The Reader(2008)
“Behind the mystery lies a truth that will make you question everything you know.”
Overview
The story of Michael Berg, a German lawyer who, as a teenager in the late 1950s, had an affair with an older woman, Hanna, who then disappeared only to resurface years later as one of the defendants in a war crimes trial stemming from her actions as a concentration camp guard late in the war. He alone realizes that Hanna is illiterate and may be concealing that fact at the expense of her freedom.
Director
Stephen Daldry
Studio
The Weinstein Company
Budget
$32M
Revenue
$109M
Cast
Ralph Fiennes
as Michael Berg
Kate Winslet
as Hanna Schmitz
David Kross
as Young Michael Berg
Lena Olin
as Rose Mather
Bruno Ganz
as Professor Rohl
Jeanette Hain
as Brigitte
Hannah Herzsprung
as Julia
Karoline Herfurth
as Marthe
Volker Bruch
as Dieter Spenz
Alexandra Maria Lara
as Young Ilana Mather
Fabian Busch
as Hanna's Defense Council
Vijessna Ferkic
as Sophie
Where to Watch
fuboTV
Paramount Plus Premium
Britbox Apple TV Channel 
Paramount+ Amazon Channel
YouTube TV
Curiosity Stream
Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
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Movie Facts
Release Year
2008
Runtime
2h 4m
Language
English
Rating
7.5 / 10
Budget
$32M
Box Office
$109M
Production Companies
The Weinstein Company • Mirage Enterprises • Studio Babelsberg
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Reader?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for The Reader (2008).
What is The Reader about?▼
The story of Michael Berg, a German lawyer who, as a teenager in the late 1950s, had an affair with an older woman, Hanna, who then disappeared only to resurface years later as one of the defendants in a war crimes trial stemming from her actions as a concentration camp guard late in the war. He alone realizes that Hanna is illiterate and may be concealing that fact at the expense of her freedom.
Who directed The Reader?▼
The Reader was directed by Stephen Daldry and released in 2008. It is a drama, romance film.
How long is The Reader?▼
The Reader has a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes (124 minutes total).
Who stars in The Reader?▼
The cast of The Reader includes Ralph Fiennes as Michael Berg, Kate Winslet as Hanna Schmitz, David Kross as Young Michael Berg, Lena Olin as Rose Mather, Bruno Ganz as Professor Rohl and more.
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