The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas 2008

I like both Schmuel’s and Bruno’s acting. One is confused about why he is suffering something forced on him, while the other is slowly processing and questioning everything he has been taught. You can really see it in Schmuel and Bruno’s eyes. And seeing Schmuel push that heavy wheelbarrow with such a fragile body is just so heartbreaking. I also like Vera’s acting, especially when she finally realizes what is really happening beyond their backyard. That moment hits because I can feel the shift from ignorance to horror. The film feels like a mix of The Zone of Interest with that idea of living beside a concentration camp, Jojo Rabbit with the propaganda and brainwashing of innocent children, and Grave of the Fireflies with children suffering because of a war they did not choose to be part of. Oh the innocence! Why do they have to corrupt something so pure?! The ending made me hold my breath for a long time. My eyes were wide open, just shocked and in disbelief. What a twist! I am really glad no one spoiled this for me. After it ended, I just felt empty again. Stop the wars.