Synopsis

In postwar Germany, teenager Michael Berg begins a secret affair with Hanna Schmitz, an older woman who asks him to read aloud to her. Years later, as a law student, Michael encounters Hanna again during a war-crimes trial. Their unresolved relationship becomes entangled with questions of guilt, shame, responsibility, and the lasting consequences of choices made during the Nazi era.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film adapts Bernhard Schlink's 1995 German novel Der Vorleser. Screenwriter David Hare wrote the English-language adaptation.

• Production began in Germany in 2007, with filming taking place in Berlin, Babelsberg, Goerlitz, Cologne, and New York. Studio Babelsberg served as a co-producer and production-service provider.

• Nicole Kidman was initially cast in the central role, but withdrew after becoming pregnant. Kate Winslet, who had originally been attached to the project, subsequently returned to the production.

• German actor David Kross learned English for the film. The production also waited until after his 18th birthday, July 4, 2008, before filming his intimate scenes.

• The Reader was among the final productions associated with producers Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack, both of whom died before the film's release.

• Kate Winslet won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. The film also received Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, and Cinematography.

• Winslet also won the 2009 BAFTA for Leading Actress. That awards season placed her in competition with herself, since she was also nominated in the same BAFTA category for Revolutionary Road.