" You think you upset me? You don't matter enough to upset me! "

Rating: 8/10 (26 June 2010)

Somewhere in the dark, amid the wet streets of Berlin, this story arose. It was originally written by Bernhard Schlink, screen played by David Hare and later directed in a motion picture by Stephen Daldry. The story is of a young teenage boy named Michael Berg (David Kross) who is smitten by Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet) an older neighbor and seduced into an assignation. Though their affair is the basis for their initial contact, Michael comes to enjoy the pleasant company of the older woman who introduces him to youthful physical pleasure, but also to the mysterious side of a woman with a secret. It is this secret which the adult Michael (Ralph Fiennes) must contend with. His older life revolves around their early companionship, one which ties them inexorably to the future. The forward and backward motion of the story is difficult to come to grips with, but eventually the audience snares the essence of message. Mr. Fiennes is superb as Michael and comes to realize there is so much hatred between the races, it could easily keep theme apart for eternity. The movie is incredible, the cast which includes Bruno Ganz as Professor Rohl, is superior and the result is a basis for a Classic and after viewing the film, would not be surprised. ****