Book Thief, The (3/11/2014)

Rated PG-13 for some violence and intense depiction of thematic material.

Starring Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Sophie Nelisse, Ben Schnetzer, Nico Liersch and Kristen Block

Directed by Brian Percival

This is without a doubt one of the most powerful movies for young people – or people of any age for that matter.

Let’s be honest, most movies made for teenagers usually encourage selfishness, materialism, sex and a whole lot more. But this is a film that actually promotes upright qualities like self-sacrifice, courage in the face of unspeakable difficulties, and using your life to make a difference for others.

Based on Markus Zusak’s novel, The Book Thief expertly tells the story of a young German girl named Liesel, who is thrust into the horrors of World War II Germany and its many complications. The scope of the story is seen through the eyes of Liesel, making it quite an intimate tale that is less about war and more about the importance of remaining human in inhuman surroundings, and affecting those around you in a positive and profound way.

The film is both beautiful and dreadful, and moves at a perfect pace – not too fast, not too slow – which allows the audience to embrace the realities of Liesel’s situation. Sophie Nelisse is surprisingly strong as Liesel. Another pleasant surprise was Nico Liersch who plays Liesel’s friend Rudy. And Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson are so good as Liesel’s adoptive parents.

While it is obviously too intense for small children, a film such as this should be mandatory viewing for middle and high school students. It is a thoughtful and heart-tugging reminder of the importance of a well lived-life and just how fragile life really is. I also loved how it forced us to look beyond ourselves and see that we can be both beautiful and dreadful…sometimes at the same time.

The Book Thief is “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity and only one use of Hell.

There are a few scenes that may be disturbing for younger viewers, but other than that, this will be fine for most teenagers.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. Who narrates the film?


2. Why do you think the filmmaker chose death to narrate the film?


3. Read James 4:14
   
   What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears.
   
   
4. What does this first tell us about life?


5. What are some huge things you can do with your life that are meaningful and significant?


6. What is something you can do this week that is meaningful and significant?