Movies about dedicated teachers who change the lives of troubled kids are a hardy if often uninspired cinematic breed, so it's no surprise that this latest example should feel so familiar. Based on the memoir by Erin Gruwell, director Richard LaGravenese's Freedom Writers tells the story of enthusiastic but naïve English instructor Gruwell's work at an inner-city high school, where she awakens the innate talents of her initially hostile multiracial class by requiring them to keep personal journals and introducing them to oppression in the wider world (specifically, the Holocaust—which is brought alive through field trips to a museum and reading Anne Frank's famous diary). Despite obstacles ranging from skeptical burnt-out colleagues to violence on the mean streets, Gruwell's tactics result in amazing success. Freedom Writers obviously treads well-worn territory, but it's hard not to be affected by scenes such as the one in which Miep Gies (Pat Carroll), the woman who helped hide the Frank family, visits the school to meet with the class. In addition, the film boasts a likable cast, including Hilary Swank as Gruwell, a troupe of personable youngsters as her charges, and Grey's Anatomy's Patrick Dempsey as her significant other. As far as classroom triumph movies go, Freedom Writers is neither the best nor the worst, but on the basis of good intentions alone it can be chalked up as a strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary with director Richard LaGravenese and star Hilary Swank, a “Freedom Writers Family” cast featurette (20 min.), 11 minutes of deleted scenes, “The Story Behind the Story” (10 min.), a six-minute “Making ‘A Dream'” making-of featurette on the Common song from the soundtrack (6 min.), a photo gallery and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an inspiring if familiar film.] (F. Swietek)
This titled is included in our list of inspiring movies for teachers.