Should Have Tweaked the Novel

Rating: 8/10 (21 January 2009)

Wow, what a performance by Kate Winslet. Kudos to the author of the underlying novel for such an original and interesting plot and devices. But I couldn't help wishing to fill in what I felt were missing or weak plot lines. The story centers on; i.e., is essentially about Hanna and her struggle with her disability, Might have been useful to flash back to the war tragedy to depict Hanna's handicap as impacting on her circumstances; e.g. certainly, because of her illiteracy, her occupations called for rote tasks and blind routine (Query: Didn't she leave her ticket punching job because she knew she couldn't handle the promotion?). To see what happened when the prisoners died shouldn't exonerate Hanna but could strongly support her life long agony with her disability. Also, her suicide appeared vague in purpose, although I believe I understand it as her reluctance to face the challenge of the world with her -though now less severe- reading problem.
Why so much nudity? Certainly was only a limited factor in the story. Could've made it a PG-13 and I'd have taken my 11 year old son.
I complain too much. This was a fine movie.