One WWII film has enraptured audiences across the world and is a must-watch for fans of historical storytelling, after others were left in tears by another wartime piece and some praised a movie hailed better than Saving Private Ryan.

The movie came out in 2008 and has won high praise, award nominations and accolades for its leading star.

Audience members have previously showered the movie in praise on IMDb and many have given it 10/10 reviews.

One person hailed the film as a “brilliant, sexually charged, and oddly heartbreaking tale about the complexity of human morality” in their top-rated review.

A second commented: “This is one of the most powerful movies I have ever seen, it was so incredible and just heart breaking.”

They added: “The story is so heart wrenching and painful, but was told so well.”

A third person titled their 10/10 review: “A thoughtful and plausible examination of guilt.

They explained: “This film encourages us to look closely at very difficult issues surrounding the atrocities of World War II.”

Yet another top-tier reviewer titled their critique: “Excellent one of the best”. The user said: “The most heart rendering, touching, disturbing and yet immensely beautiful movie of the year. I can not remember when last time I was so much moved by a film.”

Holocaust drama The Reader followed a romance between 15-year-old boy Michael Berg (played by David Kross) and older woman Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet).

The narrative flitted between an adult Michael (Ralph Fiennes), who becomes a lawyer and is horrified when he discovers that Hanna is on trial for Nazi war crimes, and his past relationship with her as a teen/

The Reader was adapted from the 1995 German novel Der Vorleser by Bernhard Schlink.

Helmed by acclaimed director Stephan Daldry, whose work includes Billy Elliot and The Hours, and a screenplay from iconic playwright David Hare, The Reader was nominated for a slew of Oscars.

The movie marked lead star Winslet’s first Oscar win after being nominated five times previously for Sense and Sensibility, Titanic, Iris, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Little Children.

Unsurprisingly, many have also hailed Winslet’s performance in The Reader, with one fan noting: “Kate Winslet is just outstanding in this very interesting film that is almost two stories-in-one.”

Another person wrote: “The acting in the movie was phenomenal. Especially that of Kate Winslet who draws out many emotions from whoever is watching.”

While a third commented: “Kate Winslett’s [sic] performance as Hanna makes this film a memorable experience. Her vacant stares are anything but vacant and will haunt you long after you have left the theater [sic].” 

A fourth said in their 10/10 review: “Kate Winslet is mind-bogglingly brilliant in the lead role and well deserved her Best Leading Actress Oscar.”

The Reader (2008) is streaming on Apple TV+ and Prime Video for a fee