Freedom Writers doc moves crowd Story and Photos By R. Ray Robinson Staff Writer Inspiration, applause, questions and answers arose for Erin Gruwell, the seminal teacher of the Freedom Writers, when they screened “Freedom Writers: Stories of an Undeclared War.” The documentary was held at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation on Friday Jan. 13th. After the film “Freedom Writers” got mixed reviews starring Oscar winner Hilary Swank as Ms. Gruwell, the documentary gave a grander perspective. The documentary tells the story of a rookie teacher influenced 150 “at-risk” students at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, Calif. Gruwell starts out as a gullible saint taking on the raw emotions, thoughts and perspectives of many of her students
during the 1990s. The students are scarred from addiction, teen-pregnancy, racism, gang violence, and police harassment among other issues. It causes them to believe that no one cares about them nor believe Gruwell could help them graduate. The documentary grabs the audience when it shows how Ms. Gruwell overcame their expectations by giving her students hope through education. Her lesson plan has them reading Shakespeare, to literature from children around the world dealing with similar circumstances such as “Diaries of Anne Frank” and “Zlata’s Diary.” Gruwell also encourages her students to write daily diaries that get the attention of prominent figures that listen to their stories. News reporters like Connie Chung,
The Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell pose for the camera. From left to right is: Sue Ellen Alpizar, Narada Comans, Erin Gruwell, Chirece Noonan, Tiffony Jacobs, Trayvon Carter, and Shanita Jones.
ENTERTAINMENT
A Rare Opportunity to See A Moving Film
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Freedom Writer Tiffony Jacobs speaks on hope to the crowd. Oprah Winfrey and Richard Riley, the former Secretary of Education under the Clinton Administration, all were touched by their voices. The students change for the better from their raw and uncut diaries. Gruwell goes on to share the story of civil rights activists The Freedom Riders, who challenge authority for equality amongst blacks and whites and the world. Because of this, it is clear where the inspiration of the name “Freedom Writers” came from as they challenge their education head on. They no longer stay victims to their environment but rather, conquer the impossible by gaining a higher education and graduating. After the film, there was a standing ovation. Ms. Gruwell and some of the
original Freedom Writers had a Q&A with the audience. When asked about how this documentary can relate to the youth of today, Freedom Writer Tiffony Jacobs said, “Teaching hope is the main stage to change the way people treat themselves and others by providing bigger and brighter opportunities.” The Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell have impacted the lives of so many others with their hopeful story of education. Their legacy continues to influence youths and teachers alike through their Freedom Writers Foundation. For more information on Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers, you can visit their website called FreedomWritersFoundation.org.
Pope Pius XIII, Hallowed Be Thy Name “The Young Pope” is more than simple satire By Matthew Gozzip Athletics Editor Imagine if you were the leader of the largest religious contingent in the world. What would you do with your power? Paolo Sorrentino’s new television series for HBO, “The Young Pope”, takes this hypothetical situation and turns it on its head by inserting a tyrant with a complicated past into the equation. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lenny Belardo (Jude Law), the archbishop of New York, has ascended to the highest position in the Catholic Church as Pope Pius XIII. The thing is, he is only 47 years old, hence the title of the show. Initially, the synopsis plays off as the start of a crappy joke but the show develops into a fascinating dark comedy. Pius XIII may be young but he is a power hungry maniac with conservative values, channeling the frustrations he has with his
personal demons into aggressive sermons and policies to his followers. The Pope grows from a passive underling into a full fledged despot. Strong performances by Sister Mary (Diane Keaton,) the pseudo-mother figure to Pius, and Cardinal Angelo Voiello (Silvio Orlando,) his right hand assistant, round out a conniving triumvant that replaces the Holy Trinity as the true power of the Church. Pius’ character progression and the acting is not the only compelling thing about the show. Authentic costumes, the immaculate sets and the realistic casting (the Italian actors would fit right in at the Vatican) make the audience believe Sorrentino is actually making a biopic. Often seen, an angelic glow emanates off the white walls of the Vatican and the bright garments of
its residents, suggesting purity of soul. It’s not only until you see the cardinals huddled in the courtyard gossiping about Pius’ future as Pope in between drags of their cigarettes. Sorrentino’s writing is deliberately ambiguous, elevating the show to the next level. Peculiar imagery (for example, Pius unleashes a kangaroo on the Vatican grounds) only makes the communion wine more potent and the audience doesn’t know whether to be amateur sleuth looking for hidden symbolism or to just burst out in laughter at the ridiculousness unfolding. “The Young Pope” is deceptive, just like its dynamic characters and mysterious plot. What appears to be simple satire mocking religious establishment is actually an illusion shrouding the truth about the show: it’s really enjoyable entertainment.
“The Young Pope” Length: 1 Season, 10 Episodes Creator: Paolo Sorrentino Starring: Jude Law, Diane Keaton, Silivio Orlando, Javier Cámara, Scotta Shepherd, Cécile De France, Ludivine Sagnier, Toni Bertorelli, James Cromwell