DVD
REVIEW:
The Boy In The Striped Pajamas
03/08/09
SYNOPSIS:
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
is based on the internationally bestselling novel by John
Boyne.
When his father (David Thewlis,) a high-ranking Nazi
officer, is assigned to oversee a farm in the countryside,
eight-year-old Bruno (Asa Butterfield) misses the excitement
and camaraderie he knew in his hometown of Berlin. Lonely
and bored, Bruno secretly explores his new surroundings and
discovers the farm is surrounded by barbed wire. When he
sees Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), a boy his own age, working
behind the fence, he strikes up a tentative friendship,
playing checkers and catch through the barbed wire. As Bruno
slowly realizes that his new friend is Jewish, he becomes
confused by the Nazi doctrines his tutor espouses and
suspicious of the real purpose of the farm. When Shmuel
needs his help, the boys form an outrageous plan that comes
to a devastating conclusion. Intelligent, thoughtful and
haunting, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is an unforgettable
portrait of a child trying to navigate in an increasingly
complex and shadowy adult world.
REVIEW: “History in
the making” is what Bruno’s (Asa Butterfield) grandfather
told him to justify the events that were going on around
him. Throughout history, man has always seemed to have a
problem with his fellow man. It’s like we just can’t live
together in this vast planet we all call home. There are few
events in history that demonstrate the truth of that as much
as the Holocaust. This movie takes you straight to that
setting as seen through the eyes of an 8 year old German
boy, Bruno, whose father just so happens to be the
commandant of a prison camp for Jews, just across the field
from their new home. This relatively young couple along with
their two children, Gretel and Bruno, have left beautiful
Berlin and relocated to this quaint country home all in the
line of duty. Little does Bruno know what exactly goes on in
that camp and the role his father plays. For a while, Bruno
is under the belief that it’s a farm. Regardless, his father
Ralph (David Thewlis) has dragged his family into a line of
work that requires the worker to have no conscience. Ralph
and Gretel seem to qualify, but Bruno and his mother don’t.
Neither does Ralph’s mother who accuses Ralph of liking his
uniform and what it represents.
I’ve been using the word powerful a lot lately to describe
some of the movies I’ve seen. Believe it or not, I don’t
think I’ve been using the term loosely, especially in this
case. This is a powerful movie and it is not for everybody.
Priscilla went along with me because of her affinity for the
subject matter among other reasons. Her interest is sparked
by her direct connection to those events. She has ancestors
that perished under those unthinkable crimes as well as some
that survived them. Well, she left the theater emotionally
shaken and quite upset; not disappointed, but upset. She
almost regrets having gone with me to see this film, that’s
how strong it is. At the same time, however, she realizes
that these films have the value of not letting people forget
about that truly disturbing period in time. She agreed with
me that the movie is very well done and it brings a fresh
perspective. The way the movie ends, however, will hit you
like a bucket of ice water dumped on you in one shot.
Everybody left the theater in utter silence and reverence.
This film will touch you and tug at your heart. It will give
you an idea of the injustice and the inhumane treatment of
other human beings. Priscilla commented that they were
“treated like dogs”. I think dogs are treated better. The
German military and other government supporters thought of
them as not being people at all.
Asa, who plays Bruno, steals the show with his childhood
innocence and dialogue as well as his striking crystal blue
eyes. David Thewlis and Vera Farmiga play Bruno’s parents
and they both give stirring performances as well. David is
the dedicated soldier and defender of the fatherland, and
Vera is the dedicated mother and defender of humanity. The
cinematography was masterful including the use of color
outside the camp and the absence of color inside the camp.
Even the music adds to the effect, especially during the
climax. It will put a chill up and down your spine and the
climax will leave you speechless. Director and Co-writer
Mark Herman has done an excellent job with this piece. I
would say he accomplished his goals with this motion
picture. If you are in the mood for a serious, heart
wrenching tale taking place during one of the darkest eras
in the history of mankind, then don’t miss it.
Film
Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
DVD: The DVD is
presented in 1.85:1 aspect ration preserving the
theatrical presentation of the film. The picture is
complemented with a 5.1 Dolby Digital in English with
Spanish subtitles. In terms of special features this
release includes a good 20 minutes behind the scenes
documentary, covering interesting aspects from the
making of the film. It also includes a total of 5
deleted scenes, that in reality don't add anything
interesting to the story. Finally the DVD includes a an
interesting Feature Commentary With Director Mark Herman
and author John Boyne.
VIDEO:
1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
AUDIO:
English,
5.1 (Dolby Digital).
Subtitles - English Spanish - Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Friendship Beyond
the Fence—This behind-the-scenes featurette shows
how filmmakers balanced the tale of Bruno, the lonely son of
a Nazi officer, and the sensitive reality of one of the
darkest periods in world history to create an unforgettable
motion picture. (20:29)
Deleted scenes—A
total of 5 deleted scenes, all with an option commentary by
director Mark Herman. (6:30)
Audio
Commentary—Director Mark Herman and author John Boyne
discuss the film.
RATING BREAK DOWN:
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People Movie Review
The Boy in The Striped Pajamas
|
<Baxtaa 2K9>
|
100 |
|
WOW.. such a brilliant movie. has to be
the best of all time. i cried the whole
way through it. shows perfectly the
naivity of the little boys. neither of
them had any idea at all what was
happening. even though there was people
dying all around them, they still had
time to pick their best friends. "He
took shmuels hand and nothing in the
world would have persuaded him to let
go" best line in the movie. |
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