The Book Thief (dvd) 2013 125 minutes £3
The particular interest in this film is mainly in its setting. Germany in the 1930s and 1940s is where this story takes place, the period which saw the rise of the Nazi party under Adolf Hitler leading to the second World War.
A young girl, Liesel, is given away for adoption by her mother who can no longer care for her. Her adoptive father, Hans, encourages Liesel to learn to read and she is soon captivated by the magic of books and reading. The family take in a Jewish boy, Max, whose father saved Hans’ life in the first Great War, so Hans had a debt of honour to repay. Max and Liesel become friends and the encouragement of reading continues apace. Eventually, Max realises that his presence in the house puts the family in considerable danger so he leaves and is soon arrested.
In a bombing raid during the war, Liesel’s adoptive family are all killed as is her young school friend whom she loves.
Ten years after the end of the war, Liesel is working in a tailor’s shop when Max suddenly comes in.
The story ends with Liesel living in New York with a family, grandchildren and a successful career as a writer. She dies at age 90. We are not told who is her husband.
The story, originally written in 2005 by an Australian and translated into over 60 languages, has twists and turns but is basically the tale of a young girl who is captivated by books and reading.
This is not a first line film in my opinion, but is of some interest nevertheless.