The Reader

About

This superbly acted and adapted film of the best-selling book by Bernhard Schlink opens in 1995 Berlin, where Fiennes' aloof, emotionally numb lawyer Michael Berg looks back to his adolescent meeting with Hanna (Winslet's multi-award winning performance) who helps him home after he becomes ill in the street. They embark on a passionate affair during which he starts to read to her from books she had never been aware of. One day she simply vanishes and it is only when he attends a war crimes trial years later that he encounters her again. Garnered with awards, the film has captivated a huge audience, which has marvelled at Winslet's carefully nuanced, and complex performance.