An Education

95 minutes

It's 1961 and attractive, bright 16-year-old schoolgirl Jenny is poised on the brink of womanhood, dreaming of a rarefied, Gauloise-scented existence as she sings along to Juliette Greco in her Twickenham bedroom. Stifled by the tedium of adolescent routine, Jenny can't wait for adult life to begin. One rainy day, her suburban life is upended by the arrival of an unsuitable suitor, 30-ish David. Very quickly, David introduces Jenny to a glittering new world of classical concerts and late-night suppers. David replaces Jenny's traditional education with his own version, picking her up from school in his Bristol roadster and whisking her off to art auctions and smoky clubs. Just as the family's long-held dream of getting their brilliant daughter into Oxford seems within reach, Jenny is tempted by another kind of life. Will David be the making of Jenny or her undoing?

93% on the CINEMETER

88% - Oct 11, 2009

A story that was enticing and seductive, but at the same time I was repulsed by the totally improper nature of the relationship.
Washington, DC Member

Brilliant story. Thought it had one of the best opening sequences I've seen in a while. Great use of music, camera, brilliant editing.
Washington, DC Member

Charming lead actress, lame ending.
Washington, DC Member

STL

96% - Nov 1, 2009

Charming, intelligent, wonderful performances.
St. Louis Member

First really good film I've seen in a long time. Sensitively done.
St. Louis Member

Wonderful, wonderful film. I want to see it again.
St. Louis Member

93% - Oct 25, 2009

A beautiful and timely reminder of how much we all love to be seduced, and how vulnerable that makes us.
Greater New Haven Member

Acting beautiful - in some way an English Mad Men with a different kind of con men... An amazing study in class oppression and gender struggle.
Greater New Haven Member

What a great movie! - but what about all the anti-semitic comments and feelings?
Greater New Haven Member

MIL

98% - Oct 18, 2009

Coming of age stories have been done so many times. This one avoids the clich√É¬©s while staying true to the values and options available to girls in the pre-Pill era. Nicely acted and paced, with 3-dimensional characters instead of standard issue villians or stereotypes. Well done!
Milwaukee Member

Acting was great. A good lesson for today's young women √¢‚Ç¨¬¶ with so many opportunities in today's world they should be told that it only takes one person to take them off their life paths.
Milwaukee Member

It's a story we've seen many times but the acting, especially Carey Mulligan, transported the story to a higher level. I found myself smiling whenever she lit up the screen.
Milwaukee Member

ATL

92% - Oct 4, 2009

Lovely filming, excellent acting (NOT recommended for parents with daughters in high school).
Atlanta Member

I found the film charming, funny, sad and a smart look at a particular moment in history. It offers a coming-of-age lesson that is beautifully filmed and seductive to watch.
Atlanta Member

The best femininst film I have ever seen. You go, girl!
Atlanta Member

Sony Pictures Classics