The History Boys
Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: November 21, 2006
6.1
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 59 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
32
Mixed:
13
Negative:
14
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6
tonyGreenFeb 28, 2011
Witty, intelligent, but a little mild. Most of the characters of the students in this large ensemble cast didn't really get coloured in. Homosexual content is very underplayed and unlikely to cause offense except to bigots. As a screenplayWitty, intelligent, but a little mild. Most of the characters of the students in this large ensemble cast didn't really get coloured in. Homosexual content is very underplayed and unlikely to cause offense except to bigots. As a screenplay adaptation of a theatre play I don't think it quite makes the jump. Some interesting ideas about history and education are raised.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
D.W.Dec 4, 2006
Not just a bad movie; despicable. I can only guess that the high rating for this film is due to the predominance of homosexual critcs who found here a compelling fantasy of a world where man/boy love is the norm: embraced, winked at or (as Not just a bad movie; despicable. I can only guess that the high rating for this film is due to the predominance of homosexual critcs who found here a compelling fantasy of a world where man/boy love is the norm: embraced, winked at or (as is the case with a devoutly religious boy) admired for its boldness; nevermind it's set in early eighties Britain. Even then, it's poorly shot, with close up after close up of the most unattractive people, and, for all it's pretense of being literate, apart from quoting a lot of arcane poetry, it ain't that smart.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
BGDec 8, 2006
I would disagree with DW. I don't think most of the reviewers are gay, just intelligent. I saw the play in London and it's brilliant, if for language and ideas alone. We don't have a tradition of all male schools in this I would disagree with DW. I don't think most of the reviewers are gay, just intelligent. I saw the play in London and it's brilliant, if for language and ideas alone. We don't have a tradition of all male schools in this country, so it's interesting how certain reviewers in this country can only see this play in light of homosexual panic. Too bad.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
GaryC.Jan 17, 2007
This is one of the best movies I have seen. It is sharp, witty and intellegent. The cast is flawless with superb acting all around. It provoked much discussion after leaving the theater. I just wish I had experienced that kind of interaction This is one of the best movies I have seen. It is sharp, witty and intellegent. The cast is flawless with superb acting all around. It provoked much discussion after leaving the theater. I just wish I had experienced that kind of interaction between teachers and students when I was in High School.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JimGJan 7, 2007
Unfortunately, I am not well read enough to have enjoyed the full effect of the literary and cultural references in this work, but there was plenty to enjoy. Though it is a much better film adaption of a stage play than others I have seen, Unfortunately, I am not well read enough to have enjoyed the full effect of the literary and cultural references in this work, but there was plenty to enjoy. Though it is a much better film adaption of a stage play than others I have seen, there was still a little uncertainty of flow, but that was easily overcome by wonderful acting.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
GabrielM.Mar 9, 2007
My GOD... This movie is so BAD, that i could not stand it for only 10 minutes. The critics say its all good, that's why i started to see it in the first place, but man! I HAVE NEVER seen a more boring movie, I prefer to watch nothing My GOD... This movie is so BAD, that i could not stand it for only 10 minutes. The critics say its all good, that's why i started to see it in the first place, but man! I HAVE NEVER seen a more boring movie, I prefer to watch nothing than to watch that. How can people say its funny, It makes you want to cry of the money wasted.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
ChristopherW.Apr 27, 2007
Good performances from a likable cast and some rich dialogue can't offset the gregariously obvious stage origins of this film. This somewhat stodgy film translation may please most those that are familiar with the play, but even they Good performances from a likable cast and some rich dialogue can't offset the gregariously obvious stage origins of this film. This somewhat stodgy film translation may please most those that are familiar with the play, but even they might be left wanting as the film version is a noticeably truncated version of its stage predessor. Not bad! ...but, I wouldn't recommend it!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BillI.May 20, 2007
An excellent adaptation of the smash play from London. You may hear that's its about a pederast teacher, but it's really about how education has detiorated in quality in the modern day (and the pederast is the best educator of all An excellent adaptation of the smash play from London. You may hear that's its about a pederast teacher, but it's really about how education has detiorated in quality in the modern day (and the pederast is the best educator of all the story's teaching characters). Sweet, sad, touching, funny and thought provoking.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
