The Lives of Others
Gerd Wiesler, an East German officer in the Stasi is a member of the secret East German police force. In 1984, Wiesler is at Georg Dreyman’s play. He is widely considered to be the greatest example of a loyal citizen. Wiesler feels that Dreyman is not as perfect as he appears and thinks surveillance is necessary. Wiesler agrees with the Minister of Culture, but it is only after Wiesler discovers that Dreyman sees him as a competitor and longs for Christa-Maria. He begins to feel more connected to them the more he listens. Once rigid, the Stasi officer now intervenes in people’s lives in a positive manner, protecting them wherever possible. Wiesler is eventually caught up in his activities and, while there are no evidence of wrongdoings, he ends up working menial jobs until the unimaginable happens. –garykmcd
