- Actors: Samuel Anderson, James Corden, Stephen Campbell Moore, Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour
- Directors: Nicholas Hytner
- Format: AC-3, Colour, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
- Language English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
- Region: Region 1 (US and Canada DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 - 1.85:1
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: R (Restricted) (US MPAA rating. See details.)
- Studio: 20th Century Fox
- DVD Release Date: 17 April 2007
- Run Time: 112 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (108 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B000NIVJFO
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 109,368 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Reviews
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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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format: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?
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
Format: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
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
Format: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.
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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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Awful In Every Way.
This is astonishingly bad, it has no redeeming features and as other reviewers have mentioned the hero is a child molester, what the heck is that about? Read more
Published 3 months ago by micro man
I love it!
I first read about this film and how it started as a stage show in James Corden's autobiography and decided that I would watch the film, as I am a big fan of his. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Charlotte Fielding
History Boys - Loved it!
I bought this movie for my mother who had missed it when it first came out. She was absolutely delighted to watch it and found it very entertaining. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Wendy
GREAT!
This product was packaged well in the selefaine and the box and it was a great film. It came very quickly and was very neat! Thanks!
Published 6 months ago by emmaaa
The History Boys
The trailer I saw for "The History Boys" did not suggest anything in the least sexual. The plot is absolutely preposterous! I am a teacher. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Lou Carter
A film that polarises opinion
From all the fuss about the film I was expecting an engaging story with poignancy and humour and in many ways that was what was in the film, however..
.. Read more
.. Read more
Published 15 months ago by pauland
History boys DVD
Fantastic film at a brilliant price. Film hilarious but I also loved the extras about making it etc. I bought this after I'd seen the stage play.
Published 15 months ago by Linda Rooke
A Celebration of 60's Grammar SchoolsVery
Very witty writing.Hilarious and sad.Excellent performances by established actors and newcomers.Richard Griffiths is outstanding.A proper feelgood ending (or is it? Read more
Published 15 months ago by Bilbobanks
Wished I'd seen it on stage
Really enjoyed this film. Really absorbing story and brilliant cast. The extras are also really interesting and have made me regret not seeing this on stage.
Published 19 months ago by boing boing
Simply brilliant
The first time i watched this film i do admit it was lost on me. But with a little practice this truly has become one of my favourite films. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Mrs. J. Bain
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