Borstal Boy
2000 · Movie · NR · 91 min · ★ 6.2 · 46% critics
During World War II, a teenage Irish militant is caught on a bombing mission and sent to a reform institution for young offenders in England. Inside, political hostility, bullying, and unexpected bonds challenge his beliefs as he struggles to find his place.
Based on Borstal Boy
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 2000
- Release date
- 2001-03-22
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 91 min
- Critic score
- 46/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.2/10 (52 votes)
About
You might like this if you want a reflective coming-of-age prison drama with politics, tension, and unexpected humanity, especially if Biloxi Blues or Giant Little Ones appealed to you; Not for you if you want fast-paced action or a harsh exploitation-style lockup story.
Pros: thoughtful human drama; gritty honest tone; sensitive handling | Cons: meandering pace; hard-to-catch dialogue; uneven lead performance
Themes
- homophobia
- bullying
- liverpool, england
- coming of age
- cross dressing
- accidental death
- ira (irish republican army)
- based on memoir or autobiography
- teenage boy
- reform school
- norfolk
- 1940s
- +3 more
Cast & crew
Shawn Hatosy
as Brendan Behan
Danny Dyer
as Charlie Milwall
Robin Laing
as Jock
Ian McElhinney
as Verreker
Eva Birthistle
as Liz Joyce
Mark Huberman
as Mac
Lee Ingleby
as Dale
Ronnie Drew
as Customs man
- EG
Eamon Glancy
as Manning
- DC
Dennis Conway
as Holmes
Directed by Peter Sheridan