A remarkable film. Hugely important material to work with, well-written script based on John Boyne's book, great direction from Mark Herman and superb performances from very gifted actors make this an experience as much as a film.
Without spoiling your enjoyment the plot follows Bruno, the son of a high-ranking Nazi during the Second World War. His father has been promoted to Camp Commandant of a newly formed concentration camp and the family must move there in order that Bruno's father completes his work.
David Thewlis is cast in the role of Bruno's father and is an excellent choice. I have liked his work since seeing "Naked" in 1993 and if you are familiar with this film you will know that Mr Thewlis is a fantastically emotive actor. The casting throughout is spot on with particular credit going to Asa Butterfield as Bruno and Jack Scanlon as Schmuel, the Jewish boy whom Bruno befriends.
How does the son of a Commandant befriend a Jewish boy? If I told you'd I'd spoil the suspense! You'll have to see the film.
We are taken through the trauma of the move to the countryside and the boredom that comes with it. We see the exploration that any young man must pursue to become acquainted with his new surroundings and the ferocious conclusion which I promise you will never forget.
We are plunged into the nightmare world of Nazi Germany and, as if this world is not horrific enough, we are forced into a bizarre scenario of double standards and piano-wire tension where the two immiscible worlds of Nazis and Jews are blended together.
Although I have not read the book I understand that there are slight differences which have been made but an interview with the director on Radio Four I listened to explained that this was to further the impetus on screen and not to detract from it. I can imagine what these were and would have done the same myself. The end result is a mesmerising film which will play on your mind for months, I expect.
So it should.
This was one of the most shameful chapters in human history and it surely does us all good to be shocked into thinking every now and then.
Highly recommended. 8/10
Review: Mark Woods, 2009 (LordBeanpod@GMail.com)
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