Wednesday, July 27, 2011

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

I've been meaning to read the book, but last night I watched the film and my god! For about 20 minutes at the end, I cried my eyes out. It is heartbreaking! But an amazingly told story...

It all begins in Berlin in the Second World War and the story is told through the eyes of a young boy, Bruno, whose father is a solider for the SS. The film begins with the announcement from Bruno's parents that they'll be moving from their house in Berlin, into the countryside. The story then continues with him seeing a 'farm' from his window in his house and questioning if he can play with the children that live on the 'farm'. He also then queries why they are all in 'pajamas' and their servant is wearing them also. It's only until later on the film that he is told that it is a camp for jews. He then befriends Shmuel after running through the gardens and out in to the forest and discovering what he still knows as the 'farm'. Shmuel, is sat at the edge of the camp wearing 'pajamas' with his head hung staring at the floor. Shmuel is a jew of the same age of 8 the Bruno is.

Later on in the film Bruno says "we're not supposed to be friends you and me" and it does literally pull on your heart strings as the saying goes. To see the Second World War and the way it influenced younger generations, like it draws in his sister to thinking jewish people are bad, is definitely a rare occasion. To see the innocence of Bruno and Shmuel and how they don't understand what is going on around them. This can especially been seen in Shmuel's 'missing' father.

I won’t spoil the ending just incase people decide to watch it…

But this is definitely one of the most heartbreaking films I have seen recently and one of the most brilliant films I have seen. Obviously John Boyne is a brilliant writer and I will add details when I have read the book on how they have adapted the book to film. 

The way it has been shot and the realism of the setting I feel is as great as it can be. I think they did a brilliant job of costumes, decor and props to make the time that it is set in come to life! And the way it has been shot as well I feel, plays on the innocence of Bruno. Seen through a young boys innocent eyes of Second World War. It think that they way they have filmed it as to the emotional detailing of the scenes.

This is definitely a film that I feel people should watch, but I do recommend watching it WITH tissues! It does truly break my heart to watch...

1 comment:

  1. Yes, a fantastic film!
    Yes, I had tissues.

    I haven't read the book and don't know that I will. I tad too heart wrenching.

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