THE READER opens in post-WWII Germany when teenager Michael Berg becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna, a stranger twice his age. Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two are quickly drawn into a passionate but secretive affair. Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their physical relationship deepens. Hanna is enthralled as Michael reads to her from "The Odyssey", "Huck Finn", and "The Lady with the Little Dog." 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. As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives. THE READER is a haunting story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another.

In April 1998, Miramax Films acquired the rights to the 1995 German novel The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. In August 2007, Stephen Daldry was signed to direct the film adaptation of The Reader, and actors Nicole Kidman and Ralph Fiennes were cast into the lead roles. Production of The Reader began the following September in Germany. Filming took place in the cities of Berlin and Goerlitz. Filming was finished in Cologne on July 14th. Filmmakers received US$718,752 from Germany's Federal Film Board. Overall, the studio has received US$4.1 million from Germany's regional and federal subsidiaries.

In January 2008, Nicole Kidman left the project, citing her recent pregnancy as the primary reason. She had not filmed any scenes for The Reader yet, so the studio was able to cast actress Kate Winslet into the lead role without affecting the production schedule.

Chris Menges replaced Roger Deakins as cinematographer.

Alberto Iglesias is doing the music score, however, Ozren K. Glaser has composed the score concept.

• Official Movie Web Site

You can edit this page to add links to blogs, sites, and other information... If this page has a "PageType" set above - that will determine where the page is listed on SideReel. You can add text, a picture, links or more by editing the page... Check out the links above if you need help.