hyped garbage

Good start, but then it gets ruined

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

In a British labor camp for lads in 1942, youthful Irish troublemaker Shawn Hatosy (portraying Brendan Behan, upon whose remembrances the film is based) comes-of-age, sharing a bumpy but intense friendship with a gay teenager and timidly romancing a local young lady as well. Curious drama apparently made with the well-intentioned goal to show the burgeoning political activism of a determined man, and how his upbringing molded the figure he was to become, but too many of these boyhood antics are overly familiar (the playful romping on the beach which precedes a tragedy, the sneaky drinking and smoking during movie-time, the somewhat campy play which brings down the house). The acting by the handsome juveniles isn't bad (though the director tends to overdose on their aw-shucks smiles and faraway glances), Michael York--despite seeming a bit tired and distanced from the proceedings--is well-cast as the camp's director, but the point of the relationships is never made clear, the emotional center of the story seems to be missing. Obviously, Behan was not homosexual, though he did greatly admire his friend, yet the struggles of the gay teenager are hardly touched upon--he's treated more like an afterthought in the story rather than an important character--and one aches for more intimacy here, more substance. The film has an effectively washed-out look and has interesting locations, but the drama isn't gripping nor enticing because the handling is so aloof. ** from ****

Peter Sheridan, the director of "Borstal Boy", shows a good sensibility to the material based on the life of Brendan Behan. Having only seen the play at the Lyceum theater in the 70s, it was intriguing to see what kind of adaptation it received on the screen.The best thing in the film is the young ensemble cast gathered for the film. What comes out in the movie is how friendships made in reform camp affected Mr. Behan for life. The fact that young Brendan can get to like someone as different as Charlie, speaks volumes for tolerance for someone that comes from Brendan's background.Shawn Hatosy does a marvelous job in his portrayal of Brendan Behan. For an American born actor, this young man clearly demonstrates a range that many of his contemporaries don't have. In the pivotal role of Charlie Milwall, Danny Dyer gives a brilliant performance. Lee Ingleby, as the cruel Dale, is perfect. Eva Birthistle, as the daughter of the warden Joyce, is the only female in a man's world and she does a great job in making the young woman come alive. Michael York has a good opportunity in the role of Joyce.The only problem with the film is that the dialog is hard to follow, be it because of the sound track, or the heavy accents Mr. Sheridan has everyone speaking as a way to show authenticity. We watched the DVD version, and had to turn the volume to maximum, and still it sounded muffled. In spite of that flaw, "Borstal Boy" is a powerful movie that needs to be seen.

I rented this because I had interest in Brendan Behan. Well, I was surprised by this film. Shawn Hatosy is brilliant as a young Behan. You must see him in this role. I was completely taken away with the story and the characters. The actors all are believable and true. It does concern the IRA which I know little about. This takes place during WW II and it is interesting that the Behan character, although very primal and dedicated to his commitment to the Irish Republic, does in fact concede, given the far more devastating events happening in the wider sphere of the world, that for a time at least he is willing to 'lay down arms' and not resist. I must mention the music. I am sorry I do not know the name of the composer, but it is superb and appropriately atmospherically Irish at the right times. The songs are all wonderful especially the ending song which one also hears at a truly pivotal and emotional point near the end of the film. I don't talk or write much. I just love this film. I high recommend it to people who like character-driven films.

...but it does sort of meander its way along, and the ending would be rather cliche if it weren't based on a true story. The DVD definitely needs English subtitles; even backing up and replaying some scenes didn't help decipher the accented dialogue. It was a good movie nevertheless...