One thing that many people may not know about me is the grandfather that I talk about so fondly and Connor is named after is not actually my biological grandfather. Not that you would ever know and though I've always known it never mattered. My real grandfather died when my mom was still in high school and I never had the pleasure of meeting him but I'm sure if god was good enough to give me such a wonderful grandfather to replace him he must have been an amazing man. Why am I telling you all of this? Well my real grandfather was a POW in a concentration camp in Germany and I've always wondered how that must have been for him. Seeing what was going on up close must have really left its mark and I've seen tons of documentaries, movies, you name it. I can honestly say though until I saw The Boy In The Striped Pajamas, I've never honestly felt it.
I really had no clue what to expect I've stopped watching previews for movies I am going to review if I haven't already seen one as I really want it to be a honest review. So though I knew this was a world war two movie about a concentration camp I really had no clue what to expect and I'm honestly glad I didn't as the end came as a huge shock. I don't want to reveal much about the movie as I think its something you just need to experience for yourself but to break it down a top German soldier is put in charge of a concentration camp and must bring his family with him to live nearby. Seeing as the camp is a little isolated his children are left without any friends and his wife hates exposing her kids to the camp being so close. As the movie progresses his son who is a dreamer and really has no real idea of whats going on in the concentration camp nor the fact that they are being forced there against their will, as he calls the jews "farmers", ends up making friends with a boy in the camp across the fence.
The entire movie shows the war from a child's perspective and watching it as a mother was gut wrenching. I won't give away the ending but brace yourself as it sent me almost sobbing into Connor's room to scoop him up and hold him for a good two hours on my chest as he slept. I'm still not over it nor do I think I ever will be. With all that said its one of those movies that leaves a mark but one of those marks that needs to be felt and experienced. I've never said that a movie is life changing but this one, is.
The Boy In The Striped Pajamas is available right now on DVD and you can pick up your copy on Amazon!
6 Comments:
Thanks for reminding me of this Angela. I saw the previews recently and thought I'd like to see. I'll prepare myself by evacuating everyone from the house, grabbing some tissues and iced tea.
It looks like a wonderful film. Thanks for the review :)
I have this on my list of movies to see - I want to read the book first though so that's what I've been waiting for. I knew it looked like a heavy movie.
Thanks for posting this review. I have heard many good things about this movie from many different people. It's now on my Netflix queue.
I have the book at home, I'm going to start it tomorrow. I don't know if I could watch the movie! Wow...
I saw a note somewhere about this movie, it looks interesting and powerful. Though not one kids, I'm guessing?? Thanks for the recommendation!
I watched this movie when it first came out on DVD. I'll be honest and admit that I wasn't interested in it simply because it didn't seem like my kind of movie and I hadn't read or heard any reviews abut it. I watched it because a friend rented it and wanted me to watch it with him. OMG! I was completely blown away. It's a movie that pulled at my hearstrings and I've recommended it to many people. I think it's a must-see. Will definitely open up your eyes.
-Terra H.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
Post a Comment