The Reader (2008)

Cast : Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Lena Olin
Director : Stephen Daldry

Adapted from Bernhard Schlink's novel, I was totally blown away by this film! It seems that Stephen Daldry scores once more. Not many directors can blow me away twice (yes twice!, previously from another of his "The Hours" which i love a lot). Great story, Stunning cinematography, Brilliant act and Wonderful music score by Nico Muhly who contributes to create its own dialog thru certain scene. I haven't happened to read the novel, but base on another previous works of David Hare, I'm pretty sure that he's a good in re-telling story. Very-well adapted.

Set in Germany, the two central characters Hanna Schmitz and Michael Berg met accidentally and finally lead them to an affair in one summer until one day Hanna left the town without leaving any note. Several years later, Berg entered a college and studying law. One not so special day, for observation study, he attend some trial for NAZI war crimes, he catches a sight for Hanna Schmitz again.

Hanna Schmitz, a cold-stern but compassionate woman, is very interesting character. Initially it was meant for Nicole Kidman which I know she will play it good. And Kate Winslet? Gosh! She is DAMN great! I haven't finished my first orgasm after saw her performance in Revolutionary Road, and now she do me again. She made me cum twice in consecutive weeks! It's about time to reward her, her first Oscar.
(Young) Michael Berg, played by a rising star from German, David Kross. Impressive play. Looking forward for his work in the future. Ralph Fiennes and Lena Olin also did an outstanding job. Especially Lena Olin, her performance in almost-the-end of the movies for having conversation with Ralph Fiennes is breathtaking.

This movie deserve 5 stars and straightly break through to the list of my favorite movie for my first watch!

The Reader, Best Picture of the year!

Memorable Quote :
"It doesn't matter what I think. It doesn't matter what I feel. The dead are still dead" (Hanna Schmitz)

"Go to the theater if you want catharsis. Please, go to literature. Don't go to the camps. Nothing comes out of the camps. Nothing."(Ilana Mather)

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

Cast : Asa Butterfield, Vera Farmiga, David Thewlis
Director : Mark Herman

One special feature about holocaust thru the eyes of a child. Quite different from Life is Beautiful (Roberto Benigni) which was told by the point of view of a father trying to conceal his son from being intense of fearness. However, The Boy in the stripped Pyjamas, becoming more special for keeping the tone strongly consistent since the beginning. Great editing, scores and scenes tremendously get the audience stays in the emotional rhythm. Oh, Until the ending scene.

Personally, I was shock after seeing it. Another devastating movie that thrilled me in (and once again, i love being thrilled by a devastatingly depressed film). The cast also doing great, especially Vera Farmiga. I cannot recommend this movie enough. Just watch it.

Memorable Quote :
" If you ever found a nice Jew, you would be the best explorer in the world" (Herr Liszt)