Song for a Raggy Boy
2003 · Movie · 94 min · ★ 7.3 · 72% critics
In 1939 Ireland, a newly hired lay teacher arrives at a strict reform school for troubled boys run by a hardline religious authority. As he tries to bring learning, dignity, and compassion into a harsh system, he clashes with a culture of fear and punishment that the institution has long protected.
Where to watch
Watch free on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi — also streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Dox and Magnolia Selects.
2 hours to watch.
Stream (included)
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
- 2003
- Release date
- 2003-01-19
- Language
- English
- Runtime
- 94 min
- Max quality
- SD
- Critic score
- 72/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.3/10 (145 votes)
About
If you’re drawn to intense, heart-wrenching dramas about institutional cruelty and one person pushing back, this may land hard, especially if you liked The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas; Not for you if abuse themes are too upsetting.
Pros: powerful performances; emotionally gripping story; social injustice spotlight | Cons: very disturbing content; slow opening stretch; familiar teacher-versus-system setup
Themes
- child abuse
- based on novel or book
- poetry
- beating
- reformatory
- strap
- discipline
- woman director
- 1930s
- pederasty
Cast & crew
Aidan Quinn
as William Franklin
Iain Glen
as Brother John
Marc Warren
as Brother Mac
Dudley Sutton
as Brother Tom
Alan Devlin
as Father Damian
Stuart Graham
as Brother Whelan
- BM
Bernard Manning
as Rogers 855
John Travers
as Liam Mercier 636
Andrew Simpson
as Gerard Peters 458
- MB
Mark Butler
as Downey 913
Directed by Aisling Walsh