the reader is a 2008 german-american romantic drama movie. it stars ralph fiennes as michael berg and kate winslet as hanna schmitz. it was directed by stephen daldry, produced by anthony minghella and sydney pollack and written by david hare. it is based on a 1995 german novel. "the reader" was nominated for many academy awards, including a best picture nomination. winslet won an academy award, a bafta award and a golden globe award for her role.