“Films about British boarding schools” typically explore the unique and often mysterious world of elite educational institutions in the UK. These films often delve into the lives of students, the strict rules and traditions, and the dynamics among the students and faculty.
“The History Boys”, 2006
Director: Nicholas Hytner
This film, based on the play by Alan Bennett, revolves around a group of students preparing for the entrance exams to Oxford and Cambridge. It delves into the relationships between the boys and their teachers, and the pursuit of academic excellence.
Starring: Samuel Anderson, James Corden, Stephen Campbell Moore, Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour, Andrew Knott, Russell Tovey, Jamie Parker, Dominic Cooper, Samuel Barnett, Sacha Dhawan, Clive Merrison, Penelope Wilton, Adrian Scarborough, Georgia Taylor, Maggie McCarthy, Colin Haigh, Iain Mitchell, David Killick, Patrick Godfrey, Craig Carruthers;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “The History Boys” on the website imdb.com
“Goodbye, Mr. Chips”, 1939
Director: Sam Wood, Sidney Franklin
This heartwarming classic tells the story of a beloved schoolteacher at an English boys' boarding school and the impact he has on the lives of his students over the years.
Starring: Robert Donat, Greer Garson, Terry Kilburn, John Mills, Paul Henreid, Judith Furse, Lyn Harding, Milton Rosmer, Frederick Leister, Louise Hampton, Austin Trevor, David Tree, Edmund Breon, Jill Furse, Scott Sunderland, Ernest Blyth, John Blythe, Leonard Boucher, Henry Caine, H. Carleton-Crowe, David Croft, Leo de Pokorny, Clive Dunn, Cyril Frankel, Peter Gawthorne, Dane Gordon, Pat Hagan, Martita Hunt, Simon Lack, Jack Lambert, John Longden, Patrick Ludlow, Guy Middleton, Phyllis Morris, Cyril Raymond, J.H. Roberts, Michael Shepley, Nigel Stock, Merle Tottenham, Ronald Ward, Caven Watson;
Production year: 1939;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” on the website imdb.com
“Another Country”, 1984
Director: Marek Kanievska
Set in an English public school in the 1930s, this film explores themes of homosexuality, betrayal, and political intrigue among the students.
Starring: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Michael Jenn, Robert Addie, Rupert Wainwright, Tristan Oliver, Cary Elwes, Frederick Alexander, Adrian Ross Magenty, Geoffrey Bateman, Phillip Dupuy, Guy Henry, Jeffry Wickham, John Line, Gideon Boulting, Llewellyn Rees, Arthur Howard, Ivor Roberts, Crispin Redman, Nicholas Rowe, Kathleen St. John, Martin Wenner, Christopher Milburn, Tristram Jellinek, Tristram Wymark, Ralph Perry-Robinson, Anna Massey, Betsy Brantley, James D.R. Hickox, Danny Lee, Charles Spencer, Jim Tavaré;
Production year: 1984;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Another Country” on the website imdb.com
“The Browning Version”, 1951
Director: Anthony Asquith
Based on the play by Terence Rattigan, this film portrays the emotional struggles of a classics teacher at a British public school as he faces professional disappointment and personal challenges.
Starring: Michael Redgrave, Jean Kent, Nigel Patrick, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Brian Smith, Bill Travers, Ronald Howard, Paul Medland, Ivan Samson, Josephine Middleton, Peter Jones, Sarah Lawson, Scott Harrold, Judith Furse, Michael Caborn, Vivienne Gibson, John Greenwood, Joan Haythorne, Michael Newell, Brian Nissen, Anton Rodgers, Johnnie Schofield, Dora Sevening, Russell Waters, Ian Whittaker;
Production year: 1951;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Browning Version” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a glimpse into the fascinating and often complex world of British boarding schools, showcasing the unique experiences and relationships within these esteemed educational institutions.
The selection of films about British boarding schools offers a compelling insight into the unique and often complex world of these institutions. From the timeless charm of “The History Boys” to the poignant portrayal of friendship and rebellion in “The Riot Club,” these films capture the blend of tradition, discipline, and youthful rebellion that defines the boarding school experience. Whether through heartwarming coming-of-age stories or gripping dramas exposing the darker underbelly of privilege, these films invite audiences to explore the complexities of adolescence, class dynamics, and the pursuit of identity within the hallowed halls of British boarding schools. The selection serves as a captivating exploration of tradition, privilege, and the enduring impact of these institutions on the lives of their students.
