Half Nelson
2006, Drama, 1h 46m
157 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
Half Nelson features powerful performances from Ryan Gosling and Shareeka Epps. It's a wise, unsentimental portrait of lonely people at the crossroads. Read critic reviews
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Half Nelson Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Dan Dunne
Drey
Frank
Jo
Russ
Cindy
News & Interviews for Half Nelson
Critic Reviews for Half Nelson
All Critics (157) | Top Critics (47) | Fresh (142) | Rotten (15)
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Ryan Gosling's self-destructive teacher is easily the year's most mesmerizing character study. And he's hardly the only reason to see this film. Shareeka Epps anchors her scenes as Drey with a self-possession way beyond her years.
October 18, 2008 | Full Review… -
It's hardly a film which trumpets its virtues but that's part of the pleasure to be had from it. It doesn't know how good it is.
April 27, 2007 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
It's impressively adult, sure-footed filmmaking, and that Best Actor nod was definitely deserved.
April 20, 2007 | Full Review… -
Dunne [Gosling] is an enjoyable and impressive creation, justifiably recognised with an Oscar nomination for Gosling earlier this year.
April 20, 2007 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
It's the gritty script and sheer quality of the performances that distinguish this parable.
April 20, 2007 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
An original work that is moving, not without humour, fly-on-the-wall realistic and uplifting.
April 20, 2007 | Rating: 4/5
Audience Reviews for Half Nelson
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Oct 04, 2013Gosling truly emerges as a great actor in this film. He is the flawed teacher who continues to intrigue us with those flaws which lead to unpredictable actions. A great character sketch.John B Super Reviewer
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Jun 22, 2013A no easy answer character study, Half Nelson is moved by brilliant performances by Gosling and Epps that, surprisingly, don't work for having an interesting arc but rather by making us feel unconfortable on by being put onto their daily routines, addictions and issues. Not having happy endings or many glimpses of hope is the biggest selling point of the flick, which won't be the cup of tea for many viewers but it worked for me. Worth a shot if you're into grittier indie dramas.Francisco G Super Reviewer
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Apr 27, 2013Half Nelson has a very good story with some great performances, especially from the always-incredible Ryan Gosling. It's about a schoolteacher who teaches poor kids in a city slum, and the teacher (played by Ryan Gosling) happens to be a crack addict. He develops a relationship with one of his students who gets herself involved with things Dan Dunne (the teacher) would rather her not get involved in. Eventually, their secret lives collide, and it's an amazing thing to see, topped by a nicely fitting soundtrack. The film is very discrete in the way it unfolds the truths about each of it's characters, but it managed to keep me interested all the way through thanks to Gosling's great performance. There's also a lot of deep and valuable meaning hidden underneath Mr. Dunne's teachings, and also in the very last scene. Overall, Half Nelson is a very well-written and wonderfully-acted movie. Final Score: 8.5.Kevin M Super Reviewer
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Jan 19, 2013An emotional drama with a great performance by Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson didn't engage me quite as well as I expected it to, but it's still a good movie. The movie didn't seem to have much going on in it; it moved at a snail's pace, which is understandable to a certain degree, but even in a drama like this I expect the plot to move forward at a reasonable rate. Nonetheless, Half Nelson does have a number of good performances and a good script, and it's still a well-made movie, but it might not completely hold your interest during the slower portions.Joey S Super Reviewer
Half Nelson Quotes
| Dan Dunne: | The whole-the whole education system is part of the machine. |
| Dan Dunne: | The only constant is change. |
| Dan Dunne: | One thing doesn't make a man. |
| Dan Dunne: | Change moves in spirals, not circles. For example, the sun goes up and then it goes down. But everytime that happens, what do you get? You get a new day. You get a new one. When you breathe, you inhale and you exhale, but every single time that you do that you're a little bit different then the one before. We're always changing. And its important to know that there are some changes you can't control and that there are others you can. |
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