Freedom Writers (Jersey Films)

Cornedbeef · 12-29-2006, 09:03 AM

http://www.hollywood.com/

Fresh–faced, idealistic twenty–three–year–old Erin Gruwell is ready to take on the world as she steps inside Wilson High School for her first day of teaching. Her class, a diverse group of racially charged teenagers from different walks of life--African Americans, Latinos, Asians, juvenile delinquents, gang members, and underprivileged students from poor neighborhoods--hope for nothing more than to make it through the day. On the surface, the only thing they share is their hatred for each other and the understanding that they are simply being warehoused in the educational system until they are old enough to disappear. Despite her students’ obstinate refusal to participate during class, Erin tries various means to engage them on a daily basis. But then ghetto reality steps in to focus the picture. A racially motivated gang shooting witnessed by a Latina gang member in Erin’s class, and an an ugly racial cartoon that Erin intercepts during class, become the most unwittingly dynamic teaching aids. They spark a transformation in the classroom, compel them to listen and force her to take off her idealistic blinders and take in the kids’ survival stories of their undeclared war on the streets. Erin begins to connect with them. She brings in music from the ‘Hood, and literature from another kind of ghetto, The Diary of Anne Frank, and with these simple tools she opens her students’ eyes to the experiences of those suffering intolerance throughout the world and the struggles of those outside their own communities. Knowing that every one of her students has a story to tell, Erin encourages them to keep a daily journal of their thoughts and experiences. After sharing their stories with one another, the students see their shared experience for the first time and open up to the idea that there are possibilities in life outside of making it to the age of eighteen.

Director Credit
Richard LaGravenese Director

Cast Credit
Hilary Swank Erin Gruwell
Imelda Staunton
Scott Glenn Steve
Mario Barrett Andre
Robert Wisdom
William Morales Paco
Patrick Dempsey Scott
Kristin Herrera Gloria
April L Hernandez Eva
Jason Finn Marcus
Hunter Parrish Ben

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JLuvs · 12-30-2006, 02:20 AM

At my first teaching conference about three years ago I was able to listen to Erin Gruwell, as she was the main speaker. If the movie is half as inspirational as the book it will be excellent.

Toby · 01-03-2007, 06:37 PM

This movie looks really good - I saw a promo for it over the weekend, and Hillary Swank was talking about it on The View today (the real teacher was on too). It was all very inspirational and cool sounding. I'm very interested now. Can't wait to check the movie out next week. Should I read the book before I see it?

**fluff** · 01-03-2007, 08:36 PM

I really like Hillary Swank, so this would likely be on my list of possibilities even if I didn't think it was a fantastic story.
I saw Swank and Ellen Gruwell on The View today and that, along with clips of the movie I've seen make me definitely want to see this movie.

Krom · 01-03-2007, 10:51 PM

Swank playing 23 is the biggest stretch. The rest? We shall see...

Toby · 01-04-2007, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fluff

I really like Hillary Swank, so this would likely be on my list of possibilities even if I didn't think it was a fantastic story.
I saw Swank and Ellen Gruwell on The View today and that, along with clips of the movie I've seen make me definitely want to see this movie.

I know - the more I see of the real people that really lived this stuff the more I want to see it. It's just such a great story. I'm glad they decided to make a movie out of it.

Here's the Variety review, they say some really nice things about the movie, and Hilary especially: http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117...ryid=1263&cs=1

JLuvs · 01-07-2007, 07:39 PM

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant movie. It included both the teacher's journey and the student's journeys in such a way that I didn't notice what was missing from the book. Any teacher should go and see this movie, definitely, but I would recommend it to anyone with no doubts.

Graduater · 01-14-2007, 04:19 AM

I saw an extended preview of this on MTV, and it was shockingly dramatic. Great use of mid-90s hip-hop music, great pacing, realistic acting, and of course compelling storytelling. I hope the whole movie is as good as the little clip I saw.

katgib13 · 04-28-2007, 12:11 AM

I just watched this movie and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. The only thing that bothered me was the kids were supposed to be 14 and 15 and they all looked like they were at least 25. That drives me nuts. There are so many younger actors out there, they should use them. Other than that, I really liked the movie and the message behind it.

Johnsonator · 05-06-2007, 12:14 PM

I'm really wanting to rent this, it looks like it would be a good movie.

