Summary
8 tech score
Geoffrey Rush and Sophie Nelisse in “The Book Thief”; photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox
“The Book Thief” (20th Century Fox)
“The Book Thief” is an amazing movie that is based on the YA (young adult) novel by Markus Zusak. It tells the story of a twelve year old girl’s life in pre-World War II Germany. The film is highlighted by several excellent portrayals, most notably that of Sophie Nelisse as Liesel. The film grabs the audience from the start and keeps it enthralled until the very end.
The film starts in 1938 with twelve year old Liesel on a train with her mother and younger brother. When the brother suddenly and tragically dies, he is buried beside the train tracks. The mother then continues with her daughter to a small German village where she hands Liesel over to the Red Cross. The Red Cross then places her with a foster family which consists of a father, Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and a mother, Rosa (Emily Watson).
Liesel also makes the acquaintance of the boy next door. His name is Rudy (Nico Liersch) and he accompanies her to school. They become best friends and weather all the changes that are occurring in Germany together, and these changes are many and varied. The extremists in Germany become more and more powerful and this strikes fear in the hearts of those who are opposed to their views.
Liesel finds comfort in her family and does all she can to assist them. This means helping to provide a safe haven for a friend of the family when he appears on their doorstep. This man, Max (Ben Schnetzer), is a Jew and his presence in their home could put them all in jeopardy
The story unfolds on the screen in a most satisfying way and its impact is helped by the skill with which the actors interpret their roles. Nelisse is amazing as Liesel. She projects the innocence of a child but the understanding of an adult. It is amazing too how the makeup artists and cinematographer cause her to mature during the years of the film. She actually appears to grow before the audience’s eyes.
Rush and Watson are also perfectly cast. Rush is so emotional and loving as Hans. He immediately accepts Liesel as his daughter. Watson’s Rosa is just as loving but in an entirely different way. These two actors make the circle of family complete by their performances and it is beautiful to see.
The movie is rated PG-13 for violence and adult themes.
“The Book Thief” will capture your mind and your heart as it tells its story of oppression and hope. Sophie Nelisse emerges a star from this film and the entire cast deserves plaudits for their performances.
Go see “The Book Thief” and have one of the best entertainment experiences of the year.
I scored “The Book Thief” a stolen 8 out of 10.
