Freedom Writers

Hilary Swank stars in this compelling true-life drama about Erin Gruwell, an idealistic young teacher who takes a job at Long Beach, California's tough Woodrow Wilson High School. Initially terrified of the gang violence and racial unrest that grips the school, Gruwell presses on, encouraging her troubled students to keep journals that become sources of inspiration for them. Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn, and Imelda Staunton co-star. 122 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English, Spanish.