Thursday, September 27, 2012

Won't Back Down

director's guild of america
won't back down by daniel barnz
panel discussion b&w

We were privileged to attend a screening of Won't Back Down at the Director's Guild of America a few weeks ago, thanks to StudentsFirst. Tales revolving around public education that hit the big screen always pique my interest because of mass media's ability to inform, educate, and encourage action (e.g. 2010 documentary Waiting For Superman, which I have found to be a powerful resource in and out of the classroom). Won't Back Down is different in that it is a fictional narrative inspired by actual events - the characters and plot are so incredibly real and reminiscent of similar communities nationwide that I cried through a third of the movie. I couldn't help but see the faces of my former students and their families in the characters. Maggie Gyllenhaal did a phenomenal job as the struggling mother in the film (but then again, she is admittedly one of my favorite actresses), along with the veteran teacher played by Viola Davis, who both embark on a relentless mission to turn around their kids' failing school. It was also a treat to to listen in on the panel discussion afterward that included the writer and director of the film, Daniel Barnz, public figure Michelle Rhee, and local education reform advocates on how the film could impact educational landscapes across the nation. It warms my heart to witness this genre hit the big screen - real, socially aware, family-friendly, and relevant. All in all, it was ultimately a compelling story about families and communities united in pursuit of excellent schools for their kids. It lands on my list of favorite flicks of the year; I highly recommend watching it, especially because it is slated for release tomorrow!

9 comments:

  1. Oh thanks for this recommendation! I will definitely check it out asap. Maggie Gyllenhaal is immensely talented, as is Viola Davis. That is so awesome you got to see an early screening of this!

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  2. I'm so excited to see this! I've been really looking forward to it since I saw the preview, and I'm so glad to hear that it's as good as it looks.

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  3. I am definitely excited to watch that movie. I love these teacher-y movies, too! I especially loved watching Waiting for Superman, Ron Clark's movie (I can't remember it off the top of my head), and will admittedly watch any Hallmark-type movie about teachers.

    I'm glad to hear it's good!

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  4. I hadn't even hear of this but it sounds really interesting so I'll have to check it out, if I can! Beautiful photos, as always! :)

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  5. I really want to see this now. You have sparked an interest.. that will prob not go away til I watch it.

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  6. thanks for the post - I was actually wondering if I should watch this. It looks powerful...

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  7. Oh wow. This looks really good. I wonder whether it will be released in Australia. I really like Viola Davis

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  8. awesomee!! looks really good -- wish i could watch it in hk

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  9. I was listening to an interview last week with Daniel Barnz last week and you are actually the first person I thought of when I heard it! Seriously sounded like it was an amaaaaaaazing film, and I hope I get to see it!

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