Watch Borstal Boy

Borstal Boy is a 2000 film directed by Peter Sheridan, based on the autobiographical novel written by Irish author Brendan Behan. The film features a talented cast comprising of Shawn Hatosy, Danny Dyer, Eamon Glancy, and Michael York. The story revolves around Brendan Behan (played by Shawn Hatosy), a young Irishman who is arrested by the British authorities for his involvement in a bombing campaign against the British during the 1940s. He is later sentenced to serve time in a Borstal, a reform school for juvenile delinquents.

Once inside, Brendan finds himself struggling to cope with the brutal and oppressive regime of the Borstal authorities. The film does a great job of showing the harsh reality of life in the Borstal, with scenes showing Brendan being subjected to physical and emotional abuse, and forced to endure long periods of isolation.

Despite the harsh conditions, Brendan finds solace in his love of writing and poetry. He uses his spare time to write and enter his poetry into competitions, hoping to one day become published.

As the film progresses, we see Brendan form close bonds with fellow inmates, including a young Welsh boy, Charlie Milwall (played by Danny Dyer). Their friendship is tested when Charlie is forced to betray Brendan in order to ensure his own safety.

The final act of the film sees Brendan released from the Borstal, only to find that life outside is just as difficult. He struggles to reintegrate into society, battling alcoholism and depression. The film ends on a poignant note, with Brendan reflecting on his time in the Borstal and the impact it had on his life.

Overall, Borstal Boy is a powerful and compelling film. It does an excellent job of portraying the harsh realities of life in a Borstal, while also showing the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The performances of the cast are exceptional, particularly Shawn Hatosy in the lead role. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in Irish history or the criminal justice system.

Borstal Boy is a 2000 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 47.