Carey Mulligan plays Jenny, a cute school girl who falls for a man more than twice her age, David, played by Peter Sarsgaard. She is bored with her daily routine and going to school. She needs a change. She wants to break away. David is able to offer her travels, cultural experiences involving exposure to art and music, money, and attention. He seems like a great guy, but there is more than meets the eye. You'll have to watch the movie to find out what that is, if you haven't seen it yet.
This movie is a good examination of older guy, younger girl hookups. What is the draw for each party involved? What needs are being met on both parts? The movie allows you to draw your own conclusions about the morality of the actual relationship.
The topic of education could also be studied using this movie, which is based on a memoir. How much value is there in formal education? How could school be made more relevant to everyday life and peak the students interests and engage their passions? I think the movie shows that there are some lessons you can not learn in school. Life outside the brick walls has to teach you them. And you may have to learn the hard way.
Emma Thompson holds steady as Jenny's headmistress, while Alfred Molina is good as Jenny's dad, Jack.
This one is on the slower, artsy side of things, but i'm giving it a 3.75 out of 5.