Borstal Boy (2000)

Borstal Boy (2000)
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Brendan Behan's famous memoir about his troubled youth formed the basis of this drama. Brendan (Shawn Hatosy) is a 16-year-old boy from Ireland who loathes the British and is eager to do something about it. Brendan sails into Liverpool, but is discovered to be carrying the makings of a bomb; he's soon placed under arrest and thrown into a borstal (British reform school), where he finds himself surrounded by a collection of tough-as-nails English delinquents. While his political beliefs don't change, Brendan learns to become more tolerant of others as he makes friends with a few of his fellow inmates, including Charlie (Danny Dyer), who dreams of sailing away some day, and Scottish Jock (Robin Laing). Brendan also has to deal with the pains of first love when he becomes infatuated with Liz (Eva Birthistle), the daughter of the school's master (Michael York). Borstal Boy marked the film debut of stage director Peter Sheridan, the brother of noted Irish filmmaker Jim Sheridan. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Shawn HatosyDanny Dyer, (more)
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Borstal Boy

Brendan Behan's famous memoir about his troubled youth formed the basis of this drama. Brendan (Shawn Hatosy) is a 16-year-old boy from Ireland who loathes the British and is eager to do something about it. Brendan sails into Liverpool, but is discovered to be carrying the makings of a bomb; he's soon placed under arrest and thrown into a borstal (British reform school), where he finds himself surrounded by a collection of tough-as-nails English delinquents. While his political beliefs don't change, Brendan learns to become more tolerant of others as he makes friends with a few of his fellow inmates, including Charlie (Danny Dyer), who dreams of sailing away some day, and Scottish Jock (Robin Laing). Brendan also has to deal with the pains of first love when he becomes infatuated with Liz (Eva Birthistle), the daughter of the school's master (Michael York). Borstal Boy marked the film debut of stage director Peter Sheridan, the brother of noted Irish filmmaker Jim Sheridan. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
91 mins

Complete Cast of Borstal Boy


Writer(s):
Nye Heron
Producer(s):
Arthur Lappin
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Member Reviews
 
Denise O.

I actually rented the movie for an Irish priest I know. He said that it reminded him of his homeland. When he gave it back to me I thought I would check it out because he said that it made him cry. I thought the movie portrayed his life well and the setting was beautiful. It was quite moving at different parts and questionable at others, ( a little difficult to watch a couple of scenes in the movie. All in all I enjoyed it, but wouldn't recommend it or watch it again. It wasn't a keeper on my list.

Yes   |   No

 
Michael D.

I liked this movie and the relationship that can develop during a difficult time.

Yes   |   No

 
Charles G.

A sweet , well intentioned but meandering film. Outstanding performance by Shawn Hatosy. I was shocked to find out he's not Irish but American! Has more the feel of a minor Masterpiece Theatre than a theatrical release.

Yes   |   No

 
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