Freedom Writers
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: January 5, 2007
7.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 89 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
68
Mixed:
20
Negative:
1
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
FreshB.Feb 18, 2009
Word up homies i seen a lot from da hood and its all about claiming property. This movie is dope as HELL! Live strong.
2 of 2 users found this helpful
8
KyleW.Jan 5, 2007
I went to an early showing and must say, not only did I not know much about this movie but also wasn't expecting too much from it. In the end I was very pleasantly surprised. The actinig was top notch and the story flowed well.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
n/an/aJan 8, 2007
I loved this movie, it was very inspirational, I laughed and cried literally. I thought it was great when the entire movie theater audience started clapping at various touching parts of the movie. I really enjoyed this movie and I would I loved this movie, it was very inspirational, I laughed and cried literally. I thought it was great when the entire movie theater audience started clapping at various touching parts of the movie. I really enjoyed this movie and I would recommend it to anyone.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ChanteeJ.Nov 10, 2007
I must say that this is a very inspiring movie. Having a chid in high school, I would hope that his teachers would be jsut as encouraging as Ms. G. I very seldom see that kind of passion in any teachers now. I think this is a must see for all.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
ReidF.Jan 27, 2007
A good film that does what it is supposed to do by telling the warm, well-crafted story of an actual teacher and her first class. Hillary Swank can play almost any role well, and this is no exception.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JimS.Jan 5, 2007
Inspiring and touching at the same time. The best part is that it is based on a true story.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ElliotP.Feb 4, 2007
Hilary Swank nails this role, which I expect was difficult to rise above the well-worn To Sir with Love path. If you hate movies that make you cry, stay away from this one, because it is a moving experience.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
AndrewG.Jun 12, 2007
A solidly formulaic sappy movie that made me cry. Very mainstream, but entertaining nonetheless.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JayH.Feb 6, 2008
I was anticipating this to be just another one of those inspired teacher/tough student movies. And it is. But, this one somehow reaches deeper and is very much a touching and moving film. I didn't find it completely convincing, but the I was anticipating this to be just another one of those inspired teacher/tough student movies. And it is. But, this one somehow reaches deeper and is very much a touching and moving film. I didn't find it completely convincing, but the characters are so well developed, so rich in emotion, it becomes a very compelling piece of film making. Good performances from everyone.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
EdieP.Sep 21, 2008
Since this is the high school I graduated from in 1950, the story fasinated me. I didn't have a clue such things had happen to MY school. I went to my 50th high school reunion in 2000 and not a word of it was mentioned. The school had Since this is the high school I graduated from in 1950, the story fasinated me. I didn't have a clue such things had happen to MY school. I went to my 50th high school reunion in 2000 and not a word of it was mentioned. The school had been turned into a "progressive" school. I was at first shocked at this story and couldn't believe it had happened. Hillary Swank did an excellent job and made a believer out of me. If 150 students who had no hope could be turned around, then it makes me proud that I went to that very school. Thanks for bringing the story to light.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
EvaS.Jan 30, 2007
Excellent, inspirational movie. All the characters are realistic and interesting. Very engaging and fun to watch.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
UrbanteacherJan 7, 2007
This movie got it right. The resistance that Erin G received from those that thought that these students were a lost cause exists in every school in every big city. There are too few Gruwells out there, and too much of the other. The movie This movie got it right. The resistance that Erin G received from those that thought that these students were a lost cause exists in every school in every big city. There are too few Gruwells out there, and too much of the other. The movie was not perfect, but it did a really accurate job of showing what it takes to get results in an urban school. It should be required viewing for all teachers. And I have not been in a movie audience that has been that moved in many years.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
MarkB.Apr 20, 2007
The "dedicated-teacher-teaching-in-the-slums/ ghetto/ projects/ 'hood (depending on when the film was made) who-Makes-A-Difference, dammit" movie genre, whether represented by Blackboard Jungle, Up the Down Staircase, Dangerous Minds The "dedicated-teacher-teaching-in-the-slums/ ghetto/ projects/ 'hood (depending on when the film was made) who-Makes-A-Difference, dammit" movie genre, whether represented by Blackboard Jungle, Up the Down Staircase, Dangerous Minds and many others, has always been vulnerable to slings and arrows for focusing too little on the disadvantaged multiethnic students and too much on the nice White instructor who rescues them from their surroundings, if only for a few hours a day. Freedom Writers is certainly susceptible to much of the same criticism, but much of it is rendered more or less irrelevant for one simple reason: Hilary Swank is so very good--and so enjoyable to watch--as the teacher. In a performance that's every bit as praiseworthy as her far flashier, Oscar-winning turns in Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby, Swank isn't at all afraid to appear quite dorky and even rather condescendingly self-satisfied in her early scenes, when she hasn't quite reached her charges yet (and they resent her for