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Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Rosamund Pike, Dominic Cooper ...( see more  see more... ) , Olivia Williams , Emma Thompson , Cara Seymour , Matthew Beard , Sally Hawkins

A coming-of-age story about a teenage girl in 1960s suburban London, and how her life changes with the arrival of a playboy nearly twice her age.

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PG-13, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: Lone Scherfig

Release Date: October 9, 2009

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DVD Release Date: March 30, 2010

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Flixster Reviews (1,609)

  • PvtCaboose91
    February 7, 2010
    PvtCaboose91
    "If people die the moment that they graduate, then surely it's the things we do beforehand that count."


    Over recent years, movie-goers have been subjected to countless coming-of-age tales imbued with a plot concerning a young, naïve person who receives a preview of the

    ...( read more) adult world lying in wait for them. Directed by Lone Scherfig and scripted by Nick Hornby, 2009's An Education is the latest of this particular pedigree, and it overcomes the numbing sense of familiarity by showcasing a mature, level-headed take on this particular coming-of-age journey. An open, honest examination of sexual politics and a woman's place in the world during the early 1960s, An Education is an immaculately-crafted ode to the loss of innocence which boasts top-shelf performances, evocative cinematography, and a solid screenplay at its core. It's a rich, satisfying cinematic experience, and one of the greatest movies of 2009.


    Set during 1961, An Education tells the story of 16-year-old schoolgirl Jenny Mellor (Mulligan) who resides in the London suburb of Twickenham with her parents. Studying hard on the wishes of her father (Molina) in the sole pursuit of getting into Oxford, Jenny soon grows tired of the life chosen for her. Jenny's life drastically changes when she meets David (Sarsgaard); a man twice her age who she meets while walking home from school one day. Seductive and charismatic, David charms Jenny's parents and subtly ingratiates himself into her life. He goes out of his way to show both Jenny and her family that his interests in the 16-year-old are not improper; he merely wishes to expose her to the cultural activities she enjoys the most. She quickly grows accustomed to the life to which David and his companions, Danny (Cooper) and Helen (Pike), have shown her, and the relationship between David and Jenny begins to transform into something romantic. But, as the time-honoured adage states, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is...


    The title of An Education refers to the life lessons learned by Jenny as the consequence of her romantic interactions with David. She's educated about life, love and herself throughout the events of this movie - at first she believes she's worldly and self-assured upon entering her liaison with David, but soon learns her sheltered upbringing could never fully prepare her for the painful aspects of the "real world".


    Nick Hornby's screenplay (based on the memoirs of Lynn Barber) is incisive and intelligent, and bursts with razor-sharp dialogue. Danish filmmaker Lone Scherfig, best known for Italian for Beginners and Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, largely allows the material and the performances to tell the story. The director has no insistent style; instead allowing the narrative to unfold with low-key mise-en-scène. On top of this, Scherfig effortlessly evokes the post-war state of the London suburbs - a state which made Jenny restless and her elders complacent - through top-shelf costumes, art direction and musical choices (the soundtrack hums with the era's pop tunes, adding an extra element of fizz). This is a far more difficult job than it might seem, since this particular period of British history essentially lacked key social or cultural signifiers which would explode in the subsequent years (The Beatles were not big yet, for instance). The film's closing scenes do feel distinctly rushed (with lazy narration) and there are several bothersome loose ends (specifically in relation to Danny and Helen), but these objections are minor.


    It's borderline rude to get this far into a review of An Education without mentioning young Carey Mulligan. Move over Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff and the Olsen twins, and make way for this highly talented young star who isn't a total airhead. Making her stunning leading lady debut here, Mulligan was 22 years old at the time the movie was shot, and effortlessly passes as a teenager of only 16/17 years of age. More than that, she's capable of playing a myriad of emotions, sometimes all at the same time. She's an actress who knows how to work with her eyes; contradicting a brave face by showing the fear and disappointment boiling underneath. Without a doubt, this is the type of performance that will compel movie-goers to look up the actress on the Internet Movie Database in search of other movies she can be seen in. While her résumé is more substantial than others of her age group, Mulligan's work is mainly restricted to roles in British television and supporting parts in major movies (she featured in Public Enemies, in a "blink and you'll miss her" role). To say her performance in An Education is eye-opening would be an understatement; watching her unforced transformation from child to adult is one of those rare star-is-born moments.


