The reader
* This is the reason why I like movies and I believe in them.
* These are the kind of performances which touch you. Both from Ms. Winslet and Mr. Fiennes. You will know why Ms. Winslet is such a brilliant, intense, wonderful and talented actress of this era.
* This is a movie which should have won the Best Picture. I am not a great fan of who wins. But this one deserved it more.
* Don't miss the finer details of the scene when Hanna and Michael meet after 20 years. I cried like a baby in that one scene.
* The calm, haunted locales of Germany instill that after effect of an holocaust in you. My current job involves working on, translating and transcribing the interviews of holocaust survivors. Sometimes I get drifted into their reality and I know how disturbing it is.
* The life of Michael, whose torment is painful and whose love for Hanna is equally beautiful, is so humane. The strength and weakness of Hanna leave you bummed.
* The scene where Hanna teaches herself to read and write is so real. I myself have done that so many times while trying to learn German at my job. I do it as it keeps my mind off the content of the interviews. Self help !!
* Also watch The hours by Mr. Daldry. It had one explosive cast of Meryl Streep (Goddess), Julianne Moore (Talented) and Nicole Kidman (I don't really like her). Also he has a keenness for the female conscious, me thinks.
As an after thought, I had no detailed knowledge about holocaust, the camps (called lager), the extermination of jews, before I started working. I believe it's a dastardly act any human being can do on his fellow being, to let him die or kill him or make him suffer, with knowledge and intention. The movie has been criticized for that. But I personally think that it was not glorified or presented artistically to subside the horrific effect of these events.
Anyways, watch the movie because it explores an unusual relationship. Because Kate Winslet is one hell of an actress. What do you have for breakfast girl ? We can give it to a bunch of other women and, of course men too, who call themselves actors. Compulsary !!
And you, Ralph Fiennes, how do your eyes convey so much pain and love at the same time ? What eye vitamins do you take ?
I think that's excellence. They are just possessed by it!
~nightflier :)