The History Boys film is class act

A fine British film based on the hit stage play by Alan Bennett illustrating the oft overlooked fact that you don't always need a galaxy of Hollywood A-listers to guarantee success.

The History Boys

Director: Nicholas Hytner

Cast: Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour

A fine British film based on the hit stage play by Alan Bennett illustrating the oft overlooked fact that you don't always need a galaxy of Hollywood A-listers or to relocate the plot from Scunthorpe to Santa Monica to guarantee success.

This wonderfully realised gem is set around a group of charming boys studying for an important exam in l950s England … though, of course, there is much more to it than that.

We have brilliantly observed characters, consuming situations, interesting and thought-provoking questions and, above all, wit and style.

Much of the film's cast moved across from the stage to the screen which helped maintain the work's consistency … and there should already be an Oscar nomination, at least, set aside for Griffiths for his brilliant performance as the teacher holding the piece together.

Star Rating: 5/5