The Reader

The film opens in 1995 Berlin, showcasing Michael Berg preparing breakfast for Brigitte. Their parting is awkward, symbolizing a transition into Michael's memories that will unfold throughout the story.

The story shifts back to early 1958 when a troubled teenage Michael arrives in Neustadt, West Germany. He becomes sick after wandering the streets and is helped by Hanna Schmitz, a tram conductor.

After being diagnosed with scarlet fever, Michael recuperates at home for three months, where he contemplates his stamp collection. This period of solitude foreshadows his deeper thoughts about relationships.

As spring arrives, Michael decides to thank Hanna for her kindness with a bouquet of flowers. This gesture leads to an invitation from Hanna for him to accompany her to work, marking the beginning of their unique bond.

During one of Michael's visits, he peeks at Hanna while she dresses, causing him embarrassment and prompting him to flee. However, he soon returns to apologize, leading to a surprising turn in their relationship.

Michael and Hanna's relationship deepens as they engage in an affair characterized by literary readings. They read notable works together, which signifies Hanna's encouragement of Michael’s intellectual growth.

In a show of commitment, Michael sells his stamp collection so that they can explore the countryside on bicycles. This choice highlights his passion for Hanna and emphasizes his youthful disregard for societal expectations.

After Hanna secures a promotion to an office job, she undergoes a noticeable change. Michael’s attempts to read literature to her are met with irritation, foreshadowing the tensions that arise in their relationship.

Fast forward to 1966, Michael is now a student in Heidelberg, where he attends a seminar on a gripping trial involving women linked to wartime atrocities. To his shock, he discovers Hanna is among the accused, forcing him to confront her past.

During the trial, Hanna acknowledges her actions as an SS guard, revealing her complex character and admitting her awareness of atrocities at Auschwitz. This bold confession shakes Michael to his core.

As the trial progresses, evidence emerges linking Hanna to a tragic event where 300 Jews died in a locked church during a bombing. Michael grapples with the moral implications of what he knows about Hanna's illiteracy.

Hanna is sentenced to life in prison, while her co-defendants face lighter sentences. Michael's personal life becomes strained as he marries Marthe, but remains emotionally distant due to his unresolved feelings for Hanna.

Years later, Michael sends Hanna audio tapes to help her learn to read, signaling a reluctant reconnection. He is soon informed of her parole, igniting conflicting feelings about supporting her post-incarceration.

During Hanna's release, their meeting is fraught with tension as she confronts her past. The reunion ends tragically when Hanna takes her own life shortly after Michael's visit, leaving him shattered.

In New York, Michael confesses his past with Hanna to Ilana, revealing her illiteracy and his intention to honor her memory. His journey culminates in visiting Hanna's grave with his daughter, sharing their painful history.