The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
3.65/5
Based on 172 votes and 19 reviews.
Please rate between 1 to 5 stars
February 23, 2024
I just saw “The Zone of Interest” this weekend, and it poses a stark contrast to this movie. While the life and fate of Bruno and Shmuel kept me up all night the first time I saw it, “The Zone” left me strangely disconnected. There are also several discrepancies between the two movies, regarding the proximity of the Kommandant’s home to the camp and whether or not his family was aware of the horrors happening next door. I’m sure that both movies were well researched in history, but still some odd differences. Anyway, a heart wrenching movie that will keep your mind busy for a while.
February 17, 2024
As sad as it is, love it. A truly human story amidst the horror of the holocaust. Unrealistic, yes, but nevertheless a great reflection of human nature.
October 11, 2023
Great movie, with many enjoyable yet sometimes grotesque scenes based on Bruno‘s perspective on what’s happening, and many occasions that were rather hard to watch. As was stated already, the premise of the two boys meeting in that specific way is unrealistic, and there are various factual errors. Thus, if you don’t know anything about the Holocaust, it’s not a good starting point. It’s a "what-if" scenario, the son of the camp’s Kommandant meeting a peer in a Jewish prisoner. Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon are superb and convincing in their respective roles. Also a great supporting cast. Significantly, the movie breaks with common expectations: The Kommandant is not entirely that mindless sadistic robot you‘d expect but switches seamlessly to his role as the husband and father as the head of the family, though these two roles overlap; in contrast to his sister, Bruno doesn’t quite "buy" the propaganda he is served, based on his own experiences with Shmuel, the boy on the other side of the fence. Overall, a very impressive and thoughtful movie.
August 2, 2017
BOO that was the sadest movie ever
September 3, 2012
this is a fantastic film. the acting is superb, especially butterfield's portrayal of bruno, who plays an eight-year-old boy with just the right amount of innocence. the cinematography is also great. most of the atrocities happen off-screen, since we see the story through bruno's eyes, but this does nothing to lessen the impact on the audience, who know exactly what is going on. (if the viewer cannot deduce what is going on, they are probably too young to see this movie). as many have noted, the plot is not realistic. to some, the plot may seem very contrived. however, unlike holocaust films such as schindler's list, this film doesn't aim for realism. the movie is highly symbolic, almost
March 23, 2009
while holocaust films do not tend to be a laugh out loud riot, this one was particularily depressing. what was the point of it all? disappointed with this film ending.
January 30, 2009
incredably depressing, but excellent actors and powerful plot. Everyone in the theatre was stunned into absolute silence for many minutes after it was over. Highly recomended, unless you don't like depressing themes. 5 stars
January 11, 2009
An excellent movie with Action,Suspense,Comedy,Great acting, and good music.You will be cheering for this slumdog for sure. Will definetly be a nominee for best picture at the awards this year for sure. Movies like this dont come out very often so when they do GO SEE IT!!!!!
December 28, 2008
Having read the book, even better than expected.
December 28, 2008
powerful.