The Reader (2008) - Movie

The Reader (2008)
Michael Berg (David Kross), a teen in postwar Germany, begins a passionate but clandestine affair with Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet), an older woman who enjoys having classic novels read to her. Then Hanna mysteriously disappears, leaving Michael heartbroken and confused. Years later, Michael, now a law student, gets the shock of his life when he sees Hanna on trial for Nazi war...
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Release Date: December 10th, 2008

DVD Release Date: April 14th, 2009

R |2 hr 3 min

Plot Summary

Michael Berg (David Kross), a teen in postwar Germany, begins a passionate but clandestine affair with Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet), an older woman who enjoys having classic novels read to her. Then Hanna mysteriously disappears, leaving Michael heartbroken and confused. Years later, Michael, now a law student, gets the shock of his life when he sees Hanna on trial for Nazi war crimes.

Cast: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Lena Olin, Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Hannah Herzsprung, Volker Bruch

Director: Stephen Daldry

Genres: Drama , Romance

Production Co: Mirage Enterprises, Neunte Babelsberg

Distributors: Weinstein Co.

Keywords: Emotional, Dark, Love, Mystery

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The Reader - Trailer No. 1

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Kate Winslet Didn't Thank Harvey Weinstein in Her Oscars Speech & It Was 'Absolutely Deliberate'

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Ratings & Reviews

88
Roger EbertChicago Sun-Times
The crucial decision in The Reader is made by a 24-year-old youth, who has information that might help a woman about to be sentenced to life in prison, but withholds it. He is ashamed to reveal his affair with this woman. By making this decision, he shifts the film's focus from the subject of German guilt about the Holocaust and turns it on the human race in general. show more
100
Premiere
Winslet deserves an Oscar for her amazing performance. show more
70
Kirk HoneycuttThe Hollywood Reporter
An engaging period drama. But German postwar guilt is not the most winning subject matter for the holiday season. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com

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