    Yet, this is not a movie which lives and dies by its leading performance - Mulligan is surrounded by a ridiculous amount of talent. Peter Sarsgaard adopts a wholly credibly British accent; easily slipping into the role of a cad, and conveying limitless charm which makes the premise far easier to buy. Dominic Cooper and Rosamund Pike are equally remarkable, with each espousing a believable accent and emanating charm as David's close friends. Revered British star Emma Thompson is given only a handful of scenes as the headmistress, but nevertheless steals every frame in which she features. If An Education doesn't contain the best ensemble cast of 2009, it's a sure-fire contender for the honour.


    With smart, sprightly dialogue from Hornby, smooth direction from Scherfig, unanimously excellent work in the acting department and a star-making performance from Carey Mulligan, it's easy to recommend An Education. Best of all, though, is that it's also solid evidence that a drama doesn't need to be overtly downbeat and distressing to convey a story like this.
  • DrZeek
    February 7, 2010
    DrZeek
    David: Do you go yo concerts?
    Jenny: No. We don't believe in concerts.
    David: Oh, I assure you, they're real.

    An enjoyable coming-of-age story that is made better by the fact that the lead performances are all solid, and the film, written by Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About a ...( read more)Boy) has some really great dialogue, funny moments, as well as interesting questions about the purpose of education.

    Set in the early 1960's, sixteen year old Jenny, played by Carey Mulligan, lives with her parents (Alfred Molina and Cara Seymour) in the London suburb of Twickenham (had to look that one up, you betcha). On her father's wishes, everything that Jenny does is in the sole pursuit of being accepted into Oxford. Jenny is very bright, pretty, hard working but also naturally gifted. The only problems her father may perceive in her life is her issue with learning Latin, and her dating a boy named Graham, who is nice but socially awkward.

    Jenny's life changes after she meets David, played by Peter Sarsgaard, a man twice her age. David goes out of his way to show Jenny and her family that his interest in her is not improper and that he wants solely to expose her to cultural activities which she enjoys. Jenny, already a big fan of art, reading, and jazz, quickly gets accustomed to the life to which David and his constant companions, Danny and Helen, have shown her, and Jenny and David's relationship does move into becoming a romantic one. As the film goes on, Jenny must figure out if she wants to continue with her pursuit of standard education, or to stay with this seemingly wonderful gateway to an ideal life.

    As I mentioned, much of what I enjoyed about this film stems from the dialogue. With High Fidelity being one of my favorite films, having the original author of that story pen a new screenplay (based on a real memoir) has certainly benefited in giving me much the same satisfaction that I had before. Characters bounce lines off one another, which greatly explore the dynamics of the characters, be it funny, intriguing, or even introspective. Yes, I think a lot of this movie can be taken and reflected back on the viewer, were he or she in a somewhat relatable experience at some time.

    Certainly benefiting the film is Mulligan's performance as Jenny. She is truly great in this film, a breakout performance that is sure to go far. Sarsgaard is always reliable, and he does good work here again, as the mysterious charmer. Small roles by Olivia Williams and Emma Thompson were also welcome. Its Alfred Molina who gets my vote as the best character in this film. It wasn't necessarily his character, but Molina as the dad who just works perfectly.

    While the story is mostly well handled, I wasn't very keen on how it ended, feeling more like a rush to the finish than a better drawn out conclusion. This certainly pushed the film down for me. That being said, there are still a lot of very good aspects to this film, all making it into a success in the long run.

