Review of The History Boys (2006) by Edward C — 27 Aug 2011
A rare successful mix of gay & straight characters in which the stories of the gay characters predominate. So very rare, and refreshing. In a sense the entire drama is driven by an enthusiasm for gay artists and arts that have been traditionally associated with gay culture, from the poetry of Whitman and Auden to Golden Age Hollywood productions like Now, Voyager.
That the gentle tolerance of these British schoolboy c. 1983 is a fairytale (no pun intended) doesn't diminish the achievement. Because The History Boys have much more on their minds than sex. This is a rare film of ideas, about character, history, the nature of truth, the value of literature in one's individual development, honor, loyalty, and class.
And it addresses these concerns with tenderness, humor, and humanity. Is it all a little stagey? Well, yes. But, you know, it just didn't signify.
This review of The History Boys (2006) was written by Edward C on 27 Aug 2011.
The History Boys has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
