An Education Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A smart girl trades Oxford for an older man, then realizes maybe books aren’t so bad after all because, like, growing up or something.

🍿 An Education: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meeting David

In 1961 London, Jenny Mellor, a bright and ambitious 16-year-old, is diligently preparing for her Oxford entrance exams. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets David Goldman, a charming and sophisticated man in his thirties, during a rainy afternoon. David offers her a ride home, initiating a connection that quickly evolves beyond a simple acquaintance. David introduces Jenny to a world of art, music, and culture, vastly different from her suburban life and strict academic routine. He takes her to jazz clubs, art auctions, and fancy restaurants, exposing her to experiences she had only dreamed of. Jenny is captivated by David’s charm and the allure of this exciting new lifestyle.

A Whirlwind Romance

David’s influence extends to Jenny’s parents, particularly her father, Jack, who is initially skeptical but quickly won over by David’s charisma and perceived wealth. David’s attention flatters Jack, who believes David can provide Jenny with a better life than Oxford could. This allows Jenny to spend more time with David, neglecting her studies. Their relationship intensifies, and Jenny’s priorities shift. She becomes increasingly enamored with David’s world, foregoing her academic pursuits and embracing the perceived glamour and freedom it offers. David convinces Jenny’s parents to allow him to take her on a weekend trip to Oxford, ostensibly to meet C.S. Lewis, further solidifying their trust.

The Trip to Paris and a Proposal

For Jenny’s 17th birthday, David takes her on a romantic trip to Paris. During the trip, Jenny loses her virginity to David. Upon their return, Jenny’s favorite teacher, Miss Stubbs, expresses her concern and disapproval of the relationship, leading to a falling-out between them. Later that evening, David proposes marriage to Jenny. Overjoyed and with her parents’ approval, Jenny accepts, abandoning her plans for Oxford. She drops out of school, convinced that her future lies with David and the exciting life they will share together.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jenny (Carey Mulligan): A bright and ambitious 16-year-old student whose pursuit of Oxford is challenged by a relationship with an older man.
• David (Peter Sarsgaard): A charming and sophisticated older man who seduces Jenny with promises of a cultured and exciting life.
• Jack (Alfred Molina): Jenny’s father, who initially pushes her toward Oxford but is swayed by David’s apparent wealth and sophistication.
• Miss Stubbs (Olivia Williams): Jenny’s supportive teacher who recognizes her potential and encourages her education.
• Helen (Rosamund Pike): David’s friend’s girlfriend who embodies the glamorous and seemingly carefree lifestyle that attracts Jenny.
• Danny (Dominic Cooper): David’s business partner and friend, whose involvement hints at the illicit nature of David’s dealings.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jenny: “What’s the point of all this? All this work, if I’m not even enjoying myself?” – Jenny expresses her frustration with the pressure of academics and her desire for a more fulfilling life to her teacher.
• David: “I want to give you everything. Now.” – David seduces Jenny with promises of a life of luxury, culture, and excitement, in place of her academic pursuits.
• Miss Stubbs: “There’s a whole world out there. Literature, art, music… You could have it all.” – Miss Stubbs tries to encourage Jenny to pursue her education and not throw her future away on a man.
• Jenny: “The life I want, there’s no shortcut.” – Jenny realizes she has to earn things herself, and her Oxford dream will only come with hard work.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7.5M
• Domestic Gross: $12.57M
• Worldwide Gross: $26.10M

💥 An Education Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! Carey Mulligan’s performance is captivating; she perfectly embodies the confusion and excitement of a teenager discovering the world. I found myself completely drawn into Jenny’s journey, feeling her joy, heartbreak, and ultimate realization about what truly matters in life. The scenes in Paris were magical, but the moment when she stands up for herself against the headmistress really resonated with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers interested in British period dramas”
  • “Those who enjoy films with strong female leads”
  • “Lovers of witty and intelligent screenplays”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive themes (relationship with a much older man)”
  • “Brief sexuality”
  • “Some mature language”
  • “Mild anti-Semitic references”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Carey Mulligan shines in this coming-of-age story, capturing the naiveté and intelligence of a young woman on the brink of adulthood. The film beautifully evokes 1960s London and explores complex themes of class, education, and desire. Sarsgaard’s performance is subtly unsettling.
• Rolling Stone: “An Education offers sharp dialogue and a compelling narrative, carried by Mulligan’s magnetic performance. The film cleverly contrasts the allure of worldly experience with the value of formal education, leaving audiences to ponder the true meaning of an education.
• The Guardian: “A beautifully crafted film with strong performances all around. The film subtly explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the compromises one makes in pursuit of happiness. Emma Thompson’s cameo is particularly memorable.

Audience Reactions

Carey Mulligan’s performance was phenomenal; she truly captured the essence of a young woman coming of age.: Viewers universally praised Carey Mulligan’s acting, the film’s evocative depiction of 1960s London, and its thought-provoking exploration of education and personal growth.

The Paris scenes were absolutely stunning and added a touch of magic to the story.: Most agree on the strong performances by the cast, beautiful cinematography, and thought provoking script.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama praised for its strong performances, evocative atmosphere, and thought-provoking themes.

Awards

1. BAFTA Award (Best Actress in a Leading Role)- 2010
2. BAFTA Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 2010

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Carey Mulligan was 22 years old when she was cast to play 16-year-old Jenny, initially causing concern among the creative team, but her screen test convinced them of her suitability for the role.”
• “Rosamund Pike actively sought the role of Helen, despite its small size, because she wanted the opportunity to play a funny character, something she felt she wasn’t often given the chance to do.”

🖥️ How to Watch An Education?

An Education is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite on-demand options. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) are also available for purchase online and in stores like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed An Education, you might like these similar films:

• Educating Rita (1983): Both films explore the transformative power of education and a woman’s journey of self-discovery.
• Call Me by Your Name (2017): Explores a complex coming-of-age romance with an older man and themes of first love, self-discovery, and cultural awakening.
• Brooklyn (2015): Like An Education, it is a coming-of-age period piece centered on making life choices and finding one’s path in the early 1960s.
• Little Women (2019): Showcases female self-determination, sisterhood, and personal growth through an academic career and the arts.

🛒 An Education Related Products

• An Education (Blu-ray): Experience the film in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition, featuring behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• An Education: A Memoir by Lynn Barber: Dive deeper into the real-life story that inspired the film with this captivating memoir. Discover the fascinating experiences and reflections of Lynn Barber.
• 1960s Fashion: A Decade of Style: Explore the iconic fashion of the 1960s, featuring stunning photographs and detailed insights into the decade’s most influential styles.
• Vintage Retro 1960s Style Swing Dress: Capture the classic look of the 1960s with this elegant swing dress, perfect for parties, special occasions, or everyday wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

An Education features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Smoke Without Fire” – performed by Duffy
• “Je ne veux pas travailler” – performed by Pink Martini

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

An Education | Official Trailer

Get a sneak peek! This official trailer for ‘An Education’ perfectly captures the movie’s coming-of-age story and forbidden romance. It’s sure to leave you intrigued and eager to watch more.

An Education | Official Trailer (2009)

Dive a little deeper! The official trailer for ‘An Education’ (2009) showcases the film’s standout performances and powerful storyline, leaving you with a lasting impression. It’s a captivating glimpse into the movie’s world.

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