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http://www.elsegundousd.com/eshs/bayeagle0607/JanuaryP23FreedomW...
Freedom Writers
By Ericka Clarke, Staff Writer
Freedom Writers is the story of the students of Room 203, Ms. Gruwell's class. Each student tells
of the hardships their families have endured, whether gang-related or financial. Many of the students
that attended the school felt that they had to join gangs to be safe in their city, but Ms. Gruwell showed
them other alternatives. She did for the students what nobody in their school system had ever done
before, make them feel important.
Many of the students felt as if they did not mean much to the world and that no one knew how
they felt. They joined gangs, not to kill and harass other people, but to defend the honor of their
families, Fights broke out at school, because different cultures disagreed on the respect they should
have for each other. The teachers at the school, with the exception of very few, believed that the
students had little potential in life. They joked to each other about how the students very seldom
graduated and continued on to have a career; instead they would be killed in a drive by or a gang
related accident. Ms. Gruwell believed in them and showed this in her efforts to teach them what they
needed.
The students complained of how no one knew ho they felt. Erin Gruwell searched for books and
demonstrations that were similar to the students' lives. She worked multiple jobs to purchase books,
field trips, and rewards. One of the most influential examples that she introduced to the students was
the Holocaust; many students had never heard of the Holocaust. Erin taught the suffering and sadness
that Jews in Germany endured. As they learned more of the perils that Hitler induced, they came to
love and appreciate Ms. Gruwell, who in the process faced complications with her marriage.
When the movie stated, I thought that the actions of gang violence were a gross exaggeration of
how they lived. I was also offended by the appearance of African American, Latino, and Asians that
were being shown. However, as the film continued on, I understood the message that was trying to be
reached. The writers and directors worked together to make what I think was one of the best movies I
have ever seen. Hilary Swank (Erin Gruwell), Patrick Dempsey (Scott Casey), and April L. Hernandez
(Eva) didn't just act their parts they were their parts. Hilary Swank plays the perfect sweet teacher who
wants everything for her students. Patrick Dempsey, Hilary's husband, is a somewhat prejudiced man
who, ultimately, just wants to spend time with his wife. April L. Hernandez is Eva, a misunderstood
gangster, is faced with many important decisions, including whether to confess that her friend
committed a serious crime. This movie is one of the most amazing films created in a long time. This
comedy-drama was hilarious, but sent the point across.
6/27/2008 12:09 PM