An Education Review

Messages: The film pits classroom education vs. real-world experiences -- but in the end, life demands a far more complex solution. Nevertheless, the importance of knowledge-seeking is made very clear, especially in the way it elevates the status of women.

Role models: Jenny is admirable in many ways, especially her thirst for knowledge and respect for book learning. Realistically for a teenager, she's also impulsive and drawn to what is mysterious and possibly dangerous -- perhaps not literally, but emotionally (she’ll also fib to get what she wants sometimes). Still, she's able to face her mistakes and herself when necessary. Her parents are both permissive and controlling, which contributes to the situation in which she finds herself -- but they clearly love her.

Violence: A couple argues loudly; two guys pilfer a map from a house and brusquely instruct their girlfriends to jump in the car.

Sex: A man in his 30s courts a 16-year-old virgin. In one scene, he asks to see her breasts, and she acquiesces -- there’s no nudity, but she's shown opening her blouse. Later, they have sex, though they're only shown after the fact. Some kissing and much flirting. There’s also a somewhat frank discussion about intercourse and a risqué joke about a banana.

Language: “Bloody hell,” “idiot,” and “stupid.”

Consumerism: Car, cigarette, and perfume brands (like Chanel) that evoke luxury are mentioned or shown.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: A 16-year-old smokes French cigarettes (Gauloises). Some social drinking.