The Lives of Others

When surveillance becomes the only way to feel closer to people. East Germany, 1984: a Stasi officer is assigned to spy on a famous playwright and actress—his lover—but the longer he eavesdrops on their lives, the more his own life changes. Suddenly, the protagonist finds himself sympathizing with the couple. Unfortunately, in a world of suspicion and fear, human empathy proves to be a luxury that comes at a high price.

“The Lives of Others” is not just a political thriller; it is a profound and poignant story about how even something as unpleasant as control can transform into participation.