Freedom Writers (Full Screen Edition) | Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey

Freedom Writers (Full Screen Edition) | Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey | True Story

DVDs:

Freedom Writers (F...

	Freedom Writers (Full Screen Edition) Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey Paramount, 2007 average customer review:based on 106 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Hilary Swank stars in this story about a teacher in a racially divided school who gives her students what they ve always needed - a voice. Swank plays Erin Gruwell the real-life teacher at Long Beach s Wilson High who inspired her students to overcome the gangs that divided them and the education system that forgot them. Based on the book The Freedom Writers Diary and supported by a cast of first-time actors who drew from their actual experiences on the street Gruwell teaches us all an important lesson about tolerance and trust.System Requirements:Running Time: 122 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: PG - 13 UPC: 097361243245 Manufacturer No: 124324

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Excellent teaching tool

I bought this movie at the request of my husband who had the honor of hearing the main character of the movie (Erin Gruwell) speak recently in Richmond, VA. I work in ministry with at-risk teenagers and the movie speaks directly to their situations. In my case it will become a reference for outreach to "my" kids. The story line is based on Erin Gruwell's experiences teaching inner-city teens that are considered "unteachable." Frankly, that seems to be the story of so many teachers in today's public school system. In MY ministry I have to "meet them where they are" ...meaning that I have to get on level with my kids in order to understand them at all. Erin Gruwell did that as well and connected with her kids in a fascinating manner. Acting by all involved is great - don't know that it was acting for everyone. You simply can't act it unless you know it on some level! Hats off to the teens who were part of this ensemble... and of course to Hilary Swank.

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True Story

Watch the "special features/extras" on the DVD, and you'll discover that this is based on a true story. And, Swank and the real teacher met.

Yes, it is another "inspirational teacher makes a difference" movie, but this is one of the better ones of this ilk. Plus, I like them anyway. Having worked with "troubled youth," both as a mentor and as a teacher, I'd say this teacher understood pretty well. Bravo to the teacher for bucking the "system" that would have just passed these kids off as lost causes. There's a bit of each of these kids in all of us, if we'd stop and look.

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Inspiring!

Inspiring performances by the entire cast made this movie sparkle! I didn't know what to expect, frankly I had low hopes. But I love Hilary Swank and it sounded like it could be a different movie, not the same old same old. I loved it! Everyone shone. Very compelling tale. Well done.

Express yourself.

Freedom Writers is a good teacher/student film but jeez don't all these inspirational films seem the same? Hilary Swank plays a very spunky and overally positive English teacher who wants to reach her wayward students through journal writing. Patrick Dempsey also stars as Swank's loving but impatient husband. Dempsey shows he's more than a pretty face, I have always thought he was a great actor. This film is somewhat sugary but it's based on a true story so expect some tears to flow. I highly recommend watching this diamond in the rough, enjoy!

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Inspirational movie

I gave this film only 4 starts because we have seen similar films produced before. If I recall correctly, there was a movie about the math teacher who has produced generation of students in LA public school with the highest score in their SAT exams.This teacher teaches students on how to be proud of themselves in their English class. Her dedication to her teaching and her students comes at the price, but that does not change her determination. Hillary Swank gives nice performance but other support cast of young actors are trying to hard to showcase their talent that certain scenes feel overdone. It is unfortunate to see Patrick Dempsey do another presentation of a "pretty boy" husband who feels left out in his wife's pursuit of rewarding career that does not pay much and does not give much for a family life he craves in a new marriage. Just another inspirational movie that is recomended for teenagers but may be a drag for other types of audiences.

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