Review: ‘The Boy In The Striped Pajamas’

Based on the best-selling novel by John Boyne, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas follows young Bruno whose family is relocated near a concentration camp in World War II when his Nazi father is placed in charge there. The mother was unaware that her husband is in charge of a Jewish death camp and struggles with the moral issues of raising a family so close to one. Meanwhile, Bruno is missing his old friends and starts a new friendship with a strange boy stuck behind an electric fence wearing what he terms “striped pajamas”.

The holocaust was undoubtedly one of the worst tragedies in human history and the circumstances that people went through were unlike anything we can imagine, so this presents a field of fertile dramatic soil. We have seen Jewish uprisings (Defiance), moral Nazi rebellion (Valkyrie), brave heroes (Schindler’s List), Jews who helped the Nazis run camps (The Grey Zone), and a clever father shielding his son from genocide (Life Is Beautiful). I don’t see the field being picked clean anytime soon because the circumstances remain beyond what we can possibly comprehend, and it strikes you deeply every time you explore the human drama created by this atrocity. This tale brings a whole new perspective as we see a German family and a child in particular find out just how horrific their country has become as they awaken from their naiveté.

I am always afraid when I pick up a film that centers on children or young actors because they have a spotty history of carrying a film. For every Haley Joel Osment and Dakota Fanning you get three Jake Lloyds. This film hinges on two young actors, Asa Butterfield (Bruno) and Jack Scanlon (Shmuel), who are magnificent. They both dominated the scenes they were in and bring you uncomfortably close to the drama with their innocence and piercing eyes. The supporting actors further enhance the film with kudos to Vera Farmiga (The Departed) and David Thewlis (Lupin from the Harry Potter films) as the parents.

I know people may become weary of the holocaust related dramas but I am pleading with you to watch this film. If not for the content which is striking and original, watch it for the superb acting and characters. The one criticism I have is that the ending seems a little convenient even if it hits the appropriate emotional climax. Added DVD value comes from the special features which include a solid commentary from writer/director Mark Herman and author John Boyne and a short behind the scenes feature with the cast and crew.

Special Features
Friendship Beyond the Fence
Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary
Commentary with Writer/Director Mark Herman and Author John Boyne