Half Nelson
Dan Dunne (Ryan Gosling), an idealistic Brooklyn junior high school teacher, inspires his students to examine everything from civil rights to the Civil War with a new enthusiasm. Rejecting the standard curriculum in favor of an edgier approach, Dan teaches his students how change works on both a historical and personal scale.
Though Dan can get it together in the classroom, he spends his time after school on the edge of consciousness. Dealing with a serious drug habit, Dan juggles hangovers and homework, keeping his lives precariously separated until one of his troubled students, Drey (Shareeka Epps), catches him getting high after school.
Member Reviews
Underrated - RobBC
Fleck firmly avoids the cinematic hyperbole inherent in these types of films; there are no healing hugs, 12-step platitudes or tearful trips to rehab. Instead we see two fully realized human beings who, despite their vastly different backgrounds, are drawn to each other’s pain for reasons entirely their own. Using naturalistic dialogue, handheld camerawork and a funky score, Fleck gives his film an unpolished street-level authenticity further enhanced by some amazing performances. The film does falter somewhat when it tries to ramp up the dramatic irony. A series of classroom lectures on the importance of “change” and “turning points” in respect to history (usually delivered while hungover) are glaring examples of this as are the historical asides delivered by various students; the narrative relevance between covert CIA atrocities and Dunne’s own self-deception is tenuous at best. And a strategically placed “stars’n’stripes” bandaid is pure overkill. Still, this is one of the more engrossing character-driven dramas I’ve seen in years. Ryan Gosling and Shareeka Epps play off one another beautifully while their final scene, if not exactly uplifting, at least hints at the possibility of mutual salvation.Impressive - brad2332
This movie isn't going to be for everyone. There aren't really very many 'bad' people or 'good' people in this movie. I think I would have enjoyed this more if that wasn't the case. All the same I can respect the acting, as it seemed very real. However, I found the movie to be a little slow, and just not for me. A little too depressing of a movie in the end.Excellent performances - new2zip
Ryan Gosling's performance in Half Nelson is powerful and magnetic, and Shareeka Epps is excellent as well. I enjoyed this movie's exploration of conflicted, complex people struggling in their own skin. It questions stereotypes challenges the viewer in holding back on explanations.
Member Reviews
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Underrated - RobBC
Fleck firmly avoids the cinematic hyperbole inherent in these types of films; there are no healing hugs, 12-step platitudes or tearful trips to rehab. Instead we see two fully realized human beings who, despite their vastly different backgrounds, are drawn ...Impressive - brad2332
This movie isn't going to be for everyone. There aren't really very many 'bad' people or 'good' people in this movie. I think I would have enjoyed this more if that wasn't the case. All the same I can respect the acting, as it seemed very real. However, I ...Excellent performances - new2zip
Ryan Gosling's performance in Half Nelson is powerful and magnetic, and Shareeka Epps is excellent as well. I enjoyed this movie's exploration of conflicted, complex people struggling in their own skin. It questions stereotypes challenges the viewer in holding ...