The Boy In The Striped Pajamas...Changed My Life
87Out of the United Kingdom and Blockbuster came the film that changed my life. Irreversibly.
From the moment I pressed play on the DVD player’s remote control it felt as if I was inside my old TV set. It was suddenly more than a movie; it was an experience, an epiphany in the making. So maybe it wasn’t based on a true story, the fact that it could have been real footage: could have been a documentary of an average family made me cry from the start.
I had to watch this movie in installments and barely finished it in time before its due date but every time I sat on the sofa I was transported to Germany’s World War II era.
My eyes took in a young boy as he stretches his arms horizontally and weaves through the streets, pretending to be an airplane. I wondered- was this because he saw them in the sky on a regular basis flying to protect his country’s men….Flying at the orders of his SS Officer father Ralf (David Thewlis)?
He is a happy, carefree, young lad of eight who has no concept of war, hatred or prejudice. He is Bruno. (Asa Butterfield)
And Bruno is moving from this bustling town full of activity and all his friends to the country along with his father-Ralf, his Mother, Elsa (Vera Farmiga) and his twelve-year old sister Gretel (Amber Beattie) who is a typical older sister…bossy, interfering and showing signs of being slightly pretentious. (I speak from experience!)
Bruno and Gretel follow their parents as they make their way to a new home none too happily, but resigned to their father’s new position.
A tire swing, a garden, lush trees, a beautiful manicured yard- albeit fenced in- make this huge country-side house seem like any house except for the presence of the guards daily keeping watch of every activity.
Yes, everything seems normal, except for the fact that most homes don’t have a hidden incinerator sitting basically in their back yard.
It takes awhile for a daily routine to build in the household as Ralf decides his children will not be attending a public school. They will learn at home under the tutelage of Herr Liszt (Jim Norton).
And the children are never allowed outside the fenced-in front yard. More and more changes like these stressed upon poor Bruno’s young mind, forcing him to expand his imagination.
As for Gretel I witnessed the slow and painful transformation as she went from an innocent schoolgirl to a supporter of the third Reich. Her room undergoes a complete makeover from that of dolls and pretty things to one filled with war posters, and other propagandas material. And then Gretel discovers her first love for man outside of her father, and of course her little brother Bruno.
Despite my better judgment I felt deeply for her as she also discovers and experiences her first heartbreak over the dashing young Lieutenant Kurt Kotler (Rupert Friend) who is full of much bravado and with the ‘help’ of Gretel makes Bruno feel like the niave eight year old that he is.
The days grow longer and the mundane activities force Bruno to search high and low for new activities. One day as he peers out a window he sees a farm in the far distance… Far away, out behind the restricted area his father and mother had firmly set up for Gretel and himself. And that’s when Bruno begins to wonder.
Meanwhile as he schemes ways to get closer to the farm, he meets Pavel (David Hayman).
Pave the old servant whom bandaged Bruno’s leg when no one else was around.
Pavel who was always around and always quiet.
Pavel the Jew.
More time passes and the day comes when Bruno finds a way to escape from the fenced in boundaries through a small garden shed. Looking back over his shoulder every few seconds fearful that he would be caught. Through the thick trees he went until he reached a barbed wire fence.
Bruno has reached the farm.
And that’s when he saw him.
That’s when I saw him.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
He sits there, his face smudged with dirt. Hiding behind a pile of disheveled wooden boards, a wheelbarrow is his only companion.
Bruno is ecstatic. It is the first child his age he has seen in months. He has finally found a friend. So what if his newfound friend wears his pajamas all day, and is a bit dirty? Bruno has a friend.
The visits begin on a regular basis. Bruno and the Boy in the Striped Pajamas exchange food, conversation, toss a ball back and forth and soon become the best of friends. Secrets are shared. Questions are asked. Answers are given. All done with a fence between them and all in secrecy.
Then one day Pavel is missing and the Boy in the Striped Pajamas shows up in his stead as a “houseboy”.
The biggest test of friendship in the history of humanity and filmmaking is tested in those few minutes on the screen and my heart weeps for both Bruno and the Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Lieutenant Kotler walks in, seeing a houseboy-a Jewish boy- eating their delicacies which sets his temper on fire and he beats the Boy in the Striped Pajamas based on Bruno’s denial of knowing and feeding him.
