World War II drama “The
Book Thief” is not for me. It is intended for teen girls familiar with fantasy
and romance, not familiar with the Holocaust. “Thief” -- based on a YA novel -– wants
tragic and magic as it follows every crushing blow -– death, illness, bombing -–
with an immediate balm, often so fantastically out of place, it made me laugh.
In disbelief. It is narrated by “Death” (why?) in a voice not different than
Gandalf or Dumbledore, assured words pouring bright magic over the terror of
Hitler’s Germany. The titular character is Liesel (Sophie Nelisse), ferried to
rural Germany to live with childless peasants (Emily Watson and Geoffrey Rush).
On the way, Liesel’s brother dies. Cry not. Rush’s new poppa is Mr. Rogers
kind. Liesel steals a “criminal” book from burning, and is seen by the wife of
the head Nazi. Fear not. Kind frau lets the girl steal books from her own home.
The town is bombed. Scores die. Fear not. Liesel is found, adapted, loved, and
saved. In two minutes. I know “Thief” must speak gently to and not horrify its
young audience, and I get that, but I still cringed. Sage narrator, gorgeous
cinematography. Cringe. C-
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