Two nights ago I watched The Reader on DVD. I haven't been touched by a film in quite some time. I loved la mise en scene, by Stephen Daldry. He really mined the internal sources of the actors, especially Winslet. I can only compare this film to those novels one reads in adolescence and leave a trail on our hearts, a possible opening into the unknown and into our own hearts.
I believe this is Kate Winslet's best performance ever. She extended herself in all possible ways, from a beautiful real woman, to the epitome of the German soul, duty bound and apparently inflexible, yet so sensitive to music and art.
David Kross is excellent in portraying the youth and the process of growning up, in a blend of pain and happiness.
Ralph Fiennes repeated himself, I think, not bad, but as expected really, cannot even be compared to Kross's performance, but I have to give him credit towards the end when facing the jewish survivor. His depiction of silent desperation was his best in the film.
The music accompanies and underlines, applause for Nico Muhly.
Watch it alone. You don't know what parts of yourself will resurface and you don't want anyone else spoiling it by telling you what to feel.
The film website is here.
cover to cover and I'm now waiting for 
.
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