Happily not having to tote a car load of love-struck fourteen-year-old females down to the movies for the seemingly hysterical opening of vampire love story Twilight this pre-holiday weekend, I had my pick of newly released films to find a comfy seat in. Having read Irish author John Boyne's brilliant The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas a couple of years back, I was keen to see what Miramax would do with this haunting story set in the midst of the desperate landscape of the Holocaust.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a film about innocence and humanity, as told through the unguarded eyes of two eight year old boys on opposite sides of the fence.
Extremely worth seeing, especially at this point in time. Surely not a soul will leave a screening feeling sorry for themselves in the general state of the economy and such. For life is much more simple and extraordinarily valuable when it comes right down to it.
Absolutely thought the cast the best thing since sliced bread. British youngsters, Asa Butterfield (best name ever) was credible and captivating as Bruno and little Jack Scanton's portrayal of Schmuel, the boy in the striped pyjamas was heartbreakingly beautiful. His first feature film, this young actor from Kent carried the weight of millions of lost people on his scrawny little shoulders.
You might well remember David Thewlis as Professor Lupin in Harry Potter. Thewliss made his name in Mike Leigh's much-acclaimed "Naked", back in the 80s and is considered one of Britain's most versatile screen talents. Tiny bit disconcerting to hear so many crystal clear English accents at large in the German military household, not least the lovely Rupert Friend (soon to be seen as Albert to Emily Blunt's Queen Victoria) in his brutal Nazi depiction. I suppose it would have sounded a bit strange to European viewers had the main characters spoken in American accents or some attempted German accent in English.
New Jersey native, Vera Farmiga (the Departed) played Bruno's mother with considerable early aplomb and easily plausible, gradual despair. Don't be put off by the depressing subject matter. It is the most thought-provoking picture on the big screen this week.
Ooh yes, I REALLY want to see this film, has had excellent reviews...
Posted by: Lindsey | Monday, November 24, 2025 at 09:20 AM