Quite Good Films

*** ½  The Lives of Others (2007)  Original title: Das Leben der Anderen. This haunting film depicts a little-known aspect of the Cold War: how Eastern Germany spied on its own citizens in the name of the Stasi. When Hauptmann Wiesler is ordered to find or invent dirt on dramatist Georg Dreyman and his actress-lover Christina-Marie, Wiesler’s loyalties are tested between serving the State and serving humanity. With good reason, this film won a 2007 Oscar for best Foreign Language Film. Ulrich Mühe, Sebastian Koch, Martina Gedeck. Dir. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (07)

Good Films

*** Vollidiot. (2007). Sweet romantic comedy about a clerk’s attempts to secure ever-lasting love. Based on a best-selling novel by Tommy Jaud, who wrote the script. Oliver Pocher, Oliver Fleischer, Tanja Wenzel, Anke Engelke. (07)

***Im Juli. (2001). Daniel (Moritz Bleibtreu) easily wins our affection as a nerdy science teacher who embarks on the adventure of his life with the help of Juli (Christianne Paul). This road trip buddy movie is a perfect way to kick off any vacation. (09)