R in the United States because of its sexual content. Most high schoolers, particularly age 15+ would easily be able to handle this movie, and the sexual content is relevant to the culture and story in which the movie is trying to depict. Please watch this movie and think about the message before banning your high schoolers from seeing it. There's a reason it won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
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