The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

2008

"Friendship knows no boundaries or borders."

Also known as: 🇬🇧 EN: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas^? 🇨🇳 ZH: 穿條紋衣的男孩^? 🇷🇴 RO: Băiatul în pijama vărgată AZ: Cizgili Pejamalı Uşaq^? 🇹🇷 TR: Çizgili Pijamalı Çocuk^? All international titles (6) →

Drama War History 94 min 7.7/10

Synopsis

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a movie released in 2008.

In a poignant exploration of innocence and the stark realities of war, this film tells the heart-wrenching story of a young boy named Bruno, who finds himself uprooted from his idyllic life in Berlin and thrust into a bleak existence in Poland. As he grapples with the confines of his new home, Bruno's curiosity leads him to a forbidden fence, where he encounters Shmuel, a boy wearing striped pajamas who lives on the other side. Unbeknownst to Bruno, Shmuel is a Jewish prisoner, and their innocent friendship unfolds against the backdrop of one of history's darkest chapters. This film masterfully weaves themes of innocence, friendship, and the profound impacts of war, showcasing the contrasting worlds of childhood wonder and the horrors of prejudice. As Bruno embarks on a dangerous journey that challenges his understanding of loyalty and morality, viewers are invited to reflect on the power of hope and human connection in the face of division. With stunning performances and haunting visuals, this emotionally charged narrative serves as a powerful reminder that love and empathy can transcend even the most formidable barriers.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 13+

13+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	3/5
Sexual Content	0/5
Language	1/5
Drugs / Alcohol	0/5
Frightening Elements	3/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

The film includes scenes that depict the harsh realities of war and the Holocaust, including emotional and physical suffering, though graphic violence is not shown.

Sexual Content

There are no sexual scenes or suggestive content.

Language

There is minimal strong language, but it is not a central aspect of the film.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are no depictions of drug or alcohol use.

Frightening Elements

The film contains unsettling themes related to war, loss, and the implications of hatred, which may be distressing for younger viewers.

Summary for parents:

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a poignant drama set during World War II that explores themes of friendship and innocence against the backdrop of the Holocaust. It is recommended for audiences aged 13 and older due to its emotional weight and thematic elements, which may not be suitable for younger children.

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

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2017

Same Actor Asa Butterfield

Kingdom of Hea...

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Project Hail M...

2026

Similar Theme

Dunkirk

2017

Similar Genre

Where to Watch The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Online

Available in Romania on Netflix

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The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is on Netflix

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Streaming availability data provided by TMDB. Romania

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Box Office

Budget: $12,500,000

Revenue: $20,416,563

Profit $7,916,563

ROI +63.3% (1.6x)

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Cast of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Asa Butterfield

Bruno

Vera Farmiga

Mother

David Thewlis

Father

Rupert Friend

Lieutenant Kotler

Cast Filmography

See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Keywords

#based on novel or book 610 #world war ii 120 #anxious 55 #nazi 53 #children in wartime 15 #concentration camp 9 #nationalism 5 #concentration camp prisoner 2 #gas chamber 1

Production Companies

Miramax

Heyday Films

BBC Film

Trivia & Fun Facts about The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

6

• The film was shot primarily in Budapest, Hungary, which stood in for the Polish setting of the story, allowing the production to take advantage of the city's historical architecture.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• The role of Bruno was played by Asa Butterfield, who was only 11 years old during filming, bringing a unique perspective to the character's innocence and curiosity.

  Fun Fact ai

• During a scene where Bruno's family is sitting at dinner, the placement of the food changes inconsistently between shots, indicating a continuity error.

  Movie Mistake ai

• The film shares thematic elements with other war dramas, particularly in its exploration of childhood innocence amidst the backdrop of conflict, similar to 'Life is Beautiful'.

  Movie Connection ai

• The film's score was composed by composer James Horner, whose emotional music enhances the film's poignant themes and character arcs.

  Other ai

• In a subtle detail, the character of Shmuel is often depicted with a more somber color palette compared to Bruno, visually representing the stark differences in their lives.

  Easter Egg ai

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