Soppy movie with soul
The true story of a teacher who encourages her students in Los Angeles to write about their hopes and fears, Freedom Writers may be corny, but compelling performances by Hilary Swank and the brilliant young cast more than make up for the schmaltz.
Swank is a great actor - but only in roles that are tailor-made for her. The role of Erin Gruwell, a rookie teacher assigned to an ethnically diverse high school, suits Swank's steely streak.
When the idealistic Gruwell steps into the classroom and faces her cynical students, you know Swank is onto a winner.
But the movie isn't a one-man show. Rather than just focusing on the white teacher's saintly character, director Richard LaGravenese fleshes out several of the students' characters to make sure the young voices - whether in angry protest against social injustice or helpless cries for help - are heard.
As the story unfolds, and Gruwell is gradually accepted by her students, her personal life collapses. Her husband, played by Patrick Dempsey, finds his life taking a backseat to Gruwell's lofty goals. In a heart-breaking scene, the couple agrees to divorce over a glass of wine.
The movie is unabashedly sentimental, but it has enough passion to touch our souls.
Freedom Writers is now available on DVD
