The Reader vintage review (a before-The Oscars P.O.V.)

The Reader ****

At last, an exceptional Oscar-nominated film! This is shattering and heart-breaking; a truly a affecting film. At the film's outset, I was surprised at the accent and personification of Winslet's character, which seemed to be a German stereotype, and a rather comical one at that. Was this going to be a light-hearted journey? As the first part of the film (and the relationship between grown woman and growing boy) progressed, this became increasing enjoyable to watch, due to the uneasiness we are forced to feel. Despite being less "curious" than 'Benjamin Button', this relationship was more uncomfortable and controversial than the one in 'Button' could dream of being. The constant usage of the pet-name "kid" highlighted this, as did the parental overtones, and images of childhood innocence: boy scouts, choir-singers, bicycles, etc. I was really enjoying this fickle, flighty and dangerous first section, which heightened the sheer agony of the transition to the shocking and sickening second. We are thrown from a tale of forbidden yet disquieting love, to one of murder, trial and mass-genocide; as Hanna Schmitz is tried for crimes and incidents which occurred during her time as a guard at a concentration camp. It is then that this becomes truly harrowing to watch, especially as her former lover is observing the trial as a part of his law studies. The way these two narratives cross and intermingle, particularly ideologically, is clever and compelling. We as the audience experience what the character Michael does, and take a turbulent journey of conscience and morality. My only criticism of this otherwise brilliant film is the way that it ended. I feel the narrative continued for too long, and that there was too much closure at the end. What I loved about this movie was its ability to truly devastate the viewer, and I would have preferred to be left with a feeling of unresolution and mental torture, than one of closure (but is this just me?). This is one not to miss, though, and I feel an injustice that David Kross was not acknowledged with an Oscar nomination for his wonderful portrayal of Michael.