Educating Rita [PG]

Frank is a burnt-out literary professor and booze hound who has given up on life and the few delights it can afford. But his eyes are opened when Rita walks through his door; a free-spirited woman who is determined to change her life into the one that she has wanted for ages, by becoming an educated woman. Through trials and tribulations the two develop an uncanny relationship, each one giving the other insight, perspective, and choice, whether they want it or not. 

As a person whose romantic lead in life is her library, Educating Rita appealed to me in so, so, so many ways. Its moving soundtrack, its wonderful story of change and belonging, and two most moving performances from Michael Caine and Julie Walters, makes it completely blasphemous that I do not possess my own copy. I shall have to rectify this gross inaccuracy as soon as possible. 

Frank is a burnt-out literary professor and booze hound who has given up on life and the few delights it can afford. But his eyes are opened with Rita walks through his door; a free-spirited woman who is determined to change her life into one that she has always wanted, by becoming an educated woman. Through trials and tribulations, the two develop an uncanny relationship, each one giving the other perspective, insight, and choice, whether they want it or not. 

From the point of view of a Standard English student, this film is a dream. There are so many beautiful and poignant underlying messages about tragedy, belonging, change, journeys, inner conflicts, and what it really means to be “educated”. 

Nominated for three Academy Awards, what I think makes this film so very special a gem is the fact that each and every member of the audience will watch it and see something different or interpret it differently. And any way you slice it, every person’s opinion and interpretation is right. The film’s simplicity plays a most seminal role in conveying the raw power and irresistible charm of the basic story, which was written by Willy Russell, based on his own play. The only outstanding features of the film are the amazingly literary and passionate script and the performances from the two leads... and truly outstanding these are! 

Michael Caine stars as Frank and delivered a memorable performance as a man who cannot see beyond the door of his office. For the better part of the film, he provided the sternly passive and somewhat gritty edge, aside from when he was drunk, which was enough to make you sigh. He was brilliant. 

Julie Walters stars as Rita and she was absolutely radiant. Providing the film with its moments of comedy that keeps us all from drowning in tears, she gave a performance that was eager, free, and uniquely insightful. I loved her, just LOVED HER! 

Starring Michael Williams, Maureen Lipman, Jeananne Crowley, and Malcolm Douglas, Educating Rita was a beautiful film that was filled with literature, witty comedy, insight, change, choices, determination, and great, great heart. It’s absolutely beautiful and a work of literary genius in its own rite.