FREEDOM WRITERS

Director: Richard LaGravenese, 2007

It is Erin Gruwell's first day as an English high school teacher. Her new school integrates students from housing projects. These students come from violent neighborhoods and all have seen friends and family killed in gang wars. These young people are full of anger and hatred and don't see why they have to be in school at all.

Erin finds it almost impossible to get through to these teenagers. Conventional teaching methods are not working. She didn't realize that the racial wars were carried over inside the classroom. Erin has to get to know her students personally, so she advises them to write every day in their journals.

As the teens start cooperating, Erin goes all out. She brings them on educational excursions, buys them good books, and introduce songs and dances to complement their studies. The students come to love their English class because the walls of distrust and prejudice are breaking down. "Mrs. G" is their guiding light and the class is now their "home."

But Erin is resented for her devotion to her work. Other school official think she's overstepping her boundaries. Erin's husband feels left out of the marriage and wants to leave. What else will Erin sacrifice to have a fulfilling life?

Hilary Swank takes a role of the real Erin. As a strongly-jawed woman, she fits the bill. More interestingly, the unknown young actors and actresses give strong and believable performances. The film tries to wrap all the characters in a bow, so that you come away with a satisfied glow in your heart. Thumbs up for this enlightening movie. -F

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE

Director: Mick Jason, 1999

Mitch is a busy person. He's a sports writer and his job requires him to travel and interview athletes. One day, he learns that his old college professor, Morrie, is very sick. Mitch remembers that, during graduation day, he had promised to visit him. Now, he feels guilty for not having kept his promise.

Teacher and student finally reunite. But Mitch acts awkwardly in the face of his professor's situation. Mitch is so closed up that he doesn't like talking about his feelings. And he certainly won't address the sense of doom hanging over Morrie's head. On the other hand, Morrie is very cheerful and warmly welcoming. Mitch thinks one visit is enough, but he finds himself coming back every Tuesday. Even if he has to take a plane ride every week, Mitch looks forward to hear Morrie talk about life and how they must live it. He begins to really love the old man, brings him food and helps the caregiver in any way he can.

Mitch knows he is lucky to have a mentor and a father figure who is not afraid to die. Because in learning how to die, Morrie says, that is when we learn to live. And living means loving and giving. As his heart opens, Mitch changes. He straightens out his priorities as he realizes what is important in his life.

This touching story is so well acted by the versatile Hank Azaria and the incompatible Jack Lemmon. During filming, Hank took the opportunity to ask for acting advice from veteran actor, Jack. So real and reel life took a similar turn.