essay about freedom writers movie

Freedom Writers: A Tale of Resilience, Inspiration, and the Power of Education

With a touch of grit and resilience, we venture into the throes of a must-watch film that provides a depiction of societal unrest through an educational lens, “ Freedom Writers .” The film, which championed the theaters on January 5, 2007, has since maintained its profound relevance, offering an insight into the transformative power of education in the face of adversity.

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“Freedom Writers,” a compelling American drama based on real events, has a unique ability to tug on the heartstrings while simultaneously challenging our perceptions and understanding of society. Among such productions, where the pathos of real experiences translates into inspiring narratives, a recommendation to watch “Freedom Writers” is made with immense confidence.

Actor Credentials

The movie features a stellar cast contributing to its riveting texture. Their performance takes the film to a whole new level, with the inclusion of celebrated actress Hilary Swank , whose portrayal of Erin Gruwell is very compelling. It also stars Imelda Staunton , Patrick Dempsey , and several other promising actors who, despite experiencing the limelight for the first time, managed to pull off remarkable performances.

The Story that Inspires

The movie brilliantly showcases the true story of a first-time English teacher – Erin Gruwell , who, having been posted to a racially integrated high school, is confronted by students who have been marred by gang violence and societal tension. The show of diversity within the classroom setting is one laden with deep-rooted racial tension and resentment, which adds a layer of tangible conflict to the narrative.

Erin Gruwell’s Courage

Swank plays a dedicated teacher who channels unconventional teaching methods to reach out to her disoriented and defiant students. Gruwell’s character showcases immense grit and inner strength as she penetrates the hard shells of her students and inspires them to look beyond their gang-ridden and violence-stricken environments. The characters, hence, unlearn their prejudices and learn to view life from different perspectives, awarding the narrative a deep-rooted connection to its audience.

Elements of Surprise and Trivia

A fact worth noting that adds an extra layer of interest is that this film was based on “The Freedom Writers Diary,” which is a compilation of diary entries by the real-life students of Gruwell. Adding to the rich tapestry of trivia, the film’s title “Freedom Writers” plays upon the term “Freedom Riders,” a name given to the civil rights activists who tested the U.S. Supreme Court decision ordering the desegregation of interstate buses in the sixties.

Cast-Teacher Interactions

Interestingly, the cast members who played the students were not professional actors; rather, they were selected from high school students who shared similar life experiences as the characters they portrayed. This adds an unfiltered realism to the film, making it widely appreciated, relatable, and compelling.

Release and Reception

Having been released in early 2007, “Freedom Writers” received a warm response from viewers, proving the effectiveness of transforming real experiences into inspiring narratives. It was touted as a movie that sheds light on the systemic issues in education, asserts the underlying power of resilience and determination, and the role of a teacher in molding the future of society.

Criticism and Controversy:

While “Freedom Writers” has enjoyed much acclaim for its inspiring narrative and compelling performances, it has not been immune to its fair share of criticisms and controversies.

Stereotypical Portrayal

Critics argue that “Freedom Writers” is yet another addition to the throng of “white savior” narratives common to the Hollywood scene. This trope refers to the centralization of the white protagonistic figure who brings about empowerment to the marginalized or discriminated communities, with the former seemingly transforming the lives of the latter single-handedly.

These critics argue that such portrayals unintentionally minimize the agency of the marginalized students and place the credit of such transformation solely in the hands of the white teacher, thereby undermining the effort, struggle, and resilience of the students themselves.

Lack of Attention to Systemic Fix

A few critics voiced out that the film focuses heavily on the narrative of a single class and the adversities they overcome under the guidance of Ms. Gruwell, overlooking the broader issue of system-wide failures in education. Critics argue that the movie does not present a solution to the bigger and more pressing problem of the failing public education system.

Sensationalism

“ Freedom Writers ,” despite being based on a true story, has faced criticism for indulging in dramatic license. Critics say that the film leans on sensationalism to draw the audience’s empathy and interest, thus blurring the line between fact and fiction.

Despite such criticism, one cannot deny that “Freedom Writers” has struck a chord with many viewers, educators, and students alike. It brings to light the power of innovative teaching and the profound impact it can have on students living through violence and adversity. While keeping in mind the criticism, it is essential to watch “Freedom Writers” as a testament to the power of sheer determination, resilience, and compassion in the face of struggle. The criticism surrounding the movie provides another compelling reason to watch “Freedom Writers,” engaging in a critical analysis of the systemic issues beyond the storyline.

