The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael leaves school in a hurry, waving goodbye to friends as he runs off.

Scene 27 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct two

Begins 12 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 27

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.
Just before
Scene 24
Michael descends into the dim cellar for coal; the pile collapses over him as he fills a bucket.
Scene 25
Hanna laughs at coal-covered Michael, bathes him, and they begin a sexual relationship.
Scene 26
Michael’s family questions his late return; he says he will resume school, and his father lets him decide.
Scene 27
This scene

27EXT. SCHOOL. DAY

A massive brownstone building. The whole SCHOOL is coming out, but MICHAEL is first, in a desperate hurry, waving goodbye to his friends and running quickly away.