How far would you go to protect a secret?
Today I went to the cinema to watch The Reader, knowing nothing about the film other than that Kate Winslett won a BAFTA, Golden Globe and Oscar for her performance. The Reader was released in the UK in early January, more or less at the same time as Slumdog Millionaire, which understandably did a lot better (not least because it's a British film with a happy ending) effectively overshadowing every other film that hit the big screen at the same time. My local cinema had long given up on The Reader, but possibly due to Kate Winslett's successive wins, it re-introduced early afternoon screenings this week, so I thought I'd go watch it and see what all the fuss is about.
My verdict? I loved it. Dare I say it, I thought it was better, more moving and more poignant than Slumdog Millionaire - and that says a lot, because I liked Slumdog Millionaire very much indeed. Slumdog Millionaire was entertaining, it was a feast for the senses (great cinematography and a fab score by A.R. Rahman contributed to this) and it left me feeling warm and fuzzy. The Reader, on the other hand, made me think, it made me cry and the story stayed with me for hours after I left the cinema. I was so captivated by it, that I walked straight into a bookshop and bought the book. I don't think I've enjoyed a film as much since The Kite Runner this time last year.
I watched The Reader without knowing what it was about, and found it very easy to get into. Therefore I won't talk about the storyline, or the performances, but if you'd like to know more about it, this is the best review I've found on the internet.
6 comments:
clever review
i dont think i like seeing films because they are usually based on a good book that i want to read before i see the film. i've ordered the book slumdog millionaire and intend to read it before i buy the dvd (due to come out in june). i'm more mesmerised by the scenery than brilliant acting
NOT going to read the review, or go to the movie. Yet, anyway. I will go get the book tomorrow, though (if we're not snowed in). Thanks for the tip!
I usually prefer to see the film first, then read the book it's based on, as I find my imagination can easily outdo the most enthusiastic cinematographer. Hehe.
Having said this, now that I've started reading The Reader, I'm amazed at how closely the film reflects the mood of the author. I can almost see and hear Kate Winslett and Ralph Fiennes in my head as I read about their characters in the book. Gives new meaning to the phrase "bring to life".
Mediterranean Kiwi, Slumdog Millionaire is next on my reading list :-)
Karen, I'd love to hear what you think of The Reader. I hope you'll like it!
Thanks Tinsie for your recommendation - I will go and watch it. x
I should go to the cinema soon. I haven't been for months.
I watched it the other day. It was so good. Kate Winslet was amazing.
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