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Trailer

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

2008Movie1 h 34 minPG-13

Drama
68
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb7.7Letterboxd3.7/5Metacritic557.0Rotten Tomatoes65%84%

A deeply moving, relentlessly bleak drama movie about history and society.

Good for teens · thought-provoking · adults

Skip it if you want something to laugh at · you need an uplifting mood

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Not for warmth, laughs or comfort.

Movies with

Story

Lines may divide us, but hope will unite us.

When his family moves from their home in Berlin to a strange new house in Poland, young Bruno befriends Shmuel, a boy who lives on the other side of the fence where everyone seems to be wearing striped pajamas. Unaware of Shmuel's fate as a Jewish prisoner or the role his own Nazi father plays in his imprisonment, Bruno embarks on a dangerous journey inside the camp's walls.

Feels like

  • Historical Tragedy
  • Childhood Innocence Lost
  • Holocaust Drama
  • Emotional Devastation
  • Nazi Germany Setting
  • Innocent Perspective
  • Social Commentary
  • Somber Atmosphere
  • Family Conflict

Cast

18 of 18

Crew

Directed by
Mark Herman
Written by
Mark Herman, John Boyne
Produced by
David Heyman
Music by
James Horner

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

May 7, 2008 · 1 h 34 min · PG-13

Released
May 7, 2008
Runtime
1 h 34 min
Age rating
PG-13
Content
Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Strong Language
Genres
Drama, War, History
Original language
English
Also spoken
German
Made in
United Kingdom, United States
Budget
$13 million
Box office
$20 million
Available in
71 countries
Keywords
based on novel or book

Tropes

Hoist by His Own Petard, Hypocritical Humor, Everyone Has Standards +9

  • Hoist by His Own Petard
  • Hypocritical Humor
  • Everyone Has Standards
  • Why Couldn't You Be Different?
  • Children Are Innocent
  • Artistic License – History
  • Say My Name
  • Person with the Clothing
  • Stepford Smiler
  • Odd Friendship
  • Together in Death
  • From New York to Nowhere

12 of 51 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

6 questions, like "Where can I stream The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas?"

Questions about The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas?

KanopyHoopla

In the United States, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, JustWatch TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 16 other countries.

Is The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas worth watching?

68
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 68 (IMDb 7.7, Letterboxd 3.7 out of 5, Rotten Tomatoes 65%, and Metacritic 55). Audiences rate it higher (76 out of 100) than critics (60).

Is The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas okay for kids?

PG-13ViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language

Not for young kids: it's rated PG-13 in the United States for violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Will I feel good after watching The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas?

BleakHopeful

Probably not: the title analysis rates it 9 of 10 for bleakness and 8 for melancholy, against 2 for hopefulness.

Is The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on pathos (9 of 10) and character depth (7 of 10) more than on its plot.

What tropes does The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas use?

Hoist by His Own PetardHypocritical HumorEveryone Has StandardsWhy Couldn't You Be Different?Children Are InnocentArtistic License – HistorySay My NamePerson with the ClothingStepford SmilerOdd FriendshipTogether in DeathFrom New York to Nowhereand 39 more

TV Tropes lists 51 tropes for it, including Hoist by His Own Petard, Hypocritical Humor, and Everyone Has Standards.