Emotional Withdrawal

Rating: 10/10 (2 June 2009)

Nobody plays emotionally constipated men better than Ralph Fiennes. He has such a marvelous way of showing depth of emotion mixed with disgust for it. I think everyone shines in this film. If you are a wuss about human feelings and acts of cowardice then do NOT watch it. (The commenter who claimed she didn't get the ending needs therapy.) All you have to do is be related to a person who grew up in that era or be their offspring. These people were raised to be polite even if it meant at the expense of truth. It must have been a holdover from the Victorian Era but most of the people who were young during the war and some even after lived quietly with constant pain. Over and above all else one must only show a good face/appearance. Never have scenes in public. I can completely understand why Hanna and Michael could only constantly think of weakness as looking for the truth. I cannot however forgive Michael for not letting the court know Hanna was illiterate. But, that is human nature folks! Welcome to the real world where we all make horrid mistakes all the time and choose to do the easier thing and yes, allow ourselves to be motivated from lust. Love it or leave it.