Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that even if kids were interested in this subtitled German film, it's not for them. Set in the oppressive world of communist East Germany in the 1980s, it features psychological cruelty (including interrogation tactics like sleep deprivation) and one unexpected, violent death. A character's suicide prompts discussion about the government's efforts to cover up suicide rates in East Germany during the 1980s. There's also some fairly mature sexual material (a couple undresses and kisses in preparation for lovemaking, a man has an interlude with a nude prostitute, a government official crudely gropes a disinterested woman). Characters smoke lots of cigarettes and drink liquor.

Sexual Content

Several scenes show or suggest sexual activity. In the back seat of a car, a man gropes an impassive woman and undoes his fly as the driver watches in the rearview mirror; kissing and embracing between the primary couple; spy overhears a sex scene (viewers see its beginning) and records it in his journal; another somewhat steamy sex scene between primary couple; man hires prostitute (brief scene of their interlude, with her in lingerie); woman naked in shower (viewers see back, profile, breasts). Sex is traded for safety from the secret police/government.

Violence

Secret police interrogations lead to torture (cries heard off-screen); discussion of a character's suicide (and suicide in general); a central character is struck by a vehicle (bloody body on street as onlookers show distress).

Language

In subtitles: "s--t."

Social Behavior

The East German government spies on artists and other citizens in order to maintain control; effective interrogation techniques are discussed and praised; corrupt officials abuse their power to get what they want and make others fear them. But the movie also sends the message that the power of art and passion can transform a life.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

One character has an illegal pill addiction; frequent smoking (the movie is set in Europe, and the year is 1984, when smoking was more common); drinking at several parties and in bars.