The Reader

Play trailer

The Reader

R

2009

1h 59m

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.

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

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.

Go to Full Review

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.

Go to Full Review

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.

Go to Full Review

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.

Go to Full Review

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.

Go to Full Review

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.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Mike D

@Akduck Mar 26

People desperately searching for an interesting and intellectually challenging movie with excellent acting will find a pleasant surprise here. There are multiple ways to criticize the film, and some of these angles could cause many to dismiss the film. One thing is for sure — the film is thought provoking, which makes it a welcome relief from the shallow garbage that dominates the movie industry.

See more

Stephen C

@bob25009 Mar 1

Success in 2 hours and 3 minutes. Academy Award winner in 2009 for Best Actress (Kate Winslet).

See more

Little W

@RT60766353 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.

See more

Aluna U

@RT14704568 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)

See more

Chelsie C

@RT13129354 Sep 20

love the subtle climax

See more

Devra B

@DeeBee27 Jun 29

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

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Stephen Daldry

Director

Kate Winslet

Hanna Schmitz

Ralph Fiennes

Older Michael

David Kross

Young Michael

Lena Olin

Rose Mather

Bruno Ganz

Professor Rohl

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: 1h 59m