The History Boys (2006), Nicholas Hytner

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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Overall Rating:

(out of 5)

I'm going to be straight up with you and say that this is an amazing movie, one of my tops.  I watched this twice in the same day... While at first watch, you may be a little confused as to its importance, the meaning will slowly start to become clear.  At least for me, this movie shown brightly on a lot of elements in my life.  It struck me.  Now, I am going to warn you... this movie is NOT for everyone.  My friend, in fact, watched this with me and was really upset after watching it... I'd probably say that that would be the majority of people's reactions after this movie.  This film is deeper than it seems and, if you can get past your  prejudice, you would be able to see the truth.

The Story:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Interesting

2 Points: Original

1 Point: Unpredictable

1 Point: OMGZ

Eight working class boys try their hardest to get into Cambridge or Oxford.  Through the different teaching styles of three unique teachers, these kids start to realize that this just isn't a game... this is life.  

Characters:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Well-Played

1 Point: Original

1 Point: Relatable

1 Point: Emotional Attachment

1 Point: OMGZ

Hector (Richard Griffiths): An eccentric, older teacher whose classes are a free for all; he believes all knowledge is knowledge worth having, and he tries to instill in the boys a love and passion and sense of happiness.  Some of his questionable behavior is both laughable and horrifying, revealing faults in every hero.

Irwin (Stephen Campbell Moore): A contract teacher, new to the school, only a few years older than the boys he is teaching.  Rather than teach passion, he focuses on the goal and a cheap way of getting there.  He, too, goes through some both questionable and emotional obstacles with Hector and the boys.
Posner (Samuel Barnett): A young, poor, gay Jewish boy who is hopelessly in love with Dakin.  He relates most with Hector, with a love and passion for knowledge as an antidote for life's hardships.
Dakin (Dominic Cooper): The dominating type, he relates most with Irwin.  

Believability:

(out of 5)

1 Point: No Disbelief

1 Point: Well-Explained

1 Point: Characters Fit Conceivably

1 Point: Not Foolishly Omniscient

1 Point: OMGZ

There's not too much not to believe here.  Its incredibly real and bare-bones.

Weight:

(out of 5)
1 Point: Relatable Lives
1 Point: Relatable Choices
1 Point: "Wow" Moments
1 Point: Lasting
1 Point: OMGZ

Like I mentioned before, it may take a couple viewings in order to fully understand the weight of this film.  It can be appreciated by all ages, but especially the late teens.  I will not soon forget this film.

Visual:

(out of 5)
2 Points: Visual Quality
1 Point: Unique Visual Perspective
1 Point: Special Effects
1 Point: OMGZ

Not Hollywood-like, but unique and beautiful in its presentation.