The Lives of Others

I saw this the day before the Oscars but for some reason I haven't gotten around to writing about it until now. It might be because I really liked this movie but didn't love it beyond belief. Everyone I've spoken to and almost every review I've read have been so incredibly glowing that I thought that after a few weeks of reflection, I'd change my mind and immediately rank this as the clear favorite for my favorite film of 2007. But it won't be. It will be ranked high, but not at the very top. And I'm not sure what it is about the film that makes me not quite as excited as everyone else.

I really liked the acting, the plot, the ideas of this movie so I think it might have something to do with the direction? I feel like in the hands of another director, this film would be great, a work of art that would be discussed for years to come. Instead, it was simply just a good movie but one that won't resonate with me for that long.

After three weeks, I'm still not sure why I'm so at a loss to have much to say about this film. Liked it a lot - yes. Loved it - no. I suppose I'll leave it at that and move on.

Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
2006
BAM