AndyG.May 24, 2007
Technically, well done, hence the 2 points. The movie itself is terrible though. The oh-so-thought-provoking aspect of it is that some (supposedly) 17-year-old students (the youngest actor actually was born in 1984, the rest between Technically, well done, hence the 2 points. The movie itself is terrible though. The oh-so-thought-provoking aspect of it is that some (supposedly) 17-year-old students (the youngest actor actually was born in 1984, the rest between 1978-1981, and it shows) get really really inspired by their pederast teacher who can't keep his stubby fingers to himself. Do me a favor and imagine the same story, but replace the boys with girls: A fat old guy groping girls when he gives them a lift home on his moped.. The dialogue may be witty, but with guys in their mid-20's posing as adolescents, it all seems awfully constructed and lame. I especially despised the ending scene where all the students are told their future. It is so incredibly melodramatic that it makes you wonder how they could pull it off. This movie stinks and will bore you to pieces. Please do yourself a favor and don't waste 109 minutes of your life on this.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
DH.May 30, 2007
This film was a severe disappointment. Critics raved, and I sat through what was perhaps the worst movie of all time. The first thing that bothered me was that the film was not even funny, nor was it witty (after trying so hard to be). The This film was a severe disappointment. Critics raved, and I sat through what was perhaps the worst movie of all time. The first thing that bothered me was that the film was not even funny, nor was it witty (after trying so hard to be). The second thing that made this movie intolerable was the pederastric relationships between a male teacher and his boy students. This fat instructor was praised for his teaching even though he thought it was acceptable to fondle his boy students. And the worst thing about it was everyone in the school knew about it and turned the cheek. Also, there was another male teacher who had a seemingly pleasing relationship with a boy student. Take this movie off the shelves, it is not worth the space.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
NKJun 6, 2007
Just saw same on video and just felt some of the criticisms of the film need correcting. first, the film does not state that the teacher's rather pathetic gropings are ok. neither is everyone ok with it. indeed, the teacher's bestJust saw same on video and just felt some of the criticisms of the film need correcting. first, the film does not state that the teacher's rather pathetic gropings are ok. neither is everyone ok with it. indeed, the teacher's best friend, the woman teacher is rather saddened to learn of it. and he is about to be fired for same. that said, the boys are 18 not 17 as the voice-over in the extra features makes clear. this extra term in preparing for university was abolished in the early 80s, and it was set before then. the boys find it all rather boring; they have bigger concerns. if one can look beyond the sex and longing and sadness, this is a fascinating discussion about what makes for the best teaching: facts, argument, or interest. but, as the comments suggest, few look past the sex. great acting, too.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
VladD.Jan 10, 2008
This film was abysmal. It does not establish any sort of emotional connection between the viewer and any of the characters. The end should have made more of an impact, but instead, I remained completely apathetic throughout. The film, though This film was abysmal. It does not establish any sort of emotional connection between the viewer and any of the characters. The end should have made more of an impact, but instead, I remained completely apathetic throughout. The film, though it tries hard, is nothing but a string of loosely connected, or often, completely unrelated events (and extremely long, wordy, irrelevant quotations) culminating in an uneventful, predictable and overall boring conclusion. A scene that stands out in my mind as particularly terrible is when Dakin approaches Irwin, his teacher, about his desire for Irwin to "suck him off" at a future date, to which Irwin cancels his prior engagements and consents. This scene did nothing other than suggesting that every single character in this film is homosexual. To what end? Are we discussing the acceptance of homosexuals into society, or exploring the gradual process of a man examining himself and realizing he is homosexual, or even observing a budding "forbidden" relationship between student and teacher? No. This scene is entirely irrelevant, comes completely out of left field and has no bearing on any of the other events of the story. This 109 minute movie felt like four hours of the same four dull scenes looping over and over and over. Don't bother picking this up.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MarkW.Mar 4, 2009
Almost turned it off after the first 15 minutes but it really grew on me.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
ClaytonT.Dec 20, 2006
It has that rare factor where it stays with you long after you have seen it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
Mr.EOct 14, 2007
