The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael reaches his block and tells Hanna he will be fine; after he goes inside, she hesitates at a crossroads while he watches.

Scene 9 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Michael
Hanna

Act oneAct two

Begins 3 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 9

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.
Just before
Scene 6
Michael closes the apartment window in 1995.
Scene 7
In the rain, sick Michael vomits in a courtyard; Hanna, a tram conductress, cleans him and comforts him until he calms.
Scene 8
Hanna carries Michael’s satchel and pulls him along the street.
Scene 9
This scene

9EXT. BLUMENSTRASSE. DAY

They come up the road. It is now snowing. MICHAEL stops outside his block, as if nervous she might come in.

MICHAEL

It’s here. I’ll be fine now. Thank

you.

HANNA

Look after yourself.

MICHAEL smiles ‘Thank you’ and goes in. HANNA is left alone. She looks round, frowning, then sets off, stopping uncertainly at the crossroads to check for the way she came. MICHAEL turns and watches, curious at her indecision.