Steal Its Meaning and Cherish.

Rating: 10/10 (1 December 2015)

The Book Thief (2013): Dir: Brian Percival / Cast: Sophie Nelisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Nico Liersch, Ben Schnetzer: Extraordinary film set during the holocaust and seen from the point of view of the young girl. Her name is Liesel and the title regards the initial book she picks up at her brother's grave site. What the title really represents is freedom since books are burned at the command of the Nazi party. Liesel is sent to live with foster parents Hans and Rosa. He is a skilled accordion player while she does laundry for cash. Eventually they end up sheltering a Jewish refugee whose family Hans owes a debt to from years back. Sophie Nelisse provides the curiosity of young Liesel who resents the Nazi and yearns to find her mother. She has a strong desire to learn to read to which she uses to bond with the refugee. Nico Liersch plays Rudy, a boy who befriends her. His father is sent off to war but he desires to be a runner and often stands up for Liesel in the face of bullies. Geoffrey Rush provides a warmth and humour as Hans, while Emily Watson plays off the strict nature of Rosa whose guard melts during a humorous scenes regarding a snowball fight in the basement. Ben Schnetzer plays the refugee taking shelter in the basement of their home. Director Brian Percival does a great job at capturing the period and is backed with the paranoia rumbling sounds of war rendering every thought towards one's own fate. That is, until Liesel interrupts the tragedy with story, views and imagination that temporarily captive the thoughts of everyone within listening distance. Score: 10 / 10