The reader

Author

Donna Gigliotti

Call Number

• DVD DRAMA (CEN)

Edition

Widescreen version.

Languages

English or French dialogue, Spanish subtitles; English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Performers

Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, David Kross, Lena Olin, Bruno Ganz.

Publication Information

Santa Monica, CA : Genius Products, [2009]

Physical Description

1 videodisc (124 min.) : sd., col. ; 4 3/4 in.

Audience

MPAA rating: R; for some scenes of sexuality and nudity.

Summary

Post-WWII, Germany. Michael Berg is a teenager who becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna, a stranger twice his age. Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two are quickly drawn into a passionate but secretive affair. Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their physical relationship deepens. Hanna is enthralled as Michael reads to her from different works of literature. Despite their intense bond, Hanna mysteriously disappears one day and Michael is left confused and heartbroken. Eight years later, while Michael is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he is stunned to find Hanna back in his life, only this time as a defendant in the courtroom. As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives.

Notes

Title from container.

Based on the book "Der Vorleser" by Bernhard Schlink.

Originally released as a motion picture in 2008.