A moving odyssey for book-lovers

Rating: 8/10 (9 March 2014)

I have not read the book but will do so after watching this movie. It is beautifully written, narrated and depicts brilliantly some strong values and noble human qualities by means of film language, which can be enjoyed differently from reading a book.
The Book Thief is a story set in Germany during WWII where an adopted daughter, Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nélisse) of a modest Germany family learnt to read with her adopted father Hans Hubermann (Geoffrey Rush). Hans hid a Jewish refugee Max Vandenburg (Ben Schnetzer) in their basement. To entertain Max, Liesel began stealing books from the Mayor's library to keep her new friend entertained. While she was doing that, she learnt to read more and had a better mastery of the language which helped her and her community stick through the war.
What strikes me of this film in the first place is how human beings help each other regardless of their race and background and these karma goes on. Hans' life was saved by a Jew in the war so Hans repaid this favor by taking in his son Max while risking his own. Liesel befriended Max and took the risk of stealing books to read to him. Rosa Hubermann (Emily Watson), Liesel's mom seemed to be mean and cold in the beginning but was actually as kind-hearted as Hans. Even the wife of the Mayor turned a blind eye to Liesel's stealing books if it was for a good cause. Most characters are likable and it is encouraging and enjoyable to see them struggling to live a respectable life despite the war and poverty.
It is also because there are something more important in life than mere survival – eg parental love, friendship, music, books, and imagination. Liesel evolved from being illiterate to being able to use language to describe her surroundings in poetic terms was a big triumph. She also put these skills in positive use when they were trapped in the shelter for the air raid.
Language is important in expressing our feelings, opinion and narrating our environment, thus helping us to connect with one another. In Max's case, it was reading that kept him alive! Human may die but our opinions, values and insight will stay on, by means of language. In that way, we can be immortal in a way.
Yet no one is as immortal as Death. It is interesting to have Death as the narrator in the beginning, at some important moments and at the end. It frames the whole story and put everything in perspective: fairness to all. It also gives a sense of detachment and objectivity. Since we are all going to die, what should we do to make our lives more worthwhile?
As Death said, Liesel has shown us what it was to live. The characters and plot development is engaging. Sophie Nélisse is so cute, pure and so good with her eyes. I have seen her in Monsieur Lazhar, a story with an illegal immigrant turned teacher, and was already impressed by her acting. All the other supporting cast are good too.
There are some very moving scenes and I cried. You will cry too when you empathize with the characters in the movie. I am sure I will probably cry more when I read the book. But it is OK if it gives me more hope on life and humanity.
The Book Thief is such a good movie with positive messages that I wish more people could see it. But its publicity is very minimal and I almost missed it. Definitely recommended.