Freedom Writers

Critics Consensus

Freedom Writers is a frank, formulaic entry in the inspirational inner-city teacher genre, with an energetic Hilary Swank leading the appealing cast of unknowns.

70%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 126

87%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 293,507

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Movie Info

A dedicated teacher (Hilary Swank) in a racially divided Los Angeles school has a class of at-risk teenagers deemed incapable of learning. Instead of giving up, she inspires her students to take an interest in their education and planning their future. She assigns reading material that relates to their lives and encourages them all to keep journals.
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (Some Thematic Material|Language|Violent Content)
  • Genre:
    drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Richard LaGravenese
  • Producer:
    Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $36.6M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    MTV Films, Jersey Films, Double Feature Films, Paramount Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Flat (1.85:1)

Cast & Crew

Hilary Swank
Erin Gruwell
Patrick Dempsey
Scott
Scott Glenn
Steve
Imelda Staunton
Margaret Campbell
April L. Hernandez
Eva
Deance Wyatt
Jamal
Mario
Andre
Vanetta Smith
Brandy
John Benjamin Hickey
Brian Beskin
Pat Carroll
Miep Gies
Richard LaGravenese
Director
Richard LaGravenese
Writer
Danny DeVito
Producer
Michael Shamberg
Producer
Stacey Sher
Producer
Hilary Swank
Executive Producer
Tracy Durning
Executive Producer
Jim Denault
Cinematographer
David Moritz
Film Editor
Margery Simkin
Casting
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News & Interviews for Freedom Writers

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Critic Reviews for Freedom Writers

All Critics (126) | Top Critics (39) | Fresh (88) | Rotten (38)

View All Critic Reviews (126)

Audience Reviews for Freedom Writers

  • Apr 06, 2015
    To a younger audience, the film's detailing of racial tension in Long Beach, USA is really quite hard-hitting, but to a more mature audience, Freedom Writers is a far more watered down account of racism and gang warfare, even sometimes stooping to "Step Up" levels of bittersweetness. I've still given it 3 stars out of 5 because whilst I feel it is inaccurate, the film was thoroughly enjoyable because of its young cast of talented unknowns and an extremely good performance from Hilary Swank with an insightful script to work with.
    Harry W Super Reviewer
  • Mar 08, 2012
    Yes it's corny, yes it's predictable, and yes these characters are as generic as ever, but that doesn't stop Freedom Writers from being extremely powerful, moving and inspirational. Hilary Swank does a great job in the lead here, but the unknown actors and actresses who play the Freedom Writers are the soul of the film; they are incredible. Apart from being predictable and square, this film had me crying and laughing at the same time, had me snickering and get angry at character that I disliked, and more than once made me want to jump and yell with joy. It's a must see film.
    Raymond W Super Reviewer
  • Feb 26, 2012
    HOW DO I REECH THEESE KEEDS?
    Edward S Super Reviewer
  • Sep 24, 2011
    An inspirational films that makes you cry.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
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