The Book Thief (2013)

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Firstly, let me state at the onset that I have read the book and loved it. Movies based on books often start with an inherent handicap with viewers like me and movies which have done a better job than the source material can be counted on a single hand with fingers to spare. So my observations are definitely coloured from that perspective. Well, the movie is overall good and largely stays very close to the source material. It has high production value, the cast look their part and acting is largely good. However, the movie seems to lack a soul, and therein lies my problem.Firstly, I believe the source material is a warm story in a dark setting. With its brightly lit sets, immaculate and dare I say fashionable dresses, and generally well-off surroundings, the characters never come off as indigent or suffering. It was difficult to understand why Leisel's mom was calling her dirty when she first meets her. The coat she was wearing could have easily come from a Ralph Lauren store. Overall, the movie could have done better with a cheaper wardrobe and set design.Next, Rudy and Leisel in the book are extremely energetic and passionate. Rudy, especially, came across as someone destined to conquer the world by his sheer confidence and charm. In the movie, they are both much more reserved and the movie is lesser for it. It is the juxtaposition of the spirit of the kids with their extremely harsh surroundings that lent the book its gravity. And both are toned down to a large extent in the movie. For example, in the book, Rudy is constantly hungry which makes Liesel and Rudy steal food alongwith a bunch of other kids. A single apple makes for a good day! The gravity of their situation is never felt in the movie.Similarly, the character development while decent could have been much better and that is the most apparent in the case of Rosa Hubermann, Liesel's adopted mom. Also, the commentary by death which was brilliant in the book just came across as tacky in the movie without lending any value. Lastly, the editing at a few places was shoddy, especially in the last scene which was devastating in the book but was fairly average in the movie. I would recommend watching the movie and people who have not read the book would definitely enjoy it more.

I'm so disappointed. I've read the book and I knew that they will change something but I wasnt ready to see what I saw. Usually I try not to complain the book and the movie but now I'm literally in schock. Absolutely beautiful story was maden in to usual movie story which also includes some cliche. This story was so unique and told wonderfully but when I say a movie I didn't feel anything and the storytelling was so bad. Once more, usually I'm feeling okay if something is changed in a movie or even includes something that the book doesn't have. But this is absolutely bad work. My rate is 3 only because some actors played really nice. P.S. Max is so cute.

I loved the movie so much on first viewing that I went out and bought the book. One of those occasions however where the movie is better than the written word. It surprises me that it seemed somewhat overlooked when on first release. Yes it is a bit too sentimental in places but that is what movies are sometimes meant to be, to take us out of our drab existence. The soundtrack is excellent too and by John Williams of course. In time I expect this to be a Christmas Day movie.

I am reviewing this title as a person who read the book. As you know movies that based on novel, it is inevitable that compare film and book. Mostly characters in the movie does not comply with that you imagine while reading and this can disappoint you. We mostly like book except a few exceptions. I have a few criticism according to book. In the movie there is noting about Miss Holtzapfel. Whereas she is mentioned mostly especially late in the book. In the book it is mentioned some tragic incidents about her and her sons. Also Liesel goes to her and reads book to Miss Holtzapfel. Likewise not mentioned about Ilsa Hermann in detail. However she is a very important character in the book. Many times Liesel goes her house for stealing books and Ilsa Hermann noticed that. She leaves a letter to Liesel and say that she does not has to come in by stealth, she can come anytime that she wants. These details are not part of the movie. Except for these there are also some details that not mentioned or different according the book in the movie.Although some criticism above, generally I like the movie. The atmosphere of the book and World War II Nazi Germany is reflected successfully. I can say that casting is successful but I imagine Hans Hubermann younger. I recommend this movie but after reading the book. My rating is 7/10.