Director: Brian Percival.
Starring: Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Nico Liersch, Ben Schnetzer.
Running Time: 131 minutes.
Certificate: 12A.
Synopsis: While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. Under the stairs in her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.
THE BOOK THIEF is adapted from the best-selling novel by Markus Zusak, but this process isn’t something unusual these days. The success of LIFE OF PI has most probably spiked the realisation in the general consciousness that it can be done successfully – massively in Pi’s regard – and the best ones don’t deviate too much from the original story to keep the heart and soul. What’s slightly ironic is when we speak of THE BOOK THIEF, there will always be Death at the centre. Yes, Mr. Death himself, and a narration that binds the entire story together.
If you’re looking for a straightforward wartime tale, then you’re in for something a little different with Downton Abbey’s Brian Percival in the directorial chair. The film competently portrays the numerous stories, feelings and moments that are scattered across the book, along with the third person of Death always looking over the story. The key to the film is undoubtedly Sophie Nélisse’s portrayal of the young Liesel, the girl who this whole story revolves around. She’s the centre point that helps us understand and consider the innocence of a child’s view, but also a logical one that doesn’t even consider race as an issue. Her uncomplicated view on the nature of right and wrong is truly refreshing, even with the cruel reality of events.
The vital casting here is Sophie Nélisse and her astonishing performance. Her place alongside the solid Geoffrey Rush, playing Liesel’s adopted father Hans Hubermann, and the strict but compassionate Emily Watson playing Rosa Hubermann, makes a wonderful trio that find time for Max (Ben Schnetzer) – a Jewish refugee who they hide from the Germans – and with it show the humanity beyond the brutality.
THE BOOK THIEF may not quite grasp the true and full gravitas of the best-selling book, but it’s still a faithful and authentic accompaniment to an incredible story.
[usr=3] THE BOOK THIEF is released in UK cinemas on Wednesday 26th February, 2014.
