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The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas 2008

“Lines may divide us, but hope will unite us.”

★ 7.8/10 · 7,727 votes PG-13 DramaWarHistory Released
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Directed by Mark Herman

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Quick answer

What is The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas?

The film "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is a story about a young boy who moves to a new house in Poland with his family. The boy befriends a local boy, Shmuel, who lives near a fence where everyone seems to be wearing striped pajamas.

Type
Film
Year
2008
Status
Released
Runtime
94 minutes
Release date
May 7, 2008
Original language
EN
Origin
United Kingdom, United States of America
Studios
BBC Film, Miramax, Heyday Films
Budget
$12,500,000
Revenue
$20,416,563
Genres
Drama, War, History
Updated
Availability by region

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Trailer

Overview

The film "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is a story about a young boy who moves to a new house in Poland with his family. The boy befriends a local boy, Shmuel, who lives near a fence where everyone seems to be wearing striped pajamas. The boy's family has relocated from their previous home in Berlin. The boy's father plays a significant role in the local community, although the extent of his involvement is not specified. The boy becomes curious about the camp on the other side of the fence and decides to embark on a journey inside its walls. This decision puts him in a potentially hazardous situation, as he is unaware of the true nature of the camp and its inhabitants.

based on novel or booknazinationalismconcentration campworld war iigas chamberconcentration camp prisonerchildren in wartime
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Should you watch it?

“A young boy forms an unlikely friendship across a barbed-wire fence during the Holocaust.”

# somber# poignant# historical# tense
Reasons to watch
  • compelling perspective
  • emotional depth
Keep in mind
  • heavy subject matter

Watch it if you are interested in historical dramas told through the eyes of children.

The film contains mature themes and depictions of historical tragedy.

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Cast

Asa Butterfield Bruno
Vera Farmiga Mother
David Thewlis Father
Jack Scanlon Shmuel
Amber Beattie Gretel
Rupert Friend Lieutenant Kotler
David Hayman Pavel
Sheila Hancock Grandma
Richard Johnson Grandpa
Cara Horgan Maria
Jim Norton Herr Liszt
☻
Zac Mattoon O'Brien Leon

Frequently asked questions

What is the film about?

It follows a young boy who befriends another child living behind a fence in Poland.

Where does the story take place?

The setting moves from Berlin to a house located near a camp in Poland.

Who is the main character?

The story centers on a young boy named Bruno.

What are the striped pajamas?

They are the clothing worn by prisoners living on the other side of the fence.

Is this based on a true story?

The film is a historical drama depicting the experiences of children during this period.