Struggling to keep up with a busy fall, lagging a little behind as usual, the reviewer soldiers on…

An Education. Smooth piece of ‘60s nostalgia about anEnglish schoolgirl who must choose between the steady, humdrum life her parentsenvision for her and the bohemian pleasures offered by an exciting butunscrupulous older man. What looks like a routine coming-of-age drama at firstglance comes vividly to life under the judicious direction of Lone Scherfig(one of the original members of the Dogme 95 group, if anyone still remembers),who demonstrates an intense appreciation for what it feels like to be young andintelligent and restless and trapped. As the schoolgirl, the incandescent CareyMulligan simulates a wide assortment of emotions with the ease of a seasonedprofessional.