Lives of Others is the best movie I have seen this year.

Lives of Others takes place in East Germany during 1984, five years before the wall came down. We follow the Stasi (secret police) as they spy, bug, and intimidate anyone who they determine is a "threat to the state". I hesitate to give much else away because I think the best way to watch the movie is without any pre-existing knowledge or expectations, but if you would like to read some insanely positive reviews you can click here.
It's unfortunate that I don't know too many people who have seen the movie because of it's limited release in the states, but it did receive the Oscar this year for Best Foreign Language Film. It should have won Best Picture.