seeming to talk down to them). Not that she isn't tremendously likable here, too--especially after she gets her kids' attention by correlating urban gang violence with the beginnings of the Holocaust in a great, inspired near-monologue that's the perfect definition of thinking on one's feet. In fact, if the one thing that Swank's last movie, the Brian DePalma-directed 51-car traffic wreck that was The Black Dahlia, actually did RIGHT was to demonstrate for the first time how incredibly sexy Swank can be in certain roles, then one of Freedom Writers' proudest accomplishments is that it shows off how formidably cute she can be in others. The film works because of Swank, and also because real-life superteacher Erin Grunell's success in developing her students' self-respect and compassion for others as well as their writing skills by having them commit their fears, hopes and lives to paper is truly impressive, admirable and inspiring...but Freedom Writers is still not shy of a few flaws common to its type. Most of the stuff involving Patrick Dempsey as Swank's rather self-pitying husband provides a good excuse for a bathroom break; as most Gray's Anatomy fans already know, Dr. McDreamy is at his least appealing when he morphs into Dr. McWhiny...and that's the only note that writer-director Richard LaGravenese allows him to play throughout. Speaking of wasted actors, the great Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake) deserves better than the one-dimensional faculty head whose sole function is to show how right Erin Grunell is by default simply by sneering bureaucratically at every suggestion Grunell makes. And as moving, stirring anf genuinely affecting as much of Freedom Writers is, one still has to sadly and grudgingly admit that criticisms of it as being a partial paean to emotional codependency aren't completely off the mark. If you think about it for a moment or two, isn't Grunell's class, by fighting so hard to keep her as their teacher for another year, somewhat selfishly depriving OTHER equally disadvantaged and at-risk Long Beach, California students of the opportunity to benefit from her extraordinary, life-changing gifts?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
PnArdyPnArdyMay 13, 2007
Hillary Swank plays a school teacher in a bad neighborhood, who manages to become a second family and create a special kind of bond - trust, love and emotion - with her students in spite of all hardships. They call themselves Freedom Hillary Swank plays a school teacher in a bad neighborhood, who manages to become a second family and create a special kind of bond - trust, love and emotion - with her students in spite of all hardships. They call themselves Freedom Writers. Film is based on real events. Another good and rather difficult drama with Swank.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BitB.Jun 10, 2007
Incredibly inspirational and heart-felt. Great acting and cast. The whole Holocaust thing...powerful!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
drJun 25, 2007
The first movie ive seen where the problem of diversity and adversity in youth's life really reaches its core. amazing and heart touching.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
AnnaL.Oct 13, 2009
Very nice movie... Touching.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
suburbanteacherJan 13, 2007
This is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time (and I've seen quite a few). It made me laugh, cry, and consistently tugged at my heart strings. It is a must see for anyone who believes that there is good in everyone.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
juliankleissMar 2, 2011
People, educate your children! Tolerance is what this world needs. It can be derived from studying history which furthermore should prevent us from making the same mistakes that others did before us. "Freedom Writers" is, on the one hand, aPeople, educate your children! Tolerance is what this world needs. It can be derived from studying history which furthermore should prevent us from making the same mistakes that others did before us. "Freedom Writers" is, on the one hand, a sad revelation to viewers who grew up in countries without gang life. On the other hand, it is a very beautiful movie, based on a true story, that proves that change is possible and hope is not in vain. The movie shows in a smart and reverent way how racism can lead to genocides. Highly recommended.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
Spielberg00Nov 14, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bottom Line: Based on a true story, made to look even more inspiring.

Moving and compelling drama finds Hilary Swank as a high school English teacher named Erin Gruwell. Ms. Gruwell is teaching teens (who are thought to be â… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
RyanSolomonMay 4, 2013
It is very sad that this was a true story, but also a very brilliant piece of work, I am so happy that this movie wasn't so pompus. Usually movies about race always end up blaming white people who did nothing wrong, but this movie is justIt is very sad that this was a true story, but also a very brilliant piece of work, I am so happy that this movie wasn't so pompus. Usually movies about race always end up blaming white people who did nothing wrong, but this movie is just flat out touching and entertaining. One of my all time favorites.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
CineAutoctonoDec 6, 2015
An inspiring and surprising film that Hilary Swank surprised with a role as a teacher of literature that changes the sense of being of young people who steal, use drugs and murder , to be a writer of good, God and Liberty.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
IndianaParkWarsJan 29, 2021
A White Savior Film That Isn't Harmful, But Is Still Problematic as an Antiracist Film
10/12
Freedom Writers was an excellent film. I watched this and Da 5 Bloods on MLK Jr. Day to continue my antiracism journey and to both celebrate race andA White Savior Film That Isn't Harmful, But Is Still Problematic as an Antiracist Film
10/12
Freedom Writers was an excellent film. I watched this and Da 5 Bloods on MLK Jr. Day to continue my antiracism journey and to both celebrate race and watch films that deal with racism.
