I finally got around to seeing the German production "Lives of Others," which vividly depicted life in the late and unlamented East Germany. Excellent film, with a tightly written plot, outstanding acting and a good deal of tension, both in terms of plot turns and in terms of the interactions between characters.

Perhaps most interesting (at least for me) is the film's portrayal of the Stalinist East German political system and the total control it wielded over its citizens. I'm sure it's no coincidence that the director chose to set the film in 1984, although there are other reasons to set it just a few years before the Wall came tumbling down and took the East German regime with it.

I recommend "The Lives of Others" to anyone interested in the history of totalitarianism and political oppression.

P.S.: For a different (and much funnier) perspective of the same period and place, I recommend another German film: "Goodbye Lenin." Also excellent, though for different reasons.

I agree that most Bond films are "silly," at least in the sense that they are fantasies, completely unrealistic and shallow. Still, they are honest in that they don't pretend to be anything but colorful escapist fare.

I would argue that the latest "Bond" film, however, is a much different and more serious film. In fact, after seeing it a few months ago I made the claim here that it's a Bond film in name only. In theme and plausibility, though, it is in an entirely different class. In my opinion, it's easily the best and most sophisticated of all the Bond films, and I hope to see more of the "new Bond."

Unfortunately, I don't remember the 1957 version of this film (or even if I saw it). A comparison would be interesting, but, as with other comparisons (the latest James Bond movie comes to mind), it would not be entirely fair because so much has changed in 50 years that the films must be seen in different contexts.

But a great movie. I recommend it, if you like westerns. Or even if you don't.