The Reader is about a 15 year old boy who has an affair with a woman twice his age. After a summer- long romance she disappears, leaving the kid wondering what happened, until ten years later when he sees her on trial for murder.
This is one of the first movies I have seen that is almost identical to the book it was fashioned after (I reviewed the book HERE).
I watched the movie before reading the book and was mesmerized by the story of this relationship that developed so quickly and unexpectedly.
The main difference I found between the book and the film was that the book was separated into three different parts for the different periods in Michael’s life, while the movie incorporated Michael’s later life in to tell us the story.
During the film I was surprised at how I managed to be surprised at all the little twists towards Hanna’s secret even up until the reveal. It made watching the film more enjoyable and the book a faster read because I just wanted to find out more.
I did feel more emotional towards the film and felt the chemistry between the characters more raw and intimate than when reading the book. The book almost made the coupling of the characters as a bad thing, while in the movie I almost forgot Michael’s age.
I was also conflicted by how you can’t love and hate a character all at the same time. As a viewer I wanted Hanna to be a lovable person, to pity her and feel for her, but during the trial you almost aren’t sure whether or not she can be a likable character. Even after her secret is fully revealed, as a viewer/reader it’s hard to come to terms with the real feelings you have for Hanna.
Kate Winslet did an amazing job and deserved every award and recognition for the character. It’s almost surprising that all but her Oscar nomination were for Supporting Actress as Hanna is such an important and leading role in the film and to the story.
Lauren from Reading Comes From Writing has three favorite things: writing, reading and watching movies. Born and raised in Boise, ID, she shares the couch and comfy chair with her cat, Fergie, and a good cup of tea.
Thanks for this review I want to read the book and see the movie
I’ve been wanting to read and watch this for a while now. Thanks for the review!
Interesting. I was thinking that the age difference would be MORE obvious in the movie, but interesting that the book was.
It’s true that we can love and hate characters at the same time.
Hmmm. This is intriguing and makes me want to see the movie or read the book. Honestly, I do have to say that hearing about his age at the beginning does bother me, just from the review. I wonder, would it be as romantic if it were an older man and 15 year old girl? I know it wouldn’t if it were my daughter – or son. Can anyone say “call the police?”. Later on in life, I don’t know. I read another book similar to this once and I struggled with it.
Anyway, I guess I’m a prude, but it sounds so good I do want to see it. Excellent review.
I may need to try the book. I have not read it as of yet, not have I seen the movie. I was not that interested in the topic. I did enjoy Lolita by Nabokov, so may I will enjoy The Reader.
I didn’t find the book or movie to be romantic at all, the relationship wreaked all kinds of havoc on Michael’s life. I thought the book and film were both excellent, but I felt the film emphasized the sexual relationship more than the book did. I just really really really loved the book. I also saw the film first and then read the book.
I picked this one up at B&N last week and wondered if I’d like it. The movie doesn’t sound like something I’d volunteer to watch, but maybe the book is not quite so explicit as I assume the movie must be.