Why are you wearing a pyjama?

Rating: 9/10 (15 February 2009)

Another "Oscar-bait Holocaust" movie? I don't think so. Its not even nominated in the Oscars so now its a "Holocaust movie" but alas, its more than a Holocaust movie. As seen through the eyes of Bruno, an eight year old child who forms a forbidden friendship with a Jewish little Boy, Shmuel. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is an especially moving film coupled with a heartbreaking ending and some great performances from the whole cast. Child actors Asa Butterfield (Bruno) and Jack Scanlon (Shmuel) both give stellar performances and the adults doesn't fail either. Vera Farmiga gave a dead on performance as Bruno's mother while David Thewlis took one for the home team as the Herr Komandant of Auschwitz and Bruno's father. Rupert Friend also gives a notable performance as Thewlis's right hand man Lieutenant Kotler.
But what really struck me the most in the movie is the ending. They stepped out the usual Hollywood norm where everybody everywhere is happy and giddy. I'm not gonna spoil the ending for you so I'll only tell you this, you surely won't be smiling once the film reaches its tragic conclusion. In fact its the exact opposite, you will cry buckets.