Educating Rita

USA Release: 21st September 1983

Watched on TV: Sunday 8th May 2011

Rating: PG

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Runtime: 1hr 50mins

Tagline: Sometimes students end up being the best teachers

IMDb Plot Summary: A young wife decides to complete her education and take her exams. She meets a professor who teaches her to value her own insights while still being able to beat the exams. The change in her status causes friction between her and her husband.

A Quick Review: Educating Rita is a classic. I am ashamed to say I have never seen it before, so I’m glad I finally got to see it! Julie Walters and Michael Caine were impeccable in it - Caine’s performance even rivals that of Alfie. It was different to what I expected, maybe not so good, but still a really great, thought-provoking film.

It’s a simple concept of Caine teaching Walters how to become the poetry student she wants to be, and on the way both learn more about themselves and life. There was no complicated chemistry between them (unless you really study it!) which would be almost impossible nowadays. 

Overall, it was a really great moving and funny film that I would definitely love to watch again.

Score: 7/10