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Parents' Guide to

Educating Rita

By Tom Cassidy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Class-based dramedy with strong female lead and language.

Movie PG 1983 110 minutes
Educating Rita Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Julia M.
Julia M. Adult
January 13, 2021
age 10+

Reaaaalllly boring!

Please dont waiste your time or money on this boring movie.
Gassenhauer
Gassenhauer Adult
July 11, 2020
age 14+

More interesting message than the main article suggests

Whilst following your dreams is always an admirable thing, I think there is a more interesting message in this movie is a lot more subtle and subversive. ‘Rita’ feels trapped by the expectations of her working class background, and idolises the bourgeoisie intellectuals she encounters at her university. It’s only over the course of the movie that she realises they are as trapped by the expectations of their own social class as she was in hers. ‘Rita’ ends up the most empowered character because she has independence and choice. I found that a really fascinating idea. The film is a little dated, the music is particularly jarring, and the third quarter is a bit rambling but the performances remain fantastic and the ideas remain fresh, relevant and surprising as ever.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In EDUCATING RITA, Frank Bryant (Michael Caine) is a tired college professor with a drinking problem. Rita (Julie Walters) is a working-class 20-something hairdresser who loves books and wants to improve her prospects in life by taking a part-time course. When Frank starts tutoring Rita, he finds her a refreshing presence in his mundane existence, and they become good friends. Soon Rita finds herself stuck between her current life, which includes a husband who doesn't want her to study, and the new options presented by her friendship with Frank and her fellow students.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This dramedy has two highly charismatic leads -- Walters and Caine -- working at the top of their game and elevating an already forward-thinking script to a BAFTA-winning classic. Based on Willy Russell's successful stage play, Educating Rita is inspirational but spiky enough to retain the rough edges that keep it grounded and realistic. It explores weighty themes (alcoholism, social isolation, suicide) but never gets bogged down in them. The relationship between Caine's professor and Walters' student is initially professional and then one of firm friendship, with no overt romantic connotations needed. Educating Rita is a love letter to learning, embracing diversity, mixing outside your social circle, and following your dreams.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Rita's character in Educating Rita. How does she demonstrate perseverance? Why is this an important character strength?

  • How is alcohol depicted in the movie? Discuss Frank's relationship with drinking. What might the consequences be for Frank in the real world?

  • What do Frank and Rita learn from each other? Why is it valuable to mix with people from outside your usual circles?

Movie Details

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