The Reader

Well done.

Powerful.

Leaves you with much to discuss afterwards.

Not as depressing as we thought it would be.

Michael is 15 years old when he begins an affair with Hanna who is twenty plus years his senior. The affair is shortlived, lasting only a summer but the consequences stay with Michael for his lifetime.

The movie eloquently explores themes of shame, fear, pride, remorse, isolation and redemption.

Winslet's Oscar for Best Actress is well-deserved. She provides a nuanced, multi-layered performance which never excuses Hanna's actions.

On a funny note, we had two friends who were going to see Slumdog Millionaire but ended up in the wrong theater and saw The Reader instead. It actually took them a while to figure it out!?! Quite the mistake.