In Germany after WWII, young Michael has an affair with an older woman which comes to a mysterious end. Later as a law student, he encounters her again at her trial for war-crimes. And as a middle-aged man, he and Hanna cross paths once again.
Ralph Fiennes (Michael), David Kross (Young Michael), Jeanette Hain (Brigitte), Kate Winslet (Hanna), Susanne Lothar (Carla), Alissa Wilms (Emily), Florian Bartholomai (Thomas), Friederike Becht (Angela), Matthias Habich (Peter), Rainer Sellien (Teacher).
The Reader is an intense story of a love that survives time. As a young man Michael has an affair with an older woman, Hanna. Their relationship ends mysteriously, but they reconnect about a decade later. Again their relationship ends, and this time they reconnect almost 20 years later. The plot sounds simple but the story is told with intensity and depth that is captivating. The characters are relatable and enjoyable, and the plot has a well done richness.
Winslet felt like she was in an unusual role, but she delivered wonderfully. Kross also did very well with good depth and emotion. Fiennes delivered as usual, as did Lothar. Sellien was a good choice for his role, as was Hain. The remainder of the cast supported well.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds all felt solid and appropriate. The story felt like it was in post-WWI Germany. Any CGI in this one was well hidden. Dialogue was both interesting and entertaining, and delivered the story nicely. Sound and soundtrack are solid.
Overall anyone who enjoys romance should enjoy The Reader. With a bit of spice, drama, and intrigue, the film develops and ages through to the end. Those looking for a shiny modern romance may not enjoy this so much.
With a fair amount of sexuality, intimacy, full nudity, and some foul language, save this one for older teens and above.
Released: 2008
Reviewed: 4.10.18
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Romance, Drama, Dramas based on Books, Courtroom Drama, Steamy Romance
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
Ralph Fiennes (Michael), David Kross (Young Michael), Jeanette Hain (Brigitte), Kate Winslet (Hanna), Susanne Lothar (Carla), Alissa Wilms (Emily), Florian Bartholomai (Thomas), Friederike Becht (Angela), Matthias Habich (Peter), Rainer Sellien (Teacher).
The Reader is an intense story of a love that survives time. As a young man Michael has an affair with an older woman, Hanna. Their relationship ends mysteriously, but they reconnect about a decade later. Again their relationship ends, and this time they reconnect almost 20 years later. The plot sounds simple but the story is told with intensity and depth that is captivating. The characters are relatable and enjoyable, and the plot has a well done richness.
Winslet felt like she was in an unusual role, but she delivered wonderfully. Kross also did very well with good depth and emotion. Fiennes delivered as usual, as did Lothar. Sellien was a good choice for his role, as was Hain. The remainder of the cast supported well.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds all felt solid and appropriate. The story felt like it was in post-WWI Germany. Any CGI in this one was well hidden. Dialogue was both interesting and entertaining, and delivered the story nicely. Sound and soundtrack are solid.
Overall anyone who enjoys romance should enjoy The Reader. With a bit of spice, drama, and intrigue, the film develops and ages through to the end. Those looking for a shiny modern romance may not enjoy this so much.
With a fair amount of sexuality, intimacy, full nudity, and some foul language, save this one for older teens and above.
Released: 2008
Reviewed: 4.10.18
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Romance, Drama, Dramas based on Books, Courtroom Drama, Steamy Romance
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
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