Winslet defends sex scenes in new movie

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet has defended the controversial sex scenes in her new movie 'The Reader'.

The British star plays the role of a former Nazi concentration camp guard, who embarks on a passionate affair with a younger man unaware of her shady past.

The steamy scenes featured in the film have attracted criticism with some believing it trivialises the true horror of the Holocaust.

But Winslet is adamant they were essential to the story.

She told the New York Daily News: "There is a lot of nudity in the beginning. But it's 100% justified. Also, the relationship is not about sex. It's about how this young man reads her beautiful stories and poetry."