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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:

Gordon Graham (play), Stephen Sewell

Stars:

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

Photos

See all 8 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
Anthony Hayes ... Stevie Sprague
Jeanette Cronin ... Jackie
Anna Lise Phillips ... Nola (as Anna Lise)
Pete Smith ... George (Abo)
Sal Sharah Sal Sharah ... Nick
Lawrence Woodward Lawrence Woodward ... Jailer
Peter Hehir Peter Hehir ... Graham Newman
Andrew Heys Andrew Heys ... Sparrow
Teo Gebert ... Policeman
Anthony Kierann Anthony Kierann ... Policeman
Stephen Leeder Stephen Leeder ... Commissioner
See full cast »
Edit

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 true 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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Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 May 1998 (Australia) See more »

Also Known As:

Chlopcy See more »

Filming Locations:

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,284, 15 October 1999

Gross USA:

$2,930, 31 October 1999
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arenafilm,Axiom Films,Globe Films See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Both David Wenham and Lynette Curran played the same roles in the stage version in 1991. See more »

Goofs

Around 30 minutes in, Stevie pulls a cigarette from a packet and sticks it in his mouth twice within a matter of seconds. See more »

Connections

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

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User Reviews

A scorching, infuriating landmark of a movie
28 July 2000 | by Hallick – See all my reviews

The filmmakers of "The Boys" get so deep inside the blamings and self pity of humanity's monsters, you could almost miss the culpability of the ineffectual women who enable them to grow up into walking catastrophes. The events of this film, set off by the first day of parole for angry young headcase Brett Sprague, lead to a decision so horribly wrong-headed and repellent, that a suspended moment of nothing but a black screen is one of the most excruciating pregnant pauses in the history of films. Up to this point, there's a kitchen sink drama like almost no other (Gary Oldman's "Nil By Mouth" a close cousin, but not nearly as upsetting) and lacerating performances by the cast and crew - The sound designer gets a deserved opening credit.

It appears that this movie was well appreciated in Australia, but had an abortion of a release here in the US. Now that it's on video, it's one of the best lost gems you're likely to score this year.
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