"Freedom Writers" Review

The movie “Freedom Writers” was directed by Richard Lagravenese and came from the book, “The Freedom Writers Diaries” written by the Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell. This movie is considered drama in genre. It is about integration in schools. Freedom Writers is based on a true story which comes from student’s diaries. A new enthusiastic teacher is introduced to a school where most the kids do not want to be there and segregation is obvious.

The movie is about how that teacher made a difference in her students’ lives and the way they viewed and treated one another. Although it seemed hopeless for most the teachers at Woodrow Wilson High School to even try to teach their students, Mrs. Gruwell kept a positive attitude and took matters into her own hands. She was told endless amounts of times that it was pointless for her to put so much into her students because the students did not care. In the end Mrs. Gruwell proved everyone wrong and made a big change in what seemed like a war that would never end.

From the beginning gang violence is an obvious problem in the area and at the school. All the students talk about being in a war, which is between every race. They also talk about their problems at home. Mrs. Gruwell is very excited about teaching her new students but quickly becomes upset from the struggles. She has to get the students to work, respect her, and respect each other’s classmates. These struggles only push her harder and make her want to do more for her students. Overtime it is clear that Mrs. Gruwell is getting through to her students. You can see the students begin to get along with one another and make changes in their lives. Most of the changes started when the students were taught about the holocaust. The students could relate to how the Jews were mistreated because of their race. Overtime the kids began opening up in class and becoming one. They felt like their English class was the only place they could feel safe. It was obvious that the author wanted to show that people’s differences can bring them together. All the students were fighting in the “war” for the same reason, to get respect for their race. But none of the gangs wanted to show others respect, so it just went around in circles with no one getting anywhere. These students showed that it is possible to work together and find a purpose in life other than being in a gang. Even though times seemed hopeless for these kids they found comfort in one another because they could relate to one another, but it took them time to realize they had things in common and Mrs. Gruwell helped them realize it.

This movie is based on a true story and comes from a book the real students put together. The book was called “The Freedom Writers’ Diaries” and was made up of the students’ journals. In the end the students sought out to make a change by creating this book and creating an organization. The producers of this movie were also trying to spread these kids’ message by making their book into a movie. The movie helps it all come to life for the viewer which can touch a person more than words sometimes. The movie is also seen all over the country, making the book more known and possibly helping to make change in integration programs.