One of 2008's best

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2009)

(spoilers)"The Reader" is a compelling watch and romance. Not going in with any foreknowledge of the story, the movie proceeds to offer up a passionate beginning and then floors you mid-way through with the facts of the past and the path of the story. By far most interesting was the character of Hanna Schmitz, played very well by Kate Winslet and almost equally as good was young David Cross playing Michael Berg. The love story is genuine if a little twisted at first. Some of the interesting angles of the storyline put morality, duty, and love at odds with one another. The WWII era evils of the Nazi state society come front and center as the Schmitz character doesn't seem to understand or comprehend her wrong-doing - seeming ignorant and remorseless. Brutal and real toward the fate of the characters, they seem to be destine for problems. Paralysis of action of the main character seems terribly believable. Writing and dialog is excellent, cast is outstanding and direction is smart. Quite enjoyable and sad.