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.
- Scenes 106–137
Testimony reveals Hanna’s role; Michael’s discovery of her illiteracy cannot prevent her conviction.
- Scene 155
Michael records himself reading the Odyssey aloud onto tape.
- Scene 183
Michael visits Hanna before release, but she tells him the dead remain dead and that she has learned to read.
- Just before
- Scene 184
Michael leaves the prison at evening and walks to his car.
- Scene 185
Michael hangs a landscape reminiscent of the place he and Hanna once visited by bicycle in her furnished room.
- Scene 186
Hanna stacks books beneath herself, climbs onto them, and reaches upward in her cell.
- Scene 187
This scene
