Iffy for 17+
Literary adaptation tackles sex, shame, and guilt.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this mature drama revolves around the sexual relationship between a 15-year-old boy and a much older woman. There are extensive sex scenes, full-frontal nudity, and a real, raw sense of sensuality throughout the first half of the film. The woman is later revealed to be an ex-Nazi prison guard on trial for her actions during the war; this involves extensive discussion of Nazi Germany's crimes against Jews and other victims of the Holocaust. There's also lots of talk about heavy, complex topics like complicity, guilt, shame, forgiveness, and responsibility. It's worth noting that even with the story's powerful undercurrent of eroticism, the Bernhard Schlink book it's based on is a staple of German high school class reading.
- Families can talk about the controversy around the film's central relationship. Some commentators suggest that if the genders of the partners were reversed, their relationship would be seen as purely abusive and immoral. Do you agree?
- What messages is the movie sending about sex and relationships?
- Families can also discuss the film's central question: How can Germansput Nazi crimes and the Holocaust into perspective in the present?
- Howis this movie similar to and different from other movies that deal withthose events/issues?
The good stuff
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Messages: Extensive discussion of the Holocaust; extensive discussion of German complicity and guilt during the Holocaust, as well as the nation's attempts to come to terms with the Nazi era in the post-war years. Discussions of morality versus legality.
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Role models: Hannah is a difficult character to place into a positive or negative box. Regardless, her actions have consequences and she is forced to face them.
What to watch for
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Violence: Some scuffling; a woman slaps a man. Depiction of a suicide. Discussion of prisoners burning to death while trapped inside a burning church, as well as the mass-murder mechanics of the Holocaust.
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Sex: Extensive depictions of sexual activity, with frequent sex scenes and images of male and female full-frontal nudity. The film revolves around a sexual relationship between a 15-year-old boy and a woman twice his age. That said, she doesn't force him into anything (or vice versa) -- the two consensually embark on their highly volatile, charged erotic relationship.
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Language: Some strong language, including "Nazi" and "whore."
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Consumerism: Some mention of brands like Siemens and BASF electronics, as well as books like Huckleberry Finn, Tintin, Lady Chatterly's Lover, and more.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Extensive smoking; characters also drink hard liquor and beer.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
The Reader. by Daydream
The Reader is a lonely and unforgiving story of a boy who falls in love with a woman more than twice his age and never stops loving her even after she leaves unexpectedly. They have a heated summer long affair where they make love and he reads to her. Their pride is too strong to help themselves; he is afraid to be with her and she is afraid to admit her ability to read and write. The story starts out slow with flashbacks to how they met and how they crossed paths after being apart for years and picks up over halfway through. This isnt an uplifting movie, but it is wonderful. I didnt know what to think when the movie ended so I sat there trying to make sense of what I just saw. The Reader touches you at the core. Kate Winslet is iconic, a performance equal if not greater than her's in Revolutionary Road. She has really opened my eyes.
4
Very good! by Lgoaliefan
This was an excellent movie. Everyone in it was wonderful. I would recommend seeing this movie.
5
The Reader by Chariotier
Excellent movie all around. My attention never lagged. The less you know about it the more you will enjoy it. So don't read any detailed reviews. You know how the critics can ruin it for you!!!
5
I'M MAD! Why didn't anyone tell me what a GREAT MOVIE THIS IS!!! by AngieCim
WHAT HAPPENED? Did these people run out of advertising money? Did all the theaters get snow blinded with Buttons and Slumdog?
I saw this movie twice already and I am taking my daughter and her boyfriend tonight - If you have not seen this movie, get going ~ ~ that is, if you miss seeing GREAT ACTING, GREAT DIRECTION, GREAT PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . ok, I'll stop for now.
Buttons and Slumdog were certainly good movies, but if you miss seeing the kind of movie where everyone is stopped dead in their tracks, no going for popcorn, no going to the bathroom - not even coughing so that they do not miss a single scene . . . and you miss leaving a movie and feeling like you just had great sex or a great meal, then this movie is for you!
Sorry, but this is something of greatness that no one should miss! A MUST GO - And, I am hoping it sends a new trend for movies for 2008!
5
The Reader by lucidanne6
Fantastic! Lots of nudity and super intense sex scenes, some completely unecessary. FANTASTIC movie though! Only see with your friends, not your parents. And definetely not a movie for those younger than 18.
5
Dark Tender Heartbreaking by Boportmouth
Good lord does this movie ask you to think. Not since Hard Candy has my mind whirled from such a film. Go see it. This movie will make you ask questions and consider that which is best left NEVER forgotten. The relationship between Hana and Michael is so tender and sweet. It makes you forget the age difference. It only makes it harder when you see they hurt each other.
5
The Reader by BeenieP
Absolutely riveting! Kate Winslet definitely deserves the oscar.
5
The Reader by GArroyoR
It was excellent. I did not expect such a serious topic to be included in a "love story." Kate Winslett's (spelling?) acting was superb. She portrayed a mysterious woman whose behavior we did not understand until the end of the movie. It was only until after the movie that the puzzle came together and her personality was uncovered. The movie was captivating, holding my interest and keeping me guessing until the end. I would vote for Kate for the Oscar!
5
The BEST MOVIE all YEAR!! by Cryztal101
Im not a romance lover, im an action and horror fan, but this movies is by far the best movie I have seen all 2008 and i think possibly 2007 aswell. I am constantly at the movies so I know a good movie when i see one. This movie will touch your heart like no other. I would say this is a movie for everyone, I cant wait till it comes out on DVD, i will go buy it the same day. They dont play The Reader at just any theater but its definately worth the drive and the admission. ITS A MUST SEE!!!
4
The Reader- Excellent movie by sbzarett
A terrific movie worthy of Oscar nomination. Still don't understand why directors think it is necessary to have as much nudity as is present in this film. Haven't they ever seen the classics of the 50's? Loses the impact on society it could have had for a wider audience.