In the climax of the film, Michael, now an adult and a successful lawyer, attends Hanna’s war crimes trial, where she is being prosecuted for her involvement in the Holocaust.
Throughout the movie, Michael grapples with his feelings of guilt and shame over his relationship with Hanna, as well as his conflicted emotions about her actions during the war. He struggles to come to terms with the complexity of their relationship and the moral implications of Hanna’s past.
As the trial unfolds, Michael is forced to confront the painful truth about Hanna’s role in the Holocaust. It is revealed that she was a guard at a concentration camp during World War II, where she was responsible for selecting Jewish prisoners for manual labor or extermination.
Despite her actions, Hanna is portrayed as a complex and sympathetic character, with her own vulnerabilities and struggles. Michael wrestles with his conflicting feelings for Hanna, torn between his desire for justice and his lingering affection for her.
In a powerful and emotional moment, Michael realizes that Hanna is illiterate and unable to read or write, which has profound implications for her understanding of the crimes she committed. Her illiteracy becomes a central theme of the film, symbolizing the broader issues of ignorance, guilt, and complicity in the face of atrocities.
As the trial comes to a close, Hanna is found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for her crimes. Michael is left to grapple with the legacy of their relationship and the impact it has had on his life.
The film ends with Michael visiting Hanna in prison, where he reads to her from various books, including “The Odyssey” and “Huckleberry Finn,” as a way of connecting with her and seeking redemption for both of them. Through their interactions, Michael begins to find closure and forgiveness, recognizing the complexity of human nature and the power of compassion to heal old wounds.
Overall, the ending of “The Reader” delivers a poignant and thought-provoking conclusion to the story, exploring themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the search for redemption in the aftermath of war. Through its nuanced characters and powerful storytelling, the film offers audiences a compelling and moving exploration of the human condition and the enduring legacy of the Holocaust.