“The Reader” is a phenomenal movie, at once riveting, disturbing and painful to watch. Much of this is due to the brilliant acting of Kate Winslet who deservedly won the Oscar for best actress for her devastating portrayal of Hanna Schmitz, the troubled older woman who seduces a teenager. I can’t imagine anyone else acting this role or doing it such justice. The topic of adult seduction of a child is not an easy one to bring to the screen, director Stephen Daldry does this with sensitivity, skill and respect for the screenplay.

The cast is uniformly strong, incorporating a supporting cast of German actors including David Kross in an multi-layered performance as the young boy Michael Berg. Ralph Fiennes is also excellent as the adult Michael Berg, revealing complex levels of the character in the final scenes. There are many twists in this screenplay that takes the story in unexpected turns along the way.

The acting, direction, screenplay, art direction, cinematography, costumes, make-up and every other aspect of this film is near perfection. If you haven’t watched “The Reader” yet add it to your list of must see films.

2008. Directed by Stephen Daldry, screenplay written by David Hare from the book by Bernhard Schlink. Starring Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes and David Kross.

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