FAQ for
The Reader (2008) More at IMDbPro »

The following FAQ entries may contain spoilers. Only the biggest ones (if any) will be covered with spoiler tags. Spoiler tags have been used sparingly in order to make the page more readable.

For detailed information about the amounts and types of (a) sex and nudity, (b) violence and gore, (c) profanity, (d) alcohol, drugs, and smoking, and (e) frightening and intense scenes in this movie, consult the IMDb Parents Guide for this movie. The Parents Guide for The Reader can be found here.

Yes. The Reader (Der Vorleser) is a 1995 novel by German law professor, judge, and detective novelist Bernhard Schlink. (English translation by Carol Brown Janeway). The novel was adapted for the film by English playwright, Sir David Hare.

Yes. The official website can be found here.

The Reader is in English with the actors speaking with German accents. In an interview here, David Hare (screenwriter) reveals that they used a dialect coach (William Conacher) to direct the English actors. German-born David Kross, who plays young Michael Berg, actually had to learn English to play the part.

Most of the story is set in Heidelberg, Germany. The trial takes place in Frankfurt.

Right now, The Reader is set to hit DVD shelves on April 14th. Now keep in mind the date may change and there's a very good chance that The Reader will get a BD release.

It is obvious to everyone that the first time that Michael had ever had sex was the first time that he had it with Hanna. Any other sexual affairs that Hanna had had before Michael never come to light, so it is safe to say that her first time having sex was not with Michael; she appears far too experienced and determined.