The Late and Not To Be Lamented German Democratic Republic

Last Friday, Mrs. Bartender and I saw The Lives of Others. I cannot stress enough what an excellent film this is. The acting is superb across the board, the story is very tight, and just when you worry at the end that the movie is about to try to do too much, it ends perfectly. That the movie was directed by a 33 year old who was only 16 when the Wall fell is both extremely impressive and yet understandable. As he, for the most part, did not live with a divided Germany, he was able to give a fresh and appropriate look to the horror that was East Germany. Instead of trying to write too much about this film, I will make two suggestions: (1) see it if you haven't and (2) read Anthony Lane's spot on review in the New Yorker.