An Education [DVD] [2009] delivered FREE!

This is Carey Mulligan's film, and not just because of the Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. She stamps her presence on every scene, acting as though her life depends on it. She was twenty-three (not 17) when she made this movie, and succeeds brilliantly in making us believe she's 16. She's beautiful, hesitant, self-assertive, gullible, with the makings of a sophisticated older woman (which Lynn Barber became). That's not to say that rest of the cast isn't about as good as it could be. Everyone stands out, from Peter Sasgaard's very convincing portrayal of a certain type of Englishman, to Alfred Molina's not too sharp father, to Rosamund Pike's perfect portrayal of a somewhat posh floozie. Hurry on the DVD.

What is the purpose of an education for a woman whose fate is almost certainly going to be that of wife and mother, housework, babies and tedium? Especially in 1961, the year in which this film is set. Jenny, (the wonderful Carey Mulligan who I last saw as Ada in Bleak House) is all set for Oxford when she meets the much older, sophisticated David who gives her a glimpse of a life of excitement and adventure, throwing all her beliefs - and in fact her entire life plan - into turmoil. If, Jenny reasons, her parents and teachers have failed to achieve a life she can regard as aspirational, and she is so joyful and intoxicated with David and his friends, why should she work so hard to pursue an Oxford career, why not drop out and live life to the full his way? As events unfold, things are perhaps not as clear cut as they seemed. Ultimately Jenny works out for herself why education is worth pursuing. The 1961 setting and cast are delectable, with Alfred Molina as Jenny's bumbling father, easily persuaded by the suave Peter Sarsgaard as David, and Olivia Williams as the despairing teacher. Dominic Cooper is perfect as David's side-kick, one of those slimy men who live by their wits and always choose biddable, decorative women. The soundtrack is excellent especially Duffy's Smoke Without Fire. The audience left to the closing credits with her words ringing in their ears: "You're a Liar."

How could anyone not enjoy this film . Authentically set around 1960 it contrasts dull suburbia with the bubbling hedonistic frenzy of life elsewhere , if one is fortunate enough to be introduced to it .......... whether it remains fortunate is what the film feeds on . The characters are supremely well cast , from Jenny's father as the rigid buffoon , to the vacuous Helene as blond arm-candy . You don't have to be Einstein to spot the character flaws emerging in Jenny's flash new boyfriend ....... I think 'charming psychopath' captures it ....... but it is well handled even at the borders of credulity ( occassionally ). Overall , a fine fable of a film.

This is a charming film, romantic, serious and funny. Not substantial, but it gives an authentic slice of English life - teachers, parents and institutions. It's a bit sexy and a bit sad. I was intrigued by the deleted scenes, which showed how the story could have gone in slightly different directions. For anyone who has applied to Oxbridge, or who had pushy dysfunctional parents, you'll be at home. I liked the bit at the end when the dad delivers a cup of tea to his grieving daughter. One thing I noticed, it was only 2/3rds full. Sure to cause a family argument in most households I thought...

The best film I have seen for ages! If you're a woman and lived through school life in the 60's or even 70's,this must evoke some kind of memories. The father so wanting his daughter to 'get on' in life, the 'tunnel vision' of the education system at the time, and the limited expectations of both the parents and the school - no wonder Jenny went off with David!!!Watch this film, walk down memory lane and laugh!

Released in October 2009, An Education - A British coming of age film set in 1961 - has received much critical acclaim. Yet, despite eight BAFTA nominations, a nomination for a Golden Globe and numerous glowing reviews, this film seems to be relatively unknown amongst the masses, and now that I've watched it and I can clearly see why. The film follows smart, talented and pretty schoolgirl Jenny who thinks she's got life sorted - she'll pass her exams, go to Oxford to study English Literature, and away from her controlling father she will listen to French music, have many cultured friends who she will talk to about very clever things all the time in French, and practice her cello whenever she wants to, etc. But one afternoon after an orchestra rehearsal, standing in a bus stop in the rain, she is offered a lift home by a charming older man (David) and so starts a romance which makes Jenny question the value of her Education. The film explores many areas which; despite the film being set in the 1960s, are still relevant today. The questions Jenny asks herself about the importance of passing her exams and going to Oxford are echoes of thoughts I (and I'm sure many other teenagers) have had. The contrast between David, his glamorous friends and lifestyle (and whose only education was from the `university of life') and the `boring' life led by Jenny's English teacher and headmistress (both women with good degrees) is obvious, and as the viewer you can understand why Jenny makes her choices. But, the film's conclusion is smart, and without denying the temptation and rewards of the lifestyle David is offering Jenny, it goes on to show just why an education really is important for a young woman. But, this isn't a film for everybody. It's a clever, subtle film exploring the value of learning with very little action and though there are opportunities for laughter, it is because of a dry and witty comment made by Jenny or David. However, for those who enjoy this kind of film (and I am definitely one of them) then `An Education' is one of the best films released this decade with great actors, a brilliant script and the power to make you question and change your views about education.

Here's how to make a truely great film: find a good story (true ones are usually the most interesting), get someone who can really write (like Nick Hornby) to write the script, assemble a cast of the kind of great British actors, like Alfred Molina and Emma Thompson, who can give acting masterclasses in their sleep (Rosamund Pike is terrific also, she almost steals the show). There you go, Bob's you uncle! Not rocket science is it?

this is one of the best films i have ever seen, it is is one of my favourite films ever, it is a great cast, great writing and i love the story line it is like one of the best story lines ever.

I really liked this. The screenplay is by Nick Hornby and, like all his books, he takes a low-key drama about quite ordinary people and turns it into a really witty and gripping story. The acting is superb on all fronts. All the other aspects of the film, such as the music and the portrayal of the 1960s setting (which looks really great on Blu-ray) are really well done. No one aspect of the film is absolutely amazing, but I thought the fact that every component of it is such high quality makes it an excellent and very watchable film.

This was fantastic, I was completely glued to the story and the setting was amazing. If you love the sixties/seventies, this is a great film. If you've lived through the period this will have memories come flooding back. A must have in your dvd collection.