The 550-page World War II-era novel narrated by Death tells the story of Liesel Meminger from the time she is taken at age 9 to live with a foster family in a German working-class neighborhood. Liesel arrives having just stolen her first book The Gravediggers Handbook -- it will be the beginning of a love affair with books.
Review
A very moving interpretation of the famed novel is anchored solidly by a mesmerizing dynamically stunning performance by Emily Watson. While she is aided by a wonderful turn by Mr. Rush it is Watson who is the pillar of acting power that supports the entire film and is the center of suppressed emotion that bubbles beneath a seemingly selfprotective surface. She is stellar in this role and as usual her artistic gifts give the film gravitas and direction. There are scenes between she and the child and with her husband that will sear your soul and touch your heart more deeply than anything ever put on screen. This is a performance that deserves an outrageously delayed Academy Award for Ms. Watson even if it is a misplaced supporting actress one. It would be ironic if she receives her first Oscar for supporting because she is actually the unforgettable centerpiece of every piece she appears in and defines the word "star." This film is worth seeing if only to witness another incredibly beautiful performance by Emily Watson and to watch the most truly gifted actor of our time add another triumph to her majestic career.