Played To Enrich The Producers and the Director.

Rating: 1/10 (9 April 2015)

In all fairness I had read the novel long before the film was even cast. It has long been very popular in Europe and is even required reading in many high school level classes.
This film is well done in may ways and honestly has some wonderful dialog and some scenes that are no less than wrenching. It also confronts a political past that is being too soon swept under the proverbial rug.
I assumed there would be nudity involved given the book and since Kate Winslet was booked for the female lead. She has been in so many parts involving our being exposed to her various parts she has become well known for it. People expect it from her. Let's hope she is banking her millions. When the day no one will buy a ticket to see here (rather bland) breasts at least she won't have to peddle real estate in Anaheim. If you have not seen this film I would at least advise you read the book first. While the film has some very redeeming qualities, I found the novel in this case much better.
Now to why I gave one star. I would give zero if it were possible. I have a serious personal disgust for older actors, producers and directors that manipulate young actors for their own benefit as I believe is the case here.
The character played by David Kross is supposed to be about 15. They needed a young boy actor who could look as almost childlike as possible. It has been documented by some that they even shaved a good part of his body to remove any excess hair.
Now, I am not a lawyer and don't pretend to be. I am told the age of consent for portrayal of these scenes in Germany (and other European nations) is 16 for boys. Kross was contracted for these parts when he was just 16 years of age. Now, the law aside, in my book he is simply not fully grown in any way at this stage.
Knowing that if they filmed this boy under the age of 18 in simulated sex and nude scenes they could seriously compromise their access to the US market, they simply ran the clock out. Portraying a boy of 16 or 17 would like have left them with an unrated film they would have difficulty distributing and that would not be eligible for awards. And that is the name of their game.
So they simply waited to film him a few days after he turned 18 so they could meet the letter if not the spirit of the law. Then, to cap it off, they added this to all of their interview and marketing materials. In case after case after interview the director is quick to point out that he was just days past his 18th birthday when the scenes were shot. He wanted to make it clear that Kross was young, but legal in America. While young Kross mostly sits head down staring at the floor.
I have a serious issue with people who enrich themselves in this manner and with an Oscar for Ms. Winslet for for her being complicit. Am I wrong? Maybe. But I think it reeks of the money at all costs mentality that is typical of Hollywood. Ms. Winslet was more or less twice his age when she did this and then publicly joked about it. Yes, I question her personal morals and judgment too. I'll pass.