Borstal Boy

Seen at the Galway Film Fleadh (where this fine picture had its world premiere in July), Peter Sheridan makes an auspicious directing debut from this literary classic. It should be noted, however, that the film is "inspired by" not "based upon" the book by Brendan Behan. Wonderful performances from the entire cast including Hatosy, York,Dyer and Birthistle.

What a surprise of a little movie. Young American actor Shawn Hatosy (he's from Frederick, Maryland) gives an astonishing performance as IRA teen gone wrong, Irish writer Brendan Behan. Hatosy's "angry young man" is sincerely angry, but there are cracks in that tough veneer that show a sensitive, thoughtful kid wanting to break out. (Measure Hatosy's performance from "Outside Providence" to "Borstal Boy" and we're looking at a young actor of exceptional depth and promise.)

At the reformatory Borstal, Brendan discovers new hardships: living, eating and sleeping with his enemies. He learns however, that deep down, our enemies have the same needs, wants, fears and desires as we do ourselves. His budding friendship with the openly gay sailor, Charlie Milwal - despite its rocky beginning, captures the joy and frustration of having a best friend and through this friendship each learns how to understand, forgive and love. As Charlie, Danny Dyer gives a performance which is in every regard as equally deep as Hatosy's.

Brendan's taking to fellow Irishman Oscar Wilde and his eventual barnhouse production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" mounted by the young convicts for their fellow inmates. This is an absolute joy and becomes almost the fulcrum from which the story veers into its final direction.

Michael York, Eva Birthistle and the rest of the ensemble all contribute fine performances (particularly Ms. Birthistle who, as a secondary love interest doesn't arrive until a good half way through the story and is both beautiful and touching).

Director Peter Sheridan crams an almost unbelievable amount of story into into a mere 90 minutes so the film flies by. The ending may be a bit abrupt tying things up too tidily, but this is a minor quibble in a stunning, touching gem of a movie.

I got worried when the film opened with "inspired by" Borstal Boy rather than based on. This is the sort of movie that makes me wish I had a bunch of money so I could run out and start filming "Borstal Boy 2004" and actually film the story and characters that were in the book. The characters were awful and betrayed the rich characterization of the book.

Part of the problem was that the filmmaker looked back to 1942 with a 21st century perspective. For example he wanted to make Brendan sympathetic so Brendan befriended an out homosexual (in 1942) and a jew. Dale, the evil character hated both and was a self-proclaimed rapist. Darth Vader had more dimensions than Dale. I don't know if an IRA soldier from 1942 would look at Hitler, the enemy of his enemy, as being a worthy reason to suspend his fight for independence. Worst of all, Brendan acts like a 14 year old from the American suburbs with his revulsion of homosexuality. The tired message in the movie is that if you are against homosexuality then you, yourself, must be gay. For example, initially revulsed, Brendan ends up falling in love with Charlie. Dale mocks Charlies and later tries to rape Charlie. In the original story, despite being published in the 1950s, Brendan had no such trouble with homosexuals. When he found out Oscar Wilde was gay, he responded non-chalantly that everyone has their own way of doing things. he came across Charlie having sex with another boy and it was no big deal. The play of the same name (1971) did manage to hold true to the original story. This movie should have done the same.

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.

Although "Borstal Boy" is in my personal Top Ten, right up there with "Casablanca" and "The Last Picture Show," I had to watch it several times before I could totally understand the heavy Irish accents. In a way, that was good, as the film is worth watching several times.

The story line takes place in 1941-42, during the darkest days of WWII for the Allies. American born Shawn Hatosy plays the part of Irish poet and writer, Brendan Behan, and does a masterful job in capturing the heavy accent, and the pathos of the era.

Charlie Milwall, played beautifully by Danny Dyer, befriends Behan and an intense friendship builds between them. Have a handkerchief ready for the Pearl Harbor newsreel scene. It's a gut wencher, and a pivotal point for Behan. His ties with the IRA won't allow him to fully cooperate with the British operators of the Bostal House (Reform school), but he reluctantly pledges to do so until Hitler is defeated. Many viewers may not be aware that Ireland remained Neutral during WW II, and it is to Ireland that Behan, Millwall and two other 'inmates' determine they must escape. Take your hankie out again, for the beach scene of the escape episode. I'm a grown man, and men aren't supposed to cry. I shed many tears during the film, and was glad the showing room was dark.

Eva Birthistle plays her role well as the only female in the movie. The friendship/love relationship between her and Behan is intriguing, and an integral part of the story. She seems to understand all, and to forgive all. For history buffs, and those who love to love, the film is an absolute Must See. Definitely deserves ten stars, despite the thick accents.