The Film The Boy In The Striped Pajamas

The film, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, delivered an incredibly stellar performance from the main character, Bruno (played by Asa Butterfield) and the rest of the supporting cast. Revealing the horrifying event of the Holocaust through the innocent eyes of a child, the film is one that powerfully encourages myself and other viewers to be enlightened of the many tragedies that occurred during this time period. Set during World War II, the story is focused on the viewpoint of 9-year-old Bruno. Bruno is the son of the newly promoted commandant of an Auschwitz concentration camp ruled by Nazis. Because of his fathers promotion, he and his family are forced to move to Poland and start a new life there, as opposed to living in Berlin, Germany.
Leaving behind three of his best friends at his previous home, Bruno becomes very upset and lonely. He is also confused as to why he isn't allowed to play with the kids he sees dressed in "striped pajamas" from his window. Soon enough, Bruno realizes that those people dressed in uniform aren't only kids, but men ranging from any age. Trying to be obedient and following the orders of his parents, Bruno tries to find entertainment within the house instead of exploring outside as he desperately wishes to. Going against the rules, Bruno finally goes out to where the people who wear the striped pajamas are working at which he believes to be a farm. Truthfully, the involuntary workers are Jews at a concentration camp. Unfortunately, Bruno is obvious to this specific fact. While exploring, Bruno meets a young boy of his own age named Shmuel who lives on the other side of the fence. Being that Shmuel could not escape and leave from the fence, this frustrated and confused Bruno.
However, they were both able to maintain their friendship. Bruno cared for Shmuel as he often brought food to him and played with him whenever he might be lonely. After a while, Bruno and Shmuel plan one last day of playing with each other where Shmuel lives. Bruno crawls under the fence to actually be with Shmuel as he changes into the striped pajamas brought by Shmuel and gets his head shaved. They go on a hunt for Shmuel's father as they are caught by officials of the camp and are sent to a gas chamber. Thinking he is going in for just a regular shower, Bruno is relieved to know this. However, that is not the case. The gas chamber leads to a silent death of both Bruno and Shmuel along with the rest of the Jews. This movie greatly ties into the studies of World War II considering that the main focus was of the genocide of Jews. The concentration camps set up all over Europe were apart of Hitler's "Final Solution" to rid the entire existence of all Jews. Sadly, Hitler is responsible for the mass killing of 11 million people through the Holocaust. This era has left a huge impact on not only American history, but World history in
general.