The Reader (2009)

The Reader opens in post-WWII Germany when teenager Michael Berg becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna, a stranger twice his age. Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Burk re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.

The Scoop

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 Release Date

January 9th 2009

Starring

Kate Winslet, David Kross, Ralph Finnes

Reminds me of

Atonement and my ex-girlfriend.

Interesting Fact

I had a similar experience once. I had the crush on a girl, Marcel, who saved me from the clutches of depression and turmoil. We fell in love, dated on and off again for three years. We never cheated on each other, or at least I thought, until recently.

Anyways, I once drove hours to defend her honor as she, or so I believed, deserved this from me. She was on trial for drinking and driving and needed a character witness, someone to defend her so she could look good in the eyes of the judge who would, in turn, show some discretion when sentencing.

To make a long story short, it was revealed the day she was caught drunk, in her vehicle, she was with another fella. They were making out, when one thing lead to another and she found herself all over him.

I discovered this information in the trial, and refused to give a character reference. Moral of this story? I’ve never met a woman who I’d go to trial for, and vouch for. I’m not sure if they exist, but I’m going to watch The Reader to see what happens when young Michael Berg is asked to defend Winslet’s honour, when she’s on trial for a War Crime. It makes my story sound pretty pathetic, but that was a theraputic release for me.

Official Site and Trailer

The Reader : Official Site