    Jenny: If people die the moment that they graduate, then surely it's the things we do beforehand that count.
  • rebvodka042099
    February 6, 2010
    rebvodka042099
    I was waiting for a while for a movie like this. A movie that stirs you, makes you think, makes you be a participant and offers you the widest gamut of emotions possible. A movie that is fused with wonderful performances (Alfred Molina certainly jumped out to me the most, alongsi...( read more)de Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard), and with innovative direction. It brought memories from other movies, but it was so strangely avant garde at the same time. I found myself in Jenny's shoes numerous times, and her story is definitely - even if not the most original one - quite inspiring.
  • shortcartoonist
    January 30, 2010
    shortcartoonist
    The loss of innocence, the expanding of an isolated personal world, and the shattering of adolescence - 'An Education' delves into a swift entrance into the adult world for a teenager on the cusp, and how it isn't all that is expected. Carey Mulligan gives the performance of the ...( read more)year as the smart, but unwise, schoolgirl reading all about the world, but never really understanding it, and never living inside of it. A passionate girl, beyond her years, she gives a body to the adolescent archetype of rebellion and knowledge; only flirting with the potential for mistakes. Where the film truly lifts off though is through director Lone Scherfig's boldened contrast of the extravagent new world that is explored for our schoolgirl, and the controlling drabness of her real-world life. But, as always apparent, there are no shortcuts to the world of high life, be it through thievery, dishonesty, or luck. The drabness of the real-world is something to wade through.
  • ceWEBrity
    January 28, 2010
    ceWEBrity
    I will never be as cute as Carey Mulligan. *sigh*

    EDIT FOR SUBSTANCE: Anyway, believe the buzz, guys. Mulligan's a knockout; between her utter effortlessness and Lone Scherfig's gentle, modest directing, the movie is a breeze to watch. Jenny is an entirely involving character, o...( read more)ne that a lot of ambitious and intelligent people can relate to, though I imagine she was in rougher straits being a woman in the early 60s. There's something endearing about her constant search for culture just because she wants it, even though she never takes the time to appreciate it until David storms into her life. Her "education" and the utter joy she projects becomes all the more heartbreaking to watch, because we know from the start that David is up to something stank, and even as she develops her own suspicions things simply seem too good to let them fly away. The ending is interesting for how it treats Jenny, though I'm not going to discuss it, and some might find it a little bit of a letdown. It leaves a little bit open to interpretation - how much has she learned, exactly? Where does she stand now? Though she's surely acquired significant life experience, she still hasn't found somewhere to pour it all into. You finish the movie wanting to learn more about her.

    Mulligan's charisma is obviously what sells the movie, because without such a likable Jenny the movie would be a wash. You wouldn't really care what happened to her, as in the wrong hands the character might seem self-indulgent or brash, and Mulligan enriches her to the point where the flaws seem perfectly acceptable taken with the rest of her personality. Everyone here is also on point, with Peter Sarsgaard offering just enough charm to make us believe that he could get in with Mulligan AND her parents despite some obvious disadvantages, and Olivia Williams manages to come away as someone far richer than just "bitchy schoolmarm." She doesn't seem like she's out to swat Jenny's fun, but she is infinitely wiser and wants to project that to her to the best of her ability. The characters are a little bit stock, admittedly, but the movie is too unexpectedly fun and cheeky to seem like a rehash of other movies about schoolgirls living their lives dangerously. It's less of a period piece than a contemporary, funky drama, and that makes it well worth the watch. Definitely a strong contender for a Best Picture nomination this year, and Mulligan is the clear frontrunner in my book for an Actress trophy.

    I'm going to start taking half a star off of every film I see Dominic Cooper's fuck-ugly face in, though.
  • wongkinglee
    February 9, 2010
    wongkinglee
    A movie that all coming of age girls should watch, and be wary of the traps that may totally ruin their lives forever.
  • Phonex
    February 9, 2010
    Phonex
    Lynn Barber's memoir of her 1960s schooldays.

    Lynn Barber (born 22 May 1944) is a British journalist, currently writing for The Sunday Times. Film is not bad, but ET is perfect.
  • mojo00
    February 8, 2010
    mojo00
    An Education is the story about falling in love. The story about giving up everything you believe in for love. For a charming, charismatic older guy who's anyway going to end up hurting you.
    An Education was one of those movies that just tend to glue you to the screen from start...( read more) to finish.
    The amazing performances made me laugh, but at the same time kept me excited during the whole film.
    I would like to give critical acclaim to Carey Mulligan's participation in this movie, the actress who's never really caught my eye before, and has now managed to get herself an oscar nomination for the role of Jenny. The girl who does everything to get a degree at Oxford University, until a certain man comes along. The man you wish to love, the man who gives you ten birthday presents when all your parents gave you was a latin dictionary, the man who takes you to Paris, the man who takes you to concerts and auctions. But, despite all that, you still can't help hating him.
    I would also like to praise Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina and Emma Thompson who played wondrously as the older guy who tries to seduce a sixteen-year-old school girl, the humorous but strict father and the principal, who's trying hard to get Jenny not to committ a mistake.
    Everyone who's a part of this movie made it to a magical experience, everyone did a fabulous job at making An Education to something exquisite and sensational.
    This was yet another dazzling British movie directed by the Danish Lone Scherfig. She made this movie to something extra, she made this educational movie based on London in the 1960s extraordinary. She should also be praised, because she's made me come to terms with life. You should do what you think is fun, as long as you think it through first.
  • LWOODS04
    February 8, 2010
    LWOODS04
    Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Cara Seymour, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike, Emma Thompson, Olivia Williams, Matthew Beard

