2013 has turned out to be a good year for movies. I have taken in quite a few winners: Gravity; Captain Phillips; Hunger Games: Catching Fire, just to name a few.
This afternoon, I went to see The Book Thief. I read the novel this fall, and I am so glad that I read it first.
The Book Thief is a large book (576 pages for the paperback). When a big book becomes a two hour movie, there is a lot that has to be left out. That was definitely true in this case. So many crucial scenes in the book that were reduced down to mere moments in the film. Countless more that were left out entirely. It made me feel sorry for anybody who hasn’t read the book before seeing the movie.
Still, I enjoyed the movie. The key actors—Sophie Nelisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson—did a fabulous job. Emily Watson’s Rosa was way too nice way too soon, but Geoffrey Rush as Papa was perfection. It took me a little while to warm to the actor who played Max. He didn’t look a thing like I had imagined Max. But by the end, I was invested in him and his survival.
I had a couple of issues with the novel, particularly some of the language used throughout. Not an issue in the movie. I’m glad of that.
I give the movie a solid four stars.
~robin
