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Freedom Writers

2007

Richard LaGravenese

Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton ...

6.6

9,229

Drama Year 1994. Erin Gruwell’s passion to become a teacher is soon challenged by a group of Black, Latino, and Asian gangbangers who hate her even more than each other. When Erin begins to listen to them in a way no adult has ever done, she begins to understand that for these kids, getting through the day alive is enough they are not delinquents but teenagers fighting a war of the streets that began long before they were born. Erin gives ... [+]

	Author	Review
United States	Manohla Dargis The New York Times	"A film with a strong emotional tug and smartly laid foundation."	POS
United States	Michael Wilmington Chicago Tribune	"Hilary Swank gives a powerhouse performance (...) An often gripping and sometimes even inspiring film drama"	POS
United States	Peter Travers Rolling Stone	"Leave it to Hilary Swank. Even when her film’s pace lags behind its cliches, she sparks this true story (…) Rating: ★★½ (out of 4)"	POS
United Kingdom	Liz Beardsworth Empire	"Despite solid work from the engaging cast, there's nothing new here to distinguish 'Freedom Writers' as anything beyond a C+ (…) Rating: ★★ (out of 5)"	NEU
United States	John Anderson Variety	"It takes the bold approach of being earnest, honest and unafraid to be called naive. As a result, it's extremely affecting."	POS
United Kingdom	Steve Rose The Guardian	"As an exercise in disarming, or manipulating, jaded audiences it's a success, but beyond that, what do films like this really achieve? (…) Rating: ★★★ (out of 5)"	NEU
United States	James Berardinelli ReelViews	"[It] delivers the expected messages about hope and the ability to change one's destiny, and does it in a manner that it is emotionally and intellectually satisfying (…) Rating: ★★★ (out of 4)"	POS

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