17th September sees the DVD release of the critically acclaimed The Lives of Others, debut director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s riveting thriller which deservedly won the accolade of Best Foreign Language Film 2007 at the Oscars.Multi award-winning, The Lives Of Others is a gripping, psychological thriller, which gives us a fascinating insight into the lengths and depths that the East European government went to in order to keep tabs on the lives of its population in the 80s. When cold and brutal official Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe) is given the task of spying on acclaimed playwright Dreyman (Sebastian Koch) and his actress girlfriend (Martina Gedeck) he relishes the task, knowing that if he uncovers subversive behaviour he will gain favour with his boss. But the longer he listens in on the couple, their friendships, passions and ideas, the more he realises that his own life and the harsh political regime are lacking in colour and joy in many respects.Slowly he begins to doubt the morality of his job and politics. As the lines between orders and compassion become blurred, Wiesler becomes more involved with his subject, walking a dangerous path between his duty and his new found reality. As well as the acclaimed Henckel von Donnersmarck at the helm, the film also benefited from the the musical talents of Oscar winning Gabriel Yared (The Talented Mr. Ripley, The English Patient) and award nominated Stéphane Moucha.
This captivating and unique film is accompanied on DVD by a host of special features including deleted scenes, cast and crew interviews, an insightful ‘Making Of’, director commentary and more.
Suspenseful, poignant and utterly compelling, The Lives Of Others is arguably the best film of the year, so don’t miss this gem on DVD.