Although there have been many greatworks of fiction about World War IIthat have emerged since the conclusion of the conflict itself,The Book Thiefalmostimmediately announced itself as a future classic when it hit bookshelves in 2005.Praised for its beautiful prose and frank examination of radicalism in a fascist society,The Book Thiefserved as a celebration of the real heroes that fought for freedom and integrityduring one of the most dangerous periods in human history.The Book Thiefwas considered to be “unadaptable,” as the novel featured some clever framing devices and internalized moments of introspection that may have been difficult to translate to the screen. However,the adaptation ofThe Book Thiefsucceeded thanks to the tremendous breakout performance bySophie Nélisse, before she became a more recognized star thanks to her acclaimed role onYellowjackets.
What Is ‘The Book Thief’ About?
Nélisse stars inThe Book Thiefas the nine-year-old girl Liesel, who is sent to live with her foster parents Rosa (Emily Rush) and Hans Hubermann (Geoffrey Rush) because her birth mother is a member of the Communist Party and no longer feels safe during the rise of the Nazis in Germany.The year is 1939, and Germany has become scarier than ever,as the authoritarian regime ofAdolf Hitlerhas begun to slowly steal away freedoms from those that would potentially try to defend their rights. Although one of Hitler’s key goals is todestroy any literature that he deems to be objectionable,Liesel steals the book ofThe Gravedigger’s Handbookand slowly begins to learn to read alongside Hans. Although she begins to form a tight friendship with her next-door neighbor, Rudy Steiner (Nico Liersch),the threat of war seeks to separate them. More dangerously,Hans has decided to help house the escaped Jewish manMax Vanderberg (Ben Schnetzer), which makes their household a target for a fascist invasion.
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No order of milk in this one.
The Book Thiefis a very bleak story about the futility of existence, as it even features an opening voiceover byRobert Allamas the personification of Death. Given that the film does not shy away from topics such as assimilation, genocide,and familial conflict,there wasa significant amount of pressure put upon Nélisse to give a well-rounded performancethat felt realistic within the dire circumstances. She completely succeeds, as Liesel’s curiosity and personability offer an interesting way to examine history.Characters that are living through transformative moments in historyoften do not recognize it at the time,and it is particularly challenging for Liesel to begin developing as an adolescent when she is surrounded by hate. Nélisse does an excellent job at showing how Liesel faces the world with skepticism but isstill able to learn about the nature of love and artas she finds a mentor in Hans.
‘The Book Thief’ Shows War Through a Child’s Eyes
The Book Thiefis a very successful examination of World War IIbecause it shows the collapse of Germany’s political structurethrough the eyes of a child who watches the nation give in to its worst leaders.Liesel is aware that she is in a dangerous placefrom the beginning due to the fear that her mother expressed, but she does end up finding true passion as she finds escapism within the various books that Hans is able to find. The most heartbreaking aspect of the story isLiesel’s recognition that Hans’ kindness is a novelty,and most other citizens would notshow the same defiance in the face of evil.The depth that Nélisse shows in her performance is remarkable for a child actor, as she does not risk making the material too saccharine.
The Book Thiefrequired a performance as dynamic as Nélisse’s to be effective, as it did not have the benefit of literally putting the viewer in the head of Liesel like the novel did. Although Nélisse is able to emphasize all of the qualities that hadmade the character so compelling on the page, she adds a bit of spunk and personality to her performance that offers something new. Although the prospect of a film aboutthe eradication of art as a result of fascism may be a difficult pill to swallow right nowgiven recent events,The Book Thiefmarked a breakout performance from a young actress that seems destined to become a generational talent.
The Book Thief
