This is a story set in post-war germany, it's a moving story of guilt and love lost, provocative.........yes.
It tells the story of a chance meeting when 'hanna' ( kate winslet ) finds 'micheal' ( young...played by 'david kross'...later by 'ralph fiennes' ) sheltering from 'heavy rain' in an archway by her home, seeing that he was ill she helps him home.
After recovering from scarlet fever 'micheal' seeks to thank 'hanna' for her kindness, this starts an intense affair between the 'young man' and the woman twice his age.
'Hanna' loves for 'micheal' to read to her each time he visited, then she moves away the affair is ended.
Some years they wetre to meet again, 'hanna's' past had caught up with her and 'micheal' now a law student is suprised when witnessing a trial 'hanna' is the subject of a murder charge.
He could have helped her, but failed to do so, many years in prison takes it's toll on 'hanna'
'Micheal' some way into her sentence starts to record tapes for her to listen to in prison, again he reads to her.
The film is well crafted and most certainly worth a watch, there are many scenes however that are of an adult nature, doesn't spoil some brilliant performances however.
'Kate' is one of the top actresses of today, and in my opinion probably should have won an award many moons ago, not necessairily for this movie as good as it is