Oct 13 2006
The History Boys
Dir: Nicholas Hytner
Writ: Alan Bennett
- Samuel Anderson - Crowther
- Samuel Barnett - Posner
- Stephen Campbell Moore - Tom Irwin
- Dominic Cooper - Dakin
- James Corden - Timms
- Frances de la Tour - Mrs. Lintott
- Sacha Dhawan - Akthar
- Richard Griffiths - Hector
- Jamie Parker - Scripps
- Russell Tovey - Rudge
Set in 1983, in a Yorkshire grammer school, this film tells the story of a group of teenage boys trying to get into Oxford and Cambridge. Their headmaster who wants them to get a bit of polish as they are a little on the “crass” side, and the their various teachers, and teaching styles. Oh, and it also makes you side with someone who could be classified as a paedophile. Knew that’d get your interest.
The play that this film is based on has won plenty of awards, and I can see the reason, as it is a funny, but touching film. The actors are all great, and perfectly cast, and I really enjoyed it. But it did seem a little far fetched to me. Mainly because I don’t believe that gay students and teachers would have been so accepted in the time it was set in.
But ignoring that one issue, I’d highly recommend this film. It flows really well, you barely notice the time passing, and it also brings up some interesting points.
What is history? Is it just one fucking thing after another? I think so, but that doesn’t mean that is all it is.
It also does a good job in questioning the role of education. Is it just so we can get a job? Or should knowledge be its own reward?
It doesn’t offer many answers, but I don’t thnk it has to. Bringing the issue up is enough.
IMDb | Clive Davis | Confessions of a Movie Critic
Tags: 1983, 8 Stars, Alan Bennett, Britain - Yorkshire, Dominic Cooper, drama, education, Frances de la Tour, James Corden, Jamie Parker, Nicholas Hytner, Richard Griffiths, Russell Tovey, Sacha Dhawan, Samuel Anderson, Samuel Barnett, Stephen Campbell Moore, The History Boys