Watch The Graduate

In the 1967 classic film The Graduate, directed by Mike Nichols, we meet Benjamin Braddock (played by a young and fresh-faced Dustin Hoffman) who has just graduated from college with no clear direction for his future. Uncertain of his place in the world, he returns to his upper-class suburban home in California and finds himself increasingly disillusioned with the stultifying conformity of the society around him.

At a party thrown by his parents, Benjamin is introduced to Mrs. Robinson (powerfully portrayed by Anne Bancroft), the wife of his father's business partner. Despite a rocky start, the two begin an affair, which Benjamin tries to keep secret from everyone, including his own parents, who are pressuring him to date Elaine Robinson (Katharine Ross), Mrs. Robinson's daughter.

As the summer drags on, Benjamin becomes increasingly entangled in the Robinson family's web of social expectations and familial dysfunction. At the same time, he becomes more and more fixated on Elaine, despite their uncomfortable first meeting. When Mrs. Robinson tries to sabotage any chance of a relationship between Benjamin and Elaine, he becomes determined to win her over.

The Graduate is a searing commentary on the social mores and sexual politics of the 1960s, as well as an exploration of the angst and uncertainty of young adulthood. The film's iconic soundtrack, featuring Simon and Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence" and "Mrs. Robinson", provides a haunting and nostalgic backdrop to the action onscreen.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the unconventional portrayal of Mrs. Robinson, who defies the typical roles assigned to women in society. Anne Bancroft's performance is both seductive and tragic, a complex and nuanced portrayal of a woman who is trying to find her own sense of identity in a world that has limited her options.

Dustin Hoffman delivers a powerhouse performance as Benjamin, capturing the character's awkwardness and uncertainty while also portraying his growing sense of rebellion and self-discovery. Katharine Ross is also superb as Elaine, infusing the character with both vulnerability and strength.

The Graduate was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it continues to resonate with audiences today. Its themes of disillusionment, rebellion, and the search for identity are timeless, and its sharp social commentary has only become more relevant in the decades since its release.

Overall, The Graduate is a must-watch for anyone interested in the films of the 1960s or in exploring the timeless themes of youth, rebellion, and self-discovery. With its stunning performances, iconic soundtrack, and incisive social commentary, it remains a landmark film in American cinema.

The Graduate is a 1967 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 83.