Freedom Writers [HD DVD]

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Editorial Review:

"Freedom Writers" is inspired by a true story and the diaries of real Long Beach teenagers after the LA riots during the worst outbreak of interracial gang warfare.Hilary Swank stars as Erin Gruwell whose passion to become a teacher is soon challenged by a group of Black Latino and Asian gangbangers who hate her even more than each other. When Erin begins to listen to them in a way no adult has ever done she begins to understand that for these kids getting through the day alive is enough -- they are not delinquents but teenagers fighting "a war of the streets" that began long before they were born.Erin gives them something they never had from a teacher before -- respect. For the first time these teens experience a hope that maybe they might show the world that their lives matter and they have something to say.Run Time: 122 minutesFormat: DVD HD Genre: DRAMA UPC: 097361243801 Manufacturer No: 124380

Though the "inspirational teacher" theme may feel done to death, Freedom Writers succeeds because it emphasizes the students as much as the teacher. Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank, Million Dollar Baby, Boys Don't Cry) comes to a southern California high school bubbling over with naive optimism, but quickly discovers that her unruly classroom isn't easily won over by her good intentions. After a few floundering attempts to connect with her students, Gruwell gives them the assignment of keeping journals about their own lives--an assignment that the class bites into with relish, which eventually bonds them together and pushes racial rivalries aside. This plotline has been made before, sometimes well, sometimes poorly; Freedom Writers, by drawing heavily from the published journals of the students--and thanks to a (mostly) unheroic script, direction that emphasizes individual characters over stereotypes, and rigorous performances from the whole cast--makes the story seem fresh and genuine. Swank does solid work, but the standouts are April L. Hernandez as a girl whose gang wants her to lie and send an innocent boy to jail and Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake) as a teacher who resents Gruwell's offbeat success. Also featuring Patrick Dempsey (Grey's Anatomy), Scott Glenn (The Right Stuff), and a plethora of strong young actors. --Bret Fetzer

Beyond Freedom Writers

More Inspirational Teacher Films on DVD

The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell

More DVDs Starring Hilary Swank

Stills from Freedom Writers (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

excellent:

We were both quite surprised to find this movie so well directed acted and moving in every way. The subject matter could have been filled with annoying cliches and stereotypes.
Highly recommended.

a noble cause, yes.....(1.5 stars):

A noble cause, yes; this is a story that had to be told. But it also had to be told in an effective way, which is what this movie tried to be, effective. The problem is: IT TRIES WAY TOO HARD. Throughout the entire movie, you're hit with images, and direction choices that really seem forced to be powerful. The only truly powerful moments, the trip to the Holocaust museum and the arrival of Miep Gies(two scenes that are nearly tear-jerking), are overshadowed by everything that isn't powerful in this two-hour... more info

wonderfully inspiring:

If you liked *Stand by Me* and *Dangerous Minds*, then you'll love *Freedom Writers*. This movie is about a teacher, Erin Gruwell, new and naive, determined to make a difference in the lives of her students. Immediately, she faces scorns from her jaded peers who have been teaching for years. Meanwhile, we, as viewers, see different scenarios that students face in and outside of the classroom.
Gruwell's persistance pays off...but with a price. Her marriage has dissolved. She's alienated from her... more info

Why dont we see beyond the obvious for once?:

Having just seen the movie I again turned to Amazon to see the views expressed by others. As often it was an amazing spread from people claiming it changed their lives forever to others using it to express radical views on the holocaust, jews, Hollywood, the teaching profession etc.
Let me first of all say I found it a thoroughly delightful movie with excellent acting performances particularly by several of the talented kids. Many point out the theme is not at all new which I can of course only concur.... more info

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