Freedom Writers
Based on the true story of Erin Gruwell (a steely Hilary Swank), a first time teacher in California who inspired her racially divided students to overcome the racism, violence, homelessness and abuse in their lives. It's set shortly after the LA riots.
Interestingly, the story is taken from the actual journals of the students and the actors playing them are largely first time actors.
- Director:
- Richard LaGravenese (A Decade Under the Influence)
- Writer:
- Richard LaGravenese
- Cast:
- Hilary SwankPatrick DempseyScott GlennImelda StauntonApril L. HernandezMario
Reviews & comments
Another in the long line of "battling the odds" teachers, but
definitly worth seeing. You do get the feeling you've seen it all before as this, another in a long line of teacher beats the system" films. Again, based on fact Hilary Swank give a convincing performance. As do all the supporting actors, particularly the students.
Swank lifts to Excellence
Report Card: Assignment: A film on a true-life American teacher who inspired her no-hoper class to achieve big-time, by making works like "Diary of Anne FRank" relevant to them and by inspiring them to write journals on their street-scarred lives - hence the "Freedom Writers" Grades: Acting: Excellence. Hilary SWank is thoughtful, impassioned, touching -...
Variety
pressIt takes the bold approach of being earnest, honest and unafraid to be called naive. As a result, it's extremely affecting...
The New York Times
pressIn Freedom Writers Hilary Swank uses neediness to fine effect in a film with a strong emotional tug and smartly laid foundation...
Hollywood Reporter
pressThe film is both too short and too long at two hours-plus. Not enough time is spent with the teens and far too much with their teacher...
San Francisco Chronicle
pressOverall Freedom Writers is a noble effort. At a time when New Year's resolutions to change already are falling by the wayside, you can't help but be moved by a group of young people who followed through on their resolve...
New Zealand Herald
pressFreedom Writers is a cross between Michelle Pfeiffer's Dangerous Minds and the documentary Paper Clips, about an American High School's Holocaust project. Although this feel-good drama sounds like something you've seen before, it's a story worth seeing again...
Empire Magazine
pressDespite solid work from the engaging cast, there’s nothing new here to distinguish Freedom Writers as anything beyond a C+...
BBC
pressFreedom Writers has its inspiring moments - especially given the true story - and some tense, dramatic scenes amid the speedy montages of confusing gang action. Swank's performance helps the medicine go down, too, making this a pleasant watch despite its indulgent length and sketchy characters...
Variety
pressIt takes the bold approach of being earnest, honest and unafraid to be called naive. As a result, it's extremely affecting...
The New York Times
pressIn Freedom Writers Hilary Swank uses neediness to fine effect in a film with a strong emotional tug and smartly laid foundation...
Hollywood Reporter
pressThe film is both too short and too long at two hours-plus. Not enough time is spent with the teens and far too much with their teacher...
San Francisco Chronicle
pressOverall Freedom Writers is a noble effort. At a time when New Year's resolutions to change already are falling by the wayside, you can't help but be moved by a group of young people who followed through on their resolve...
New Zealand Herald
pressFreedom Writers is a cross between Michelle Pfeiffer's Dangerous Minds and the documentary Paper Clips, about an American High School's Holocaust project. Although this feel-good drama sounds like something you've seen before, it's a story worth seeing again...
Empire Magazine
pressDespite solid work from the engaging cast, there’s nothing new here to distinguish Freedom Writers as anything beyond a C+...
BBC
pressFreedom Writers has its inspiring moments - especially given the true story - and some tense, dramatic scenes amid the speedy montages of confusing gang action. Swank's performance helps the medicine go down, too, making this a pleasant watch despite its indulgent length and sketchy characters...
Another in the long line of "battling the odds" teachers, but
definitly worth seeing. You do get the feeling you've seen it all before as this, another in a long line of teacher beats the system" films. Again, based on fact Hilary Swank give a convincing performance. As do all the supporting actors, particularly the students.
Swank lifts to Excellence
Report Card: Assignment: A film on a true-life American teacher who inspired her no-hoper class to achieve big-time, by making works like "Diary of Anne FRank" relevant to them and by inspiring them to write journals on their street-scarred lives - hence the "Freedom Writers" Grades: Acting: Excellence. Hilary SWank is thoughtful, impassioned, touching...
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