Cinema Society

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS

Average
Rating

4.6

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

7:00PM: Cinema Chat with Andy (Auditorium 4 Only)

7:10PM: Introduction, Auditorium 4

7:10PM: Introduction, Auditorium 5

7:30PM: THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS, Auditoriums 4 & 5

Discussion will follow screening in Auditorium 4

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a fictional story that offers a unique perspective on how prejudice, hatred and violence affect innocent people, particularly children, during wartime.

Through the lens of an eight-year-old boy largely shielded from the reality of World War II, we witness a forbidden friendship that forms between Bruno, the son of Nazi commandant, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy held captive in a concentration camp. Though the two are separated physically by a barbed wire fence, their lives become inescapably intertwined. The imagined story of Bruno and Shmuel sheds light on the brutality, senselessness and devastating consequences of war from an unusual point of view. Together, their tragic journey helps recall the millions of innocent victims of the Holocaust.

Directed by Mark Herman (LITTLE VOICE, BRASSED OFF) and adapted from the best selling book of the same name by John Boyne, THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS stars Asa Butterfield, Jack Scanlon, Amber Beattie, David Thewlis, Rupert Friend and Jim Norton. A Miramax Release, it opens commercially in San Diego on November 14th.

Rated PG-13 for some mature thematic material involving the Holocaust

Running Time: 94 Minutes

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16-Dec-08: Jerry McLaughlin - Rating: 5

Overall very well acted on a difficult topic.

Was able to create sympathy where sympathy is normally not found.

Thought provoking movie. Discussion after movie. Who knew what, where and when?

Normally, prefer movies we will not see in theatrical release .

14-Nov-08: hj - Rating: 5

Horrible.

On a lighter note, thanks for recognizing the veterans.

14-Nov-08: Dan Smith - Rating: 5

I agree with "Barry" except I give it a 5.

14-Nov-08: Linda - Rating: 5

This movie was incredible - So well crafted. The actors were fabulous - I am an admirer of Vera Farmiga and the boys were wonderful. James Horner created the perfect music for this movie. You were so right. It was impossible

to speak afterwards. I'm still digesting it. What an impact (through children).

I agree, it is a difficult movie to recommend because I know how I felt afterwards.

14-Nov-08: Mroe - Rating: 5

I really don't know what to say about this film, I was speechless at the end of this film and still can't find the words. I couldn't even stay for the after-discussion and I ALWAYS stay for the after-discussion. I think because I was so caught up in the "child/innocence" perspective I was that more devastated by what happened to those innocent boys. The scenes about "the smell(s)" and the sight of the smoke were chilling without the need to be graphic....and Lieutenant Kotler (Rupert Friend) scared me too and is the epitome of what I think a Nazi soldier is. This will be a difficult movie to recommend only because I feel that my heart was ripped out at the very end and that is not an easy thing to suggest loved ones to experience.

12-Nov-08: Barry - Rating: 4

Quite well done.

Coming from the perspective of children is new to me and I think an excellent approach, however, it made it hard to watch. Also, a glimpse (only a glimpse) looking at the conflicted people who did not get "on board" with the killing was a good touch and hints at what happens when hate is allowed to rule because the mob goes along with the program.

Extremely hard to take. "Tough" might be a good word here.

Speaking English worked well for me - we knew they were German.

12-Nov-08: jh - Rating: 5

I had two objections to "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas". First, upon reflection, the story was most contrived (a friend called it a fable). Second, the ending. Then I realized that I was objecting to the source material, John Boyne's book, not the film. The film was brilliant, everything about it.

12-Nov-08: EBee - Rating: 4

very powerful movie. Most amazing is that this is the first film for the 3 child actors. Interesting to see Rupert Friend ( Mr. Wickam from Pride & Prej) and David Thewlis ( Professor Lupin from H-Potter). So recognizable from previous roles ~ and speaking English. I felt that the beginning/especially with everyone speaking with an English accent felt more "upstairs/downstairs", though the scene with the boys running through the round up of Jews was startling. Gretel's transformation was a very powerful portrayal ( I thought about her name...being lost in the woods and believing what the wolf told her?) Lots to think about. I do think the English accents make it easier for American audiences, but I'm not sure that it was the best decision for this movie. The other point is the movie poster. It shows the 2 boys in an idyllic field. Not so much. Quite misleading.

12-Nov-08: JimY - Rating: 4

Not to trivialize it but the film reminded me of the Twilight Zone (albeit one that really existed, although this particular story is fiction), but it does show, in a very powerful way, that children will form friendships with one another without the prejudices of their parents.

Interesting role for Rupert Friend from Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, his character was just another example that no one was safe.

I had no problem with the accents, it's a British film so I expect English accents, as long as the accents are consistent.