Set in post-World War II Germany, teenager Michael Berg and Hanna, a woman twice his age, have a secret affair, but she abruptly disappears; eight years later while observing the Nazi war crime trials, Michael is stunned to see Hanna as a defendant. A young man begins an affair with an older woman and learns years later about a secret she's been harboring, when she must stand trial for Nazi war crimes. "I believe the movie may be demonstrating a...

Post-WWII, Germany. Michael Berg is a teenager who becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna, a stranger twice his age. Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two are quickly drawn into a passionate but secretive affair. Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their physical relationship deepens. Hanna is enthralled as Michael reads to her from different works of literature. Despite their intense bond,...