A widely acclaimed young adult novel faithfully adopted

Rating: Null/10 (8 February 2014)

Those who have read the book, a YA novel (some even consider it more targeted towards children), would well remember how it is proliferated with hand-drawn, simple illustrations which I, for one, consider an annoying nuisance that has only one (albeit perhaps unintentional) effect – distracting from the well written prose. The movie, at least, does not suffer from that, although some critics do comment unfavorably on its lacking in depth. These critics may have forgotten that the movie has been adopted from a book not targeting an adult audience.
The movie follows the book closely, using the VO of Death (supplied by veteran actor Roger Allam) as sporadic background narration. You can call this a Holocaust story although for reasons mentioned, you will not see realistic depiction of Holocaust horror as in movies such as "The pianist" and many others. It happens essentially within a few years commencing with our protagonist, a young girl names Liesel (Sophie Nelisse) being sent to a desolate small German town, after witnessing the demise (from illness) and burial of her younger brother, as her mother cannot afford to keep and feed her. Four key characters gravitate around Liesel: working class foster parents Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson), classmate Rudy (Nico Liersch) who rapidly becomes soul mate and Max (Ben Schnetzer), a fugitive Jew whose father saved Hans's life during WWI. In addition to the Holocaust and coming-of-age aspects, there is the titular theme of Liesel's metamorphosis from an illiterate (when asked to write her name on the blackboard on her first day to school in this new life, she scratches out 3 "X"s) to an avid reader under the patient help of Hans (who has not had that much education himself).
Casting boasts of two of the best veterans in the supporting role. Rush wins immediate affection playing a simple, kind man that is the embodiment of goodness. Watson, one of the most sought after English actresses (and not to be confused with lovely Emma who is obviously much too young for the role) is even more endearing when the tough, grouchy surface finally peel off, revealing a heart of gold. The two other supports, while unknown, deliver equally strong performances – Rudy as the jubilant and at times cheeky Rudy and Schnetzer as the artistic, melancholy Max. At the heart of the movie, Nelisse brings to life the deprived but resilient girl, bright, defiant, and all at once innocent and mature.
Strong production design, captivating cinematography and superb score (John Williams's Oscar nominated work) all contribute to the high quality of this movie. One thing I can never understand, however, pertains not only to this movie but to many other movies in a similar "foreign" context. If it is in a foreign language, that is fine with subtitles. If it has a cast of foreign actors who speak English with a foreign accent (e.g. "Gigi"), that is also not a problem. But to use an English speaking cast and have them speak in a faked, contrived foreign accent makes absolutely no sense. Is that to remind the audience "Hey, remember, this happens in German and these are Germans"? Gimmi a break!