Freedom Writers (2007)

Posted : 2 years, 2 months ago at Sep 4 9:54

Erin Gruwell, a newly appointed English teacher (Hilary Swank), tries to educate her at-risk students.

While I do agree that this film has been done 500 times before, this is one of those films that deserves to be seen. The actors playing the students were well-directed and there are some gems in there - including Weeds' actor Hunter Parrish.
I've never much cared for Hilary Swank but in this film, she is quite all right - although at times she seems a little snobby and stuck-up.
Patrick Dempsey, as her husband, is a great cast.

Not an original story. But still good to see, despite the typical Hollywood story and ending.


Rating : 6/10

Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago at Jul 24 13:19

My initial thoughts during the first act of this film we're exactly the same as our other reviewer here. Holy hell, how many times are they going to remake Dangerous Minds?? Although I did at this stage recognise Freedom Writers was displaying a lot more depth as the afore-mentioned Michelle Pfieffer vehicle. It was only when we got to the holocaust and the journal stories that the film started to grip me, and grip me tight it did. I didn't know much about Erin Grewell before going into this film; apart from the basics. And I left feeling like there were still a few pieces missing from the puzzle. Freedom Writers is a good tribute to a remarkable woman (is there something about the name Erin?) and a gutsy group of kids, but all said and done the story behind the story continues ...Read more

Rating : 6/10

Posted : 2 years, 7 months ago at Apr 13 23:13

not ANOTHER movie about a white teacher who teaches in an urban school and teaches the black kids how they could improve themselves.

first of all, this film has been done 500 times before.

second of all, the only white teachers you'll find in REAL LIFE urban schools are the ones doing their undergrads in there, and once they graduate, they will run as fast as they can to the private schools.

just what is hollywood trying to do? do they think if they repeat the same plot and 'moral story' over and over, that eventually, it will transform society? or is it all just to ease our conscience?

Rating : 1/10