Here's a link for more info on the film.
1. In To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus urges Scout to "try stepping into another person's shoes and consider things from their perspective" to keep her from getting into fights. In the film, Wiesler does just that. Why is that important for each of us to do?
2. What changes Wiesler, the spy?
3. Consider the Minister, a man of power, and the corruption of that power (This is one of the major themes that tie to Hamlet) and/or think of key moments where characters use their power to serve their own interests. How do these men contrast with Wiesler?
4. O.Scott, A New York Times writer commented, in his review of the film that, "'The suspense comes not only from the structure and pacing of the scenes, but also, more deeply, from the sense that even in an oppressive society, individuals are burdened with free will. You never know, from one moment to the next, what course any of the characters will chose.'" Respond to his critique.
5. Would you agree or disagree that Christa- Maria is a Christ figure?
6. When we first meet the characters of Georg and Wiesler, we can understand them as opposites. Georg is a radical playwright and Wiesler is a member of the Stasi Party and as such works to police the output of people such as Georg. However by the end of the film we see that these characters have become less polarised, and through Wiesler’s actions the two men have an important connection. Why did the film-makers do this? What's the message, or function?
7. What did you learn about history that perhaps you didn't know before?
8. React to any aspect of the film you want.
