This is a powerful movie that will move you emotionally unless you have a heart of stone. The atrocities of Nazi, Germany led by Hitler and his commandants are realistically portrayed in this well-made film. The performance of the child actors, Asa Butterfield as young Bruno, and Jack Scanlon as Shmuel, are right on target and emotionally charged. Although there are no overly violent moments on the screen, the emotions which the story elicits warrants a two in our violence category, as such images as smoke rising from a gas chamber carry an emotional impact.

This picture brilliantly portrays the fact that when one person or people harm innocent people, that inevitably their own innocent people will be touched or harmed in some way. The interaction of the two young boys, both age eight, give characterizations that will draw the audience in. It is a bit depressing to watch at times; for example a former doctor, a Jew, now has the task of peeling potatoes for Bruno’s family. He is also badly mistreated by a soldier who frequents the home.

This film is dramatic in every respect and realistically reveals the horrible realities of the time, and the viewer may well forget it is fictionalized. This movie is well worth viewing and the value of life is markedly stated on the big screen. We gladly award our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal to this film.