Cinema Society

THE BOOK THIEF

Average
Rating

2.8

Thursday, November 07, 2013, ArcLight La Jolla

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

On Screen: 4:30pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

ArcLight La Jolla (Auditoriums 4 & 5)

Cinema Chat and Introduction begins 15 minutes prior to screenings

Discussion follows screenings

Winner, Audience Award--Mill Valley Film Festival

THE BOOK THIEF

Based on the beloved bestselling book, THE BOOK THIEF tells the inspirational story of a spirited and courageous young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a new family in World War II Germany. Starring Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson and Sophie Nelisse, THE BOOK THIEF, a 20th Century-Fox Release, is directed by Brian Percival, and opens commercially in San Diego on November 27th.

Running Time: 125 Minutes. Rated PG-13 for some violence and intense depiction of thematic material.

PLEASE NOTE: This event takes place on a Thursday.

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19-Nov-13: Jerry - Rating: 4

I did not read the book and therefore I harbor no disappointment that the movie did not live up to the book.

Acting, sets, and photography were superb.

18-Nov-13: VERA CZMMZILX\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - Rating: 2

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11-Nov-13: Alice - Rating: 2

I must join those of you who found the film to be a disappointment. With the renowned expertise of everyone associated with this film I expected more. The cinematography was stunning (although the street set seemed right out of a Kincade fake painting). The performances were excellent but the relentless earnestness and pace of the movie was exhausting and tedious. I couldn't wait for it to be over.

11-Nov-13: jh - Rating: 2

I have to weigh in on this one as I feel so betrayed by the filmmakers. The book was packed with emotion; the film was devoid of it. I was going to give it a 3 but Jas' brilliant comment talked me into the 2.

8-Nov-13: SiouxMac - Rating: 4

I absolutely loved the book, so I was a little worried the movie wouldn't do it justice. In short, I think it was a valiant effort. The casting was perfect, the photography and sets fit what had previously been in my head. The story was mostly accurate, with a few changes. Several of the relationships were more complex and better drawn out in the book, most notably the one between Hans and Liesel and the burgermeister's wife and Liesel.

If you liked the movie at all and haven't read the book, I encourage you to do so.

8-Nov-13: Mroe - Rating: 4

Though I did seem some previews for this movie I had not read the book so I did not have the same expectations or anticipation of those that had…..I felt like I had watched a Hans Christian Andersen story come to life. The film was beautifully shot/designed/costumed and “Liesel” was remarkable, I got lost in those eyes and everyone’s acting was superb. I sorta wish I was warned that this was at least a 3-hanky viewing but then maybe had I been anticipating that I wouldn’t have so freely let the tears flow. Though I did have a few questions that I am not sure would have been answered in the book, like after Liesel survived the bombings did she go live with the Mayor and his wife and just work for Rudy’s Dad or did she raised by Rudy’s Dad…???..and yes, where had Max been all this time?? ...the very end as the camera panned what was supposed to be Liesel’s “Australian” apartment giving us a brief glimpse into the life she made for herself, it reminded me of the ending of Titanic when it panned pictures of what Rose’s history was after being given a chance at a different/better life. I hope the discrepancies and lacking details from the book won’t hurt this film as it is a great story all on its own….maybe they should have said “inspired by the book…” ;o)

7-Nov-13: Jas - Rating: 2

Although I have not read the book, I liked it better than the movie. In the first part, I liked the movie a lot. I was not sure where it was going, but it was so earnest and poignant it was great. The cinematography was also great.

After the first hour and a half, I started to really wonder where the movie was going, and it didn't seem to know either. After wandering around for another eternity, it ended with a remarkably unsatisfying finish.

I can see where a book can provide so much more detail that the story's inner life would be rich and meaningful. I think the director / editor fell in love with the book, the story, his film and so could not provide the cutting it desperately needed.

So after all the girl and her new papa shared, all she can do is leave him lying on the rocks and go kiss Rudy?

So much potential, but almost toture to watch.

All the actors turned in marvelous performances. Leisel and Han were amazing.