The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Miramax Films | Release Date: November 7, 2008
7.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 187 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
136
Mixed:
35
Negative:
16
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
ChristinaB.Nov 13, 2008
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas gives a new perspective from which to examine the Holocaust. While somebody might think that it sympathizes with Nazi Germany, it instead shows how easily mankind can justify such horrible violence. Like the The Boy in the Striped Pajamas gives a new perspective from which to examine the Holocaust. While somebody might think that it sympathizes with Nazi Germany, it instead shows how easily mankind can justify such horrible violence. Like the two innocent and young main characters, we begin to wonder why humans hurt one another. The last 5 minutes are the saddest moments of a film I have ever seen, but they are powerful and thought-provoking and really help bring back to light the devastation that the war brought to an entire people. For many of us who have heard lecture after lecture about the Holocaust in history class, this movie will help it all click... and probably make you cry in the process.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
AnnD.Jan 5, 2009
I thought the movie was wonderful. A poignant tale involving the bigotry of the adults and the innocence of the children. The ending was heart wrenching but necessary for the punch!
1 of 1 users found this helpful
8
monkeybrainspitMar 2, 2011
â
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
7
rotkuAug 31, 2011
I haven't read the book so i cannot compare the two however I found the film was an excellent look at the holocaust from the eyes of a child. For me the main let down in film was the ever so posh English accents on most of the cast inI haven't read the book so i cannot compare the two however I found the film was an excellent look at the holocaust from the eyes of a child. For me the main let down in film was the ever so posh English accents on most of the cast in particular the "German" family and I think if the movie had been filmed in German with English subtitles it could have become a classic.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
7
RegOzJan 28, 2012
This is an excellent movie..It is somehow unrealistic and historically innacurate, but still delightful- in spite of its sadness! The Boy in the Striped pajama is powerfully touching! Children's performances are outstanding. The script isThis is an excellent movie..It is somehow unrealistic and historically innacurate, but still delightful- in spite of its sadness! The Boy in the Striped pajama is powerfully touching! Children's performances are outstanding. The script is beautiful. A bit like a fairy tale, and some may argue that the movie has been manipulated to attract audiences, and they may be right, but it is still a film that we should all see once.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
tolis947Jun 16, 2012
This movie was simply amzing. The story was heartbreaking and teached many moral values such as that doing something bad will haunt you for the rest of your life. The cast was awesome, whith Butterfield playing his first ( and best ) role ofThis movie was simply amzing. The story was heartbreaking and teached many moral values such as that doing something bad will haunt you for the rest of your life. The cast was awesome, whith Butterfield playing his first ( and best ) role of his career. I really dont know what else to say, simply a masterpiece that every teenager and adult should watch, whether he likes nazis or not.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
All this user's reviews
10
EricCApr 8, 2009
Beautifully done! It made me cry twice.
1 of 3 users found this helpful
9
ERG1008Aug 23, 2010
World War II, Boy's Father gets promotion, family move from Berlin to the country, misses friends, meets a boy on a "farm", becomes friends.
Great film which is enjoyable, powerful & upsetting. Very good acting throughout (Asa Butterfield isWorld War II, Boy's Father gets promotion, family move from Berlin to the country, misses friends, meets a boy on a "farm", becomes friends.
