Freedom Writers Review

When Erin Gruwell took up her first job as teacher at Woodrow Wilson in Long
Beach, California, she had no idea that she was about to change the lives of
many. Portrayed by Hilary Swank, she must go to incredible lengths to get
through to her classed, labelled at risk.
At the start, she fails to reach out to her students, who are too caught up in
racial conflict to focus on education. In fact, many of them opt out of school and
decide not to continue. Its up to the idealist teacher to put a stop to this.
She has high ideals. At the start, she saysI think the real fighting should happen
here in the classroom. She goes through damaging her personal life, constantly
being looked down upon by her seniors and her father, having to do three extra
jobs, and being shut out by her students.
Freedom Writers is a tale for those that seek to make a difference. Be it any
field: technology, literature, activism etc., Erin Gruwells story is one that is
meant to inspire all. It is remarkable how one can be so determined in the midst
of such crippling negativity.
The movie, directed by Richard Lagravenese, is very inspiring and motivational.
However, it may, for some viewers, turn a bit boring due to the fact it is not your
typical film. Personally, I enjoyed it, but it may not be for everyone. There wasnt
very much playing with your emotion, except towards the end when Ms.
Gruwell has to face the Board of Education to let her do something that isnt
usually allowed and one student faces an extremely critical choice.
It has gathered acclaim from many people and has affected many. The
cinematography is amazing in the way that suspense is built and how every
event is linked together. The cast do an amazing job in conveying all of their
attitudes. We get to see inside the mind of every student, which is excellent as
we get to do that in the book as well. We are there to witness every turning
point in each of the students lives, how they feel at any given moment and we
can, consequently, put ourselves into their shoes and view the world from their
perspective. Every single view is justified to a certain extent and we can also see
whether or not it is viable and why so.
The movie is full of choices. The struggle people face everyday between whether
to do this or that. Ultimately, every single event in the movie boils down to one
question: Right or wrong?
This battle is what we all must face frequently in our lives, which is why the
movie is so appealing. We can relate it to our own lives. Maybe our battle isnt
as drastic as theirs, or maybe it is more, but to some degree, we have to face
that, and find a solution, which is not always easy.
But thats what makes our lives special. It isnt taking place according to a
predefined script. It is random, forever-changing and unpredictable. And the
freedom writers lives are a great example of that. They went from being
uncivilised social outcasts to literate and honourable people.
Some may not like certain aspects of the movie, but what drives the movie
throughout is the soul behind it, not the technicalities or the specifics. The fact
that a real person could do all that, something virtually impossible at the time ,
has to be credited.
So in conclusion, I think that this movie is a very good portrayal of inter-racial
tension at the particular time and the plot itself is very inspiring. I would
definitely recommend it. Apart from some mature content, there arent many
reasons not to watch it.
You may love it or hate it, but thats just ones opinion. What I request is you
give it a fair chance and then feel free to express your opinions. After all we
cant completely agree with each other.
But in my opinion it is a very good movie and I personally really enjoyed it. I
sincerely hope you like it as well.

By:
Umer Shakeel Raja
Submitted to:
Mr Harris