Book Thief

Based on the novel of the same name, written by Markus Zusak, this is the story of  Liesl, a German  girl (Sophie Nelisse) who is adopted by Hans and Rosa Hubermann (Geoffery Rush and Emily Watson) after her communist mother flees Nazi Germany.  On the way, her brother dies on the train and during his burial, she spies a book fall from one of the gravedigger's pockets thus beginning her book thievery.

Back in World War One, Hans had promised the Jewish family of a fallen comrade that he would do anything for them if they needed.  The son, Max shows up at Hans' door and the Hubermanns proceed to hide a Jew during the war.

Most of the movies set during the holocaust are from the Jewish perspective so this is refreshing to see the viewpoint of not only a German but a young girl.  Liesl reminded me of the real life German girl, Anne Frank (a writer born on June 12th just like this reviewer) with her innocence yet humanity in the face of war.

This movie was true to the book (but of course read the book for more detail), had wonderful acting, beautiful score and scenery.  The storyline between Liesl and Max is not to be outdone by Liesl and Hans, Liesl and Rudy, Liesl and the Mayor's wife nor Liesl and the neighbor, Frau Heinrich.

Overall, I give this two thumbs up in our constant yearning to learn from our history and celebrate the goodness which reside in all of our hearts but sometimes is hidden by tragic war and other negative circumstances.