Review of Freedom Writers (2007) by Joyce M — 06 Feb 2013

I don't get movies like this. They are based on true stories yet thanks to Hollywood they get churned out as the most unrealistic films. In real life you don't have a soundtrack to add to the emotions you are feeling or the events that are occurring, so adding them in a movie whilst technically necessary I suppose does little but add to the corny and over the top factor that many of these films fall into.

It's a story we've all seen many times and I know will see more of in the future, and not to take away from the horrible lives these kids have come from and the issue of gangs and violence and all of that stuff but this film barely made an indent on me.

The only fresh side I saw to this story was the introduction of the teacher's partner and the ultimate self sacrifice one makes for the ultimate good. For me that was interesting and well portrayed.

Hilary Swank did surprise me in this role she gave a strong performance though the film was generally weak overall. The casting of Swank does however detract even further from the believability of this film and further reminds me of the Hollywood system of casting names to make money rather than casting for the better good of the film and it's characters and story.

If you're easily inspired by movies of this nature you will enjoy.