Movie Analysis (The Boy in The Striped Pajamas)

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Submitted by: Shaina Marie C. Carlon BSEd-English 3

Submitted to: Ms. Hannah EG C. Lejano, LPT
M-LIC (4:30-5:30 PM)
MOVIE ANALYSIS (Marxist Criticism)

"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" by Mark Herman
What role does class play in the work; what is the author's analysis of class relations?
In the movie "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" directed by Mark Herman, class plays a
significant role in portraying the stark contrast between different social groups during World War II.
The story revolves around the friendship that develops between Bruno, the son of a high-ranking
Nazi officer, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy held captive in a concentration camp.
The author's analysis of class relations in the movie highlights the extreme disparities
between the privileged class represented by Bruno and the oppressed class represented by
Shmuel. Bruno comes from a wealthy and influential family, living in a luxurious house and all the
privileges that come with his position. On the other hand, Shmuel is trapped in a concentration
camp, subjected to inhumane conditions and constant fear. The movie portrays the ignorance and
obliviousness of the upper class towards the suffering of those considered inferior. Bruno's lack of
understanding regarding the true nature of his father's work and the atrocities committed against
the Jews reflects the detachment that often exists among individuals in positions of privilege.
How do characters overcome oppression?
"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" is a powerful film that explores the theme of oppression
during the Holocaust. In the movie, characters face various forms of oppression, and although
they may not directly overcome it, their experiences shed light on the devastating consequences
of discrimination and inhumanity.
One-way characters in the film attempt to confront oppression is through friendship and
empathy. Bruno, the young protagonist, befriends Shmuel, a Jewish boy imprisoned in a
concentration camp. Through their friendship, they find solace and support in each other's
company, transcending the barriers imposed by oppression. Their bond highlights the universal
humanity that can exist even in the face of extreme adversity.
In what ways does the work serve as propaganda for the status quo; or does it try to
undermine it?
In the movie, the status quo is represented by the Nazi regime during World War II. The story
follows the perspective of Bruno, a young German boy whose father is a high-ranking Nazi officer.
Initially, the film portrays the status quo from Bruno's innocent and naive viewpoint, highlighting his
lack of understanding of the true nature of the regime. This portrayal can be seen as an attempt to
humanize Bruno and show how propaganda can manipulate individuals, especially children, into
accepting and perpetuating harmful ideologies.
The movie does not explicitly undermine the status quo through direct confrontation or
resistance, it indirectly questions the morality and consequences of blind allegiance to a harmful
ideology. By presenting the events through the eyes of an innocent child, the movie encourages
viewers to reflect on the power of propaganda and the importance of empathy and compassion in
the face of injustice.
What does the work say about oppression; or are social conflicts ignored or blamed
elsewhere?
The movie does not ignore or blame social conflicts elsewhere; instead, it highlights the
devastating consequences of oppression and the tragic impact it has on individuals and
communities. It portrays the horrors of the Holocaust and the inherent injustice of the Nazi regime.
It emphasizes the dehumanizing effects of oppression and challenges the viewers to reflect on
the power dynamics, discrimination, and prejudice that were prevalent during that dark era. While
the movie does not explicitly analyze the broader social conflicts of the time, it serves as a
poignant reminder of the immense human cost of such conflicts. It encourages viewers to confront
the atrocities of history and to recognize the importance of empathy, compassion, and
understanding in preventing oppression and social injustices.
Does the work propose some form of utopian vision as a solution to the problems
encountered in the work?
The movie does not explicitly propose a utopian vision as a solution to the problems
encountered, it does shed light on the devastating consequences of prejudice, ignorance, and
hatred. The movie portrays the friendship that develops between Bruno, the son of a high-ranking
Nazi officer, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy imprisoned in a concentration camp. Through their
innocent interactions, the film highlights the stark contrast between their respective worlds and
challenges the audience to reflect on the inherent injustice and tragedy of the Holocaust. Rather
than offering a utopian solution, the movie serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy,
compassion, and understanding. It encourages viewers to confront the dark chapters of history
and strive for a world where such atrocities are never repeated. By presenting the consequences
of blind loyalty, prejudice, and dehumanization, the movie prompts viewers to question the
systems and ideologies that perpetuate hatred. It emphasizes the need for education, awareness,
and critical thinking to prevent similar tragedies in the future

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HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Submitted by: Shaina Marie C. Carlon BSEd-English 3

MOVIE ANALYSIS (Marxist Criticism)

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