6.8
Where can I stream Borstal Boy legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Borstal Boy
2001·Movie
Borstal Boy fingerprint
Strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
- Tension7
- Adrenaline6
- Violence6
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Coming of Age8
- Pathos7
- Melancholy7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor4
- Satire & Parody3
World
History, a real life story, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, a real life story, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, a real life story, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
As a prisoner of war it is my duty to escape.
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.
Irish Republican ArmyWorld War IIBorstal Reform SchoolComing-of-Age DramaPolitical IncarcerationBiographicalSocial CommentaryMelancholy
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Borstal Boy
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Borstal Boy worth watching?
47
MediocreGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 48/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 47%, and Metacritic 47). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Borstal Boy rated?
NRViolenceStrong language
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is Borstal Boy?
1 h 31 min
Borstal Boy runs 1 h 31 min.
Is Borstal Boy based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Borstal Boy?
Critics47
Audiences65
Not quite. Audiences rate Borstal Boy higher (65) than critics (47). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Borstal Boy a box office hit?
Budget$100,000
Box office$87,400
No. It cost about $100,000 to make and earned $87,400 worldwide, 87% of its budget.
What language is Borstal Boy in?
EnglishIrish
It was made in English, with some Irish. Produced in United Kingdom, Ireland.
In how many countries can I watch Borstal Boy?
3
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Borstal Boy in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.