ER is an interesting film that kind of grows on you, as you watch it, which is only because of the chemistry between two great actors, Caine, as the inebriated and huggable professor, who doesn't mind the odd drink or ten, and Walter as the budding new student who wants to learn everything. She takes an instant liking to him, but he too quickly warms to her, where something more than the normal one on one, arrangement between student and teacher, takes place. It's a true friendship, a bond as you will, about two people who need each other more than they know. Knowing that, the movie is adapted from a very known stage play, there were only a couple of moments (I won't tell you where) that were kind of stupid, or forced, heralded by film's sudden music score. Other than that, ER is a very enjoyable comedy/drama, which raised a few laughs at Walter's hand. I first saw the film 32 yrs ago, so I would of found it funnier back that. When I think of fine actors, that have maintained being fine actors, Michael Caine is the first one that's come to mind. He's never dropped his guard, and has never, never given a bad performance, and I'd challenge anyone to question that or defy my opinion. Here, like so many films, he's at top form, sadly, missing an Oscar win. He's marvelous, and we really feel for his character, if at times, getting really angry by his arrogance or pig headed attitude to stop, and face what he's doing to himself, and get himself together, the greatest example, of when he tears up his thesis. Funnily enough, less than six months later, he would appear on the screens again, as another drunk, this time in The Honorary Consul, another great performance, and another drunk we can't help feeling sympathy for, although here, his performance is better, among so many other great performances. I felt less sympathy for his drunk character here, though. Now onto Walters, who just captivated me, or I should even say, capsulated, when I first saw her, 32 years ago. I had never seen this actress, in any thing before, but boy if this was a breakthrough performance, she's pass with distinction. Her performance just had me. Believe it or not, even though I hate to admit it, my favorite scene was the last. I don't think I've seen a more affecting farewell scene in my life. I did too, like how the film was shot, with that above or artificial light, like in Lady Chatterly's Lover, Priest Of Love, that suited the university atmosphere, perfectly. Make a date with Frank and Rita.

Rita is a twenty six year old hairdresser, who's only had a basic education, after a long time deliberating she joins an open University course with Doctor Frank Bryant, she wants to change her life, and instantly changes his life.There aren't enough superlatives I can throw at these two, my favourite performance to this day from Michael Caine, he's funny, tragic, captivating and totally engaging. He bounces so well off a young Julie Walters, for my money one of the best British actresses of all time, her performance is sensational, you truly see Rita develop throughout the film. A shame Lipman didn't get more screen time, the few minutes she's on, she's brilliant.I've never forgotten that phrase 'assonance means getting the rhyme wrong.'It has some incredibly funny moments, Brian's phone calls to his agents, Rita's early outbursts. It has some truly sad moments, where Denny burns her books, and it boasts a moment of devastation, poor Maureen Lipman's character Trish.It's a fabulous film, I know many see it as an Eighty's Pygmalion story, but it's so much more then that, it's a social character study, which is acted to perfection. A great film. 9/10

Michael Caine plays Dr. Frank Bryant, a literature professor at an open university who has an alcohol problem. Julie Walters plays Rita White, an ambitious young woman who enrolls in Frank's class, and wants him to tutor her. Frank agrees, being impressed with her determination, but Rita must contend with her unsupportive husband, who wants her to stay home, and her hairdressing job, which she must juggle with her studies. Frank & Rita form a deep friendship, as they end up inspiring each other to improve themselves, despite setbacks.Winning comedy drama has two excellent performances from the leads, who make their roles believable and appealing. Sure, the outcome isn't in doubt, but would you want it to end any other way? Also offers a distinct early 1980's atmosphere that is endearing.

Michael Caine plays a disillusioned literature professor who partly regains his passion when a young, working class woman played by Julie Walters hires him as her tutor. She has a unique way of looking at the world which amuses him, and a difficult-to-understand desire to learn that inspires him. In all honesty, the screenplay is pretty mediocre. I can't believe it was nominated for an Oscar. The beats are all obvious, and its message comes across as borderline despicable. But it's always an entertaining film. Then there's Walters. She brings the film to a higher plane with her amazing performance. Caine is fine. It's not one of his best performances, but it's good. Walters, though, oh my God. I was just glued to the screen every second she was on it, and I just loved listening to her speak. It's quite incredible, and I think she should have won the Oscar over Shirley MacLaine that year. Rita is one of my favorite movie characters ever, and, whatever else the story here is doing, I always loved her.