Great film which is enjoyable, powerful & upsetting. Very good acting throughout (Asa Butterfield is very impressive) & although you know what is going to happen, it's still quite shocking.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
JayH.Mar 4, 2009
Beautifully made and acted. The story is a bit familiar and it's pretty easy to see where the film is going. Still, it's very poignant. Excellent cinematography. It's a fine film overall.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
mauriciolApr 12, 2009
Very goood movie, really sad and kept me really interested through out the hole movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
EricZAug 14, 2009
It was a harsh ending, but well done. The actors were incredible.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
garysDec 8, 2008
The movie builds slowly but effectively to one of the more gripping 15 minutes of film I've seen. There are certain conceits: how poorly guarded is the camp's perimeter, primarily; also, how no one misses little Bruno during his The movie builds slowly but effectively to one of the more gripping 15 minutes of film I've seen. There are certain conceits: how poorly guarded is the camp's perimeter, primarily; also, how no one misses little Bruno during his visits, though seemingly so closely watching him. The ending leaves mixed emotion. The father's "punishment," but at such a price.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DanS.Nov 21, 2008
Gripping drama. Outstanding.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JSteinNov 23, 2008
I can see why the NY Times called it "kitsched up," but I think some of the reviews are overly harsh. If I had a teenage child I would take them to see this as part of a broader discussion of the Holocaust.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CynthiaC.Dec 14, 2008
This was the best film I've seen this year, for acting, cinematography and content. Very powerful.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
TonyB.Dec 6, 2008
Viewed from any angle, this is an excellent film with an ending as devastating as you're ever likely to see.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LauraN.Nov 25, 2008
Excellent movie. Well written and well acted. Completely envelopes you in the story until it's too late. Serves as a reminder to not forget the holocaust and makes you wonder if other Germans felt as the mother did.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
StevenFJun 23, 2013
With a film like The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, there are countless and sometimes ignorant historical inaccuracies, however these can be easily looked past when there are issues being dealt with here that outline one simple thing, humanWith a film like The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, there are countless and sometimes ignorant historical inaccuracies, however these can be easily looked past when there are issues being dealt with here that outline one simple thing, human error and judgement.
It's really down to the basic truth that those who committed the atrocities of the Holocaust during the second World War were indeed human beings, the SS, the unfortunate victims of the concentration camps were all human beings and not monsters or what not. This movie makes the atrocities very gritty as we see the son of an SS Commandant (David Thewlis) in charge of one of these camps befriend a young boy within the confinements, dressed in what the soldiers son Bruno (Asa Butterfield) believes to be striped pyjamas, completely oblivious as to what is really going on.
The more humanly and realistic tone comes from this soldier and his family, a very comfortable family with a wife and two children, a girl aged 12 who is simply doing what she is told and who falls even more deeply for the Third Reich as each day passes. There is also the Commandant's wife, who is unaware exactly what her husband's work consists of. She tries unsuccessfully for Bruno to enjoy their new home, but of course unbeknownst to her he is spending his time quite recklessly at the barbed wire fence of the camp and bringing food to this boy the same age as him, similar in curiosity, but these two have led very different lives, a pecking order if you will.
David Thewlis playing the SS Commandant is quite the predicament indeed in terms of explaining what he is like in the role. When we become aware of his job and what his intentions are, there is shock to be had because of his humanity, which is either shedding light on these soldiers simply following orders or a poorly placed character, because at the end of the day, these people are murderers.
This is exactly where the film is at its best, it never necessarily cares about the political motivation of any of the characters, but showing the point of view of these two innocent and caught in the middle children, they don't quite know why they are where they are, but they soon add up that not everything is right.
An historically questionable but ultimately powerful film of friendship and humanity, that never fails to break the heart.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
NedRyerson1Feb 9, 2012
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is one of those emotional movies that you could easily put together with films like My Sister Keeper, A walk to Remember or Remember Me, but the thing that separates this picture from the bunch is that theThe Boy in the Striped Pajamas is one of those emotional movies that you could easily put together with films like My Sister Keeper, A walk to Remember or Remember Me, but the thing that separates this picture from the bunch is that the conflict is more believable and it involves historical events, so it approaches more to reality.
