The Boy in the Striped Pajamas [Blu-ray] [2008]

My 13 year old son was absolutely quiet as the credits rolled.... There is no such thing as a perfect movie. Especially since we all have our own ideas about what that would entail. Usually we excuse artistic license as a means of telling a story allowing room for things to happen that may seem out of place. This movie has the feel of a stage play, with young characters showing emotion well beyond their years. The two boys eyes are enough to tell the story. Is Bruno naive? Yes he is, but he represents everyone who turned a deaf ear to the atrocities of WWII. Seen through his eyes we are taken on the journey of an innocent and in seeing it that way it makes it even harder to believe that anyone who knew what was happening at that time would look away or pretend that it was not happening. He trusts that people are good and his innocent heart knows that no one is the enemy just because of something like their nationality, especially another 8 year old boy. The picture is gorgeous, the sound is fantastic especially in the closing scene as we race to the conclusion. Vera Farmiga is wonderful here - I wish they had actually developed her breakdown even further. And the two boys are captivating. Perfect movie? No such thing. Stunning movie? Thought provoking? Absolutely.

If the human story of WW2 interests you The Boy in the Striped Pajamas will pierce your heart. This is not your typical graphic battle film, rather from the veiwpoint of the spirit of people torn between loyalty to one's country and the love of family. It strikes the heart of being human no matter which side you are on. It's not for the faint of heart as children are involved, but if you wish to see the struggle between loving others from a human perspective this will touch your innermost emotions. Based on a fictional novel it could easily have been fact. Must see for those interested in the "human" story of WW2.

"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" is not the "feel good hit of the summer".. BUT, it is an important movie to consider working into your and your family's educational viewing. Watch it before showing it to your kids - it could give you nightmares, so the kids are likely more at risk to be especially freaked-out. This said, it is an important opportunity to get a safe version of some time in other people's shoes - other people who endured the unimaginable.

Like "Schindler's List," this story depicted what atrocities Hitler's regime did to the Jewish people. It was a captivating story and the actors were great, especially the two young boys, the central characters. We found the ending to be too abrupt however, expecting more drama or suspense. Also like "Schindler's List," in spite of being a great movie, it will be hard to watch again any time soon. I would strongly recommend it and also encourage discussion among parents and their children who may view it.

This is a movie I have not personally seen but my grandsons wanted it so I purchased it for them. I thought it was a bit mature for a 8 and 11 year old but it is historical and their parents said given the PG rating they could watch it. They enjoyed the movie but I'm not sure if they understood the seriousness of the storyline. It is a movie everyone should at least watch once because war effects children also.

WWII concentration camp is the setting. One boy inside the camp is a Jewish prisoner (striped clothing) finds a friend in a boy who is outside of the fence (his father is one of the camp's officers). These children see each other through the eyes of innocence not the hostilities and fears of the war. The consequences are gripping and pull at your heart. There needs to be more love in this world so all wars cease.

This is a heart-touching story about a friendship that develops between the son of a high-ranking SS official and a Jewish prisoner during WWII. Full of youth and innocence, the boys don't fully understand the complexity of their situation. All they know is that they enjoy spending time with each other. The ending is a tear-jerker, so get the tissues ready. The cast and acting are first-rate, so don't miss out on this movie.

Two young boys form a friendship on opposite sides of a fence. The boy on the outside of the fence is the young son of an officer in charge of the people on the inside of the fence. This is a beautiful, yet heart-wrenching story of what can never be allowed to happen again. All I can say, without spoiling the plot, is everything in this film was done right - nothing heavy-handed - just a great film.