During the next meeting at the farm a handshake through barbed wire and the Boy in the Striped Pajamas forgives all. But the bruises on his face crack Bruno’s young, tender heart.
Back at home Bruno asks about the awful odor he occasionally smells which begins ongoing arguments behind closed doors between Bruno’s parents, Ralf and Elsa.
Bruno feels he cannot change the discord at home but he wants to make up the wrong he commited towards his friend. Together they come up with a plan to meet at the fence with an extra set of pajamas. Bruno will dig his way under the fence, enter into the farm, and help find the Boy in the Striped Pajamas’ mysteriously missing father.
All works well until a shout is heard declaring all farm workers are to recruit immediately together into the building. The boys must desert their mission and soon they are swarmed by the dozens of men dressed exactly like them. In striped Pajamas.
They are ordered to enter the cool, cement building. Shoulder to shoulder the men fearfully enter but soon their nerves are calmed.
No worries, they are told. It’s just a shower, they are told. Everybody’s clothes off, they are ordered.
A pile of clothes fall at their feet. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas reaches for Bruno’s hand. The lights go out.
Utter Darkness.
Outside the rain begins to fall as Ralf, Elsa and Gretel shout out a name over and over again. Elsa finds her son's clothes heaped on a pile of dirt at the fence line.
“Bruno!” They scream. They smell the odor that Bruno has always smelled. “Bruno!” They scream again as Elsa and Gretel fall on their knees sobbing, “Bruno!”
FENCES....
The credits begin to roll and I realize this movie is about so much more than Jews and Germans. It’s about the fence-line throughout life that continually separates us from embracing others that could otherwise unite us in love. That Fence, that Farm, that Pajama, has become a horrendous and ageless boundary that sometimes will only end in a ‘Shower.’ I watched this movie and I allowed it to penetrate more than my eyes. It touched my heart, my mind and my soul….
Whatever ethnic background, religion, race you associate yourself with. Anything you are, whatever heritage you have, whatever your dreams and aspirations, there is a hand reaching through the fence, someone will toss the ball on the other side of the fence, if only you are willing to toss it back.
The End.
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Hi, Hello, hello! Yes it is an incredibly well made but sad film. I admit it was one of the hardest things I've had to write in recent history as I had to write most of it from memory and was crying trough some of it...but in the end rewarding to see it finished. I hope it touches someone's heart like it does mine! Thanks for stopping by!!
This is a wonderful hub about a very powerful movie. I watched it once but I don't know if I'll ever be able to watch it again. It is etched in my mind and is a movie I will never forget.
Wow! I had never heard of this movie; now I will have to check it out . . . but I don't know if my soft heart can take it.
Thanks for a detailed review of this movie. I had heard of it, but know it is not one I will watch. I'm glad it touched you so strongly, as is evident here. Sometimes the best of movies and books and (rarely) television can do that, and as you say, changes our lives.
Hi Cari, Lori and lmmartin! Yes, this movie is definitely not one you watch repeatedly or something that is made for Friday night movie night with friends and popcorn! I struggled a bit writing this review because I watched it a while ago and I was unwilling to watch it again so had to pull up a lot of memories to get everything right. It was emotional and draining and hard, to say the least. Like Cari said, it's etched in my mind! So if you are willing to watch it, Lori, you won't regret it, even if you use up an entire Kleenex box! And yes lmmartin, I hadn't expected to be changed but it changed me! thanks for stopping by ladies!
I read this long before the movie came out, but I still enjoyed the movie. Reminded me a little of Sophie's Choice. Your discussion of the film is excellent!
Thank you, but I just wrote straight from my broken heart. I never heard of the book before the movie but wish I had. I really should get my hands on a copy. Sophie’s Choice...Going to check it out! Thanks habee!
I haven't seen the movie yet... But it looks like a good one, much like your article.
Good movie, yes. In fact, that doesn't begin to describe it. I appreciate your comments, Mikel, but I know I could never do it justice. It is life altering if you allow it to be. Every once in awhile I remember a scene and it catches me off guard....Completely off guard.
I watch the Schindler’s List, but I did not know about this movie. I think it is too heavy for my heart. I cried when someone died or had broken relationship in the movies! :-(
Well I am going to have to see this movie. Looks really good and you wrote about it so well. Last night I saw the The Time Travelors Wife which was pretty good, kinda sad very strange though but I enjoyed it. Just thought I would give you another review again.lol Oh and the best movie I saw last year hands down was The Reader. Very good.
