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Poster for Borstal Boy

Borstal Boy

Seen it?

2001 | 91 min | Drama

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With a box office loss and middling reviews (45% on Rotten Tomatoes), it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Rebel Without a Cause, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 31 min.
What might put you off
Nothing much for most grown-ups.

Brendan Behan, a sixteen year-old IRA foot soldier, is going on a bombing mission from Ireland to Liverpool during the second world war. His mission is thwarted when he is apprehended, charged and imprisoned in Borstal, a reform institution for young offenders in East Anglia, England.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsBelow par

    45% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $87K worldwide on a $100K budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 25K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Peter Sheridan

  • Shawn HatosyBrendan Behan
  • Danny DyerCharlie Milwall
  • Robin LaingJock
  • Ian McElhinneyVerreker
  • Eva BirthistleLiz Joyce
  • Mark HubermanMac
  • Lee InglebyDale
  • Ronnie DrewCustoms man
  • Eamon GlancyManning
  • Dennis ConwayHolmes