Chad M. Farrand

I’ve just returned home from viewing the movie, “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.” It is a gripping movie. For those who haven’t read the book, the movie takes place amid World War II in Germany. The main character is a boy named “Bruno” (played by Asa Butterfield) who is the son of a Nazi commandant (played by David Thewlis – who also plays professor Lupin in the Harry Potter films). The story gives us a glimpse inside this family who finds itself inside the anti-semetic, nazi ideals. Bruno reluctantly leaves his home with his family as his father is transferred to oversee a “work camp” in the country. Before they leave, there is a great party held at their home and we meet the father’s parents who are sharply divided in their political views (the grandmother is very outspoken in her anti-nazi views, which is rather a refreshing and daring from the author).

After the move, we see the ever curious Bruno becoming more and more curious about the “farm” and the “farmers” he sees out his window. This curiosity eventually draws him to discover the boundries of the camp where he encounters another eight year old boy named “Shmuel” (played by Jack Scanlon) – who wears the striped pajamas. Bruno becomes confused the more he befriends Shmuel. He is being taught that the jews are the “enemy” and are not “real people,” and yet he can find no fault in Shmuel. It is through their mutually innocent eyes that this drama really plays out.

I won’t ruin the movie for you, but let me just say that this movie will haunt you. The cruel and wicked reality of the concentration camps butts up against a torn family. This is a wonderfully sad movie that is totally worth the price of admission.