The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

At a church, Michael tries to show Hanna their route; she refuses, and they hear a choir inside.

Scene 58 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct two

Begins 24 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 58

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.
Just before
Scene 55
Hanna and Michael cycle down a sunny hill through the countryside.
Scene 56
At a café, Michael orders for Hanna while a nearby group of boys jokes; Hanna watches them nervously.
Scene 57
After the meal, Michael answers the waitress’s “mother” remark as if it were true; outside he kisses Hanna as the waitress watches.
Scene 58
This scene

58EXT. CHURCH. DAY

They get off their bikes at a small church. MICHAEL stops and gets out a map and a guide book.

MICHAEL

Here, let me show you where we’re

going.

HANNA

It’s OK, kid. I don’t want to know.

The sound of a choir from inside.