BEWARE THE SPOILERS!
The majority of movies are purely entertainment based. Directors use fast paced scenes and explosive actions to keep you at the edge of your seats. However, every once in a while, a tale that whispers to your soul, empowers your beliefs, and has you curled up hugging a box of tissues plays across the screen. The Freedom Writers directed by Richard LaGravenese, ,based on the autobiographical novel The Freedom Writers, is one of those films that stay with you long after the credits. While there was no star crossed love or atomic bomb that was stopped at the last moment, there was awe inspiring emotional growth, heart wrenching loss, and a survivor’s strength. For many people the lives like those lived beyond classroom 203 are secluded to television or “the wrong side of town”, and when you aren’t physically faced with a tragedy the sympathy is given through a one-way mirror. It’s easy to feel sorry for someone else, but what about stepping beyond the safety of the glass and actually helping them?
Throughout The Freedom Writers Mrs. Gruwell embodies this challenge in spades. Her steadfast belief in the intelligence of her students paired with her determination to lift them from the academic crack they fell through brought out the inner scholar and deep thinker within the students of classroom 203. True education is more than learning the bare minimum. Individuals who are meant to be teachers instruct more than the bare minimum. One of the students wrote in his journal that returning to that room with those people was like coming home. During that scene the most bittersweet part was the reaction of those around him because for many of those teenagers that classroom was the first safe place, first home, they had ever had. The portrayal of the strife of their everyday lives allowed me, a girl who has fortunately has never experienced even half of the hardships they have, to feel their grief, rage, and the trickle of hope that kept them coming back to school each year; and isn’t that creation of empathy the true reason for movies and literature?
I was terrified for Eva even as I was crossing my fingers in desperation for her to rebel against the cards she had been dealt. I couldn’t breathe for the entire scene that Marcus was pleading to come home…then I ran and hugged my mom. I felt helpless alongside Andre as we questioned the purpose if nothing ever changes. I desired to show those who have been pushed aside that they are no longer forgotten in every scene as Mrs. Gruwell defied expectations and changed lives. Each time I watch this movie more lessons, dreams, and courage are imprinted onto my spirit. If you have not seen this movie, I implore you to grab some tissues, and press play. Meanwhile, I am going to go find this book to place at the top of that ever growing to be read list.