It is a deep, meaningful movie. But don't feel bad if you can't handle it! I cry watching anything!!!! And I mean anything! I can be so sappy sometimes it has become a chore watching movies with other friends and family. But this movie is earth shattering! Five stars? No, I think the entire galaxy. Thanks for coming and I hope one day you might try to watch it, Dao.
Hello, ladyjane! Thanks for telling me about the Time Travelers Wife. I had severe reservations! But if you liked it then I am on board! The Reader, huh? Another one I'll be checking out!!!
You really have to watch this. Be prepared to cry and remain introspective for days to come! It's not something that you will watch over and over again. Once is enough- That's all it takes.
Thanks again for your comments and your reviews! Love it!!!!
Don't watch Sophie's Choice unless you're ready to cry! There's one scene from that movie that has haunted me for years! You'll know the one I mean.
I just took a peek at Wikipedia...I don't think I am ready yet as I am still reeling from the after effects from this movie so THANK YOU so much, Habee for the forewarning!!!
Yes a great movie and you have done it justice, the stark reality that life can be the same is what I walked f=away with with. In life we face it every day. But we gain strength through Christ in dealing with it.
We are so cruel and yet we are so capable of love are we not.
Great Hub and Blessing Ann
I was afraid that I could never give this shocking movie justice! It was challenging on so many levels and all because of two young boys willing to breach the fence line and become friends. Yes we are a cruel people, living in a cruel world, but God did give us the option of love. I have learned the hard way that it is a choice, not a feeling...
Thanks for stopping by, Quill!
This movie was recommended to me by a good friend and even though I was horrified I couldn't stop watching it. I cried at the end but I know it is a film I will never watch again. Thanks for the review, it reminded me of how much it affected me whilst I watched it.
I saw a few previews and waited forever until finally it was available at Blockbuster. As you, I do not think I will ever be able to watch it again either. It has penetrated my heart once and for all. I hope that the review didn't do too much damage to your heart or tear ducts!
Thank you for your comments, MPG, and for stopping by and I am so glad to find another who watched this epic film!
You have given such a rave review I will certainly have to rent this one! I had seen it on the shelves but the title struck me odd, thank you so much for doing this! :)
Yes, I too probably would have never picked it up because of my judgment of the title. Yet I still have not learned not to judge a book/movie/HUB by its title. It is such an incredible movie and if you are ready you need to see it. I am so glad you decided to read the review! Thanks for your kind comment, AEvans!
Ann Nonymous - What a terrific hub, this is one movie I have never seen. After reading your review, I don't think that I would be able to sit through and endure some of these scenes. Just the same, you have done an awesome job with this hub.
Sage
Thank you so much for the encouragement Sage, it means so much. I can really understand your hesitance or complete reluctance to watching this film. I do not know if I will ever watch it again, and I almost have the scenes ingrained in my mind.
Thanks again for your comment and if you ever do watch it.....all the best!
Ann I just want to say that this is probably one of the best film reviews I've ever read. And I've read some of the best from Peter Travers, Gene Siskel, Roger Ebert, and many others, so that's really saying something. As those names I just mentioned are considered to be some of the best film critics out there. I think you do such a great job conveying how well the film effects you emotionally that it allows your readers to feel it too.
It's a quality I wish I had to be honest, as I tend to focus my film reviews to be too analytical at times. I often forget it's really about how the critic feels about it, and how well their able to make their reader feel the same emotions they felt as they watched it. You seem to have a great gift for it, Ann. I hope my style can be just as great as yours someday, and I'll definitely check out this movie since you highly suggested it.
Just one small note though, you might not want to give away too much in your review like the ending of the movie; just for future reference. However, other than that, I thought you did a great job. I look forward to reading more film reviews from you Ann. :)
Hey Steven. You are too kind and I know I do not deserve such high praise. You have definitely been one of my most loyal supporters since I have joined a mere few weeks ago! Please don’t feel that my reviews are something to emulate as every time before I watch a movie I have to research everything about that movie to decide whether it’s worth my time, interest and money…So in other words your hubs will be read again by me as I go out to buy a DVD (as I’m not a theater goer) and it’s because you have your own great style…
I fear when I write a movie review I will never be able to write it from an unbiased view as you manage to do with such great ease! So I guess what I am trying to say is you are a great writer!
