Trivia

Bruno's parents are named Ralf and Elsa, but in the credits of the film they are listed as "Father" and "Mother." This is a tribute to the novel, in which the narrative focuses solely on Bruno's point of view.

Vera Farmiga (who was unfamiliar with the source novel) admitted that she had never cried so hard as when she read the screenplay for the first time.

While the concentration camp is never mentioned by name, Auschwitz was the only Nazi death camp with four crematoria. The SS officers are discussing the building's construction in the Commandant's office when Bruno's mother interrupts the meeting. In the book, Bruno calls it "Out-With."

Rupert Friend initially turned down the role as Lieutenant Kotler because he was shocked by the violent nature of his character. He said, "I mean, it's not particularly flattering to be associated with a group of people who attempted to exterminate an entire race. I'm not a shouty person, and I'm not violent either. The character scared me. But then I realized that that was probably the point. It was about putting a human face on these atrocities." However, Friend struggled throughout filming and became withdrawn after shooting the more harrowing scenes.

Vera Farmiga, who plays Bruno's mother, is shown wearing her wedding band on her right hand. In Germany, this is correct, and it is an excellent and accurate detail.