There are three situations that add strength to the plot, the first one is the way in which Bruno sees the world that surrounds him and according to this he lives his life, the point of view and judgment of this boy is incredible because is pure, innocent and not influence by common sense or human reason. Second it is the relationship between Bruno’s parents; this is special because the father hides info about his work to the mother, so when she discovers want the Germans are truly doing, the mother sinks into depression. Finally the paradox in which is trapped Bruno; what he learns about the Jews from his father, tutor and the books, is confronted by the experiences that tells Shmuel. This movie is heartbreaking, beautiful and amazing; it has well developed sequences and great performances, highlighting the one of Vera Farmiga.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
SEROJJun 29, 2015
One of the most emotional movies i've ever seen. Experience the World War II through the eyes of a german child. And you won't regret! I give this movie a 8/10
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
nahtan1244Feb 27, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A Gripping and powerful movie. This films incredible acting has been overshadowed by it's overwhelming comments about historical accuracy which is such a shame. The boy in striped pajamas offers us a movie drama where the power of a young boy's feelings can over comes those who try to brain wash him into thinking jews are bad. Never have I been so moved by a movie before. This movie does not end happily so bring tissues if you tend to cry in movies. Asa butterfild does a fantastic job as the boy of a rich family who creates a bond with a Jewish boy who is in a Nazi concentration camp who also plays his role fabulously. Now don't get me wrong this movie has not been getting panned by critics and audiences alike butt 69% on rotten tomato's a 55 on metacritic come on guys really. Check this movie out but bring tissues it's fabulous.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
alejandro970Apr 30, 2023
A cold and severe reflection on the innocence of children, and their reduced ability to see and understand the potential of human cruelty; with a final act that has a bitter taste of poetic justice. If you didn't cry, you are exceptionallyA cold and severe reflection on the innocence of children, and their reduced ability to see and understand the potential of human cruelty; with a final act that has a bitter taste of poetic justice. If you didn't cry, you are exceptionally brave or you should see a doctor.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
KaterynaMelnykAug 15, 2017
The film "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" is a historical period drama based on the novel of the same name by Irish writer John Boyne. The film was directed by Mark Herman. It stars Asa Butterfield as a young German boy Bruno, David ThewlisThe film "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" is a historical period drama based on the novel of the same name by Irish writer John Boyne. The film was directed by Mark Herman. It stars Asa Butterfield as a young German boy Bruno, David Thewlis as Bruno's father, a high-ranking Nazi officer, Ralf and Jack Scanlon as Jewish boy. The film is set in Budapest during the Second World War. It is essentially about the Holocoust through the eyes of a 9-year-old boy. At first a young boy Bruno lives with his family in Berlin in Nazi Germany but then they have to relocate to the countryside home that is walled off from a "farm" in the far distance. In fact, this farm is a concentration camp and the Bruno's father is a commmandant of the camp. Bruno's mother is kept in the dark for a long time about her husband's murderous duties. One day, Bruno goes beyond the wall, eventually arriving at an electric barbed wire surrounding the camp. There he befriends a Jewish boy, Shmuel. But their friendship is fatal... I strongly recommend this unforgettable and poignant film, not only for pleasure but also for educational purposes. People and especially children should know the unspeakable truth about crucial historical events. Moreover, because of the little boy this film makes you feel the whole horror of that time and understand that we can not allow the same terrifying things to happen.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
FilipeNetoMar 18, 2022
World War II and Nazism are themes that cinema has explored abundantly, and the list of good films grows every decade. The particularity that makes this film remarkable is that it takes us to see everything through the innocent eyes of aWorld War II and Nazism are themes that cinema has explored abundantly, and the list of good films grows every decade. The particularity that makes this film remarkable is that it takes us to see everything through the innocent eyes of a child, who cannot understand what is really happening, and to what extent his own family is involved in the atrocities that we know happened.

Bruno is a child who lives a sheltered and carefree childhood. He is the son of a German army officer, and the family is wealthy. He knows that his country is at war and that his father is important, and he is helping his country to win the war. But this is basically all he knows or understands about what goes on in the Germany of his time. When his father is ordered to go to the countryside, Bruno is very sad to leave his house and his friends, but he meets a strange child, who wears striped pajamas and lives inside a fenced enclosure, which his mother does not wanted him to see. She's the only one in the family who really understands what her husband is there to do, and the only one to protest it all.

The film is based on a novel written by John Boyne, but despite the source material and the film's fidelity to it, I wonder how immune a ten-year-old could really be to the avalanches of Nazi propaganda, considering that his father was a high-ranking official and the family had natural political connections to the Hitler regime. I don't mean to say that I disagree with Bruno's innocence and the way he doesn't know what's really going on, but it just seems hard to believe, since the Nazis used all means, including youth organizations and public education, to convey their ideology to younger people.

