When Bruno and his family leave Berlin, the young boy is sad to leave behind his friends and the big house he so loved to explore. Bruno's hobby of exploring is put on hold in his new smaller home until he discovers a forbidden place very close to his family's house. Bruno sneaks out whenever he can to explore this new place. During his explorations he meets another child who on the other side of the fence seperating him from the forbidden place. The two children strike up a strong friendship as Bruno remains oblivious of the the historical tragedy he is to become a part of.