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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
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OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
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BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
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FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
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All parent reviews for The Lives of Others

Age
16
Average rating based on 3 parent reviews:
  • 33% say sexual content is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages
Parent of 17 year old
November 10, 2009
 
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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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
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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Educator
January 27, 2009
 
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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