Review of An Education (2009) by Allan C — 24 Mar 2013

I came late to learning about Carey Mulligan, first seeing her in "Drive", but she is definitely my favorite newish actress. She has a track record of choosing smart films ("Never Let Me Go," "Public Enemies," "Wall Street 2," "Shame") and her breakout film here is no exception.

The plot sounded awfully familiar, a schoolgirl is seduced by a charming con man and receives "an education," which is why I probably stayed away, thinking it was another soapy "The Notebook" type of tragic teen romantic fantasy.

However, this film smartly avoids cliches at every turn, not making Mulligan's character out as a victim or not making Peter Sarsgaard's con man a villainous letch but instead a flawed and complicated character.

I think the most telling moment in the film is when Mulligan's teacher, Olivia Williams, "You can do anything, Jenny, you're clever and pretty. Is your boyfriend interested in the clever Jenny?" A smart film all around that is a definite must-see!