The Book Thief

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The Book Thief

PG-13

Released Nov 8, 2013

2h 7m

History

Drama

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50%

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149 Reviews

73%

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50,000+ Ratings

In 1938, young orphan Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) arrives at the home of her new foster parents, Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson). When Hans, a kindly housepainter, learns that Liesel cannot read, he teaches the child the wonders of the written language. Liesel grows to love books, even rescuing one from a Nazi bonfire. Though Liesel's new family barely scrape by, their situation becomes even more precarious when they secretly shelter a Jewish boy whose father once saved Hans' life.

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Critics Consensus

A bit too safe in its handling of its Nazi Germany setting, The Book Thief counters its constraints with a respectful tone and strong performances.

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Kate Muir

The Times (UK)

The film is hamstrung by the novel's structure, unsure whether to be a 12A-certificate family outing, or to luxuriate in morbid irony.

Jan 2, 2018

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Larushka Ivan-Zadeh

metro.co.uk

I'd heard reports that this film could reduce grown men to tears - but I'm guessing they were just yawning with boredom.

Rated: 2/5

Mar 4, 2014

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Mark Kermode

Observer (UK)

Tries to blend heartwarming moral observation with ill-fitting metaphysical contrivance.

Rated: 2/5

Mar 2, 2014

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

The film has its respectful essence, but lacks a bit of the spirit and entertainment value.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 16, 2024

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

For two hours I was a resident on that small town German street. I cared about the characters, laughed with them, and was pierced by the tragedies they endured.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 19, 2022

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Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

The Book Thief mixes British actors using German accents, a few German actors, and the occasional German word, creating a playfully successful illusion of German-ness. The story is tragic and captivating at the same time. Nélisse and Rush are outstanding.

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 27, 2022

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BJ M

This was a beautiful film. I found the characters and action believeable and compelling. So many films are so unrealistic - but this one really takes a viewer back to another world. I strongly recommend it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/09/25

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Gabriella R

I felt like the ending was rushed a little bit but overall a beautiful story. I loved how diffrent the characters acted. I loved the father and hid input to the movie

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/31/25

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Daniel Y

The film perfectly captures the characters and the setting, the acting is perfect. My only complaint is how some elements are rushed or missed out which is standard for the transfer from a book to a film

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/24

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Audience Member

Amazing and moving film. All of the performers were amazing, it is an enduring story of the human spirit.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/22/24

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Godfrey D

It's a really good movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/07/24

Full Review

Bulgantamir B

It was the best movie of that time

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/06/24

Full Review

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Brian Percival

Director

Geoffrey Rush

Hans Hubermann

Emily Watson

Rosa

Sophie Nélisse

Liesel Meminger

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Rudy

Ben Schnetzer

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Synopsis

In 1938, young orphan Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) arrives at the home of her new foster parents, Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson). When Hans, a kindly housepainter, learns that Liesel cannot read, he teaches the child the wonders of the written language. Liesel grows to love books, even rescuing one from a Nazi bonfire. Though Liesel's new family barely scrape by, their situation becomes even more precarious when they secretly shelter a Jewish boy whose father once saved Hans' life.

Director: Brian Percival
Producer: Karen Rosenfelt, Ken Blancato
Screenwriter: Michael Petroni
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Sunswept Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Some Violence|Intense Thematic Material)
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 8, 2013, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 18, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $21.4M
Runtime: 2h 7m
Sound Mix: Dolby, SDDS

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