The Reader

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The Reader

R

2009

2h 3m

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

63%

Tomatometer

201 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

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.

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Critics Consensus

Despite Kate Winslet's superb portrayal, The Reader suggests an emotionally distant, Oscar-baiting historical drama.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

08/28/2018

If this film were a meal, it would be like having your pudding first, and then having to chew through one hell of a lot of wet spinach.

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Todd McCarthy

Variety

07/06/2010

Stephen Daldry's film is sensitively realized and dramatically absorbing, but comes across as an essentially cerebral experience without gut impact.

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Kristin Tillotson

Minneapolis Star Tribune

04/08/2009

3/4

If Winslet carries the complex psychological intrigue of the film on her shoulders, David Kross carries the heart of it on his.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

03/05/2024

3.5/4

Although the film offers no solution to the pained questions of culpability and intention, its haunting effect is undeniable and will leave you pondering for days to come.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

11/28/2020

8/10

Morally devastating and thought-provoking, but not emotionally demanding enough to attain instant masterpiece status.

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Jason Best

Movie Talk

11/22/2020

Kate may get her kit off for the lad, before donning a latex body suit in later scenes to portray Hannah in her sixties, but she reveals far more than skin in a searching performance that ranks among the finest of her career.

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Little W

Nov 30

Although fictionalised it's an excellent story and Kate Winslet is such a superb actress she makes her character believable. one of my favourite movies of recent years.

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Aluna U

Sep 30

The Reader blends a controversial romance with post-war German guilt, presenting a layered, emotional story carried by powerful performances and thoughtful direction. Despite some logical gaps, the film succeeds in portraying personal and societal struggles through its characters' trauma and secrets. It’s a compelling watch for those drawn to slow-burning dramas with moral complexity. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com)

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Chelsie C

Sep 20

love the subtle climax

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Devra B

@DeeBee27 Jun 29

This is an incredible movie. What took me so long to watch it?

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Horror fan 4

Apr 30

A wonder love affair story with a great leading performance by Kate. The ending was heartbreaking but was a great way to end the movie. Tim Treakle

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thiago s

@Thiagostone Mar 20

Filme bacaninha, o roteiro é bacaninha, a história é mais ou menos, o elenco é bom, mas só os protagonistas ajudam a melhorar o filme, só as cenas de sexo e de diálogo entre a hanna e o jovem Michael foram boas e deram uma melhorada no filme, mas as cenas do adulto Michael são fracas, e isso faz da um leve enfraquecida no filme, com tudo isso, eu até recomendo esse filme.

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Stephen Daldry

Director

Kate Winslet

Hanna Schmitz

Ralph Fiennes

Older Michael

David Kross

Young Michael

Lena Olin

Rose Mather

Bruno Ganz

Professor Rohl

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Stephen Daldry
Producer: Anthony Minghella, Sydney Pollack, Donna Gigliotti, Redmond Morris
Screenwriter: David Hare
Distributor: Weinstein Co.
Production Co: Mirage Enterprises, Neunte Babelsberg
Rating: R (Some Scenes of Sexuality|Nudity)
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 9, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $34.2M
Runtime: 2h 3m

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