The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, which was to open in Toronto Nov. 7 and in other Canadian cities later this month, brings us the story of Bruno, the son of a high-ranking Nazi officer, who, bored with his family’s new country home, sneaks away to explore the forbidden area beyond his backyard. Arriving at the fenced-in “farm” he saw through his window, he meets Shmuel, a boy of the same age whom he envies for the ability to wear “pajamas” all day. He begins to visit Shmuel on a daily basis, playing checkers with him and supplying him with food.

This film, based on the 2006 novel by the same name, written by Irish novelist John Boyne, is full of lessons — on forgiveness, prejudice, ignorance and the effects of evil on the innocent.

Bruno’s sister Gretel becomes a model of “normal” anti-Jew prejudice, as she trades her dolls for Nazi propaganda supplied by a young lieutenant. Yet Bruno remains for the most part ignorant of current affairs and the unfolding Second World War, although he does begin to question the goodness of his father as Shmuel reveals details about life in the extermination camp. Yet his childish innocence and exposure to a Nazi propaganda film that displays the camp in a positive light shield him from the dangers that face his new-found friend.

Bruno’s interactions with Pavel, the Jewish man who wears “pajamas” under his apron, offers a clear view of the dignity stripped away from people during the Holocaust, but the boy is left confused after Pavel tells him he used to practise medicine. Bruno had fallen off his tire swing and scraped his knee, and Pavel rushed him inside to treat and bandage the wound. He wonders why someone would swap medicine for peeling potatoes, and in the same way later wonders why Shmuel’s father left his watch-making business to live in the camp. He gleans only bits and pieces of the real picture, which is quite evident to the viewer.

The plot moves forward quickly and the emotions are intense. The actors display stunning emotion.

A lesson in forgiveness comes when Shmuel is brought into the house to clean some glasses and is accused of stealing food supplied by Bruno. Bruno’s denial is later forgiven by Shmuel and all is forgotten.

The friendship between Bruno and Shmuel is a test of innocent loyalty that knows no bounds. Despite the electric fence that separates them, and the ideological boundaries that make it “bad” for them to hang out (Bruno’s tutor tells him during a lesson that he would be the best explorer in the world if he found a good Jew), Bruno keeps going back, eventually sealing his fate with that of Shmuel’s in the heart-wrenching conclusion.

The movie also offers a glimpse at the parents’ struggle — Bruno’s mother as she begins to learn about the nature of the neighbouring camp, her emotional deterioration and her desire to take Bruno and Gretel to her sister’s house in Heidelberg. The father’s participation in the Nazi regime reflects the reality that you can hurt the ones you love, unintentionally, by doing evil to others. He seems to love his family but exhibits an overpowering sense of duty to his country and the responsibilities he took on.

Full of surprises and memorable lines, this Miramax film doesn’t disappoint, but prepare yourself for a hard reflection on this not-so-rosy topic.