64
Metascore
29 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80L.A. WeeklyScott FoundasL.A. WeeklyScott FoundasIt all sounds like a recipe for the most noxious liberal jerk-off movie since "Crash," but in the hands of writer-director Richard LaGravenese, Freedom Writers turns out to be a superb piece of mainstream entertainment -- not an agonized debate over the principles of modern education à la "The History Boys," but a simple, straightforward and surprisingly affecting story of one woman who managed to make a difference.
- 75ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliFreedom Writers delivers the expected messages about hope and the ability to change one's destiny, and does it in a manner that it is emotionally and intellectually satisfying.
- 75Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonHilary Swank gives a powerhouse performance as a maverick high school teacher in Freedom Writers, an often gripping and sometimes even inspiring film drama taken from the real-life story of Erin Gruwell.
- 75Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean AxmakerSeattle Post-IntelligencerSean AxmakerErin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) is real, and for all the dramatic license that writer/director Richard LaGravenese takes in his film, her story -- and the stories of her students -- are moving.
- 70VarietyVarietyIt takes the bold approach of being earnest, honest and unafraid to be called naive. As a result, it's extremely affecting.
- 70The New York TimesManohla DargisThe New York TimesManohla DargisIn Freedom Writers Hilary Swank uses neediness to fine effect in a film with a strong emotional tug and smartly laid foundation.
- 70Los Angeles TimesKevin CrustLos Angeles TimesKevin CrustDramatically, the movie never veers from its predictable course, but Swank's performance renders the point moot. There likely was a better, more original movie to be made focusing more on the Freedom Writers themselves, but if this more conventional direction had to be taken, it's hard to imagine a more affecting version.
- 60Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonIt offers a sort of Chinese food poignancy, the kind that may seem satisfying at the time but ultimately leaves us hungering for more, for something authentic.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterKirk HoneycuttThe Hollywood ReporterKirk HoneycuttThe film is both too short and too long at two hours-plus. Not enough time is spent with the teens and far too much with their teacher.
- 40Austin ChronicleMarrit IngmanAustin ChronicleMarrit IngmanThe movie itself offers few real answers to the problems teachers face.