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The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas (2008)

Director: Mark Herman

Time Out rating

Average user rating

70 reviews

Synopsis

The son of a Nazi officer befriends a concentration camp inmate in this harrowing, inspiring drama.

Movie review

From Time Out London

This writer can’t remember witnessing a harder-hitting kids’ movie denouement than the one that closes this microcosm of middle-class German family life in WWII. A tender adaptation of John Boyne’s 2006 children’s novel, Mark Herman’s film views a world in conflict through the innocent eyes of eight-year-old Bruno (Asa Butterfield), whose cosseted lifestyle as the son of a high-ranking Nazi officer (David Thewlis) is in stark contrast to the intolerable existence experienced by Europe’s Jewish populace.

At first we’re never quite sure what role Bruno’s father plays in the war, but we – and his increasingly suspicious wife (Vera Farmiga) – soon come to the conclusion that he has something to do with the distant concentration camp visible from the family’s back window. When Bruno spots a group of men toiling away in striped clothing, he’s sufficiently inquisitive to sneak over the garden gate for a peek.

It’s there, behind the camp’s electric fence, that Bruno first claps eyes on Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), a shaven-headed prisoner of the same age. As a conversation develops between the children, they strike up a friendship – one that leads to a shockingly fateful decision. The frightfully English accents are way out of kilter for a film set in Europe, but you learn to live with it. Thewlis, too, seems ill-cast at first but, as the film takes on a more sombre, foreboding tone, he begins to relish the part. Ultimately, though, it’s the kids’ movie; both Butterfield and Scanlon deliver strong, poignant performances. Just prepare to leave the screening feeling somewhat depressed.

Author: Derek Adams 2008-09-09 10:10:23

Time Out London Issue 1986, 11-17 Sept

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User reviews of this film

Brit said...

Posted on Sep 13 2009 18:26 i have just watched the film at school.... i loved it, it was so sad i didnt cry but if i was at home i would of. Aw it was horrible how they were treated. Bruno is so cute. the bit at the end was hard for me not to cry when is mother was shouting Bruno... i really enjoyed defently recommend. it makes me go and read the book. (: one of the best movies i have seen.

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Janet said...

Posted on Sep 01 2009 00:20 I watched this film on my own in bed, and when it ended I just sat there - stunned. I think I prefer to be entertained!! I'm giving it 2 stars because the acting by the kids was good, and they deserve to get good parts in future

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blib said...

Posted on Aug 17 2009 08:33 PERFECT DAY ...Methinks you need to get out more old son and smell the java.

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ChloeFord said...

Posted on Jul 15 2009 14:55 I am a t year eight in high school , As a thirteen year old girl Who has not read the book, I found it an extreme insight into life as a german & A jew in the in the 1940's ,
I have read in the comments that the film has missed bits out that were in the book, but to somebody who has not read the book (like me) it makes me want to buy & read it, I am deffinately now going to read the book.
Considering we watched this film in a a lesson at school, with kids shouting and fooling around, it still manage to move me so much that tears rolled from my eyes.
A beautiful film.

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zoey, said...

Posted on Jul 08 2009 09:22 good film.

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zoey, said...

Posted on Jul 08 2009 09:22 good film.

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evie said...

Posted on Mar 25 2009 15:22 we just read the book and it moved me. i criied when i watched the film with two mates

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Dooeyy said...

Posted on Jan 23 2009 22:54 I'm Only after watching the film and i can say its the saddest film i've ever seen It made me cry :( Simply just by the way his mother was calling on bruno, I have read the book a very good read, It tells us that were all the same and no matter what religion u are people can't tell I think the movie is Great and will be watching it again

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dolly said...

Posted on Jan 11 2009 01:17 i found the firm dissapointinting after reading the book. It was the most moving and remarkable firm about childhood i ve ever seen.
I dod find it sad the truth is i cried
inot sure bout the boyz
but when the saw me the y have to make dumb jokes

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John said...

Posted on Dec 10 2008 22:07 First film that I want to go to see simply on the strength and diversity of the audience comments! They at least suggest that Cinema audiences - and young ones too - can respond to films at a level that goes beond the usual bonehead cries of "Rubbish" or "Awesome", I don't know what I'll make of the film when I see it, but it's good to come across so many reviews by people who aren't daunted by the idea of stringing words together in a way that makes sense, and doing it with passion and intelligence. Perrhaps there is a world beyong the gormless gibbering of textspeak after all...

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sneaky girl said...

Posted on Nov 29 2008 15:33 i am in year seven at school, and last year our teacher read the book to us, and it was very moving. i had tears in my eyes half the way through, and the film had almost the same impact upon me. i do agree though with linda, it was annoying that the visit from the fuhrer was left out - i thought it quite a major part within the story. over all, i think of it as a great film!

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nikolas Spleiberg said...

Posted on Nov 23 2008 05:20 A great film-Any movie that can reminds us to abhor HATE is worth it to me, An instant classic all the way

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MovieLover said...

Posted on Nov 19 2008 16:43 It was one of the Best movies i have seen. I was touched by the movie.

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Linda said...

Posted on Nov 02 2008 20:34 I found the film disappointing after reading the book wich was very moving - It was sad that the dialogue between the children was left out i.e. 'outwith' and 'the fury' the visit of the Fuhrer to the family home was very important in the book and was completely ignored in the film - the film was only 1.5 hours long another half hour could have ensured the storyline from the book was followed which would have given th film more impact - having said this the film did move me and every one left the cinema in complete silence.

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Tim Jones said...

Posted on Oct 30 2008 20:29 I thought this film was very moving but also quite depresing and sad.I was in tears at the end so i definately don't agree on the age rating.But also i have never seen a cinema so quiet at the end.Good film Mark

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