For this assigned blog, I decided to watch the movie Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I would describe this movie as historical fiction. The events in the plot were historically accurate, but weren't based off a true story. This movie takes place first in Nazi occupied, Berlin, Germany. There, the main characters are introduced. The main characters are Bruno, Gretel, and their mother and father. Bruno's father is a Nazi commandant, who, in the beginning of the story, has received a promotion. This forces the family to move from their much loved Berlin home, to the country side. Bruno finds his very large home in Berlin very fun for a young explorer such as himself. They move to a very simple, yet large country home.
From his window in his room, Bruno can see what he thinks are "farms". On these "farms" Bruno can see children. He asks his mother if he can play with the "children". His mother, unaware of what Bruno is actually seeing, agrees to let him play with the children. As Bruno talks with his father, it becomes evident that Bruno is seeing people in the concentration camps.
As Bruno is denied access to various places behind the house, he becomes increasingly more curious. Over this time, his sister, Gretel, has left her days of dolls and childish things behind and has become a heavy supporter of the Nazi regime. Bruno leaves home one day to explore the back of the house, and successfully sneaks past the many adults who would have stopped him. He makes his way through the forest and finds himself at a fence. There he meets a young boy named Shmuel. Shmuel is the same age as Bruno. The become friends and Bruno visits the fence almost every day.
When the boys meet they discuss their lives. Shmuel tells Bruno about the camps and Bruno tells Shmuel about his lack of friends and desire to play and explore. The boys meet for several weeks. Bruno bring Shmuel food many times during this. As Bruno hears from Shmuel that the camps aren't all they are made out to be, Bruno's mother finds out that her husbands plan to win the war is harming others. She smells the smoke from the chimneys and is told from a soldier that they "smell even worse when their burning" (referring to the Jews). This sets her off and she goes into a state of depression.
Bruno visits Shmuel and as previously planned he goes under the fence to help Shmuel find his father. Shmuel brings Bruno a pair of striped pajamas and a striped hat. They go to search for Shmuel's father in the barracks and they are herded out. They are directed to a gas chamber where they are instructed to take off their clothes. They are then led into the chambers where they eventually die.
I absolutely loved this movie. It depicted the time period so well. It made me feel so strongly for the people discriminated against in the movie that sometimes I just wanted to scream. It made me sick to my stomach when people would yell and I could never imagine being in that position. I think in this case, the movie definitely beat the book. I would recommend this movie to anyone.
Shmuel and Bruno at the fence.
Bruno's mother and father.
Comments
Excellent summary and reflections Sam!