If you've enjoyed watching it, you might be looking for other movies like Freedom Writers that have similar ideas. The question about students trying to define their identity and learn about the rules of the big world that we live in arises in many films. In most cases, teachers play a crucial role in helping their students understand the essential values and virtues. Not all of the movies are as exciting and appealing, though. We've tried to collect the top 5 movies and TV shows for you to enjoy. If you need to write an essay on this topic, you will definitely find a lot of useful information here.
Dead Poets Society
The first movie that comes to mind as an obvious association is this one. It is also a story about an English teacher who comes to an all-boys preparatory school and changes the way the students perceive the world and themselves in this world. The students there feel the pressure not only from the school teachers but also from their parents who have high expectations. Moreover, the parents communicate the idea that they know better what their children need and want. This is a story of self-discovery of every student in this school thanks to the unorthodox methods of English teacher, John Keating, a character played by Robin Williams.
Half Nelson
This is another movie about a teacher with unconventional methods of studying. Even though Ryan Gosling is in it, the movie is not dedicated to a complicated love story. Dan Dunne is a history teacher in one of Brooklyn schools. The unusual thing about him is his addiction to drugs as he is getting high every evening. One of his students, Drey, finds out about this addiction and the two start communicating with each other. This communication grows into Dan mentoring his student and trying to fix his emotional deficit.
The Breakfast Club
Even though the role of a gifted teacher is missing in this movie, it is worth watching for one big reason. It lets the viewers watch the way different students come to the definition of who they are. The movie focuses on five students with different backgrounds who get suspended and have to spend a day sharing one space. They start communicating with each other. The communication is weak at the beginning because they do not want to actually hear what the other person is saying. At the end of this interaction, each of them has to write a 1000-word essay with the title "Who You Think You Are".
Never Have I Ever
If you are more into TV series, this recent masterpiece from Netflix will attract your attention. It tells about the daily life of a young Indian-American teen who processes a traumatic experience of her father's death. You will become a part of her world, watching the way the school environment impacts the process of her self-discovery. Even though it is a comedy, there are many touching dramatic moments that feel very real. One of the peculiar facts is that John McEnroe, a professional tennis player, narrates almost every episode.
Head of the Class
It is one more TV show about a history teacher, Charlie Moore, and a bunch of gifted students of a high school in Manhattan. The show aired from 1986 to 1991. Therefore, if you decide to watch it, you will not only enjoy the plot but also experience some nostalgic moments. You will have a lot of fun watching the way students cope with daily problems and explore their relationships with parents, teachers, and each other. There are bits of comedy and drama that make the show appealing and believable.
