Source: Vintage Photo on Livejournal///
To accompany this piece of photography I'm including a review I wrote for The Reader (movie not the book). I wrote it primarily for myself. It doesn't relate to this photo at all but I wanted to get a bit of feedback on it. So hopefully you'll all read it and tell me if it sucks or not! As a side note, I posted it on a writing forum so the first bit (the warning, I guess) is because there are young people on the site.
///
The Reader
///
This story is not for immature audiences. This being said, I think I can adress this issues without revealing anything that is not appropriate for all ages. The warning: this movie is rated R.
///
The Reader follows the life of Michael Berg. As a young boy in post Word War II Germany, he encouters Hanna Schmitz. Thus begins a somewhat, age-inappropriate relationship. Through out this turbulent period one can witness their easily moved emotions. Their age difference as well as the lives they have led to that point act as a separator between the two, making it nearly impossible for Berg to completely understand the woman he loves. The common ground in their relationship lies on the reading of novels. Berg willingly indulges in the story-telling, adopting voices for characters and joyfully engaging his lover's attention. The act of reading is such a steady bond between the two that their entwined lives revolve around it.
/////
The vast differences between the two, in the end, win out and Berg is left devastated by Schmitz's sudden disappearance. Some time later, Berg, a law student, attends a trial for Nazi war crimes. Standing as one of the defendants is none other than Hanna Schmitz. The revelations of Schmitz's past unfurl suddenly. As her history unfolds, Berg comes to be the keeper of her secret which is the key to her fate. As her past actions become clearer and clearer, Berg shirks away from his 'responsibility' to the court and his obvious feelings toward Schmitz.
///
One reviewer on IMBD said "THE READER is a story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another" (IMBD). Perhaps this is the truth. The Reader explores the deepest and most painful memories in an era of anger and frustration. It transcends powerful history and pervades the personal lives of those around. Inevitably drawing in conscience and justice, this story follows the poignant reachs of the human heart. In the end, The Reader is primarily about truths. Truths that one can attempt to avoid but can never fully escape. However painful they are there is no escaping them.
///
A moving story that captures the heart and brings it along for a, sometimes uncomfortable, ride. It is something worth watching if you are prepared to deal with the nature of humankind. While not an emotionally devastating film, the issues are pervasive and can have far reaching implications regardless of the time or place.
///
The Reader is most definitely worth watching (given that you can handle some mature scenes and themes).
