The German experience

Rating: 10/10 (21 April 2014)

All too often we show no sympathy for the plight of every day Germans in WWII. We say "they knew about the Jews;" "they were responsible for Hitler.; "they would do it again. While they were certainly not blameless, they also were victims.
The Book Thief shows this vividly and with a very touching story to boot. Sophie Nelisse is the star in the movie playing the part of Liesel - "The Book Thief." Her relationship with Geoffrey Rush - her Father, Rudy - her boy friend; and Max the Jew her family was hiding - are all very captivating. She is one of the more appealing characters I have seen in a long time. (contrast her with everyone in August: Osage County and you'll see what I mean.)
Although the story of the Nazi occupation of Germany is well known, the impact the war had on the average German has never been better told.
So, if you want to see "the other side of the story" - watch "The Book Thief" - you will be enlightened, entertained, and saddened. I have only seen two movies this year which rate a 5 - my highest score. Nebraska and the Book Thief are the two.