Rent The History Boys (2006)
3.4 of 5 from 496 ratings
1h 47min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Based on Alan Bennett's play and starring the original stage cast, The History Boys is set in a school in the north of England in the mid 1980s, where the Headmaster is desperately trying to send boys to Oxford and Cambridge. To do this he enlists the help of a supply teacher to coach his brightest pupils into shape for the exam. The boys however are torn by their loyalty to the eccentric, poetry-spouting English master Hector. (Richard Griffiths). As they prepare for exams and admissions, the boys' journey becomes a reflection on how education works and where it leads.
- Actors:
- Richard Griffiths, Frances De La Tour, Clive Merrison, Samuel Anderson, James Corden, Stephen Campbell Moore, Andrew Knott, Russell Tovey, Jamie Parker, Dominic Cooper, Samuel Barnett, Sacha Dhawan, Penelope Wilton, Adrian Scarborough, Georgia Taylor, Maggie McCarthy, Colin Haigh, Iain Mitchell, David Killick, Patrick Godfrey
- Directors:
- Nicholas Hytner
- Writers:
- Alan Bennett
- Studio:
- 20th Century Fox
- Genres:
- Drama, Lesbian & Gay
- Collections:
- 10 Films to Watch Next If You Liked: Prick Up Your Ears, 2007, Back to School: Best Films Featuring Teachers, BAFTA Nominations Competition 2024, Introducing the EGOT Crowd, The Biggest Oscar Snubs: Part 2, Topping the Music Hall Bill
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Reviews (4) of The History Boys
Funny, excellent cast, good British film - The History Boys review by CP Customer
A superb cast which showcases what fine acting talent there is in this country, both youthful and, let's say, more mature. Set in the 1980's with an excellent soundtrack, it's about a group of boys who have done really well in their A levels and are being coached to get into Oxford or Cambridge. The coaching is being done by a supply teacher who challenges the boys' thinking (and that of some other teachers). There are very funny moments although some of the comments made by pupils to the teachers are a bit near the knuckle! A few of the characters are a bit stereotyped, but it is nonetheless an enjoyable film.
1 out of 3 members found this review helpful.
disappointing and irritating - The History Boys review by PV
I can see why people like this movie, despite its staginess. However, probably because I went to a grammar school in the 80s I HATED it - it is SO unrealistic, and all the boys speak like 1950s schoolboys (like Bennet, actually). Perhaps if i were American or had had an education in a comprehensive I'd love it - but I simply cringed at how inaccurate it was! Grammar schools in the 80s were NOT like this!
0 out of 7 members found this review helpful.
A joy to watch - The History Boys review by MJ.
Wonderfully Alan Bennett, littered with superb one liners to keep you on your toes.
History Boys seems to have made the transition from stage to screen almost flawlessly.
A very strong cast keep the fairly simple story line ebbing and flowing beautifully.
A thoroughly enjoyable piece of British cinema.
0 out of 1 members found this review helpful.