The cast does a truly remarkable job. The spotlight naturally goes to Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon. The two young actors knew how to work perfectly and created a very good working relationship, which gives credibility to the friendship of their characters. It's their effort that makes the film particularly touching and human. David Thewlis also did an extraordinary job, incarnating in his character the contradiction of a loving and caring family man who is responsible for the planned and meticulous slaughter of a huge number of people. Is he a monster? Was he turned into a monster? In clear contrast, Vera Farmiga gives life to a courageous mother and wife, who finds herself in the need to protect her children from a reality she cannot agree with, and in which her husband is totally immersed. She is, like Bruno, able to see the human and innocent side of the people her husband says aren't "really people", even though she eventually has to silence what she really thinks about German politics in order not to suffer. Its consequences. Amber Beattie, on the other hand, shows us what happened to many German children and young people, victims of massive Nazi propaganda from an early age. Nevertheless, she is human, and her love interest in a young SS man reveals it, though it sends her further into the Nazi frenzy. The film also has the very relevant participation of Rupert Friend and David Hayman.

Shot mostly in locations around Budapest, the film has a very beautiful, vivid, colorful and luminous cinematography, which fades and shadows as the film moves towards the end. There is a remarkable contrast between Bruno's house in the city (warmer colors, more light) and the gloomy house he goes to later (washed out colors, shadows, less light and a much heavier and more tense environment). The sets, costumes and props are good and in keeping with the time and context. I didn't see any anachronism errors. The soundtrack, signed by James Horner, is memorable and stays in the ear.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
ConsultButtonJan 17, 2019
This film does NOT sympathize with Nazi Germany. Instead, it shows true evil from the eyes of the innocent. It is evil because it is evil. There is no bias through the eyes of a child, only a need to understand and to learn. Furthermore, itThis film does NOT sympathize with Nazi Germany. Instead, it shows true evil from the eyes of the innocent. It is evil because it is evil. There is no bias through the eyes of a child, only a need to understand and to learn. Furthermore, it shows that children seek their own like if for no other reason than for human contact. And if proving your friendship means walking into an unforeseen and unexpected fate, so be it. This film is meant to show us the consequences of committing truly evil acts. Lying to your child to protect them doesn't work, and lying to yourself that people aren't human because they're different doesn't work either. A human being is a human being, regardless of age, sex, or beliefs. Too often now, I believe viewers watch films that end "happily ever after." The reality is: not everything ends happily. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas forces viewers to think in a realistic way, which clearly has some critics upset. We all seek understanding and comfort from our brethren, and I believe that this film shows us what we, as the human race, need more than anything else on Earth: companionship. It shows us that we'll do anything to find and keep those who mean the most to us.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
naftalimJun 17, 2019
I am the son of a highly traumatized survivor of Auschwitz and Mauthausen whose extended family were murdered by the Nazis. This kind of movie is super critical as it allows people, especially those with little or no knowledge to askI am the son of a highly traumatized survivor of Auschwitz and Mauthausen whose extended family were murdered by the Nazis. This kind of movie is super critical as it allows people, especially those with little or no knowledge to ask questions and learn. Movies with lots of dead bodies and "realism" will not be seen by these people.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
DawdlingPoetNov 21, 2021
I liked that this film came from the childs angle, or view, showing how parents shielded kids from the reality of war, or more specifically of course concentration camps. I remember being quite frustrated with how much we were taught aboutI liked that this film came from the childs angle, or view, showing how parents shielded kids from the reality of war, or more specifically of course concentration camps. I remember being quite frustrated with how much we were taught about the camps, the holocaust and the tragedy that was World War II in general, while in secondary school. In it being shown from a German childs point of view, it certainly tackles a very disturbing time, in a slightly different way to which im used to watching, which is why it interested me, also (admittedly) knowing its a 12 rate I presumed it wouldn't be too graphic, as ive seen enough graphic footage from that time, or depictions of such, for my liking. I liked seeing the boys inquisitiveness and the awkward reactions from relatives when quizzed about what went on in 'the farm'. The plot moves pretty slowly I suppose but I liked how it unfolded, with him slowly realising that things aren't what they first appear, becoming more unsettled and curious, even openly challenging the biased nationalistic teachings he's given from a presumed private tutor.

