Malcolm McDowell, David Wood, Richard Warwick

In this allegorical story, a revolution lead by pupil Mick Travis takes place at an old established private school in England.

Flixster Users

89% liked it

6,691 ratings

Critics

96% liked it

28 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 51 min.

Directed by: Lindsay Anderson

Release Date: December 19, 1968

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DVD Release Date: June 19, 2007

Stats: 785 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (785)


  • September 29, 2009
    Surreal, eccentric and thoroughly British. A real classic revolutionary film that still feels contemporary and fresh! Great cast and great direction, everyone should watch it at least once!
  • April 17, 2009
    It was clear to see Malcolm McDowell shine through against the rest of the cast here and I'm sure this film helped launch McDowell's career into some pretty controversial roles, however I found the whole film pretty dull and pretty to watch with quite a pointless plot.

    I have ...( read more)a feeling I might be in a minority here with my rating here.
  • April 10, 2009
    death to the oppressor. the original display of malcolm mcdowell's psychotic charm. the influence of jean vigo's brilliant anarchist zero de conduite is most evident in the last scene
  • January 10, 2009
    Director:Lindsay Anderson
    Released: 1968
    Stars: Malcolm McDowell, David Wood, and Rupert Webster
    Genre:Drama
    Country: UK

    In an indictment of the British Boys School, we follow Mick and his mostly younger friends through a series of in...( read more)dignities and occasionally abuse as any fond feelings toward these schools are destroyed. When Mick and his friends rebel, violently, the catch phrase, "which side would you be on" becomes quite stark

    If.... is considered one of the great British films of the 1960s and one of the best that our country has prodcued. If.... says everything about Britain; from the class system to the ridiculous public school system that we still have in this country over 40 years on. If.... is a bizzare, yet enagaging film which I admired a lot.

    If.... was one of those films that I have been meaning to catch for ages. Yet I didn't realise just what an interesting film it was. Interesting,that relationships between the students and the house masters, one which is clearly lead by Travis(McDowell) and one which I'm sure is evident in many schools around the country. What is great about if... is that despite it essentially being about a public school, it draws upon aspects of all types of british schools. as you watch you begin to draw parrarells with your own education and reminise about many fellow students who have, like in the film-stood up to teachers. Comments indeed where you wish you could say something along those lines.




    The thing I hate about you, Rowntree, is the way you give Coca-Cola to your scum, and your best teddy bear to Oxfam, and expect us to lick your frigid fingers for the rest of your frigid life."




    What Anderson depicts in this film is just how ridiculous the public schoo system is. For instance we see the majority of the students somehow trying to make something out of their life, trying to be an individual. Mainly Travis and his three friends who have a rather revoultionary attitude to all things about sex, war and authority. Throughout the film the three gradually discuss parts of life and what they'd like to do, slowly drawing up to a climax.

    If... is an incredibly surreal account of teenage rebellion and one which will capitvate and make you think. Anderson switches from b/w to colour on may occasions. Again, adding to the surrealness of it all. If is imepcably directed with some interesting crane shots.

    If was McDowell's debut. From watching this I could see straight away why Kubrick picked him for the part of Alex in A Clockwork Orange. His mannerisms and charisma just shine in this film and you are really rooting for his character. Travis has some brilliant lines in this, made even more engaging by the delivery of McDowell. Also worth mentioning Arthur Lowe in a supporting role and the characters of Rowntree and the rest of the House masters.

    Overall, If... isa suurealist take on a British Tradiation and with a revolutionary take on it. What is brilliant is just how relevent is still feels and it hasn't aged a bit. Close to perfection for me. Here are some other quotable lines..

    One man can change the world with a bullet in the right place

    Highly recomended.

    9/10
  • October 31, 2008
    Early Malcolm McDowell in a hell rasin' role.
  • October 23, 2009
    Stream of conciousness crap, an unpleasant way to waste a couple of hours.
  • September 24, 2009
    Wasn't this an extraordinary film? Perhaps it wasn't exactly a masterpiece, but it was an intense and pretty much ingenious psychological ride. Malcolm McDowell first performance is genius and Anderson's approach towards the factors that affect the violent perspective of the yout...( read more)h is horrifically shocking. Ambitious, yet a groundbreaking attempt.

    86/100
  • September 20, 2009
    I loved, loved, loved this movie. Every single second of it. It was everything I thought it was going to be but so different at the same time, one of the coolest films ever. I really liked it and have to subject myself to many viewings more because there is so much you don't see ...( read more)with only one glance, there's so much depth and symbolisms all over.
  • September 6, 2009
    What an awful film. The sex scene was so anachronistic and nothing made sense after it.
  • August 17, 2009
    i had been meaning to watch this for a while and eventually got around to recently, i wish i had watched it sooner. its and interesting movie about the relationships between students at a boarding school for boys and their school teachers to, in the end, an extreme level. i think...( read more) if this movie had been made today it would of been difficult to get it released without any controversy considering the subject matter.
    it is a movie i think everyone should see

Critic Reviews


Comments


  • Rossjm
    June 14, 2008
    Excuse me? Rubbish? I respect your opinion but, this isn't just any film. It's a classic. Your probably one of those people who can't like anything older than 10 years or fin it un-beearable to watch black and white.
  • sportboy
    November 22, 2007
    rubbish

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