Won't Back Down
2012, Drama, 2h 1m
106 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
Despite the best efforts of its talented leads, Won't Back Down fails to lend sufficient dramatic heft or sophistication to the hot-button issue of education reform. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Jamie Fitzpatrick
Nona Alberts
Evelyn Riske
Michael Perry
Breena Harper
Principal Thompson
News & Interviews for Won't Back Down
Critic Reviews for Won't Back Down
All Critics (106) | Top Critics (42) | Fresh (37) | Rotten (69)
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More anti-union propaganda masquerading as entertainment.
January 25, 2013 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
A straight-talking, partisan account about the failings of a broken system and a band of women who argued for better for their children.
January 24, 2013 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
It is well meant, undoubtedly about something that matters, and it bends over backwards not to trash the teachers' unions gratuitously, but amid the attempts at gritty reality, I found the happy-ending imperative unconvincing.
January 24, 2013 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
The forces of unionism are mainly pilloried as lazy sell-outs, which is a pity, because a lot of other tangy issues come into play here.
January 24, 2013 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
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January 22, 2013 | Rating: 1.5/5 | Full Review… -
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January 22, 2013 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Won't Back Down
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Feb 17, 20143 3/4's--Very inspirational, and heartwarming. Made-for-tvish. A sad statement on the condition of the American education system, but depicts a good step for improvement. Well acted. Nicely done..Cynthia S Super Reviewer
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Dec 30, 2013It's a film with a big heart, but it's just so schlocky... Maggie Gyllenhaal plays essentially the same role she did in Crazy Heart, and the supporting ensemble does alright, but as a whole the project is sentimentally overwrought and occasionally veers into Lifetime territory. I appreciate the value of the story, but it's just not much of a movie... "fighting the system" has become a predictable formula, and this particular film does nothing others haven't done already.Daniel P Super Reviewer
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Feb 27, 2013Won't Back Down is a prime example of a movie that suffers from a weak script and average direction, but is saved by excellent and noteworthy performances. Having grand aspirations regarding the failing education system in urban public schools, it ultimately gives no solid solutions and overgeneralizes the myriad problems regarding said topic. Quite obviously, the movie leans heavily toward the right politically. (Damn those corrupt Teacher's Unions! If only everything ran like a business! That would fix urban blight!) Nevertheless, the performances given by Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhaal and the supporting cast keep the whole venture afloat. And it holds together better than "white savior" schlock like The Help. But when compared to other movies in its particular sub-genre such as Stand and Deliver and Lean on Me, or when its message is seriously analyzed, it doesn't quite make the grade.Joshua S Super Reviewer
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Jan 26, 2013"Won't Back Down" is a movie about two mothers(Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis) who are fed up with their children's failing school. They decide to risk everything to make a difference by going against the teacher unions and set out to do a school take over with the other parents and change things for the better for the kids. It's an inspirational movie, even though it runs a tad long and some of the background plot doesn't really go anywhere and just bogs the movie down some. Gyllenhaal does ok, but Viola Davis is fantastic. She is one of the best actresses today without a doubt. Whether your for or against unions it doesn't matter, because this movie is about making a difference for children. Emily liked and it made it all the way through, so if that happens I can almost guarantee all women will like it. Guys, probably not, but it's okay for a one time watch.Everett J Super Reviewer
Won't Back Down Quotes
| Olivia Lopez: | I live and breath this bureaucracy. I share your frustration. I read Kafka to make myself feel better. |
| Nona: | Change the school, you change the neighborhood. |
| Principal Thompson: | This is a new day and we will take back our public schools. |
| Nona Alberts: | Dare to think! |
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