Characters jumping through plot hoops

Rating: 6/10 (2 April 2013)

This film seemed to be one where the characters jumped through plot hoops leading to the inevitable horrible conclusion that the director had planned for them.
Stephen King a horror writer suggests the aim is to create characters who respond to the plot, based on their individuality. Good characters surprise even the author with their actions, they tend to be not quite what you expect when you scratch the surface. None of the characters surprised, they were simply parodies.
The Boy in the striped Pyjamas seemed like an idea for a short film, perhaps belonging in a Twlight Zone film. A shocking idea that could not be sustained into a feature film.
The movie didn't move me, instead I felt the film was trying to manipulate me. None of the characters had much depth to them in my opinion. I couldn't suspend disbelief, there where too many coincidences.