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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
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Education matters,
By Fred Porlock (London, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The History Boys [DVD] [2006] (DVD)
It's clear from the wide range of review comments that this film is not for everyone. If you don't see the point of education, forget it. But the film raises an issue that for many people is very important today -- just what is education for? -- and answers it on two different levels. Explicitly, "pass it on", which doesn't sound very much. But it's the implicit message that matters, which is that education is essential for giving people confidence and fulfillment, as well as many other things.The film differs in one significant respect from the stage play which was so successful at the National Theatre. Posner, whom Alan Bennett says had much of his younger self in, no longer ends up as a psychotic loner but becomes another teacher. This changes the balance of the moral, as well as increasing the gay emphasis. Bennett has also excised the puzzling opening of the play in which Irwin is seen as a spin-doctor. Yes, the younger actors were getting a bit old for 18-year-olds by the time the film was made, but the visual settings are splendid, and I'm sure I'm not the only viewer who finds the ending -- in either version -- moving. If your're remotely interested in why people should learn beyond functional necessities, you should see the film or the play, doesn't matter which. If you're not -- why not?
50 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Every bit as good as the stage play.,
By
This review is from: The History Boys [DVD] [2006] (DVD)
A brilliant film. Superbly acted by a cast who manage to project real emotion to the screen. Having seen the stage play twice, I was doubtful that the film could be as good. Fortunately the temptation to sensationalise some parts were avoided and the resulting film is excellent. Isn't is funny how those who object on moral grounds only seem worried by the homosexuality. Of the critical reviews I have read, not one condemned the headmaster for his groping of the school secretary!. Modern day standards or just discrimination?I viewed the DVD on rental and purchased it the following day. Can not recommend it highly enough.. Ian Scott
50 of 55 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The History Boys,
By Malc Toll (London, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The History Boys [DVD] [2006] (DVD)
I have bought many DVD's through Amazon, but having seen this film on the stage, at the cinema and now on a rented DVD, I decided to share my views with others for the first time. Perhaps being a little biased as I think everything Alan Bennett writes is worth reading or looking at, I must disagree with those reviewers who feel it is too faithful to the stage play. If it hadn't been then I think it would have diminished the quality of the production.I've shared the film with any friends of a variety of ages, from 17 to 87 and there has not been one who hasn't found it a very enjoyable experience. A film well worth taking the time to look at.
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