The History Boys DVD > Reviews

Advantages: A brilliant script, good direction and superb performances.
Disadvantages: The casta re too old for their roles.

Growing up in Sheffield in the mid-1980s, a group of eight bright grammar school boys are pushed to apply for Oxford and Cambridge by their results-oriented headmaster. To achieve their goal they have the help of two very different teachers. Hector believes knowledge is its own reward and wants to impart wisdom to his pupils. On the other hand, newcomer Irwin tries to share the shortcuts to success they will need to impress the examiners. Meanwhile ... Read review

Advantages: An intelligently crafted film
Disadvantages: Extras not worth watching repeatedly

...play, but that was about the extent of my knowledge. I thought it would make for acceptable enough background noise as I read my book, never thinking that not only would the book be forgotten that night, but that the DVD would soon go straight onto my Amazon Wishlist and soon become part of my collection. In 1980s Sheffield, eight students at Cutler's Grammar School have gained the best A-Level results the school has ever seen. Keen to go to either ... Read review

Advantages: Clever and witty script. Wonderful charters portrayed by talented actors.
Disadvantages: A little out dated. A teacher with paedophiliac tendencies!

I was determined to watch The History Boys ever since reading Alan Bennett’s book “Untold Stories” which made several tantalising references to the play / film. The DVD was released in Britain on 5 Mar 2007, so I thought it would be an easy purchase. However, after unsuccessfully scouring through the shelves of many a DVD store, I finally managed to secure a copy through Amazon for £13.98. Just why it was so hard to find, I do not know. The History ... Read review

Advantages: None
Disadvantages: None

...a fair few reviews of the film and believed it was going to be a laugh-a-minute comedy, but to be fair I was left somewhat disappointed. I\'m not really sure what the exact cause of my-unenjoyment of the film.....but i guess this is a good example of why it is important you check up fully on movies prior to renting / purchasing them. What i expected: A rip roaring comedy, set in the classroom, with jokes galore and a lot of schoolboy humour. What ... Read review