What are people really? I think we are "stories". We tell ourselves a story about ourselves. Others tell stories about us. "We are stuff as dreams are made of" as 'Bill' reminds us.
So what is a great story? A great story has a beginning, a middle and and end. At its end it must resolve. At its best, a protagonist must either, if good, become a larger more human person or if "bad" must get his deserts.
A book or a film that does not resolve, is unsatisying. They are like sex without end. Or a meal that is only candy.
Lives of Others is masterpeice of story telling. The full journey of being human is explored and then resolved.
The last 5 minutes of the film represent one of the most remarkable resolutions that I have seen in any film. So not Hollywood - so understated and yet so human. We sat in awe as the credits rolled unable to move. Gripped by the artistry, restraint and subtlety of the filmaker. A masterpeice and a debut of a great talent.
Maybe only "Rhett, Rhett... Rhett, if you go, where shall I go? What shall I do? Frankly my dear I don't give a damn!" is a bit better.
