The Book Thief (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
While subjected to the horrors of WWII Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. Under the stairs in her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.
Rated PG-13 • 2013 • 2h 11m
Set in Nazi Germany, "The Book Thief" earns its PG-13 rating for its intense thematic material and some violence related to the realities of war. The film centers on a young girl, Liesel, whose foster family secretly shelters a Jewish refugee. The primary content concerns involve the emotional weight of wartime atrocities, including the persecution of Jews, book burnings, and the sudden, non-graphic deaths of beloved characters in an… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Book Thief appropriate for kids?
Set in Nazi Germany, "The Book Thief" earns its PG-13 rating for its intense thematic material and some violence related to the realities of war. The film centers on a young girl, Liesel, whose foster family secretly shelters a Jewish refugee. The primary content concerns… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Book Thief
What happens in The Book Thief, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:25 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
- 0:41 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Book Thief
Essentially none. In a moment of childish flirtation, a boy makes a bet with Liesel that if he wins a race, she has to kiss him. This is not fulfilled and the tone is innocent.
Violence and gore in The Book Thief
Moderate. Several scenes involve bullying and fistfights between children, sometimes resulting in bloody noses or lips. An older Jewish man is beaten by soldiers in the street. The most intense violence is the aftermath of a climactic air raid, where the bodies of several main characters, including children, are shown lying dead in the rubble. These scenes are not gory but are emotionally devastating.
Language in The Book Thief
Mild. The most frequent profanity is the German insult "Saumensch" (roughly "sow" or "bitch") used by Liesel's foster mother, though its harshness is somewhat contextual. There is one use of "hell" and a barely audible insult involving "ass."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Book Thief
Mild and incidental. The foster father, Hans, occasionally drinks beer or from a bottle of schnapps, often in moments of stress. In one scene, a bottle of champagne is given as payment for a job.
Mature themes in The Book Thief
Strong and pervasive. The film is built upon the heavy themes of life and death under the Nazi regime, including the Holocaust, the persecution of Jews, and the constant threat of discovery and punishment. It deals directly with the death of a child at the beginning and the mass death of a community at the end, focusing on a young protagonist's profound grief and loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Book Thief appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Book Thief is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Set in Nazi Germany, "The Book Thief" earns its PG-13 rating for its intense thematic material and some violence related to the realities of war. The film centers on a young girl, Liesel, whose foster family secretly…
What age rating does The Book Thief have?
The Book Thief is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Book Thief about?
Set in Nazi Germany, "The Book Thief" earns its PG-13 rating for its intense thematic material and some violence related to the realities of war. The film centers on a young girl, Liesel, whose foster family secretly shelters a Jewish refugee. The primary content concerns involve the emotional weight of wartime…
Is there sex or nudity in The Book Thief?
Essentially none. In a moment of childish flirtation, a boy makes a bet with Liesel that if he wins a race, she has to kiss him. This is not fulfilled and the tone is innocent.
How violent is The Book Thief?
Moderate. Several scenes involve bullying and fistfights between children, sometimes resulting in bloody noses or lips. An older Jewish man is beaten by soldiers in the street. The most intense violence is the aftermath of a climactic air raid, where the…
Is the language in The Book Thief appropriate for kids?
Mild. The most frequent profanity is the German insult "Saumensch" (roughly "sow" or "bitch") used by Liesel's foster mother, though its harshness is somewhat contextual. There is one use of "hell" and a barely audible insult involving "ass."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Book Thief?
Mild and incidental. The foster father, Hans, occasionally drinks beer or from a bottle of schnapps, often in moments of stress. In one scene, a bottle of champagne is given as payment for a job.
What mature themes appear in The Book Thief?
Strong and pervasive. The film is built upon the heavy themes of life and death under the Nazi regime, including the Holocaust, the persecution of Jews, and the constant threat of discovery and punishment. It deals directly with the death of a child at the…
How long is The Book Thief?
The Book Thief runs 131 minutes, directed by Brian Percival, released in 2013.
Where can I read the full The Book Thief parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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