Analysis of the Film The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Directed by Mark Herman

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The best fictional movie of World War II is “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” directed by Mark Herman. The movie is based on the novel written by John Boyne and the story is told from a German child’s view during the Holocaust. The general message the director and writer so vividly portrayed is that of a child’s innocence and young friendship. “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” has a good storyline, great choice in actors, and overall it was thought-provoking and effective in showing a different view of World War II, despite a few discrepancies in authenticity, the movie is a must see. What makes “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” such an entertaining movie is the story. The storyline is about an 8 year old boy named Bruno who lives a well-to-do life in Germany along with his mother, older sister, and father (SS Commandant). Bruno is a typical 8 year old just wanting to be an explorer, his innocence is very obvious from the start of the film, as the director shows him running through town right by soldiers corralling Jews on to the back of trucks, Bruno does not seem to even notice. After returning home he learns his father has been promoted and the family must relocate to the countryside. After arriving to the new home Bruno meets and becomes friends with another 8 year old boy named Shmuel, who lives behind a fence and whom Bruno thinks is wearing pajamas. Shmuel eventually tells Bruno that soldiers took his clothes that’s why he has to wear the striped pajamas, Bruno responds by saying “my father is a soldier, but not that kind of soldier” (Herman, 2008) at this point in the film it appears Bruno has been shielded from the cruel reality of what his father really does. At one point Bruno’s tutor stresses how "evil" the Jews... ... middle of paper ... ...l's hand in his own and nothing in the world would have persuaded him to let go” (Boyne). Despite the fact that the film ended with the boys only holding hands for a brief second Mark Herman did a wonderful job capturing what Boyne wanted the audience to know, by showing how tightly Bruno and Shmuel held hands. One of the clear points in this story is that of a child’s innocence and unbreakable bond of friendship. The storyline was wonderful with a brilliant choice in actors, and overall it was stimulating and tangible. The writer and director succeeded in emphasizing the simplicity of Bruno and Shmuel friendships. The director succeeds in giving the audience a more unique and interesting point of view. Works Cited Boyne, John. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Ireland: Davis Flickling Books, 2006. Book. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Dir. Mark Herman. 2008.

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