On The Cusp

Last night, we saw the Academy Award-nominated film "An Education" at Quad Cinema on 13th Street.

This well-crafted period piece from Sony Classics has a very engaging story and is filled with fine performances.

Summary from the Quad Cinema Website: "In the post-war, pre-Beatles London suburbs, a bright schoolgirl is torn between studying for a place at Oxford and the more exciting alternative offered to her by a charismatic older man."

"An Education" provides an interesting reminder of how young women in the early 1960s had to discern their futures at a time when gender roles were on the cusp of change.

But, as much as I would recommend "An Education," I'm not certain that it deserved its "Best Picture" nomination. It didn't break any really new ground. And, I don't think it will be long-remembered.

As a movie-going experience, I enjoyed "Julie & Julia" and "Invictus" more. Either of these may have been a better choice for recognition among 2009's crop.

As of this writing, "An Education" has a 95 percent rating at Rotten Tomatoes.

P.S. The amazing Emma Thompson has a very small part in this film playing a school headmistress. I ♥ Emma Thompson.