Review of The Reader (2008) by Nikan A — 20 Jun 2010
Set in post WWII Germany, a young schoolboy named Michael has an affair with an older woman which ends after a few months. Years later, he is studying law and comes across the same woman who is now sitting trial for war crimes in her role as a guard in a concentration camp.
While the character of Hanna Schmitz clearly isn't as guilty as her prison sentence showed, it is hard to feel sorry for her - after all, she was involved with the killing of Jews, albeit indirectly. However, everyone in the country knew, and turned a blind eye to, what was happening in the concentration camps therefore shouldn't everyone therefore have been jailed? The film does raise some interesting issues. That aside, I was annoyed with the character of Hanna for not defending herself at the trial even though by doing so she would need to reveal a secret that she was ashamed of.
A lor of erotic, naked and sexual scenes between the young boy and his older mistress - which do get a bit repetitive. You can definately feel the deep connection they share and how this carry's on over the years completely impacting on Michael's life.
A moving, emotional and interesting film that raises a lot of questions and issues.
This review of The Reader (2008) was written by Nikan A on 20 Jun 2010.
The Reader has generally received positive reviews.
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