Yeah, I did struggle with how much to give away, but somehow when I rented the DVD and skipped my usual research I felt cheated because I didn’t know how tragic it was. Nevertheless you can find the end details way more graphic on numerous sites but I still didn’t know what to do. So for this one I thought I would just let my emotions out!
But seriously, in the future I will definitely take your advice to heart as I don’t want to give the punch line away!
Well I hope I made a little bit of sense in all this rambling! Thanks for everything, Steven!!!!!!
thanks for bringing this film to my attention, I will look out for it :D
I hope you do..It's already like two years old but it's one that has an everlasting message...Enjoy, Richie!
I can see why you couldn't watch the movie in one sitting. I had to take a break from reading this review! I will be looking for this DVD, but I won't be able to watch it until I'm ready for a good cry.
Exactly! By the time you are finished crying from one scene you begin anew from another...it is a heart breaker but at the same time life altering....I really hope you do watch it!
Thanks for stopping by, Rafini!
judging by your hub I think is a must get- greatwork
Thanks Bonny!!!! It is an exceptional once in a lifetime film and I hope I did justice to it!
I watched this movie last night Ann and it really tore my heart out. I felt everything you mentioned in your hub and more and felt the horrors of what that wired fenced meant all too well. My father was actually in this war and was an American prisoner in Germany for a while but he never experienced anything like the jews did although until his death he really never wanted to talk much about those days either. The movie is a must see and the parts that make it so ovewhelming is the view from both the boys. The German boy who is innocent to all that goes on behind the fence and the jewish boy who just by looking into his eyes is all to experienced in the ways of the cruelty of war. Tear jerker for sure. Thanks for telling me about it Ann.
I'm so glad you had a chance to watch it, ladyjane, and that you shared your experience with me. That is what makes this film so different, real and touches the heart. The fact that it's from two young boys perspective.
My grandfather was in the war too, and although I never had the chance to see him much my mother always said he couldn't talk about the horrific events that he witnessed. After seeing this movie I understood all the more why.
It's something that has changed my life, and I hope will have the same effect on others.
Thanks again for sharing your new experience with me!
What a great review!I felt like I was watching with you. I will probably see this movie now, although I was avoiding it because I knew it would make me sad.
I'm happy that I was able to convey some of the experience through this review. Yes, Janiek, it will probably make you sad, maybe even make you cry if you are anything like me, but I really hope you get to watch this!
Thanks for everything!
I will be ordering it online soon. And I will cry, I am sure.
That's so neat! And don't worry, tears are a language God understands... and others should too!
The last time I read this kind of reactions to a movie was Seven Pounds - I'm surprised TBITSP was released at the same time (a month before) but didn't get much attention.
Definitely going to watch it soon -- thank you for writing about it. I'll be honest and say I didn't read your entire review as I didn't want to read any spoilers but I read enough to make me want to see it. And I've bookmarked this hub and hopefully I'll remember to come back and comment after watching it.
Hey a2z! I completely understand you not wanting to read the entire review. I struggled with how much to give away as I really wanted to convey my emotions as well in this review.
I admire your honesty! And I have yet to watch 7 Pounds but think that I should give it a try...
But please do let me know what you think once you get a chance to watch this film....Thanks so much for stopping by!
I'm putting this one on my list to see. Thanks for the review!
Anytime! I'm very, very glad to hear that, Mulberry! Please let me know what you think whenever you get a chance! Thanks for coming over.....
I am putting this one on the very top of my 'I WANT TO SEE THIS' list. Not sure when i will get to that list that is a mile long- I'm still trying to find 30 minutes to watch the news. :) Thanks for sharing
hc
I completely understand, H.C. And this is one of those movies you really don't want to be interrupted in between scenes. Trust me, I know. Been there and although it made “swallowing” the film that much easier on the other hand it prolonged the suspense and heartache.
Thanks for stopping by!
Interesting and indepth review, I've grown old and wary of fiction, but as you said Ann, maybe "the fact that it could have been real footage" adds to the believablitly. Also later when you mention that the movie goes beyond Jews and Nazis and is more about the boundaries and walls we all draw up, that makes me more interested in watching this film.
BTW, Cosette sent me! I read about your hubs on one of hers, so she's a fan of yours!
Hey Ben! Thanks for coming over (and thank you cosette!!!!).
