The History Boys
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Movie Reviews of The History Boys
Movie Review: "There Is No Better Way Of Forgetting Something Than By Commemorating It" ~ History And The Utter Randomness Of Things
Summary: 5 Stars
The '06 BBC Films `The History Boys' is a British `Dead Poets Society' with a much sharper, cutting edge than its American predecessor. The dialogue is crisp and insightful, the plot layered and intelligent and the acting superb throughout. The seven young males portraying a high school class of advanced students preparing for their Oxford University interviews constitute a perfect blend of both similar and diverse lifestyles and socio/religious belief systems. Their performances are further enhanced by amazing performances by Richard Griffiths (Hector), Stephen Campbell Moore (Irwin) and Frances de la Tour (Mrs. Lintott) as the three history teachers preparing them for their upcoming college reviews.
As the all important day draws closer the young men are not only challenged in the classroom but within themselves to discover what history is and the part they play in its continuation. They begin to understand that history consists of not only events of the past but is part of the everyday fabric of random events in which they live. It is something to be embraced, lived and passed on.
`The History Boys' is a tremendous film filled with wit, wisdom and a wonderful soundtrack of upbeat tunes you already know and love. Just remember that it's a British production so make sure you're in the mood to listen carefully, those accents can be tough if you're not giving the movie your full attention.
Movie Review: THE MOST ENJOYABLE FILM I'VE SEEN THIS YEAR!
Summary: 5 Stars
THE HISTORY BOYS is the most enjoyable film I have seen this year. There were about 3 mins., late in the film, that made me somewhat uncomfortable (they deal with a planned sexual relationship between a student and a teacher), but otherwise I loved it. The script is amazingly witty and wise, and the acting is first rate throughout! One very funny scene is in French, and I was surprised to discover how much I remember from 3 courses I had long, long, LONG ago. (Using the DVD's subtitles, which show the French words, helped me quite a bit.)
Basically the film shows eight first-rate students at a British "high school" getting ready to take an entrance exam for Oxford, with three teachers prepping them--plus an administrator whose personality is often like 10 fingernails in search of a chalkboard. At the end, after we get the results of their exam, we are briefly told what becomes of the eight students in later life.
The extras on the DVD include a commentary track for the whole film, a short behind-the-scenes video about making the film, and some so-so home movies of the the actors' world tour with the stage play from London to Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, and finally Broadway in New York City, where they were awarded a Tony (the cast of the movie were all in the play).
Movie Review: The Hysterical Boys
Summary: 5 Stars
I just watched this movie and loved it! If you're looking for bullets, blood or nudity then look elsewhere. If the subject of homosexuality bothers you then you might also be offended by this film.
If however, you are captivated by witty dialogue(there is some swearing along with it), an intelligent script, and can decipher English accents (there are subtitles available), then this might be a movie for you. There is plenty of action but it takes the form of verbal jousting.
The story centers around a tight knit group of older teenaged male students and the teachers who are trying to inspire them in order that they might be successful at gaining admittance to prestigious Oxford or Cambridge University. It is very much a story about relationships, and not surprisingly, the "natural" evolution of history.
The actors were expertly cast and use humour thoughout the film very effectively to make their points and simply entertain. The topic of homsexuality is touched upon more than once in the film but it is done in such a way as NOT to make the audience feel threatened or uncomfortable.
I highly recommend this film.
Movie Review: Very enjoyable
Summary: 5 Stars
A lot of the reviewers have dedicated much time and space to the plot of this clever and refreshing film so I won't add to that. What I will say is that it is delightful, funny, irreverent and a homage to the sorts of unconventional teaching that I guess really doesn't have a place in this world any more.
The young boys in the heart of the film are all fine actors, and the script is sharp and witty. I believe that it is a faithful adaptation of the fine play, and it translates rather well on the big (and in turn small screen). The directors have cleverly incorporated elements of the film into the screenplay, as well as enough glimpses of Oxford to know why it is considered so desireable.
I guess its not a film for everyone - the references to homosexuality for example are sure to offend some. I thought it wonderful and recommend it highly.
Movie Review: He Loved Words
Summary: 5 Stars
As one who seeks intelligence in film, I enjoyed hitting the long ball in selecting this work. It is the prize of scholarship sought and sometimes won by education, all unabashedly depicted in original, colorful and somewhat funky, creative lines. Very British, the story examines education and coming of age in the world of intellectual and academic pursuit.
Whereas, short of Dead Poet's Society, the Hollywood examination of school life is shallow and crass; this film, without neglecting the efficacy of humor, pierces silly bantering and successfully reveals the conflict and eventual realization that sometimes comes with change or graduation.
I'll watch this again, and I highly recommend it to others.