The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

When Brandon and I were at the video store for him to rent a game on Saturday, I saw a movie that intrigued me. On Monday evening I went back and rented The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

In 2006, Irish novelist John Boyne's book, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, was released in the US. From then until present, over 4,000 copies have been sold and it has been turned into a movie.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, tells the story of Bruno, the son of a German commander. The family lives in Berlin during WWII. Bruno's father receives a promotion and the family moves to Poland near the concentration camp of "Out With," what today is known as Auschwitz. Bruno, his sister and his mother often wonder what is burning at the camp, as the black smoke pours from the chimneys.

One day while exploring, Bruno comes upon the barbed wire around the concentration camp. Sitting nearby is a boy of his own age by the name of Shumel. The boy asks him if he has any food and Bruno promises to return the next day with something to eat.

Over time, Bruno and Shumel become good friends. Bruno brings food for Shumel and they play checkers and ball through the barb wire fence. Then, Bruno's mother finds out what is really burning at the concentration camp and she informs Bruno and his sister that they are leaving.

On the day they are to depart, Bruno seeks out Shumel, who has brought an extra concentration camp uniform with him. He sheds his clothes and scurries under the fence where he joins Shumel in a search for his father.

What happens next is something that is every parent's nightmare. Does Bruno return to his family? What becomes of this boy who is the German commander's son?

This movie is not fast paced, but tells the story of two boys who do not see the difference between German and Jew, but see only another human being who, each in his own way, is a captive of the war.

This is a powerful story of war that you won't want to miss. I do warn that tissues may be needed.

What good movies have you watched lately? I would appreciate any recommendations you may have. ~Blessings, Mary~