The Reader

Release Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 Nationwide

Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, Scott Rudin, David Kross, Anthony Minghella, Linda Bassett, Stephen Daldry, Bruno Ganz, Karoline Herfurth, Sydney Pollack, David Hare, Robert Fox

R Drama N/A

  • 4.5

83%

17%
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Plot

What's the story about?

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

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Top Cast

The lead cast starring in The Reader.

Crew Behind the Film

The The Reader behind-the-scenes crew and production team.

The film's director Stephen Daldry last directed Together and Trash. The film's writer David Hare last wrote The White Crow and Denial.

Screenwriter
Producers
Robert Fox
Anthony Minghella
Sydney Pollack
Scott Rudin

Additional Information

MPA Rating
R Restricted for some scenes of sexuality and nudity
Runtime
N/A
Tagline
Unlock the mystery.
Also known as
Not available
Language
English

All Trailers

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No trailers available.

Production Details

What we know about the The Reader movie production.

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.

Production Updates

Completed

The film was tagged as Completed.

Post-Production

The film was tagged as Post-Production.

Release Dates

When was the film released?

The Reader was released in nationwide movie theaters on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 . There were 1 other movie released on the same date, including Wendy and Lucy.



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Follow the Updates

Thu., Nov. 26, 2009

  • Added the DVD release date of April 14, 2009

  • Added a synopsis

  • Added the soundtrack release date of January 13, 2009

  • Changed the film release date from December 12, 2008 to December 10, 2008

  • Changed the production status to Release

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