The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Rohl asks Michael what he thought; Michael says it was not what he expected, while Dieter calls it exciting because it is justice.

Scene 99 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Act oneAct two

Begins 39 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 99

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.
Just before
Scene 96
Outside Mannheim town hall, Michael asks why police are present; Rohl says authorities expect demonstrators for and against.
Scene 97
At a hearing on pretrial detention, Michael discovers Hanna among the defendants as she confirms her SS service and camp assignments.
Scene 98
Michael hangs out of the train window, smoking a cigarette.
Scene 99
This scene

99INT. TRAIN. DAY

MICHAEL sits down in his seat. ROHL moves to sit opposite him.

ROHL

So what did you think?

MICHAEL

I don’t know. It wasn’t quite what

I expecting.

ROHL

Wasn’t it? In what way? What were

you expecting?

ROHL is looking at him. MICHAEL doesn’t answer.

DIETER

I thought it was exciting.

ROHL

Exciting?

DIETER

Yes.

ROHL

Why? Why did you think it exciting?

DIETER

Because it’s justice.