I didn't understand it at all.. I understood the basic parts of the story but when it ended I felt like I was missing something, which led me to believe that there is something deeper that I didn't grasp
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The History Boys
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 16. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Play-turned-movie grapples with sexuality, life.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 16–17
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The History Boys
Parents need to know that kids, even older teens, probably won't be very interested in this small, talky British film based on Alan Bennett's award-winning play. Several central characters -- both students and teachers -- are homosexual and struggling with their desires. Treated in a mature way, this theme is addressed through clever, occasionally explicit dialogue (but no graphic imagery). The movie doesn't outright condemn the teachers' desire or suggest that the boys are damaged when one awkward instructor regularly "handles their nuts." In one scene, a student takes off his trousers (you see boxers) to act out a skit in class; in another, he's in bed with a female secretary (they're talking, post-sex, no explicit nudity). A fatal traffic accident occurs off-screen, and characters mourn the resulting death. Characters smoke and use "f--k" and strong other language.
Read our full review by Cynthia Fuchs
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the differences between the students' and teachers' ambitions. How do the boys learn to make use of their two teachers' different styles of learning? How do the boys "come of age" in different ways? Also, how does the movie show multiple points of view through conversations and camerawork? And how do the movie's dialogue and staging show that it was based on a play? How is the movie's treatment of its characters' homosexuality similar to and different from the way sexuality is addressed in other movies and TV shows?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
very confusing...
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Great film and a real eye opener
This movie was an exelent film because it was about life and how everyone lives it differently. The boys speak their minds and they're so open about who they are. What I love about this film is that everything is in the open air so there really aren't any secrets. They are accepting of each other's differences. I love this movie!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
A brilliant film. Yes, it's for young adults, too.
The acting is superb, and the subject matter is addressed in a thoughtful and provocative way. Do not shield the teens from this film. They may not have an interest, or admit they have, but I'll bet that those who watch it will come away enlightened, and in some cases, relieved.
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