August 22, 2013 - 18:43 AMT
Emily Watson in "Book Thief" bestseller adaptation trailer

Twentieth Century Fox has released first trailer for "The Book Thief", the adaptation of Markus Zusak's 2006 bestseller. With its heartwarming story and the star power lent by Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson, the WWII drama certainly looks promising. As the trailer suggests, there is also a strong performance from newcomer Sophie Nelisse that surely makes the film even worth anticipating, AceShowbz said.

Though the novel is narrated by Death, it is Liesel Meminger (Nelisse) who tells her own story in the movie. "I don't have a family, or even a place to call a home," says Nelisse's character, introducing herself as the video opens. "I never understood the meaning of the word 'hope,' but I'm about to meet the people who will change all that."

The aforementioned people then are introduced, with Rush portraying a gentle "papa," who is later seen teaching the young girl to read, and Watson as a strict yet kind "mama." But, the two are not the only people in Liesel's new life. There is also a mystery man in the house who surprises her with his words, "It wasn't always mine," when asked about the book he holds tight.

Emmy-winning director Brian Percival directs from a script written by Michael Petroni. Also starring Ben Schnetzer and Nico Liersch, "The Book Thief" will open on November 15 in the U.S.