The Book Thief

Starring: Rush, Geoffrey and Watson, Emily

Product Description

Based on the beloved best-selling book comes this profoundly moving story of a girl who transforms the lives of those around her during World War II, Germany. Although Liesel (Sophie Nelisse) is illiterate when she is adopted by a German couple (Oscanner Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson), her adoptive father encourages her to learn to read. Ultimately, the power of words helps Liesel and Max (Ben Schnetzer), a Jew hiding in the family's home, escape from the events unfolding around them in this extraordinary, acclaimed film directed by Brian Percival (Downton Abbey).

• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• UPC: 024543886563
• Release Date: September 2015
• Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
• Publisher: Distribution Solutions
• Director: Percival, Brian
• Starring: Rush, Geoffrey, Watson, Emily
• Runtime: 2 hours, 5 minutes
• Number of Disks: 1
• Other Video Info: DVD
• Weight: 0.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.5" x 5.4"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 and higher

Customer Reviews

“I see their ugliness and their beauty…”

“I see their ugliness and their beauty and wonder how the same thing can be both?” - Narrator / Death (Roger Allam) The story takes place in the time surrounding the Second World War. Young Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) is removed from her commie mother and placed in a foster home. Her new foster mother appears to be cold and ruthless. Liesel must grow up and adapt to the changing social atmosphere. During this time, she acquires the nasty habit of reading. However, reading a secondary to what social skills she will learn, that is, if she survives the war, these skills will carry her for the rest of her life. If you are looking for something unique, you will be disappointed. However, for those who like challenging Junge/ Mädchen facing trials and tribulations during times of adversity, then this movie is for you. The story is not unique except for the subplot where it gets its title. What makes the movie is the acting, the scenery, and even the background music, by John Williams, which acts as a character itself. I have to admit that I have not read the book yet; therefore, I cannot tell you whether the book by Marcus Zusak is better or not, but this movie holds its own independently. For me, the book-burning scene made me feel a tad like films where they kick the family dog. It is well worth the time to view. “I am haunted by humans.” - Narrator / Death.