The Reader (2008)
The Reader (2008) is a moving drama that tells the story of Michael Berg, a German teenager who maintains a secret love affair with Hanna Schmitz, a mysterious older woman. Their passionate relationship ends abruptly when Hanna disappears. Years later, as a law student, Michael is shocked to see Hanna again, this time as a defendant in a Nazi war crimes trial. He learns that she was a concentration camp guard during World War II, and her secrets begin to unravel in court.
As the trial progresses, Michael realizes that Hanna hides a deep shame—her illiteracy—that affects her decisions and reveals another layer of her tragic past. Grappling with his emotions and moral questions, Michael must reconcile his love for her with the truth of his actions. The Reader explores themes of guilt, memory, and the complexities of human relationships, set against the backdrop of post-war Germany. The film is a poignant reflection on love, responsibility, and historical legacy.
