An Education

Full of European antisemitism

 4

There was no need to bring religion into the movie. Another accusation of Jews the Christ killer!

By HMGTEXAS

Sweet and enjoyable

 3

Alfred Molina is a stand out

By Mick

 4

Beautifully shot, lots of laughs, stunning locations (60s Paris is terribly romantic), and fun characters (Jenny's father is a hoot). My girlfriend and I loved it! A hit with the girls and plenty for the boys too.

By Sam

sarsgaard really good as usual

 3

By barry

Probably a 2.5 in reality..

 2

Somewhat cliched and predictable. Soft, but enjoyable.

By brian

liked it

 4

By mary

Film of the year

 5

This is the best film I have seen in 2009.

By J. Allen

L'espoir fleurit au ciel de Paris

 3

(3.5 stars)

Scripted by the reputably witty novelist Nick Hornby, who’s dialogue- a tight and jocular zeitgeist of British sixties repartee- seems to relevantly hark back to the timeless romance classics of an era gone by; and the cadence of which gives the scenes a life and energy that sets the film apart from others of its kind. Based on the brief memoir of Lynn Barber, Hornby takes an archetypal storyline and makes it appear refreshingly novel, while riddling it with abundant references to appropriate art, music and literature, including a few heavy-handed acknowledgments to the classic coming of age novel Jane Eyre.

An Education frequently and lavishly skills us in the auditory and ocular delights of the time; specifically those afforded to the upper classes, such as art, fine dining, classical music, etc.; with the soundtrack of the film featuring whimsical Parisian harmonies of Juliette Greco, the smooth 60’s jazz of various artists and even snippets of timeless classical pieces.

The performances here are altogether proficient. Notably, Rosamund Pike, who is surprisingly hilarious as the vacant, vapid Helen; and even the terribly miscast American thespian Peter Sarsgaard- who is typically more akin to John Malkovich than Cary Grant- does a reasonable job as Henry, the charming British rogue. Though An Education naturally belongs to the captivating charisma of relative neophyte Carey Mulligan, who carries the film with ease and sophistication far beyond both her experience level and age. She is the real throbbing heart of the film; dually exhibiting intelligence and sagacity in abundance while still retaining the capability of falling back into the naivety of youth- she is able to transform little inconsequential moments into something quite prodigious.

The film as a whole acts like one of the smooth, beguiling jazz tune's of its soundtrack, floating over the viewer, caressing delicately with words and nuances, painting rich pictures with its melody, capturing your attention completely, and yet never quite persuading you that this is what you want to be listening to. The enchanting delicacy of its harmony unravels towards the end, losing its way within the complexity of its own ambition; as the film’s fundamental message is just not presented convincingly enough.

An Education is a well-worn coming of age tale set within an intransigent and arduous world (especially for free-spirited females); and is ignited by a simple yet powerful performance from its young star. The film may be somewhat undone by a cliché and feeble climax, and an arbitrary and unnecessary voice-over closing- yet it ultimately offers us a course in how much things have changed over the years, how some things never seem to change, and that the lessons we learn along the way are what matters most in the end.

By Shay

I feel educated

 4

Really enjoyed this movie. Its the kind of movie you (as a bloke) can take your mum to and both leave the cinema happy. Funny, entertaining, educational.

By Mike

Very good movie

 4

A very nice movie that managed to avoid cliche and is led by a wonderful performance by Carey Mulligan as Jenny, the 16 going on 17 year old girl becoming a woman and learning all about the pitfalls of an adult life.

The only negative, maybe there wasn't enough closure with some of the major characters in the final quarter of the movie, people just fading away so everything could be wrapped up nice and neat.

Still, very entertaining and intelligent.

By Brendon

Beautiful to watch

 4

I really liked the film - I was expecting it to be heart wrenching and instead it was humerous and Carey Mulligan was so well cast for the role.

By Christie

A really lovely film

 5

Thoroughly enjoyed this film - a great mix of wonderful fashion, style, humour, and a lovely storyline.

Carey Mulligan was delightful to watch!

By Leah

Fantastic!

 4

Loved the movie, amazing actors!!

By Ania Peszynski

An Education- in excellent film making

 5

What a wonderful film!
It managed to cover all sorts of clichés with sincerity, laughter and care, skilfully avoiding ever becoming clichéd. Excellent performances by all, with Carey Mulligan (as ingénue Jenny) a true delight to watch.
Thanks so much for the tickets Flicks.

By Alexis

A visual feast

 4

Such beautiful people, loved all the 1960's fashion, home decor ect. Great 1960's sexist father: the best thing a girl/woman can do in life is marry well ... Good humour, good story

By Bridget Murphy

An Education

 4

This was a great movie,

By Tracey Snow

Love it Love it Love it

 5

The movie was just amazing. I loved everything about it, the 60's, the music, the actors, was really good! Thanks heaps Flicks for the Preview!!!!!!

By Chene Bothma

O for Awesome

 5

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie - the characters were well played and very believable. Carey Mulligan was just delightful and almost Audrey Hepburn-ish as the young innocent Jenny and all other actors were wonderful. Kudos to Rosamund Pike as Helen.

By Anna

Colourfully Crafted Movie

 5

From the casting to the fashions,locations and soundtrack this film ticked all the boxes. Thanks Flicks!

By Suzie

Fantastic

 4

A great little coming of age film with a fantastic cast and inspirational sets. Worth attending purely to immerse yourself in London of the early 60s

By Simon

British at its best

 4

It was refreshing and enjoyable, with the edge of dry British humour. Brilliant performances and perfectly cast actors. Excellent storyline.
Thank you Flicks.

By Irene

MOST ENJOYABLE MOVIE

 5

WE DID ENJOY THIS MOVIE GREATLY AND WOULDNT HESITATE TO RECOMMEND ITY TO OTHERS AS A MUST SEE THX FOR THE TICKETS

By YVONNE BLANC

Some things never change

 4

This movie shows with such eloquence and clarity the adolescent life, the things we believe in, our confidence at that age. And then the moment when life hits us with some hard truths: there are no shortcuts to happiness! This story will happen again and again for each and every one of us.

The movie has funny and witty dialogues and overall emanates a content feeling ... it is not showing all of the above as a big drama but rather as a valuable life lesson.

Have I mentioned about the soundtrack! It smells of Paris :-)

By Nicoleta

the 60's - A whole different world away

 4

A great insight into what life was like for young women in the 60's. The trials, the expectations, the limitations. Really shows how much life has changed.

Excellently played with some great performances. Thoroughly enjoyable.

By James

Carey Mulligan is an Academy Award winner in the making

 4

This was a thoroughly enjoyable movie and I haven't had such a sincere laugh while watching something in ages. Perfectly shot and cast.

The only thing about the film that I didn't like I would rather not say as then that would insinuate I didn't enjoy the film as a whole. Am very excited about getting the soundtrack one day soon.

By Melissa Phillips

Beautifully done - London in the 60s

 4

This was a very sweet wee film -- has sufficient 'punch' so it's always interesting and funny, plus it's a very thoughtful film. I thought the performances also were really great - especially Carey Mulligan as Jenny. Recommended. (Thanks for the preview Flicks!)

By Andrea