The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is an incredible book, one that I am glad to give the title of great to. It is a moving story of a girl growing up with a foster family in Nazi Germany that discovers the power of words. Brian Percival might have downplayed the theme of words, but he adapts it to the silver screen quite nicely.
It is a relatively faithful adaptation, some things are done in a different order, others are removed entirely, but the theme of words probably wouldn't have translated to the screen well. It is well told and well made, the sets and costumes all look great, and the emotions take center stage while the theme of the book takes a back seat.
The actors all do a good job. Geoffery Rush and Emily Watson do a good job as the Hubermanns. Ben Schnetzer makes a good Max Vanderberg, a Jew that the Hubermanns hide in their basement, and Roger Allam does a good voice job as the personification of Death. As for the younger cast, Sophie Nélisse makes a fine Lisel Meminger, and newcomer Nico Liersch is well done as Rudy. It is all well acted and never once does an accent slip.
The actors all do a good job. Geoffery Rush and Emily Watson do a good job as the Hubermanns. Ben Schnetzer makes a good Max Vanderberg, a Jew that the Hubermanns hide in their basement, and Roger Allam does a good voice job as the personification of Death. As for the younger cast, Sophie Nélisse makes a fine Lisel Meminger, and newcomer Nico Liersch is well done as Rudy. It is all well acted and never once does an accent slip.
In conclusion, is it as good as the book? Probably not, but is is a really good and well made film that I can overall reccomend.
Have a nice day.
Greg.B
Thanks for sharing your view. I think you are spot on. I would only add that the film captures and envelopes you right in, just like you are there.
ReplyDeletePerhaps I wasn't as sucked in because it was a story I already knew.
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