Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Brian Percival, Fox 2000 Pictures, M, 131 Minutes.
This heart-stealing story of a courageous young German girl named Liesel (Sophie Nelisse – ‘Monsieur Lazhar’) is brilliantly told against the background of pre-World War Two Germany and the beginning of the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis.
The movie is surprisingly narrated by the ‘angel of death’ (voiced by Roger Allam) who hints at the loss of many innocent lives due to the onset of the war and the atrocities committed by the Nazis.
After seeing her brother die death deliberately singles-out Liesel before she’s sent to a foster family, the compassionate Hans (Geoffrey Rush – ‘Best Offer’) and the stern Rosa (Emily Watson – ‘Anna Karenina’).
Once Liesel has settled into her new surroundings she receives a warm welcome from Hans, compared to the somewhat frosty reception from Rosa.
Soon after, Liesel has a fiery exchange with some classmates and forms a close association with school- friend Rudy (Nico Liersch – ‘Blackout’) and Max (Ben Schnetzer – ‘Snowden’), a young Jewish man.
She is then provided refuge in her foster parent’ basement.
Despite her illiteracy, Liesel finds solace in learning to read from both Hans and Max against the backdrop of the Nazis occupying their village-even stealing a book as the Nazis burn them at a bonfire-and from a Nazi’s wife home.
In addition to the cinematic beauty of the German settings, director Brian Percival (TV’s – ‘Downton Abbey’) has assembled a talented cast that includes the perfectly-pitched performances of Rush and Watson, particularly the exceptional portrayal by Nelisse of the daring Liesel.
Based on Australian author Markus Zusak’s bestselling novel, ‘The Book Thief’ is indeed an inspirational story of survival, where courage and words highlight the unwavering human spirit in a young girl against the horrors of war.
Apart from being filmed in certain parts of Germany Percival’s production has such a poignant and stirring storyline, complemented by the superb portrayals that will ensure this memorable movie is one not to be missed.
The Book Thief is to be televised on 7FLIX at 8.50PM on Saturday 8 May.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 ½ Stars
