British comedy at its best. (Educating Rita (DVD))

Member Name: theblackstar

Product:	Educating Rita (DVD)
Date:	22/10/04 (480 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Classic of British cinema

Disadvantages: No longer does the UK make films as good as this.

Director: Lewis Gilbert

Starring: Michael Caine, Julie Walters, Maureen Lipman, Michael Williams

Screenwriter: Willy Russell

Running Time: 106mins

Made in 1983, Educating Rita was adapted by Willy Russell from his own play. The story of Rita a hairdresser turned would be Open University student. Her tutor is Michael Caine, playing a self-pitying (ex-poet) alcoholic professor. He is initially disinterested, but is soon brought out of his self-pitying daze by Rita's candour and enthusiasm.

With a wonderful supporting cast, of British character actors like Maureen Lipman and Michael Williams. The film is probably one of the best examples of the Britiish film industry in the 80's. With brilliant writing (Willy Russell, he of Boys from the Black Stuff), fine cast of actors and a wonderful Director in Lewis Gilbert (famous for Alfie, another comedy classic of British cinema).

Sometimes hysterical, sometimes sad. The balance is perfect in its true life portrail of ordinary people breaking the constraints of class, through education and self discovery. Rita goes through a huge journey over the period of the film, and as a viewer you will be with her each step of the way.

I cannot reccomend Educating Rita too highly, since I got it on DVD I have watched it many times, and introdced many people to what is a classic.

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