I sat down to watch this movie with no prior knowledge about it or what it was about. The film is split into 3 chapters each dealing with a part of Michael Berg life. 1. His teenage years with a lover much older than him, 2. As a law student following the trial of said lover. 3. Adult life, divorced and alone, but reading books on cassettes and sending to his old lover, now in jail.
The movie has two very strong elements. The first is the story. It is very unique and deals with the complexity of human moral in a setting I have never seen before. Without spoiling the story, I can say this much. It will get you thinking about how decisions you make may haunt you trough the rest of your life.
Secondly the acting. Overall the acting is superb from everyone. But I would like to give extra credit to Kate Winslet for her amazing performance as Hanna Schmitz. Kate Winslet received an Oscar for the role and it was very much deserved. Also David Kross playing the young Michael Berg does an amazing performance.
The Reader is a very good movie but might be hard to digest for some viewers, this is not intended for viewers wanting to watch something easy and brainless. It is a strong story and tragic story, so don't expect a happy ending. 8/10