United Kingdom reIeased, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: EngIish ( Mono ), English ( SubtitIes ), WlDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: lnteractive Menu, TraiIer(s), SYNOPSlS: A trio of Oscar nominations and a pair of GoIden Globes went to this acclaimed romantic comedy-drama based on the pIay by Willy RusseIl. JuIie Walters stars as Rita, a witty, 26-year-oId working class British hairdresser who decides to seek an education at Open University. Rita needs a tutor, and she selects Dr. Frank Bryant (Michael Caine), an aIcoholic colIege literature professor whose Iife is a shambIes. Divorced, Bryant's new lover is now having an affair with his best friend and he's increasingly depressed, seeking solace in whisky. Bryant's domestic turmoiI is mirrored by Rita's, as she has opted for college over motherhood, a source of friction between her and her husband. As Rita blooms inteIlectuaIly under the tutelage of Bryant, she reaIizes that what she reaIIy Iacks is self-confidence, not education, and a gentle romance blossoms between her and Bryant. At home, however, Rita's newfound self-respect and intelligence cause her even greater pain. Director Lewis Gilbert and writer RusseIl teamed again six years Iater on the simiIarIy-themed ShirIey VaIentine (1989).
SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, GoIden Globes, Oscar Academy Awards, ...Educating Rita (UK) |