No compensation was received for this post. As a Fox Home Entertainment Insider, I receive products for review/giveaway.
“Of all the things which man can do or make here below, by far the most momentous, wonderful, and worthy are the things we call books.” – Thomas Carlyle
Over the years, the horrors of World War II have been depicted onscreen. Many of these gripping films have served to remind us not only of the tragedy that ensued, but to showcase stories of fortitude, sacrifice, justice, and love. Last Fall, Twentieth Century Fox released The Book Thief, a powerful historical drama and literary adaptation of the New York Times bestselling book by Markus Zusak. Narrated from the unique perspective of “Death,” the story follows one young girl’s journey of survival in the midst of Nazi Germany.
As the film opens, young Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nélisse) has already experienced her first loss. While traveling with her mother and brother, her brother dies en-route to Molching, Germany, where she will inevitably suffer her second loss….she is being given up for adoption because her mother, a communist, is in danger. Foster parents Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson), lovingly take Liesel in as their own and thus begins her “new life.”
Almost immediately, we learn that Liesel is illiterate (hinted at when the young girl curiously picks up a book dropped at her brother’s funeral). Her inability to read elicits ridicule from her school classmates, only furthering her fervor to learn to read. Hans takes on the task of teaching her to read, and together they bond over literary works. These moments of togetherness and evolution as a family are shadowed by the inevitable devastation that will ensue.
Complicating their plight, the couple is compelled by honor to provide asylum to Max, the Jewish son of a man who saved Hans’ life in the first World War. In Nazi Germany, harboring a Jew was grounds for death…either immediate or drawn out in a Concentration Camp. Despite the immense danger Max’s presence posed, their courage was noble and noteworthy and I imagine it is stories like this one that are a source of inspiration to those who lived through this horrific war.
As the story progresses, a friendship develops between Max and Liesel. When he becomes dangerously ill, it is their shared love of books that compels her to help him recover by reading to him.
The Book Thief, while not as heavy as many World War II films, still depicts the brutality of Nazi Germany, including the violence of war, the mistreatment of a group of people solely based on their race and death. What sets the film apart is the poignant, innocence Nélisse brings to the role of Liesel, the inspirational accounts of endurance, valor, and allegiance, and the powerful impact of words. It is these stories of honor, unconditional friendship, and the commitment to stand up for those who are unable to, that I hope continue to be retold because, that is the only sense that can be made of an utterly senseless war.
The Book Thief, which is now available on DVD is rated PG-13 and I would not recommend it for children younger than that age simply because of the subject matter. For parents looking to introduce the film to their children, I highly recommend the detailed and thought-provoking Discussion Guide provided by 20th Century Fox.
The Book Thief is now available on Blu-ray and DVD. Special features include deleted scenes and a piece about bringing The Book Thief to life on-screen (Blu-ray).
Win It! One of you will win a copy of The Book Thief. Simply complete the Rafflecopter form and leave a comment with one reason why you are interested in seeing the film. Comments will close on April 1st, 2014 at 11:59 PM PST.
US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
Images: 20th Century Fox
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
I’d like to see it because my husband and I are both history buffs and WWII is fascinating to us.
It looks like such a neat movie! 🙂
I think it looks like an inspiring storyline. I like some of the actors as well.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
my husband is fascinated with WWII. Like most men, he has a “favorite” war that he likes to learn about. I just find the historical aspect interesting. I like learning about history, and I like teaching it to my daughter as well. This movie looks like a good way to learn about WWII without being too bloody or violent, which I love.
I would like to watch it because I heard it was a great movie.
i think its a movie i would really enjoy watching
From all of the reviews, it sounds like a good movie.
I just reserved the book at the library. (I almost always like to read the book before watching the movie). 🙂
Because I read the book and it is beautiful
I have read the book so I would love to watch the movie
It looks like a good movie. I know the book was very good.
I really wanted to see this when it was out in theaters I missed it! 🙁 I’ve always been interested in history and this movie intrigues me!