“History in the making” is what Bruno’s (Asa Butterfield) grandfather told him to justify the events that were going on around him. Throughout history, man has always seemed to have a problem with his fellow man. It’s like we just can’t live together in this vast planet we all call home. There are few events in history that demonstrate the truth of that as much as the Holocaust. This movie takes you straight to that setting as seen through the eyes of an 8 year old German boy, Bruno, whose father just so happens to be the commandant of a prison camp for Jews, just across the field from their new home. This relatively young couple along with their two children, Gretel and Bruno, have left beautiful Berlin and relocated to this quaint country home all in the line of duty. Little does Bruno know what exactly goes on in that camp and the role his father plays. For a while, Bruno is under the belief that it’s a farm. Regardless, his father Ralph (David Thewlis) has dragged his family into a line of work that requires the worker to have no conscience. Ralph and Gretel seem to qualify, but Bruno and his mother don’t. Neither does Ralph’s mother who accuses Ralph of liking his uniform and what it represents.
I’ve been using the word powerful a lot lately to describe some of the movies I’ve seen. Believe it or not, I don’t think I’ve been using the term loosely, especially in this case. This is a powerful movie and it is not for everybody. Priscilla went along with me because of her affinity for the subject matter among other reasons. Her interest is sparked by her direct connection to those events. She has ancestors that perished under those unthinkable crimes as well as some that survived them. Well, she left the theater emotionally shaken and quite upset; not disappointed, but upset. She almost regrets having gone with me to see this film, that’s how strong it is. At the same time, however, she realizes that these films have the value of not letting people forget about that truly disturbing period in time. She agreed with me that the movie is very well done and it brings a fresh perspective. The way the movie ends, however, will hit you like a bucket of ice water dumped on you in one shot. Everybody left the theater in utter silence and reverence. This film will touch you and tug at your heart. It will give you an idea of the injustice and the inhumane treatment of other human beings. Priscilla commented that they were “treated like dogs”. I think dogs are treated better. The German military and other government supporters thought of them as not being people at all.
Asa, who plays Bruno, steals the show with his childhood innocence and dialogue as well as his striking crystal blue eyes. David Thewlis and Vera Farmiga play Bruno’s parents and they both give stirring performances as well. David is the dedicated soldier and defender of the fatherland, and Vera is the dedicated mother and defender of humanity. The cinematography was masterful including the use of color outside the camp and the absence of color inside the camp. Even the music adds to the effect, especially during the climax. It will put a chill up and down your spine and the climax will leave you speechless. Director and Co-writer Mark Herman has done an excellent job with this piece. I would say he accomplished his goals with this motion picture. If you are in the mood for a serious, heart wrenching tale taking place during one of the darkest eras in the history of mankind, then don’t miss it.
Review By Cine Marcos
