The Winslow Boy

G

Released Apr 16, 1999

1 hr. 44 min.

History

Drama

List

97%

37 Reviews

Tomatometer

78%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

When 14-year-old Ronnie Winslow (Guy Edwards) is expelled from the Royal Naval College for theft, his father, Arthur (Nigel Hawthorne), is convinced that Ronnie was wrongly accused. After acquiring the talented lawyer Sir Robert Morton (Jeremy Northam), Arthur doggedly pursues the case, which becomes a sensationalized public story. As the case wears on, the Winslows' finances are drained, adversely affecting the older Winslow children, Dickie (Matthew Pidgeon) and Catherine (Rebecca Pidgeon).

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Critics Consensus

Smart and engaging, The Winslow Boy finds David Mamet bringing his talents to bear on period drama, with easily commendable results.

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Alec B

Despite the distinct lack of non-stop casual cursing, Rattigan's play is actually the perfect material for Mamet to adapt (quick detailed filled dialogue, examination of a supposed crime, etc.) and he does so without indulging in too many of his quirks.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/13/23

Full Review

ramona w

Such a gripping move and wonderful character study. At first glance Rebecca's performance may seem to be underplayed; however it is her cool demeanor and high intelligence coupled with the tense undercurrent with three suitors that keep one rapt. Mamet's direction is superb. He is a genius. It is impossible to take your eyes, but most especially your ears off the screen. The reasons may be to find out if the boy is lying or how the family will fare physically, emotionally and fiscally. It may be the outcome of the lie upon which the story hinges. But, Rebecca's character is much more engrossing than the fallout from the boy's possible lie. Her acting is superb. The nuances of her performance and the tension produced by her relational outcome keeps one riveted.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

paul d

David Mamet's film The Winslow Boy is excellent. He takes the rich raw material of Terence Ratigan's play and brings it brilliantly to the screen. Set in London in the years preceding WWI, with evocative and convincing sets, the film has just enough "action" to allow the plot to unfold naturally, but its focus (and ours) is on the interesting and intricate characters and how the events of the film affect their relationships. All the characters are drawn well, but the performances of Nigel Hawthorne and Jeremy Northam stand out. A movie made by people who respect their audience.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

dustin d

The Winslow Boy is a nicely done period piece about a little sideshow in English history. It is a clever character drama in which the (predictable) story happens (thankfully) mostly off-screen.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

william d

A bit slow perhaps, but it is a very intelligent, and oh so English, script.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

indie a

This story, based on real events, has been done several times. This one is the best. Jeremy Northam fits his role perfectly and is so sexy. I've been watching Nigel Hawthorne in British programming and movies for many years. He was wonderful in this movie. It's a story of fighting for what's right, in the face of big obstacles and small chance of winning. It's also a love story, sort of. It's a story of families sticking together and being a sport when it's all for one and one for all, and that means you lose. It seems small and quiet, what with the refined manners and lack of emotion of the aristocratic people of the early 20th century in England, but that's deceptive. There are big issues being handled, and a lot of meaning in body language and in the eyes. Good movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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David Mamet

Director

Nigel Hawthorne

Arthur Winslow

Jeremy Northam

Sir Robert Morton

Rebecca Pidgeon

Catherine 'Kate' Winslow

Gemma Jones

Grace Winslow

Guy Edwards

Ronald Arthur 'Ronnie' Winslow

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Walter Goodman

New York Times

What began as a transformation of borrowed material by adroit stagecraft has lately become a demonstration of a movie maker's finesse in adaptation.

Nov 30, 2017

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: A-

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Globe and Mail

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 22, 2002

Full Review

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

An intelligent and very satisfying work of art.

Rated: 3.5/4

Nov 15, 2009

Full Review

Sarah Boslaugh

Playback:stl

Arthur Winslow and Sir Robert Morton are as ruthless in their way as the real estate salesmen in Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross are in theirs...

Rated: 8/10

Mar 23, 2009

Full Review

Jim Lane

Sacramento News & Review

Rated: 3/5

Aug 7, 2008

Full Review

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Synopsis

When 14-year-old Ronnie Winslow (Guy Edwards) is expelled from the Royal Naval College for theft, his father, Arthur (Nigel Hawthorne), is convinced that Ronnie was wrongly accused. After acquiring the talented lawyer Sir Robert Morton (Jeremy Northam), Arthur doggedly pursues the case, which becomes a sensationalized public story. As the case wears on, the Winslows' finances are drained, adversely affecting the older Winslow children, Dickie (Matthew Pidgeon) and Catherine (Rebecca Pidgeon).

Director: David Mamet
Screenwriter: Terence Rattigan, David Mamet
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics, Columbia Tristar
Production Co: Winslow Partners Ltd.
Rating: G
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 16, 1999, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.0M

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