I saw the reader last night and found the film compelling from start to finish. Almost straight away you could feel the emotion from Kate Winslets character. She seemed to take on this role with every part of her being and totally justified her oscar win.

Laura Brown, Glasgow,

Kate Winslett was very good in this rather curious romantic thriller. Was it about people never having to say they are sorry - and the punishment that is meted out as a result of this arrogance? Or was it about brain washing and the need for society to have victims to abrogate responsibility?

Clare Collingwood, Dorking,

A very faithful adaptation of the book, in which difficult cutting choices and flashback selections were made with honest judgment. I read the book just before seeing the film and was spellbound by the former as well as the latter. It was beautifully treated by both the actors and the director.

Neej Pearce, Oxford, UK

Whoever Wendy Idle is, she is trying to be too clever by half. This is s superb film, almost perfect.

Sidney Marks, London, UK

A superb film, powerful and compelling. There wasn't a sound from within the house. Kate Winslett won a well deserved Oscar.

Kay McCormick, Richmond, England

A beautifully made, thought provoking film. Winslett's portrayal of the sad, damaged, central character, Hannah is spell-binding. The unfolding love story is told tenderly and the revelations about Hannah's shocking past left this viewer truly affected.

Ken Ward, Manchester, UK

I agree with Brian Lehman that the "ordinariness" of the people commiting the atrocities is precisely what must be remembered. They were not rare evils which could not exist anymore: in the right circumstances, it could happen all over again. Yes, we must be for ever vigilant!

anne-marie kazimirski, ascot,

excellent film, it had people staying on afterwards discussing it, that's the mark of a film that makes you think. IR London

Ian Rose, London,

The reader was a film that moved me in every sense of the word. I found it truly inspiring.

ken jones, coventry, england

I am just yet another person astounded by these reviews. Have a heart, apply some imagination and try doing something like that yourself! I was completely engrossed and it really made me think and moved me. Infinitely better than 99% of films being made, brave and original.

Jessica, London,

Ha! So interesting to read these comments as compared with the reviews. I agree with the unanimous opinion of the people posting on this messageboard that this film was spellbindingly complex and multi-layered - complex and multi-layered to the extent that all relationships are. And I am astounded..

Nemira, Manchester, England

I have scoured all the critics views on this film and feel they have all totally missed the point. The film is about the love of the two people for each other and how a major revelation changes things. This is not about forgiving the SS or a nation's guilt. Overall one of thebest films I've seen.

Richard Brazier, Swindon,

I was deeply moved by this film. I thought it was brilliant. I saw the film through the eyes of Michael, as a 15 year old and then as an adult. The love he had for Hannah was so profound that his feelings for her remained with him throughout his troubled life, despite her ugly past.

Linda, Kingston on Thames,

your critic is dead wrong. this film is really brilliant, will see it again

john kennedy, stockport,

Don't be put off by this review. This is the best film I've seen in ages. Compelling, thoughtful and disturbing, and - thank God - one you can see without having your intelligence insulted.

Peter, Brighton, E Sussex

The Reader is a much more subtle film than what this review suggests. The central theme throughout the film - as seen in the scene with Michael and his daughter - is about remaining silent, about the failure to stand up and do something. The film leaves you to work this out and wrestle with.

J Lopes, Edinburgh,

Never have critics review comments been so diametrically opposite to my own reaction than those I've read so far of 'The Reader' reviews. I found it to be one of the most moving and superbly acted films I've ever seen.

alf, chiswick, uk

oh get off your moral high horse! The film, like life, is not a simple moral tale. This was a film about a relationship frst and foremost. It was beautifully filmed, well paced, with excellent performances by young Michael and Hanna. This is a love story-messy and human. How refreshing!

Kristine, teddington, UK

The film, as the book, is supposed to be about all of those things. You can't pin a moral message on any of it, because any approach has its get-out clause. For example, Hanna says to young Michael that she assumes him to be 17. That's why Hanna's scary: not evil, but has absolutely no judgement.

Mark, Oxford,

The Reader is precisely right because it DOES humanize the Nazi. We must never deny that we all have to face the "what would I have done" question. The film works for that very chilling fact. The Nazi aspect of us is never escaped from and must always be made human in order to keep us ever vigilant.

Brian Lehman, San Rafael, United States