Films of this quality have become rare in these days of often foolish, Hollywood comic book action blockbusters, but it's hoped this, along with 'The Railway Man' might see us treated to more intelligent modern cinema. John Williams' multi-layered music score brings to mind the style of strong scores that helped breath life into great classics from the past. Rush is reliable as always, managing to convey the emotions of a man living with fear, yet playing it down for the sake of his young adopted charge. Some cynical critics seem to have difficulty in understanding the intellect of children forced to grow up in terrible circumstances and may have been unnecessarily harsh. Young Nico Liersch scores equally as Rudy. Child actors can sometimes be hit or miss but award winning Sophie Nelisse (Liesel) is reminiscent of the great Patricia Gozzi from the 60s (Sundays and Cybele '62 & Rapture '65) She convinces over a full range of emotions. The cast all work hard to bring to life the characters from Markus Zusak's novel.
Director of Photography: German born Florian Ballhaus, captures the magnificence of the carefully selected locations, lifting astounding images from the pages of the book onto the screen. As is talented Director: Brian Percival (Downton Abbey & North and South) Both seem to have given their all, and with no less than 6 various producers, there seemed to be plenty of money to assure superb production values ~ guaranteeing a great look and feel. Screen play adapter: Michael Petroni who's been associated with such diverse works as "The Rite" and "Narnia" is equally at home writing for the BIG screen as well as TV. Some did not like the fact that death (as voice over) begins to tell the story, but this also served to make it all the more compelling. From the very opening scenes this film draws you in. They can read meaning (often their own) into works of crude ugliness, yet feel they have to hide from life affirming warmth. I've read several 'professional' reviews for this work and it seems too easy for some Critics to sit in their comfortable cinema seats, or arm chairs in the safety of their homes, and write, what often amount to trite comments. It gleams like the sun, glistens like rays on the surface of water - for here is a dark tale that lights up the very soul.
"The Book Thief" is certainly a rare kind of film for its day.
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