| | Freedom Writers | |
Alternative Buying Options
| Price | Condition | Seller | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
|
£8.47
| New |
Sold by: magonl Rating:
Notes: "Brand New, Dispatched within 1- 2 Working Days from the UK" |
|
|
£8.54
| New |
Sold by: MERLIN MOOSIK Rating:
Notes: BRAND NEW! - Independant UK Seller. Delivery time 2 -15 working days (UK) & 7-21 days (International). |
|
100% positive (Adobe Flash Player Version 8 or greater.
Click Here to download the latest version.
Synopsis
Based on actual diary accounts of several teenagers following the LA riots FREEDOM WRITERS is the story of an idealistic teachers attempts to make a difference in the lives of her at-risk students. Located in gang-ravaged Long Beach California Woodrow Wilson High is a hotbed of violence due to a voluntary integration program which brings Black Latino Asian and White students together. Rather than having the desired effect of creating healthy diversity this program breeds constant war between all parties involved the result being daily gun shots constant racial slurs and gang violence. Played largely by young unknowns the freshman class in question is both naive and wise beyond its years. While never having heard of the Holocaust these kids are well-versed in the pain of poverty the legal system and death. Despite being up against unthinkable violence devoted first-time teacher Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) never gives up slowly bonding with her class of at-first unreachable pupils breaking down their tough exteriors and getting at the real people beneath through requiring the students keep daily journals. Meanwhile a strain is put on Erins marriage as her student involvement gradually takes priority over her personal life. The intensity with which Erin relates to her work threatens her husband (Patrick Dempsey) who in seeing Erins transformation is reminded of his own stagnancy. Thanks to a catalogue of films including STAND AND DELIVER and DANGEROUS MINDS any film about inspiring teachers risks feeling redundant and preachy. But writer/director Richard LaGravenese manages to put a fresh spin on this already familiar formula thanks to powerful performances by Hillary Swank Imelda Staunton and several newcomers. While slightly predictable FREEDOM WRITERS critiques the public education system in an ultimately moving way.
Freedom Writers Review
Another Inspirational Teacher Movie, this time based on the true story of an LA English teacher, whose students' journals were turned into a best-selling book. Hilary Swank plays Erin Gruwell, a well-intentioned but slightly naive English teacher who starts a new job at an integrated Los Angeles high school, under the stern gaze of department director Margaret (Imelda Staunton, doing a note-perfect American accent). Sure enough, Erin struggles to communicate with her aggressive, underprivileged students, until a gang shooting and an ugly racial cartoon form unlikely, but effective teaching aids. Soon she's getting her students to read "The Diary of Anne Frank" and encouraging them to keep diaries of their own. Meanwhile, Erin receives support from her father (Scott Glenn) but her husband (Patrick Dempsey) struggles with her work commitments, particularly when she starts taking extra jobs to pay for the books her students need.
Swank gives a characteristically superb performance as Erin, and it's interesting that her goofy attempts to be cool ("You gave yourself an F? Were you tripping?") are as embarrassing for the audience as they are for her students, yet she remains a likeable and yes, inspirational character. There's also strong support from the young actors playing her students, particularly April Lee Hernandez as Eva (who witnesses the shooting) and Jason Finn as the unexpectedly sensitive Marcus.
The film's biggest strength is in allowing the students to narrate in their own voices, from their real-life diaries. This gives the film a strongly authentic feel that is reflected in the impressive classroom scenes. The script is also careful to include a little humour, with lines such as: "You, Miss G! When is Anne Frank gonna smoke Hitler?" In addition, it's impressive that "Freedom Writers" manages to be deeply moving without resorting to the usual cliches. Worth seeing.
Special Features
Interactive menu
Technical Information
Region 2
Sound: Dolby Digital
Running Time: 118 minutes
Production Year: 2007
Main Language: English
Classification: Drama
Certificate: 12 Suitable for Persons Aged 12 or Over
Director Name: Richard LaGravenese
Release Date: 09-07-2007
