The Reader

Play trailer

The Reader

R

Released Jan 9, 2009

2h 3m

Drama

Romance

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

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

Read Critics Reviews

Deborah Ross

The Spectator

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.

Aug 28, 2018

Full Review

Todd McCarthy

Variety

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

Jul 6, 2010

Full Review

Kristin Tillotson

Minneapolis Star Tribune

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

Rated: 3/4

Apr 8, 2009

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

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.

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 5, 2024

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

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

Rated: 8/10

Nov 28, 2020

Full Review

Jason Best

Movie Talk

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.

Nov 22, 2020

Full Review

Read all reviews

Aluna U

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)

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/30/25

Full Review

Chelsie C

love the subtle climax

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/20/25

Full Review

Devra B

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/29/25

Full Review

Horror fan 4

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

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/30/25

Full Review

thiago s

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.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

03/20/25

Full Review

justin r

Was not lord of the rings !!! GF made me watch did not have a good time, will not recommend.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

03/05/25

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Stephen Daldry

Director

Kate Winslet

Hanna Schmitz

Ralph Fiennes

Older Michael

David Kross

Young Michael

Lena Olin

Rose Mather

Bruno Ganz

Professor Rohl

The Reader: Official Clip - The Odyssey

1:18

The Reader: Official Clip - Hanna on Trial

2:12

The Reader: Official Clip - I Wrote the Report

2:51

The Reader: Official Clip - An Organization for Literacy

3:05

The Reader: Official Clip - Books on Tape

2:35

The Reader: Official Clip - Watching Hanna

2:47

The Reader: Official Clip - Morality and Law

0:59

The Reader: Official Clip - You've Grown Up, Kid

3:10

The Reader: Official Clip - Auschwitz Choices

2:47

The Reader: Official Clip - Reading

2:07

View more videos

Two Lovers

81%

59%

Two Lovers

Watchlist

Hallam Foe

73%

72%

Hallam Foe

Watchlist

Chéri

52%

40%

Chéri

Watchlist

Feast of Love

40%

55%

Feast of Love

Watchlist

Closing the Ring

32%

59%

Closing the Ring

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

50 Movies & TV Shows to Netflix and Chill with This Valentine’s Day

40 Fresh Movies and Netflix Originals Streaming in November

RT on DVD: Frank Miller Talks The Spirit, Michel Gondry Releases New Music Video DVD

View more photos

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

Most Popular at Home Now