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SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 at 2:36 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: HPANA
Harry Potter producer David Heyman and actor David Thewlis ("Remus Lupin") have collaborated outside Rowling's universe to make a film based on a very different kind of book.
The Boy In The Striped Pajamas
, by John Boyne, is a powerful story of a young boy who befriends, by happenstance, a Jewish boy being held in a concentration camp in which his Nazi father (Thewlis) works -- through a barbed-wire fence near his home.
Eight year-old Bruno is the sheltered son of a Nazi officer whose promotion takes the family from their comfortable home in Berlin to a desolate area where the lonely boy finds nothing to do and no-one to play with. Crushed by boredom and compelled by curiosity, Bruno ignores his mother's repeated instructions not to explore the back garden and heads for the "farm" he has seen in the near distance. There he meets Shmuel, a boy his own age who lives a parallel, alien existence on the other side of a barbed wire fence. Bruno's encounter with the boy in the striped pyjamas leads him from innocence to a dawning awareness of the adult world around them as his meetings with Shmuel develop into a friendship with devastating consequences.
The movie adaptation, produced by Heyman, was important to make because "history has a pattern of repeating itself" and must be told in "whatever form" is necessary to make sure tragedies like the Holocaust can never happen again, according to Heyman.
"I'm drawn to human stories, and this is first and foremost a human tale," said Heyman. "Whilst it is a Holocaust story set in 1940s Germany, for me, it's timeless."
"With all the conflicts going on today, whether in Rwanda, Somalia, Palestine, Israel, Darfur, Zimbabwe or Iraq, this story seems to me to be as relevant today as at any time in history," continued Heyman.
"It's one that resonates with me and has touched thousands of readers around the world. That children have the potential and the ability to overcome differences in culture and identity; that people ultimately can get along if they're not encouraged to hate; that governments, institutions and the media can and do cultivate conflict and distrust – these are timely ideas with universal relevance and I think this story makes them accessible to anyone."
Check out the trailer and considering seeing the film when it is in limited release starting November 7 in the U.S. More information can be found at the film's official web site.
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Student
Points: 230
Twilight/HarryPotter-<3 says:
WOO 1st comment!
I think that is awesome:) The movie sounds really good, I will definitly see it at some point.
Posted Sep 17, 2008 at 3:56 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2852
H/HrShipper4Ever says:
The story is so sad. It makes me cry everytime I see the trailer.
Posted Sep 17, 2008 at 4:46 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2363
Nataly says:
David Thewlis as REmus Lupin is great! Can't wait to see him in another film.. but anyway am downloading the trailer now.. thanks!
Posted Sep 17, 2008 at 5:36 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 355
Theo.Nott.Addict says:
Wow, David Thewlis in a Waffen-SS uniform. That's something I never thought I'd see.
Posted Sep 17, 2008 at 6:05 PM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 8934
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
Should be interesting to see them in such different roles. I wonder if preconceptions of there work will detract from an objective view. Tough subject matter to work with.
Posted Sep 17, 2008 at 6:19 PM EST
I Am Queen of My Castle
Points: 3672
Hecate3fold says:
I've heard about this movie someplace else but I can't remember where. I watched the trailer and know that I will have to see it when it is released.
You can't get the point across strongly enough and this film will help do it.
Blessings! Hecate3fold!
Posted Sep 17, 2008 at 6:56 PM EST
Snape's Immortal Beloved
Points: 2553
padfoot619 says:
Thewlis is a brilliant actor. :) I hope it's playing near me.
Posted Sep 17, 2008 at 8:39 PM EST
Mrs. Draco Malfoy
Points: 27761
Arika Granger Malfoy says:
Awesomeness!
David and David rock, he he :D
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Posted Sep 17, 2008 at 10:17 PM EST
Witch
Points: 670
draconifors says:
He is such a cool actor!Not sure about the movie tho,will have to hear more about it.
