Half Nelson
Though Dan is brilliant, dynamic, and in control in the classroom, he spends his time outside school on the edge of consciousness. His disappointments and disillusionment have led to a serious drug habit. He juggles his hangovers and his homework, keeping his lives separated, until one of his troubled students, Drey (Shareeka Epps), catches him getting high after school. An uncertain friendship between the two develops.
- Director:
- Ryan Fleck (feature debut)
- Writer:
- Ryan FleckAnna Boden
- Cast:
- Ryan GoslingShareeka EppsAnthony MackieMonique Gabriela CumenKaren ChiltonTina Holmes
Reviews & comments
Anything but depressing
Antoinette called this movie depressing. In reality it is anything but. It is a subtle, yet realistic portrayal of drug addiction and what it takes to change. Half Nelson is simply one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. Not to mention it has great cinematography, outstanding acting, and a brilliant soundtrack. All I can say is go see it....
Village Voice
pressThe audacity of making an inner-city drama in which the white-male authority figure is the crackhead finds its equal in Gosling's already legendary performance, a high-wire act that's gutsiest for its unconscionable charm...
New Zealand Herald
pressAn inspirational teacher picture devoid of the usual pieties is driven by a brilliant performance by Gosling...
Los Angeles Times
pressWhat is different about Half Nelson is the execution, the kind of subtlety in writing, directing and acting (by costars Shareeka Epps and Anthony Mackie as well as Gosling) you seldom see...
Empire Magazine
pressJust wonderful with its offbeat but wholly credible storyline, down-to-earth style and exceptionally fine performances...
Christchurch Press
pressAvoiding the usual cliches of the "inspirational teacher" flick, Half Nelson is a wise, absorbing and refreshingly unsentimental portrait of a student-teacher relationship in the noughties...
BBC
pressWriter/director Ryan Fleck shoots the action in a way that's raw and unsentimental yet brimming with humanity. He examines the everyday exploits of a functioning addict and an apprentice drug dealer with so much absorbing detail that contrived shoot-outs and OD panic scenes aren't necessary to create drama. Instead of preaching, Fleck uses humour to point out hypocrisy. Funny moments spring naturally, like a scene where Drey backchats Mr Dunne and, rather than take the high road, he responds in kind. It takes a while to settle into the rhythm (feeling episodic at first), but Half Nelson soon takes hold with a vice-like grip...
Village Voice
pressThe audacity of making an inner-city drama in which the white-male authority figure is the crackhead finds its equal in Gosling's already legendary performance, a high-wire act that's gutsiest for its unconscionable charm...
New Zealand Herald
pressAn inspirational teacher picture devoid of the usual pieties is driven by a brilliant performance by Gosling...
Los Angeles Times
pressWhat is different about Half Nelson is the execution, the kind of subtlety in writing, directing and acting (by costars Shareeka Epps and Anthony Mackie as well as Gosling) you seldom see...
Empire Magazine
pressJust wonderful with its offbeat but wholly credible storyline, down-to-earth style and exceptionally fine performances...
Christchurch Press
pressAvoiding the usual cliches of the "inspirational teacher" flick, Half Nelson is a wise, absorbing and refreshingly unsentimental portrait of a student-teacher relationship in the noughties...
BBC
pressWriter/director Ryan Fleck shoots the action in a way that's raw and unsentimental yet brimming with humanity. He examines the everyday exploits of a functioning addict and an apprentice drug dealer with so much absorbing detail that contrived shoot-outs and OD panic scenes aren't necessary to create drama. Instead of preaching, Fleck uses humour to point out hypocrisy. Funny moments spring naturally, like a scene where Drey backchats Mr Dunne and, rather than take the high road, he responds in kind. It takes a while to settle into the rhythm (feeling episodic at first), but Half Nelson soon takes hold with a vice-like grip...
Anything but depressing
Antoinette called this movie depressing. In reality it is anything but. It is a subtle, yet realistic portrayal of drug addiction and what it takes to change. Half Nelson is simply one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. Not to mention it has great cinematography, outstanding acting, and a brilliant soundtrack. All I can say is go see it....
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