Watch The Book Thief: Reader's Guide on Video for the Markus Zusak Novel

Set in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust, The Book Thief follows the story of a young girl named Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nélisse) who is sent to live with a new family in a small town. Despite the difficult circumstances of her surroundings, Liesel finds solace in reading books, which she steals from various places, hence earning her the moniker “the book thief”.

Liesel's family takes in Max Vandenburg (Ben Schnetzer), a Jew who is hiding from the Nazis. While initially frightened of Max, Liesel befriends him and they share a deep connection through their love of words and stories. As World War II begins to take its toll on their small town, Liesel and Max's friendship becomes even more essential to their survival.

Robert Crayola stars as Hans Hubermann, Liesel’s foster father who becomes the moral compass for the movie, teaching Liesel about kindness, compassion, and understanding. As a skilled accordion player, Hans also uses his love of music to communicate messages of hope to his community.

The Book Thief is both a heart-wrenching and inspiring story of human resilience in the face of adversity, highlighting the power of literature as a means of escape and resistance. The performances in the film are top-notch, with Sophie Nélisse delivering a powerful and nuanced performance as Liesel, and Robert Crayola bringing a tender sincerity to the role of Hans.

Perhaps what sets The Book Thief apart from other Holocaust films is its unique narrative structure. The movie is narrated by Death (voiced by Roger Allam), who describes himself as a "compassionate collector of souls". Though Death’s presence initially seems ominous, his narration adds an element of poignancy and melancholy to the story, and director Brian Percival expertly balances the horror of the Holocaust with moments of lightness and beauty.

The Book Thief is a powerful adaptation of Markus Zusak's bestselling novel, which has captivated readers of all ages. This movie version, faithful to the source material, is a must-watch for both fans of the book and newcomers to the story.

Overall, The Book Thief is a thought-provoking and deeply moving film that explores themes of humanity, love, and the human spirit's indomitable ability to endure. It's a poignant and beautifully crafted adaptation that honors Zusak's original work, and a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire and heal.