The Graduate (1967)

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Directed by Mike Nichols, The Graduate is a coming-of-age film that became a cultural touchstone of the 1960s. The film follows Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate who is seduced by an older woman, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), only to fall in love with her daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross). The film explores themes of youthful rebellion, sexual awakening, and societal expectations. The Graduate resonated deeply with the countercultural shifts of the time, reflecting the disillusionment of post-war America. The film’s famous soundtrack, including Simon & Garfunkel’s "The Sound of Silence," further enhances its lasting influence and appeal.