“The Reader” Movie Trailer Video

Here is the first trailer for “The Reader” starring Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes, based on German author Bernhard Schlink’s international bestselling novel about a young man whose affair with an older woman in post-World War II Germany shapes his life forever. The movie will be released in theaters December 12, 2008. See photos and the movie trailer here.

German law professor and judge Bernhard Schlink’s “The Reader” was published in 1995 and has been translated into more than two dozen languages, won numerous awards, and was an Oprah Book Club selection, which helped catapult it to No. 1 on The New York Times Bestseller List; the first time a German novel has ever topped the list.

The novel spans the life story of main character Michael Berg, in three parts, using his life story as the basis to explore the impact of the Holocaust upon succeeding generations in Germany. In the movie, Ralph Fiennes plays the adult Michael Berg and newcomer German actor David Kross plays the teenage Michael. Nicole Kidman originally signed on for the role of the woman, Hanna Schmitz with whom Michael Berg becomes involved, but she bowed out due to pregnancy and was replaced by Kate Winslet.

“The Reader” opens in post-World War II Germany with 15-year-old Michael Berg becoming ill on his way home, and helped by a 38-year-old tram conductor, Hanna Schmitz, who takes him to her apartment and takes care of him before returning him to his parents. Michael recovers from his illness and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two find themselves quickly drawn into a passionate and secret affair.

When Michael finds out that Hanna enjoys being read to, their love affair intensifies. Michael reads classic literature to her. Michael is left heartbroken when suddenly, without reason, Hanna disappears from his life and does not return.

Unexpectedly, Michael, now a law student who is observing the Nazi war crime trials, encounters Hanna again. She is a defendant in the courtroom, for her part in the Holocaust.

As Hanna’s past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives. “The Reader” is a haunting story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another.

The novel was adapted for the screen by British playwright Sir David Hare, who has written numerous critically acclaimed plays, including “Plenty” which he adapted for the screen in a 1985 movie starring Meryl Streep. “The Reader” was directed by Academy Award-nominated British film and theater director Stephen Daldry (”The Hours” and “Billy Elliot”).

The December 12, 2008 release date puts the movie in Oscar contention.

This means Kate Winslet will now be competing against herself, at least as of right now. Winslet stars in The Reader as well as Revolutionary Road and both are expected to earn the actress some attention, which was one of the reasons the release date was in question.

There are high hopes for the historical, bittersweet romantic movie, which unites literary and Hollywood star power.

More photos and “The Reader” movie trailer video are below.