The Book Thief

The Book Thief is directed by Brian Percival.  Written for the screen by Michael Petroni.  Based on a Noval by Marcus Zusak.  

Sophie Nelisse (Liesel Meminger), Geoffrey Rush ( Hubermann), Roger Allam(Narrator/Voice, Death), Heike Makatsch (Liesel's Mother ), Emily Watson ( Rosa Hubermann).  

1938 Germany, a young girl, Liesel (Sophie Nelisse) is taken to her Foster Parents, Hans Hubermann (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa Hubermann( Emily Watson). Her mother was accused of being a communist; Liesel's brother died on the way to there destination.  Service and a burial was held.  

The story of Liesel and her desire to find solace in reading books.  An illiterate girl at first but with the help of Hans she can learn the knowledge she needs to understand her surroundings.  Hans teaches her for two years, her grasp on literature is her only tool she needs to achieve something more than her peers at school.

Max Vandenburg (Ben Schnetzer) a Jewish man who is the son of a Friend Hans knew in the War, which saved his life.  One day he would return the favor.  That day came when Max knocked at Hans door. Hurt, hungry and sick his life is in Han's hands.  Shelter, and a hiding place.  Liesel and Max meet for the first time.  She is told to keep a secret, not to say a word about Max.

Harboring a man in your home was against the law and you and your family will be held or put to death. 

This Film has so many great scenes, each character you either love or hate.  The underline theme of War, control, is just that, underlined.  The characters are all to big and War is not the major theme; but the characters trying to keep there lives simple.

Liesel's desire for books, and the strong bond with Rudy is to great for War to be the major theme here.  The Acting is top notch, a Film that takes you back in time to a desperate place, with lovable people that try and make things normal in a time of War...