Freedom Writers

Freedom Writers

Freedom Writers is inspired by a true story, which is written and directed by Richard LaGravenese. It should be noted, that this movie, by all accounts, has been written by the people it portrays. Upon researching this movie, I learned that Erin Gruwell also helped write the film with LaGravenese. However, the inspiration comes from the students this picture features.

When I started watching this movie, I thought to myself, oh boy, another teacher do-gooder. I have seen many of dramas in this genre and thought this would be just another in a long list. Fortunately, I gave this film the benefit of the doubt and I was pleasantly surprised.

The movie sets up the gang banger mentality of the students attending the high school, which Erin Gruwell (Hillary Swank) will soon be teaching. Gruwell, fresh out of college, is eager to spread her educator wings and soar into the realm of underprivileged and underserved youth. She interviews with the administrator of the high school, Margaret Vail (Imelda Staunton - think prude little red-head from the Ministry of Magic in the Harry Potter movies), who tries subtly to inform Erin that the students she will be teaching are really a lost cause.

Gruwell starts her first day of class and it begins with a fight between two rival gang memebers who just can’t stand each other. Her class is divided by different ethnic groups, its obvious that each gang has their own territory even in a classroom setting. Erin attempts to relate to the troubled youths; however, an explosive scene where the students push back because she “demands” respect as a teacher. The students indicate that she must earn their respect it isn’t just given because she is an educator. An especially charged exchange between Gruwell and Eva (pronounced Ava - April Lee Hernandez) shows the depth of hate availed to our culture. Eva has such a deep hate that she has no problem letting Erin know that she “…hates white people on site.”

As would be expected, Gruwell slowly starts to win over the class until one day an exceptional teachable moment presents itself. A picture of a young black male is circulated around the class, which has exaggerated facial features. Gruwell intercepts the picture and goes into a full blown lecture of the holocaust. The only problem is that not one person, with the exception of the lone white student, had ever heard of the holocaust. She wants to expose the kids to more culture; however, meets with strict opposition from Margaret Vail. The two are at odds the entire movie; however, as would be supposed our heroine does prevail.

This movie was good, but not as good as it could have been. I will say this about the picture, it wasn’t Oscar worthy, but the story was heartwarming and a bit of a tear-jerker at times. I would give this film 3.5 stars, but say that it’s definitely worth watching. Erin Gruwell is an amazing person and she was able to find “common” ground for these young gang members. She made a difference and made kids see that even though they are different they share many of the same life issues.

Overall, the acting was ok, the music mediocre, but the message is first rate. The story itself is just too inspiring to ignore. What could we do if we just all worked together and put our biases aside for the betterment of our world and lives. If you haven’t seen this movie, I would suggest you take a peek, but grab the tissue box if you’re prone to tear-up, because this film has plenty of those moments. I hope you enjoy Freedom Writers as much as I did!

That’s How Matt Sees It!