The Book Thief – A Movie Review
When in Manila, the Book Thief will bring us back to the dark days in Nazi, Germany during the World War II and will teach us how the power of words can change one’s world and the world around her.
The Book Thief is Liesel Mimenger (Sophie Nelisse), a young, courageous German girl who was separated from her mom because of the man she only knew as Hitler. The circumstances in her life brought her closer to the new people in her lives and books that fuel her passion for reading and sharing stories.
Liesel’s foster parents, her loving papa, Hans Hubberman (Geoffrey Rush) and her strict mama, Rosa Hubberman (Emily Watson) represent the few people who try to stand for what is right but think of what is good for them. There is the young and carefree Rudy (Nico Liersche), Liesel’s neighbor and bestfriend who aims to be a champion racer like his African-American Olympic hero. The young Jewish man they kept in the basement is Max Vandenburg (Ben Schnetzer) who shares her passion for books.
My Review of The Book Thief
The movie has such a powerful message relayed through the cast’s powerful acting. Whiile the beautiful setting and visuals set aside the dark history of World War II, a hint of the tumultuous days of Germany is still present in the film. Liesel embodies the young, curious kid who gives her heart and soul as a Book Thief. Although set in World War II, the film has themes and characters that connect to the viewers of different generation. The movie didn’t fail to make us see and feel how the power of words and imagination can be a great escape and source of joy.
Death narrated the story of the Book Thief, and his cold presence in the film gives a different feel that is never threatening nor comforting – especially during the painful events in the film. In the end, the movie let me see Death as a person – but I still don’t know whether I am more or less afraid of it.
His Review of The Book Thief
The Book Thief was beautifully shot and excellently acted. The story itself, however, was a bit dull considering it was set in one of the most interesting periods in recent history –but even this was okay. I’m just not completely comfortable with how the movie downplays the very real and unimaginable horrors people suffered during that period, in favor of a few tear-jerker scenes.
The Book Thief is from the same producers as the “Twilight” saga, “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks” and “The Devil Wears Prada”.
Movie Review by Ruth dela Cruz and Ralph Jacob
The Book Thief opens today, February 19, 2014 in Philippine cinemas
From 20th Century Fox distributed by Warner Bros.
The Book Thief – A Movie Review
