Steve Spielberg meets Rod Serling

Rating: 9/10 (4 December 2008)

It's hard to describe why I liked this movie. It reminded me of various Twilight Zone episodes, but with much better production. Rod Serling wrote several different Nazi / holocaust themed episodes where the Nazi switched places with the doomed Jewish prisoner, but this movie adds a different twist, which some might find more disturbing. However one might feel at the end of the movie, the story, acting, character development, cinematography, the music, and everything else was first rate. I believe that this movie should do very well come Oscar season. Possible nomination for Screenplay at the very least.
As stated above, there was a Twilight Zone quality about the plot. It centered around a Nazi Concentration Camp Commandant's son, eight year old Bruno, wandering up to the perimeter fence of the camp & befriending another eight year old child prisoner, Shmuel. Anyone even remotely familiar with holocaust history realizes this is a highly unlikely scenario. Yet a suspension of disbelief is required to appreciate the story, as this remains central to the plot. The interaction between Shmuel & Bruno is mesmerizing to watch. The rest of the cast was superb.
Even though the movie is ostensibly about children, I'm not sure it would be wise to bring a child to see this movie. Use your own judgement because the ending may be upsetting to some.