One of my favorite movies when I was in high school, and something I would highly recommend. Based on a true story and released in 2007, Freedom Writers showed how many from different cultures may have similar backgrounds and how one teacher truly could make a difference. Spoilers ahead. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.
In 1994 Woodrow Wilson Classical High School has been struggling with their students. Many are juvenile delinquents and/or in gangs. New English teacher Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) starts off eager to teach, but soon realizes her students do not respect her, nor will she be getting help from her peers who tell her instead of teaching them about Anne Frank or The Odyssey to teach them about obedience. Taking matters into her own hands Gruwell challenges her students starting with the Holocaust. As she begins to gain their trust and respect Gruwell buys them notebooks to write in every day about anything they want. Having taken on two part time jobs to buy supplies puts a strain on her marriage Scott (Patrick Dempsey) and her unique methods anger her superior Margaret Campbell (Imelda Staunton). Meanwhile the film also focuses on some of the students such as Eva (April Lee Hernandez), Marcus (Jason Finn) Andre (Mario) and others. About as far as I can go without spoiling.
I watched this film in high school and once again fell in love with writing. Seeing the students write about their stories and grow not just as writers but as human beings is something I absolutely loved about this movie. Swank is one of the finest actresses today and she shined just as bright in this film; showing how tough, strong and compassionate the real life Gruwell is. I felt everything the characters were going though, yes I am well aware that maybe everything may not have happened but I’m not 100% sure. I would call this a must see not only for high school students, but for writers. Even if you are neither a writer or in high school, this film is pretty awesome and I would say put in on a must watch list.
Films or Television Worth Watching 