Freedom Writers

When it was released in 2007, Freedom Writers received mixed reviews. I tried to see the film then and gave it up after 15 minutes or so. I did not care much about Hillary Swank in a pearl necklace, and for that matter, inspirations stories located in a high school.

After seeing the film recently, I realised, there is something wrong with the film; but I could not really figure out what. The story of a new teacher and her diverse students with criminal backgrounds falls short of being real, despite the fact that it’s a real story. There are several stories going on at the same time, but the film never fully exploits any of these stories. They are just touch and go. Also, the film spends too much time on overcoming the external hurdles instead of internalising the single-minded dedication of the teacher, Mrs G and the triumphs of her students in the classroom and the outside of it.