The History Boys
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Movie Reviews of The History Boys
Movie Review: And His Point Is...?
Summary: 4 Stars
I saw this play on Broadway, and I've now seen the film version. It is a perfect stage-to-screen translation, using the entire original cast and actual locations that were only suggested by the stage sets. The screenplay is by the playwright, Alan Bennett, and he has made few changes in the transition. It is well filmed, well acted, and very well done.
That said, I still have the basic question I had at the end of the play. As we were leaving the Broadway theater in NYC, my companion and I turned to each other and said, "So what?" We are smart, literate theatergoers, both of us professional writers, and she and I could not understand or explain exactly what Bennett was trying to say about the educational system, or about human nature, or about the world in general. And that's the big flaw at the center of THE HISTORY BOYS: what is its ultimate message? I still don't know. As a slice-of-life memoir, it's fascinating. But placing THE HISTORY BOYS in the wider context of--forgive me--history, well, that's another matter. See it for the brilliant dialogue and great performances, but don't expect a life lesson. There doesn't seem to be one.
Movie Review: Think of the film like SAT prep in the US
Summary: 4 Stars
The students in this film are ordinary guys from a working-class background whose test scores are good enough to get them into Oxford or Cambridge. They go to an ordinary equivalent of a high school and attendance at such schools is pretty unheard-of. But, the headmaster is willing and they take an extra term to brush up on what they will need to pass their entrance exams.
They're not just studying for an exam, they're learning about life and how history is birthed. History is just "one @*# thing after another..." one of the students says--and he's right. One small detail can change everything.
"History Boys" was funny, well written and acted. My Yankee husband and I had a bit of trouble keeping up with the British dialogue, but the parts we reviewed were well worth it. And along the way, we learned a bit about literature and history ourselves.
We rented this film and I doubt if I would watch it again, but "History Boys" is definitely worth seeing--and possibly owning if this genre of film is of interest to you.
Movie Review: A generally moving story that drags in places
Summary: 4 Stars
If you are a Dominic Cooper fan, then you will love this movie.
The movie seems to have two themes. One is the nature of education. There is a battle between Hector's 'old' style of teaching, which seems to be maybe learning for the sake of learning or bettering oneself (a romantic education) and Irwin's style of teaching, which sees history to be moulded into whatever is the most useful and interesting in making an argument (to treat history as a grand game to be played and manipulated).
The other theme is about same-sex attracted men falling for Dominic's character.
I found the first theme to be boring sometimes. I could not understand some of the dialogue, and sometimes I felt it went over my head. The language is very academic and high-falutin' at times. The second theme I found to be more exciting.
Both themes really tug at the heartstrings. You will probably be emotionally moved (in a good way) by watching this.
Movie Review: very good film
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed the film, very much. I always wanted to view
this film. Since I saw previews of it. When it first came out.
I also was satisfied with the speed of delivery which I got.
The day I received my email confirmation of my order.
The DVD arieved
Thank you.
Alex
Movie Review: Brit boys rock
Summary: 4 Stars
These Brit boys blew me away. The sexual undertones were just enough to keep you on edge and wanting more. The plot itself challenges anyone stuck in their way of doing things to see EVERYTHING from a different perspective.