Shariq’s Département

Hanna Schmitz, as played by Kate Winslet in what will probably be the Oscar-winning performance by a leading female actress at the award ceremony on Friday, is a desolate, scarred soul.  She has a secret that will be uncovered during the course of the movie, but from the very first instant we see her, we notice the glaze in her eyes, the intense concentration she puts on small events, the weariness with life that is alleviated by the wonder of hearing others read fantastic tales of literature to her.

As the movie progresses, Hanna is put on trial for Nazi era crimes, and we feel a mix of horror and recoil from this simple-minded person who cannot comprehend the nature of her crimes (seducing an under-age boy, Michael in the first segment of the movie was just a start).

She ends up in prison partly because Michael (played very naturally by the talented David Kross) is apalled at what he learns and chooses not to disclose a vital piece of evidence that could save her.  He walks away.  But his life also falls apart.  He is haunted by his lack of compassion for this woman who was his first love (albeit under false pretenses).  He fails to connect to his wife or his daughter.

The adult Michael (played by the handsome Ralph Fiennes), revives by finding the fountain of compassion within his soul.  He reaches out to help and teach a Hanna who still disgusts him.  And he flowers with this act of kindess.

The ending of the movie (which I will not disclose) complicates things as Michael finds his embarrasment a deterrent for a more complete forgiveness, resulting in disastrous consequences.

But the compassion he shows for Hanna while she is in prison will stay with me for a long time.  For such acts are what brings out the divine within each of us and brings us happiness as we align with our soul.