    DIRECTED BY: Lone Scherfig

    Brilliant. A classic love story and it's bitter heartache. It's a story of young girl meets older man, fall...( read more)s in love and in love with all that he can show and give her. Then when girl is so blinded by that love she gives up on what once was going to be her future for a more fun and adventurous one. But much to soon that fairytale she so wants to lead with this man comes falling down with his deceit. Then the girl realizes how blind she had been and wanting the future she once dreamed of. Great acting from all. Loved the story and it's beautiful surroundings. The film is charming and full of a great supporting cast. Enjoyed Alfred Molina as the father very much. But the star of this film of course is Carey Mulligan. What an amazing job she did in this film. She was this character. She played her part flawless. But most importantly she played someone any teenage girl or even boy can relate to. She was amazing. Just loved this movie. A must see.
  • ZlatkoGR
    February 7, 2010
    ZlatkoGR
    The fact that I'm not a teenage girl and never was really made the difference, but it's a nice, simple (perhaps too simple for my taste) and with no deep meanings film and with good performances from all the cast, it was beautiful to watch. Of course, half the beauty of this is C...( read more)arey Mulligan, but maybe that's only me, right? Nah...

View All An Education Reviews

Critic Reviews

October 30, 2009
Nigel Andrews, The Financial Times

Mulligan has a sit-up-and-watch talent. full review

October 29, 2009
Colin Covert, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

An Education is a vibrant portrait of England on the cusp of its postwar rebirth. full review

October 23, 2009
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

An Education is, as the title suggests, about Jenny exploring her own desires and shortfalls, and it's too smart a film for easy answers. full review

October 22, 2009
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

[Mulligan] makes the role luminous when it could have been sad or awkward. She has such lightness and grace, you're pretty sure this is the birth of a star. full review

October 9, 2009
A.O. Scott, The New York Times

It's a pleasure -- which I don't mean entirely as a compliment. full review

October 9, 2009
Kurt Loder, MTV

The movie has a distinctively modulated tone. None of the period touches are overdone, and the central issue of Jenny and David's gaping age difference is never addressed by any of the characters -- a... full review

October 9, 2009
Claudia Puig, USA Today

Through stellar performances, clever writing and exquisite cinematography, the story is fresh and thoroughly captivating. full review

October 8, 2009
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

A quiet miracle of a movie that quickly disabuses you of the idea that you've seen it all before. full review

October 7, 2009
Armond White, The New York Press

The plot's a cynical/sentimental rip-off of Flaubert's novel Sentimental Education, yet full of commercial calculation -- including Scherfig's romantic view of the Paris assignation. full review

October 5, 2009
David Edelstein, New York Magazine

Lone Scherfig's direction is glum. We're so clued in to what's really going on that we never share Jenny's authentic excitement at being introduced to art, music, and exotic locales. full review

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An Education Trivia

  • I am a star in an upcoming movie about showing kids they deserve a chance of education, a quote, "We can't make them want an education, but we can try!" Who am I?  Answer »
  • In what movie do the students make a fake college so that their parents think they are getting an education?  Answer »
  • "You're labourers, so labour. That's what you get for not having an education." What film is this quote from?  Answer »
  • (2000) A fifteen-year-old boy is hired by ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine to go on tour with, and write about the up-and-coming group Stillwater. He gets more of an education than he bargained for, as he’s exposed to ‘sex and drugs and rock and roll’, and the fragile egos of the band.   Answer »
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