The History Boys

Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: November 21, 2006

6.1	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 59 Ratings

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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

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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

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

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

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