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Borstal Boy Details

2002 Certificate 15 Certificate 15 (TBC)
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 1429 members

Peter Sheridan, the acclaimed Irish theatre director and brother of film director Jim Sheridan (MY LEFT FOOT) makes his feature directorial debut with an adaptation of playwright, novelist, and political rogue Brendan Behan’s autobiographical tale. In 1939, sixteen-year-old IRA recruit Behan (Shawn Hatosy), hides TNT in his .. Read more

Starring Shawn Hatosy, Danny Dyer, Lee Ingleby, Robin Laing
Director Peter Sheridan
Genres Drama, Gay/Lesbian, Romance

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Borstal Boy

Peter Sheridan, the acclaimed Irish theatre director and brother of film director Jim Sheridan (MY LEFT FOOT) makes his feature directorial debut with an adaptation of playwright, novelist, and political rogue Brendan Behan’s autobiographical tale. In 1939, sixteen-year-old IRA recruit Behan (Shawn Hatosy), hides TNT in his trousers and boards a ferry for England, eager to further the Irish Republic's cause. Nabbed immediately by police, the underage Behan evades the hangman's noose, and is sentenced to four years at an English 'borstal', or reform school, run by the paternal Governor Joyce (Michael York). The cocky idealist, now living with the enemy--troubled boys that Brendan finds remarkably similar to himself--quickly begins planning his escape. To his dismay, Brendan becomes the object of handsome thief Charlie Millwall’s (Danny Dyer) wistful homosexual affections. The young Irishman fights against association with a 'poofter', but in spite of himself, grows closer to Charlie. Meanwhile, Brendan begins a tenuous relationship with Joyce's daughter, Elizabeth (Eva Birthistle), a literate and upper crust painter. Hatosy and Dyer deliver nuanced performances that enhance Sheridan's loving homage to a literary legend's youthful exploration of sexuality and creativity.

Starring Shawn Hatosy, Danny Dyer, Lee Ingleby, Robin Laing, Eva Birthistle, Michael York
Director Peter Sheridan
Studio REVOLVER ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 1 hr 39 mins
Watch now: 1 hr 33 mins
Certificate DVD: Certificate 15, Watch Online: Certificate 15 (TBC)
Genres Drama, Gay/Lesbian, Romance
Language DVD: English
Watch Online: English
Released DVD: 28 Apr 2008
Watch now: 28 May 2009
Production year: 2002
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Format DVD
  • Critics' reviews (2) of Borstal Boy

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  • The inherent strength of the material as well as the integrity of the filmmakers gives this coming-of-age story restraint as well as warmth...

    • Los Angeles Times
  • An engaging nostalgia piece...

    • New York Times
  • Most helpful member's review of Borstal Boy

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  • 15 out of 15 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    OK

    NOT BAD WHEN I GOT INTO IT 8/10

  • Most recent members' review of Borstal Boy

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  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Borstal Boy

    An excellent and moving film with strong performances from leading actors, particularly Danny Dyer

      • A customer from London
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Rating breakdown

1,429 Member ratings
  • 100
144
  • 90
63
  • 80
217
  • 70
215
  • 60
309
  • 50
148
  • 40
133
  • 30
64
  • 20
80
  • 10
56

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