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.Every year there is that movie that comes out that you know is a very well done movie, you know that it was made for award consideration and will probably get it, but you just don't really care for it or about it at all. This is that movie this year. Essentially, it was Kate Winslett having sex with a 16 year old for the first hour with him occasionally reading to her. The second hour was her on trial for Nazi war crimes and the guy being devastated by it . . . . . but still choosing to send tapes of him reading to her. I could see people finding artistic enjoyment in this movie, but personally, I didn't.
In theaters, I wouldn't really recommend people checking this out. With all of the amazing movies that are presently out there for award consideration - this was definitely the worst one and could pretty much wait for rental. Now that its on video, it won't hurt to check it out.
