Very well executed

Good concept, poorly executed.

Boring, over-political, tech fuzed mess

it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.

We were reviewing poetry in my Honors English Class, and after that unit was over, my teacher allowed us to watch a movie of her choice. When I heard the name, "Freedom Writers", I was a bit skeptical; I thought it was going to be a boring movie about books. But after I watched it, my entire viewpoint on this (absolutely astonishing) movie was changed. I LOVED this movie. (I even cried at some portions). Erin was not going to back down from what was right. She changed these kids, and changed their lives. This movie made me look at things with a different perspective. I will definitely recommend this movie (plus the book) to everyone I know. People NEED to watch this movie. It's so amazing, and they'd love it.

I remember watching Freedom Writers in school, so you can understand what I mean already by more gloss than grit. To a younger audience, the film's detailing of racial tension in Long Beach, USA is really quite hard-hitting, but to a cinephile like myself and anyone else who's seen films like American History X and how powerful they can be. 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 a 7 out of 10 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. Note the discussion of the Holocaust as one of the best scenes.

The classic white savior teacher who rescues the class of minority students from their cemented fate as gang bangers. Of course there is the token awkward, shy white kid who lacks the ability to dance, and the evil white teachers who refuse to give books to the students. The hoop earring wearing Latina girl with an attitude, and a plethora of troubled young black man who are secretly sensitive and intellectual. I am inclined to agree with the teacher who said it is ridiculous to compare these kids to Anne frank. They are growing up in one of the best countries in the world. I fail to sympathize too much with their plight. Perhaps if they were Somalian villagers I would feel more empathy, but the truth is this country has many free learning resources and minority scholarships, and if they tried to make something of their life they could. Yes, I realize it was a true story, but I just don't like the way they presented it. As if living in the inner city is soo tough and we are required to sympathize. I find myself rolling my eyes at statements like "we fight for territory" To be honest, the person I sympathized most with was the failure husband, pushed to the side by his wife, and too old to realistically pursue his dreams. maybe I'm being a bit harsh here. I have never been shot at walking down the street. but as a child I was very poor; we had no furniture, no heat, no plumbing, no electricity, and literally no money. I don't think that I had it very bad, and I don't think these kids did either, compared to a significant portion of the human race. Thats not to say that I hated this movie. I just wish for once someone could make a movie about inner city life that it not preachy, but simply showing it like it is without trying to make any statements.

This film is absolutely great, it's such a moving film that truly touches your heart. The fact that it's also a true story makes it even better. It certainly puts things into perspective as to how some people have to live their day to day lives. I love films like this because they make me realise how lucky I am to be where I am. Hilary Swank definitely played her part well and done the film justice. This is also the first film in a while that touched me emotionally, so girls you made need a few tissues at the ready if you are anything like me. I am really looking forward to reading the book now, and would definitely watch this again. A well deserved 10/10 from me!