Moving, multi-layered thoughtful film

Rating: 9/10 (4 December 2008)

This is a very moving film that features an 8 year old child's perspective to illuminate the horror of the Holocaust, both in terms of the obvious effect on its persecuted victims as well as the insidious damage inflicted on the family structure of the perpetrators. From the outset we are given an insight into Bruno, the young son of a Nazi commandant father that foretells in some measure what will transpire. The boy is seen careening through the streets of Berlin with two friends, his love of play and companionship quite evident. When his father's duties require the family to move to a remote, isolated residence nearby a concentration camp (Auschwitz?), the viewer immediately senses that this boy who views himself as an explorer will undergo an experience that will challenge his limited capacity to comprehend at this stage of his life. This aspect takes up much of the film, and is highlighted by the burgeoning friendship of the German boy with a Jew (Shmuel) of his own age who resides in the camp. The total innocence of the dialog between the two boys is especially poignant in view of the horrific context in which these two unlikely friends find themselves.
The acting by all the characters throughout is marvelous, the boys as well as the mother (Vera Farmiga) who becomes increasingly horrified by what is occurring not only around her but also within her marriage. Her rejection is conveyed not only in terms of dialog but also by the clothing and makeup of this beautiful young mother as she chooses to become increasingly drab, befitting her recognition that dress and makeup cannot and should not gloss over the horror of her surroundings and of her marriage to someone she has come to view as a monster. The damage done to the German family as mentioned earlier is not only shown by the deterioration of the marriage of Bruno's parents, but is also alluded to at the funeral of the paternal grandmother. Similarly, a young lieutenant who has a significant role in the film is viewed critically by the Nazi regime for not reporting the "treasonous" behavior of his professor father's emigration to Switzerland.
An interesting subtext of the film is how differently people, young and old in Nazi German society behaved during this terrible time. On the one hand are the sensitive and humanity-inspired figures of the mother, grandmother, Bruno, Shmuel, the elderly physician/kitchen helper victim, and the lieutenant's father (unseen) who fled Germany. More than balancing those figures are the negative characterizations of the father, grandfather, Bruno's gullible elder sister, the children's tutor and the young, cruel lieutenant.
This is a very thoughtful film for both adults and older children/teenagers, its ironic title belying the seriousness of this film. Highly recommended.