12-29-2006, 09:03 AM	#1
Cornedbeef FORT Fogey Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: The Twilight Zone Posts: 1,652	Freedom Writers (Jersey Films) http://www.hollywood.com/ Fresh–faced, idealistic twenty–three–year–old Erin Gruwell is ready to take on the world as she steps inside Wilson High School for her first day of teaching. Her class, a diverse group of racially charged teenagers from different walks of life--African Americans, Latinos, Asians, juvenile delinquents, gang members, and underprivileged students from poor neighborhoods--hope for nothing more than to make it through the day. On the surface, the only thing they share is their hatred for each other and the understanding that they are simply being warehoused in the educational system until they are old enough to disappear. Despite her students’ obstinate refusal to participate during class, Erin tries various means to engage them on a daily basis. But then ghetto reality steps in to focus the picture. A racially motivated gang shooting witnessed by a Latina gang member in Erin’s class, and an an ugly racial cartoon that Erin intercepts during class, become the most unwittingly dynamic teaching aids. They spark a transformation in the classroom, compel them to listen and force her to take off her idealistic blinders and take in the kids’ survival stories of their undeclared war on the streets. Erin begins to connect with them. She brings in music from the ‘Hood, and literature from another kind of ghetto, The Diary of Anne Frank, and with these simple tools she opens her students’ eyes to the experiences of those suffering intolerance throughout the world and the struggles of those outside their own communities. Knowing that every one of her students has a story to tell, Erin encourages them to keep a daily journal of their thoughts and experiences. After sharing their stories with one another, the students see their shared experience for the first time and open up to the idea that there are possibilities in life outside of making it to the age of eighteen. Director Credit Richard LaGravenese Director Cast Credit Hilary Swank Erin Gruwell Imelda Staunton Scott Glenn Steve Mario Barrett Andre Robert Wisdom William Morales Paco Patrick Dempsey Scott Kristin Herrera Gloria April L Hernandez Eva Jason Finn Marcus Hunter Parrish Ben

12-30-2006, 02:20 AM	#2
JLuvs RENThead Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Commuting for Work Posts: 4,580	At my first teaching conference about three years ago I was able to listen to Erin Gruwell, as she was the main speaker. If the movie is half as inspirational as the book it will be excellent. __________________ Whenever you see darkness, there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter. -Bono

01-03-2007, 06:37 PM	#3
Toby FORT Fogey Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Virginia Age: 27 Posts: 1,248	This movie looks really good - I saw a promo for it over the weekend, and Hillary Swank was talking about it on The View today (the real teacher was on too). It was all very inspirational and cool sounding. I'm very interested now. Can't wait to check the movie out next week. Should I read the book before I see it? __________________ "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Benjamin Franklin.

01-03-2007, 10:51 PM	#5
Krom Fool... but no pity. Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 19,999	Swank playing 23 is the biggest stretch. The rest? We shall see... __________________ For the funniest T Commercial Ever? -- YOUTUBE Search for the phrase Mr. T: The "T" in I.T.

01-07-2007, 07:39 PM	#7
JLuvs RENThead Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Commuting for Work Posts: 4,580	Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant movie. It included both the teacher's journey and the student's journeys in such a way that I didn't notice what was missing from the book. Any teacher should go and see this movie, definitely, but I would recommend it to anyone with no doubts. __________________ Whenever you see darkness, there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter. -Bono

01-03-2007, 08:36 PM	#4
fluff Why can't we just rewind? Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 41,811	I really like Hillary Swank, so this would likely be on my list of possibilities even if I didn't think it was a fantastic story. I saw Swank and Ellen Gruwell on The View today and that, along with clips of the movie I've seen make me definitely want to see this movie.

01-14-2007, 04:19 AM	#8
Graduater FORT Newbie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5	I saw an extended preview of this on MTV, and it was shockingly dramatic. Great use of mid-90s hip-hop music, great pacing, realistic acting, and of course compelling storytelling. I hope the whole movie is as good as the little clip I saw.

04-28-2007, 12:11 AM	#9
katgib13 Go Dick and Dani! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ohio Age: 36 Posts: 1,514	Re: Freedom Writers (Jersey Films) I just watched this movie and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. The only thing that bothered me was the kids were supposed to be 14 and 15 and they all looked like they were at least 25. That drives me nuts. There are so many younger actors out there, they should use them. Other than that, I really liked the movie and the message behind it.

05-06-2007, 12:14 PM	#10
Johnsonator FORT Fogey Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Grayson Age: 18 Posts: 2,015	Re: Freedom Writers (Jersey Films) I'm really wanting to rent this, it looks like it would be a good movie.