February 2009: The Reader

For the month of February, we saw the Oscar nominated film "The Reader".

Synopsis:

When he falls ill on his way home from school, 15 year-old Michael Berg is rescued by Hanna, a woman twice his age. The two begin an unexpected and passionate affair only for Hanna to suddenly and inexplicably disappear. Eight years later, Michael , now a young law student observing Nazi war trials, meets his former lover again, under very different circumstances. Hanna is on trial for a hideous crime, and as she refuses to defend herself, Michael gradually realizes his boyhood love may be guarding a secret she considers to be more shameful than murder.

Nominated for five academy awards:

• Best Motion Picture of the Year
• Achievement in Directing
• Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
• Adapted Screenplay
• Achievement in Cinematography

Amanda: I loved it but it was sad.

Barb: A thought-provoking, emotionally wrought, bleak film with incredible acting.

Jen: December to May romances are hot, but I still prefer Revolutionary Road.

Stephanie: I thought this was a great film. It would have been very difficult to be an actor in this film due to the amount of internal, non-dialogued conflict and struggle that had to be portrayed. But I thought Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes and David Kross all did a wonderful job. I wish I had read the book prior to seeing it, though, so I would know how it compares!

Aday: The performances in The Reader were extremely moving and believable to where I felt very sad and lonely for the characters afterwards. However, unlike the other Oscar nominated films of 2008, I have no desire to see this one twice.

Linsy: I really enjoyed the movie. I think it was well done and stayed true to the book. I do wonder if I would have enjoyed it even more if I had not read the book and didn't already know the story??