Synopsis
Bruno is a nine-year-old boy who lives in Berlin, Germany during World War 2. He lives in a 5 storey house with his mother, father and twelve year-old sister Gretel. One night when “The Fury” comes to dinner everything changes. Bruno’s father, a high ranking SS Nazi officer is promoted to commandant and the family is forced to move to a new place in “Out-With”. Bruno hates the new house, there is nothing to do and he is not allowed to explore his surroundings.
From the window in his room, Bruno can see a wire fence surrounding a small town. Bruno can also make out the people inside wearing blue striped pyjamas. Bruno’s father makes it very clear that this area is out of bounds 'at all times with no exceptions'. One day Bruno decides to go against his father's instructions and explores the wire fence. It is here he meets a young Jewish boy named Shmuel. Bruno returns to his new friend each afternoon bringing him food and talking to him whilst both boys remain on opposite sides of the fence.
After almost a year Bruno’s mother decides that she will return with the children to Berlin. When Bruno hears this news he goes to see Shmuel for the last time. When Bruno finds Shmuel he looks very upset and reveals that his father has disappeared. Desperate to help his friend Bruno comes up with a plan to cross over the other side of the fence while wearing striped pyjamas to help search for Shmuel’s father.
From the window in his room, Bruno can see a wire fence surrounding a small town. Bruno can also make out the people inside wearing blue striped pyjamas. Bruno’s father makes it very clear that this area is out of bounds 'at all times with no exceptions'. One day Bruno decides to go against his father's instructions and explores the wire fence. It is here he meets a young Jewish boy named Shmuel. Bruno returns to his new friend each afternoon bringing him food and talking to him whilst both boys remain on opposite sides of the fence.
After almost a year Bruno’s mother decides that she will return with the children to Berlin. When Bruno hears this news he goes to see Shmuel for the last time. When Bruno finds Shmuel he looks very upset and reveals that his father has disappeared. Desperate to help his friend Bruno comes up with a plan to cross over the other side of the fence while wearing striped pyjamas to help search for Shmuel’s father.
“What exactly was the difference? he wondered to himself. And who decided which people wore the striped pyjamas and which people wore the uniforms?” -Bruno