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Swank with the real-life Gruwell on the set

But most of the other characters are portrayed with warmth and humanity. There obviously isn't time to get into the life story of every one of Erin's students, but several—such as the aforementioned Eva, or Marcus (Mercy Street's Jason Finn), a black student who insists to Erin that he and his classmates are living in a "war"—have their moments in the spotlight, some of which are quite moving.

Patrick Dempsey is also effective as Erin's husband; he's funny and supportive when she begins her job and can't find support anywhere else, but feels increasingly alienated as she spends less and less time at home, finding fulfillment in her students and, it seems, not in their relationship. It would have been easy for the film to "take sides" in the breakdown of their marriage, but to its credit, it does not.

And then there is Swank, who plays Erin with just the right mix of intelligence and conviction and, occasionally, cluelessness; at first, you're embarrassed for her, when she laughs at her own jokes or tries to fit in by using expressions like "What's the dealio?" Even her pivotal rant about the Holocaust feels a bit like an overreaction, at first, to what is, arguably, just a note passed in class. But by the end, she has earned the right to be a little out of step. By never apologizing for who she is, she gets to become just another one of the misfits; and by being willing to learn from her students, she empowers them to make their own changes for the better, too.

Talk About It

1. Marcus tells Erin that gang members get to die with "respect." Why is "respect" so important? Does it have to be given before it is earned? Who should start giving? How is respect given and earned over the course of this film?
2. Are Erin's students being "rewarded" for their bad behavior, as some of her fellow teachers insist? How would you balance "the law" and "grace" here?
3. Do you think it is worthwhile or empowering to write about bad experiences, even if the experiences do not change or improve? Why or why not? Is it worthwhile or empowering to read about someone else's bad experiences? Why or why not?
4. Do you think it was fair of Erin's husband to ask who she would choose, him or her students? Why or why not? How do you think you would have handled things differently, if you were Erin, or if you were her husband? Was divorce inevitable?

The Family Corner

Freedom Writers is rated PG-13 for violent content (including gang-related beatings and shootings, though relatively little blood is shown onscreen), some thematic material and language (about half-a-dozen four-letter words).

Photos © Copyright Paramount Pictures

© Peter T. Chattaway subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

Writer and director Richard LaGravenese (who also wrote The Fisher King) is catching critics by surprise this week. Movies about inspiring teachers who motivate reluctant, troubled students are far too common on the big screen. But Freedom Writers, LaGravenese's latest work, has audiences cheering. It's something special.

Hilary Swank stars in this true story of Erin Gruwell, who stirred up a classroom of students from different ethnic backgrounds.

David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) calls it "an unexpectedly good classroom drama in the tradition of Dangerous Minds and Stand and Deliver. … LaGravenese overcomes a predictable and, at times, message-heavy script with emotionally powerful performances by the young ensemble and redemptive themes of self-worth, the efficacy of education and empathy to overcome intolerance, and the ability of one person to make a difference."

Marcus Yoars (Plugged In) says, "In terms of true stories, Erin Gruwell's is a remarkable adventure that encompasses sacrifice, determination, fearlessness and hope. It's more than worthy to be told onscreen. And the result is that exceptional messages get communicated in almost every scene as these kids grab hold of something beautiful and life-changing."

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