The Reader poster

Movie

The Reader

2008R2h 4m7.5 / 10

Behind the mystery lies a truth that will make you question everything you know.

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.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Sep 5, 2026

The Reader is available to stream on Hoopla, Lionsgate+ (Via Amazon Prime), Prime Video, Fawesome, The CW, and Tubi in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

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.

More about The Reader

Cast

Ralph FiennesMichael Berg
Kate WinsletHanna Schmitz
David KrossYoung Michael Berg
Lena OlinRose Mather
Bruno GanzProfessor Rohl
Jeanette HainBrigitte
Hannah HerzsprungJulia
Karoline HerfurthMarthe

Credits

Directed by
Stephen Daldry
Written by
David Hare

Production details

Status
Released
Original language
English
Budget
$32M
Box office
$108.9M

Production

  • The Weinstein CompanyUnited States
  • Mirage EnterprisesUnited States
  • Studio BabelsbergGermany

Themes

based on novel or bookcautionarycomplexcourtroom dramacruelcynicaldepressingdisheartening