Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.

Tetrady not as good as all the hype

Kodie Bird True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Jenni Devyn Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

earlytalkie This film has never looked or sounded better than on the newly-released blu ray. Twiggy makes an enchanting screen debut in a totally unique contribution to the musical. The slim story tells of a run down theater troupe putting on a production of THE BOY FRIEND. Assistant Stage Manager Polly Brown (Twiggy) has to go on in place of the injured star (A marvelous, unbilled Glenda Jackson). This means Polly will have to play love scenes with a leading man she has had a mad crush on. (Christopher Gable). The house is near empty, and the star won't be missed too much, but wait! A Mr. DeThrill has arrived to scout out the performance! This gives director Ken Russell the chance to show us some stunning dream numbers which pay homage to early Hollywood musicals like SHOW OF SHOWS, (1929), FLYING DOWN TO RIO, (1933), and in particular, the work of Busby Berkeley. This is a totally unique show, but one that is worth warming up to.

barb_ko I had to stop watching after about 20 minutes.One of the most uncomfortable movies I've ever seen.I don't understand how anyone could like this movie.NOT charming at all to me.I had to stop watching after about 20 minutes.One of the most uncomfortable movies I've ever seen.I don't understand how anyone could like this movie.NOT charming at all to me.I had to stop watching after about 20 minutes.One of the most uncomfortable movies I've ever seen.I don't understand how anyone could like this movie.NOT charming at all to me.

johnstonjames strangely the 'Boyfriend' comes off as a sort of wholesome Hallmark Valentine's Day card. strange because the director Ken Russell is usually ANYTHING other than wholesome. it's not that the film isn't without a certain amount of farcical sophistication, but it's ultimately harmless and mostly comes off as sly wit and cartoonish humour. after all, this movie received a "G" rating when first released. a far cry from Russell's other film released around this time, 'The Devils', which received a controversial 'X' rating for a mainstream studio release.i've loved the 'Boyfriend' for so long and am well familiar with it, that i wondered when i bought the recent DVD release, if i would still have the same spontaneous enjoyment that the film elicits. well i loved it just as much and laughed just as hard as i usually do at the sardonicism of it's life philosophy. i always appreciate the sarcastic wit of this whole thing so much because basically, the intended outcome seems to be all sweetness and gooey cuteness. the contrasting result continues to strike me as thought provoking and lethally funny.'The Boyfriend' chooses to be lethal and unnervingly cynical about it's humour because the film chooses reality and realism for it's narrative. even though the musical numbers are often fanciful, most of them occur on stage or in the vivid imagination of the viewer and it's girl protagonist, with whom the viewer is mostly led to identify with. nothing is ever out and out far fetched. even the over the top, crazy behavior of it's ensemble of characters, isn't really all that exaggerated considering how crazy life gets for many. especially theater types. viewing 'The Boyfriend' from a perspective of realism, is part of why it's so funny.and boy oh boy is this one funny. at least for me. it's just about the funniest comedy i've ever seen. a lot of the humour is outright, but mostly i think it's appeal is as a thinking man's comedy. at least that's who i think would appreciate this movie most. thoughtful people willing to reflect on the movie's almost constant run of insights. but don't reflect too much because it really does get a little too funny too handle when thought about because of the way it dismantles so many preconceived notions on just about everything from philosophy to film and musical aesthetic. even it's idea of what's funny is often at the expense of society itself.but it is sweet. and very romantic. and in the long run nobody gets trumped beyond anything they can't deal with. except for maybe the play's hapless producer and director who is told his show ultimately disappoints.for me personally, the genius of Ken Russell is legendary. i don't always agree with his perspective or what i see, but it's always visually arresting and thoughtful and of great technical superiority. 'The Boyfriend' will always and forever be my very favorite film musical and film comedy. as well as one of my top favorites in general. i'm also hopelessly in love with the twig chick. Happy Valentines Day 2012.

TerryLSneed When I saw this as a teenager in 1971, I was amazed and delighted! I have kept a copy with me throughout the years, because it is my favorite film musical. It's SO gorgeous, SO inventive, SO witty! I know it's something of a guilty pleasure, and many people don't respond the way I do; but the clever blend of a musical within a musical (within a musical?) is just my cup of tea. Max Adrian is uproarious as the theatre impresario; Twiggy, Christopher Gable, and Tommy Tune are all delightful; and Glenda Jackson's uncredited cameo as the diva with the broken leg temporarily stops the show! The voracious scene-stealing and tap-dancing (watch the chorus girls in their opening number "Perfect Young Ladies") are just perfect!