MOVIE
REVIEW:
THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS

11/05/08

SYNOPSIS:
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a fictional story that
offers a unique perspective on how prejudice, hatred and
violence affect innocent people, particularly children,
during wartime. Through the lens of an eight-year-old boy
largely shielded from the reality of World War II, we
witness a forbidden friendship that forms between Bruno, the
son of Nazi commandant, and Schmuel, a Jewish boy held
captive in a concentration camp. Though the two are
separated physically by a barbed wire fence, their lives
become inescapably intertwined. The imagined story of Bruno
and Shmuel sheds light on the brutality, senselessness and
devastating consequences of war from an unusual point of
view. Together, their tragic journey helps recall the
millions of innocent victims of the Holocaust.
REVIEW: “History in
the making” is what Bruno’s (Asa Butterfield) grandfather
told him to justify the events that were going on around
him. Throughout history, man has always seemed to have a
problem with his fellow man. It’s like we just can’t live
together in this vast planet we all call home. There are few
events in history that demonstrate the truth of that as much
as the Holocaust. This movie takes you straight to that
setting as seen through the eyes of an 8 year old German
boy, Bruno, whose father just so happens to be the
commandant of a prison camp for Jews, just across the field
from their new home. This relatively young couple along with
their two children, Gretel and Bruno, have left beautiful
Berlin and relocated to this quaint country home all in the
line of duty. Little does Bruno know what exactly goes on in
that camp and the role his father plays. For a while, Bruno
is under the belief that it’s a farm. Regardless, his father
Ralph (David Thewlis) has dragged his family into a line of
work that requires the worker to have no conscience. Ralph
and Gretel seem to qualify, but Bruno and his mother don’t.
Neither does Ralph’s mother who accuses Ralph of liking his
uniform and what it represents.
I’ve been using the word powerful a lot lately to describe
some of the movies I’ve seen. Believe it or not, I don’t
think I’ve been using the term loosely, especially in this
case. This is a powerful movie and it is not for everybody.
Priscilla went along with me because of her affinity for the
subject matter among other reasons. Her interest is sparked
by her direct connection to those events. She has ancestors
that perished under those unthinkable crimes as well as some
that survived them. Well, she left the theater emotionally
shaken and quite upset; not disappointed, but upset. She
almost regrets having gone with me to see this film, that’s
how strong it is. At the same time, however, she realizes
that these films have the value of not letting people forget
about that truly disturbing period in time. She agreed with
me that the movie is very well done and it brings a fresh
perspective. The way the movie ends, however, will hit you
like a bucket of ice water dumped on you in one shot.
Everybody left the theater in utter silence and reverence.
This film will touch you and tug at your heart. It will give
you an idea of the injustice and the inhumane treatment of
other human beings. Priscilla commented that they were
“treated like dogs”. I think dogs are treated better. The
German military and other government supporters thought of
them as not being people at all.
Asa, who plays Bruno, steals the show with his childhood
innocence and dialogue as well as his striking crystal blue
eyes. David Thewlis and Vera Farmiga play Bruno’s parents
and they both give stirring performances as well. David is
the dedicated soldier and defender of the fatherland, and
Vera is the dedicated mother and defender of humanity. The
cinematography was masterful including the use of color
outside the camp and the absence of color inside the camp.
Even the music adds to the effect, especially during the
climax. It will put a chill up and down your spine and the
climax will leave you speechless. Director and Co-writer
Mark Herman has done an excellent job with this piece. I
would say he accomplished his goals with this motion
picture. If you are in the mood for a serious, heart
wrenching tale taking place during one of the darkest eras
in the history of mankind, then don’t miss it.
Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
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People Movie Review
The Boy in The Striped Pajamas
Cat |
90 |
this book is beautiful and sad. it makes
you realise the horours and cruelty in a
concentration camp, and most of all, it
makes you realise how many people
thought the camps were nice places or
didn't even know they were there at all. |
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