I have only a handful of films that I place in my “walk around the multiplex parking lot” list. They are those memory moments where after watching all the credits (which I do for every film) I cannot just hop in my car – I must walk around in the parking lot and let the film continue to seep into my emotional experience that it has provided for me.

The newest film to make this list for me is “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.” As the film opens, I knew I was in for a pleasant experience; my favorite Oscar winning composer penned the score. Jim Horner who created the music for “Titanic” and a film I had interns on, “Stroke of Genius,” was immediately setting the stage with his melodic genius as the opening credits rolled.

The opening scene took me back into Western Europe – and the ‘40s with its identical warm tones and textures that were part of “Life is Beautiful” another favorite of mine when it comes to WWII settings.

But quickly the film moved from those warm tones into a much more somber mood. As we focus in on two very different 8 year old boys and one very impressionable German Family.  Bruno is informed that his father has been promoted and they will be leaving their palatial home in Berlin for the countryside.

Bruno and his sister watch as the house is prepared for friends and family who will come to wish them fond farewells. The film moves to Bruno’s father descending the central staircase in his new uniform – the distinctive gray and black of the Nazi SS commandants complete with its skulls and lighting bolt emblems.

The move into the countryside confirms for Bruno his worst fears – no friends and no places to really play, his curiosity is aroused only by the unusual farm he can see from his upstairs bedroom window – a farm full of farmers wear striped pajamas. 

Bruno through a series of disobedient steps, finds a way past the forbidden backyard of their new home and after a short run through the forest, finds himself face to face with a soon to be new friend – 8 year old Shmuel.

From here the film deepens into its conflicts with Bruno being taught one thing from his father and his drive-in tutor about the Jews; verses what he is learning from his new friend who comes to the back corner of the barbed wire perimeter of the strange “farm.” 

We know what’s going on, but not entirely as the film takes deeper and deeper steps into its tragic ending – one we hope won’t happen and we are teased with the change that it won’t until ….

One of my former students, Robert Johnston says in his book “Finding God in the Movies,” “Successful movies don’t merely transplant us somewhere new; they inspire us to become on with one of the characters.” And that’s what happened to me as I watched this film.

Chuck Colson reviewed and highly recommended this film last week on his “Breakpoint” radio conversation. He says, “While the film’s conclusion will certainly leave you in stunned silence, once you recover your composure, there will be a lot to talk about. You may notice how much worldview matters – you’ll find biblical allusions – and you’ll find references about duty and human nature, good and evil – and what a world without hope looks like. So take a friend to see ‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.’ This movie is emotionally jarring, and its implications are profound.  After watching it, you and your friends will no doubt want to go out and grab a cup of coffee and sit down for a real conversation about what really matters in life.”

And if you go to a coffee spot inside the multiplex, and you look out the window, you might see me walking around the parking lot – just thinking and feeling after I see the move a second time – which I almost never do.

David R. Anderson – associate professor Media Studies in film.