With all the accolades The Reader has been getting, I thought we had better get to it here. The Reader has been honored by the Golden Globes, and now has some Oscar nods.
The Reader stars Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes. It's another example of the simple fact that all good movies start with a really great story. Meeting characters we've never met before, and told in way that keeps us guessing, and wondering where and when the next shoe is going to drop. That is The Reader.
Meet Hannah (Winslet) . A 35 year old German woman living in Berlin in 1958. She has no friends, and a very simple life. She works on the Tram system as a toll taker. She befriends Micheal (Fiennes) a 15 year old school boy by helping him when he was sick on the streets. After he recovers from Scarlett fever a few months later he returns to her apartment to say thanks. She seduces him, and a quick, but torrid affair ensues. All she asks of him is to read to her. Afterwards she rewards him with sex. He reads her book after book for a steamy summer. From simple books to big time literature, she drinks up his reading like a sponge.
The whole time you're wondering why, and you feel Hannah is keeping secrets. And she is. What are they, and how many there? Won't tell you here, but you should find out by going to this great movie. This is fantastic movie making, with great performances. I will tell you there is a large amount of nudity, especially at the movies outset. This is not for kids in any way shape or form. The Reader deals with real adult issues, and by not giving anything away, some of the most hanous and guarded parts of history grown ups have spend decades learning about.
This is a definition of art in film. This is not for everyone. Films like The Reader are an acquired taste that will miss with many, but score heavily with real film fanatics. This is NOT light movie watching. This is intense drama. The Reader is adult, serious, and dark at times. Told primarily in flashback form, though is easy to follow.
The Reader. First class in every way.
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