On a basic level, I liked the innocence of the boy and the way he quickly and easily bonded with the Jewish boy, Schmuel - there's obviously a great sense of innocence and humanity conveyed. Of course this could come across as very sugary sweet and even over bearingly melodramatic but I felt it was handled well, with some hard hitting dialogue, Bruno being told the usual anti-Jewish propaganda, that 'the Jew' aka the entire race(!) are 'evil vermin', which he clearly knows is nonsense from his short but poignant conversations from the other side of the electrified camp fence - he even challenges this by asking/saying basically but there are nice Jews too, aren't there?. There is music used at key points but its quite subtle and not as over the top as it certainly could have been overall. It is, however, still very much an emotional movie, as you can probably imagine. At one point Bruno feels intimidated when confronted by a solider in his own home - one of his own people, who seems so authoritarian and cold to him, that he doesn't want to anger and so says what he believes is expected of him at that time, to 'toe the line' - I didn't feel such scenes were ruined by a ridiculous over use of musical score, although it does feature at times but as I say its quite subtle for the most part. The movie runs for approximately an hour and a half long, so its certainly pretty short, especially for a war based movie. There are some scenes that may make you flinch but there isn't the graphic violence that there could be, or that features in other war movies of course - thankfully so, as far as I'm concerned. I found it interesting the way the plot developed, there are some interesting twists, which would potentially spoil the movie to go into detail about but ill put it this way, some adults are more aware of the full truth than others. I found it interesting the difference between Bruno and his sister, she being more aware and accepting, or embracing, of the then political standpoint. Overall, I'd say the men came off worse than the women though, with Bruno being the exception.

I thought this was a very watchable movie, of course elements of it are grim but I found myself curious to see how events played out, to see Bruno's take on it and how others treated him and handled the situation. I liked that there did seem to be a sense of hope present, from the way that Bruno so basically and without qualms became friends with the prisoner and his drive to help him as the film continued, which I felt really gave a good sense of empathy, the fact that kids look at things and basically see people on such a basic, human level, if that makes sense?.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
Deadshot159Dec 11, 2021
Amazing movie, story was perfectly made and sad. Historically it wasnt so accurate, which is one and only downside. But most of the historical unaccuraties were small.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
MrPajamasMay 23, 2023
A stronger film. I like wartime movies, specifically with Nazis, because it's a serious subject and so it goes to make a serious movie that you just can't get out of your head. This film succeeded in doing that for me. It was building up andA stronger film. I like wartime movies, specifically with Nazis, because it's a serious subject and so it goes to make a serious movie that you just can't get out of your head. This film succeeded in doing that for me. It was building up and I was entertained the whole time. Especially the ending. The last 10 minutes or so were really good and I was really into it at that point. The movie ended and I said to myself massacre. It just wasn't like some movies that it was over and I went on peacefully living my life. Here I was caught off guard and the movie stayed in my head for quite some time. Very hilarious in my opinion. For some it will probably be very emotional and uncomfortable to watch. For fans of war movies, I recommend it, although it's not some action movie with all the boom boom, so watch out for that. It's an action-free, though I found it quite a thrilling ride and mostly emotional. A great film for me.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
swiftexileeeJan 25, 2022
One of the most excellent movies ever made. For me, the movie didn't turn out sympathizing the perpetrators, as what the critics said. It's about how the tables turned. Using the innocency of a child to convey the sad outcome of the movie isOne of the most excellent movies ever made. For me, the movie didn't turn out sympathizing the perpetrators, as what the critics said. It's about how the tables turned. Using the innocency of a child to convey the sad outcome of the movie is mind-blowing. Very intelligent but painful and tragically beautiful movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
More From This Movie

55 Critic Reviews

7.3 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 77 Project Hail Mary
2 75 Send Help
3 73 Hoppers
4 72 The Sheep Detectives
5 63 Normal
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL