The Reader

On Sunday, David & I went to see the fourth film of the five nominated movies of "The Acadamy Awards", or more widely known as "The Oscars". We saw "The Reader" which starred, Kate Winslet.

THE READER opens in post-WWII Germany when teenager Michael Berg becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna, a stranger twice his age. Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two are quickly drawn into a passionate but secretive affair. Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their physical relationship deepens. Hanna is enthralled as Michael reads to her from "The Odyssey," "Huck Finn" and "The Lady with the Little Dog." Despite their intense bond, Hanna mysteriously disappears one day and Michael is left confused and heartbroken. Eight years later, while Michael is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he is stunned to find Hanna back in his life - this time as a defendant in the courtroom. As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives. THE READER is a story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another. Written by The Weinstein Company

Middle aged German barrister Michael Berg recollects to himself his lifelong acquaintance with Hanna Schmitz, a relationship with whom he never disclosed to anyone close to him. Michael first met Hanna in 1958, when he was fifteen, she thirty-six. The two had a turbulent summer long love affair, dictated by Hanna that their encounters would begin with him reading to her followed by lovemaking. Michael next encountered Hanna in 1966, when Michael, now a law student, attended the Nazi war crimes trial of five female former S.S. concentration camp guards, one of whom is Hanna. Through listening to the testimony, Michael comes to the realization that he is in possession of information which could save Hanna from a life in prison, information which she herself is unwilling to disclose. In deciding what to do, Michael is torn between his differing views of justice. Written by Huggo


Mrs Winslet's portrayal of Hanna Schmitz — a woman having a passionate affair with a teenager who encounters her again years later while she is on trial for Holocaust crimes — was raw and restrained. The Reader is a moving story. I highly recommend this movie.

I would like to congratulate all the winners of this year's "Oscar awards".


2009 Oscar scorecard

Best Picture - "Slumdog Millionaire" (Winner
Best Actress - Kate Winslet, "The Reader" (Winner)
Best Actor - Sean Penn, "Milk" (Winner)
Best Supporting Actress - Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (Winner)
Best Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight" (Winner)
Best Director - Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire" (Winner)
Best Original Screenplay - Dustin Lance Black, "Milk" (Winner)


I hope you are all findingurwings...... Roz.