Latest news with #TheBoyintheStripedPyjamas
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Author John Boyne: ‘I agree with JK Rowling, but if I didn't, I would just keep my mouth shut'
John Boyne is an Irish author from Co Dublin. He is best known for his historical novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, which was adapted into a film of the same name, and more recently his Elements series. He lives in Co Dublin.
The Spinoff
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
All the novels I studied at high school, ranked
Year 13 student Zara Dollie considers all the books she studied from years 9 to 13, and puts them in their place. From Shakespeare's tragic love to S.E. Hinton's street fights, we have all battled with 'novel studies' throughout our NCEA careers. A 'novel study' consists of closely analysing a book chosen by your teacher to write essays about. It's often a dreaded aspect of the year because it requires doing things teenagers don't typically want to do: deep reading, critical thinking, and clear writing under pressure. How often do these stories continue to impact us after the final exam is over? What life lessons did 1984 teach me? How did The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas develop my capacities for empathy? With the new English curriculum incoming, now feels like a good time to revisit the novels I was made to study throughout secondary school – and reflect on the ones that stayed with me. To help me reason with how these books impacted me (or not), I ranked them using the following criteria: How relevant the text was at the time I studied it; Its literary merit; Whether it taught me any lasting life lessons. 5. The Raging Quiet by Sherryl Jordan Studied in Year 11 Marnie's journey to Fernleigh and her catalytic relationship with Raven filled me with an unimaginable amount of disdain – and I wasn't the only one that felt this way. Marnie's relationship with Raven, while clearly intended to be poignant, didn't resonate with me the way other characters in media have. I struggled to invest myself in the progression of their bond, and instead enjoyed the individual personalities of the characters. That said, Jordan's ability to highlight the complexities of empathy was evident and admirable. At age 15 I was reading Sally Rooney, dabbling in Emily Brontë, growing amicable with Murakami. While The Raging Quiet taught independence, standing up to conformity, and breaking away from societal norms, it lacked the mind-bending, evocative depth other authors provided. I do believe that incorporating Aotearoa writers into the curriculum is important, but I would have liked to explore these themes through a more culturally familiar setting – one that reflected our own society. Jordan is a fantastic writer, but this story didn't challenge me in the ways I needed at that stage. At Year 11 we needed something complex, a story to sink our teeth into, and The Raging Quiet was not that novel. I do think, however, that this book would be an amazing novel for students between Year 7 and 8 to read as a class. 4. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne Studied in Year 9 The story of Shmuel and Bruno is heavy enough to make any adult eyes well with tears, so as an impressionable 13-year-old, I found this book profoundly sad. This story was so impactful because of its simplicity. Boyne didn't write descriptive, gruesome scenes, but instead used the innocence of childhood as a tool to convey the weight of tragedy. The contrast between a child's curiosity and the bleak reality of the holocaust struck a chord in all of us. Boyne's storytelling sparked conversations not just about history, but about empathy, injustice, and just how easily innocence can be lost. Boyne's writing contained the perfect level of mature language for our age group. We were taught valuable lessons through this book, such as the dangers of prejudice – a relevant lesson during the rise of bullying online and offline. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas was the first in-depth exposure to just how gruesome the holocaust was for most students in our class. Many students later revisited the holocaust through social science and history, which made this novel a formative first step — one that shaped our emotional understanding before the facts arrived. 3. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey Studied in Year 13 The themes within One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest were eye-opening, fresh and fitting for a Year 13 class. Its structure and characters were unlike anything I'd studied in school before — a welcome shift. At its core, the novel taught the importance of human connection – an appropriate lesson at this age. In the novel, the main character McMurphy fosters connections between patients in a psychiatric hospital, despite their different struggles, and creates a web of camaraderie. His ability to unite people showed students that authentic leadership sometimes lies in rebellion against injustice, and in empathy, and in the capacity of human connection to repel oppressive systems. This made us question authority and institutions, raising conversations about how those in power can misuse their authority under the guise of order or care (for example, the ward's use of electroshock therapy and lobotomy as tools for control, rather than healing.) These weren't just literary concepts. They were life lessons. And they stayed with me. 2. 1984 by George Orwell Studied in Year 12 Studying dystopia in Year 12 was one of my favourite units throughout my school years. 1984 hooked my class from the beginning — probably because dystopian fiction is already so familiar to teens through popular novels such as The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and Shatter Me. The novel offered countless lessons: the metaphors were rich, it's structured well and contains a diversity of sentence types, all of which made it interesting to read. Orwell's use of auditory imagery, specifically during the Two Minutes Hate (a daily ritual in which citizens are forced to express hatred for the Party's enemies), revealed to us how writing can unsettle a reader on a visceral level — and taught us how to do the same. 1984 was timely. The totalitarian environment reflected what was happening in 2024 — from surveillance control to political spin. Through Orwell we discovered how impactful propaganda can be: ringing bells of war time propaganda, the Russian revolution, and other periods we knew about because of school and other forums. This sparked questions about life itself, such as the implications of totalitarianism and what it means for the future. Orwell helped shape our perception of worldly events as well as taught us lessons about literature and what it can do. 1. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton Studied in Year 10 'Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold,' still echoes through my mind whenever I see a fiery sunset burn orange. That line — and the book it comes from — was hands down the most important novel I was taught at school. Not because it was easy. Not because it got me a good grade. But because it stuck. Hinton framed the chaos of adolescence like the films Mid90s, Eighth Grade, and Normal People would later. The ongoing relevance of the ideas in The Outsiders shows that its lessons are impactful — they move beyond the time the novel was written. I was 14 when I studied this novel – just old enough to begin questioning things like loyalty, family, class – but too young to know where to look for answers. That's why this novel landed. Considering Hinton was 16 when she wrote it, I felt like she understood exactly how I was feeling. She wrote teenagers like they were real people, rather than just mere characters waiting to be analysed. The depth of each character added to the book's literary strength and made them more relatable for our age group. Reading the novel felt like having someone articulate the inner workings of teenagehood. While the plot of the novel hit hard, the quiet moments that Hinton described resonated too. Like the way Ponyboy describes sunsets, or his deep thoughts about poetry and loss. This novel showed me that vulnerability isn't weakness, being sensitive doesn't mean you're soft, and being observant is a gift. The Outsiders showed us that real strength can come from empathy. During Year 10, I thought I was far too complicated and far too alternative for others to relate to. But Ponyboy, the 'greasers' and their utter disdain for the 'socs' made me feel like I was part of something. The main concept I took away from this book was: 'Sometimes, you have to make poor decisions for the better outcome.' Those are words I pulled straight from the essay I wrote back then in Year 10. Consider Johnny's decision to kill Bob – on the surface, this is entirely wrong, both morally and legally. But he makes this decision to protect Ponyboy. Their strong sense of companionship taught me that morality isn't always black and white. It made me realise that sometimes, the hardest choices are the ones that teach us the most. And that kind of insight? It lasts. If books we study in school are meant to shape our thinking, then let them be books that challenge us, comfort us, and — like Ponyboy's story — stay with us beyond the final bell.
