Movie Review: The Reader

**WARNING: SPOILERS**

The Reader is a story of a 1950's summer love affair between a 15-year old boy Michael and an adult (30/40 year-old) woman Hanna. Years later Michael, now a law student, witnesses the trial of Hanna, who is being tried for war crimes committed as a guard at Auschwitz. But to defend herself from some of the charges would require Hanna to admit her deepest secret: she cannot read. But her shame of being illiterate is greater than the shame of admitting guilt, and Hanna confesses to a crime she did not committ. Michael, who knows her secret, also says nothing. Both the trial and the relationship have a profound effect on Michael, who grows up to be emotionally distanced from everyone in his life, including his daughter.

The most interesting themes of the movie are secrets, individual responsibility, and reconciliation. Hanna is so ashamed of her secret that she is willing to go to jail in order to keep it. Michael carries two secrets: Hanna's illiteracy and his romance with her. Each also struggles with the question of individual responsibilty - Hanna while she is interrogated on the stand about her actions at Auschwitz, and Michael when he considers his responsibility to tell Hanna's secret. All of this is set to the backdrop of post-WWII Germany that has not yet come to terms with its Nazi history.

Both main characters seek to reconcile with their individual past. Hanna tries to donate money to daughter of a victim of her heinous crime, and finally learns to read. Michael sends Hanna books on tape while she is in jail and begins a new relationship with his daughter by sharing the story of his affair Hanna. The film's message is that although some things are irreconcilable, we can use the lessons of our past to make peace with the world.

Overall rating:
Download: Yes
Rent: Yes - but with a coupon
Buy: If you're a die-hard fan of any of the actors or of this genre