Half Nelson

About me:

Smart, moving and politically engaged Half Nelson is one of the most exciting American independent films in years. Strong performances from the cast (earning Ryan Gosling an Oscar nomination for Best Actor) and an original score that includes Canadian indie rock group Broken Social Scene, enable director Ryan Fleck to weave together a moving story of redemption in an unforgiving world.

"The first great film of the year" (5 STARS) TOTAL FILM

"Blasts out of the Hollywood comfort zone with brains, attitude and blistering performances. Essential viewing." James King, RADIO 1

"on my top 10 for 2007" Jason Solomons, THE OBSERVER

"Ryan Gosling delivers the performance of the year" ESQUIRE

Dan Dunne (Ryan Gosling) is a young inner-city junior high school teacher whose ideals wither and die in the face of reality. Day after day in his shabby Brooklyn classroom, he somehow finds the energy to inspire his 13 and 14-year-olds to examine everything from civil rights to the Civil War with a new enthusiasm. Rejecting the standard curriculum in favor of an edgier approach, Dan teaches his students how change works – on both a historical and personal scale – and how to think for themselves.

Though Dan is brilliant, dynamic, and in control in the classroom, he spends his time outside school on the edge of consciousness. His disappointments and disillusionment have led to a serious drug habit. He juggles his hangovers and his homework, keeping his lives separated, until one of his troubled students, Drey (Shareeka Epps), catches him getting high after school.

From this awkward beginning, Dan and Drey stumble into an unexpected friendship. Despite the differences in their ages and situations, they are both at an important intersection. Depending on which way they turn – and which choices they make – their lives will change.

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