The Reader Movie Cast, Plot and Everything to Know

Plot

"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 haunting story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another.

Drama Period

• 
  Kate Winslet

  Avatar: Fire and Ash, Avatar 4

• 
  Ralph Fiennes

  28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, The Choral

• 
  David Kross

  Into the White, War Horse

• B
  Bruno Ganz

  Unknown, Remember

• K
  Karoline Herfurth

  Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, We Are the Night

• L
  Linda Bassett

  Calendar Girls, Separate Lies

Who is making The Reader – Crew List

A look at The Reader behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film's director Stephen Daldry last helmed Together and Trash. The film's writer David Hare last penned The White Crow and Denial.

Director

Stephen Daldry

Screenwriter

David Hare

Producers

Robert Fox
Anthony Minghella
Sydney Pollack
Scott Rudin

Production – What we know about the The Reader

Copy link to Production – What we know about the The Reader

Key Facts

• Bernhard Schlink's "The Reader" has been translated into 39 languages and has garnered numerous awards. "The Reader" was the first German novel to reach number one on The New York Times Bestseller List. Kate Winslet replaced Nicole Kidman, who had to drop out of the project following her recent pregnancy.

Movie Filming Timeline: Production Status Updates

Nov 2008

Completed

Changed The Reader movie production status. The movie is ready for release.

Nov 2008

Post-Production

Changed the movie production status to Post-Production. The movie is now in the editing and finishing stages.

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Additional Information

Q&A: Asked about The Reader

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