The story is set in Nazi Germany during World War II and follows Liesel Meminger (played by Sophie NŽlisse), a young girl who is adopted by Hans (played by Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa Hubermann (played by Emily Watson) after the death of her younger brother. Liesel befriends a neighborhood boy named Rudy (played by Nico Liersch) and forms a close bond with her adoptive father, Hans.
Liesel develops a love for books and begins stealing them, sharing them with others and even the Jewish man, Max (played by Ben Schnetzer), hidden in the Hubermanns’ basement. The film is narrated by Death (voiced by Roger Allam), who observes Liesel’s life during this tumultuous period.
As the war intensifies, Liesel and those around her face the challenges and horrors of living under the oppressive Nazi regime. The film explores themes of the power of words, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
In the climax, Liesel and Max face significant challenges as the war reaches their doorstep. The resolution involves the aftermath of the war, Liesel’s continued love for storytelling, and the impact of her experiences on her life.
“The Book Thief” received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances, particularly Geoffrey Rush and Sophie NŽlisse, and criticism for its handling of the source material. The film’s emotional resonance and themes, however, found an audience appreciative of its portrayal of the human spirit during a dark period in history.