An emotionally compelling exploration of post-war Germany

Rating: 7/10 (9 July 2014)

Spearheaded by forceful performances, The Reader is a very well-crafted historical drama that succeeds in portraying a story that is provided by very challenging source material, as an incredibly intimate relationship is used to explore the moral and emotional issues that arose in the scope of the Holocaust and its aftermath. Kate Winslet is simply outstanding in her role, and one cannot say enough about the quality of her acting, particularly due to the fact that the character she portrays is very unsympathetic and distant. Interestingly enough, the Holocaust is not placed in the forefront, but is rather maintained as a constant backdrop to the story, which makes for an extremely powerful and riveting viewing experience. The Reader is therefore the type of film that proves very gripping as it takes its audience on an emotional journey, one that has even greater resonance due to its main subject being Germany's postwar guilt.