Screening: The Lives of Others (2006)

A gripping and haunting drama set in 1980s East Berlin, The Lives of Others explores the oppressive surveillance state of the German Democratic Republic. The story follows Captain Wiesler, a dedicated Stasi officer tasked with spying on a successful playwright and his actress girlfriend. As Wiesler becomes more involved in their lives, he begins to question his own loyalty to the regime. Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, the film masterfully blends tension, empathy, and moral awakening, offering a powerful reflection on humanity amid political repression. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, it’s a must-watch for those who appreciate intelligent, thought-provoking cinema.

This film will be shown in German with English Subtitles

Please note that our film screenings are for over 18's only. ID may be checked on arrival so please do not purchase tickets for children under 18.

About the Secret Underground Film Society

Our films are shown in our Foreign Office, which has ten, comfortable seats meaning small and cosy screenings. Tickets are £14 (plus booking fee) and include a soft drink or a small glass of wine or beer. If you want to treat yourself, you can also upgrade to a Premium Ticket, that also includes a small bag of popcorn and a cheeky cocktail during the film.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my ticket include?

Your ticket includes a nice, comfy seat in our Foreign Office plus one of the following:

• a soft drink
• 125ml glass of house wine
• a hot drink
• pint of lager or bottle of 0% lager

If you opt for a Premium Ticket, you'll also receive a small bag of popcorn and a cocktail from our Film Society menu during the film.

What time does the film start?

Unlike at conventional cinemas, we do not show adverts or trailers before the film. This means that the Event Start Time on your ticket is the time we press PLAY on the film! For this reason, we'd advise you to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the film so we can get you seated with your complimentary drink and take any orders for snacks or cocktails.

What if I can't make it?

Unfortunately, because we have just 10 seats available, we are unable to offer refunds however you are welcome to pass your tickets on to someone else if you can't make it.

Can I stay on for a drink after the film?

We close at 9pm on Wednesdays and 10pm on Thursdays so it's not always possible to stay on and have a drink after weekday screenings. If you are booked for a long film and think you would like a second drink then we would recommend ordering one to be delivered to you half way during the film.

What's the big secret?

Because of the nature of our screening license, we're unable to advertise the films to you unless you're a member of our Society group on Facebook, sign up to our newsletter or pop in to our café where we list future screenings on our chalkboard and our postcards.