I had fun watching this film, despite my unfamiliarity with the play itself. The cast shone in each of their respective characters. A great story addressing some themes rarely combined for adolescents; coming of age, homosexuality, right and I had fun watching this film, despite my unfamiliarity with the play itself. The cast shone in each of their respective characters. A great story addressing some themes rarely combined for adolescents; coming of age, homosexuality, right and wrong... I know what I'll be talking about in my classes Monday morning.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JohnOApr 14, 2007
Too overtly romanticised and camp (cringingly so at times) to be believable as a portrayal of British school life. It is nonetheless a brilliantly witty, endearing and provocative comment on the function and purpose of education. Its just a Too overtly romanticised and camp (cringingly so at times) to be believable as a portrayal of British school life. It is nonetheless a brilliantly witty, endearing and provocative comment on the function and purpose of education. Its just a shame Bennett chooses to convolute the story with redundant homoerotic musings on teacher/boy relationships, because there is a very poignant theme to the film that this overplay seeks to demerit.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
IgbyE.Apr 22, 2007
The History Boys carries with it a wit and charm unmatched by few movies. It uses language to woo you, excite you and move you. However, most of all, entertain you in a delightfully sly and British way.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
JuH.Apr 30, 2007
A homosexual propaganda film which infers that its ok for a male teacher to have sex with 17 year old boys and to molest them on a regular basis.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
ShannonP.Jun 8, 2007
The dialog is entertaining, and not overly literary as some reviews suggest. The main flaw in the film is that the actors are too old to be playing even the oldest high school students, and the things they do and say are likewise more what The dialog is entertaining, and not overly literary as some reviews suggest. The main flaw in the film is that the actors are too old to be playing even the oldest high school students, and the things they do and say are likewise more what you would expect from young men in their 20's. I suspect this was largely based on the writer(s)' college experience, grafted onto a high school setting. It almost works, and is worth watching despite this flaw. While this is hardly a "pro-homosexual" or "pro-pedophile" movie, it addresses these issues in a more complete and realistic context than is usually the case.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
RobertI.Dec 10, 2006
Despite moments which invoke the genuine joy of the liberal classroom, the film drifts toward the maudlin and the sentimental, with a final third that borders on clotted cream. Too bad, for people and performances that promised so much more.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JaneH.Dec 2, 2006
Thoughtful, entertaining, well-acted. Asks the question what is truth, history and and what is knowledge. What is education for? Is it just to get ahead? Presents two views.."old school" love of literature and knowedge for its own sake, Thoughtful, entertaining, well-acted. Asks the question what is truth, history and and what is knowledge. What is education for? Is it just to get ahead? Presents two views.."old school" love of literature and knowedge for its own sake, modern relativistic view, knowledge and poetry as "gobets" to be exploited for one's own end.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
UmbertoS.Jan 16, 2007
I HATED this movie. It was excruciating to sit through. Tedious. Ugh. The rest of the small audience was about 65 years old and laughed at things that were just not funny. I would rather be stabbed in the leg with a fork than sit through it again.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
DanielB.Jan 19, 2007
My girl friend and I went to this movie on my insistence, based on positive reviews. We lasted maybe 40 minutes before leaving. A great disappointment. I found it rather pretentious and although I enjoyed the little skit in French My girl friend and I went to this movie on my insistence, based on positive reviews. We lasted maybe 40 minutes before leaving. A great disappointment. I found it rather pretentious and although I enjoyed the little skit in French (especially because I could understand it with their very clear, British accented French), I couldn't see how that made the play smarter. It just seemed to make it harder for the average viewer to appreciate. The actor who played the professor was excellent, but I found the students to be rather undistinguished except in their appearance, as in, oh there's the fat guy and there's the Asian. I was a little offended that the most sensitive likable student was gay. I know that is possible, but it sounds rather like a setup. I lived in England for a year in the mid-80s and taught there, though in a junior school (ages 7-11), but these students still seemed more dramatic types than kids I'd really see in a classroom there. Anyway, we left after I started dozing off. We walked across the hall and watched about 10 minutes of a Bollywood movie. Now that's something you should see, not because they're good, but because you'd neve expect them to be that way. Sort of like sexed-up, modern Elvis movies.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
PaulettaR.Apr 19, 2007
At once highly memorable and utterly charming. So very British yet so very accessible. And so much better than Hollywood tripe like "Dead Poets Society."
