Read Deep

Rating: 8/10 (25 January 2009)

I have heard the first half of 'The Reader' was misunderstood in relation to the second half, or overall story. I also felt the same way during act one. In fact, it was hard to look past the numerous sex scenes and full frontal nudity from both male and female. But, alas, I believe it all came together to fully show how completely messed up this woman, Hanna, (Kate Winslet) made Michael's (Ralph Fiennes) life. What's odd, and is very little attention is paid to the (no spoiler here) pedophile Hanna is. We definitely live in a very contradictory society when it comes to sexuality. It's generally okay for two women to be in a relationship (and usually rooted on,) but it's an abomination for two men and it's a mortal sin for an adult male to have sexual relations with an under-aged female (or male) but it's barely even mentioned  or poked fun at  if it's an adult female with a boy. I will probably never understand this and it's relevant in this film as, if it's mentioned, it's hardly an issue when Hanna seduces and steals Michael's youth  and eventual life. Overall, it's a beautiful, if disturbing, film, with great performances from Fiennes and definitely Winslet. Not to try and reveal anything, she is truly a monster, and Winslet deserves an Oscar (and Globe) for such a powerful look into her demon she seems fine with sweeping under the carpet. Young Michael, (David Kross) the victim (in more ways than one) seemed to try his best; I give him kudos for effort and the ability to bear all. Little can be said about the plot, without spoilers, but it's definitely a must-see film about potential war crimes, and the victims that stack up. Even when the war's over.