The Book Thief is a 2013 war drama film directed by Brian Percival and starring Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, and Sophie Nélisse.

The Book Thief premiered at the Mill Valley Film Festival on October 3, 2013, and was released for general distribution in the United States on November 8, 2013.

In one of the opening scenes, Liesel steals her first book, titled The Grave Digger's Handbook, after her brothers death, when it falls out of the gravedigger's pocket.

One day Liesel is found reading by the mayor, who not only puts a stop to her visits but dismisses Rosa as their laundress.

Max initially stays in Liesel's room while recovering from his trip, and they begin to become friends over their mutual hatred of Hitler.

After Franz leaves, Rudy plunges into the icy river to rescue the journal, and Liesel realizes that she can truly trust him.

Two years later, after Germany has been occupied by the Allies, Liesel is working in the tailor shop owned by late Rudy's father when Max suddenly enters.

The final scene is Death speaking again about Liesel's life and her death at the age of 90, mentioning her husband, children, and grandchildren, as we look over her modern day Manhattan Upper East Side apartment with pictures of her past and a portrait of her younger self, upon which the camera lingers.

[11] After some speculation that Death might be voiced by the anonymous American actor who was used in the official trailer,[citation needed] it was announced[when?]

The site's consensus states, "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.

[17] In her review for the New Empress Magazine, Mairéad Roche praised the film for providing a "fresher perspective on the war" through the experiences of ordinary Germans who lived through the Nazi era.

[5] In addition to the "Oscar-baiting beautiful" cinematography and John Williams's film score that contribute to the film's emotional appeal, Roche singled out the performance of young Sophie Nélisse as Liesel that "matches the well-measured and seemingly effortless efforts of both Rush and Watson".

[5] Roche concluded, The Book Thief weaves a consistent thread of humanity through its narrative via the commonality of Death, storytelling, and the concept of free will.

A blurring of vision due to tears is to be expected, but that effect is delivered with respect and dignity to the audience.

[5]In his review following the Mill Valley Film Festival, Dennis Harvey at Variety magazine wrote, "Rush generously provides the movie's primary warmth and humor; Watson is pitch-perfect as a seemingly humorless scold with a well-buried soft side.

"[18] Harvey also praised the film's cinematography and film score, noting that "impeccable design contributions are highlighted by Florian Ballhaus'[s] somber but handsome widescreen lensing and an excellent score by John Williams that reps his first feature work for a director other than Steven Spielberg in years.