Movie review: The Book Thief

The makers of The Life Of Pi have done it again with this film.

The people who took us on an incredible journey in 2012 in The Life of Pi have done it again. There won't be many movies you will see over the coming months better than The Book Thief.

Despite being based on a book of the same name, I entered the setting of pre-World War II Germany with little knowledge of the story. For two-plus hours I was transfixed by the narrative and performances.

This is the story of young Liesel (Sophie Nelisse), a girl left by her fleeing mother with foster parents in a small German village. It is the late 1930s and the fervour surrounding Adolf Hitler is at fever pitch. If you are Germanic and a member of the Nazi Party, you are okay. If you are Jewish or Communist, run for your life.

Liesel's new parents, Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson), live a very basic life, with the main focus on surviving each day.

When Jewish teenager Max (Ben Schnetzer) comes to their house seeking refuge, their lives are changed forever.

Liesel finds joy in her new environment in the company of books. Learning to read with Hans' help, she develops an unquenchable passion for words. But with only one book to her name, Liesel begins "borrowing" books from the wealthy mayor's house, returning them later.

But in the background of Liesel's simple life is the growing prospect of war and the fanaticism associated with Nazism.

Words and books enable Liesel to get through her days while, at the same time, helping Max recover from near death.

This is a heart-warming story, with sublime acting from father and daughter.

We are also treated to cinematography that tells just as much with its pictures as the spoken words do.

This is one of those movies which takes a piece of your heart.

Watch the trailer here:

The Book Thief (PG) 131 minutes
4 1/2 stars