Freedom Writers

[Michael B. Ross]

My wife and I along with some friends saw Freedom Writers last month. It is excellent! Based on a true story, it tells of a teacher's commitment to education and a particular class in an urban area. Very inspiring.

[Judy Hamilton]

Michael

I loved Freedom Writers

This movie gives this sheltered caucasion american
a glimpse of the struggles our children face daily in
the jungles and
hallways and playgrounds of our secular schools

and as it is true..of note, it was interesting study in human behavior
to note, that just
a bit of extra attention given to the students inspired them
to rise to the level the teacher belived them to be able to achieve

Judy

[Gina Stevenson]

Judy, from reading your review, it sounds like this is a true-to-life story in the realm of literature, just as "Music of the Heart" (think that's the name of it) was about a teacher and what she accomplished with inner city kids using music. That was a good movie, too.

Thanks for the review. 'Will have to rent it sometime.

[Michael B. Ross]

I am not Judy, but it is a true story.

Judy, from reading your review, it sounds like this is a true-to-life story in the realm of literature, just as "Music of the Heart" (think that's the name of it) was about a teacher and what she accomplished with inner city kids using music. That was a good movie, too.

Thanks for the review. 'Will have to rent it sometime.

[Ryan Scott]

I also thought it was well done. I especially appreciated the fact that they didn't gloss over the fact that this work cost this teacher her marriage. There are really struggles and real sacrifices that are made to make a difference. I'm not sure we need to debate the choices she made in this instance to appreciate the level of devotion that I know I could not match.

Solid movie, certainly better than I expected.

[Mike Schutz]

We also really enjoyed it. There is no other plot line that brings my entire family together quite like a story of a teacher.

One line I particularly liked. The father was talking to his daughter and said, "You have been blessed with a burden."

[Jeff Scott]

I saw this movie on a cruise last week and loved it. I have actually visited the museum the teacher takes her students to in the movie. It is called the Museum of Tolerance. It is a lot like the Halocaust Museum in Washington DC, but discusses more than just the Halocaust. If you ever have the chance, it would be a great place to visit.

This movie would be an excellent way to open discussion about diversity issues.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

I thought it was good. I'm still not sure what the big deal is about Hilary Swank. Maybe I still can't forgive her for ruining the Karate Kid series. FR was a worthwhile movie though and I'd also recommend it. I couldn't help but think of the movie Stand and Deliver when I watched it.

[Jeff Scott]

[SIZE="3"]I'm still not sure what the big deal is about Hilary Swank.SIZE]

Yeah, I'll agree here. She wasn't that great in this movie, but neither was some of the screenwriting. She totally couldn't pull off the "My badness" line. As for "The Next Karate Kid", it was a terrible movie but I came away liking Miss Swank. However, I don't think it had anything to do with the movie itself.

[Ryan Scott]

I've never been impressed with Hillary Swank's acting ability. She was more than passable in Million Dollar Baby, but wasn't spectacular. She got the Oscar more because the movie was so good and there were no dominant female roles from other movies against which to compete.

I've never seen Boys Don't Cry for which she won her first Oscar, so that might have been better. I just don't think she's done well enough to have won two best actress Oscars.