The History Boys

Based on a play of the same title, The History Boys is about a group of top students in a school in Sheffield who are preparing to take entrance examinations in Oxford and Cambridge. In preparation, the boys are placed under the guidance of (mainly) two teachers with different styles and stress on their education.

Based on the short synopsis, everything seems ordinary, but the difference between the two styles are not as one would expect if this was a US film. It's a Brit film. Not just that, it's a very cerebral Brit film. Given these, you can expect a lot of intellectualization, not to mention subtlety, in things that would normally be presented in a rather straightforward manner if this was a US film.

The film is dialogue intensive, and though most can probably follow what's going on, the subtle wit and charm of the film may not be accessible to a general audience. If you can get past this, though, it's quite a show.

It's not s smooth viewing, but I liked the film and what it had to say. The film is not for everyone. If you don't mind the Brit style, not to mention the cerebral language employed in the dialogue, and you are ready to both watch and think at the same time, then you may find yourself appreciating what the film has to offer. If this isn't you cup of tea, it's best if you just stay away.