The Book Thief Stole My Heart!

Rating: 9/10 (17 November 2018)

I recently finished "The Book Thief" in my Holocaust Literature class, it is this awe-inspiring story of this little Jewish girl named Liesel, who moves in with a German family in Molching, Germany; during the early years of World War II (1939-42). The movie follows Liesel as she struggles to learn to read, although manages to sneak several books even when not knowing what they are. Her new "family", Hans and Rosa, aren't Jewish but do not support the Nazi party and make several efforts to help other Jewish people, including a sharp young Jewish man named Max. Sophie Nelisse plays Liesel perfectly, and so does Ben Schnetzer who plays Max.
I loved the writer's use of Death as the narrator, as he introduces Liesel and his thoughts on her life, and his descriptions of everyone as the story goes along. Throughout the movie, there is also a juxtaposition of kindness and cruelty; acts of kindness in the face of cruel behavior. This theme in the movie perfectly highlights Liesel's struggle along with her character. I believe the movie could have illustrated the true horrors of the Holocaust better, including during the Jewish death walk scene. Overall, I learned much from the movie. That doing what is right should take precedence over everything else and never to let anyone stop you from achieving. I believe others will also get a better understanding of the silent resistance during the Holocaust, those who didn't fight outright but instead silently harbored Jewish people and resisted against the Nazi party.
I give this movie a 9/10 stars, all the actors portrayed their characters with such emotion and depth, and the whole plot was beautifully executed.