The book thief

Year of release : 2013

 

Run time : 2h11min

 

Genre : Drama / War

 

Cast : Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson

 

 

The movie is based on Markus Zusak's 2005 novel of the same name (which I read and liked,back in 2008).

 

The movie opens in February 1938, with Liesel on the train going to meet her new family, as she sees her brother dead in the arms of her mother. At his funeral,by the railway tracks, she steals her first book, about how to bury people.

 

She is adopted by Rosa and Hans Hubermann in Munich, and catches the eye of Rudy Steiner, the boy next door.

Her adoptive mother seems tough, and she gets close to her adoptive father, who teaches her how to read.

One night, after she and Rudy become members of the Hitler Youth Movement, they witness a Nazi book burning ceremony, and after the fire, thinking no one is around, she steals her second book. Her step father helps her with it, and again, helps her read it.

She was seen by the wife of the mayor, Ilsa, who, when Liesel goes to their place to give them the laundry Rosa washed and ironed, shows her her son's impressive library, and allows her to come whenever she wishes, to read any of the books she wants.

 

During the 'Night of the Broken Glass' lead by the Nazi party against the Jewish people, Max flees his home, and runs to the Hubermanns house. Hans takes him in, as Max's father saved his life in the war. At first Max stays upstairs with Liesel, and they befriend, but soon he has to move to the cold basement, as the Nazis search people's houses and have spies everywhere.

 

The movie is a heart warming story about people who find each other and bond during harsh times, who ,even in trying times, keep their humanity and love each other.

Liesel is a kid who saw too much for her young age, Rosa is a woman hardened by the hardships of life but who is softened by Liesel's presence,and even Max's. Hans is a kind soul who tries to help whenever he can,sometimes ending up in trouble. Max is a young man who lives in the Hubermanns cold cellar, like in a prison,asking Liesel to be his eyes to the outside world, and that's how Liesel finds her love for writing. Rudy is a blond boy who befriends Liesel from the getgo, asking for a kiss, who wants to run, and who's father is taken to war. Ilsa is defined by the loss of her son. Every character has its own (sad) story, but they manage to prevail,in spite of all.

 

The movie is narrated by Death as it floats across the land,taking souls,reading their minds and feeling their emotions.

 

The movie was a box office success, making 76 million dollars against a budget of 19 million.

 

The visual effects were good.

 

The acting was good. Sophie Nélisse who played Liesel won the Hollywood Film Festival Spotlight Award, the Satellite Newcomer Award, and the Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Performance by a Youth in a Lead or Supporting Role! I personally didn't think that she was better than the other members of the cast, as they were all good, even the actress who played her mother for a few seconds, who cried!

 

The soundtrack which was nominated for an Oscar,BAFTA and Golden Globe seemed Ok,to me, I didn't find it too special.

 

The movie is 30 days free on Amazon Prime, for rent / sale on Amazon Prime, AppleTv, Fandango at Home.

 

Rating : Worth a watch !

 

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