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Fans of British icon Alan Bennett's acclaimed 2004 play 'The History Boys' are in for a treat, as the film adaptation is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer at no cost. The 2006 British comedy-drama shares its title with the esteemed play and features Richard Griffiths, James Corden, Dominic Cooper, Russell Tovey, Frances de la Tour, Clive Merrison and Samuel Barnett, along with a larger ensemble cast - all of whom were part of the original London and Broadway productions of the play. Adapted from Bennett's theatre production which bagged the prestigious Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2005 and the sought-after Tony Award for Best Play in 2006, The History Boys is a stirring period drama directed by Nicholas Hytner for the silver screen. Hytner also helmed the original 2004 Royal National Theatre production of the play. The film centres around an unconventional teacher who, with his colleagues, endeavours to prepare talented students at a British grammar school for their impending Cambridge and Oxford entrance exams. The movie's school scenes were shot in Watford Grammar School for Girls and Watford Grammar School for Boys, with uniforms of the latter being used for costumes. Other filming locations include West Yorkshire's Halifax and Elland, which helped create the Sheffield landscape in which the story unfolds, reports the Express . The film boasts a 66 per cent critics approval rating and 70 per cent audience approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, earning largely positive feedback. One critic praised it as: "A hugely enjoyable outing of subtle humour, witty words and a keen insight into human nature and the art of learning." Another described it as: "It's a rare pleasure to see a film that assumes literacy on the part of its audience." However, a third critic felt the film version of the play seemed "muted", writing: "A funny thing happened to The History Boys on the way to the screen. The players are the same, the dialogue is pretty much identical, but the vibrancy of the play - its exhilarating immediacy - has been muted." Another reviewer was thoroughly impressed, branding it a "delightful thought-provoker that will have you questioning what constitutes a good education and a good teacher". Audience reactions echoed similar sentiments, with one viewer saying: "Phenomenal film start to finish." Another raved about the big screen adaptation, saying: "One of my favorite coming of age films. Very British, full of amazing actors and heartfelt storylines. Well worth the watch." Some viewers believed it fell short of the stage production, as one commented: "Disappointing adaptation of the stage hit with some nice ensemble acting and a standout performance from Richard Griffiths." However, the film has garnered plenty of accolades, with one viewer gushing: "This is one of my all-time favourite films! I just love everything about it! It has a fantastic energy - it transferred from stage to screen really well in my humble opinion." Another fan wrote: "Outstanding movie. My wife and I caught this on our honeymoon and bought the DVD when we got back. It's a great story and a sublimely acted movie." The History Boys can be streamed for free on BBC iPlayer.
