The Lives of Others poster

The Lives of Others

Before the Fall of the Berlin Wall, East Germany's Secret Police Listened to Your Secrets.

8.0(4,318)20062h 17m13

In 1984 East Berlin, dedicated Stasi officer Gerd Wiesler begins spying on a famous playwright and his actress-lover Christa-Maria. Wiesler becomes unexpectedly sympathetic to the couple, and faces conflicting loyalties when his superior takes a liking to Christa-Maria.

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Status
Released
Budget
$2M
Box office
$77.7M
Language
German
  • berlin, germany
  • government
  • corruption
  • espionage
  • germany
  • berlin wall
  • german democratic republic
  • cold war
  • blackmail
  • stasi
  • soviet union
  • freedom of speech

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Gallery

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Videos

Release dates

  • United StatesUS

    • TheatricalR6 Jun 2006
  • United KingdomGB

    • Theatrical1522 Mar 2007
    • Physical15DVD17 Sept 2007
  • AustraliaAU

    • TheatricalMA15+30 Jan 2007
  • CanadaCA

    • Theatrical14A6 Sept 2006
  • BrazilBR

    • Theatrical1230 Nov 2007
  • DenmarkDK

    • Theatrical1113 Oct 2006
  • FranceFR

    • TheatricalTP31 Jan 2007
  • GermanyDE

    • PremiereKinopremiere für den Deutschen Bundestag14 Mar 2006
    • Theatrical1223 Mar 2006
    • TV12arte29 Sept 2008
  • GreeceGR

    • Theatrical1614 Dec 2006
    • Physical DVD9 Oct 2007
    • Theatrical (limited)Re-release12 Feb 2026
  • Hong KongHK

    • Theatrical1 Feb 2007
  • HungaryHU

    • Theatrical1622 Feb 2007
  • IrelandIE

    • Digital / OTT1513 Apr 2007

Frequently asked questions

The Lives of Others was released on 23 March 2006.

Audience reviews

3
  • P

    portman123

    1/13/2024

    10/10

    Good guys facing tragic circumstances in an interesting period of history. Because you view the main characters lives from the perspective of the morally confused Stasi Officer investigating them, you receive more information than the characters have about their hopeless situation. This makes it all the more tragic to see the suffering they endure. Absolutely love this film. The only film so far to make my da…

  • C

    CinemaSerf

    5/11/2024

    7/10

    This isn't so much a thriller as a glaring example of the corrupting power of the state, and of those charged with crafting and implementing it's policies. "Dreyman" (Sebastian Koch) is an East German playwright who is popular with the communist elite because his works manage to extol the virtues of their people's republic. The minister "Hempf" (Thomas Thieme) goes through all the supportive motions with him, but mea…

  • U

    userloser

    5/20/2026

    10/10

    20 years later, still one of the great movies of the century. An amazing realistic take on the last days of the failing East German state at a time when the lessons from its deserved demise are being forgotten and propaganda is trying to repaint it as greatness. Interesting script, great performances and direction, deep and multi-layered message. A must watch.

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