DVD movie: The Book Thief

Haven’t seen the movie, but have read the book. The book has very intense, sad themes, and is told from Death’s point of view. There are some bright spots, and it was well written, but sad. Some aspects include hiding Jews, Hitler Youth, burning books, stealing books, Communism, concentration camps, Nazis, friends and family dying violent deaths. Obviously, anything set in wartime in Germany is not too cheery.

I don’t know how closely the movie follows the book. I would suggest perhaps ages 12 and up for the book.

I have also read the book, and found it pretty dark.  Not sure how the movie takes it all on–the jacket of our copy at the library calls it “inspiring” and “uplifting” but knowing the story, I’m not sure how they got there.  Here is the Parental Advisory listing from Imdb:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0816442/parentalguide?ref_=tt_stry_pg

Just rented this today. I have yet to read the book, but I heard from a few friends who have read it that it is pretty good. Not sure how suitable it is for young minds.

I’ll be back later with a review of the movie once I watch it tonight! 🙂

We watched it as a family. My children are ages almost 8 and just turned 9. We did have to answer a few questions and discuss a few things, but both handled it just fine and thought it to be a good movie. It did keep both their attention, which surprised me because my daughter rarely finishes a movie. The violent scenes do not show a horrible amount of blood and guts. it is done very tastefully I think, but still portrayed how horrible the time was. I recommended it to a few local homeschool moms that are putting together a curriculum for some 14 year old boys that want to study the wars. HTH