Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (30 March 2009)

I knew this Movie would be shocking as it was set during the holocaust but i definitely didn't prepare myself for this film. I won't say any more as it would spoil it for everyone willing to watch it.
The movie is fantastically scripted and acted. In my opinion the actors did a wonderful job, especially Bruno (Asa Butterfield)as you see the movie unfold through his eyes. He plays his part with such innocence and is not entirely sure what's going on at first, he is very confused about his Fathers area of work. His father (David Thewlis) plays the part of the Father wonderfully. You can tell he cares very deeply for his family but also has great pride in his job and comes off as a cold emotionless character. The Mother (Vera Farmiga) is very much different from her husband as we can see her character crumbling when she discovers the grim truth about her husbands work. You can really put yourself in the picture and feel how disturbing it would have been to be a part of the holocaust.
At first we would think that Shmuel (Jack Scanlon) is the Boy in the striped Pyjamas,as we see him and Bruno form a friendship even though they are divided by the barbed wire. but as the devastating ending draws near we realise it is indeed Bruno.
As we go through the film seeing the holocaust through Bruno's eyes it makes us realise that we are all innocent human beings, just like Bruno and Shmuel who are very different people but are supposed to be enemies separated by the fence. It is only when we are Adults that we have our own beliefs and take in life that we are no longer as innocent and can become 'monsters' The adaptation of 'the boy in the striped pyjamas makes us realise that many people were separated during the holocaust, not by a barbed wire but by ignorance and we forget what a cruel time this was.
The film can be upsetting and shocking but is also not one to miss. I would definitely give 'the boy in the striped pyjamas' 10 stars, and recommend it to everyone!
I also wouldn't recommend letting young children see this film. Im 18 and was disturbed by it. I think they should greatly consider raising the certificate to a 15.