This Thief Stole My Heart

Rating: 8/10 (19 November 2014)

Oh my word, I LOVED this film. There's nothing better than a story that wraps you up, transports you into the era it's set in and disarms you with the strength of the emotional depth in both the characters and the events that transpire. Set in World War II in Germany just before and during the peak of the conflict, this movie reminds us that not all Germans followed the homicidal Adolf Hitler on his mad conquest through Europe. Others wanted to just live their lives, refusing to believe the web of lies that were told about Jews and other countries... But most had no choice but to obey the dictatorial regime, in fear for themselves and their families...
I have rarely seen a child performance as good as Sophie Neilisse's. She takes this wonderful role, and gives us a heroine who transfixes us with every line of dialogue and subtle little reaction shot. She's so multi-layered and enthralling in every single way, it's easy to forget the rest of the cast. But, thanks to Emily Watson's brilliantly played stoic stepmother (with a dead-on German accent, and a heart of gold) and Geoffrey Rush's bumbling yet charming stepdad, this never happens. Plaudits go to Ben Schnetzer, too as the illegal immigrant this family takes in... He functions as a kind of surrogate big brother to Neilisee and shares many heart-rending scenes with her.
The final portion of the film is so emotionally devastating, and comes as such a shock, that those of a certain disposition will work their way through a pack of Kleenex at least. I've seen plenty of movies with unnecessary narration... The Book Thief has the best use of the medium I've witnessed for eons. It becomes especially poignant when you realise just WHO is delivering it. Based on a best selling book (I now wish I'd read before coming in) it joins The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas as a superb example of a horrible period of history... told from a child's point of view. Let us hope they grow up and not repeat our mistakes from the past... For all our sakes. 8/10