Movie Review – Freedom Writers with Hilary Swank (2007)

It is sad that this film did not get more publicity. I had never heard of it. It is the true story of a teacher, Erin Gruwell (played by Hilary Swank), who changed the lives of her students at Woodrow Wilson High in Long Beach, California in the late 90’s. Hilary Swank is the Executive Producer of the film and it is easy to see that she is thoroughly taken with this story.

Woodrow Wilson High was an A-List school until two years prior to the story when a voluntary integration program was implemented. The incoming students had low expectations from their teachers; thus, very few resources such as text books and any extras were invested in the students.

Erin was confronted with students who did not want to be there and who disliked her just because she was a person in authority. It took quite a while for her to win them over. She had difficulty convincing the administration that the students were capable of reading the book “Diary of Anne Frank” to which they could relate. She purchased notebooks with her own money to have each student write a daily diary of whatever thoughts came into their heads.

Erin discovered that the woman who sheltered Anne Frank and her family was still alive and in the United States. Her name was Miep Gies (played by comedian Pat Carroll). She asked the students to write to Ms. Gies to tell her how much they liked her book. They also invited her to be a guest speaker at their school. All of these events were looked at negatively by her department head and her principal who did not like Erin’s unorthodox teaching methods.

Erin took on two extra jobs to pay for books and extras that the students needed. Her husband Scott was not happy that she devoted so much time to her job. They eventually divorced.

Erin was successful with these students for two years; when it came time for them to move on to their junior year, the students were shocked that they would not have her again as their teacher. Her classroom was the only safe place in their world. The junior English teacher was not willing to give up one of his classes to her.

The film ends happily with Erin teaching her same class for both their junior and senior years. An explanation at the end indicated that she also went on to teach at a California college where many of her students were enrolled. Other surprises are in store for the viewer.

Having been a teacher, I was intrigued by the zest with which Erin approached her daily difficulties. All teachers should take the opportunity to view this film; it will give them a renewed vigor for their honored profession.

Sources:

Freedom Writers with Hilary Swank (2007)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0463998


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *