DVD Review: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

http://astore.amazon.com/popculbea-20/detail/B001N26GFM

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Written by: Mark Herman
Based on the novel by: John Boyne
Directed by: Mark Herman
Starring: David Thewlis, Vera Farmiga, Jack Scanlon, and Asa Butterfield

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas hits DVD today after it was widely overlooked in theaters. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this war drama. I was intrigued by the trailers and was looking forward to seeing it. It is a bit of an emotional roller coaster to be sure.

Let's start with the synopsis from IMDB: Set during World War II, a story seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences.

That might be putting it mildly.

Read on...


First of all, the film is pretty short for a Nazi movie. Normally, these things are epic but this one only runs 94 minutes. That serves it well because any longer and it might have started to get boring. As it stands, it's perfectly paced. As the movie started, Iw as wondering how we would be able to feel for some of the characters considering they're Nazis and all. That really only becomes a problem for the father (David Thewlis) and the daughter (Amber Beattie). They both are loyal to the cause for different reasons. The father is loyal because it is his job and his duty, the daughter beause she has been taught that. Still it is hard to forgive the characters for believing that slaughtering Jews is okay. Thankfully, Bruno (Asa Butterfield) does not subscribe to this notion and despite missteps and his confusion he continues to persue his friendship Schmuel (Jack Scanlon).

I don't want to reveal any plot details beyond what you've already seen so as not to spoil the ending. It is a rather emotional film that does have a punch you in the gut end. It's almost manipulative to be honest.

Besides the manipulating ending, the film is well crafted. Like I said, it is paced perfectly. It doesn't get boring and the actions of the characters do make you angry or upset. This is a movie that certainly makes you feel things. The acting from the adults is great and the kids are good for the most part. There are a couple of instances where it seemed like they were struggling to remember a line but for the most part they handled themselves and this heavy material pretty well.

The DVD is a little light on features. We get deleted scenes, a behind the scenes featurette, and commentary. I think I would have liked a little more historical information provided here, especially something dealing with the children of concentration camps.

Overall, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a pretty good movie worthy of a watch. It is certainly not a film to watch if you're depressed but anyone interested in the subject matter should enjoy the film. I can see why it was over looked with similar higher profile movies in theaters. I guess audiences can take only so many Nazi related films in one year.

The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas is available on DVD today.