An Education

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Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
UK • 2009 • in English • 95 min • PG-13

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?

Club reactions by city:

moderated by Matthew Bernstein

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

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.

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

moderated by Patrice Petro and Gilberto Blasini
with guest Bob Mondello, NPR Film Critic

Coming of age stories have been done so many times. This one avoids the clichés 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!

Acting was great. A good lesson for today's young women … 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.

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.

moderated by John MacKay
with guest Stephen Schaeffer, Boston Herald Film Critic

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

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.

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

moderated by Harper Barnes

Charming, intelligent, wonderful performances.

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

Wonderful, wonderful film. I want to see it again.

moderated by Peter Brunette
with guest Bob Mondello, NPR Film Critic

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

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

Charming lead actress, lame ending.