Fans of British legend Alan Bennett’s award-winning 2004 play ‘The History Boys’ can rejoice, because its on-screen adaptation is now streaming on BBC iPlayer for free.
The 2006 British comedy drama has the same name as the renowned play and stars Richard Griffiths, James Corden, Dominic Cooper, Russell Tovey, Frances de la Tour, Clive Merrison and Samuel Barnett alongside a larger ensemble cast — all of whom were part of the original cast of the London and Broadway productions of the play.
Adapted from Bennett’s theatre production which won the prestigious Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2005 and the coveted Tony Award for Best Play in 2006, The History Boys is a rousing period drama directed by Nicholas Hytner for the big screen. Hytner also directed the original 2004 Royal National Theatre production of the play.
The film is about an unorthodox teacher who, alongside his colleagues, tries to prepare gifted students at a British grammar school for their upcoming Cambridge and Oxford entrance exams.
The movie’s school scenes were filmed in Watford Grammar School for Girls and Watford Grammar School for Boys, with uniforms of the latter being used for costumes. Other filming locations include West Yorkshire’s Halifax and Elland, which helped create the Sheffield landscape in which the story is set.
With a 66 per cent critics approval rating and 70 per cent audience approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, the film garnered largely positive reviews. One critic said: “A hugely enjoyable outing of subtle humour, witty words and a keen insight into human nature and the art of learning.”
While another wrote: “It’s a rare pleasure to see a film that assumes literacy on the part of its audience.” A third critic said the film version of the play felt “muted”, AND wrote: “A funny thing happened to The History Boys on the way to the screen. The players are the same, the dialogue is pretty much identical, but the vibrancy of the play — its exhilarating immediacy — has been muted.”
Yet another was left impressed, calling it a “delightful thought-provoker that will have you questioning what constitutes a good education and a good teacher”.
Audience reviews followed in the same vein, with one viewer writing: “Phenomenal film start to finish.”
While another gushed over the big screen offering and wrote: “One of my favorite coming of age films. Very British, full of amazing actors and heartfelt storylines. Well worth the watch.”
Some viewers felt it didn’t match up to the play, as one said: “Disappointing adaptation of the stage hit with some nice ensemble acting and a standout performance from Richard Griffiths.”
However, there was plenty of praise to go around, as one audience review stated: “This is one of my all-time favourite films! I just love everything about it! It has a fantastic energy — it transferred from stage to screen really well in my humble opinion.”
While another wrote: “Outstanding movie. My wife and I caught this on our honeymoon and bought the DVD when we got back. It’s a great story and a sublimely acted movie.”
The History Boys is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.