The Cast of “Freedom Writers”:

Hilary Swank as Erin Gruwell

A two-time Academy Award winner, Hilary Swank received significant acclaim for her performance in Freedom Writers. In her role as teacher Erin Gruwell, Swank navigates a broad emotional spectrum, transitioning from an optimistic and naive educator to a determined mentor who drives her students to achieve their fullest potential. Hilary Swank has earned her reputation as one of Hollywood’s leading ladies, with notable roles in films like “ Million Dollar Baby ” and “ Boys Don’t Cry .”

Patrick Dempsey as Scott Casey

Patrick Dempsey, famous for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd in the long-running medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” played the part of Scott Casey in “Freedom Writers.” Scott is Erin’s supportive husband who initially shares in her enthusiasm for changing her students’ lives but becomes increasingly frustrated as Erin’s dedication to her job strains their relationship. Dempsey’s overlapping roles in “ Grey’s Anatomy ” and “Freedom Writers” show his convincing portrayal of loving and supportive, yet conflicted characters.

Imelda Staunton as Margaret Campbell

The film also stars Imelda Staunton, renowned for her role as Professor Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter series. She plays the character Margaret Campbell, the head of department at Wilson High School who clashes with Erin over her unconventional teaching methods and deviation from the school’s curriculum. Staunton’s performance in this role adds depth to the narrative and challenges the protagonist and viewers to consider the bureaucracy often present in educational systems.

April Lee Hernández as Eva Benitez

Perhaps one of the most notable performances in “Freedom Writers” comes from April Lee Hernández, who plays Eva Benitez – a Hispanic girl with gang affiliations. Her powerful portrayal of a troubled student stuck between loyalty to her gang and the aspiration for a better life showcases the circumstances many students in such situations face. April is a poet and actress and her work outside the film industry also includes being an advocate against domestic violence.

Jason Finn as Marcus

Jason Finn plays Marcus, one of the students who evolves the most during the film. His character grows from a quiet, reserved student to one who actively participates in classroom discussions and becomes an enthusiastic learner. His character showcases a transition from a tragic past life to one that holds hope and promise, thus amplifying the emotional depth of the film.

The Enthralling Trailer of “Freedom Writers”: An Insightful Sneak Peek

“Freedom Writers” is more than a film. It’s a reflection of society. A catalyst for change. It’s a beacon of hope, not just for those who are a part of the education system, but for anyone with a dream to make the world a better place. The characters’ evolution, the captivating storyline, and the impactful performances of the cast make watching “Freedom Writers” not just a visual treat, but an illuminating journey of perspective.

By taking the viewer into the heart of societal ripples, this film manages to perpetuate the discourse on race, resilience, and education. Each of its subtleties serves as a reminder and an inspiration, demonstrating both the challenges and the possibilities we face in an evolving society. Indeed, “Freedom Writers” continues to resonate in the minds of its audience even years after its release.

In essence, the movie teaches us life-affirming lessons about understanding, compassion, and the power of resilience. With its potent depiction of strength in adversity, “ Freedom Writers ” is a film that demands to be seen. The introduction to the review stated, watch “Freedom Writers,” and as we end, we reiterate – give “Freedom Writers” a watch, not just as a cinematic piece but as a social mirror and catalyst for change.

drama education Freedom Writers Hilary Swank Inspirational Movie Review Patrick Dempsey Social Issues Watch Freedom Writers.

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Movie Review | 'Freedom Writers'

To Ms. With Love: A Teacher’s Heart Fords a Social Divide

By Manohla Dargis

Jan. 5, 2007

As a cinematic subspecies, films about teachers working with throwaway kids tend to follow a predictable arc involving conflict and resolution, smooth beats and bitter tears. Sometimes, as with “Dangerous Minds,” the 1995 film in which Michelle Pfeiffer uses her cheekbones to disarm high school toughs, the results are risible. Sometimes, as with the egregiously offensive “187” (1997), wherein Samuel L. Jackson makes like Charles Bronson with some bad students, it’s an argument for universal home schooling.

“Freedom Writers,” a true story about a white teacher trying to make a difference in a room crammed with black, Latino and Asian high school freshmen, has the makings of another groaner. One worrisome sign is Hilary Swank, the two-time Academy Award winner with the avid smile who recently vamped across screens as a femme fatale in Brian De Palma’s period thriller “The Black Dahlia.” Ms. Swank is an appealing actress of, at least to date, fairly restricted range. In her finest roles — a transgender man in “Boys Don’t Cry,” a boxer in “Million Dollar Baby” — she plays women whose hard-angled limbs and squared jaws never fully obscure a desperate, at times almost embarrassingly naked neediness.

