Criterion Collection: If [Blu-ray] [1969] [US Import]

A must watch BRIT flick, with an anarchic revolution kicking off in a boarding school.A sardonic and dark view of what life in a boarding school was like in the late 60’s, with bullying house monitors and servile first and second year ‘youngsters’. The political understory is compelling and the film ends in intentionally preposterous final conflict.Malcolm McDowell is suitably dangerous and borderline psychotic throughout, constantly challenging the mock authority and hierarchy that surrounds him in the kingdom of boarding school.

This is, and will probably remain, my favourite film of all time.When this film first came out I had just left a boys only school and was into motorbikes. The film content struck a chord with me at the time, and on every occasion that I have seen the film since, so I had to have my own copy. I had been a member of the Combined Cadet Force at school and was well versed in firing the Lee Enfield .303 rifles and the Bren machine gun seen in the film, and could recognise the characters from my real life. The school rules, the escape on a motorcycle, the rebellion; all things that echoed in my mind. All the things I never did, but what If....

All the other reviews seem good. I don't know anything about film making etc and I can only say that if you don't know this film, know it soon. There's someone ( a first-time viewer) said about "it seems normal but for some surreal-type scenes". I can say that this film will take several watches to take it in (if you are slow like me) but it all makes the most perfect sense. For me, a definite "Desert Island Disc" pick.A "Grade A, gold plated, five star treat that could have been put on the spacecraft that left the solar system carrying a Chuck Berry record", yes, it's a good film. Enjoy.

A classic film from the sixties, Malcolm McDowells first film, an outstanding performance! Traditional boarding school way of life, bullying prefects, fagging, lights out. Strict College House in conflict with rebellious youth; fantasy develops into a surreal and violent confrontation. Throw in a couple of cameos, from actors you might recognise from later films and TV shows and a compelling story line with engaging moments and pythonesque nods and you've got a very watchable and enjoyable film.

A cinematic classic.This is a film about teens fighting back against the establishment.The film harps back to days gone by and really illustrates how our society has changed.In places, the film is brutal, in others, funny but throughout it is thought provoking.I saw this when it first came out. It was controversial and fresh then and remains so today.One that fans of cinematic history should add to their collection.

This film charts out a new term at an exclusive Public School. In particular, one section, 'College House'. The plot is about a very brutal regime verses a small rebellious element, in particular three students Travis (brilliantly played by Malcolm McDowell), Wallace and Knightly.There are some shocking moments in this and a good number of very odd ones as well, such as the House Master's wife who like to wander around the changing rooms nude, and the Padre who is produced out of a draw in the Head Master's office. At the end, they seem to all fit in together. For additional effect, some bits of the film are in black and white.The film studio used one college to film much of this and caused outrage within the college authorities, with the final scenes of this film. This film caused offence in many quarters fourty years ago. These days it is seen as an absolute classic and has collected many awards.

A realistic view of boarding school life. Loved the scenes where they steal a BSA A65 Thunderbolt 650cc Twin Motorcycle!A great piece of satire. But it recalls a social condition that no longer exists. A good history lesson though. Thoroughly recommend it. This film started me on a lifelong love of BSA's- so cool!

Still resonates in part with me all these years later having been an English Public Schoolboy myself in the 60s. The CCF scenes are utterly realistic--yes it WAS that daft on "Field Days". Likewise Rowntree' s exhortation about lack of "house spirit" is spot on and makes me cringe to this day! Prefects (called "Whips" in the film) COULD ADMINISTER BEATINGS but never as savage as portrayed here. I escaped that fate.!!