7.1/10
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24 user 29 critic

The Boys (1998)

R | | Crime, Drama | 7 May 1998 (Australia)
The Boys Poster
Brett Sprague is a violent and psychopathic man, who is released on parole after serving a sentence for assault. As he returns to his family house and we watch him and his brothers, Stevie ... See full summary »

Director:

Rowan Woods

Writers:

Stephen Sewell (screenplay), Gordon Graham (based on the original play by)

Stars:

David Wenham, Toni Collette, Lynette Curran | See full cast & crew »
Reviews
10 wins & 16 nominations. See more awards »

Photos

See all 16 photos »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Wenham ... Brett Sprague
Toni Collette ... Michelle
Lynette Curran ... Sandra Sprague
John Polson ... Glenn Sprague
Jeanette Cronin ... Jackie
Anthony Hayes ... Stevie Sprague
Anna Lise Phillips ... Nola (as Anna Lise)
Pete Smith ... George (Abo)
Sal Sharah Sal Sharah ... Nick
Lawrence Woodward Lawrence Woodward ... Prison Officer
Peter Hehir Peter Hehir ... Graham Newman
Andrew Heys Andrew Heys ... Sparrow
Teo Gebert ... Constable Zammit
Anthony Kierann Anthony Kierann ... Constable Maguire
Stephen Leeder ... Supervising Detective
See full cast »
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Storyline

Brett Sprague is a violent and psychopathic man, who is released on parole after serving a sentence for assault. As he returns to his family house and we watch him and his brothers, Stevie and Glenn, for the next 24 hours, it becomes clear this day will not end well. Written by Anonymous

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

arrest | hate | boyfriend girlfriend relationship | prison sex | based on real events | See All (78) »

Genres:

Crime | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Toni Collette actually grew up in the rough Sydney suburbs where the film is set. See more »

Goofs

Around 15-20 minutes in, Michelle lights the same cigarette three times in quick succession. See more »

Connections

References Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) See more »

User Reviews

The dark side of Australian suburbia.
20 January 1999 | by knob69 – See all my reviews

The reason I was riveted by this film is because it was so real. And so Australian. I know lots of blokes like Brett Sprague.

In the scene where Brett accuses Nola of calling the cops, Nola turns away from him and Brett says "Hey....hey, look at me." In the nonchalant way he says is more terrifying than if he was yelling at the top of his lungs. You can tell there's something evil festering away inside Brett.

David Wenham puts in one of best performances in Australian cinema. His domineering portrayal of Brett was one of the most chilling I've seen in recent years. I'd rank it alongside the animal presence in "In The Winter Dark" for pure scare value.

This movie is what Australian film is all about. Not cross-dressers going cross country in a bus, or a bunch of idiots having a zany family christmas, or even a full Australian cast falling over themselves because the main star is American.

1998 was a fantasic year for Aussie films, & The Boys was one of the best.

**** out of four.
4 of 7 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 May 1998 (Australia) See more »

Also Known As:

The Boys See more »

Filming Locations:

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Box Office

Gross USA:

$3,146

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,146
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arenafilm, Axiom Films, Globe Films See more »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color
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