The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Hanna guides Michael’s hands and leads their lovemaking, reaching orgasm as he watches.

Scene 30 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct two

Begins 12 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 30

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.
Scene 25
After returning to Hanna’s apartment, Michael bathes with her and they begin their affair.
Just before
Scene 27
Michael leaves school in a hurry, waving goodbye to friends as he runs off.
Scene 28
Michael hurries up to Hanna’s apartment and pushes open its ajar door.
Scene 29
Michael rushes into Hanna’s apartment and has sex with her; she reminds him the encounter is not only about him.
Scene 30
This scene

30INT. HANNA’S APARTMENT. DAY

They are on the bed. He is lying underneath her. HANNA leads his hands to her face, then down her body. She begins to move, and in response, he moves too. He watches awed as she comes.