Freedom Writers(rated R, for Language and Violence, on DVD) - starring Hilary Swank

     It's a good thing that this film did not debut before I retired, because I may have changed my mind - NOT!  Swank plays Erin Gruwell, a young, rookie, L.A. teacher wanting to make a difference in the world of her charges, shortly after the Rodney King riots in the early to mid 1990's.  Didn't we all!  Sorry for being criticitic, but my eagerness has been sapped by the type of students and administrators that Gruwell had to work among. 

     Actually, Swanks performance is quite realistic, and the film is very inspirational!   Gruwell used the teachings of the Holocaust to enlighten her students and peers to the opportunities of the world - if only people would respect others for who they are, and follow the Golden Rule!  Great film - but I'm staying retired!