Young Actress Steals the Show with Superb Acting
By ABIGAIL K.
The Book Thief, based on the historical-fiction novel
written by Markus Zusak in 2006, follows the tale of Liesel, a
vivacious German girl who, unlike many of her fellow citizens,
questions the beliefs and values of the Nazi government. Liesel is left to the care of Rosa
and Hans Hubermann when her communist mother is forced to flee the country.
When Liesel steals her first book, words are part of a distant captivating and
enchanting world, which Liesel only begins to break into when her new father,
Hans, starts teaching her to read. Soon after, when a Jew who is seeking refuge
turns up at the Hubermann house and finds a place of hiding in their basement,
Liesel takes up her thieving again. Their guest, Max, who is forced to remain
hiding in the freezing basement, becomes sick, and Liesel steals books to read
to him until he recovers. Liesel's most audacious act, however, is her stealing
of a government-forbidden book from a smouldering pile of literature after a
book-burning ceremony. Liesel proves that she is her own person; she will not
have others tell her what to believe; she will discover what she believes for
herself. This audacious spirit and unbridled bravery in the face of cruelty throws the wicked acts of the Nazis into sharp relief.
The film is anchored by the incredible cast, which shows great prowess in dramatic acting. Each actor and actress clearly portrays the importance of standing up against wrongdoing despite the cost. The film
depicts the Second World War with accurate, though gruesome, detail with an
engagingly emotional story line throughout.
Thirteen-year-old actress Sophie
Nélisse as Liesel Meminger delivers a compelling performance in one of her
very first films. Her passionate and unaffected acting is likely to bring the audience to
tears. Ben Schnetzer, playing Jewish refugee Max, delivers his inspiring lines
with appropriate feeling and emotion and skillfully portrays the plight of
Jews at that time.
Emily Watson and Geoffrey Rush as foster parents Rosa and
Hans Hubermann deftly bring to life the contrasting ways in which ordinary
German citizens attempted to defy their leaders. Nico Liersch aptly captures the sweet, innocent nature of Liesel's young school friend Rudy Steiner with a
very convincing performance. Though he never makes an actual appearance, Roger
Allam as narrator Death expertly delivers his lines with the perfect amount
of feeling needed to counter the emotionally overwhelming movie: none.
Fittingly chosen music works harmoniously with each scene.
In addition, intricately detailed costumes add to the understanding and
impression of every part of the film. Liesel and Rudy’s pure appearance in
makeup and attire works well to set their young innocence apart from the
coldness and disparity of the rest of the film.
This film supports many quality values such as aiding the
outcast, questioning wrong teaching and attempting to redeem this world. Though
Liesel does steal several books, her act of thieving is done in an effort to
help Max. This does not necessarily vindicate Liesel, but she is only doing
what she can to help. Another possibly concerning facet of the film is the fact
that it is narrated by Death. This, however, is not off-putting or perturbing
in any way; Death does not offer any insight into life after death, but simply
relates his perceptions and thoughts when he carries off the souls of those who
have died. In fact, this unconventional form of narrating was innovative and
thought-provoking.
The Book Thief is an inspirational tale of a young
girl striving to discover her place and beliefs in the midst of extreme loss at
the beginning of the Second World War.
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