MOVIE REVIEW - The Book Thief (2013) - NON SPOILERS

I had the amazing privilege of seeing an advance screening of the upcoming movie by Fox 2000 Pictures and Studio Babelsberg, The Book Thief. The film is based on a novel by the same name written by Markus Zusak. The film won't be released until November 8th, which puts me in a prime position to write a review of this movie. Don't worry, I know when I do reviews of movies based on books, I typically write for those who have read them, but in this case I have not yet read the book, so I won't say anything that will spoil the story. I promise.

First off, I will give a brief summery of the plot (again, no spoilers!). In late 1930s Germany, young Liesel is sent to live with her new adoptive parents. She develops a keen interest in books and learns to read with the help of her new father, Hans. Their relationship deepens as World War II breaks out and Germany goes to the front. Liesel begins "borrowing" books from the mayor's wife while Hans shelters Max, a jew, in their basement, and tension runs high in this epic emotional journey.

I'm not the best at creating my own log lines, so if that wasn't good enough, here is the description straight from Internet Movie Data Base: "While subjected to the horrors of WWII Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. Under the stairs in her home, a Jewish refuge is being sheltered by her adoptive parents."

Sophie Nelisse as Liesel, Emily Watson as Rosa, and Geoffrey Rush as Hans in The Book Thief (2013)

The film stars Sophie Nelisse as Liesel, Geoffrey Rush as Hans, Emily Watson as Rosa, Ben Schnetzer as Max, and Nico Liersch as Rudy.

I'll just start off with my initial thoughts on the film in general. It is VERY well done. The look is pretty accurate to the time period, and the emotional arc of the story is steady and heart-felt. It is interesting to see WWII from the eyes of the Germans, something we the American audience don't see as often. The narrative follows a little girl as she adjusts not only to her new life with new parents, but with how the world itself is changing around her.

Geoffrey Rush as Hans and Sophie Nelisse as Liesel in The Book Thief (2013)

For acting I must say, Geoffrey Rush is plain old AMAZING. He gives another compelling and engaging performance to rival even his role in The King's Speech. Yes, he is that good. He really sells the movie. Emily Watson is the perfect counter balance to his character as well, and there are many comedic yet heartwarming moments with them.

Sophie Nelisse as Liesel and Nico Liersch as Rudy in The Book Thief (2013)

Liesel is played by Sophie Nelisse, a young Canadian actress with only three films currently under her belt (including Book Theif). As the protagonist of the film, she has a lot riding on her shoulders, and she certainly delivers. Not having read the book, I cannot judge her on how close she is there, but going strictly by her performance in this film, she is really good. Her fellow young cast member, Nico  Liersch, also delivers a great performance as Sophie's friend and neighbor, Rudy. Their on screen chemistry works very well for the story and feels very natural.

Ben Schnitzer as Max and Sophie Nelisse as Liesel in The Book Thief (2013)

Being a jew hiding in the basement of a German's house, Max's story brings a sense of tension and excitement to the film. The friendship that develops as a result between Liesel and Max only heightens that tension, and every actor's performances really shine.

There wasn't much of anything in this movie that really disappointed me. I'm sure if I read the book, I would probably find something to complain about because I'm a bit of a purist in that respect, but other than that, there was one thing at the very very end that did annoy me a bit. I won't say what. It had nothing to do with the story, it was just a little visual problem I had with the final scene.

I would give this film a solid 8.5/10. A very deserving film. I highly recommend seeing it when it comes out. Geoffrey Rush alone makes it worthwhile.