The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Lines may divide us, but hope will unite us.
Overview
When his family moves from their home in Berlin to a strange new house in Poland, young Bruno befriends Shmuel, a boy who lives on the other side of the fence where everyone seems to be wearing striped pajamas. Unaware of Shmuel's fate as a Jewish prisoner or the role his own Nazi father plays in his imprisonment, Bruno embarks on a dangerous journey inside the camp's walls.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Set during World War II, 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' explores a lesser-known aspect of the Holocaust - the Nazi concentration camps for children. This film serves as an important reminder of history, shedding light on the experiences and emotions felt by the young victims.
- Remarkable performances by Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon portray the innocence and purity of friendship amidst horrifying circumstances. The poignant plot exploration of ignorance and prejudice is thought-provoking. The film's emotional impact leaves a lasting impression.
- The adaptation of John Boyne's novel by the same name offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust, focusing on the experiences of children rather than adults.
- The movie uses striking visual imagery and symbolism to illustrate the moral complexities and inhumanity of war.
Fun Facts
- The camp where the story unfolds is based on Auschwitz, one of the most infamous concentration camps during World War II. However, the town's name, 'Out-With', is an intentional misspelling of Auschwitz in German.
- The film was shot entirely in Czech Republic due to its similar landscapes and architectural style to Poland during the 1940s.
- The actor playing Bruno, Asa Butterfield, is actually several years older than the character he portrays, making his performance even more impressive.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"Lines may divide us, but hope will unite us."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Der Junge im gestreiften Pyjama
"Zäune trennen, doch Hoffnung eint."
Italiano
IT
Title: Il bambino con il pigiama a righe
"L'amicizia può unire quello che le barriere dividono."
Nederlands
NL
Title:
"A story of innocence in a world of ignorance"
Português
PT
Title: O Rapaz do Pijama às Riscas
"As barreiras podem dividir-nos mas a esperança vai unir-nos."
Español
ES
Title: El niño con el pijama de rayas
"Una alambrada los separa, pero la amistad los une."
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
Not convinced this is a greatly made movie, but it sure does pack a punch!
'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' makes for good viewing for the majority, though that ending really is quite something - startling in fact, and that's even with me sensing it. The aforementioned is because, as well as the way the film builds in general, I'm pretty certain I watched this at high school; just not sure if it was snippets or the whole thing, the fence scenes are the only ones I vaguely recall seeing.
The low acting level of the youngsters did take me out a bit, no dislike to Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon, obviously, but they aren't the best. Though they aren't helped by the dialogue for them, which doesn't feel natural at all. It's written in a way that is simply to tell the viewer about what's happening. The adult actors are great, though. Vera Farmiga stands out, though David Thewlis, Rupert Friend and David Hayman merit a mention too.
All in all, it's a good film - and one that is distressingly unforgettable thanks to that one moment.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar