Jan and Peter are two best friends who try to change the world by screwing with the minds of the wealthy. When the rich go on vacation, these two boys break into their homes and move stuff around. However, when Peter's girlfriend gets into the act for revenge, everythings goes horribly wrong and friendships begin to crack. Even though there is obviously some deeper meaning to this film, it is still interesting enough to keep viewers engaged. The acting is excellent, especially with Daniel Bruehl from 'Good-bye, Lenin!' as Jan. A must-see for everyone, whether you speak German or not.

"The Lives of Others" is one of the most interesting movies about communism that I have seen in a while; it shows, as few others have, how communism suffocates human imagination.not just stifles political dissent.

A spy - Captain Wiesler - is given the task of eavesdropping on a well known playwrighter, not for political reasons, but because a communist boss is jealous of the man and wants his girlfriend for himself. As the spy begins listening in, he begins to question the values of his society and the integrity of the orders he receives. Up to that point, Wiesler dutifully obeyed without question. But as the spy continues to experience the world of the playwright, he starts to live the subject's life vicariously... so the enemy ironically becomes the friend. The experience helps Captain Wiesler grow in humanity so he ultimately makes the decision to run interference to save the playwright's life.

This wonderful movie shows, how living in Eastern Germany was like until the wall came down in 1990. It lets you understand, what kind of a "culture shock" the Western lifestyle was for those, who had been living in that socialistic state all life long.

Eastern Germans watch the movie and recall tender memories of the way they used to live. Western Germans and people of other nationalities finally understand, that living over there was not "just bad".
Besides all the negative there were a lot of funny and enjoyable things, that now are part of many people's precious past, which shaped their personality and made them what they are today.

The film will make you laugh and cry at the same time. It is a comedy and at the same time a drama. This movie is recommandable for everyone who is wanting to find out more about Germany's modern history and still wants to enjoy a nice TV-evening and laugh...