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The History Boys [2006]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Based on the acclaimed play of the same name, The History Boys is a faithful, intelligent piece of cinema, even if it is a little reluctant to stray from its theatrical roots.

Penned by Alan Bennett and set in 1982 Yorkshire, The History Boys follows a group of ‘A’ Level students as they’re schooled through their attempts to get into Oxbridge. Under the tutelage of Richard Griffiths’ liberal Hector and Campbell Moore’s Irwin, there’s plenty here to admire. Firstly, the script crackles along, with snappy dialogue and characters well worthy of your interest. Secondly, the performances from the predominantly young cast are well worthy of note. And then there’s the deft directorial touch of Nicholas Hytner (The Madness Of King George, The Crucible), all of which lifts The History Boys into a film of real merit.

There are questions to be asked over whether you’re expected to sympathise with one or two characters in the film, of course, and there’s the aforementioned issue that it’s far too faithful to the source play (which results in an overlong running time). But ultimately, The History Boys is a witty, challenging and testing film, whose qualities outweigh its problems. --Jon Foster


Schoolboy banter
Review date: 2008-11-27 Rating: 8 out of 10

I thought this was a highly enjoyable film and one to be recommended on two counts. Firstly, the script was entertaining: the dialogue was intelligent and witty. Secondly the actors' performances were strong and complimented each other well. Many of the young actors have moved on to other high profile roles. Not a film for those who have difficulty with the topic of homosexuality.

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Reviews


like it
Review date: 2008-08-07 Rating: 10 out of 10

Not much time to write this well, written and nice use of french and historical references ,characters believable if a little well mannered i really like it

A Must See
Review date: 2008-07-30 Rating: 10 out of 10

Set in 1983 and featuring a rough and ready group of working class, gifted and quite charming teenage boys as they prepare for their Oxbridge entrance exams and interviews.
The dialogue is sharp, witty, poignant and there are some wonderful lines of poetry. I was in stitches with laughter at times and quite touched at others.This is a film that operates at different levels; entertaining, funny, sad, serious and with quite a strong political and educational point being made.
It is one of those films which leaves you digesting what you have just seen for some time after, and then thinking of watching it again and probably again.
To use a cliche; It realy is a must see. An excellent film by any standards.

History boys, take a bow...
Review date: 2008-06-08 Rating: 8 out of 10

A friend told me about this film and I'm sure I would have enjoyed it less had I not known that it was previously a successful West End play. Written by the well known English poet and writer, Alan Bennett, it feels more like a play than a film - the characters are larger than life and the musical backdrop is a bit of a giveaway.

Set in Britain in the 80s/90s (judging by the music) the plot follows a group of state school boys who have qualified for admission interviews at Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The headmaster feels that despite the boys' obvious intelligence, they lack a certain `flair' against their public school competition. So he recruits a young Oxbridge graduate straight from teacher training school to polish the boys for the entrance exams and interviews.

In stark contrast to their existing teacher and mentor, Hector, (played by Richard Griffiths), this new teacher instructs them in the art of passing exams - paraphrased as: `the truth doesn't matter - as long as your answer is interesting'. This new style of teaching grates with Hector whose own lessons meander through acting out the antics of a Paris Brothel in French, reading poetry, and acting out modern film. Showing a total disregard for the syllabus or any other conventional teaching method, yet infusing the boys with a passion and interest in creative learning. Very Dead Poets Society.

Themes in the film include, the British class system, homosexuality, love, women's rights, coming of age angst, literature, and the passing on of wisdom - or as we call it the Education system. Hector: `Pass it on boys, pass it on'.

The cast of boys and teachers are great and play their characters with all the passion of the stage. If viewed solely as a film it could be seen as overacted but Bennett's clever script with constant subtext and sharp wit serve to remind us it's more than a film.

I can't believe I'm going to say this but I actually think it would be good to read as a play - not normally something that I'm in to.

The director, Nicholas Hytner, must share the praise - taking a successful play and making it into a film (in 30 days) is a great achievement - of vision and leadership and art. Watch the DVD extras for an insight into the journey from play to film and back.

My rating of 4 stars takes account that it's not my preferred genre, but a good piece of art nevertheless.

For more Alan Bennett, read (or watch) `Lady in a Van'.


Provoking but thoughtful
Review date: 2008-05-28 Rating: 10 out of 10

I do like the French lesson with the prostituée and the switch to "un hôpital en Belgique avec des soldats mutilés". Wry humour, homosexuality, it's all there to provoke us. The lesson from Hector is what we learn we should pass it on. When you watch this film, what will you learn about responsibilities, perverting children, but in the background and only hinted, the permissiveness of the head, the red tapes at Oxford. These last two points are just as malevolent as the blatant homosexuality of Hector.Because if his deviation is not to be condoned then the other flaws must be considered too.
What is in the background of this well-observed film? I was very moved by it. Our society is not only sick with sex and its deviation, but with many other things...

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Richard Griffiths
Frances De La Tour
Stephen Campbell Moore
James Corden
Sacha Dhawan

Creators:
Richard Griffiths (Primary Contributor)
Stephen Campbell Moore (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: 20th Century Fox
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
EAN: 5039036029759
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2007-03-05
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2006
Language: English (Original Language)

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