Posted Sep 18, 2008 at 1:45 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2860
mad_eye muggle says:
Awesome!Nice comments from David Heyman.The plot,timeless indeed.Such a great story,very inspiring and poignant.I'm sure gonna watch this film.Also love David Thewlis as an actor.
Posted Sep 18, 2008 at 3:07 AM EST
Furry Little Problem
Points: 4298
Juicybit says:
I'm not mad about David Thewlis, but this film sounds really nice, so I might go and see it, IF it ever comes out in my country.
Anyway, nice to have news about someone other than Dan. *sniff*
Posted Sep 18, 2008 at 4:49 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2424
bonniewrightrulz says:
Hmm,the film sounds really nice.I might actually see this one,it'll be cool to see Thewlis in a role other than Prof Lupin.
Posted Sep 18, 2008 at 5:15 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1862
Bright Eyes says:
Wow. Sounds like a very interesting film. I'll have to check it out.
Posted Sep 18, 2008 at 6:04 AM EST
Lunarly challenged
Points: 2480
Grayback'sVictim says:
The story sounds nice, not the kind i like, but nice...
Thewlis looks a bit funny on the pictures. Well personaly i think he always looks a bit funny but never mind.
I wonder what role Thewlis has... *is of to google the film*
Posted Sep 18, 2008 at 9:51 AM EST
Punk Rock Princess
Points: 2833
XxX~Rachael~XxX says:
I saw this film a few days ago at the cinema I work at and its awsome. I loved it and I totally agree with the reasons for making it. I was shocked at how many people had brought children with them, I don't think I could have handled that as a child.
Posted Sep 18, 2008 at 10:28 AM EST
Squib
Points: 185
cshorte says:
Hopefully it will be playing somewhere close...so I can watch it!!!!
Posted Sep 18, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST
Antipodean Snow Goddess
Points: 3070
Tikihaha says:
This sounds like a brilliant film - although it will be hard to watch children caught in a Nazi concentration camp. Thewliss will be amazing as a German officer.
Posted Sep 18, 2008 at 5:39 PM EST
Squib
Points: 129
Sarah * says:
I've seen the trailer for that film and i really want to see it.
Now i really really want to see it :)
Posted Sep 18, 2008 at 5:57 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1453
smart hermione says:
Ive seen the trailer and it looks great, i love these kind of movies. Definately gonna watch it!
Posted Sep 18, 2008 at 6:43 PM EST
Kathe Mera Kalimera
Points: 7720
dominor says:
I've read about this movie in empire magazine, its supposed to be really good.. Will see it when it comes out on DVD or something for sure..
Posted Sep 19, 2008 at 1:39 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 786
Rudeboy2025 says:
I can't wait to watch this movie. I loved the book, so I hope it's a faithful adaptation.
Posted Sep 20, 2008 at 12:33 AM EST
Queen of the Fae
Points: 4614
marauderette says:
I love David Thewlis and hope it plays near me! It sounds like it is going to be a touching (and sad) film.
Posted Sep 20, 2008 at 4:55 PM EST
Delusional Army Soldier
Points: 4399
ILoveHP! says:
Wow great plot! I would definitely be watching this! I've always been so affected by Holocaust/Hitler films and this one will make me more emotional because the characters are children!
Posted Sep 20, 2008 at 9:05 PM EST
Witch
Points: 819
accio_kim says:
Wow, sounds amazing, I love Thewlis in HP, and would definitely like to see him in another role (not that I don't love Lupin).
Posted Sep 21, 2008 at 12:03 AM EST
Prof. Alfred W. Mandoore
Points: 2445
JAYSTARR says:
This is a Brilliant movie, well constructed...Even though the movie entails about the two boys. The movie in general shows the way the otherside lived away from the battle. It is so realistic in details and actor David Thewlis did an outstanding performance.
Posted Sep 21, 2008 at 11:37 AM EST
Lady of Godric's Hollow
Points: 5292
GodricsGirl says:
I looks amazing. I will definitely check it out. The trailer is mesmerizing.
Posted Sep 21, 2008 at 1:04 PM EST
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