In “Freedom Writers” Ms. Swank uses that neediness to fine effect in a film with a strong emotional tug and smartly laid foundation. She plays Erin Gruwell, who in 1994 was a 23-year-old student teacher assigned to teach freshman English at Wilson High School in Long Beach, Calif.

Twenty-two miles from downtown Los Angeles, this ethnically diverse port city, birthplace of both Bo Derek and Snoop Dogg, is south of Compton (home of N.W.A.), right at the edge of Orange County (home of “The O.C.”). In 1992 the Rodney King riots that rocked Los Angeles spilled into Long Beach; recently the city made news for an alleged hate crime involving black teenagers charged with severely beating three white women.

By the time Erin steps into her classroom, a scant two years after the riots, the climate inside is at once frosty and scorching. Turned out in a cherry-red suit and black pumps, her strand of pearls gleaming as bright as her teeth, Erin cuts an unavoidably awkward, borderline goofy figure.

The students are understandably skeptical, excruciatingly contemptuous. From where they sit, slumped and hunched, some with their backs literally turned away from the front of the room, Erin looks like the stranger she is. She’s an interloper, a do-gooder, a visitor from another planet called Newport Beach, and the class sees through her as if she were glass because the writer and director Richard LaGravenese makes sure that we do too.

Funny how point of view works. If so many films about so-called troubled teenagers come off as little more than exploitation, it’s often because the filmmakers are not really interested in them, just their dysfunction. “Freedom Writers,” by contrast, isn’t only about an amazingly dedicated young teacher who took on two extra jobs to buy supplies for her students (to supplement, as Mr. LaGravenese carefully points out, a $27,000 salary); it’s also, emphatically, about some extraordinary young people. In this respect Mr. LaGravenese, whose diverse writing credits include “The Ref” and “The Bridges of Madison County,” appears to have taken his egalitarian cue from the real Erin Gruwell, who shares author credit with her students in their 1999 book, “The Freedom Writers Diary,” a collection of their journal entries.

Mr. LaGravenese keeps faith with the multiple perspectives in the book, which includes Ms. Gruwell’s voice and those of her students, whose first-person narratives pay witness to the effects of brutalizing violence, dangerous tribal allegiances and institutional neglect. The film pops in on Erin and her increasingly troubled relationship with her husband, Scott (Patrick Dempsey), and there’s a really lovely scene between the two that finds them talking ruefully over a bottle of wine about the divide between fantasy and reality in marriage, a divide one partner tries to bridge and the other walks away from. But while we keep time with Erin, we also listen to the teenagers, several of whom tell their stories in voice-over.

Among the most important of those stories is that of Eva (the newcomer April Lee Hernandez), whose voice is among the first we hear in the film. Through quick flashbacks and snapshot scenes of the present, Eva’s young life unfolds with crushing predictability. From her front steps, this 9-year-old watches as her cousin is gunned down in a drive-by shooting. Later her father is arrested; she’s initiated into a gang. One day, while walking with a friend under the glorious California sun, a couple of guys pull up in a car and start firing in their direction. Eva dodges bullets and embraces violence because she knows nothing else; she hates everyone, including her white teacher, because no one has ever given her a reason not to.

In time Eva stops hating Erin, though the bullets keep coming. It’s a hard journey for both women, one that includes other students, most of whom are played by actors who look too old for their roles and are nonetheless very affecting. None of these actors are outstanding, but two are memorable: the singer Mario, who plays an angry drug dealer, Andre, and another newcomer, Jason Finn, whose big, soft, moon face swells with fury and vulnerability as a homeless teenager named Marcus.

Mr. LaGravenese isn’t a natural-born filmmaker, but he’s a smart screenwriter whose commitment to characters like Marcus makes up for the rough patches in his directing. Like Ms. Swank, who shares the screen comfortably with her younger co-stars, he gives credit where credit is due.

“Freedom Writers” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). There is some gun violence and adult language.

The headline for a film review in Weekend on Friday about “Freedom Writers” misidentified the California city in which the movie is set. It is Long Beach, not Los Angeles.

The listing of credits omitted a producer. Danny DeVito was a producer, along with Stacey Sher and Michael Shamberg.

