Freedom Writers

Educational drama based on a true story of a new and idealistic high school teacher (played by Hillary Swank) who manages to motivate a really tough bunch of "unteachable kids". It took place at Woodrow Wilson High in Long Beach in 1994-1996. Erin Gruel (real teacher's name) uses journal writing, sharing, classic and contemporary readings, field trips, and guest speakers to motivate her students to self-expression. The result is a powerful family-like educational unit of power. This is an authentic and uplifting movie.