SILVER SCREEN - The Boy In The Striped Pajamas

The Boy In The Striped Pajamas

Directed by: Mark Herman
Written by: Mark Herman
Based on the novel by: John Boyne

Released by: BBC Films; Miramax
Year released: 2008

Starring:
Asa Butterfield as Bruno
Jack Scanlon as Shmuel
David Thewlis as Ralf (Bruno's father)
Vera Farmiga as Elsa (Bruno's mother)
Amber Beattie as Gretel
Rupert Friend as Lieutenant Kotler









The Boy In The Striped Pajamas is a period movie based on the novel of the same title by John Boyne. The movie is set in World War II during the height of Adolf Hitler's campaign against the Jews. The story revolves around Bruno, an eight year old German who is the son of a Nazi Commandant. His curiosity led him to discover a place near his home where people wear pajamas all day. Bruno's naivety believes that the place is a farm. Little did he know that the place is a concentration camp for Jews that his father commands. Curiosity gets to him and leads him to sneak out and go to the place he believes is a farm. He then befriends a young Jewish boy named Shmuel. Bruno doesn't understand the dangers that their friendship will result into.


I watched the movie yesterday and here is what I thought about it:


The Boy In The Striped Pajamas is a certified tearjerker. Ever since I have watched Life is Beautiful (starring Roberto Benigni), I have always been touched by movies involving Nazi concentration camps. However, the difference of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is that it was told from a point of view of a innocent young boy. Bruno, although he believes his father is a good man, does not understand yet what his father's job is. What I also like about this movie is that it was not bloody or gory. It focused more on Bruno's innocence,  his parent's disagreement about Ralf's job and Bruno's friendship with Shmuel. Although political views were also discussed in the film, what I liked about this movie it that it still focused on the facet that the story is in the point of view of an innocent child.

I will not tell anymore since this movie is highly recommended for watching. (ayoko maging spoiler this time).



I haven't read the book yet so I cannot comment on how it is adapted and their differences. Meanwhile, here is the trailer of the movie:













My rating for this movie : 6 stars 





Happy watching!!!



Comments