The Book Thief - Film Review

One of the books that I am constantly telling people to read is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I received this book as a gift a number of years ago and I fell in love with the story and the characters. I was happy and worried when I found out that they were working on a movie based on the book. I was happy because more people would be able to experience this story and hopefully go out and read the book, I was worried because I didn't want to lose the magic of the book - mostly the clever use of the narrator. 

The story of The Book Thief is of Liesel Meminger, a girl who is sent to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann because her parents were communists. With the Hubermanns, Liesel is taught to read and she begins stealing books. At the same time the family repays a debt by hiding a young Jewish man in their basement. The story is a wonderful coming of age story during a time of fear and anger. 

The film makers included the use of a narrator which kept that aspect of the book in tact. It wasn't over used which I think was wise. It was also only used to transition through time jumps and to open and close the movie. 

What the film did really well was bringing the house and streets of Germany to life. It made the world I had imagined when I was reading more real. It brought the world of war time Germany to a different perspective. One that could be experienced and seen through the eyes of a child. 

The greatest strength of the film was the acting. Geoffrey Rush as Hans Hubermann was a brilliant casting choice. He had the warmth of the character and was able to demonstrate the strength of the man who could see what was wrong with the Nazi party and be willing to hide a Jew. The two other fantastic actors were the two children who played Liesel and Rudy. Nico Liersch as Rudy was perfectly cast. He looked identical to what I had pictured in my head. He was the exuberant boy who was in love with his neighbour and he was also able to capture the innocence of a boy who is not entirely aware of what was happening. 

Sophie Nelisse was the perfect choice for Liesel. As a new young actress she came to the role with a great passion. With just the look in her eyes she was able to show fear or joy. I thought that she was able to hold up the whole film. As she is nearly in every scene she never wavers and I think that she has the potential to be an amazing actress as she grows.

Overall the film did not disappoint. It didn't match the book in how good it was, but it was able to tell the story of Liesel Meminger without dropping too much from the book.

3/5 stars.

Ps. Make sure you bring tissues as this is a tearjerker.