Set amongst the backdrop of the haunting Second World War, this award-winning film is based on a best-selling novel.
The Book Thief is a fictional historical novel that went on to sell 17 million copies worldwide and was later adapted into a feature film. Since its release in 2013, the movie has received divided reviews, but fans of the film can’t stop raving about its moving moments.
A Rotten Tomatoes review says: “In our current world of fear, hate, antagonism, divide and conflict, this film offers a rebuttal of love, compassion, and hope for humanity. Choose to watch this film not so much with your eyes and mind, but with your soul and heart.”
Set in Nazi Germany, the story follows the adventures of a young girl named Liesel, played by Sophie Nélisse, and her newfound love for reading. During a speech carried out by the Nazis, locals are forced to burn their books in a huge bonfire, but Liesel decides to secretly recover one to keep.
When her foster parents provide shelter to a mysterious Jewish man, Liesel soon forms an unexpected friendship. The voracious reader teaches her more and more about books, and as she learns about the true power of words, she steals more books to escape from the realities of Hitler’s reign.
One impressed viewer wrote: “I love this movie so much. It is a tear dropper and has some suspense. A movie that you don’t want to ever stop.
“I’ve read several books about WW2 as well as seen several films. There is nothing worse than a movie that sugarcoats a story. This movie is a wonderful true story of a little Jewish girl – so go and watch the movie.”
Starring as Liesel’s foster parents are Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson, while the Jewish refugee Max Vandenburg is played by Ben Schnetzer. Many viewers have praised their performances, which landed them a number of award nominations, but what stood out the most was the film’s soundtrack and score.
The Music in The Book Thief was one of the only things landing major nominations at both the BAFTA awards and the Golden Globes. However, the one that it took home was a Grammy Award in 2014 for John Williams’s Best Instrumental Composition.
Talking about the cast of the film, a review said: “A film beautifully adapted from a great novel! Stellar performances from each cast member!”
Another wrote that all of the performers they thought were “amazing”, adding, “It is an enduring story of the human spirit.”
One viewer put it simply by writing: “This, for me, is the best movie I have ever watched in my life.” The 2013 film adaptation of The Book Thief is now available to watch on Disney+.