The Lives of Others

East Berlin, 1984: the Stasi (the secret police of the regime) sends idealistic captain Gerd Wiesler to eavesdrop on playwright Dreyman and his live-in lover and lead actress Christa-Maria Sieland.

They're not doing anything suspicious, but a powerful, sleazy minister has coerced the lady into a blackmailing relationship and can't wait to get rid of his rival.

When Wiesler realizes that he's not really working for the good of his country, he starts feeling estranged from his job and the tragic and passionate nature of Dreyman and Sieland's love drives him to sympathize with them - particularly with the tormented actress.

When the usually harmless playwright explodes and decides to smuggle an essay about suicide into East Germany to be published in the West, Wiesler plays a major part, albeit stealthily, in saving him from the clutches of the Stasi. This will ensure Dreyman's eternal gratitude toward his unknown saviour, but won't save Christa-Maria, a victim of her own fears.

This political and psychological drama unfolds inexorably in the stifling atmosphere of the Communist regime when spying and ratting were everyday chores.

The film gives a perfect historical reconstruction and has a trio of amazing actors: Koch makes Dreyman grieve for his own sycophancy, but shows a surprising chemistry with Gedeck's Christa-Maria, sultry and haunted. Ulrich Muehe as Wiesler has ruffled a few feathers for being too effective in portraying a "good" Stasi officer.

In reality all the characters are too complex to be entirely sympathetic and the sole judge for their actions is History: the epilogue, set in the Nineties, gives credit where it's due.

Compelling, moving, exhilarating, this film makes a terrific experience for a cultural audience, but will also cast its spell on romantics – but minus the cheese.

For these reasons and more, the Oscar Academy quite correct in saying that first-time writer-director Donnersmarck has arguably conceived the best foreign language film of the year.

Vera Brozzoni

Where : Most Cineworld, Odeon and Vue cinemas

When : This week

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