A quick glance at the credentials for The Reader highlight the quality on show and also provide decent insight into Kate Winslett finally getting her Oscar win with this haunting and very human performance. She stars as Hanna, a German bus conductor embarking on a highly charged affair with a young boy approximately half her age. Of course the tryst goes sour and the boy, somewhat distraught, delves into Hanna’s past and discovers shocking revelations in the process.

Adapted by scripter David Hare from the internationally best-selling novel by Bernhard Schlink The Reader tackles the themes of remorse, guilt and the internal battles waged in attempting to come to terms with the actions that have shaped it’s central character’s life and experience. Spanning 20 plus years in the life of Hannah the viewer witnesses her time spent as guard at a concentration camp through to her subsequent trial for alleged war crimes The Reader comments on what happens when seemingly ordinary people are called upon to/or find themselves doing horrific things.

Though Stephen Daldrey’s direction is sure-footed and the supporting cast, featuring Ralph Fiennes and Lena Olin, do sterling work The Reader is really only ever one woman’s film. Such is the power of Winslett’s scarred, thoughtful turn.

Still showing at Utopia.

Watch the trailer.

Official site: www.thereader-movie.com