An Education is a beautifully written, wonderfully acted and charmingly directed, bitter sweet look at first love. Beginning in the early 1960s, in London, this is the story of 16-year old schoolgirl, Jenny Mellor.
Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is a relatable and likable girl, who is also slightly pretentious and snobby and thinks herself more witty and cultured than she actually is. Living with a father desperate not to fall back down the social scale he fought so hard to climb, Jenny has been told her whole life that she is to go to Oxford and "make something of herself". As most teenagers feel, Jenny feels trapped and bored. Her life, to her at least, consists only of school, exams, endless study and awkward interactions with the opposite sex. She wants to see Paris, experience fine dining and go to museums and concerts with worldly and sophisticated people. Then one day, she meets a man who gives her all that.
30-something David Goldman (Peter Sarsgaard) is like a fantasy come to life. Indeed, we feel Jenny falls in love with his lifestyle and world as much as with him. David is played so well and written so subtly, that you find him utterly charming and can see why Jenny is so enthralled by him. Her parents, used to boring suburbia and a life revolved around their brighter and more talented daughter, are equally seduced by David. They turn a blind eye to anything improper in the hope he will eventually marry her. This is a Britain before feminism. "There may well have been the odd sixth-form girl who has lost an important part of herself while under our supervision. If, however, we are made aware of that loss, then of course the young lady in question would have to continue her studies elsewhere" warns Jenny's headmistress (Emma Thompson in a scene stealing departure from the norm as a racist, cold villain). The choice is clear: Romance or Oxford. Seeing what choice Jenny will make is unexpectedly compelling and you will genuinely care what will happen to her.
The period detail is amazing. 60s England is brought to life with constant smoking, West Indian Immigrants referred to as "Negroes", unscrupulous landlords and mild Anti-Semitism. It is fascinating to watch a society on the cusp of huge social change. The film brings this to life so evocatively. The script is like a novel.The Characters are so well rounded and the dialogue so elegant and eloquent, it makes would -be writes, such as myself, simultaneously filled with both pleasure and jealousy.
The sexual aspect of Jenny and David's relationship is handled tastefully and sensitively. Never once does it feel vulgar or exploitative. The acting across the board is excellent. You feel you are watching real people, not actors, which is what great acting is meant to do. Danish director Lone Scherfig brings a real charm and precision to the story. The movie goes by smoothly, never feeling rushed or under developed.
All in all, an excellent movie. It reminds me of having a meal and a conversation with good friends. It starts off charming and pleasant but becomes something deeper and more important, whose momentum and depth will stay with you for a long time.
Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is a relatable and likable girl, who is also slightly pretentious and snobby and thinks herself more witty and cultured than she actually is. Living with a father desperate not to fall back down the social scale he fought so hard to climb, Jenny has been told her whole life that she is to go to Oxford and "make something of herself". As most teenagers feel, Jenny feels trapped and bored. Her life, to her at least, consists only of school, exams, endless study and awkward interactions with the opposite sex. She wants to see Paris, experience fine dining and go to museums and concerts with worldly and sophisticated people. Then one day, she meets a man who gives her all that.
30-something David Goldman (Peter Sarsgaard) is like a fantasy come to life. Indeed, we feel Jenny falls in love with his lifestyle and world as much as with him. David is played so well and written so subtly, that you find him utterly charming and can see why Jenny is so enthralled by him. Her parents, used to boring suburbia and a life revolved around their brighter and more talented daughter, are equally seduced by David. They turn a blind eye to anything improper in the hope he will eventually marry her. This is a Britain before feminism. "There may well have been the odd sixth-form girl who has lost an important part of herself while under our supervision. If, however, we are made aware of that loss, then of course the young lady in question would have to continue her studies elsewhere" warns Jenny's headmistress (Emma Thompson in a scene stealing departure from the norm as a racist, cold villain). The choice is clear: Romance or Oxford. Seeing what choice Jenny will make is unexpectedly compelling and you will genuinely care what will happen to her.
The period detail is amazing. 60s England is brought to life with constant smoking, West Indian Immigrants referred to as "Negroes", unscrupulous landlords and mild Anti-Semitism. It is fascinating to watch a society on the cusp of huge social change. The film brings this to life so evocatively. The script is like a novel.The Characters are so well rounded and the dialogue so elegant and eloquent, it makes would -be writes, such as myself, simultaneously filled with both pleasure and jealousy.
The sexual aspect of Jenny and David's relationship is handled tastefully and sensitively. Never once does it feel vulgar or exploitative. The acting across the board is excellent. You feel you are watching real people, not actors, which is what great acting is meant to do. Danish director Lone Scherfig brings a real charm and precision to the story. The movie goes by smoothly, never feeling rushed or under developed.
All in all, an excellent movie. It reminds me of having a meal and a conversation with good friends. It starts off charming and pleasant but becomes something deeper and more important, whose momentum and depth will stay with you for a long time.
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