The Reader

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The Reader

R

2009

1h 59m

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

Aug 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

Jul 6, 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

Apr 8, 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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Sara Clements

Next Best Picture

Jul 31, 2026

7/10

The performances are the reason this story and the emotional conflict within stay with you afterward, whether you want it to or not.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Mar 5, 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

Nov 28, 2020

8/10

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

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 7, 2026

The Reader = A 3.5 Movie

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Mike D

@Akduck Mar 26, 2026

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.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Mar 1, 2026

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

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Little W

@RT60766353 Nov 30, 2025

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

@RT14704568 Sep 30, 2025

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

@RT13129354 Sep 20, 2025

love the subtle climax

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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: 1h 59m

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