The Lives of Others

If you see one foreign movie this year, make it this one. It may be a bold statement, but The Lives of Others is quite possibly one of the best foreign films I have ever seen. I was dragged out to it on a Thursday night and didn’t really feel like going, but I’m glad I did. I went to the Carlton Theater here in Toronto. I think there were about 8 other people in the whole theater, so it was nice and quiet, something rare in today’s popcorn, bag crinkling and taco munching crowds.

The movie follows the lives of people living in Eastern Germany before the wall came down. I really don’t want to give anything away, but it’s really about how everyday people’s lives were affected by the communist government and politics of the time; both sides are explored, the life of a staunch supporter of communism, and the people that were literally destroyed by it. This is an emotional drama you won’t want to miss.

Rotten Tomatoes gives an average of 95% last time I checked.