'Freedom Writers' - A Movie Review

Everyone has a story. Everyone has an impact. Write your story.

Released to theaters in 2007, Freedom Writers reflects the true story of Erin Gruwell, a high school teacher who made a positive impact on her students who were currently at war with each other because of race. Teaching them lessons on tolerance, the students open about their lives and with one another.

Freedom Writers is an impactful film that I cherish. Every member of the cast gives a profound performance, telling a heart-wrenching story about overcoming obstacles to make a better world. By writing down our stories we can expand the world to think differently.

Hillary Swank’s endless determination as Erin Gruwell is an outstanding performance. I love her journey throughout the film. Starting as a nervous teacher with aspirations and ending as a brave woman fighting endless battles is one of my most favorite performances by Swank. I hold my head high for both Swank and Erin Gruwell who never gave in.

Several young actors lent their incredible courage playing struggling students who grew up in a prejudiced atmosphere. I have never seen a film with powerful character growth like Freedom Writers. The best scene is when Gruwell has her students take part in a line game, opening up about their person. I love the student’s empathetic reactions to each other when they find out how much turmoil one another has been through. They’re not so different after all.

April L. Hernandez as Eva Benitez was one of my favorite portrayals. Holding onto hate, Eva opens up about her own beliefs, seeing a ray of hope to help make a critical decision.

Patrick Dempsey, Imelda Staunton, and Scott Glenn all made great performances whether you were on their side or not in the midst of Erin’s fight for her student’s rights. I especially enjoyed Staunton’s portrayal as an uptight principal who is only going along with regulation but is unsure if a change is right.

Anytime I watch this movie, my eyes always tear up. It’s a moving story. Freedom Writers is a very important film that we have to remind ourselves that not everyone is living the life that you are living in. There are still issues with race.

One of my favorite scenes in the film is the classroom scene where Gruwell finally confronts her students about the consequences of being prejudice. Not only does Swank cut into her student’s souls, but we all learn a lesson about tragic hardships each and every one of these students face in a day. That scene itself is eye-opening and speaks the truth.

Writing has always been one of my favorite passions. The entire scene where Erin reads her student’s stories was a gut-wrenching scene. We have the freedom to write about our lives. Keeping an untold story inside of you is a horrible feeling. Stories are important. Stories like Freedom Writers are what makes society come together to discuss sensitive topics that need to be discussed.

Richard LaGravenese’s outstanding direction brought audiences a grueling story reflecting how we may even judge people from afar. His camera angles are incredibly open-minded to reflect subtleties or an important character reaction. He does a great job with emotion and character growth, driving home an important message.

Freedom Writers is an important story that needs to be witnessed. If you have not seen this film, I strongly recommend it. This movie opened up my mind about race, prejudice, and to never judge someone from afar. We all have a hidden story. I am thankful for this meaningful movie and what it has to offer to viewers.