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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.
All Critics (126) | Top Critics (38) | Fresh (88) | Rotten (38) | DVD (14)
Engaging but clichéd inspirational drama set during the time of the 1992 race riots in Los Angeles. On some level, just about any movie featuring never-say-die teachers is effective.
Square, sincere, and proud of it.
Our eager-beaver heroine suffers the kids' sarcasm, fails to earn their respect by bringing in a Tupac tape, then wins them over in a crucial scene that, fact-based or not, rings as false as anything in Dangerous Minds.
Corny? You bet. And worse when the plot veers into the glitz of a Dangerous Minds and the sappiness of a TV After School Special. But the movie, which Swank helped produce by using her clout as a two-time Oscar winner, gets to you.
Freedom Writers is another exceptional teacher scenario not so different from the norm.
Thanks to LaGravenese's empathetic writing and direction, and Swank's titanic force of will, Freedom Writers' unabashed earnestness proves unexpectedly powerful.
A touching performance from Hilary Swank ensures that Freedom Writers is not just another tripe genre movie.
The movie benefits from an interesting subject and good acting, I just wish it were more focused and deep.
A richly rewarding film experience that rises to the top of its genre.
While it is, like its genre brethren, inspiring and uplifting, Freedom Writers glosses over so much material that it makes the process look too easy.
Ironically, the film features almost zero teaching. Despite much pedagogical posturing, it doesn't teach us much, either.
Worthwhile because of its honesty, because it tells a true story that's worth telling, and because Hilary Swank and company have done it so well.
i love this movie, one of my favourite movies really compelling and interested and a really heartwarming movie that doesnt disappoint! i love the storyline as it hows the american ids in a hard american life live and its just beautifully written and fantastic acting by hilary swank and the rest o the cast! hilary swank plas a teacher who gets a classs of undergraduates who are just left by th other teachers as they feel they wont succeed and will just be societies rejects but hilary takes them on and tries her hardest to i them over which she eventuly succeed in doing, but se has a hard time teaching thm and isnt as easya she may of thought throug going through s split up and death and a bunch of teachers who don support what shes doing its testing time! this movie is powerfull compelling and sad just brilliant throughout i love it completely worth a watch!
Super Reviewer
I think the book is better.
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.
Inspirational... A must see!
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