London, 1961. Bright, assiduous Jenny, 16, fantasises about a more refined life. Her path takes a turn, however, when she meets David, an older man who seems to embody her every fantasy. He soon introduces Jenny to his own brand of education: art auctions, smoky clubs, and late-night dinners.

Here’s where we fell in love with Carey Mulligan! With savvy direction, a perfect cast, and a deliciously witty script by Nick Hornby (High Fidelity), An Education is a sharp look at coming of age in a changing time—and Mulligan, only 24, arrived as one of the best actresses of her generation.