Movies
Swank believes new film is "extraordinary"
Published Saturday, Mar 3 2007, 16:04 GMT | By Daniel Kilkelly
Hilary Swank has praised Erin Gruwell, the passionate teacher she plays in new film Freedom Writers.
The movie tells the story of Gruwell's attempts to transform a group of poorly-performing schoolchildren into high-achievers in the 1990s.
"This is the story about the power of someone who believes in you and how that can change your life," Swank said. "My mum said you can do anything with your life if you work hard enough, but unfortunately I think a whole lot of kids don't get to hear that.
"And so when you have a person like Erin who can instil a belief then this makes an extraordinary story."
The movie tells the story of Gruwell's attempts to transform a group of poorly-performing schoolchildren into high-achievers in the 1990s.
"This is the story about the power of someone who believes in you and how that can change your life," Swank said. "My mum said you can do anything with your life if you work hard enough, but unfortunately I think a whole lot of kids don't get to hear that.
"And so when you have a person like Erin who can instil a belief then this makes an extraordinary story."
More: Movies
Movie Reviews
'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' reviewTom Hanks features in a long and winding journey through New York after 9/11
At the Movies
David Lynch: 10 reasons to worship himIt's time to celebrate director David Lynch as the BFI screens a season of his films.
Movies Interviews
Max von Sydow 'Extremely Loud' interviewActing legend Max von Sydow on Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, The Exorcist and Flash Gordon.
Box Office Charts
'The Woman in Black' wins UK box officeThe Woman in Black beats The Muppets and Star Wars at the the UK box office.












