'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' holds emotional grip

Director: Mark Herman

Cast: David Thewlis, Asa Butterfield, Rupert Friend, Jack Scanlon, Vera Farmiga

Cert: 12

An interesting and thoughtful film from Britain – based one the best-selling novel by Irish author John Boyne – that brings us a remarkably mature performance from young Butterfield, a potential star of the future.

Butterfield plays the son of a German WW2 concentration camp commandant who befriends a Jewish boy, Shmuel (Scanlon), with unforeseen consequences.

The film is understated yet holds its powerful depth of character and emotional grip throughout as it considers friendship and understanding ... and misunderstanding ... in dire times.

Star Rating: 4/5