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MB.Dec 9, 2008
A sadly misunderstood film that aims to teach about the value of knowledge in itself, as opposed to the growing modern emphasis on grades and exams. Seeing this through the experiences of the teenagers also gives insight into the many issues A sadly misunderstood film that aims to teach about the value of knowledge in itself, as opposed to the growing modern emphasis on grades and exams. Seeing this through the experiences of the teenagers also gives insight into the many issues most young schoolboys will run into in their lives, and immediately makes them easily identifiable characters. Personally I did not feel their performance was lessened any by their age (go complain about Daniel Radcliffe being too old for harry potter if you want-I'd like to see you try to find an acceptable replacement that would not be abhorred by the fans!) and felt that the original actors from the play were very effective - so effective in fact that once I stopped consciously focusing on their age, I forgot the issue entirely! The exploration of homosexuality is another theme the majority of schoolboys will come across, however little they may admit it, and i felt this film explored the issue well. There is a trend for Hector to be labeled a pedarist when the point was that the boys themselves allowed this to happen as an act of sympathy towards a suppressed man who had very few real pleasures in life. This man is in fact more admirable than anything else, as it is this man, who upon such a short description would appear as a corrupt, lecherous character, who teaches them the real value of learning and knowledge. The various teachers embody different aspects of learning too, and i especially noted the headmaster, more concerned with the grades students get than the students themselves, a trend sadly more common these days. All in all, I feel this film has been too harshly slated by those who only see what is on the surface, and ignore what the film is actually trying to say.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
TJDec 11, 2006
I've heard great things about the play, but the movie version is mediocre. The movie starts out well, but then just kind of treads water. What makes the students different from one another? Yes, you have one openly gay student...and you I've heard great things about the play, but the movie version is mediocre. The movie starts out well, but then just kind of treads water. What makes the students different from one another? Yes, you have one openly gay student...and you find out over and over that he is openly gay. How revealing. Even the educational themes and contrasts in teaching styles are kind of obvious and never go much farther than the initial contrasts we are shown. The direction is rather torpid. I'm not bothered by gay themes, but the gay elements often felt forced to me (as in why is there virtually no talk of girls from a pack of teenage boys...come on). The students themselves aren't very interesting other than spouting out a bunch of lines from poems, plays, etc. If you feel clever catching them, then maybe you'll enjoy it. I think this script gets way too much credit for being clever. I felt almost nothing watching this film--though the actors are generally very good.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
EnriqueDec 22, 2006
Stagy at some points but superbly acted and directed drama. Unforgettable. Certainly not for homophobics.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
SatiricalewokNov 8, 2014
Equal parts heart-warming and hilarious. This film features a star-studded cast, from before they were stars, with the best performances coming from Dominic Cooper, Jamie Parker, and although in a smaller role Russel Tovey.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
ryu9376Nov 13, 2018
This was surprisingly better than I expected... & that ending is just eating at me... being that I had never seen the play, the whole film played out as new... and I won't forget that film for a quite a while... with impressive performances by all.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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