The Reader, one of the year’s most acclaimed films of 2008, is a ground breaking drama that puts the audience in a roller coaster of emotions from admiring beauty, studying guilt and doubting morals. Based on the novel of its same name, the film has put in plain view what good use of cinematography can do and in this case has been the connection between actors and viewers. This connection we owe not only to film director and mastermind, Stephen Daldry but to academy award winner for best actress Kate Winslet.
If you have not read the book, the beginning of this film might not inspire you to continue watching. Given that fifteen year old Michael Berg (David Kross) gets sick with Scarlett Fever and is assisted on the street by a woman twice his age. As they get to know each other they fall in love for one another but Hanna Schmitz’ (Kate Winslet) only condition is that Michael reads to her. Up to this point, the film is just a beautiful and forbidden coming of age romance, with lots of sexual scenes and a troubled Michael. The film quickly shows the polemic and controversial plot when after many years Michael sees Hanna agin as she is put on trial for a devastating crime. Michael, a law school intern holds a truth that could help Hanna’s case but decides to keep quiet. The plot continues to develop and needs to be carefully examined as flashforwards show an old Michael Berg (Ralph Fiennes), who has become an unhappy, lonely introvert whose love for Hanna goes beyond cell walls.
How can someone with such an immoral past be an inspiring role model for others? This is the question that an illiterate Hanna whose limitless drive to learn how to read and write has risen. At the end, it is this determination and will what saves this unpopular heroine, who might have used the quote “The sky is the limit”. A strong film with a solid message worth watching and adding to your collection.
The Reader is presented in widescreen format (1.85:1 aspect ratio) with English 5.1 TrueHD Dolby Digital Sound and English and French 5.1. It also includes English and Spanish subtitles. The picture looks flawless in HD, this is probably the best blu-ray released by The Weinstein Company. Bonus features including all-new cast and director interviews, deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes.
Review By Jen
Release Date: April 28, 2009
