A touching film, deeply moving and will stick in your mind for a while. Oh, and it should make you cry.

Rating: 8/10 (2 March 2009)

A touching film, deeply moving and will stick in your mind for a while. Oh, and it should make you cry. This is a film about two boys who become friends in unusual circumstances. One boy is in a concentration camp and the other whose father is a member of the German army and leader of the concentration camp become friends in the most unlikeable of circumstances.
This, as films go, is not a feel good movie. Yes there are bits in it that may bring a smile to your face, but no, overall the film is a harsh kick in the pants of the sort of atrocities that happened during WWII. To diagnose this film is rather difficult because it does have two lights on it, the beautiful innocence and friendship of two lonely boy's friendship and yet it is still clouded in dark due to the story that we know is basically unfolding.
Overall a great film, sad as I have said, but I highly recommend seeing it! If you do manage to get the opportunity to watch this film, I suggest doing it with someone who you don't mind cuddling or at least crying with. I reckon this film will bring all parents to tears and I dare to say some of the "tougher" men too.
On what seems to be a lower budget (US$12,500,000) than most of Hollywoods releases. This film does really well for it. Unfortunately most Australians will have to wait till 23rd April '09 to see this film, but when you get the chance don't let it slip past.