Freedom Writers (12A)
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Freedom Writers is the true story of Erin Gruwell, who taught English at a Long Beach high school shortly after the 1992 race riots. Most of her pupils didn't expect to survive to graduation day, let alone graduate, until Gruwell taught them about Anne Frank, and gave them journals of their own. As heartfelt as it is stomach-turning, the film is exactly the same as every other Inspirational Teacher Drama there's ever been, except for Hilary Swank's bravely uncool performance. She plays Gruwell as a carcinogenically sunny Polyanna in twin set and pearls, so you'd think she'd leave class in a bodybag. But no, all it takes is one well-chosen book and one field-trip, and Gruwell's pupils are crying, holding hands, reading out their journals, and choreographing dance routines with "Mrs G".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments