Spoiler-free thoughts about ‘The Book Thief’

Christy has wanted to take the Big Kids to see The Book Thief for several weeks. We were hesitant, however, because a PG-13 movie set in Germany in World War II has the potential of being something that isn’t exactly appropriate for our family at this time.

Thanks to the fine folks at Gofobo, I was able to watch a free screening of The Book Thief last night. I laughed. I squirmed. I was tense. Yes, I even cried a bit. And it’s pretty rare for a film to make me cry. But I wasn’t alone. During one scene in particular (not gonna tell you which one because that would be a spoiler and this post is spoiler-free), I don’t think there was a dry eye in the packed house.

I must admit that I’d never heard of the book upon which this film is based. I cannot tell you about its faithfulness to the original text. I can, however, tell you about the story that I experienced.

In recent weeks, I have watched Jobs and The Fifth Estate while they were out in the theater. After watching those two movies, I had begun to think that the only way Hollywood thinks you can change the world is by being an arrogant, self-centered, egotistical jerk who treats others like objects instead of people.

The Book Thief stands in stark contrast to these messages. Liesel and her foster family live in Nazi Germany and do what they can to shine light in a dark time led by even darker people. It’s a powerful story about people doing what people should be doing: caring for each other and standing up for one another. Perhaps we need more people doing what people should be doing right here and right now.

No, their accents aren’t exactly perfect. Death does seem to insert himself into the story in a somewhat clunky manner. But when is there ever an easy way for Death to enter the picture? Assuming that part stayed true to the book, then it makes sense to include him. And speaking of death, Dann Gire gets it wrong. This movie deals with death very directly. The audience doesn’t need to be shown the gas chambers or the death camps to know where the Jews are being sent. The audience doesn’t need to see what happens when officials haul citizens away to know that the person won’t be seen again. That’s not being “Disney-esque.” It’s having a little bit of faith in the audience. For a film that’s based on a young adult novel, there’s plenty of suspense, violence, and hatred  without going overboard. I think it strikes just the right balance.

The Book Thief touches on several important themes like racism, hate, freedom of speech, totalitarianism, nationalism, family, adoption/foster care, and a father’s love for his daughter. It also emphasizes the importance of story and how words have the power to bring life (or death). I left the movie challenged to use my words to speak life into the world and to tell more stories so I can shine light in the darkened places.

What was my verdict about whether it was appropriate for my teen and preteen to watch? They absolutely need to watch it. It should be a great conversation starter. I also hope it will encourage them to think about how they treat people – especially people who are picked on and oppressed. I know it’s certainly challenged me.

The Book Thief is a beautiful reminder that life is precious and unpredictable. It is also uncertain. We do not know what tomorrow holds. So don’t put off until tomorrow what you should be doing today. Speak up and speak life.

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Howdy. I'm Matt. My wife, Christy, and I have four kids and two dogs, I'm passionate about orphan care. I'm a die-hard fan of the Evansville Aces, the Indiana Hoosiers, and Star Wars. I'm trying to live life by the Todd family motto: "It behooves us to live!"
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