Borstal Boy

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.

Coming-of-age tale via Irish author Brendan Behan's memoirs about a youthful troublemaker in a British labor camp for lads in 1942. Shawn Hatosy portrays Behan, who shares a bumpy but intense friendship with a gay teenager while 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; however, 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 director Peter Sheridan 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 central relationships is never made clear--the heart of the story has gone missing. Obviously, Behan was not homosexual; although he greatly admired his gay friend, the struggles of this 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, 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 ****

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.

I admit to not having yet read the book on which this film is based and I'm willing to concede that the book may well be far better than the film; as alluded to in other reviews. That being said, I found this film touching, funny, controversial, unique, all those adjectives and more.

The casting of Danny Dyer as a homosexual sailor in the 1940s really shows his versatility as an actor and I believe this must have been a challenging and rewarding part. The film deals with issues that are taboo even by today's standards and although the narrative can be at times overly sentimental, these scenes are strangely refreshing and poignant.

Danny Dyer has some great lines and one hilarious scene involving a football. "Borstal Boy" is unprecedented in its approach to controversial issues and makes for a film well worth watching.

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.