Freedom Writers (2007) is an inspiring American drama film directed by Richard LaGravenese and based on a true story. It tells the journey of a young teacher who transforms the lives of her high school students through empathy, writing, and courage. The movie is a powerful reflection on racism, violence, and the transformative power of education.
Detailed Summary
The Setting: A Divided Classroom
The film takes place in Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, shortly after the 1992 Los Angeles riots. The school is racially divided, filled with gang conflicts and a deep sense of hopelessness among its students. Into this environment steps Erin Gruwell (played by Hilary Swank), a newly hired English teacher full of optimism and determination.
Meeting Resistance
Erin’s students are a mix of African-American, Latino, and Asian teenagers who have grown up surrounded by poverty, violence, and systemic racism. They see school as meaningless and teachers as outsiders who don’t understand them. Erin, however, refuses to give up—even when other teachers warn her not to “waste her energy” on these kids.
Breaking Down Walls
A turning point comes when one student draws a racist caricature of another student in class. Erin compares it to Nazi propaganda, realizing her students know nothing about the Holocaust. This leads her to introduce books like The Diary of Anne Frank and Night by Elie Wiesel, drawing parallels between the students’ struggles and historical injustice. Slowly, her students begin to see that their stories matter too.
The Freedom Writers Journal Project
Erin gives her students notebooks to write in every day, encouraging them to share their lives freely—no grades, no judgment. These journals become an emotional outlet for the students to express their pain, fears, and dreams. This exercise becomes the heart of the story and leads to the formation of the “Freedom Writers,” a group of students united through writing.
The Struggle for Acceptance
Erin faces resistance not only from her students at first but also from her superiors and colleagues, who see her unconventional teaching methods as disruptive. Her dedication strains her marriage to her husband, Scott Casey (played by Patrick Dempsey), who feels neglected. Despite these challenges, Erin continues to fight for her students, eventually gaining permission to teach them for their junior and senior years—a rare move in that school system.
Movie Ending
In the film’s emotional climax, the students decide to compile their writings into a collective book called The Freedom Writers Diary. They hope it will inspire others to overcome their circumstances and break cycles of hatred.
Erin’s class eventually graduates—many becoming the first in their families to do so. The once hopeless and hostile classroom turns into a place of unity and purpose. The real-life Erin Gruwell’s efforts continue beyond the film, as her students’ writings were published and inspired educational programs across the country.
The film ends on a hopeful yet realistic note, showing that change is possible through compassion and perseverance, even in the most challenging environments. There is no “perfect” resolution—just real growth and empowerment.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Freedom Writers does not have any post-credits scenes. The story concludes naturally, with text describing what happened to Erin Gruwell and her students in real life.
Type of Movie
Freedom Writers is a biographical drama and social commentary film. It focuses on themes of education, racism, identity, and transformation through empathy and storytelling.
Cast
- Hilary Swank as Erin Gruwell
- Patrick Dempsey as Scott Casey
- Imelda Staunton as Margaret Campbell
- April L. Hernandez as Eva Benitez
- Mario as Andre Bryant
- Kristin Herrera as Gloria Munez
- Jaclyn Ngan as Sindy Ngor
- Scott Glenn as Steve Gruwell
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Mark Isham, known for his emotional and minimalist style. The soundtrack features hip-hop and R&B tracks that reflect the students’ cultural backgrounds, including songs by Common, Will.i.am, and 2Pac—whose message of resistance and empowerment plays a central role in the story.
Filming Locations
The movie was primarily shot in Long Beach, California, where the real events took place. Additional scenes were filmed at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School, giving authenticity to the setting. These real-life locations underscore the social reality the movie depicts.
Awards and Nominations
- Humanitas Prize Winner (Feature Film Category)
- Image Awards nominations for Outstanding Actress and Writing
- Critics’ Choice Award nomination for Hilary Swank’s performance
Although it didn’t sweep major award shows, the film gained critical acclaim for its heart, realism, and performances.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Hilary Swank spent time with the real Erin Gruwell to learn her teaching style and mannerisms.
- Many classroom scenes were inspired by actual diary entries from Erin’s students.
- Director Richard LaGravenese insisted on using real, unpolished language from the students’ journals to maintain authenticity.
- The actors portraying the students went through workshops to share personal stories and build trust, similar to what happens in the film.
Inspirations and References
The film is based on the true story of Erin Gruwell and her students, as told in the book The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them. The title is a play on “Freedom Riders,” the civil rights activists who rode buses to challenge segregation in the 1960s.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Some deleted scenes focused more on Erin’s personal life and her relationship with her husband, but they were removed to focus the narrative on her students. No alternate endings were filmed—the story was meant to stay true to the real-life outcome.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie closely follows the book’s spirit but simplifies timelines and merges some students into composite characters. The book, written as diary entries, provides a deeper and more varied look into each student’s perspective, whereas the film focuses mainly on Erin’s journey and a few standout students.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Erin’s first day of teaching, when students refuse to listen or respect her.
- The moment Erin uses the Holocaust lesson to unite her students.
- The classroom’s visit from Miep Gies, the woman who helped hide Anne Frank.
- The students reading their published diaries together for the first time.
Iconic Quotes
- Erin Gruwell: “You can’t make someone learn. You can only inspire them to learn.”
- Eva Benitez: “I finally realized that I had something to say.”
- Miep Gies: “I am not a hero. No one should ever think you have to be a hero to do what’s right.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Erin’s classroom number (203) is the same as her real-life classroom at Wilson High.
- A copy of Anne Frank’s Diary is visible in nearly every classroom scene after it’s introduced.
- Several background students are played by real Freedom Writers alumni.
Trivia
- The real Erin Gruwell appears in the movie’s final classroom scene as a cameo.
- The script was developed with input from Erin herself to ensure accuracy.
- The film inspired the Freedom Writers Foundation, which still supports teachers and at-risk students today.
Why Watch?
Watch Freedom Writers if you believe in the power of words, empathy, and education. It’s not just another classroom drama—it’s a story about how understanding and compassion can break cycles of violence and prejudice. It’s uplifting, emotional, and deeply human.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Fisher King (1991) – writer
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995) – writer
- P.S. I Love You (2007)
- Beautiful Creatures (2013)
