<P> The Book Thief is a 2013 American - German war drama film directed by Brian Percival and starring Geoffrey Rush , Emily Watson , and Sophie Nélisse . The film is based on the 2005 novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and adapted by Michael Petroni . The film is about a young girl living with her adoptive German family during the Nazi era . Taught to read by her kind - hearted foster father , the girl begins `` borrowing '' books and sharing them with the Jewish refugee being sheltered by her foster parents in their home . The film features a musical score by Oscar - winning composer John Williams . </P>
when did the book thief movie come out
2013