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Borstal Boy [2002]
![Borstal Boy [2002]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QD-swFR5L._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £15.99
Our Price: £4.39 (subject to change)
Watch the film then read the book
Review date: 2008-09-21 Rating: 8 out of 10
Borstal Boy (Arena Books)
This film is 'inspired by' the autobiographical book by acclaimed Irish author Brendan Behan, and stars American actor Shawn Hatosy in the lead role as Brendan. It's set during WW2 and covers the period in Behan's life from when he was arrested in Liverpool for IRA activities, through his custodial sentence in Borstal (UK reform school) to his release and return back to Ireland.
The film itself isn't a filmed biopic of Behan's early life; but stands up as an entertaining account of a wartime Borstal institution, the acting, direction and cinematography evoking the period well enough. Viewers familiar with Behan's book will be disappointed though, as the film chooses to ignore some of the more interesting incidents Behan writes about; instead it invents or improvises events which may or may not have happened and leaves one wondering why they felt the need to include such scenes.
The best performance of the film no doubt goes to Danny Dyer as Croydon gay sailor Charlie Millwall. Dyer pretty much steals every scene he's in, despite being robbed of portraying some of the more startling scenes Behan writes about in his book (such as being discovered in bed with another inmate by Brendan after a row). Other colourful characters in the book such as Italian Joe and Shaggy Callaghan are hardly mentioned in the film at all.
That said, many situations are covered..indeed sometimes embellished; the Eisteddfod/Concert, Walton Gaol, The Govenor etc.
So watch the film, enjoy it, then do it properly and order the book.
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Reviews
NOT JUST A CHAV !
Review date: 2008-09-06 Rating: 10 out of 10
Danny Dyer has always been associated with Gangster & Football chav , so it was a surprise to see him in a Gay role in this earlier film.He is very convincing as a gay sailor in this war time drama & who ever did the casting chose well ! If your a fan of Dyer & have not seen any of his earlier work then this will be a treat & worth adding to your collection.Excellent performance's from Dyer & Cast.Dont be fooled by the cover artwork which gives the impression that Danny plays another hard villain!,it's arguably his most sensitive & best role too date!(The DVD Extra's included are "THE MAKING OF"& a short film "THE BREAKFAST").
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Danny Dyer
Michael York
Creators:
Michael York (Primary Contributor)
Danny Dyer (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Revolver Entertainment
Manufacturer: Revolver Entertainment
EAN: 5060018489605
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-04-28
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 91 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2002
Language: English (Unknown)