Freedom Writers is a beautiful story that wrenches my heart. I cried several times throughout. It's beautiful and upsetting, but almost carries the same Oscar-baiting drama as films like Crash or Green Book. Now, this is another white savior movie, but unlike Green Book, it's not slanderous to the true history and in turn, racistly trying to be an anti racist film.
But the whole film is about the white woman being a hero and saving the black, Asian, and Hispanic kids (and the one white kid). She is the main character and the savior and the focus is on her. Of course, that's the story and she is a tremendous human. But, the film prides its antiracism and unifying messages, but also creates an unhealthy dependency on the minority characters. They need her and don't want to be without her and they're portrayed as being lost and helpless without her.
So, this film has antiracist themes and it's a Race Film, dealing with racism, but being a white savior, it almost sits on the outside of the core of antiracism films. At the core of these films include films that are typically black-starring or black-produced and really deal with racism in a different way. Some good examples would be BlackKklansman, Selma, Sorry to Bother You, and Get Out. But, movies that sit on the outer circle of antiracism films are this one, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Green Mile, and The Help. They may have good intentions, good stories, or antiracist themes, but they just miss the mark by accidentally disenfranchising POC, over-dramatizing the stories, or collaterally contributing to racism through not fully antiracist stories.
But, these aren't as bad as movies like Green Book that completely bastardize the true story, have disingenuous diversity/POC representation, and try to pass off a toxic race film as antiracist. Freedom Writers doesn't nearly go that far. The white savior complex doesn't help the film since it disenfranchises the characters of color and shows a necessity for white people to uplift people of color, but it also tells a great emotional story and comes across as a well-made movie otherwise.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
CharlieBetterIsJan 7, 2016
Escritores da Liberdade é um dos melhores filmes que eu já assisti. Tem uma mensagem linda (e muito importante para a sociedade), além da direção e roteiro impecáveis. Os atores atuaram muito bem, nos mostrando um show de interpretação.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
richardrbgJul 16, 2019
Amo esse filme. Muito inspirador. Literalmente mudou a minha vida de várias formas e a principal delas foi me ensinando a dar mais valor aos professores. Assisti quando criança e era muito difícil algo prender a minha atenção na época; masAmo esse filme. Muito inspirador. Literalmente mudou a minha vida de várias formas e a principal delas foi me ensinando a dar mais valor aos professores. Assisti quando criança e era muito difícil algo prender a minha atenção na época; mas esse longa conseguiu, justamente por ter tudo o que, pra mim, um filme BOM precisa ter: boa ambientalização, boa foto grafia, bom roteiro e boas músicas. Filme simplesmente incrível, merecia muito mais reconhecimento. Amo demais! Nota 10.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021
I was somehow amused to find Imelda Staunton in this film, playing the school section head (assistant principal or something similar) - a very English actor, who I can't say I'd considered being in a film about a school in a rough, gangI was somehow amused to find Imelda Staunton in this film, playing the school section head (assistant principal or something similar) - a very English actor, who I can't say I'd considered being in a film about a school in a rough, gang culture area of the US. Of course this sort of film is hardly original, there have been numerous other examples, such as Dangerous Minds with Michelle Pfeiffer. It is, thus, a somewhat sobering watch. I could empathise with some of the students certainly and with the teacher who finds herself faced with a class full of uninterested, loud and cocky teens. I thought it was interesting that the teacher took the students to a Holocaust museum and how she tries to teach them respect. I've since read that the holocaust survivors featured in the film were genuine holocaust survivors, which obviously makes it feel somewhat more authentic.

It is a fairly cheesy film in a way but it is also somewhat thought provoking, if you can see past the cliches. Its a film that means well but it isn't one I felt that overall was especially memorable, although I am aware its based on a true story and I do particularly appreciate films based on true stories - I don't know enough about it to be able to comment how realistic it either is or isn't though. There are a few poignant moments present (it may make you think about how people automatically prejudice people barely old enough to have had a chance to prove they can become more) but not really enough to give it a particularly high rate but enough to make it worth seeing if your interested in it, yes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
Oliveira1Jan 8, 2023
The story was appealing from the beginning, and the movie makes you care for all the characters, the cast of actors also did a really good job. This is the type of movie I would like to see more often, it's very inspiring.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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