The Lives of Others

In East Berlin, 1984, a playwright (Sebastian Koch) falls under surveillance from the Stasi. They bug his apartment and an agent (Ulrich Mühe) listens in.

This is a delicate balancing act between historical detail, gut wrenching tension and a little pinch of sentimentality. It’s a wonderfully realised testament to the importance of art and love in an opressive regime.

I love the measured pace at which it unfolds. No thriller tricks of the trade here, just conversations in an apartment, with the knowledge that the characters are being recorded at all times, and possibly digging their own graves.

This one was shown as part of Broomhall Cinema Nights, there’s a free showing of something most months down at Broomhall Centre. They’ve got a great screen, it’s free, and you can have some refreshments for a donation. I got a nice piece of cake this time. You’ve have to search online for details but come along if you live locally!