Saturday, April 23, 2011

The Boy in the striped Pajaymas is a simple tale

The Boy in the striped Pajaymas is a movie set in World War 2 and is a simple tale of unimaginable circumstances that existed. Its not much of war movie as much as the story of people during those times.



The movie is about the war period seen from the eyes of 8 year old Bruno, who's father is the Nazi Commandant. They were enjoying a charmed life in Berlin before the commander is transfered to the countryside. Bruno struggles to be at peace with his new surroundings where he cannot wander around and play. The kid loves to explore things around him but the people (even teachers) keep trying to give him taste of harsh reality.

The Jewish community during that time were treated as outcasts and this story revolves around the friendship that Bruno develops with the Jewish boy(Shmuel) from the concentration camp. What is interesting about the movie is that each of the characters is affected by Nazi policy in their own small way and the conflict is evident. Asa Butterfield shines in the role of Bruno but the unsung star of the film is Vera Farmiga who plays a classy role of the mother constantly fighting between saving her kids from Nazi school of thought and living with her husband who's executing the same policies. Bruno is conflicted with the new image of his father, the perpetrator of Nazi hate against innocents, who was once a hero figure to his son. 

The developing friendship between Bruno and Shmuel provides the best moments in the film. The fantastic scene where they tell each other that they haven't heard a name like theirs OR where they are seen playing checkers divided by the barbed wire is a joy to watch. But this same friendship is what forms the devastating end to the movie.

It is a remarkable film which handles a difficult subject with great sensitivity and grace. Be prepared to be stunned into silence by the time the movie ends. Highly recommended watch.

Rating:7.5/10

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