Boy in the Striped Pajamas

‘Striped Pajamas’ new look at Nazi tragedy

ASA BUTTERFIELD in "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas."


How many ways can you make a movie about the atrocities of Nazi Germany?
As it turns out, plenty.
How about through the eyes of an innocent child who remains naïve throughout the film “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.”
Bruno (Asa Butterfield), 8, is the son of a Nazi death camp commander. His father, played by David Thewlis, doesn't seem particularly cruel. He's concerned about the family welfare. When he's promoted to head a Nazi concentration camp and the family must leave their large Berlin mansion, Dad tries to make the transition as smooth as possible while protecting his own career.
Bruno's grandmother, the commander's mother, played by Sheila Hancock, voices her worries about Adolph Hitler and the Nazis. She isn't the last in this no-holds-bar film.
The new home is fenced in, guarded by Nazi soldiers. From his room, Bruno can see what looks like a farm in a distance. Bruno misses his friends. He can't go beyond the gate and there is nobody to play with. He thinks at the “farm” there must be lots of kids and lots of fun.
No matter the hints, Bruno is too young to realize the debts of cruelty that human beings can conflict. He wonders how the sickly, bent over servant who peels potatoes and does odd jobs can actually be a doctor. Why would a doctor give up his career to peel potatoes for a family?
Bruno's older sister, played by Amber Beattie, is taken by a Nazi soldier and swallows the whole Hitler deal, including posters on the wall.
Mother, played by Vera Farmiga, is ill-at-ease about the whole situation. She is taken back by these living dead Jewish creatures who work at her home. She argues with her husband. She really comes unglued when a soldier tells her what the black smoke and awful smell comes from.
Meantime, Bruno finds a way to visit the “farm” and meets a young boy played by Jack Scanlon on the other side of the barbed wire. He wonders why the boy is there, can he come out to play and why is he always hungry?
He never understands what the farm is and can't comprehend when his tutor describes how Jews aren't even human, when his friend seems perfectly fine.
There are some gruesome and sadistic scenes, like when the Jewish doctor-turned servant accidentally spills some wine because he is so weak and is brutally beaten. Bruno watches as his father does nothing.
If there is a criticism of the film, it is the fact everyone speaks with strong British accents but are supposed to be Germans. It takes some getting used to.
Seeing the atrocities of Hitler through a child's eyes adds a new perspective to an old subject.
The ending is especially startling. I'll leave you to discover it for yourself but you won't forget it.
“The Boy With the Striped Pajamas” is worth your time and attention.

THE BOY WITH THE STRIPED PAJAMAS • Written by John Boyne (novel) and Mark Herman (screenplay) • Directed by Mark Herman • Rated PG-13 for mature themes about Nazi holocaust • Runtime: 94 minutes • 4 1/2 stars out of 5