8.4
Where can I stream The Lives of Others legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Lives of Others fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Satire & Parody3
- Dark Humor1
World
History, politics, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and sound design
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Sound Centrality8
Energy
MediumNerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Lives of Others is nerve-racking. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
HighHistory, politics, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, politics, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Tech & Humanity7Human stories in a tech world.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
Before the Fall of the Berlin Wall, East Germany's Secret Police Listened to Your Secrets.
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.
Cold War ThrillerPsychological DramaPolitical EspionageMoral DilemmaAuthoritarianism CritiqueHumanity & SurveillanceGerman CinemaHaunting AtmosphereCharacter-Driven
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Lives of Others
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Lives of Others worth watching?
88
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 89/100 (IMDb 8.4, Rotten Tomatoes 92%, and Metacritic 89). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Lives of Others rated?
RDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The Lives of Others?
2 h 17 min
The Lives of Others runs 2 h 17 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Lives of Others?
Critics91
Audiences89
Yes. Critics average 91 and audiences 89 out of 100, so both groups see The Lives of Others much the same way.
Was The Lives of Others a box office hit?
Budget$2 million
Box office$78 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $2 million to make and earned $78 million worldwide, 38.8 times its budget.
What language is The Lives of Others in?
German
It was made in German. Produced in Germany, France.
In how many countries can I watch The Lives of Others?
23
+9
+9GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Lives of Others in 23 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Lives of Others use?
Double TakeLonely Piano PieceBookendsEstablishing Character MomentVillain Has a PointYou Are Number SixWham LineNice Job Fixing It, Villain!I Never Said It Was PoisonDied in Your Arms TonightAscetic AestheticAuto Eroticaand 72 more
TV Tropes lists 84 storytelling tropes for The Lives of Others, including Double Take, Lonely Piano Piece, Bookends.