The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas was created in 2008, based on the tragedies of World War 2, especially concentration camps and the conditions of them. A family, including the commandant of the concentration camp (as the father) moves to the country side, which happens to be near one of the camps. While exploring the house, the eight year old son, Bruno sees the camp outside his window. He thinks that it is a farm, in which the farmers wear pajamas (which are actually the prisoner's uniforms). Bruno becomes very curious about the "farm" but his mother forbids him from exploring the back yard (where the two fences meet). While his parents and guards aren't looking Bruno sneaks off to the fence and finds a young Jewish boy his age on the other side. 

Being so young, it is hard for Bruno to understand why these people are put in these horrible camps and why they aren't allowed to be friends. Throughout the movie, Bruno sneaks off to talk, give his friend food, and play games. But it can be hard to maintain a friendship with an electric fence in the middle of the two children. After watching one of his father's propaganda films, Bruno views the camps with a different perception. He believes they are fun and supply the needs of the members.

Because of the horrible things happening at the time, the movie was very hard to watch. I found some parts (especially the ending) were disturbing. The movie definitely gave a realistic impression of what was happening during the war. Seeing what the time was like for a family on the other side (not in a concentration camp) was very interesting. I felt bad for the mother, she didn't agree with what her husband had been doing. After finding out about burning the concentration camp members in the ovens, she becomes very sickened and depressed. The father doesn't care about his families views on the issue. He says he is doing what is best for the country, his view point changes at the very end of the movie. Overall the movie is very sad but an eye opening film; I wish it had ended differently but I thought it was very good.

The movie is based on the novel by John Boyne, and is rated PG-13. Opening weekend (in the U.S) profits were $253,085 and was rated a 7.7 out of 10. On Netflix it is listed under the categories of: Dramas, Dramas Based on Books, Tearjerkers, British Movies, Dramas Based on Contemporary Literature, 20th Century Period Pieces, and British Dramas. The movie is listed as dark and emotional.

Comments on Netflix include: "This movie didn't turn out the way I planned it would. It is one of the most tear-jerking movies I have ever seen. I usually do not get anxious during the peak of the story but in this case I did. It is definitely a must-watch!", and "It shows a side of the holocaust and the Germans seldom portrayed in films or documentaries, and the innocence of the children in the midst of evil. This is a MUST WATCH film, and I think if more people knew what the film was really about it would get more media attention." People on Netflix enjoyed the movie and thought it was very powerful. I would recommend it... but be prepared for tears. I would not recommend this movie for young children because of the harsh history involved in the film.