Freedom Writers is an inspiring movie by Richard LaGravenese, which tells the story of an aspiring teacher who employs an unusual approach to her students. The film grants the audience a chance to observe characters undergoing the process of gradual transformation, during which they become more tolerant and accepting of others. The main protagonists of this movie are Erin Gruwell and Eva Benitez, and it is important to compare and contrast these characters to understand the main message conveyed by this motion picture.
Erin Gruwell is a young woman who, driven by a desire to change lives, started teaching a group of underperforming students. Eva Benitez was one of them, a teenage girl who was involved in a gang and had particular contempt for white people and general hate for everyone outside of her ethnicity and community. At first glance, it may appear that Erin and Eva are people who do not have anything in common. They have different social statuses, do not share any interests, and their personal qualities are not the same. Eva is constantly angry, while Erin is open-minded and kind. Yet, by looking deeper into the essence of their personal stories, it becomes clear that they both are struggling. Eva is faced with the dilemma of telling the truth at court and subsequently implicating her boyfriend in a crime and putting herself at risk of revenge (Freedom Writers). While Erin is trying to save her marriage but ultimately fails at this task. Thus, the movie shows that despite people’s differences, no one can escape personal troubles and difficult situations in their lives.
Freedom Writers is a powerful movie which teaches the audience the significance of understanding that every individual has their personal tragedy. Erin Gruwell and Eva Benitez lead different lives, and their backgrounds do no look alike. Yet, they both find themselves in challenging circumstances which force them to take difficult actions and face severe consequences for it.
Work Cited
Freedom Writers. Directed by Richard LaGravenese, performance by Hilary Swank, Paramount Pictures, 2007.