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 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
Hanna admits she wrote the report; Michael pushes along his row past Rohl and the others in a panic.
- Scene 117
This scene