Metro
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
'Devastating' disturbing film based on a true story comes to Amazon Prime Video
A film guaranteed to leave you weeping and wailing has landed on Amazon Prime Video. Released in 2008, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas shows war from the gut-wrenching, innocent perspective of a child as eight-year-old boys Bruno (Asa Butterfield) and Shmuel (Jack Scanlon) strike up a forbidden friendship. Set during World War II, Bruno moves with his parents and sister from Berlin to a new home by a concentration camp, where his father (David Thewlis) has just become the commandant. As the youngster wanders off out of boredom, unbeknownst to his family, Bruno grows close with the Jewish boy behind the barbed-wire fence, visiting him frequently without a clue about what's truly happening on what he believes is a 'farm.' Their special bond ultimately has devastating consequences, and it's safe to say the movie's final twist packs a real punch. Despite being released almost 20 years ago, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas remains a hugely popular, albeit divisive, film. Based on John Boyne's book of the same name, it is often shown in schools to offer students an emotional insight into the Holocaust and generate discussions. However, despite receiving generally positive reviews for its emotional storytelling upon its initial release, it also garnered criticism for 'misrepresenting' and 'trivialising' elements of war. But now you can decide for yourself, as the 94-minute historical drama is available to stream. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has a 65% rating overall from critics on review platform Rotten Tomatoes, while viewers have scored it 85%. Among the feedback, Richard Crouse writes that it will 'take your breath away,' while Mike Massie says 'this is a film that cannot be easily forgotten.' 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas may very well be 2008's most important family film [sic],' says Richard Propes. 'Even in its lighter moments, the picture never downplays the horror of the situation, and the devastating ending is potent enough to affect even those viewers who write it off as nothing more than a sensationalist stunt,' argues Matt Brunson. 'A movie so horrific it haunts your dreams but so fascinating you can't turn your eyes away from it,' Jackie K. Cooper pens. In contrast, though, some suggest that the plot is 'too manufactured' and 'gimmicky'. Since it was released, there's no denying that child actor Asa, now 28, has forged a successful career for himself. He was 10 when he made The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, with director Mark Herman saying they came across him early on in the audition process. In the years since, he's appeared in Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, and, most famously, took the lead in Netflix series Sex Education, starring opposite Gillian Anderson. More Trending As for Jack, the now 26-year-old lives a quieter life. Both he and co-star Asa were nominated for the Young Artist Awards thanks to their performances in the movie, with Jack going on to star in the BBC miniseries Runaway in 2009. He remained close friends with Asa after the pair were plucked from obscurity to star in what would become a hit film; however, Jack no longer acts. Watch The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas on Amazon Prime Video. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Amazon Prime Video quietly adds one of the 'best horror shows ever' MORE: Amazon Prime confirms iconic 90s gameshow revival with WWE legend as host MORE: Amazon Prime fans rush to binge 'incredible' thriller axed 10 years ago
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Popular Arthur Miller classic tale to feature in Cheshire theatre's spring season
A POPULAR Arthur Miller classic tale will feature in a dramatic Crewe Lyceum Theatre spring season. Death of a Salesman will headline the season from March 27 to March 29, directed by and starring David Hayman. A prominent actor and director, David has become well-known for his roles in productions like Sid and Nancy and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. The Pulitzer Prize-winning story follows the last 24 hours of Willy Loman's life, exploring the tension between a father's expectations and his son's realities. The play delves into the sacrifices made in pursuit of the 'American Dream', offering a timeless narrative of ambition, family, and the cost of seeking success. (Image: Supplied) Animal Farm, George Orwell's enduring satire on the corruption of power, will take to the stage from March 18 and March 19. This critically acclaimed production presents a powerful retelling of the familiar classic, ensuring its relevance resonates with contemporary audiences. April 18 and April 19 will see the rise of Dracula. Nick Lane's adaptation of Bram Stoker's gothic thriller promises a blend of Victorian Gothic and contemporary elements. This production aims to deliver an exhilarating theatrical experience, featuring a haunting soundscape, innovative design, and powerful performances. For those wishing to enjoy the thrilling season of drama, tickets and further information are available online.
