What does war look like through children’s eyes? And moreover, through the eyes of the son of a Nazi officer? The film shows the many pathologies of the Nazis, but also the goodness and love that are present even in difficult moments of oppression. It is also a story about childhood innocence and simplicity. And therein lies the potential for childhood happiness and the uncomplicatedness of a child’s life.

Bruno lives with his father, mother and sister in Berlin. After Bruno’s father is promoted, they move to the countryside near a concentration camp. From his new house, Bruno can see through the window in his room to several barracks in the camp, around which he also sees several children running around. He has no friends in his new home and therefore wants to get to know the children from the camp.

In his childhood fantasies, he lives in the idea that what he sees from the window in his room is a farm. He has no idea that it is a concentration camp where people are waiting to die.

An elderly Jewish man serves in their house. In spite of the harsh treatment he experiences in their house, he behaves very kindly towards Bruno.

One day, Bruno finally goes on an adventurous expedition to the concentration camp fence. There he meets a Jewish boy named Shmuel. Bruno brings Shmuel food and, despite various difficulties, they try to play different games. But above all they talk a lot and get to know each other’s worlds.

They take Shmuel in as their servant in Bruno’s house. One day Bruno gives Shmuel food. They are caught and Shmuel is punished by returning to a concentration camp.

Bruno is unhappy and regrets his share of the blame. When the two meet again at the camp fence, Shmuel forgives Bruno.

Bruno’s father decides to move his family elsewhere until the war is over. Before leaving, however, Bruno wants to help Shmuel find his father and enters the camp.

Parents Guide: The beating to death of a Jewish prisoner. Taking and locking prisoners in the gas chamber.

Cast: Asa Butterfield, Jack Scanlon, David Thewlis, Vera Farmiga, Rupert Friend, Richard Johnson, Sheila Hancock, Cara Horgan, Amber Beattie, David Hayman

Crew: Mark Herman

Italy, 2004

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