The Reader

This film is © by Weinstein Company, 2008

Starring:

Kate Winslet as Hanna Schmitz
Ralph Fiennes as Michael Berg
Karoline Herfurth as Marthe
Hannah Herzsprung as Julia

Directed by: Stephen Daldry

RATING:

This film is a sort of period piece that moves through time chronicling the lives of two people who are quite different but have a common past. The movie also presents the viewer a complex scenario where the lines of right and wrong are not clearly drawn. The film is presented through the eyes of Michael Berg, a lonely lawyer who keeps a secret past. He reflects on the time when he was fifteen in post World War II Germany. After becoming severally ill walking home from school he is helped by a woman named Hanna. She safely gets him home and he becomes intrigued with her. Curiosity draws him back and he enters into a relationship with her despite the fact that she is much older than him. While the relationship is not ideal it is a sincere one that grows until one day Hanna mysteriously moves out of her apartment and Michael loses touch with her. As the years move on he is reencountered with this mystifying woman in the most unexpected circumstances.

Kate Winslet does a nice job playing the character of Hanna throughout different stages of her life. Hanna is an interesting woman that is in many ways a victim of circumstances. Here the viewer is presented on a very tough question regarding choices and what constitutes right and wrong. While her relationship with young Michael is a bit odd that is not the issue the plot is stressing. Hanna turns out to have a dark past before meeting Michael that is the real focus here. Being a powerful drama this movie requires good acting and Winslet delivers in playing Hanna. Ralph Fiennes does a good job playing Michael as well and this strengthens the success of this movie.

The great cast is complimented by a captivating plot that moves the mover throughout the film. The relationship between Hanna and Michael is endearing and touching, particularly in the later years of their lives. The story in this movie is so powerful that words fail me how to describe it. The story is not only moving but very entertaining and unique. As you reach the end the viewer feels completely rewarded by going through this journey. The great humanity displayed here also makes the viewer wrestle with some tough questions that not everyone will see in the same light.

This movie is great on all levels and I enjoyed it to the fullest. This is the kind of movie I would normally recommend to everyone but there is one point that needs to be noted. For a brief point in the plot the film focuses on the love life of the couple and it is depicted in an elaborate fashion. For some reason people may have a problem with that so I want to be sure to mention it. If that is not a problem thought then this movie is nothing but brilliance. I really liked this movie and hope that it catches on.