 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
An Education
- Review Date: October 6, 2009
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Intelligent period drama tackles mature teen topics.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this smart 1960s-set drama written by popular author Nick Hornby explores a teenager's efforts to define her future, which includes making a mess of her well-laid plans -- most notably by becoming involved in a relationship with a sophisticated man nearly twice her age. Virginity, education, class -- they’re all up for discussion and questioning. These are mature themes, but older teens should get a lot out of the movie. There's some sexual content (implied nudity and intercourse, kissing, and some risque discussion), as well as some era-accurate social drinking and smoking.
What's the story?
Sixteen-year-old Jenny (Carey Mulligan) has fixed her sights on Oxford, and her striving dad (Alfred Molina) is happy to keep the pressure on until she gets there. Her teacher (Olivia White) believes she has what it takes, and Jenny does, too. But her plans are waylaid when she meets David (Peter Sarsgaard), a thirtysomething mystery man who hangs out with a fast crowd that introduces Jenny to a heady world of jazz, high art, fashion, Paris, and passion. How can the world of books compete?
Is it any good?
There are quibbles aplenty with AN EDUCATION. Sarsgaard’s wreck of an accent to start, and a third act that attempts to wrap up too quickly to boot. But neither detracts from the period drama’s considerable heft. This is a seriously good film. Nick Hornby, who wrote the screenplay based on a memoir by Lynn Barber, keeps the feel modern despite the 1960s setting (which is gorgeously rendered) with dialogue shot through the heart with essential truths.
And with Mulligan reciting Hornby’s words, he can’t lose. Watching her navigate the perils of near-adulthood is like an epiphany, and while Sarsgaard’s accent is a throwaway, his acting isn’t -- few actors can make creepy seem so appealing. Director Lone Scherfig presents London and Paris with a knowing glow -- Jenny is a firefly, and her wings, as we can only expect, will get scalded, if not burned. And yet we can’t stop watching.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the movie portrays teen sexuality. How different do you think that depiction would be if the movie was set today, instead of in the '60s?
What is the movie saying about the value of education? Does book learning always trump real-life adventure, or is life not that simple?
What do you think of Jenny’s apparent change-of-heart about pursuingOxford? Why does she seem ready to forgo what she's worked for topursue a fling with a much older man (who may, in fact, not be exactlywho she thinks he is)?
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2010
AGE
Good for older kids
I really enjoyed this movie, Cary Millingan's brake through performance was really good. This movie should not be watched by most kids [with a few exceptions] because there is a lot of drinking and smoking by both adults and teenagers but in does take place in England in the 1960s which smoking and drinking was a usual custom for most people. A good watch, with a great screenplay.
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AGE
Well-done film
It deserved all of the Oscar nominations, and going into it I was a little worried about it content-wise, the premise wasn't very appealing. But it turned out to be very well-done and worth your time and cash!
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AGE
A muture movie about immature people
There's no second guessing who the movie is marketed toward, it's for adults. While not explicit, the movie has sexual overtones that are outrageous and R rated. I was shocked at some of the things in here. I think this is fine for most teens though, considering this film is about a 16 year old girl. This is one of those well written movies with a what-not-to-do message. The film is exactly this and ends up giving its somewhat younger audience something to think about- an education.
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AGE
Interesting With a Great Lesson
Apart from The Hurt Locker, this is the best movie of the year. The themes about the relationship are the only major things about this movie, but it should be fine for older middle schoolers. Deserving of its Oscar nominations, this is a MUST SEE, especially for Carey Mulligan's FANTASTIC performance.
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AGE
Strive for success, not for romance..at an early age.
Never let go of your education. Yourself comes first & keep your moral values as you must face challenges in this world. Men, love, fame & fortune could lead you to an end. Think about the consequences that might happen to you unpleasantly.
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AGE
Fine for 15+, maybe a bit iffy for 12+
I think the film is quite good and not particularly inappropriate for the age group it's aimed at (although it may be awkward if watching with parents). I must say, as a Brit, Common Sense Media is wrong for saying that Sarsgaard's accent was a 'wreck' - it sounded like what you would expect of a 1960's southern English accent.
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AGE
Only for adults and maybe older teens
This is a disturbing movie about teen choices and disillusionment. I don't want to give away the movie, so I won't say much here. It is definitely not subject matter for young teens. At least 17+ is what I would feel comfortable with. Lots of hard lessons learned in the movie. The acting is first rate. Carrie Mulligan is absolutely Oscar worthy in this movie -- very gifted actress.
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AGE
teen drama is wonderful
this is a wonderful teen drama that tackles mature themes
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AGE
The Truth
Athough this movie is a great movie with a posative message( dont throw your life away for a guy or money) i think it should be for 14 and up due to the sexual content although it does not show nudity it does imply they have sex and untill the child is able to understand the full aspect of sex (meaning emotionally) than they should not watch it because they will just see a rape case not the concept the writter is trying to put out there the movie is over all tastefully done and although it has a few bad edits i would recommend it. :)
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| Studio: | Sony Pictures Classics |
| Director: | Lone Scherfig |
| Cast: | Alfred Molina, Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Rosamund Pike |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 95 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 9, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | March 30, 2010 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | mature thematic material involving sexual content, and for smoking |
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