THE MAGIC SENTENCE
The director
Mark Herman
verb
uses
chooses
selects
manipulates
takes the
employs
utilises
changes the
develops the
extends the
blends
techniques
Visual
techniques
Verbal
techniques
purpose
to show us
to reinforce
to emphasise
to illustrate
to epitomise
to represent
to symbolise
to develop
to portray
to make us question
to explore
to challenge
to highlight
to deepen our
understanding of
to teach us about
to contrast
to make us aware of
to make us realise
theme/idea
 Loneliness – Bruno and Shmuel are both alone
 Bruno and Shmuel seem to lead parallel yet contrasting lives.
 Bruno and Shmuel demonstrate how innocent they can be and how important kindness
and compassion are.
 Secrecy – Bruno is protected by his parents who do not want him to know the reality that
is the Holocaust; Both boys know that they would be in terrible trouble if anyone were to
find out about their friendship so they keep it a secret.
 Contrast/juxtaposition of innocence and evil
 Hatred/prejudice and stereotyping
 Betrayal -When Shmuel is brought to Bruno's house to work as a servant, , Shmuel is
punished for stealing food (which Bruno had given him).
 Forgiveness – Shmuel forgives Bruno for his betrayal, showing strength and humanity in
a time of hatred and blame
 The desire for friendship is universal and at no time is it more important than during
childhood. Bruno and
 Shmuel exist in two completely different worlds both have desire for companionship
during a difficult time. In spite of their remarkably different circumstances, Bruno and
Shmuel create a meaningful friendship.
 Propaganda and conformity – Bruno’s father, grandfather, tutor and sister believe the
Nazi messages of hate.
 Courage, Bruno had the courage to help Shmuel even though he was afraid
 Choice – people have the choice whether they treat others decently and see the humanity
in people or not
 Quest for adventure. Being an explorer is seen as a noble and honourable thing to do as
opposed to Ralph’s job
 Foreshadowing of what is to come so the audience has a sense of foreboding