Disturbing

Rating: 7/10 (24 May 2009)

THE READER is a somewhat disturbing film that is hard to dislike. Interesting story and some great photography, direction and acting. The disturbing aspect is the character flaws in both Hannah and Michael. He's always so remorseful with tears coming out of his eyes every five minutes. Hannah is a difficult character to understand which makes it all that more disturbing. What's so shameful about being illiterate? While there were no excuses for what she did as a camp guard, she could have saved herself by admitting she couldn't have wrote that discriminating letter. To compound that, why doesn't Michael go ahead and defend her? Just plain stupid and totally unbelievable, yet fascinating. KATE WINSLET and David KROSS were extremely good in their roles, less so Ralf Finnes. As an adult, the older Michael should have seen an analyst as he is troubled throughout his entire adult hood and a wimp at that. He needed as much help as Hannah in his own way. The time lasps are a bit illogical as well. One of the best performances, however, is the one given by Lena Olin as both mother and daughter. A brilliant performance what is never talked about or discussed. She should have been up for a supporting award at least. How does the public and critics let these performances slip by the wayside? Too much attention on Winslet I guess. Despite reservations, THE READER should be seen. Good DVD extras plus lots of deleted and extended scenes.