Borstal Boy-Oscar Wilde, WWII, And Brogues To Make You Swoon

[Rod Hagen]

Do not skip this movie. Unfortunately, since many of you will insist on seeing "Time Machine" and "40 Days and 40 Nights" it may come down to a choice between "Trembling Before God", "Chop Suey", and "Borstal Boy". I can only tell you that if I were in your shoes, and I knew what I know now, I'd simply say "Up The Republic". There are many obvious comparisons: but it's more tender and less schwarmy than "Beautiful Thing". Like "Dead Poets Society" it takes a liberal authority to turn some nearly lost boys into well-examined men, but without all the conflicting messages and self indulgence-O Captain my Captain-of the 1989 Robin William's vehicle. The director's brother, Jim Sheridan, producer of this film, directed "In The Name of The Father", had an obvious influence on his brother's desire skill in infusing politics and convictions, with fierce loyalty to friends, family and country.

 

There's plenty of tragedy, yet each loss makes them better boys (men).

 

I must admit that I am partial to Irish films. "The Secret Of Roan Inish" made me positively weak in the knees. And it's not just the Irish tongue that affects me so, it's the culture and humanity of all things Gaelic and even damn-near Gaelic: I weep when I listen to bagpipe music.

 

There's not one performance in Borstal Boy that isn't worthy of some type of award, and the only fault I can find in it is the composition of the closing shot. It's a bit cheesy for me: think "ridding off into the sunset" and you almost have it. Nevertheless, I'm certain even that scene will form one last lump in the throat for those of you less cynical than I am. I envy you. What a brilliant movie. Enjoy.

 

I must admit that I am partial to Irish films. "The Secret Of Roan Inish" made me positively weak in the knees. And it's not just the Irish tongue that affects me so, it's the culture and humanity of all things Gaelic and even damn-near Gaelic: I weep when I listen to bagpipe music.

 

There's not one performance in Borstal Boy that isn't worthy of some type of award, and the only fault I can find in it is the composition of the closing shot. It's a bit cheezy for me: think "ridding off into the sunset" and you almost have it. Nevertheless, I'm certain even that scene will form one last lump in the throat for those of you less cynical than I am. I envy you. What a brilliant movie. Enjoy.

[Guest Dan]

You might also want to check out a little British film called Last Orders about 3 men who take their dead buddy's ashes to scatter them in the ocean. It stars Michael Caine, Helen Mirren as his wife and Bob Hoskins, David Hemmings and Tom Courtney as his friends.

 

Not a gay movie (at least not overtly! LOL) but just a wonderful little movie about relationships and shared histories.

 

 

Dan

[Rod Hagen]

I still can't get this movie out of my mind. I haven't been this affected by a film since "Steam". There's this bit of betrayal, understandable betrayal, toward the end of the story that I'm unable to reconcile with my own emotions and wishes. So I keep replaying the whole drama in my mind over and over.

[+ Lucky]

Yes, many of us will have to watch those more common movies. We are so uncultivated! It is really difficult for us. Thanks for passing along the advice though.

[BgMstr4u]

I saw "Borstal Boy" yesterday, and found it profoundly moving as a story. The relationship of the two boys was touching, all the more so as it was a wonderful example of a gay lad expressing his affection for a straight lad who really did not want to reciprocate. The rejection that Brendan consistently, and sometimes brutally, expresses, is so true to life, and is one of many explanations why so many of us internalize homophobia. How many of us would persevere as that wonderful lad did?

 

I frankly enjoyed the tearjerker aspect of the ending.

 

Does anyone know enough about Brendan Behan to comment on how close to the truth this film is? Was he really a red hot IRA type at that point in his life? Bio pics tend to smooth out the rough edges, and since this movie has so many rough edges in it already, it makes me wonder about his real life. I do know that he wrote a play called "Borstal Boy", but I am ashamed to admit that I have never seen or read it, and so have no idea to what extent and in what ways it may have formed the film.

[Guest neverbeenhad]

I read "Borstal Boy" a few years ago, and yeah it sounds as if they have him pretty down. He was accused of smuggling parts for a bomb or guns to England for use in guerilla activities during the IRA's wartime campaign.

I like the quote from a writer friend of Behan's, who was walking with him once in Phoenix Park. The friend confessed that he knew Behan was bi, and it disturbed him. Behan shrugged and pointed out two people nearby--a beefy sour-faced woman and a handsome teenage boy. "Now tell the truth, would you rather take her to bed, or him?"

[Bilbo]

I was in Behan's play about a British soldier taken prisoner in a riotous Irish boarding house. It was great fun. His plays really should be done more often. (Same with Synge and O'Casey, of course.)

 

Sample lyric from "The Hostage":

"We're here/ Because we're queer/ Because we're queer/ Because we're here!"

[+ Axiom2001]

I was in San Francisco this weekend where this film is presently showing (I think. I read so many articles about films.) I do plan to see it when I am in "the City" next week. Thanks for your provocative thread!!!!!!