Borstal Boy reviews (2000)

Borstal Boy

2000

Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5

from 3815 members

Adaptation of playwright, novelist, and political rogue Brendan Behan's autobiographical tale. In 1939, 16-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 these affections 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.

Borstal Boy details

Formats:	15 DVD, LOVEFiLM Instant
Starring:	Michael York, Eva Birthistle, Robin Laing, Lee Ingleby, Shawn Hatosy, Danny Dyer
Director:	Peter Sheridan
Genres:	Drama, Gay/Lesbian - Comedy, Lesbian, Romance
Studio:	REVOLVER ENTERTAINMENT

Title	Runtime	Certificate
Borstal Boy	1hr 30 mins	15

LOVEFiLM Instant Information

Run time:	1 hour 30 minutes
Rental release:	To be confirmed

Name	Discs
Borstal Boy	15 Feature

DVD Information

Run time:	1 hour 39 minutes
Rental release:	28 Apr 2008
Main languages:	English

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Most helpful review Borstal Boy

OK

By scorpion (538 reviews) from Mexborough , 03 Aug 2008

[Highly rated reviewer]

NOT BAD WHEN I GOT INTO IT 8/10
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The Irish Charm of Behan

By ChrisW8 (20 reviews) , 17 May 2013

An excellent movie touching on a small part of Behan's life. At times funny, and at others quite sad ...... The main role is superbly acted by Shawn Hatosy and it is also one of Dyer's better performances.
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Subtle treatment

By Tigerrrrrr (2 reviews) , 30 Apr 2013

The sexual aspect is implied rather than displayed. This adds greatly to the emotion of the film. The acting is simply superb and totally convincing. Definately worth buying if you like subtle treatment of gay issues. A brilliant film.
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b.boys c it

By a customer , 23 Apr 2013

brill begining middle and it had good ending danny films good anyway was not disappointed at all.didnt need the tippicale violence and swearing good film .
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Great Film!

By Craigyboppa (1 review) , 22 Apr 2013

Absolutely loved it, was laughing then crying the whole way through, would watch it again in a second, was a lovely heart warming story.
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Amazing story

By a customer , 05 Apr 2013

Absolutely loved it, I am not a fan of slow movies, but this one captivated me from start till the end.
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