The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Hanna admits she wrote the report; Michael pushes along his row past Rohl and the others in a panic.

Scene 116 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Hanna

Act oneAct two

Begins 55 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 116

As a law student, Michael sees Hanna, his former lover, on trial for war crimes and must face the secret that shaped their teenage relationship.

Scenes 1–6
In 1995, Michael prepares breakfast for Brigitte, then is alone in his apartment and looks out the window.
Scenes 7–24
The sick schoolboy Michael accepts Hanna’s help and returns to her.
Scenes 25–35
Michael enters an intimate relationship with Hanna, organized around his reading to her.
Scenes 36–96
Michael alternates between time with Hanna and school; their reading ritual and cycling trip continue while he also spends time with friends.
Scenes 97–104
At the trial, Michael finds Hanna among the defendants and hears her admit involvement in selections.
Just before
Scene 113
Michael enters a room of gas ovens and stands beside them with his head lowered.
Scene 114
Hanna denies writing the SS report; when the judge asks for a handwriting sample, Michael watches in apprehension.
Scene 115
Flashbacks to Hanna refusing to read and avoiding written choices reveal to Michael that she cannot read.
Scene 116
This scene

116INT. COURTROOM. DAY

Back in the courtroom, HANNA looks up to the JUDGE to stop the conference.

HANNA

There’s no need. I wrote the

report.

MICHAEL, in a panic, pushes along his row, past ROHL and the others, who all look up, knowing something is going on. HANNA turns, as if sensing him behind her.