Review: The Book Thief
First, I have seen several movies for free in the last few weeks and have not talked about them at all. I'm going to post some small reviews over the next few days to remedy that.
Description
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.
Thoughts
I don't know exactly how I feel about this story. In part, it is a great example of what extreme oppression is. The Book Thief gets its name because of Liesel who is essentially that. To prevent the German people from rising against the atrosoties the Third Reich was committing they tried to control free thought which meant books. This was more than likely done under the guise of "ONLY GERMAN THINGS." But in the end they are being told what to think, how to act, and who is good and bad in extreme measure. There is no freedom.
When Liesel came to live with her adoptive parents she couldn't read but her "Papa" taught her without judgement or any kind of malice. Liesel was opened up to a whole world of imagination which is ultimately threatened by the Reich when books like The Invisible Man are considered contraband. Liesel is forced to burn a book but after everyone has gone home, rescues one much to her Papa's dismay and satisfaction.
I have trouble with it because I don't know if the message is getting across but more me it is a warning. Pay attention to what those in power try to control. That is my feeling. At the same time I think it is also a hard story about WWII. That is just my take.
As the story goes, it is a good one. It is a bit suspensful because not only is Papa and Mama hiding books for Liesel but they are also hiding a Jew. So there is tension and confusion for Liesel who is young and being taught the propaganda only to get a different message at home. The truly hard thing is the story isn't being told by one of the characters we see but instead by Death. This seems fitting considering this point in history.
Mama and Papa are protrayed beautifully by Emily Rush and Geoffrey Rush. Mama is rough and harsh but she's all about tough love and while she doesn't often seem soft you do see it. Papa is the dreamer and a very kind hearted man.
I don't know much about Sophie Nelisse except that I don't believe she is German which means her acent and portrayal are spectacular.
This is a movie I would recommend.
Click to view Description
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.
Thoughts
I don't know exactly how I feel about this story. In part, it is a great example of what extreme oppression is. The Book Thief gets its name because of Liesel who is essentially that. To prevent the German people from rising against the atrosoties the Third Reich was committing they tried to control free thought which meant books. This was more than likely done under the guise of "ONLY GERMAN THINGS." But in the end they are being told what to think, how to act, and who is good and bad in extreme measure. There is no freedom.
When Liesel came to live with her adoptive parents she couldn't read but her "Papa" taught her without judgement or any kind of malice. Liesel was opened up to a whole world of imagination which is ultimately threatened by the Reich when books like The Invisible Man are considered contraband. Liesel is forced to burn a book but after everyone has gone home, rescues one much to her Papa's dismay and satisfaction.
I have trouble with it because I don't know if the message is getting across but more me it is a warning. Pay attention to what those in power try to control. That is my feeling. At the same time I think it is also a hard story about WWII. That is just my take.
As the story goes, it is a good one. It is a bit suspensful because not only is Papa and Mama hiding books for Liesel but they are also hiding a Jew. So there is tension and confusion for Liesel who is young and being taught the propaganda only to get a different message at home. The truly hard thing is the story isn't being told by one of the characters we see but instead by Death. This seems fitting considering this point in history.
Mama and Papa are protrayed beautifully by Emily Rush and Geoffrey Rush. Mama is rough and harsh but she's all about tough love and while she doesn't often seem soft you do see it. Papa is the dreamer and a very kind hearted man.
I don't know much about Sophie Nelisse except that I don't believe she is German which means her acent and portrayal are spectacular.
This is a movie I would recommend.