The Reader (2008)


Kate Winslet            Hanna Schmitz
Ralph Fiennes           Michael Berg
Karoline Herfurth       Marthe
Hannah Herzsprung       Julia
David Kross             Young Michael Berg
Lena Olin               Rose Mather/Ilana Mather
Bruno Ganz              Professor Rohl
Jeanette Hain           Brigitte
Susanne Lothar          Carla Berg
Matthias Habich         Peter Berg
Marie Fliegel           Hanna’s Neighbour
Hendrik Arnst (II)      Woodyard Worker
Rainer Sellien          Teacher
Moritz Grove            Holger
Joachim Tomaschewsky    Stamp Dealer
Barbara Philipp         Waitress
Jurgen Tarrach          Gerhard Bade

Directed by:            Stephen Daldry
Produced by:            Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Jason Blum


When he falls ill on his way home from school, 15 year-old Michael Berg is rescued by Hanna, a woman twice 
his age. The two begin an unexpected and passionate affair only for Hanna to suddenly and inexplicably disappear. 
Eight years later, Michael, now a young law student observing Nazi war trials, meets his former lover again, 
under very different circumstances. Hanna is on trial for a hideous crime, and as she refuses to defend herself, 
Michael gradually realizes his boyhood love may be guarding a secret she considers to be more shameful than murder.

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THE READER opens in post-WWII Germany when teenager Michael Berg becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna, a 
stranger twice his age. Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two are quickly 
drawn into a passionate but secretive affair. Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their physical 
relationship deepens. Hanna is enthralled as Michael reads to her from "The Odyssey," "Huck Finn" and "The Lady 
with the Little Dog." Despite their intense bond, Hanna mysteriously disappears one day and Michael is left confused 
and heartbroken. Eight years later, while Michael is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he is stunned 
to find Hanna back in his life - this time as a defendant in the courtroom. As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael 
uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives. THE READER is a story about truth and reconciliation, 
about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another.  

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Middle aged German barrister Michael Berg recollects to himself his lifelong acquaintance with Hanna Schmitz, a 
relationship with whom he never disclosed to anyone close to him. Michael first met Hanna in 1958, when he was 
fifteen, she thirty-six. The two had a turbulent summer long love affair, dictated by Hanna that their encounters 
would begin with him reading to her followed by lovemaking. Michael next encountered Hanna in 1966, when Michael, 
now a law student, attended the Nazi war crimes trial of six female former S.S. concentration camp guards, one of 
whom is Hanna. Through listening to the testimony, Michael comes to the realization that he is in possession of 
information which could save Hanna from a life in prison, information which she herself is unwilling to disclose. 
In deciding what to do, Michael is torn between his differing views of justice.