Michael, a teenager, falls in love with an older woman named Hanna. Their liaison ends when she suddenly vanishes. They meet after a decade when she goes on trial for being a Nazi guard during WWII.
The Reader
What is the story the reader about?
As Germany rebuilds itself in the wake of World War II, teenager Michael Berg meets Hanna Schmitz, a bus conductor, several years his senior. Their relationship is passionate. When Hanna abruptly moves away without informing him, Michael is heartbroken. Years later, while studying law at Heidelberg University, he is appalled to discover that Hanna is on trial for a brutal Nazi war crime.
Is the reader film a true story?
Bernhard Schlink, the author of the 1995 novel adapted for the film, has refused to disclose whether there was any real-life basis to Schmitz. Yet Prof Niven, of Nottingham Trent University, said that “no other known female camp guard comes close to matching up with Schmitz”.
How old is Michael in the reader?
15-year-old
Michael Berg, a German man who is first portrayed as a 15-year-old boy and is revisited at later parts of his life; notably, when he is a researcher in legal history, divorced with one daughter, Julia. Like many of his generation, he struggles to come to terms with his country’s recent history.
Is it worth watching the reader?
If you have the chance to see this movie, I seriously suggest that you take it, the powerful performances really make this film captivating. The story is so heart wrenching and painful, but was told so well. Kate now finally has the award she’s deserved for so long and pulls in a terrific performance with The Reader.
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