The Graduate

Director Mike Nichols's The Graduate is the satirical coming-of-age story that became an emotional touchstone for an entire generation.

In the mid-1960s, Benjamin Braddock, a confused college graduate, is pulled in myriad directions by family, friends, and associates just days after receiving his degree. Seduced by Mrs. Robinson, an older friend of the family, Ben carries on an affair with the married woman even as he falls for her daughter, Elaine.

However, Ben and Elaine's attempts at romance are threatened by the spiteful rage of Mrs. Robinson, who proceeds to hastily arrange Elaine's marriage to someone else, leading up to one of the most memorable endings in cinema history.

Accolades:

• Best Picture BAFTA Winner 1968.
• Best Picture (Comedy or Musical) Golden Globe Winner 1968.

Critic Reviews:

• " Even from the opening shot (after the credits), it's apparent that the cinematography and dialogue are tinged with something peculiar and undeniably unique. " – Mike Massie (Gone With The Twins)

• " Over fifty years after its theatrical release, comedy-drama The Graduate manages to hold up as one of the best films of all time. " – Danielle Solzman (Solzy at the Movies)

• " Through Dustin Hoffman's star-making performance, through Simon & Garfunkel's now iconic soundtrack, through Mike Nichols' canny direction, The Graduate captures youth at a crossroads like no other film. " – Matthew Lucas (From the Front Row)