The Lives Of Others

November 1984. Hohenschonhausen Detention Center. A prisoner is suspected of having helped a friend flee the country. State Security Captain Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Muhe) interrogates him efficiently and mercilessly, using an arsenal of means to pressure the man, including sleep deprivation. Wiesler has his interrogation tape-recorded for use as an example in the classes he teaches at the College of the State Security (Stasi).

Lieutenant Colonel Anton Grubitz (Ulrich Tukur), a former classmate of Wiesler's who now heads the Culture Department at the State Security, invites Wiesler to accompany him to the premiere of the new play by Georg Dreyman (Sebastian Koch). Minister Bruno Hempf (Thomas Thieme) is also attending the performance. Afterwards, at the premiere party, Hempf cannot seem to take his eyes off the attractive lead actress Christa-Maria Sieland (Martina Gedeck), Dreyman's girlfriend.