Richard LaGravenese won a place in the screenwriters' hall of fame a dozen years ago when he spun gold out of the tinselly novel "The Bridges of Madison County." His source for the inspirational movie "Freedom Writers" is far more inspired -- actual journals of disadvantaged students at a Long Beach high school, who had been encouraged by an inexperienced English teacher to write about the violence and traumas in their lives.Their heartbreaking stories of becoming victims of random shootings and losing friends and family to gunfire and prison terms, published as "The Freedom Writers Diary," are a natural for the screen.
LaGravenese, who also directs, resists the temptation to focus primarily on their idealistic instructor, Erin Gruwell, even though she's played by two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank. This was the mistake of the similarly themed "Dangerous Minds," in which Michelle Pfeiffer's teacher is too much front and center.
"Freedom Writers" switches back and forth from Erin's privileged life to the struggle of her charges, giving the latter more weight, as this is where the drama lies.
Swank, who hasn't always been wise about her choice of roles, felt strongly enough about this one to sign on as executive producer. Nobody does grit better. She adds a layer of steeliness to her portrayal of Erin. Her determination to do things her way is evident early on, when she ignores the advice of a veteran colleague to not wear a pricey pearl necklace to class. Erin shows up in it almost every day, accessorizing a wardrobe more suited to ladies lunches.
Her curriculum also is inordinately correct, discussing Homer's "Odyssey" until a local gang shooting helps her see the urgency of seeking out more relevant subject matter. Soon, the classroom is studying the lyrics of Tupac Shakur and reading "The Diary of Anne Frank" to understand that they are not the only youngsters who were ever under siege. A scene of them meeting with Holocaust victims -- the same concentration camp survivors who spoke with the real freedom writers more than a decade ago -- is particularly poignant.
Rap singer Mario, who's appeared in a few movies, is a standout as Andre, a student headed for trouble after his brother is unjustly sentenced to 15 years. Andre stops showing up for class. When he returns, ready to give up, Erin refuses to let him. Mario matches Swank's powerful emoting as teacher and protege go at it, fighting for Andre's future. Most of his classmates are played by amateurs selected because they could personally relate to their characters' traumas and setbacks. The realism they bring to the roles more than compensates for a lack of acting experience.
The movie is a tad too neatly constructed. The kids fall lockstep under Erin's spell, while in real life there must have been a few dissidents. LaGravenese, whose screenplay credits include "The Fisher King" and "A Little Princess," is a far stronger writer than director. While good with actors, he's yet to master the art of transitioning between scenes.
"Freedom Writers" often feels claustrophobic. Much of the action logically is confined to a classroom. But LaGravenese misses opportunities to capture ghetto neighborhoods by moving the camera quickly indoors.
Erin's problems with her husband are inadequately explained. He quickly goes from being supportive of her efforts to jealous of the time she devotes to her students.
Overall, however, "Freedom Writers" is a noble effort. At a time when New Year's resolutions to change already are falling by the wayside, you can't help but be moved by a group of young people who followed through on their resolve. It's one of the movie who teaches us life lessons . Thanks for sharing this @amiramnoam blessings to you. Keep sharing like this.
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