Educating Rita (1983)

Absolutely Fantastic

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

It is not a British version of MY FAIR LADY (1964, 6/10), EDUCATING RITA goes a bit higher than that, it is about how literature can improve one's listless life and transfigure one's entire bearing from within. Rita, aka Susan White (Walters) is a 26-year-old hairdresser, married to an ordinary electrician for 6 years, she never goes to college, but finds herself as a thirsty bookworm, thus under the aim of completing her education and take the exam, she eagerly takes an open university tutorial from a college literature professor Dr. Frank Bryant (Caine), a middle-age divorcé and drunkard. So it is a story of Rita's transformation from a low-class commoner to a mature woman who realizes her self-worth and does embrace to the life she is really pining for. At the same time, it is a brilliant two-hander, Frank's life orbit also veers dramatically since the two form a thoroughly cordial friendship. (I was so relieved it didn't end up like a Hollywood mawkish rom-com with artificial happy ending.)Adapted by Willy Russell from his own play, the film allows Walters reprises her role in her film version against an illustrious Michael Caine, all three are deservingly honored with Oscar- nominations. Walters is simply ebullient in her big screen debut, she slickly delivers her lines with thick Cockney accent, and magically carry on the comic tone like a true comedienne, without resorting to slap-sticks or silly gags, her talent is oozing from the entire body of work, everything feels authentic even during the most contrived paragraph where she duly spill her knowledge in front of a group of stunned customers in the bistro where she works, which seems to be excusable thanks to her confidence and top-notch line-delivery. Far from farcical, Rita is also a role with her side of sacrifice and struggle, she has to give up her marriage to pursue what she wants, to know herself better, quote the line "to sing a better song". In those more dramatic sequences, Walter never falters and comes off as compelling as ever. Meanwhile, Walter has sparkling chemistry with an urban but alcohol-addicted Caine, whose Frank is a damaged good himself although he is the kind Rita inspires to be, the film incisively points out , everyone has his or her own deficit no matter what, take the example of Trish (Lipman), Rita's bohemian, happy-go-lucky roommate's suicidal attempt, life cannot be merely surrounded by literature and music, life is much bigger than that, we can relish in them, but never too immersed, otherwise, the rest of the time, it is purely difficult to bear. Frank's affection towards Rita is quite tangible along the courses of their interaction, Caine marvels in concealing his seething discontent and wanton rebelliousness with outright ludicrousness, he is in need of being rescued as well, but realistically, he is not a model teacher, his savior could not be Rita, but a rehab session to begin with. It is a role cannot be more apposite for Caine and he nails it superbly. Talking about some minor impediments of the film, its 80s' signature synthesized score could be mildly annoying, not in perfect harmony with its college milieu; and the script, although being audaciously persuasive and full of chewy set pieces for its players, sometimes, a sensitive viewer may get a sense of patronizing air afloat, reading great literature can only help one to get to know the world, and the feelings better, but not elevate one out of the world and feel superior to the mundanity, as Frank's down under exile can potently testify. It is my second entry of seasoned UK director Lewis Gilbert's (after SHIRLEY VALENTINE 1989, 7/10), EDUCATING RITA is on a par with the former, with a strong feminist stance to live one's life fully and get out of the shackles which a conventional society imposes on womanhood, sadly it is still pertinent in most of the world 31 years later, thus, it is a film we shall not overlook.

At first,ye,ye Julie Walters is a working class woman,awkward husband who doesn't want her to go to tutorials with Tutor Michael Caine.Then she becomes too knowledgeable nd know it all,distancing her from the prof.Yep sums up the film.Yet I watched it in silence,and it hurt.Her flatmate Trish saying'when there is no poetry and music it's just me,and that's not enough'.It was a bit close for comfort,yes it's a funny film,but the quandary Rita ends up in is too true.But as she says'at least I have the choice'.Lifes what you make it I suppose. I think if there is any film too watch that you can genuinely learn from,this is the one. Eleanor

Alcoholic professor tutors a working class woman who aspires to become educated. It's based on a play and it shows. Most of the film is devoted to conversations between Caine as the self-pitying professor and Walters as the uncultured but enthusiastic student. While some of the dialog is interesting, much of it is mundane and repetitive and the film quickly runs out of steam. Caine is fine, but the film belongs to Walters. Repeating her stage role, Walters is delightfully vivacious in her film debut. The only problem is that her accent is so thick that those who are not British may have to strain to understand what she is saying.

Rita White (Julie Walters) is a spunky, 26-year old working class woman who wants to improve her lot. She enrolls in a special Open University class and meets with her tutor, Frank (Michael Caine) once a week to study great literature. Frank, who spends his days in an alcoholic haze, is at first intrigued and later enthralled with the outspoken Rita.This is a wonderful showcase for the talented and adorable Julie Walters. She is dazzling and thoroughly likable and every word spoken in her thick Liverpool accent rings honest and true. Caine lets her shine by downplaying Frank, who is hopelessly morose and more than a bit lazy. Both were rightly nominated for best acting Oscars.The inevitable transformation/ improvement of both characters is sweet and uplifting without being overly-sentimental. Walters, best known these days as the matronly Mrs. Weasley in "Harry Potter," is so young and pretty and lights up the screen with her charisma. Recommended.