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An Education
2009 100 min United Kingdom PG-13 16+
★8.0
Drama, Romance
Director: Lone Scherfig
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
Despite her sheltered upbringing, Jenny is a teen with a bright future; she's smart, pretty, and has aspirations of attending Oxford University. When David, a charming but much older suitor, motors into her life in a shiny automobile, Jenny gets a taste of adult life that she won't soon forget.
Budget:
$10M
US Gross:
$12.57M
Worldwide:
$26.1M
Starring
Carey Mulligan
Actor
Peter Sarsgaard
Actor
Alfred Molina
Actor
Awards
Sundance Film Festival 2009
— Best Cinematography – Drama (World Cinema)
BAFTA 2010
— Best Actress
Sundance Film Festival 2009
— Audience Award – Drama (World Cinema)
BAFTA 2010
— Best Costume Design
Academy Awards 2010
— Best Adapted Screenplay
BAFTA 2010
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2010
— Best Cast Ensemble
Sundance Film Festival 2009
— Best Cinematography – Drama (World Cinema)
Golden Globe 2010
— Best Actress (Drama)
BAFTA 2010
— Best Actress
BAFTA 2010
— Best British Film
Sundance Film Festival 2009
— Audience Award – Drama (World Cinema)
Sundance Film Festival 2009
— Grand Jury Prize – Drama (World Cinema)
BAFTA 2010
— Best Picture
BAFTA 2010
— Best Director
BAFTA 2010
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2010
— Best Actress
Key opinion
An Education is widely praised for Carey Mulligan’s breakout performance and its evocative, polished 1960s British aesthetic. While most viewers appreciate its nuanced take on coming-of-age, some critics feel the narrative predictability and the protagonist's questionable choices hinder the emotional payoff.
| Acting | Carey Mulligan delivers a transparent, nuanced performance that anchors the protagonist's transition from naivety to self-reliance. | |
| Production | The production design expertly recreates 1960s London, using costumes, music, and period-accurate settings to craft an immersive, stylish atmosphere. | |
| Theme | The film functions as a compelling character study on the dangers of youthful ambition and the allure of hedonistic escape. | |
| Theme | Opinions on the morality of the film are divided: some see it as a valuable lesson in life-discipline and personal growth, while others find the protagonist’s reckless decisions and the film’s handling of her behavior indefensible. | |
| Screenplay | The script is viewed by some as an insightful, realistic coming-of-age drama, while detractors find the narrative overly conventional and lacking in unexpected tension. |