Review of The History Boys (2006) by Kiah R — 18 Oct 2008
Alan Bennet's award winning play finds its way quickly to the big screen in this moving and provocative look at education, history and its practical implications. Much sharper on the stage, the film adaptation skims the surface, preferring to keep the narrative chugging at the expense of its seering discourse.
Still there's lots to chew on and love in this film version, not least of all an winning performance by Richard Griffiths, and the cast who bring humanity to every single character without the maudlin melodrama commonly associated with films of this genre.
More importantly, Bennet's argument about the purpose of education and its problematic system, and his assertion of history's importance in an increasingly parochial society resonate with equal measures of anguish and celebration.
This review of The History Boys (2006) was written by Kiah R on 18 Oct 2008.
The History Boys has generally received positive reviews.
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