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Freedom Writers

A young teacher inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves and pursue education beyond high school.
It's 1994 in Long Beach, California. Idealistic Erin Gruwell is just starting her first teaching job, that as freshman and sophomore English teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School, which, two years earlier, implemented a voluntary integration program. For many of the existing teachers, the integration has ruined the school, whose previously stellar academic standing has been replaced with many students who will be lucky to graduate or even be literate. Despite choosing the school on purpose because of its integration program, Erin is unprepared for the nature of her classroom, whose students live by generations of strict moral codes of protecting their own at all cost. Many are in gangs and almost all know somebody that has been killed by gang violence. The Latinos hate the Cambodians who hate the blacks and so on. The only person the students hate more is Ms. Gruwell. It isn't until Erin holds an unsanctioned discussion about a recent drive-by shooting death that she fully begins to understand what she's up against. And it isn't until she provides an assignment of writing a daily journal - which will be not graded, and will remain unread by her unless they so choose - that the students begin to open up to her. As Erin tries harder and harder to have resources provided to teach properly (which often results in her needing to pay for them herself through working second and third jobs), she seems to face greater resistance, especially from her colleagues, such as Margaret Campbell, her section head, who lives by regulations and sees such resources as a waste, and Brian Gelford, who will protect his "priviledged" position of teaching the senior honors classes at all cost. Erin also finds that her teaching job is placing a strain on her marriage to Scott Casey, a man who seems to have lost his own idealistic way in life. — Huggo
A young teacher inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves and pursue education beyond high school. Woodrow Wilson High School is located in Long Beach, California. The school is voluntarily integrated, and it isn't working. The Asians, the blacks, the Latinos, and a very few whites not only don't get along but also stay within their cultural cliques and are part of protective and violent gangs. There isn't much teaching or learning going on at the school. It is a warehouse for young teenagers until they can drop out or are kicked out. — yusufpiskin
The storyline of the movie takes place between 19921995, beginning with scenes from the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. Hilary Swank plays the role of Erin Gruwell, a new, excited schoolteacher who leaves the safety of her hometown, Newport Beach, to teach at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, a formerly high achieving school which has recently had an integration program put in place. Her enthusiasm is quickly challenged when she realizes that her class are all "at-risk" students, also known as "unteachables", and not the eager students she was expecting. The students segregate themselves into racial groups in the classroom, fights break out, and eventually most of the students stop turning up to class. Not only does Gruwell meet opposition from her students, but she also has a hard time with her department head, who refuses to let her teach her students with books in case they get damaged and lost, and instead tells her to focus on teaching them discipline and obedience. One night, two students, Eva (April Lee Hernández), a Hispanic girl and narrator for much of the film, and a Cambodian refugee, Sindy (Jaclyn Ngan), find themselves in the same convenience store. Another student, Grant Rice (Armand Jones) is frustrated at losing an arcade game and demands a refund from the owner. When he storms out, Eva's boyfriend attempts a drive-by shooting, wanting to kill Grant but misses, accidentally killing Sindy's boyfriend. As Eva is a witness, she must testify at court; she intends to protect her own kind in her testimony. At school, Gruwell intercepts a racist drawing of one of her students and uses it to teach them about the Holocaust. She gradually begins to earn their trust and buys them composition books to record their diaries, in which they talk about their experiences of being abused, seeing their friends die, and being evicted. Determined to reform her students, she takes two part-time jobs to pay for more books and spends more time at school, to the disappointment of her husband (Patrick Dempsey). Her students start to behave with respect and learn more. A transformation is especially visible in one of her students, Marcus (Jason Finn). She invites several Holocaust survivors to talk with her class about their experiences and takes them on a field trip to the Museum of Tolerance. Meanwhile, her unorthodox teaching methods are scorned by her colleagues and department chair Margaret Campbell (Imelda Staunton). The next year comes, and Gruwell teaches her class again for sophomore (second) year. In class, when reading The Diary of Anne Frank, they invite Miep Gies (Pat Carroll), the woman who sheltered Anne Frank from the German soldiers to talk to them. After they raise the money to bring her over, she tells them her experiences hiding Anne Frank. When Marcus tells her that she is his hero, she denies it, claiming she was merely doing the right thing. Her denial causes Eva to rethink lying during her testimony. When she testifies, she finally breaks down and tells the truth, much to some of her family members' dismay. Meanwhile, Gruwell asks her students to write their diaries in book form. She compiles the entries and names it The Freedom Writers Diary. Her husband divorces her and Margaret tells her she cannot teach her kids for their junior year. She fights this decision, eventually convincing the superintendent to allow her to teach her kids' junior and senior year. The film ends with a note that Gruwell successfully brought many of her students to graduation and college.

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"Freedom Writers": Summary of the Movie

Category: Entertainment , Literature
Topic: Freedom Writers , Mary Shelley , Movie Review

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