No cacaphony in cartharsis

Rating: 9/10 (15 April 2009)

I did not see this movie in the theaters, so the actors and sounds did not grab my attention immediately, but once they did, and they did, this movie became the most wonderful exhibit of studies in catharsis, which I have ever seen. Though I did not suspect duplicity in catharsis as I moved through each scene, by the end of the movie it was clear to me that the writer(s)intention was to culminate the movie with the strongest of the expiations, the opening to the closed doors of the psyche. I don't want to be specific for fear of spoiling it for others, but Kate deserved the Oscar, and I liked this film much better than Slumdog Millionaire, but I wouldn't go so far as to say the Reader should have won the Oscar. SM was a good film, one that deserved recognition, a film that could grab your attention in almost any setting. I suggest that if you find yourself in the mood to curl up with a good book, it is the perfect setting to watch the DVD. Kate as Hanna is amazing, strict to our perception of the more logically oriented women of the Deutschland. It is surprising to see what delights this woman in this role, and that is to KW's credit. There may be one disturbing scene with a stark reminder of Nazi atrocity so you are warned. If the mere hearing of any discussion of the Nazi prison camps bothers you, you are once again warned.
However, if there is some slumbering guilt deep beneath the surface of your heart, which sometimes emerges to knock at the door, this movie may motivate you to open that door. If we open that door, we may be better off for it.