Book Thief (2013)

“The Book Thief” is a 2013 war drama film directed by Brian Percival, based on the novel of the same name by Markus Zusak. The film tells the story of a young girl named Liesel, who is sent to live with a foster family in Nazi Germany during World War II.

Synopsis:

Liesel, a young girl with a passion for books, is sent to live with the Hubermanns, a foster family in a small town in Nazi Germany. As she adapts to her new life, she befriends Rudy, a boy who lives nearby, and forms a bond with her foster father Hans, who teaches her to read. However, Liesel’s idyllic life is shattered when she discovers that her family is hiding a Jewish man named Max in their basement. As the war intensifies and danger looms, Liesel turns to books as a way to cope with the world around her.

Review:

“The Book Thief” is a moving and heartfelt film that captures the essence of Markus Zusak’s novel. The film is anchored by a strong performance from Sophie Nélisse, who plays Liesel with a sense of innocence and wonder that is both endearing and heartbreaking. Geoffrey Rush is also excellent as Hans Hubermann, bringing a sense of warmth and compassion to a character who represents the best of humanity in the face of evil.

Percival’s direction is understated, allowing the story and characters to take center stage. The cinematography is also stunning, capturing the beauty and horror of Nazi Germany with equal measure.

Awards:

While “The Book Thief” did not receive any major awards, it was well-received by critics and audiences alike. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score and the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Actress (Nélisse). The film also won the Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Performance by a Youth in a Lead or Supporting Role – Female (Nélisse) and the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film – Leading Young Actress (Nélisse).