Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'The Book Thief'

(KCBS) — KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "The Book Thief," a film based on the best-selling novel about a young girl who takes comfort in books amid the events of war-torn Nazi Germany.

KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:

THE BOOK THEIF (PG-13)

The novel was an international best seller and this movie does it justice. In it, we meet a spirited young girl (Sophie Nelisse) forced to live with foster parents in a German town during World War II.

Her foster father, beautifully portrayed by Geoffrey Rush, is kind and often funny. Emily Watson, as a fearful mother, is a challenge, but these are terrible times under Hitler. But it's the young girl who tells the story.

With her youthful curiosity, she is determined to read and collect books at a time when they are burned, banned and reviled. With the help of her foster parents and a secret houseguest, she begins a new life.

This is not a bloody or graphically violent film, but one that puts a human face on war and hatred as well as friendship and heart.

I had a chance to ask Geoffrey Rush why he took on this role and he replied that he wanted to play a normal guy for once.

He plays more than that—it's a great performance and Oscar worthy.

Four hats.

Movies To See Right Now: Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club, 12 Years A Slave, All Is Lost, Running From Crazy & Gravity

Home Viewing/DVD: Francis Ha & Turbo

Theatre: The Gershwins' Porgy And Bess - through December 8 at the Golden Gate Theatre - shnsf.com

You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

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