The Reader is a 2008 romantic drama film directed by Stephen Daldry and written by David Hare.
The film is based on the 1995 German novel by Bernhard Schlink.
The film centers on a sexual relationship between Hanna (Kate Winslet), a woman in her mid-30s, and Michael (David Kross), a boy of 15. That such things are wrong is beside the point; they happen, and the story is about how it connected with her earlier life and his later one.
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 – this time as a defendant in the courtroom in a war crimes trial stemming from her actions as a concentration camp guard late in the war. Michael alone realizes that Hanna is illiterate and may be concealing that fact at the expense of her freedom. As Hanna’s past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives.
The Reader is a story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another. The film is powerfully, if sometimes confusingly, told in a flashback framework and powerfully acted by Winslet and Kross, with Ralph Fiennes coldly enigmatic as the elder Michael.
Watch the movie before Wednesday, November 29, then join the Zoom meeting at 7:00PM and come prepared with your comments and questions. DGC Board Member Marsha McCoy will once again be our moderator, and other Board Members will participate in the discussion as well.
Just dial in here to join the Zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84071381537?pwd=UUl4ekUxdStQdE5NK2xZaXVjZU9FZz09
Meeting ID: 840 7138 1537
Passcode: 875231
For further questions please email us: [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, November 29 @7:00 PM via Zoom!