The Power of Words!

Rating: 10/10 (4 January 2015)

The Book Thief, based off the award-winning 2005 novel, is such a powerful, heart-warming film about how a young German girl views World War Two from her very own eyes and how she take solace amongst written words, forbidden or not. This film runs parallel with 2008's The Boy in Striped Pajamas as both feature children in dangerous spots within the war. This movie speaks volume and is powerful beyond words. I even liked the fable element of the story, where we had Death himself narrating the story. I cannot believe how critics were harsh with the film, because this is one of the best films of 2013, if not the very best.
Brian Percival's film is about a young German girl named Liesel Meminger who is adopted by foster parents named Hans and Rosa after Liesel's mother is unable to care for her anymore. Hans persuades her to read and later she steals books just so she can spread the power of words amongst her suffering neighbors. Meanwhile, Hans and Rosa decide to harbor a Jewish refugee named Max, despite the risk of being taken away if they were caught.
The acting is just excellent, very excellent. I can see that Sophie Nelisse may have a long career ahead of her, especially with her moving portrayal as Liesel. We also get excellent performances by Geoffrey Rush as the kind-hearted Hans and Emily Watson as the stern, but caring Rosa. Finally, we get a strong performance by Ben Schnetzer as the Jewish refugee, Max.
Overall, the Book Thief is a movie that moved me beyond words and tears. It is a movie that will stay with me until the day I die. The movie depicts the grim reality of war, but through the eyes of an innocent girl. She sees the fateful horrors the Jews suffered and the film offers up a moving portrait of Kristallnacht. John Williams provides an excellent score, which serves for more tear bait. The production design is beautiful and for a film that only has a nineteen million dollar budget, the film soars as if it's a blockbuster. In the end, this is one emotionally-wrenching film, but one of the best films of 2013. I rate this film 10/10.