Reader (The)
- Director: Stephen Daldry
- Writer: David Hare; Bernhard Schlink
- Producer: Jason Blum; Donna Gigliotti
CGiii Comment
What Daldry does here is to manipulate the sympathies of the viewer - together with Hare's masterful adaption - the film takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride - is it actually possible to feel sorry for an Auschwitz guard?
There is a clash of intellects here - all working on different levels - but, it's the concept that the guilty can also be victims - this becomes the driving force that propels this story forward.
Winslet deserved the Oscar, the film deserves to be seen.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
THE READER opens in post-war Germany when teenager Michael Berg becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna, a stranger twice his age. Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two are quickly drawn into a passionate but secretive affair. Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their physical relationship deepens. Hanna is enthralled as Michael reads to her from "The Odyssey," "Huck Finn" and "The Lady with the Little Dog." Despite their intense bond, Hanna mysteriously disappears one day and Michael is left confused and heartbroken. Eight years later, while Michael is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he is stunned to find Hanna back in his life - this time as a defendant in the courtroom. As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives. THE READER is a story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another.
Cast & Characters
Ralph Fiennes as Michael Berg;
Jeanette Hain as Brigitte;
David Kross as Young Michael Berg;
Kate Winslet as Hanna Schmitz;
Susanne Lothar as Carla Berg;
Alissa Wilms as Emily Berg;
Florian Bartholomai as Thomas Berg;
Friederike Becht as Angela Berg;
Matthias Habich as Peter Berg;
Frieder Venus as Doctor;
Marie-Anne Fliegel as Hanna's Neighbor;
Hendrik Arnst as Woodyard Worker;
Rainer Sellien as Teacher;
Torsten Michaelis as Sports Master;
Moritz Grove as Holger