Zip.ca - Freedom Writers

Password:

Forgot Password?

Email Address:
Remember Me

You are here: Home > Browse DVDs > Freedom Writers

BROWSE DVDS

Zip.ca Rating

Available in:

Cast:

Directed By:

Freedom Writers

Our Story Our Words

A first-year high school teacher (Hilary Swank) inspires her class of at-risk students to learn about tolerance and pursue education beyond high school.

Based on the book by Erin Gruwell.

Member Reviews

Not the Usual Feel-Good Movie - CynCanada

This was a feel-good movie in spite of elements not normally found in "feel-good" movies - such as the main character's husband divorcing her and no end-of-the-movie "hollywood" reconciliation ... it was what it was as is life so often. I was not a big fan of Hilary Swank - until now. She did an EXCELLENT job of portraying the teacher. I highly recommend this movie.

Drama - moviemonger

Erin Gruwell (Hillary Swank) is a first time teacher and is very enthusiastic about the job which requires her to teach a class of cross cultural students who are culturally misaligned and not very tolerant. From day one she gets a taste of what is to follow as she struggles to get the attention of the class. She tries to get help from the principal and other teachers in the school to help resolve the situation and get the students interested in studies. She is in for a rude shock as she finds that the teachers
despise the very fact that these students have been thrust upon the school by the government and want the experiment to fail. Cut from all support, Erin decides to get her own methods to effect a change in the lives of the students. Does her methods pay off? Do the students change? Check out this inspiring movie based on a true story for the details. From the moment Hillary Swank walks into the classroom, I was completely lost in the movie and only got out when the movie came to an end and food was served in the flight. The story was a real touching one and the way Erin goes about her business with conviction and without any real support from the real world is joy to see. The performance of Hillary Swank in the title role is bound to win a lot of accolades for the actresses. When the Oscar lots are drawn for
this year, I expect her to be amongst the favorites. Her depiction of controlled emotions as well as desperation makes the whole movie all
the more realistic and the calmness with which she handles both her personal and professional problems is quite inspiring. But, what struck me more striking in the movie was the performance
of the kids. Each kid in the movie has given a very strong performance and has managed to look convincing and realistic.

A Powerful Movie With Truly Interesting Content - revsdd

This whole concept (underdog overcomes, and the focus on the person who helps them overcome) has begun to feel stale and tired, because it's been overdone, but I have to concede that this movie is a powerful demonstration that if it's well done, it can still be very effective. An idealistic young teacher goes into a class of troubled students and makes a difference! Yeah, it's a true story but we've seen it before. And yet, it works very well. It works so well partly because of Hilary Swank. I had my doubts. Her work has generally not overwhelmed me, but she did a good job with this part. I thought she captured the essence of teacher Erin Gruwell - idealistic at first, frustrated and confused when she finds out how difficult this class is going to be, and then fiercely determined as she makes a plan to help the class and refuses to back down under pressure. I liked her plan. That was what gave this movie the edge it would have lacked if it had just been a copy of all the others like it. Her decision to challenge the gang mindset of the class by comparing it to Nazism, and using the Diary of Ann Frank as a teaching tool that got into the kids' heads was fascinating. The use of real Holocaust survivors was moving, and, while she was played by Pat Carroll, the story of Miep Gies, who hid Ann Frank, was well used.

It was also effective to see the classroom as a microcosm of the larger problem - as the city was divided into racial groups who loathed and feared each other, so was the classroom. The lone white student who had no friends or allies and therefore had to fear everyone was especially haunting. The growing bond between the students and the breaking down of the barriers was perhaps portrayed a bit too quickly and easily, but still made the point that barriers can be broken down. There was also an effective critique of an education system that prefers to give up on its troubled kids rather than actually educate them. It's a powerful film.

Member Reviews Read All...

Not the Usual Feel-Good Movie - CynCanada

Drama - moviemonger

A Powerful Movie With Truly Interesting Content - revsdd

START YOUR 1 MONTH

FREE TRIAL TODAY!

Or, reactivate your existing account.

Email Address*
Re-Enter Email Address*
Enter Password*
Re-Enter Password*
Redeem Code