The Book Thief

While a good many films about World War II are typically based on a true story, i.e. a battle, a general, a situation, etc., "The Book Thief" is a fictional story, however the way it is played out, one might think it was based on a true story considering the acting, writing and directing we are witness to in this tearful, but hopeful drama.

Based on the beloved book of the same name, this tells the story of a spirited and courageous young girl, Liesel (Sophie Nelisse) who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a foster family, Hans and Rosa (Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson) in World War II Germany. As Liesel is subjected to the horrors of war, she ultimately finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others in her neighborhood.
Years ago a Jewish family helped Hans and Rosa when they needed it most, and Hans told them that if they ever needed help in return, he would definitely promise to help them. Now the son of that Jewish family, Max (Ben Schnetzer) has to flee, but needs a place to stay. Hans and Rosa take him in and ends up having to hide him in their basement. After a point, Max and Liesel become fast friends especially while Max is recuperating from being ill.
While all this mayhem, war, death and destruction is occurring, Death (Roger Allam) narrates all the consequences that humans put themselves through, so he is there to reap the reward of their unwise actions.

Others to round out the cast are Nico Liersch as Rudy, friend of Liesel's, Rainer Bock as Buergmeister Hermann, Barbara Auer as Ilsa Hermann, Levin Liam as Franz Deutscher, Hildegard Schroedter as Frau Becker, Sandra Nedeleff as Sarah, Matthias Matschke as Wolfgang, Oliver Stokowski as Alex Steiner, Kirsten Block as Frau Heinrich, and  Carina Wiese as Barbara Steiner.

The direction by Brian Percival ("Pleasureland" (TV movie) '03, "The Old Curiosity Shop"   ("TV movie) '07, "Gracie!" (TV movie) '09, "A Boy Called Dad" '09) is helmed with the right balance of heart and intensity which blends perfectly. Considering this guy doesn't have a ton of theatrical film experience, I personally am eager at what this guy will do next. Its tightly written script was penned by Michael Petroni which is based on the novel by Markus Zusak. Another 'star' of this is that of cinematographer Florian Ballhaus, asc ("Flightplan" '05, "The Devil Wears Prada" '06, "Definitely, Maybe" '08, "RED" '10, "Hope Springs" '12), and a ton of others. The crispness of his photography exudes that grim, dark and solemn side of a war torn and oppressed WWII Germany. I smell several nods come Oscar time.

As mentioned prior, even though this wasn't based on a true story, if you're into historical events, you'll like this, because the way it is presented, looks as though an actual event could've occurred.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                            Rated: PG-13                         127mins.