| Educating Rita [1984] | ![Educating Rita [1984]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51J7H1P90EL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Director: Lewis Gilbert
Actors: Michael Caine, Julie Walters, Michael Williams, Maureen Lipman, Jeananne Crowley
Studio: ITV DVD
Category: Video
List Price: £5.99
Buy New: £2.49
You Save: £3.50 (58%)
New (4) Used (11) Collectible (2) from £0.38
Avg. Customer Rating:  17 reviews
Sales Rank: 2497
Format: Pal
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Media: VHS Tape
Running Time: 106 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
EAN: 5014861306220
ASIN: B00004CIT8
Theatrical Release Date: September 21, 1983
Release Date: April 6, 1992
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: new sealed
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| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 1-5 of 17 | | NEXT » |
Well Worth a Look June 5, 2008
A lovely film. Michael Caine does a wonderful job playing the self-destructive but intelligent and warmhearted Dr Frank Bryant, and Julie Walters immerses herself in the character of Rita, a lively and witty hairdresser who decides to enroll in an open University course. The script is perfect, making for a touching film full of insights into human relationships, hopes and desires.
As an aside, for anyone familiar with Dublin, the film was shot in the city, mostly in Trinity College, which is fun to see as it was in the 80s, and works as a perfect setting for the film.
Lovely Rita August 15, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Twenty-something Rita decides that hiding her Pill under the floorboards is a better option than starting a family. She would rather "find herself" by embarking on a literature course at the local University.
"Isn't she a cow, that Lady Macbeth!" - is a typical initial response to the whole new world she is plunged into. Her tutor, Frank, is dismayed as she aspires to become the typical student - in danger of losing her individuality along the way.
Rita's inward mutation is shown by her appearance: as she evolves from brassy blonde with miniskirt and teetering heels; through extravangant bohemian scarves to comfortable dark haired young woman - nearly always in soft focus.
Maureen Lipman is incredibly young and vulnerable....Michael Caine in full retreat from life into booze is vulnerable too - though extremely woolly even after being sorted out by Rita's scissors and common sense.
How ironic that Rita, determined not to have children, should end up marrying Mr Weasly and having seven....
Education, education, education May 5, 2007
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
This intelligent and thought-provoking film tells the story of Rita, played by Julie Walters, a woman who has grown tired of the trappings and mediocrity of working-class life, and decides she wants to begin learning. She then embraks on a journey of self-discovery and begins attending tuition with a lecturer called Frank, from a local University, played by Michael Caine.
The script is witty and intelligent, continuously hitting home not just the infuriating condescension of the upper/middle classes, but the reality that working-class people actually hold the greatest potential, because they have more to rebel against.
The rapport between Michael Caine and Julie Walters is fascinating, and the acting is impeccable, partiuclarly from Walters. The film also satisfactorily conveys the importance of learning, expanding one's mind and each individual recognising their true potential.
 The space in between... September 24, 2006
1 out of 6 found this review helpful
The film was made in the '80s so it's a bit too old-fashioned, in that it's a bit cliched (especially the music!), but that's understandable. As for the story, my first comment would be: yeah, education is not about 'singing a better song' but just about 'singing a different song'. But it also touches upon the in-between space that you enter when you start doing something different, when you start becoming different. I would have liked to see a further exploration of this side of the issue ... or, perhaps it does? They both entered this space, Rita becoming educated and Frank becoming, well, educated too (though in his case by the world 'outside'), but couldn't constitute a third category by getting together. They could have, but they did not.
Anyway, it is a good film and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Open University, the British class system, or any other sociological stuff :) And I sincerely hope that I haven't picked up Rita's Northern accent......!
A Genuine Masterpiece! May 9, 2006
5 out of 7 found this review helpful
Educating Rita is truly a joy from start to finish. Willy Russells fantastic adaptation of his own stage play is firmly complimented by the divine suitability of Michael Caine and the golden Julie Walters in the lead roles.
The irreplacable Julie Walters plays a sassy, street-smart, working-class heroine who is desperate to better herself though has obstacles thrown in her path, ranging from her own deep insecurities to her dominating husband who blatantly fails to share Walters gutsy enthusiam in making a better life for herself.
Micheal Caine stars in one of his greatest roles yet as the alcholic, manic-depressive University tutor, who quickly succumbs to Walters glowing, down-to-earth charm.
There is great feeling between Caine and Walters and both spark off one another. Walters easily gets the funniest lines to deliver and her sharp, witty outlook on life remains refreshingly amusing throughout the entire film. She also has many opportunities to display her true, powerful range of dynamic acting abilities as does Caine. Both put in firmly concentrated, beleavable characterisations that remains true to the spirit of Willy Russells origanal play.
They are given noble support from some fine British actors/esses such as the late Michael Williams (who was married to Dame Judi Dench) as the overly pompous teacher, Brian who secretly is having a sordid affair with Caines wife. Also showing up is the delightful Maureen Lipman as the loveably eccentric Trish, whose characterisation is vastly effective and causes much amusement.
On the whole, this adaptation of Educating Rita is superb and unique that sticks closley to the play and never once over-plays its hand. It was a monster box-office success and critics united in praise. Also Walters went on to win an oscar for her riveting performance in the film.
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