The first part of this movie is all about the scandalous relationship between a teenager boy (Michael, played by David Kross) with an older woman (Hanna, played by Kate Winslet). For some reason Hanna is fascinated by this boy who reads books to her. It is not clear exactly why, but this is one of the main points of the movie. Of course we understand why Michael likes her, but their relationship is obviously doomed.
After she leaves, years pass and Michael is studying to become a lawyer. By chance he sees Hanna again, when she’s on trial for her role as guard in a concentration camp during the war. This part is a very different movie, with Michael’s frustration at not being able to help her.
Once he’s older, his role is taken over by Ralph Fiennes, and he’s still obsessed about Hanna, though I have a hard time believing that he really loves her. I can understand a teenage crush, but love? Still, what he does for her at this point, is very sweet and it helped her with her own life.
SPOILERS FOLLOW!!
There are some things that I had a really hard time accepting. First of all, this takes place in Germany, but everybody is speaking English. I was willing to go along with it, but books and literature are so important to this story that it just doesn’t makes sense.
I also can’t believe that Hanna lived so long without anyone noticing she’s illiterate. How does she even do her job if she can’t read? I am also not sure how her mind works. During the trial she seemed like she had no concept of right and wrong, I assume that’s because she’s illiterate and hasn’t received education, though even that’s a stretch. But then she learns reading from Michael’s tapes in prison, as if she had the most brilliant puzzle solving mind. Not to mention that she’d rather rot in prison than let everyone know she’s illiterate.
The end is tragic, but it didn’t feel too down because Michael did help her a lot with his tapes, and at least she learned to read, which was such a big shame for her.
This is a good movie but I don’t think it deserves so many Oscar nominations.
Rating: 3.5 Stars