Cinema Night At The Cross Barn. 'The Reader' (Rated 15)

19 Jun 2009 - 7:45pm

Details:
Directed by Stephen Daldry from a script by David Hare, based on the award-winning novel by Bernhard Schlink, The Reader opens in post-World War 2 Germany when 15-year-old Michael Berg (played as a young man by David Kross and as an adult by Ralph Fiennes) becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna (Kate Winslet), a stranger twice his age.
Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two are quickly drawn into a passionate but secretive affair. Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their physical relationship deepens. Hanna is enthralled as Michael reads to her from Homer, Chekhov and Mark Twain. Despite their intense bond, Hanna mysteriously disappears one day and Michael is left confused and heartbroken.
Eight years later, while Michael is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he is stunned to find Hanna back in his life - this time as a defendant in the courtroom.
As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives.
The Reader is a haunting story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another.
Kate Winslet won the Best Actress award at both the Baftas and the Oscars. The film was nominated for Best Film, Best Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Screenplay at both the Baftas and the Oscars.