The Reader
1988 · Movie · R · 99 min · ★ 6.3 · 68% critics
A book-loving young woman imagines herself stepping into the life of a professional reader, moving through wintry streets and visiting unusual clients. As literature, fantasy, and everyday life start to blur, the story explores how reading can open up desire, curiosity, and freedom.
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
Not currently available to stream, rent, or buy in the US.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Original title
- La Lectrice
- Years
- 1988
- Release date
- 1988-08-17
- Language
- French
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 99 min
- Critic score
- 68/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.3/10 (40 votes)
About
You may enjoy this if you like literate, gently quirky French stories with sensual undertones and a dreamy blend of fantasy and reality, somewhat in the spirit of Ridicule; Not for you if you want fast plotting or broad comedy.
Pros: playful literary premise; charming French atmosphere; witty, offbeat tone | Cons: sexually frank moments; talky for some; uneven pacing
Themes
- literature
- lover
- reader
Awards & recognition
- Louis Delluc Prize · 1988
- César Award — Best Actress · 1989 · nominated
- International Submission to the Academy Awards · 1989 · nominated
Cast & crew
Miou-Miou
as Constance / Marie
Patrick Chesnais
as le P.D.G.
Pierre Dux
as le magistrat
Régis Royer
as Eric
- CR
Christian Ruché
as Jean/Philippe
Brigitte Catillon
as la mère d'Éric
Marianne Denicourt
as Bella B.
- CF
Charlotte Farran
as Coralie
Clotilde de Bayser
as la mère de Coralie
Jean-Luc Boutté
as l'Inspecteur de police
Directed by Michel Deville