Go Rent “Freedom Writers”
This movie is great. It's not as gripping as other films that dealt with similar themes, but I think that's ok. They can't all be Mr. Tibbs. Or Mr. Escalante. Freedom Writers is not only entertaining to watch but suggests at answers.
Where other movies have promised that a teacher who cares can impact students lives, Erin Gruwell's methods could be studied and replicated. This movie is a primer for anyone who wants to learn about dealing with diverse communities and long standing grudges. It's also valuable for those who want to help others replace failure oriented thought cycles with success oriented thought cycles.
What about the “PG-13” Rating?
This is a pretty tame film considering. They really tried to portray tough street life etc. but they kept it inbounds really well and still accomplished their goals. They showed just enough for us to say ok we get it, then they moved into the inspirational answers.
I'm guessing that they succeeded at that due to the book. I feel like a gritty book gives screenplay adapters the ability to surgically pick their scenes, walk the line more finely, etc. But I'm guessing because I haven't read the book… yet.
What if I hate Hilary Swank?
I didn't take to Hilary right away either. Her acting was great in Million Dollar Baby, and it was great in this movie. I haven't seen enough of her interviews to have truly formed an opinion, but she's on a roll at this point.
Larger Story
Erin Gruwell's concern for her students borders on obsession. She seems to be willing to single handedly make up for the fact that everyone else has written these kids off. Many of us have had radically different experiences with teachers. After parents, teachers make the most impact on us as we form into adults. Since teachers are exposed to greater numbers of children than parents they can be an amazing force for good in our society.
I've had my fair share of teachers, good and bad, and I know many teachers now that I'm an adult. It's a difficult, often thankless task, which most of them perform with every good intention a human being can muster. Knowing what I do now, I feel that teaching should be treated like other critical occupations-like airline traffic controllers or doctors.
We need ways to reward them for good work, and we need ways to get rid of them if they burn out. The idea that we'd underpay people, but if they stick it out long enough they become un-fireable, is amazing. You don't see that anywhere else occupationally because it's a bad idea.
I know much of the problem starts at the top. Schools are fast becoming factories that churn out consumers. Freedom Writers makes many good comments about racial tension, but the real miracle here is the fact that Gruwell was able to fight her way through the varied levels of bureaucracy and gain support for effective teaching methods.
Sorry to sound political folks, but on the bright side the lesson here is, if you're passionate about helping people you will find allies.
