A Slow & Yet Captivating Drama..

Rating: 9/10 (28 January 2009)

Kate Winslet stars as the main lead in this film about a woman who is accused of involved in the Holocaust. From the very beginning Kate steals the show with her remarkable dedication towards her character. She embarks on an affair with a boy (David Cross) half her age. The boy falls hopelessly in love with her while she looks occupied with something (that is revealed in the second half). The second half is marked by a gripping courtroom drama where Kate is convicted. Several years later, the boy who has now grown into a man (Ralph Fiennes)finds out about Kate & starts sending her tapes about books she loved to be read to.
Now, its not a story which keeps you guessing all the time. Rather the director takes his own sweet time to establish the love story. Yet, there is something about this slow drama that keeps you hooked during most part of the film. The first rate performances by its main leads (the boy & Kate) hold the film together. Young Michael excels in portraying the depression he goes through when Kate is going through the trial. In the end, the story seems a bit dragged. Ralph looks too subdued & one doesn't quiet understand his indifferent attitude towards Kate when he meets her in person. All in all, the film's execution is quiet compelling & it stays on with you for quiet some time.
Any hiccups? Well, the first half is too graphic to the extent that it starts looking like a soft porn film. It also takes your attention away from the main topic of the film. But, the second half packs enough punch & makes up for this eroticism.