The Reader – Review
The Reader is a film directed by Stephen Daldry that is an adaptation of Bernhard Schlink’s “Der Vorieser” which translates to the English title. Screenwriter David Hare brings the 1995 novel to life with the help of a truly upper caliber of talent that makes for many stunning performances. However there has been much controversy surrounding the film due to its questionable depiction of a sexually driven fantasy within Nazi camps.
The star cast of the film includes Kate Winslet giving a notable performance as a woman living in West Germany during the 50’s named Hanna. Early during the film she crosses paths with Michael played by David Kross who she finds sickly near her where she resides. This quickly turns into a passionate affair followed by a rather mysterious disappearance by Hanna.
Many years later Hanna and Michael would eventually cross paths once again. Michael is a law student somewhat surprised to see Hannah much older. The intense emotion that the film is able to maintain relies much on the inner struggle that Michael attempts to cope with. Much of this comes from trying to understand his admiration for a woman with such a dark past and seemingly evil occupation.
The Reader is definitely not for everyone. However those who can get past its settings and at times unimaginable depiction of Nazi Germany may be able to find the ironic serendipity rather fascinating. In my opinion, much of the criticism that the film has received is unwarranted. The dramatic way in which the story seems to move is something that many people will find a change of pace from many other films similar in tone that have come out recently. This is one that you will have to go see and judge for yourself.
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