OVERVIEW OF THE MOVIE

I started browsing for any titles about writing recently. I even visit my local video store looking for titles related to writers, writings or similar subject until I came across with this movie, Freedom Writers. I was hooked by the title and a bit intrigue with what this movie all about. To satisfy my curiosity, I immediately grab a copy. Applying new tips learned about writing a movie review, I did watch the movie couple of times first before actually started my review draft. Jotting down my observation, taglines and reaction while watching the movie is not my usual habit but for the sake of getting a clearer picture of the details, I did it as suggested.

Anyway, let me take you a closer look at the movie. If you’ve seen Robin William’s movie, Dead Poet’s Society , I must say that Freedom Writers is the modern version of it . Setting of the story was similar; such as the transference reaction between the teacher – student relationship or vice versa, were obliviously noticeable in both.

Freedom Writers narrates the true story of high school teacher Erin Grunell (Hilary Swank), who miraculously helped out her disinterested students to start a crucial turning point in their lives. Though she was inexperienced, her genuine love and passion for teaching was her greatest gut. Erin or Miss G to her students was a freshman English teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School at Long Beach back in early 90’s. Racial discrimination has been the major issue around this place. Majority, if not all of her students are exposed to such kind of racial conflict that resulted lost lives of their friends and families. Growing up with this kind of environment, students find refuge by joining gangs; segregate themselves according to their own race, seeking protection and survival. Ms. G witnessed all these things.

But not only was that she disrespectfully hated by her student for being “white”, she also encountered opposition from her subordinate, school principal Margaret Campbell (Imelda Stauton). She was suppose to be seeking support to find better approach to make her students get interested to learn, but instead, Ms Campbell pointed out that teaching students to obey is much of their concern. Since these students neglect education and was only forced to attend classes, giving them learning materials such as books, is just a waste of resources.

OPINION/VIEWS AND OBSERVATION

STORY

I have no idea that such stories on racial conflict still happened until the 90s. Though it is obviously not be a good story, but how it is presented in this film is an excellent and inspiring lament of the event. The message in the lives of Erin Grunell and her students are clearly conferred and will reminisce throughout time. For me it doesn’t matter if the story was presented on the lighter side or has been exaggerated a bit. On the brighter side is, the lesson and influence that Erin Grunell inculcates in the young minds of her students, slowly breaking down the wall dividing the conflicting races.

SIGNIFICANT CHARACTERS

Hilary Swank did a remarkable portrayal as Erin Grunell. I was really convinced seeing her to be a school teacher. I have seen her first time in the movie “Million Dollar Baby”, and no doubt that her acting caliber is worthy enough to be recognize and rewarded as best.

The actors who portrays as students of Erin did an exemplary performance in this movie. Too many to mention them but I guess you will notice that once you’ve seen the film.

Imelda Staunton as Margaret Campbell, the school principal also did a remarkable job as antagonist for Erin who always questions her unorthodox teaching method. She’s really a good actress too because I didn’t fail to notice her facial expression and delivery of her dialogues to be really convincing.

Grey’s Anatomy actor, Patrick Dempsey , playing the role of Erin’s husband Scott Casey did consistent fine acting as always.

DIRECTION/SCREENPLAY

I observed that the delivery of scripts is executed really well. There are a lot of a dialogues and discussions all throughout the scenes but each of the characters is given its own distinct shining moment in story. I like how Richard LaGravenese directs the beginning of the movie starting with overview of related events with gives me a hint of the setting in the story. I think actual footages of racial tensions were used.

SOUNDTRACK/MUSIC

Background music are mostly hip hop song from famous hip hop artist like Tupac Shakur, will.i.am, Mark Isham and Talib Kweli, Common, and others. From the movie intro to the background song and to the teaching method, hip hop music was used. I remember that even the song lyric of Tupac has been used by Ms. G as teaching material in her class. Soundtrack songs are I think was appropriately chosen in harmony with the story.

CONCLUSION
The greatest characteristic of Ms. G is that is her persistence. She find ways to be able to connect and reach out the needs of her student. She even took another two jobs just to raise money to be able to buy books and other learning materials for her students. She immerses herself and tries to dig deeper into root cause of the problem by providing creative learning class activities. Until she realized that each of the students have their own stories to tell. With that, she encourages them to write daily journal of their thought and experiences in whatever means of writing they wanted it to be presented. Slowly they become a family to each other. As a result, The Freedom Writers Diary was written in which this movie was based.

Erin Grunell is an effective educator, passionate leader, a good example to look up to. Such a remarkable character! I want to quote a bit of Erin’s dialogue in the movie, which I think would exemplify more of her character. This was her statement:
“I finally realized what I’m supposed to be doing and I love it. When I’m helping these kids makes sense of their lives, everything about my life make sense to me…”

The movie is excellently done over-all. Not much special effects yet the thrill was present as the story goes. The message of the movie was clear and intact without leaving the viewers puzzling plot. Instead, the story was presented plain and simple. I somewhat felt like watching a documentary than just setting on my couch for entertainment. Heart-warming and unforgettable movie after all. I certainly won’t think twice recommending it.

MISCELLANEOUS (DVD Details)

Studio: Paramount
Release Date: April 17, 2007
Run Time: 122 minutes
DVD Features: Deleted Scenes, Making 'A Dream', Freedom Writers Family, Freedom Writers: The Story Behind the Story, Theatrical Trailer and Photo Gallery
RATINGS

Yahoo Movie Critics – B, Yahoo Users – B+ , Rotten Tomatoes – 69% , IMDB – 7.6/10

I also posted this review at ciao.com

Have a great day!