The Book Thief

The Book Thief (2013)

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125 min - Drama, War - 8 November 2013
Big Blue Sky Rating : 5.9/10

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Director : Brian Percival
Writers : Markus Zusak, Michael Petroni
Stars : Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer

The 550-page, World War II-era novel, narrated by Death, tells the story of Liesel Meminger from the time she is taken at age 9 to live with a foster family in a German working-class neighborhood. Liesel arrives having just stolen her first book, "The Gravediggers Handbook" -- it will be the beginning of a love affair with books.

Another Stunning Performance by Emily Watson

A very moving interpretation of the famed novel is anchored solidly by a mesmerizing, dynamically stunning performance by Emily Watson. While she is aided by a wonderful turn by Mr. Rush, it is Watson who is the pillar of acting power that supports the entire film and is the center of suppressed emotion that bubbles beneath a seemingly self-protective surface. She is stellar in this role and as usual her artistic gifts give the film gravitas and direction. There are scenes between she and the child and with her husband that will sear your soul and touch your heart more deeply than anything ever put on screen. This is a performance that deserves an outrageously delayed Academy Award for Ms. Watson, even if it is a misplaced supporting actress one. It would be ironic if she receives her first Oscar for supporting because she is actually the unforgettable centerpiece of every piece she appears in and defines the word "star." This film is worth seeing if only to witness another incredibly beautiful performance by Emily Watson and to watch the most truly gifted actor of our time add another triumph to her majestic career.

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Monsieur Lazhar

Monsieur Lazhar (2011)

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PG-13 - 94 min - Comedy, Drama - 7 March 2012
Big Blue Sky Rating : 7.5/10

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Director : Philippe Falardeau
Writers : Philippe Falardeau, Evelyne de la Chenelière
Stars : Mohamed Fellag, Sophie Nélisse, Émilien Néron, Danielle Proulx

Bachir Lazhar, an Algerian immigrant, is hired to replace an elementary school teacher who died tragically. While the class goes through a long healing process, nobody in the school is aware of Bachir's painful former life; nor that he is at risk of being deported at any moment. Adapted from Evelyne de la Cheneliere's play, Bachir Lazhar depicts the encounter between two distant worlds and the power of self-expression. Using great sensitivity and humor, Philippe Falardeau follows a humble man who is ready to transcend his own loss in order to accompany children beyond the silence and taboo of death.

beautiful film

Here again is an amazing French language film about children....This film brings up so many issues about the state of education in our modern society... the role of the teacher, the administrators, the parents, in the development of our kids... and our society. And the children in this film are all wonderful... smart, caring, funny, and mischievous. I wonder, hypothetically, what children become without someone like MONSIEUR LAZHAR in their lives. I think more and more children have fewer adult role models to look up to. Everyone is so busy, cornered in their own boxes, afraid to step out of bounds, with no time to give...It makes for a secluded...secular world...

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