STONE OF DESTINY

Director: Charles Martin Smith, 2008

It's 1951 in Glasgow, Scotland. College senior Ian Hamilton feels the need for a change. He and his close friend, Bill, believe that their country needs to be independent from British rule. Since they can't invade England by themselves, they need to do something drastic enough to call attention to their cause.

They decide to steal the Stone of Destiny---an ancient ceremonial block of sandstone. The Stone was carried away by the British conquerors in the 13th century and kept in Westminster Abbey ever since. If the boys can get the Stone, it would be a symbol for the Scottish quest for self-rule.

Bill blacks out because he's afraid of the consequences. So Ian is forced to look for another companions to accompany him to London to do the deed. Plus, they need financial assistance. After all, they're students and don't have enough money for their travel expenses. Finally, Ian has his team of four and all systems are go.

When they arrive in London, their adventures start to go wrong. They can't seem to get near the stone without some obstacle getting in the way . One of them gets sick while another wants to return home. Previous attempts by others to steal the stone failed. Will they fail as well?

Charlie Cox plays the lead role with passionate enthusiasm. We know that what they're doing is illegal, but we hope he succeeds anyway. The story could have been played with a more serious ton as it was based on a true story. But with humor and great scenery, the film is a charming treat.

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