*Read John Williams’ biography here
The Book Thief
Released in 2013, The Book Thief was the first movie since 2005 where John Williams didn’t work with Steven Spielberg (the director was Brian Percival). The movie stars Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson and Sophie Nelisse.
A World War II drama based on a 2005 novel of the same name, the film is about a young girl who is taught to read by her kind foster father in Nazi Germany. The girl starts to “borrow” books and share them with the Jewish refugees her foster parents shelter in their home.
The movie was nominated for three Best Original Score awards but failed to win any (Oscar won by Gravity, BAFTA won by Gravity and Golden Globe won by The Theory of Everything) . It did, however, win Best Instrumental Album at the 57th Grammy Awards.
I haven’t seen the movie but I have heard the piece before as it often appears in the Top 10 list of music by John Williams. It’s a classical piece with solos by the piano. I find it has a dark element which, considering the setting, seems appropriate, but as the music swells it brightens – perhaps showing the pleasure the books gave to the Jewish refugees. What do you think?
April 2, 2019 at 8:32 pm
I have seen it, AND read the book! A lovely film, too, visually and musically! In the novel, the story was told by Death, as in the Grim Reaper.
Today’s A to Z post on The Great Raven: Robert Bloch.
https://suebursztynski.blogspot.com/2019/04/atoz-challenge-b-is-for-robert-bloch.html
April 3, 2019 at 9:50 am
It’s on my “want to watch” list, although I hadn’t realised the book was told from the pov of Death so now I think I might have to add it to my tbr pile as well.
April 2, 2019 at 8:41 pm
Very classic, but nice 🙂
April 3, 2019 at 9:51 am
It is nice, JazzFeathers. Thanks for stopping by.
April 2, 2019 at 10:29 pm
Oh, I read the book and loved it. Did not realize there was a movie. Now I know and will have to check it out. Thanks, AJ!
April 3, 2019 at 9:51 am
Another who enjoyed the book. Will definitely have to see if the library has it. Thanks, Deb.
April 3, 2019 at 12:01 am
Haven’t heard of this movie either….lol two for two!
This piece of music is absolutely beautiful though
April 3, 2019 at 9:52 am
I bet you’ll have seen some of the movies coming up though, GF!
April 3, 2019 at 2:35 am
Beautiful! I too have never seen the film but just the first couple notes in the youtube video you posted promise something lush and beautiful.
Joy at THE JOYOUS LIVING
April 3, 2019 at 9:52 am
It is a lovely piece of music, Joy. Thanks for stopping by.
April 3, 2019 at 4:13 am
The movie’s too new for me to have seen it, but the theme is nice.
April 3, 2019 at 9:57 am
It is a nice theme, and a little different from his usual fare.
April 3, 2019 at 7:56 am
I will be reading the book first. Films with historic based events make me aware of the ways of life and the challenges they faced during that time. The Zookeeper’s wife is one such movie which I liked very much.
April 3, 2019 at 9:58 am
I really enjoyed The Zookeeper’s Wife. And I usually prefer to read the book first as well – I never enjoy them as much if I read them after watching the movie.
April 3, 2019 at 1:07 pm
I missed this movie. I don’t plan on seeing it, though.
April 3, 2019 at 10:36 pm
I’m not sure it is a happy movie, so I totally get not wanting to see it.
April 3, 2019 at 6:40 pm
This is a film I have not seen. It sounds like the kind of movie my mother would love but I’m more into things that are a little more speculative.
Tasha
Tasha’s Thinkings – Ghost Stories
April 3, 2019 at 10:37 pm
From your blog posts that doesn’t surprise me, Tasha. I think the next movie I showcase will be more up your alley =)