After seeing previews months prior, I knew I wanted to see this film. Being a senior in high school in Southern California, I thought it would be interesting to see if the movie realistically portrayed what life was like on the streets of Long Beach or whether it was just another Hollywood-ized, politically correct “why can’t we all just get along?” type of film. Fortunately, the movie met my somewhat high expectations. Not only is Hilary Swank’s acting superb and enticing, but the viewer gradually gets emotionally drawn into the lives of the adolescents.

Long Beach is a culturally diverse area. You have the Mexicans, Blacks, Cambodians, and the Whites. Racism runs through the city’s blood, and has thus led to a high amount of street and gang violence. Ever since the integration program went into effect, the school performance level at Wilson High dropped tremendously. Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank), a first year teacher that hails from wealthy Newport Beach, is excited to work at a racially diverse school and thinks it will suit her well. She realizes that not everything is so dandy once a fight breaks out in her classroom the first day of school.

Shunned by administration members and her husband, Erin continues to fight for her students, trying to make an impact in their lives any way she can. She tries to make learning poetry fun by analyzing rhymes by Tupac Shakur. Slowly but surely the kids break away from their preconceived notions that Mrs. Gruwell is just another ‘honky’ trying to waste their time. She gives each student the assignment of writing in a journal every day, telling his or her story…

There are a number of subplots in the movie as well, including Erin’s relationship with her huband and father, as well as a court trial involving one of her students, Eva Benitez (played by April Hernandez).

I found the acting in the movie to be excellent. Hilary Swank’s performance as Erin Gruwell was thoroughly convincing. The viewer sees just how much she wants her students to succeed – it was really inspiring. The viewer also sees just how much she’s willing to do to help these kids succeed—going to the board of education, getting shunned by other faculty members, staying with kids after class, working two other jobs to help buy new books, etc.

April Hernandez’ portrayal as Eva Benitez was so realistic I felt as if I knew her. She plays the tough Mexican gang chick that hates white people. The viewer slows sees her ego unravel, and finally, break down.

I found the movie as a whole to be really inspiring, especially Erin Gruwell’s determination to understand and help these kids. As the story progresses the viewer gets more and more emotionally attached to the kids, as each of their stories unravel. That said, I know this film won’t change the world. Racism is always going to exist, but if we take the chance to hear each other’s story, maybe we can find some middle ground to agree upon. Fortunately, the movie was more about realizing our differences and revolved around the theme of tolerance more so than the cliche “let’s just all get along” type of movie I was dreading. With all that said, I wouldn't say this movie was as hard-hitting as Crash was. But none the less, a great film.

The movie definitely appeals to the high school and college crowd more so than any other age sub-group. However, as I left the theater I overheard some elderly women saying how great and inspiring it was too. Fans of Hilary should definitely check it out as well!

Inspirational, Real, and Emotional. That’s the best way to sum it up. Definitely recommended.


Recommended:
Yes

Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older