The Freedom Writers is a 2007 film based on the book “The Freedom Writers Diary” by

teacher Erin Gruwell who compiled the stories written by her students at Woodrow Wilson
Classical High School in Long Beach, California. The film is written and directed by Richard
LaGravenese which is starred by Hilary Swank, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey and
Mario.
The film centers on Room 203 of Woodrow Wilson Classical High School where first time
teacher, Erin Gruwell, teaches English to several troubled students who belong to different
fraternities and racial groups. The most challenging part is that these students are always in
constant battle with one another which alarms Erin Gruwell to look for ways on how to help these
students make peace with each other and within themselves. Mrs. Gruwell tries to ask help from
the school administrators for resources but is rejected strongly by the assistant principal; leaving
her with no choice but to work several jobs so she can provide for her students. A journal was
initiated by Mrs. Gruwell to be done by everyone so they can express their emotions out instead
of going out the streets and looking for trouble. Surprisingly, the students start to write on their
journals and become very cooperative in class. Their lives change the minute Mrs. Gruwell listened
to their stories. Cutting the story short, Mrs. Gruwell comes up with a final project to publish all of
their stories and names it “The Freedom Writers Diary” which is inspired by the “Freedom Riders”.
Because of the improvement of the students in Room 203, the school board decides to allow Mrs.
Gruwell teach them in Junior and Senior year. The Freedom Writers, who most of them were the
firsts in their family, graduated high school and some went to college.
Freedom Writers chose the best actors for the film. All actors portrayed their roles in the
most natural manner. The physical attributes of the actors also contributed to the intensity of
acting that was necessary to be reflected on the film. The director was able to show the most
essential parts of the book which was necessary to be shown on the film. The camera was always
positioned in places where the actor’s emotions are strongest and both transitions of every scene
was inserted properly. Since this was a life changing movie, there were a lot of character
developments. The director showed this beautifully since the shift was not too early or too late; it
was done gradually and properly. The movie was such a great deal of experience for everyone
especially those who are involve in the social reality being shown in the film. It was an eye opener
for educators who have a great responsibility of molding their students. In addition, it was also a
good reflection of the racial issue in the United States which is still happening even in the present
time.
On my part, this movie encourages me to become a more sensitive teacher in the near
future. The movie speaks so much volume and makes me feel the heaviness of my responsibilities
in molding the future of my students. I feel so overwhelmed with the outcome of the movie
because it shows great hope for everyone, especially those who are neglected by society. At first,
I feel the pain upon seeing the situation of these students who have to gradually fight for
themselves. It makes me want to cry especially when Mrs. Gruwell provides them with new books.
Knowing how much these students have suffered rejection from both school and society, the
scene really makes me feel sad. But in the long run, the different changes among these students
gains so much interest in me as I watch the movie. I love how much the characters change their
lives and how they finally learn to respect Mrs. Gruwell. It really makes me feel happy to see the
mere fact that there is still hope among our students regardless of how badly they may seem to
be. The movie ignites my passion in teaching. It brings out the sense of pride that I have as a future
educator as I step inside the classroom and help my students in any way that I can. The movie
made me feel so many wonderful things especially hope and faith.
On the other hand, I feel really awful for Mrs. Gruwell who has to go on divorce. No one
has to sacrifice one’s marriage for the sake of doing what they love. It feels so unfair for her
husband to not support her just because it makes him more of a wife than a husband to her. I
strongly believe that Mrs. Gruwell deserves a spouse who will support her and drive her to
continue doing what she does. I also feel the annoyance of the assistant principal that time who
keeps on questioning Mrs. Gruwell’s purpose for her students. Her character still pisses me off
knowing educators like her are present in our society today. She reminds me of teachers who show
less sympathy to her students which really saddens me a lot. However, I am still very much
delighted with the changes her father shows in the movie; from being a really demanding father
with high expectations, to someone who envies her achievements yet supports her all the way.
This makes me feel glad also thinking Mrs. Gruwell still has someone who loves and supports her
cause of becoming a teacher.
All in all, there may have been strengths and weaknesses in the film but it did not invalidate
the fact that the movie was produced beautifully. All the elements that are necessary to film an
excellent movie are established in the film. The castings are well-chosen and the script was well
thought. The necessary emotions that have to be felt by the viewers are established properly. The
movie makes the viewers feel the intensity of emotions that are carried by the movie; which
successfully attains its goal to produce a good and impactful movie. Basically, the Freedom Writers
is a substantial film that did not only show creativity but also reflected reality which inspires its
viewers to become sensible to people around them and see the hope in everyone when there is
none.