I, like you, find fiction to be at times draining in its fairytale portrayal of life. But seriously I kept forgetting that this movie was based on a novel as it's full of raw emotions of love, hatred and war. It's a fantastic film and I hope you do watch it!
Thanks for becoming my fan. I also am now following you and look forward to reading your hubs…..One particular hub caught my eye…Gesso!
Thanks again, Ben!
Hey Ann! Just wanted to drop by and thank you for pointing me to such a sensational and eye-opening movie. I finally got the chance to watch it and I couldn't stop watching till the end. The messages behind this movie are intense and I think it's now one of my favorite movies!
Thank you soooo much for sharing that with me, a2z. After watching it I couldn't help but spread the news. And now since it's a favorite of yours, just as it is of mine, you are likely to tell others about it as well! It's a movie that impacts you within the first five minutes!
Thanks again for sharing and I am so glad you got a chance to watch it!
All the best!!!!!
After reading your hub, I added this movie to my must watch list. Thanks for a heartfelt and in depth review.
Namaste.
Hello deborah! I am glad you could see I put A LOT of heart into this one! thank you for taking the time to read it and for your kindness!
I saw all the ads and billboards for this film and I knew it would be considered good for all the wrong reasons. Personally I think the only good thing about this film is the twist in the tail. German soldiers speaking English just says to me that all these producers want is the well earned money of the naive western film buff. The story is also difficult to swallow as a corner of the camp is totally unguarded, come on really? I am a strong believer in the art of cinema and from that point of view this was garbage. There is nothing original, nothing experimental, nothing we haven't seen in great war adaptations. I know these comment sections are always full of people saying how much they like each other's hubs, but this is a film review and I think people should be frank. I wish people would be more honest with me. It is well written, but I disagree with the content.
What a wonderful write!!! I read the book and then I watched the film. I have to say that this was one of the best films I'd seen and it touched my heart so deep, it's words are chisled inside of me. Each time I think back to the first time the boy in the striped pajama is seen, you can see the pain in his eyes and the wonder of why he's on the other side of the fence. What is so different about him that puts him there? And towards the end when both boys are being ushered to "take a shower," and the father suddenly realizes he's lost his son, it sends a message that sometimes people who you lable as "different" has the same feelings as you when their children are taken away too.
Hello and welcome, Premierkj! Sorry it has taken me so long to answer...life is a bit hectic!
I really appreciate your iput and opinion. I agree with you that Hubpages should be more than a place to get a slap on the back for a job well done, when the job is NOT well done.
I am sorry you found the movie not to your liking and lacking realistic points to make it an outstanding film. However I personally found it very near and dear to my heart, even more so when I found a "hidden" and deeper meaning that convicted me.
Thanks again for stopping by and for your view and for your kind comments! Please feel free to stop by anytime!
Greetings, Houa! Thank you so much for your kind comments and encouraging words. This movie afftected me deeply as well and I agree with your words completely. It is an emotionally and spiritually challenging film that i will never forget....and even more so I hope I will never forget the lessons!
thanks again for stopping by and for your input!
It's very rare that a movie has such an effect on me as this one has. As I painfully watched this very sad and eye-opening film, it did change my life and how I viewed things.
Every time I even think about it I sob as if i've just seen it. I loved how you described this movie. And I appreciated how you mentioned that the moral is much more than Jewish and German little boys.
Truly heartbreaking.
This is a fantastic review - the book was great and well worth reading. It left such a vivid image on my mind, I know I couldnt watch the film. Another film well worth watching is "Life is Beautiful" - similar vein but concentrates on a fathers love for his child and how he saved him in the camps. I had to sleep with the lights on all over the house after watching it but also had pains in my stomach from laughing too. It is a comedy and tragedy all rolled up in one. I cried buckets at the end and the fact it is subtitled doesnt take away from it one little bit.
nice
I wanted to ask. In the end, did his father find out where his son was?
To Luke thank you for reading!
To Anonymous movement, yes- the saddest moment in the movie is when realization dawns on the bystanders, more specifically Bruno's father.
I loved the movie, but I hated watching it, When the elderly guy peeling the potatoes got beaten up and killed for spilling the wine was absolutely the saddest part, I can't stand to watch old people die :(
Hello, hello, 2 years ago
That is a sad, well written and made film. Your review is giving it justic. Thank you very much for point it out.