petrander I don't really understand the negative reviews. I loved this movie. It made a huge impression on me and a lot to think about afterwards. What makes a person good?

pawebster The over-long haircuts of the men, the unkempt hairstyles of some of the women, the non-period clothes, the lack of formal manners... Not for a second could I believe this was Germany in the 1930s. To make matters worse there is the casual manner of speech and the lack of any attempt to pronounce German names in anything like the correct pronunciation. Example: a young female student with her hair hanging down to her shoulders any old how, with the demeanour of a student of the 21st century, comes to Viggo Mortensen's office door, looks inside and introduces herself in a very nonchalant manner, "I'm Anne..." Even in the Germany of today this would inappropriate, let alone in pre-war days. What was the writer thinking? What was the director thinking?

darmitage1990 I'm really surprised this film had been so badly discredited.There are a few flaws, namely with character development, especially when analysing Anna, and Handler's (Mortensen) ex wife. Their characters appear integral to the story, yet influence over Handler and his actions are often overlooked. The story jumps through time periods, which artistically I can understand, however leaves the viewer to neglect the effect of time on Handler which is an integral element to the story - and the fundamental message this film is trying to portray.However, the message is strong and delivered well. It contends with traditional notions of the mindless brutality of Nazis and Germans, and probably more accurately reflects the role of an 'ordinary German' living in this society. Too often are films based on assumptions of stereotype and the black and white portrayal of good and evil. The only flaw in message is that Handler seem's to be the exception, the only 'good' in a sea of evil, but the film is thought provoking nonetheless. It echoes similar themes surrounding the role of the perpetrator and perpetrator guilt that have become iconically associated with the Reader. It places the image of a Nazi perpetrator in a context, which is vital in understanding the circumstances in which these actions were carried out. So many films in this genre are centred around the victim experiences and developments in Germany from 1933-39, and it is interesting to see the take from the perspective of a German. The image of a Nazi is deconstructed, it emphasises the Intentionalist theory in a top-down execution of the Final Solution. It shows an average German, caught up in a corrupt society - highlighting the weakness and vulnerability, as well as potential ignorance of the average German citizen - emphasised in the last scene.Mortensen is fantastic in this, his acting is convincing and emotive. Unfortunately I feel other cast members may discredit his role, and the whole tone of the movie. However, this film is one of the most sincere and interesting modern depictions of the Holocaust I've seen, and is refreshing change to sea of trauma currently loved by Hollywood.

Paul Cooney My one big beef with this movie is the use of British accents, which is just ridiculous...and ironic. Since the British and the Germans in WW2 were enemies, it's just silly to use British accents for Germans - especially in a WW2/pre war era movie. Are there no German actors? Could they not even try for a German accent?Aside from this movie, I have an issue with the fact that directors seem to think that everyone spoke with British accents in the past. WTF. Did we speak with British accents in ancient Rome (ie Gladiator, Rome, etc)? No. Enough with the British accents as the default for movies based in the past, it's time to be more authentic to history.