Movie MarauderThe Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
June 14th 2009 03:35
I like to go into a movie without knowing the plot line. I don’t want to have any preconceptions, I just want to relax and lose myself for a couple of hours. When I leave the movie, I’m left with a feeling...whether it be joy, heartache, curiosity or fear. After all that’s what film making is all about, provoking emotion.
Set in World War II Germany, don’t be thrown by the public school English accents, the story is based around a high ranking Secret Service German officer, played by David Thewlis (Professor Lupin for the Harry Potter fans) and his family who, following his promotion, are forced to relocate to the countryside away from the friends and the home they love.
Gretel, the 12 year old daughter thrives in the new location which includes a rather handsome soldier. Gretel quickly embraces her new environment and the Nazi cause. Meanwhile, the adventurer 8 year old Bruno played by Asa Butterfield is confused as to why the people in the nearby “farm” wear striped pyjamas all day long and why a trained medical doctor would prefer to work peeling vegetables in his kitchen. An avid explorer Bruno lets his curiosity get the better of him. He escapes the confines of the family property to investigate the farm where he befriends a young Jewish boy Schmuel. Their friendship bound by the human need for companionship (and the occasional bar of chocolate) is touching but will be put to the ultimate test.
Each member of the family unit is on their own separate course from the day they set foot in their new home but it is a discovery made by the mother, played by Vera Farmiga (of Scorcese’s, The Departed) that finally threatens to tear their family apart. She learns of an unthinkable atrocity, to which she has been an unsuspecting witness. Unable to bear it, she seeks to move the children away but it is this mother's fate to bear witness to an even greater personal tragedy.
The boy in the Striped pyjamas explores the human character on an intimate level. It exposes our weaknesses and strengths, brings us enlightenment, anger and great sadness. There is more than one villian that you will grow to despise, there is the hope and beauty of friendship between innocent young children, there is on the edge of your seat suspense. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas will provoke thought and there is not a chance you will leave this movie not feeling...
Set in World War II Germany, don’t be thrown by the public school English accents, the story is based around a high ranking Secret Service German officer, played by David Thewlis (Professor Lupin for the Harry Potter fans) and his family who, following his promotion, are forced to relocate to the countryside away from the friends and the home they love.
Gretel, the 12 year old daughter thrives in the new location which includes a rather handsome soldier. Gretel quickly embraces her new environment and the Nazi cause. Meanwhile, the adventurer 8 year old Bruno played by Asa Butterfield is confused as to why the people in the nearby “farm” wear striped pyjamas all day long and why a trained medical doctor would prefer to work peeling vegetables in his kitchen. An avid explorer Bruno lets his curiosity get the better of him. He escapes the confines of the family property to investigate the farm where he befriends a young Jewish boy Schmuel. Their friendship bound by the human need for companionship (and the occasional bar of chocolate) is touching but will be put to the ultimate test.
Each member of the family unit is on their own separate course from the day they set foot in their new home but it is a discovery made by the mother, played by Vera Farmiga (of Scorcese’s, The Departed) that finally threatens to tear their family apart. She learns of an unthinkable atrocity, to which she has been an unsuspecting witness. Unable to bear it, she seeks to move the children away but it is this mother's fate to bear witness to an even greater personal tragedy.
The boy in the Striped pyjamas explores the human character on an intimate level. It exposes our weaknesses and strengths, brings us enlightenment, anger and great sadness. There is more than one villian that you will grow to despise, there is the hope and beauty of friendship between innocent young children, there is on the edge of your seat suspense. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas will provoke thought and there is not a chance you will leave this movie not feeling...
| 19 |
| Vote |
