The Lives of Others

Last week, I saw 'The Lives of Others' (original German: Das Leben der Anderen) -- a wonderful German movie, which won the 2007 Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language film. Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (what an interesting name!), this movie is set in the East Germany (GDR) of 1984 when idealism and socialism ruled the roost. It somehow reminds me of 1984, George Orwell's acclaimed novel about life in an authoritarian regime.

Ulrich Mühe as Stasi (GDR's secret police) Captain Wiesler (Code name: HGW XX/7) and beautiful Martina Gedeck as the playwright Georg Dreyman's lover and a renowned actress Christa-Maria Sieland are just superb in their roles. Moreover, Martina is more than a treat to watch. Dreyman's role is played by Sebastian Koch.

The movie is a fine balance between emotions and thrills of life. It captures those turbulent times (5 years before the breaking of the Berlin Wall) in a fascinating way. One could not live even his own life in a peaceful manner as almost everybody was kept under the eyes of the Stasi, Ministry for State Security. By listening to people's conversations and their mannerisms, each one's fate was decided -- whether the person is reliable or not.

Wiesler is asked to spy upon the lives of the playwright Dreyman and his lover Christa-Maria. In the process of observing their lives, Wiesler himself gets absorbed and even plays an active part in trying to alter some situations. However, what causes this stern and authoritarian Captain to soften up, is not told clearly in the movie.

Martina Gedeck & Sebastian Koch in 'The Lives of Others'

The events of the movie are layered upon the viewer and he doesn't feel loaded by them. This gradual build up of drama and emotions is one of the strong points of the movie. The closing scene of the movie is really touching. The times are post-Berlin Wall and Weisler, doing some small jobs, sees a novel published by Dreyman and purchases it. On asked for an option to gift-wrap it, he replies: "No, this is for me." It is one of the best scenes I've seen of late.

The music of the movie is worth mentioning. It's an elixir for the ears. There's a piece of Beethoven - Appassionata about which Dreyman tells Christa-Maria that Lenin once said of it: "If I keep listening to it, I won't be able to finish the revolution."

The movie has strong after-effects and you continue to think about something even on coming back to your home (in fact more so then). All-in-all, a must watch.

Pangea Day

Yesterday, while watching Star World (after ages), I saw this show and just could not change the channel because the show was just so engrossing. I later found out that it was the inaugural Pangea Day. And believe me, it was a fabulous showcase of some of the best short films from across the world – all packed in a 4 hours show. It was just so beautiful. Films from Iran, Egypt, France, Australia, Mozambique, from everywhere -- truly a treat.

About Pangea Day

Pangea Day was an international multimedia event conducted on May 10, 2008. It was coordinated from 6 locations – Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de Janeiro – in 7 languages – to produce a 4-hour program of short films, live music and speakers. The program was broadcast live across the globe from 1800 to 2200 UTC, culminating in a global drum circle, symbolizing the common heartbeat of the world. According to the festival organizers, "Pangea Day plans to use the power of film to bring the world a little closer together."

Pangea Day originated in 2006 when documentary filmmaker Jehane Noujaim won the TED Prize. Jehane wished to use film to bring the world together.

Pangea from the Ancient Greek pan, meaning entire, and gaea, meaning Earth was the supercontinent before each of the component continents were separated into their current configuration. Used in this way it is meant to imply the "connectedness" or unitary nature of all people on Planet Earth. [By the way, Nokia was the global partner of the event – Connecting People!]

The films

Pangea Day was a celebration of the power of film. It featured films that were funny, sad, gorgeous, stark – and powerful. Voices that had never been heard before. Things many had never seen. Scenes from worlds few had visited. A cross-section of our amazing, complicated, noisy, beautiful world.

The films in this program were chosen by Pangea Day's panel from more than 2,000 submissions and a long roster of curated suggestions. Together, these films moved us, frightened us, made us laugh and smile, and helped us feel closer to the world.

Learn more about Pangea Day films.

The speakers

In between the films of Pangea Day, some astonishing speakers talked about our world in surprising ways. From Jordan's Queen Noor to former boy soldier Ishmael Beah, from journalist Mariane Pearl to planetary explorer Carolyn Porco, we heard powerful stories and mind-expanding new ideas. And in one unforgettable moment, two historic enemies met on the Pangea Day stage.

Learn more about Pangea Day speakers

The music

The music of Pangea Day came from Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil, rock stars Bob Geldof and Dave Stewart, and the elegant and soulful Rokia Traoré – plus underground Iranian indie rockers Hypernova – and a few surprises.

Learn more about Pangea Day music.

In the end

Well, I just loved the concept. And some of the short films shown were truly outstanding. You can check out the Highlights from Pangea Day here.

Keep smiling!

Source: Wikipedia & Pangea Day Website