Directed by:
Stephen DaldryScreenplay:
David HareComposer:
Nico MuhlyCast:
Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Lena Olin, Bruno Ganz, Jeanette Hain, Susanne Lothar, Alissa Wilms, Florian Bartholomäi, Friederike Becht (more)VOD (3)
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The Reader, set in post-WWII Germany, follows teenager Michael Berg as he engages in a passionate but secretive affair with an older woman named Hanna. Eight years after Hanna s disappearance, Michael is stunned to discover her again as she stands on trial for Nazi war crimes. The Reader is a haunting story about truth and reconciliation and how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (9)
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. After an unnecessarily long and drawn out opening about ignited passion (I understand that in terms of content it certainly has its point, but I found it boring at times), the reunion occurs again after eight years – at this point the plot begins to pick up and offers a truly excellent drama about hurt feelings and the difficulty of letting go of the past. Daldry's matter-of-fact, aware and precise direction is perfect for the subject matter of The Reader, all the actors perform more than adequately to the accompaniment of the beautiful chamber music, and the ending is well scripted, but it's not up to full marks with me. 90%
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A captivating and unique film charged with intimacy, which does not explicitly show off and therefore does not disrupt the smoothness and flow of the story. Ralph Fiennes was maybe born for such roles, and Kate Winslet is in a surprising role that I could never have imagined her in before. I have some quibbles about artificially heightened moments due to the routine piano, but otherwise I’m satisfied overall. After a long time, an intelligent film with a serious theme, executed in a way that you won't get bored, and that is appreciated. Daldry is not completely useless after all.
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To be honest, I don't understand why I liked The Reader so much. I’m absolutely immune to Kate Winslet's feminine charms, David Kross strikes me as a terribly shallow actor, and the story is just another cloying and wannabe thought-provoking tale about tragic love. But the narrative is so gripping, atmospheric, emotionally charged and, in the case of Winslet and Fiennes, superbly acted, that Rosamunde Pilcher should give up on romance novels and get into science fiction. But to be fair to Kross, the chemistry between him and Kate is perfect, and their scenes together are definitely the highlight of the film. As a self-proclaimed tough guy, I didn't need any tissues, but the power of the story still hit me with such a creeping impact that I will never forget it. Strong 4*.
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An incredibly powerful and emotive film that doesn't just use World War II to evoke emotions, but presents a beautiful and poignant story that stands on its own. Yes, the war is certainly important here, but the story would hold up even in slightly different circumstances. An acting showcase by the main cast and director Daldry.
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The Reader vs The Hours. Another powerful and emotionally tense drama under the baton of the director of The Hours, Stephen Daldry has once again won me over. Kate Winslet did a truly outstanding job and I dare say Hanna is quite possibly the bravest role in her film repertoire, the Oscar belongs to her quite deservedly. I was never bored for a moment during those two hours and watched as the intricate and suspenseful plot unfolded, it was truly unpredictable and incredibly moving at the end.
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