Heartbreaking Sight of War and Holocaust through Innocent Eyes

Rating: 9/10 (19 June 2009)

In World War II, in Berlin, Commander Ralph (David Thewlis) is promoted and assigned to be in charge of a "labor work" in the countryside. After a farewell party, he moves with his wife (Vera Farmiga), his twelve year-old daughter Gretel (Amber Beattie), his eight year-old son Bruno (Asa Butterfield) and their maid to a huge house nearby the concentration camp that Bruno believes it is a strange farm with the locals wearing pyjamas all day long. The lonely Bruno feels bored without his friends at home and decides to explore the area without the knowledge of his family. He goes to the "farm" and befriends the prisoner Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), who is also eight years old, and they meet each other everyday but separated though an electrified barbwire fence. Bruno lives a conflict about the Jews while having classes with his tutor and at home with the German officers; when Shmuel's father disappears in the camp, Bruno digs a hole and wears pyjamas to help his friend to find his father with tragic consequences.
Yesterday I watched the heartbreaking "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" and I am still moved with this touching and tragic tale of two pure boys and their sight of war and holocaust through their innocent eyes. The performances are top-notch, highlighting the expressive Asa Butterfield in the lead role and Jack Scanlon; inclusive I intend to see "Son of Rambow" very soon because Asa Butterfield works also in this movie. The unusual approach of the holocaust is original since it is seen and felt by a young German boy and his naive mother, and the reaction of his mother when she discovers what the smoke is indeed is impressive. The sets, decoration and costumes are also magnificent. The very sad conclusion recalled me "Hair", when the lead character is in the wrong place in the wrong time and I doubt a viewer can see it without feeling any emotion or even crying. Last but not the least, "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is never corny or manipulative, and I have just included this movie in my list of favorite. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "O Garoto do Pijama Listrado" ("The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas")